Page 14 of The Time Of Kings (An Afterlife Story #1)

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TIED TO OUR SINS

O f course, the moment I managed to get her back inside, she tried to fight me. A discovery that no doubt made me a bastard considering I found enjoyment in this. For I was pleased to find that she was a spirited little thing, as well as having a colourful language indeed. Clearly, she would be a handful, and I could barely contain my excitement for the future ahead. Meaning all past delusions of what I would have expected from an Electus as being a submissive type quickly went flying out of the window. The same one she had no hope of ever escaping from.

However, her failure to escape me was not through lack of trying on her part. For the moment my back was turned, she was once more running out the door. This time tossing a chair in my path, so as to give herself a head start, foolishly believing this would be enough in stopping me.

When in reality, all it offered me was more opportunities to get my hands on her. More opportunities to lift her tempting body into my arms and feel her struggles in all manner of ways. Like the way her breasts would press against my forearm, or the way her delectable arse would wiggle against my crotch when I captured her from behind.

Hence why I actually allowed her to do this one last time before finally taking a firmer control of the situation. Although in truth I could have played this game of cat and mouse with her for as long as her body would have permitted.

After all, it had to be said that… Demons did love the chase.

However, the moment I could tell her mortal body was struggling, was when I said enough. In fact, it made me wonder what she had been through before this point, as it was clear she was exhausted. I had to then question when the last time it was that she had slept.

In the end, I decided to physically tie her to the chair, so as she wouldn’t accidently hurt herself when trying to fight me for a fourth time. Because in truth, she was my first mortal female I’d had to deal with in this way. So, I was conscious of her very breakable body and didn’t want to see it bruised by my rough treatment of her.

So, despite her clear vexation and after her last attempt at trying to escape out the door, I managed to toss her over my shoulder. Doing so whilst retrieving the curtain ties, intending to use them as a far more useful tool than the drapes ever could.

Then once I had them in my hands, I folded my body and deposited her into the chair. Keeping her captive there, I went to work on tying her wrists, one at a time. Doing so by holding my bent leg across her lap and being careful not to give her the full weight of my body. This seemed to be the most effective way of keeping her secured. At least until the first rope was tied, only dealing with her blunt nails trying pointlessly to claw into my back as I secured her wrist.

“There, now that’s better, for as nice as it was to feel your claws raking down my back, now is not the time for Amorous Congress, my muddy little kitten.”

She actually growled in response, causing me to chuckle as I ran my thumb down her dirty cheek, promptly making her turn her face away from me. An irritated action on her part that did nothing to deter from my mirth.

“I don’t know what the Hell Amorous Congress is, but if it’s foreplay, then be warned. I bite as well, arsehole,” she threatened, making me laugh. This was before I found myself once more invading her space, doing so by holding the back of her chair whilst I leaned in so as I could inform her,

“Mmm, I can’t wait, thief.”

“I thought I was a kitten?” she snapped, a question that left me smirking so close to her face, I could have easily kissed her. But alas, it was not the first kiss I had envisioned, so instead I left her with an insight of things to come.

“Oh, I think you will soon discover that there are many things I will call you, and soon your name will be the only one spoken in my bed… after which you grant it to me, of course.”

She swallowed hard and despite knowing that I was leaving little for her to question in my desire for her, she still had an act to play. Clearly, she did not want to give into me that easily.

Challenge excepted, little thief… challenge excepted.

“Then I hope you’re prepared to be in for a long wait, as this isn’t exactly endearing me to you… lover boy,” she said, lifting up against her restraints and whispering this gifted, adolescent alias when leaning in closer. Meaning that I was unable to contain my heated gaze that I knew bore into her angry one.

“And I will soon prove to you, little thief, that there is nothing boyish about me… now as for the lover part, that I will happily accommodate, for you only need to give me the word, and I will gladly oblige.”

She rolled her eyes at me before turning away. But again, she must have thought me a fool, for the wanting in her body was easy to detect. The quick intake of breath, followed by the heavy rise and fall of her chest. The sound of her rapid heartbeats causing her pulse to thump at her neck, like a Siren’s call, pulling me into her spell.

The scent of her, however, was something else entirely. As it was clear that the picture I painted of our intimate future together was one she was visibly thinking about. And with a positive reaction at that, for her growing arousal was a scent that had me near fucking drooling like some starved wild beast ready to feast on her.

And feast on her I soon would, as she smelled fucking delicious!

But first, I needed to get her clean. I was eager to see her in her entirety, minus the caked mud marring her skin. So, I left her a short while, knowing that I needed to speak with the captain of my guard. For I needed to discover whether or not the men that had taken her from the cottage had come forward for their reward. I also wanted to be assured of their treatment of her, for she didn’t appear injured, but it was also clear that she had escaped them. Hence why I wanted their account of events.

I also wanted to ensure that no maids entered my bedchamber. As I didn’t trust that my little captive wasn’t capable of trying to convince one of them to aid her in her next escape attempt. She most certainly would play the victim well enough, I was sure. Hence why I ordered them to stay away from my bedchamber unless I was there. As for her obvious need to bathe, I instructed them enter the room adjacent to my own. One which would lead them to where I usually bathed, doing so through the access door so as they could fill the bath without seeing her tied to a chair.

Something they had accomplished by the time I returned after discovering that my guards had indeed found the men and they were awaiting my arrival. But I had a far more pressing matter to deal with and, in truth, it was the first time that I could barely contain my excitement.

Getting back to my prisoner had me quickening my steps and was the reason I was unable to keep the knowing smirk from my lips. Especially when I saw her furious face upon opening the door.

“I’m thirsty and need to pee,” she stated the moment I turned to close the door, and I couldn’t help but grin before schooling my features enough to then face her.

“One usually causes the other,” I told her, unable to help in teasing her. Something I confess never having the inclination to do to others before. In fact, most knew me as quite a serious character and, no doubt, would be surprised at this new easy manner I openly displayed around her.

“Well, that’s good and all, doctor, but it doesn’t stop the fact that I am unable to do either right now.”

At this quip I chuckled, already adoring her quick wit and in how freely she felt comfortable enough to do so. In all honesty, I was more used to mortals cowering from me and the verbal bout was certainly refreshing. Although I had to admit that her use of the English language was certainly different, to say the least.

I walked towards the pitcher of water on my sideboard and poured her a glass before approaching her, pleased that she had given me the excuse to touch her once more.

“You will be free to relieve yourself soon enough, little thief, but until then, let me aid you with at least one of your requests… considering you asked so nicely,” I teased, making her mock me with her condescending gaze as I held the glass to her lips. Doing so by placing a gentle hand at the back of her neck begore prompting her to tip her head back to drink. Once I was assured she’d had enough, I used my thumb to take away the droplet clinging to her now pink lips. I then watched as her facade of indifference slipped as she swallowed heavily. She also had to clear her throat before gifting me with her thoughts.

“Thank you,” she said softly, and I vowed in that moment that I would soon hear that sweet breathy voice of hers when warming my bed and gifting me her cries of pleasure.

I couldn’t fucking wait!

I walked into the bathroom and removed my jacket before rolling up my sleeves, so as I could ensure the temperature was perfect for her. But it was when walking back inside that her anger at still being tied up reached its peak.

“Is this really necessary?” she snapped, making a show of trying to get free.

“I believe we both know the answer to that question,” I said as I continued to roll up the other sleeve, giving her insight as to what would happen next.

“You’re not bathing me!” she shouted, clearly appalled at the idea, something that once more had me grinning.

“Am I not?” I dared to say, as even I knew that no matter how much I wanted to wash her, that I was walking a fine line as a gentleman to even suggest such. However, in this instance, I couldn’t seem to help but goad her. And in doing so, was once again awarded with her colourful and outraged response.

“You’re damn straight… I… I have rights, you know.”

“Rights you forfeited the moment you entered into a life of crime,” I reminded her, making her expel a delightfully cute sound that was somewhere between a scoff and a piglet’s snort. Curious indeed.

“Hardly,” she said, ignoring my raised brow when silently questioning the sound.

“I think you will find burglary a very serious crime,” I reminded her, letting go of the endearing sound she had made.

“Now just wait a darn minute, who said anything about burglary?!” she argued, making me cross my arms and lean against the bedpost as I regarded her current outrage.

“Did you or did you not enter into another person’s home uninvited… twice, I might add,” I questioned knowingly, making her kissable mouth drop in horror.

“Twice? How do you figure that exactly?” she asked after shaking her head a little and, once again, I found her mannerisms adorable. Hence why I wanted to continue to entice more reactions from her.

“Pray tell me, did I or did I not find you hiding under my bed?” I asked, and I was not left disappointed, for her lips drew my eyes to them when they opened and closed. Doing so a few times in quick succession as she tried in vain to create a suitable argument.

“But you had me kidnapped!” she shouted and, again, I had to refrain from laughing at her expression.

“No, I had you apprehended and as Lord of these lands, I take the crimes against my people very seriously,” I informed her in a firm tone, one that was most definitely at this point being put on for show. And again, I was awarded with her delightful pink lips opening and closing in quick succession. As if she could not believe in what she was hearing and didn’t know what to say next in response.

“But I didn’t steal anything,” came her feeble argument, making me shrug my shoulders before reminding her of the law, one I had absolutely no intent of punishing her for.

“The interruption of a crime does not disprove the criminal intent.”

“What! That’s… that’s…” She stumbled for words before then finding them and trying to prove her point. One that I had to confess made sense to a degree, proving that she was an intelligent woman with free thoughts. Knowledge of such that pleased me greatly.

“So, if a person raises a fist in anger but doesn’t ever use it on another, does that mean their punishment should be the same as someone who attacks another?” she asked.

It didn’t take me long to inform her of the facts.

“I think you will find you are being treated vastly different to another I would punish for the same crime.”

“Yeah, and why is that, because you have a thing for blondes!” she lashed out angrily and, subsequentially, pushed me too far. For there was only one troublesome little blonde I was interested in bestowing my merciful side upon, and she was currently trying to vex me by labelling herself with all others of her sex.

“Enough!” I bellowed in my anger, letting it get the better of me in that moment, fully intent on proving that she was the only blonde for me. However, in doing so, I had forgotten myself as I walked towards her, intent on freeing her quickly with the aid of my blade. But then the moment I took in her fear, I stopped myself in time, as I realised how such actions must have looked.

The realisation of such caused a new emotion to grip me, one I knew was labelled… guilt . A disconcerting feeling that had me twisted up inside and would not leave me until I rectified my mistake.

“Be at ease, for I have no intention of hurting you… I merely wish to free you,” I told her, purposely softening my voice after remembering where this blade had been not so long ago. Which was why I decided to take my time with the use of my fingers instead of the blade.

A fact that helped when getting her to relax once more as I approached, doing so now by lowering to one knee in front of her. I concentrated on untying the knots, knowing that it was wise I do so without looking at her because, if I did, I would end up kissing her regardless of our quarrel. Nor could I bare to see the distain I might find in her eyes in the aftermath of my unforgivable outburst.

But then, that was when I heard it again. That softly spoken voice, thanking me for my decision to free her this time. Gods, but what that voice did to me and, no doubt, what it would inevitably continue to do to me in the future was beyond comprehension. For I had never been so affected by a voice before.

“Thank you,” she uttered quietly, but it was enough to give me hope to look at her, happy in the discovery that I no longer found her disapproving gaze. Although getting lost in her beautiful eyes was an easy thing to do. So much so, that the longing to kiss her finally was what must have prompted her to break our eye contact first. No doubt fearing that I would cross whatever foolish line she believed there to be between captive and captor.

However, I was undeterred and simply exchanged the kiss I wanted to give her with instead picking up her body and taking her in my arms once more. Now being content with the simple act of holding her.

“I have legs, you know,” she informed me, and I didn’t miss the way her eyes showed sadness. As if she were being reminded of some past experience. A thought that vexed me more than all else, as the idea of someone else holding her this way had me near murderous. Hence why I replied in such a way that my displeasure was easy to detect.

“Yes, for I have knowledge of this… along with how efficient they are in running.” Something she chose to ignore, for arguing against the facts presented against her were futile. But this is when a curious thing happened as she took in the room and the moment her eyes fell on the table next to the bath, she commented as if without thought.

“Well at least there’s soap, this time.”

“Do you usually bathe without it?” I asked, frowning and wondering what would prompt such a comment. Of course, I knew that soap was taxed, and therefore often considered a luxury, so perhaps I was taking my status for granted in this matter.

“Er I… I mean, well not every inn has soap, does it?” she replied, giving me the excuse to remind her of the lies she recently told.

“Especially those that have burnt to the ground and are missing a roof.”

“Er yeah,” she replied in a nervous tone as I lowered her to her feet.

I was now more anxious to see her face to detect the further lies she may tell. I prevented her from retreating, as she seemed eager to do so. Meaning my hands soon found their way around her slim waist, before pulling her forward a step, so as she was right where I wanted her.

“I’m not… I’m really not a criminal,” she said, only continuing after taking pause to compose herself fully. After this comment, all that was needed on my part was a distinct and expectant look for her to continue.

“Despite what you think of me,” she added, making me release a sigh.

“I think it wise for you not to know of my inner thoughts of you at this moment,” I admitted, as the truth would have given her cause to panic. Even more so than she already appeared to be when we were this close, when she was held in place by my hands. Especially considering what I had planned for her, knowing that she would not be leaving this castle unless it was by my side and by my will.

“And why is that?” she braved to ask. But I decided there was more to be said by my actions than just words alone.

I cast a leisurely look down her body, making the sexual intent further known when I added,

“Because most would consider them not only improper for a gentleman but mainly… sinful.” I purposely ended this socially shocking statement by her ear, purring the final word enough that she shuddered from it. Yet before she had a chance to respond in a way that I feared would not be in my favour, I decided to make my most shocking move yet.

This whilst she was still lingering on my words and distracted by the Lord of this castle, making it perfectly clear what I wanted to happen. Something further proven when I suddenly pulled the men’s garment over her head, the tight tunic made more for a young boy’s frame than that of a man with any substance. I doubt it would have even made it over the muscles of my arm, it was that tight and therefore like peeling off second skin.

However, it was my utter shock at seeing what she wore beneath it that had me stunned and near fighting for a steady breath. Admittedly I couldn’t recall ever seeing a sight that robbed me of air as well as the proper use of words.

“This… I have never seen such… such undergarments,” I stammered like I was having difficulties making my lips work. For I had not seen such scarce undergarments since owning a Harem when living life as a ‘mortal’ King in ancient Persia. Even with her face half covered in mud, there was no masking what I knew to be true beauty like I had never seen before. Especially when being awarded with a hint of what awaited me.

And I couldn’t fucking wait!

However, the moment her reason for such a sight slipped from her lips, it was enough to douse some of the heat gathering in my groin. For it simply stood as a reminder that there was still so little I knew of her. So much left for me to discover.

Her name, for one.

“I’m not from around here,” she said, forcing me to have to clear my throat before speaking.

“No, indeed not,” I replied and in doing so, barely recognized my own voice. One undeniably thick with too many emotions to put the cause down to being just one. Despite lust currently playing the biggest part. I couldn’t contain my urge to touch her, the barest whisper of my finger tracing the edge of her undergarment. As if it was nothing more than a mirage ready to disappear the second I got too close.

And I was not the only one affected by the intimate moment shared. For I was gifted with her soft skin rising and falling with each inhale and exhale as her breathing had become laboured to match that of my own.

I had to kiss her.

Damn the moment I had envisioned as being perfect, for nothing could spoil this for me. Nothing but the realisation of just how different we were, and her body took that moment to remind me just how I had failed in my care for her.

Her stomach grumbled.

She was hungry.

My Chosen One was hungry.

Along with many other things, no doubt, as she had obviously fallen into a muddy ditch in her haste to escape those sent after her. Meaning that she was most likely cold. She had already told me of her need to pee, which meant that now, all I could think of was what else her mortal body needed. How long had it been since she’d had a decent meal?

Damn it, but this just wouldn’t do!

She was my Chosen One, my long awaited Electus, and what had I done since she arrived? I had frightened her, chased her down, tied her up, and mistreated her. And now here I was, trying to get her naked in front of a man she hadn’t only just met, but one who had also commanded her kidnapping. Someone who played the part of her Lord, who had judged her before becoming her captor.

Gods, but what was wrong with me!?

Had I lost all good sense?

I think the answer to that was staring me in the face. Hence why I forced myself to do right by her and stepped away. Noting now the slight hurt in her expression by doing so and questioning if my actions were really as unforgivable as I believed.

“I will leave you now to bathe… in private,” I told her, my voice coming out far harsher a tone than I would have liked, but my displeasure was aimed at myself, not her. However, when she hugged herself, clearly embarrassed by her state of undress, she looked to the window. Something that made me frown, questioning where her thoughts could lay.

“Assuming you still cannot sprout wings and fly away, I am to remind you that the doors will remain locked in my absence, so it is a fruitless endeavour on your part should you think to try to escape again.”

I knew instantly it had been the wrong thing to say, as my anger had gotten the better of me.

“And I would expect nothing less from a jailor who has already condemned me of my sins,” was her bitter reply, making me narrow my gaze down at her. For I was reminded of my own bitterness in knowing that she had yet to speak the truth about anything I had asked of her.

Hence why my reply came with just as much resentment as she had shown me.

“Yes, just as guilt is fuelled by lies spoken, and the counterbalance to this is the innocence gained with the truths that are told.”

I left her with this food for thought, hoping that by the time I returned, she would have a change of heart.

One I was soon hoping to…

Conquer.