This Love Needs No Words

Lucas' hands stopped working the sheets down, instead now, gripping them tightly as his knuckles turned white. "Alister...?" He forced his hands to relax, turning his attention back to the bed. Any mention of his older brother always had his blood running cold. He didn't hate the knight like his other siblings seemed too and poor Lia was completely clueless to the fact that she had yet another sibling living in the castle. Lucas had always loved bothering Alister when he was younger, but as he grew older, he began taking note of how his father treated the knight, as did his other siblings. He began to grow farther apart from his brother, though he still treated Alister with much more respect and dignity whenever they did have interactions.

"You might want to warn your friend that falling head over heels for a knight isn't a good idea. She'll just get her feelings hurt." It was obvious knowledge that knights were not allowed to ever marry. Alister did get to skirt around some rules, like owning land. His father had allowed him to own a plot in the kingdom, with his own manor and maids, but he would never be allowed to marry or have a family of his own. If he married, he would have a claim to the throne.

Reaching his hand out towards Aelia, he took her hand gently in his and pulled her to the bed. "It's time for you to sleep. No more gossiping tonight, okay?" He laughed, helping the young girl into her bed. The silk sheets clung to her body as she slipped in and Lucas allowed himself one last look at her supple frame before he covered her up with the downy comforters.

---

Wren wondered what the knight could've wished for as he continued to guide her through the halls. She pressed against his side, her shoulders aching from the strain of her weight that had been put on them, and her wrists were burning where the chains had dug into her skin. The young girl was terrified to look down at them, afraid of the bruises that would no doubt be there in the morning.

Finding a bit of courage as they entered the wing her bedroom was in, Wren cleared her throat and looked up at Alister. "Why did you mention George to me in the dining hall?" She didn't think anymore context was needed for him to realize that she suspected he had been jealous. The two stopped outside of her bedroom door, and she slowly pulled his cape from her shoulders, "I hadn't come to the training grounds to give him any messages," she whispered, slowly holding the cape out for him to take, "I had come to watch you train. He lied to you." Her voice was quiet and barely above a whisper, afraid that she was once again stepping over an invisible boundary.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
The spring day was quite warm and it was crystal clear as well. The perfect weather for a tea party outside between Aelia and her best friend. Set upright in the middle of the garden, where the guards patrolling the area could easily see the two of them, but also gave them space. The chairs were a beautiful white color, with padded red cushions with white lilies on them. The table cloth was the exact same pattern. Making the set look as it matched.

The little table that was set up for the two girls was a small light brown wooden table. One that's been designed to be moved around as the royal's wanted. Just in case they wanted their tea in the shade for a change or something. Two chairs out, one on each side of the table. A silver three tier of treats sat on the right side of the little table. White teacups on little saucers, with a matching teapot in the middle of the table for the girls. It was like a scene from a magical storybook. It was adorable.

"Thank you, Henry," Aelia said politely to the servant who escorted her towards the tea-table when it was all set up. "It's my pleasure, Princess." The servant said and respectfully bowed towards Lia before leaving her to sit and enjoy the beautiful rose bushes that surrounded the tea table. Grabbing onto her dress' skirts lightly, Aelia walked over to the seat on the right and sat down. Smoothing her dress down as she glanced over the tier that was on the table. Grinning slightly as she saw that they had made what she had requested. Small sandwiches with the crusts cut off, maccarons, and rose water scones with icing on them.

Relaxing back in her chair, Aelia just took in the garden that surrounded the table. Waiting for Wren to arrive so that they could have their tea and finish their gossip.

Wren came flouncing through the garden, her freshly manicured nails pinching at the skirt of her dress as she came upon the table Aelia sat at. "Your highness," Wren teased, curtsying to her friend as she often did, more playfully than seriously. Taking the seat next to the princess, Wren looked over the banquet of sweets before them. "Ah," she gasped, clapping her hands together when she saw the array of maccarons. "It's been so long since we've had a tea party," she smiled, smoothing out her skirt as she looked across at her friend.

The young duchess hadn't told her friend what had happened to her after they got caught in the wine cellar. She didn't know if it was appropriate to share her experience with Alister down in the dungeons. Part of her wanted to keep it a secret, embarrassed by what he had done to her, but another side of her wanted to talk about it. Wren glanced down to the sleeves of her dress, feeling the ties around her wrists rubbing at the bruises. It was very uncomfortable, but with the ties securely holding her sleeves in place, she knew her marks were covered. "We never got to finish our talk the other night," Wren pouted, stretching her arms across the table as she picked up the little teapot, before bringing it over to Aelia's cup first. Pouring their tea, Wren sat the pot down afterward, her head turning to admire the beautiful garden that surrounded them. All of the flowers were in bloom, an array of magical colors surrounding them as they enjoyed their little party.

"I hope you didn't get into too much trouble?" Wren whispered, bringing her teacup to her lips. She knew her friend wouldn't have just gotten spooked and ran away, leaving her alone in the cellar. A guard had to have found her and escorted her back to her room, or someone worse, say one of her brothers. If she had been caught by one of them, they might've given her some sort of punishment, but she knew a guard or a knight would've only escorted her back to her room.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
Hearing the soft sound of footsteps caught Aelia's attention and shifted her gaze towards her right. A light smile displaying across her lips as she noticed Wren making her way towards her. A small giggle escaped from the Princess as she watched her friend curtsey towards her, although she tried to hide her smile behind a hand. Trying to act as prim and proper as she possibly could in front of the guards that surrounded the garden and would probably report how unladylike she was acting to her father.

"Lady Wren," Aelia said quietly and relaxed her hand back into her lap as she looked towards her friend. Keeping her fake smile in place as she watched her friend. She loved Wren like a sister, and it hurt her dearly to have to force the small smile when all she wanted to do was grin like a maniac and jump right into their gossip. "I know right? I thought it'd be a nice change of things instead of laying around in our rooms." Lia said quietly as she watched Wren pouring their tea. Then looked back up as the girl started to talk once more. A light blush appearing on her cheeks at the mention of last night.

"N-no. no not really." Aelia said quietly. Her cheeks turning a little bit redder as the seconds ticked by. Reaching out, Lia closed her eyes and took a sip of her tea. Her eyes watering a little bit as the hot tea hit her tongue and burned a little bit. "Lucas just lectured me, then told me to go to bed. What about you? Did you make it back to your room alright? You didn't get caught, did you?" Lia asked, hoping to turn the attention back towards her friend as she set the tea down and then reached for one of the salted caramel macarons that were on the table. They were her favorites as a child, and it made her extremely happy to know that the chef's remembered.

Wren had only brought it up wanting to make sure Aelia hadn't found herself in hot water. The young duchess didn't want to linger on the conversation, though she thought they might for a few moments. Wren was completely embarrassed thinking back on it. All she had wanted to do that night was gossip with Lia about the knight and instead, she had been apprehended by him. It was humiliating. Upon being asked if she had been caught, a bright red tint blushed across her face. "Actually, I was," Wren sighed, placing her tea cup back down on the table and bringing her hands to rest in her lap. "I don't think I should be attempting to steal anymore wine for a while."

That was all the details Wren was willing to give Lia. When and if she spoke about Alister, she didn't want it to be about how he scared her half to death in the dungeons. She decided it would be best to keep his name off of her tongue, for the time being. "Enough about that..." Wren sighed, feeling herself begin to tremble, almost as if she could feel his whip running back up her legs again. "I'm sure you know, but there's a parade this weekend," Wren looked around the gardens to make sure no one was eavesdropping on the two of them. "How about you sneak out with me to go enjoy it? I know your brother is in it," Wren smiled, sitting back in her chair.

Almost as if on cue, the young prince had been coming to find his young sister. The gardens had been his first guess, knowing how she loved to sit out among them and admire their many different colors and shapes. The boy fiddled with the hilt of his sword on his hip, his free hand pinching at the sleeve of his jacket. He knew this day had always been coming, but he had hoped he had more time. More time could be won, and Lucas would win some. For his sister. The news was certainly about to upset her, he knew that.

Coming up behind the girls, he cursed under his breathe, balling his hand into a fist. He hadn't meant to interrupt their little date. "Ladies," he greeted them with a large bright smile. "Enjoying your tea?" Leaning over the table, Lucas grabbed a small finger sandwich before straightening his posture. "I hate to interrupt, but I must steal the princess away. Important royal business, your tea party will have to wait." Lucas looked across the table at his sister, his gaze immediately softening. She looked beautiful, the color of her dress making her skin seem as if it were glowing. It was enough to make him smile in her direction, even if he knew he was about to give the princess heartbreaking news.

Wren looked up from her seat and sighed, her eyes moving from the prince, up higher to the heavens. It seemed she'd never get time to tell Lia about Alister, but that could always wait. "Well, don't go dragging her away from all of this. She was looking forward to it," Wren laughed, gathering up her skirt as she rose to her feet. She bowed her head in respect to the prince before moving to leave the table. "I'll find you later, Lia." Wren smiled, before leaving the pair at the table.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
Taking a small bite from the sweet treat that was in her hand, Aelia arched a brow as she watched Wren. The light blush that was on her cheeks didn't go amiss. Something must have happened if it got that sort of reaction from the young girl. "Hmm." Was all Lia managed to hum as she chewed the small sweet bite that she had taken into her mouth? Savoring the sweet and salty taste of the cookie.

Swallowing the bite, Aelia was stopped mid-bite as the parade was brought up. It was something that was held every year, to introduce the Crown Prince to the people because once Lucas became king, he wasn't going to be seen by just anyone. Only the nobles would see him. So, this was supposed to be a fun time. Lots of food was supposed to be given out during the parade, followed by drinking and dancing. Aelia's always wanted to go, but her brothers and father forbid it. Saying it wasn't safe for a young lady like her, but. If Wren was going to go, then she wanted to as well. "Yes-" Was the only thing that Lia got out before pursing her lips together at the sound of Lucas' voice.

"Oh, Lucas," Lia said quietly as she looked up towards her oldest brother. A small frown forming upon her lips as she listened to him. This was a rare occurrence, usually, Lia was kept out of everything. "Sorry, Wren." Was all Lia said before she looked back towards her brother and took another bite of her cookie. "What's wrong, Lucas? Did something happen?" She asked, glancing towards his sword at his hip before looking back towards his eyes. Her tongue slowly moved past her lips as she tasted the salt and crumbs from the cookie.

----

Reclining back on the bench that was against the side of the castle, Alister couldn't help but let out a yawn. A packet of papers was resting in his lap. Packets of the recruits that were going to be joining the army for the royal family. They were all men from respectable families, but only a hand full of them Alister cared to remember. Most were annoying little brats still that were too fucking cocky for their good. Soon, once they got their first taste of battle and if they survived, they'll hopefully man up. Hopefully.

A light breeze blew through the area that Alister was sitting and with it a soft smell that reminded him of a certain little trouble maker. Soft and sweet, and something that stirred a hidden feeling deep inside of Alister that he's had dormant for years. Slowly, he glanced up and watched as the young beauty came towards him. His eyes quickly raked over her body while she was still away from him and couldn't fully see his movements before looking into her face once she was closer. "Lady Wren." Alister greeted, standing up and giving her a respectable bow since it was the right thing for a knight to do.

Moving to sit back down, Alister was sure that after his little greeting that the young woman would have left him be. She was probably still scared since he had pretty much terrified her last night with his antics. The way her body reacted was still burned into his mind and he would love to see how she'd behave if he used those things in an adventurous way. Alas, that would never happen though. She was off-limits for a man like him.

Lucas waited by the table, his head turned away from the young princess. He watched the duchess as she walked away, only taking a seat once he knew she was out of ear shot. "You look lovely today," he greeted his sister, ignoring her demand to immediately know what was wrong. There was a pit in the young man's stomach, wondering if this was the best place to tell her. The prince wasn't quite sure how she would react. Bringing the finger food to his mouth, he ate the small sandwich in two bites, and dusted the crumbs off of his gloves.

Looking across the table, he could see the annoyed look written on his sister's face. To her, so far, it probably seemed like he was just ruining her little lunch date for no reason. A sigh left him, as his shoulders sagged. "I have some unfortunate news," his voice dropped. He had only just learned about it himself, in the middle of his sword teachings. "It seems father is already adamant on finding me a bride and, there is a princess arriving this evening to join us for dinner."

It was rare that the pair of them actually spoke about their odd relationship or their feelings, but Lucas didn't want her to be shocked by it come this evening. "I.. I'm sorry to ruin your brunch, and send your friend off... I only just found out myself and... didn't want it to be a surprise to you later." He was nervous as he watched his sister's face, fully ready to rocket himself out of the chair and be by her side, if she needed him. The pair had been secretly entangled with each other for so long...

---

Wren had kept her head down on her way back into the castle, her hands nervously messing with the skirt of her dress. She hadn't even seen the knight until he spoke up. Wren froze in place, pulled from her thoughts, that had also just been about him. He had scared her straight the other night, and even though she was almost to afraid to meet his gaze, all she could think about was her wish.

Forcing herself to look up at him, her lips parted before she greeted him in return, "sir." Her first instinct was to continue on by him, to disappear into the castle out of his sight. And for a moment, she started to, but instead, she stopped by the bench he rested on. Glancing in his direction once more, she looked down at the papers by his side as a breeze gently came by, rustling them. Her skirt blew around her ankles as she turned towards the knight. This was the first time seeing him since the wine incident and remembering that, her face flushed red. "N-nevermind," the duchess muttered before turning away from him and disappearing inside the castle.

It was hard to remind herself that he had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her. There had been small moments that made her think otherwise, and she was trying to cling to those. And she needed to stop. The knight had been more bitter than sweet and she needed to realize that. Keeping her head down, she headed through the hall, not quite sure where she was headed. Just hopefully away from him.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
A small ting of annoyance filled Aelia as Lucas didn't tell her what was going on. Her eyes following him as he moved to sit across from here to where wren had been moments before. Her eyes going to the sandwich that he was eating before his eyes as he spoke to her. An eyebrow arching at the compliment. Usually, he spoke like that before he touched her, but, they were out in the open so it was quite weird and a little worrying to her.

Slowly, it felt like Aelia's perfect little world started to shatter as one word after the other left Lucas' lips. Her own turning into a small frown. Her head started to slowly shake in disbelief. She thought they had time together. Lucas was her everything, he was her first for everything so far. The first to kiss her, to see her naked, to make her feel things that were just between them. This wasn't happening. He was hers, she didn't want to share Lucas and the idea that some foreign woman was coming to try and steal her Lucas' heart was beyond anything that Lia could comprehend.

Reaching out, Aelia grabbed the handle of her teacup and raised it to her lips. She stared blankly ahead as she took a small sip and then slowly set the cup down. "I-I don't feel well. I think I'd like to go for a walk. Clear my head." She mumbled quietly, feeling like she was in a daze. Then, she raised from her chair and turned her back to Lucas and started to walk away, towards the other end of the garden where the castle easily hid it from the view of others. She wanted to be alone, she wanted to cry in peace. Her body ached, her mind spun. She felt like she was losing herself.

----

While Alister did his best to hold himself in a professional manner, he just couldn't help the off feeling that was settling in his chest. Sir, was all Wren said as she greeted him. No, Sir Alister. It was weird, why the hell did it bother him so much that she didn't dare to speak his actual name? Why did he care? He didn't know, and it was driving him in freaking sane. Glancing up, Alister caught the last few seconds of the young woman pausing by his bench before walking away once more. His gaze moving towards her butt, watching the way the material hugged her soft curves as she moved. His tongue slowly stuck out of his lips and stood before he could really think about what he was doing.

Gathering the papers that he was looking for, Alister slowly walked after Wren. Keeping a small distance from her at first as he just admired the way that her dress flowed around her legs. Then, after admiring her from afar for a while, he steps up and cleared his throat once he was a couple of steps behind her. "Shouldn't you have a guard protecting you?" He asked and stopped walking once she had turned towards him. His gaze holding a wary feel to it, but he tried to not seem to intimidate the young lady.

"You may be comfortable walking around, but there is still imminent danger around every turn." He told her, his voice moving quieter as he spoke. He really didn't buy what he was saying but Alister hoped that Wren would be naive enough to accept his words. "Allow me to guard you until your bodyguard has arrived, My Lady," Alister said quietly, then bowed once more and kept his head down as he waited for Wren to either accept or reject his offer. After all, she probably didn't want to anger him again so soon.

Lucas allowed his eyes to fall back to the table after Lia declared she was taking her leave. For the moment, he believed he would let her go. If she wanted to be alone, she wanted to be alone. Who was he to force himself upon her? Listening as she sat her tea cup down, and then as her chair scooted back. Lucas found every muscle in his body stiffening, even gritting his teeth as she moved away. Forcing himself to look up, he watched her go, headed deeper into the secluded gardens.

It wouldn't be right to let her go all her own. Something could happen, at least that's what he told himself. And she was clearly upset, he should be there for her. Rising to his feet, he turned towards a guard at the side entrance to the castle. "Please call someone to clean this up," Lucas demanded, before turning, his coattails spinning after him as he headed in the direction his sister had gone off in. Trailing her at first, Lucas watched her body, the way the sun lit up her skin and her dress swirled around her feet. He wondered what he could say to her, if anything, to help the situation.

Deciding it was best to assure her he would send her away, Lucas stepped up to his sister's side and took her arm. "My lady," Lucas whispered, though they were completely alone. His free hand lifted to her face, where his thumb caressed over her cheek. "Please do not look so down, I promise you have nothing to worry about." Stopping in his tracks, he forced Lia to halt with him, though she tried to pull from him. "My heart already belongs to one," he stepped closer, blushing as he admitted his feelings. "Yes, I'll have to entertain this princess for an evening, but by the morning, she will be gone. I promise."

His hand moved from her face, to tuck away a stray hair behind her ear. Lucas knew he wouldn't be able to send every princess away, that eventually his father would force his hand... He was just hoping by the time that happened, he'd have a better plan.

---

Wren was surprised to find Alister had been following her. She paused in her steps when she heard him clear his throat, looking up as he appeared over her shoulder. Just the look of him was enough to make her melt. He was so tall, with such broad shoulders, handsome enough to make her lose her tongue. But he also scared her. And it was times like this that he confused the hell out of her. One moment, he wanted nothing to do with her and the next, it was like this.

"I was just heading to my room," the words rolled off of her tongue, though she knew she had no clue where her feet had been taking her. "but if you'd like to escort me, you may." While the idea of being hurt inside the castle seemed silly, Wren remembered her parents. How they had been killed inside of their own castle. So instead of teasing Alister on his words, she just accepted his offer and continued down the hall. Guards stationed along the walls bowed their heads to her as they walked, a few of their gazes lingering on her.

My lady rolling off of Alister's tongue was enough to make her shiver, warmth pooling in her stomach from excitement. Though she knew it was best to push those thoughts away. Though the knight seemed to like to play with her emotions, he had the chance to take her the night of Lucas' birthday. She knew he wasn't interested.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
Oh, what was she going to do? Sure, Aelia knew that something like this was bound to happen, she knew that Lucas was going to have to marry one day, to find someone else to have his heart, but. She wasn't ready for that, she wasn't ready to give him up, he was hers, she didn't want to share, she was a Princess and could have anything she wanted, so. Why? Why couldn't she have this one thing that she wanted? She wanted Lucas, she wanted everything.

A small hiccup escaped from Aelia as she felt Lucas' hand grip her and halt her movements. "Lucas-" Aelia mumbled quietly, but stopped and shut her lips as she listened to him. Her eyes were blurry from unshed tears. Then, she raised her head and listened quietly as she started to feel shocked at what he was saying. His tender movements only causing her heart to flutter even more. It was like all of her fears in that second were flushed away with his declaration of love. For her. "Promise?" She breathed out quietly, her lips parting slowly as she stared up at the lightly reddened cheeks of her brother's.

Then, going against her better judgment, Aelia took a step closer to Lucas. They were alone, no one came towards this side of the castle unless they were royals. She leaned up and wrapped her arms around his neck as she leaned up to press a quick kiss to his lips. "You have my heart, too," she told him quietly as she moved to pull back slowly, not sure if he'd be comfortable doing more outside.

----

Slowly, Alister ran his tongue over his lips. Her bedroom, the place where all of this chaos inside of his head had started. The place that filled his dreams to the brink. The place he wouldn't mind sneaking into on his off time and finding some much-needed pleasure in his life. "Yes, My Lady," Alister said quietly as he bowed once more in respect and then moved to slowly follow the duchess. His head held high and his eyes ahead as he followed a couple of steps behind the young woman. His gaze only ever briefly traveling towards a couple of other knights that they passed as they walked to her room. Oh, how he wished he could just shove his sword into their chest cavities.

Focusing ahead once more as they turned down the hall that led to the young lady's room, Alister felt his pulse speed up. Damn, he wanted to have some more time with the young lady. Leaving her to her room was something that he just didn't want to fucking do. He wanted to feel her soft skin once more. Hear her whimpers. He just wanted her. Alister's front teeth bit down on his lip as the realization hit him. Fuck.

As they got a couple of steps away from the young lady's room, Alister's nerves got the better of him and he bit down a little too hard on his lip. A small hiss escaped from him as he brought a hand up and felt his lip. Pulling his fingers away, he spotted a small bit of blood. Great, just fucking great, he bit through a little bit of his lip.

The young princess had always been a firecracker and Lucas stood in hesitation, wondering how she'd react to his confession. It was something that he was sure she already knew, but now that the words had been spoken, there was no more pretending. He half expected her to get upset, to yell at him and run away, and when she didn't... His heart seemed to tremble in his chest. It jumped when she stepped forward, her perfume wafting around him. The scent that always told him she was so, so close...

"Of course, I promise." His breath caught in the back of his throat as she lifted her arms to wrap around his neck. Her body pressed up against his. Lucas slowly lifted his own arms, his hands resting gently on her hips. The kiss she gently placed upon him enough to send shocks of electricity through his body. Hearing her speak of how her heart belonged to him, again, just another confession he was already sure of, but hearing those words leave her lips ...

A frown only replaced the smile on his face when she pulled away from him. The prince wished he could demand the strange princess to be turned away immediately, not wanting to even look upon another woman in the same light, but he couldn't. There were traditions that had to be upheld and as much as he wished he rule with his sister by his side, he knew such a secret getting out would be embarrassing to the crown. His father would never allow it. Lucas' hands fell to hers and he stopped her from parting from him. Pulling her back into his arms, Lucas brought his lips down on hers once more, in a much more passionate embrace. "Good," he breathed, his lips lingering centimeters from hers.

---

The closer they managed to get to her room, the slower Wren seemed to walk. Their was no conversation between the pair, just a quiet silence, and yet, Wren wished to drag their time together out. It was only when she saw her door that she allowed her shoulders to slouch slightly, the only sign of her obvious disappointment. She wanted to ask him to come in, to just sit with her inside, if anything. But she was embarrassed. What would that say about her? After what he had done to her, how he had humiliated her, she was still craving after him?

She quickly turned towards him, hearing the slight hint of discomfort. He was already staring down at his hand, his brow pulled tightly together. The little speck of blood running along the minuscule lines of his bottom lip. "Alister, are you alright?" Wren tilted her head as she looked up at the knight, reaching up with the little bit of handkerchief she had tucked away in her sleeve. "Chewing on your lip is a nasty habit," she teased, though the look on his face told her something else. Pressing the napkin to his lip, her blue eyes met his and behind his gaze, she could've swore she saw the look of lust. Blushing, she told herself it was just her imagination. Just as she had been repeating to herself, the knight had made it clear he wasn't interested.

Looking towards her bedroom door, she noticed the hall they stood in was empty. Not one guard posted anywhere in sight. Bringing her attention back to Alister, she bit down on her tongue, before pulling the handkerchief from his mouth. "I'm sorry," she whispered, realizing touching him in any manner wasn't very appropriate.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
A small gasp escaped from Aelia as Lucas grabbed onto her and brought her back to him. Her bright green eyes closed as she felt his lips on hers once more. Her hands resting against his broad chest casually as she leaned into the kiss. Her heart beating rapidly, enjoying the feelings that were swirling inside of her. Her stomach clenched with that familiar feeling that Lucas seemed to always stir up inside of her and warmth started to pull between her legs.

"Lucas," Aelia said quietly, her eyes flickering between his eyes and his lips as she felt the small distance becoming torturous. She wanted to feel his lips on her more, to feel his hands on her body. She was craving him and it was quite an annoying feeling to have. A small speck of nerves slowly filled Aelia as she closed her eyes and leaned up to close that small distance between them once more. She pecked Lucas' lips, then gave him a second kiss that lasted a little longer, then she turned her head to the side and tried for a deeper kiss. Her hands slipped from his chest to wrap around his back. Silently begging for him to lay down on the ground with her. Her crotch brushed against his to help him get a better idea of what she was asking of him, of what she was needing from him at the moment.

"Touch me, I need to feel you on me. Around me." She said quietly, almost begging for him, and yet, she didn't want to admit that she wanted to know what it'd feel like to have him in her. At least, not outside. That was a bit scary for her, they needed to make sure they could roll away and act like they were just relaxing outside incase someone came this way.

---

Hearing Wren's voice snapped Alister out of his thoughts and he raised his gaze to meet hers. The look of worry was enough to cause his cold broken heart to start beating. It was insane that just one look from this little lady was enough to cause him to feel more then he has in years. Since his own fucking father ostracised him from the royal bloodline and had him become a knight. Working for the bloody bastard like a dog just so that he could throw all of his younger children in his face.

"It's just a scratch." Alister said quietly after a while. His eyes trailing the woman silently as she walked towards him. His gaze moving to the handkerchief for a moment before moving back to her face as she spoke. A ghost of a smile appearing on his lips as her little joke. It was a good sign, it meant that Wren wasn't as completely scared of her as he thought that she was. Meaning, he didn't fuck everything up. That there was still a chance he could do something with her. He wasn't completely sure what yet, but he'll push his luck with her. She seemed to be pushing it quite a bit already as it was.

Then, as she pulled away, Alister blinked in confusion and for some reason reached out to hold onto her wrist with his handkerchief in it. "For what?" He asked quietly, even though there wasn't anyone in the hall. Hell, he didn't even know why he asked his own fucking question.

It didn't take much for Lucas to realize what his sister was feeling. She didn't even need to open her mouth to confirm, he was already on the same page as her. His breath was catching in the back of his throat, between each kiss she granted him. Her small hands slipped around his back and his only held her waist tighter, refusing to let her have any space away from him. The longer Lucas thought about another woman entering his home, with the intentions of taking the place he wished to reserve for Lia, the angrier he became. The needier he became for her.

"Shh," he whispered, pressing his lips against hers to silence her. Backing her up towards a wall of the castle, the cobblestone completely hidden by the vines and roses that were growing up it, Lucas pressed himself against her. Effectively trapping her in his grip. And he had no intention of freeing her anytime soon. His hands ran up the pink wefts of fabric, his fingers desperately searching for any sort of zipper or corsetting, but he knew better. He couldn't undress her, not here anyway, though his hands continued searching for her skin. Lucas just wanted to feel her, he needed to. His arms fell back around her waist, giving up the battle. Pulling her taught against him, he lowered his head and kissed her deeply again. His cock was pressing firmly against his trousers, and almost involuntarily, Lucas grinded his crotch against the princess, wanting to express how badly he yearned for her. The young prince knew this feeling would only worsen throughout the day, especially after dinner. When he would have to escort his guest around the castle, entertaining another princess, he would be thinking so fondly of Lia. It was as if he already expected to be sneaking alone to her room later that night.

Pulling away from her lips, he gently laid his head against her forehead. "So beautiful," he whispered, trying to admire her looks, trying to focus on anything other than the growing problem in his pants. Though he found he only had two options, focus on her beauty and the craving, or think about how forbidden this relationship was. How it was doomed the second it started. Lucas could never make Lia happy, he could never give her what she would want, what would ultimately make her happy. And one day, their father would be bringing a prince here for her to meet, or sending her off to some far off kingdom... Shaking the thoughts from his head, he refused to entertain them. He couldn't let any other man ever put his hands on his love...

---

Wren parted her lips, about to speak again, but to say what, she wasn't sure. The second his hand snatched her wrist in the air, stopping herself from pulling her hand away, she had lost all train of thought. Her crystal eyes roamed back to meet his eyes and as she stared at him, she realized the whole time she had forgotten to breathe. It made her sick, how just looking at him made her feel. Knowing she could never have him. At least, that's how he had made her feel. Her fingers dug into the handkerchief and she forced her hand down by her side, though his hand stayed tight around her wrist.

"You know, you really confuse me," Wren finally whispered, after what felt like minutes of just staring at him. At any minute, she felt like her heart might burst through her chest. She had to say something to him. It was silly to think she could go on living like this, walking around all day long with thoughts of him filling her head. One second he made her feel head over heels in love and the next, she was almost too scared to look him in the eye. Pulling her hand completely from his grip, she put a few feet of distance between the two of them. The longer she stayed so close to him, the worse the urge became. Looking back up at his face, seeing the look of bewilderment, she felt sick. There she had gone and opened her dumb mouth and now she felt trapped. Only two options were laid out in front of her. Either pull herself away from him and dash into her room to hide, or... she could let her feelings out.

Looking back down the hallway, the two of them were still alone, but she knew this would be a conversation she definitely didn't want someone walking up on. "Come here," she demanded, reaching out to grab his arm and pulling her towards her room. Forcing the door open, she hurried inside, jerking the confused knight in after her. She barely managed to close the door before she started just spilling her words, turning to face him again. "What is this? You're very wishy-washy." Wren tightened her hands into fists by her sides, feeling tears burn her eyes. She was afraid she'd tell him how she was feeling and then he'd just make her feel crazy. "One day you don't care if I waste your time and then the next you act like I'm just... a bother that you can't get rid of." Recalling how he made her feel in the dining hall, that had been so embarrassing... Not to mention the harshness he had gifted her in the dungeons, only to follow it up with something as romantic as pointing out a falling star. "I don't... understand," Wren whispered, the volume of her voice falling with each word.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
The feeling of Lucas' lips on hers, the feel of his hands roaming her body as he looked for an opening. The pressure of him pushing her against the wall. It was all amazing, it sent tingles along her body, sent her mind wheeling. She wanted this, she needed this. Her body, her mind, her soul needed this closeness. He was all that Aelia needed, he was what she really frakking needed. Her mind screamed in protest as he pulled away from her lips. Even panting and out of breath, Aelia wanted nothing more than to press her lips against his once more. Her hands itched to run through his hair and feel if it was as soft as it looked, but she couldn't. People would notice that. They were still outside even if they were hidden.

"So, handsome." Lia breathed out quietly as she still tried to catch her breath. Her bright green eyes looking up into those delicious chocolate browns that belonged to Lucas. Her head rested back against the wall as she looked up at the taller male that was caging her against the wall. "Will you be coming to see me tonight?" She asked quietly, her hands lowering from his back and sliding forward to rest on his chest and then lower to his pants. He wanted her just as badly and it was killing her. They hadn't gone that far, but she didn't care. She wanted to feel him.

Keeping her eyes innocent as she could, Lia kept her gaze on Lucas' as she undid the front of his pants. "Step back?" She said it as a question, but it wasn't really one. She wanted to help alleviate him. Then, as Lia waited for Lucas to do as she asked, she slid her right hand into his pants and pulled him out. Her hand wrapped around him like he had shown her a few nights ago and started to pump him.

----

Damn his mind and his ability to get lost in his fucking thoughts. Alister had no willpower when it came to Wren. So when she pulled him into her room, he allowed it. Even as he mentally kicked his ass. This wasn't right, she was an unmarried young noblewoman, and he was a damn knight. An Ex-Prince. He was nothing compared to her, and yet, he wanted her. He wanted her so fucking bad that he was so wishy-washy and had no idea how to freaking relax anymore. His thoughts always went to wondering what Wren was going that day, that hour, that second. It was confusing!

A small sigh escaped from the older knight as he looked down at Wren. His lips pursed together as he listened to her. He knew what she was getting at and he completely understood her. "That's just is, My Lady," Alister said calmly, coolly as he looked down at her. His expression showing his confusion. "My duty is to protect and to serve. I have sworn an oath to lay my life down for those of the royal line. OF those of noble birth. A mere soldier has no rights having any sort of feelings or thoughts of someone of high stature such as yourself."

Alister slowly ran his tongue over his lips. His gaze lifting to look around the room for a moment, to collect his thoughts. Then, he glanced down at the young woman once more. "Yet, I find myself thinking of you. Of wondering what you're doing, if you're smiling, or crying. It's not right, yet I think that way, I feel worried for you. I don't understand." Alister pursed his lips together. He eyes looking away from the younger girl as he mentally put a fist into his mouth. He really shouldn't have spoken.

It was as if Lia was in his mind, hearing his every thought. At the very mention of visiting her later that night, he simply nodded, a shy smile appearing on his face. "If you'll have me," he chuckled, both of them knowing he had every intention of showing up in her chambers whether invited or not. His hand ran up to cup her face, his thumb gently brushing over her cheek until she asked him to step back. Only for a second did a look of confusion flash across the young man's features until he felt the princess's hands at his pants, loosening them from around his waist.

Quickly, he stepped back to give her a bit of room, his pulse speeding up the longer he thought about her. No matter how often they found themselves like this, Lucas always seemed to feel a bit jittery. Even now, his hands felt clammy as held her waist, feeling her hand wrap around his hardening cock. It felt good enough to be free of his restrictive pants, his dick throbbing hard as Lia held it. "O-oh," Lucas groaned, raising his arm up so his hand could rest against the castle wall, supporting him. It felt amazing, but he knew something that could feel better.

"Lia," he whispered, hoping it wouldn't upset her to ask. "Why don't you give it a kiss?" He teased playfully, running his thumb along her bottom lip, hoping she would take his suggestion. He was sure to more than make up for it later that night.

---

Wren didn't know whether she should feel relieved or more upset. On one hand, he admitted to feeling something for her and that was good right? But he also brought up how they could never be, that his position wouldn't allow it. Wren pressed her back against the door, looking down at the knights feet as he spoke. She was definitely relieved that at least she hadn't been the one so confused.

Her gaze slowly lifted to his face and for a second, she had no clue what to say to him. What could she say? Everything he said was the truth. Anything that happened between them would have to be a secret, it was forbidden. But she wanted him so badly. Wren slowly took a step towards him, feeling like someone was squeezing her heart inside of her chest. She was that nervous. "I don't care if isn't right," she whispered, reaching out to take his hands. There was a doubt in the back of her mind, a worry that this was just going to push him away. That he would reject her and leave her all alone, and then what would she do?

Her fingers intertwined with his and she stood up on the tips of her toes, her head tilted up so their lips were so close to touching... There was nothing she could think to say that would convey what she was feeling better than she knew a kiss would. Without hesitating any further, she pushed up on her tip toes a bit more, until her lips slowly pressed against his. Instantly she felt her heart explode, like kissing him had been the first right thing she had done in her whole life. It felt so amazing, it was stupid. Then again, maybe it was just because it had been the first kiss she had ever had that actually had wanted.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
Inexperience was the definition of Aelia as she watched Lucas do as she had asked of him. That at least showing that she was doing something right, right? A small smile found it's way onto her lips as she watched her older brother. Hearing the sounds that were escaping from him as she slowly moved her hand along him. A small giggle threatened to escape from Aelia as Lucas moaned from the feel of her merely removing him from his pants.

Then, the amusement quickly disappeared as she listened to his suggestion. It wasn't something she had in mind when she started this, but. She also didn't want to disappoint Lucas. So, instead of saying anything to him, she slowly sank to her knees as she continued to pump him and keep his gaze. "Like this?" She asked quietly as she helps him in her hand and raised him a little as she leaned forward and kissed his tip that was slowly leaking something. Her tongue slowly ran along her lips and tasted the salty liquid.

"How was that?" She asked him quietly as she leaned forward and ran the tip of her tongue from his tip to his base, wanting to see what sort of reaction she could get from him. Then, she pulled back and slowly took his tip into her mouth. On the night of his birthday, Aelia could faintly remember him telling her what to do, so she hoped she was doing this correctly.

----

What a fucking idiot, blabbering like a fucking child who was having a temper tantrum. Shit, Wren's probably thinking he was such a fucking coward now, a man who wasn't manly enough to decide what he fucking wanted in life. A low life like his father forced him into being. A useless, man without a solid mind to take charge of things. Nothing, he was a fool, he should have never allowed for Lady Wren to drag him into her room. He was a fucking disgrace.

Snapping out of his thoughts when Wren grabbed his hands, Alister's eyes narrowed in suspicion. Was she going to reject him like a fucking horney teenager in the lower parts of the city? Alister watched warily for a moment before his eyes closed and he leaned down a little bit so that it was easier for Wren to kiss him. His tall six foot four height making him a monster on the battlefield as well as at home. His strength was twice that of a normal man, so, helping any way he could have become second nature to him.

Slowly, turning his head to the side, Alister deepened the kiss. His hands moving to pull Wren closer to his body until she was flush against it. Then, his hands slowly moved from hers and he gripped onto her hips. The ones that have swayed and caught his attention many nights before the Prince's birthday. The ones that he often fantasised about having wrapped on either sides of his as he fucked her senseless.

Lucas tried everything to distract himself from the negative thoughts. His eyes fixed on Lia, focusing on her pretty face as she slipped to her knees, possibly staining her dress with grass. To ask her to do something like this, when in just a few hours he'd be forced to entertain a different woman. And then there was always the fear in the back of his mind, the doubt of what could be. What if he met this princess and thought he could love her? It would be so much simpler...

But looking down at Lia, he was certain that no one else could ever make him feel the way she did. Her tongue slowly prodding along his tip sent little jolts through his body, forcing him to lean back against the castle wall for support. His head fell back against the stone and swallowed, feeling his muscles tense as she brought him into her mouth. For only being her second time, she was still positively getting a reaction out of him. "Oh, Lia," he groaned, both hands raising to rest on the back of her head, gently nudging her further down on his cock. Her mouth felt cushioned and so wet, her tongue just slipping around his shaft as she slowly bounced her head back and forth...

It was amazing. And the longer they remained there, the more excited Lucas became. He felt his core tighten, his fingers tangling in the strands of her hair. The prince only wished he could whisk them away, to be alone in his room for the remainder of the night now. He almost wasn't sure if he could wait to see her, knowing this moment was fleeting. Lucas wanted to wrap Lia up in his arms and hold her close against his chest, sleep with her by his side and for the night, pretend that what they had could be real... No need to be kept a secret.

His brow pulled together as he felt himself getting dangerously close to the edge. Peeling his eyes open, he glanced back down at Lia, another, much deeper moan leaving his lips as he felt her chin press into his balls, his tip pushing into the back of her throat. His hands tightened their grip on her hair and he squeezed his eyes closed, "F-Fuck, Lia, I-"

---

Wren had been so sure Alister would reject her. Certain she would only feel his lips for a short second before he would push her away. A look of complete bewilderment mixed with anger on his face, as he'd scold her. Tell her that was wrong, that she could do that... So instead, when she felt him lean into the kiss, she thought her heart might've exploded in her chest. A sudden sensation of melting in his arms. His strong hands falling to her hips, pulling her flush against his chest, so close together. Wren could feel how strong his chest was just by being pressed against it. Felt like stone.

Her hands let go of his wrists, only to raise and wrap loosely around his neck. She wanted to be closer to him, even though that seemed impossible. And for a second, she was still scared. Worried that after this moment, the next time she'd see him, the knight would pretend like it had never happened and she'd be heartbroken all over again. Alister wouldn't do that to her, would he? Her nose nudged against his as she slowly broke the kiss, lingering barely an inch from his face. Her toes felt strained from lifting her up to kiss him, he was so tall, even lowering his head to help her. He was a brute if a man, muscular and towering and that was part of what attracted her to him. Alister seemed safe.

An uncomfortable silence fell over them and Wren felt her face blushing hot. Suddenly, she was embarrassed by her actions, though she had never been shy to take what she wanted. Alister was a different story, he made her feel so weird and nervous... Her fingers gently grazed the back of his neck, as she stared up at his lips, afraid to make eye contact with the knight. Before she realized it, her feet were planted firmly back on the ground and her hands were gently grabbing onto his shoulders. Wren led Alister backwards, towards her bed until she felt the back of her legs meet the mattress. She felt too shy to speak, but she sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled him to follow suite, sitting next to her.

Before she practically crawled into his lap and connected their lips once more.

@ FallenHope95

@ dezz
This was one of those extremely rare moments where Aelia felt bold. Never in all of her life had she imagined doing something like this. Something like this with a man, much less her brother. He had shown her so many different things since they started to show interest in each other. Lucas always being the one to take charge since he's got more experience under his belt. Teaching her how to kiss, how to properly touch to get a response out of someone.

Listening to Lucas' moans as she sucked him, brushing against his balls, his thighs. She knew she was doing something right, he was enjoying himself even though Lia had no idea if she was doing things correctly. When he came, Lia made sure to swallow every last drop that he shot into her mouth. They taste salty and slightly overpowering, but, she had nowhere to spit it out. They couldn't have any evidence. Slowly pulling back, Lia kept her gaze on Lucas' as she leaned forward and made sure to lick him clean before helping him fit back into his pants.

----

The kiss felt like everything. Sparks were shooting through his veins. His hair felt like it was standing on end, and his mind was going blank. It felt like a new life was being breathed into him and his old life was being sucked out of him. Like Wren was the siren and Alister was the poor sailor going towards his death. Swimming in an ocean made of salt and just floating because he didn't want to move. She was so sweet and so powerful. Amazing, it felt so amazing.

Then, it was like the curtain was pulled and Alister was pulled from his thoughts. He was sitting on the bed. His hands-on Wren's hips and he was pulling away from the fierce little lady. She smelled so sweet, like a fruit wine, one that he wanted to chug and keep buying more of. A small sigh escaped from Alister as he closed his eyes and leaned forward to rest his forehead against Wren's for a moment. "We shouldn't do this." He mumbled quietly, his knight oath coming to mind. His grip on her hips tightened for a moment before he opened his eyes and looked into Wren's pretty eyes. "You're such a vixen, Lady Wren." Alister murmured quietly as he leaned down and pressed a small kiss to her lips.