I sit on the edge of the bed stretching and trying to wake up. It's early, far too early to be awake. I rub my eyes and look around at the darkness and just sigh. I have time to do what I need before I get ready to head to my assignment. I make my way down the long hall to the stairs and slowly descend realizing I'm in for a long day. After reaching the bottom floor I walk into the kitchen where candles line the walls. It's so much brighter in here than in my room, I think as I sit down on a stool. The kitchen staff and maids rush around getting ready for the day before they are called into duty. I don't blame them, running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Both King and Queen aren't mean or hateful people, they just like things a certain way and we all gladly make it happen. I grab a couple of slices of bread and an apple. I then make my way to my room. After finishing my food I quickly get my armor and weapon on rushing out the door.

As Sir Sayer leaves Sir Oweyn and I begin our normal small talk before their Highnesses awake. He tells me how his wife and children are away visiting family and how he is enjoying being alone. I chuckle and think to myself, I wish I had someone to greet me when I got off.

The door opens and that same familiar smell of musk and lilac fills my nose and I feel the warmth in my stomach grow. I watch and follow as the King and Queen make their way down to breakfast. As we stand watching, my eyes keep trailing back between the King and Queen.

The Queen with her long brunette hair and pale complexion is stunning to stare at and her husband is not much different. He has short black hair and a scruffy sort of beard. He is older but not more than 35 years. She was younger. They fit together, him with his big burly self and her a fragile piece of glass. I look at her closer and see her warm golden eyes are glassy, almost as if she has been crying, but she sits tall and graceful. I peer back at the King looking at his face closely, he glances toward me with a smile flashing across his face before disappearing again.

Soon after they finish we all make our way to the Great Hall. This time I find myself standing next to the Queen, her smell is intoxicating. I peer to the side and look at her face once more, her eyes are still glassy and her smile is wrong. The day passes faster than usual and I find it's time for shift change. I wait patiently for Sir Sayer to come and relieve me.

Soon after entering my room I rustle my way out of my armor and run my fingers through my shaggy hair. It has been a long day and I just want to eat, bathe, and rest. Suddenly I smell the scent of lilac in the air and find myself rushing to my door. Quickly I pull it open to find the Queen standing her hand in position to knock. "Hello your Highness," I say, rushing and clumsily kneeling.

Her small laugh causes me to look up and her hand is outstretched. I stand and gently grab it bringing it to my lips, her skin is soft and tastes sweet. She drops her hand and walks past me looking around. "It's so dark here and cold. I wonder how you can stand it."

I laugh awkwardly and usher her to sit on my cot. She smiles and sits with such grace it's almost as if she floats. "Not to seem rude your Highness but what exactly are you doing here?" She grins a dark sort of grin and stands walking towards me. I stumble backwards, hitting my head against the wall. Her tiny body inches closer to mine and I can feel her hands trace up my chest and back down. I close my eyes not sure whether this is real or I'm just dreaming.

"I see you always looking at me and my husband and I just wanted to see why." Her dainty fingers trace along my arms and land on my waist. She really is intoxicating, as is the King, and that isn't something I'm ready to address yet. Her hands tighten around my wrists and she closes in pressing against me. I stare in a state of confusion and lust not knowing what I should do or say for that matter.

"Your Highness?wha what are you doing?" I ask as heat fills my cheeks.

Her face is serious and stern as she loosens her grip and steps away. I stand frozen not knowing whether to apologize. She smiles reassuring me, "I'm sorry, I don't know what overcame me. I just find it fascinating that you seem to be so innocent and naive. I was curious about you and expected someone older and more aware. Yet you are not."

I'm a bit offended. I feel like I'm mature for my age at 25. How dare she. I straighten up and gather myself stepping forward, "I'm not sure what you're implying Your Highness but I assure you I'm no child." She smiles again, her mouth slightly agape. Her hands perched on her hips she shifts her shoulders to the right and looks me up and down.

"Okay show me then." I stare at her confused. "You heard me, show me."

It takes me a moment to realize my body has already started moving towards her, my arms outstretched. I pull her close and press my lips against hers. The taste of pomegranates is heavy on her lips. She doesn't pull away and melts into me. I frantically pull at her dress in an attempt to lift it. My hands find her hips, naked. Her skin is soft as silk. I run my fingers down her till I find her entrance. A low moan escapes her now open mouth as I push two fingers inside her and place my thumb on her clit. Slowly rubbing getting faster little by little.

She pulls away, breathing heavily, her cheeks pink, "Good boy." Her hand clasps my arm, her nails digging into me. I let go of her and kneel my lips finding the inside of her thighs, my teeth nipping at her skin as I kiss. She tastes so sweet I can hardly contain myself as I reach her honeypot. My tongue replaces my fingers and her hands grab at my hair. The sounds of her moans remind me of the loneliness I have been feeling and I find the warmth of her refreshing.

"Sir...Alaric.." her words are light and breathy. "Please." I pull away and lick my lips before standing and kissing her again. By this point, there is no hiding the excitement I'm feeling and I drop my trousers. I lift her, pressing her body against the wall placing my shaft at her entrance and stop, wanting to make her beg. Her eyes open and she looks at me pleading and wanting. I push myself inside slowly, her hands grip my back and I groan with pleasure. I restrain myself at the feeling of her warmth and tightness.

God yes, I feel so good inside her. I can feel the pleasure building inside as I thrust faster and harder. Her eyes flutter and her head leans back as an audibly loud moan escapes her perfect red lips. I place one hand over her mouth, using my other and the wall to hold her in place. She gently bites down before reaching up to move it to her neck. I moan as the sight of her in such a vulnerable state drives me over the edge.

A loud knock on my door startles us and I hear SIr Oweyn's voice, "Hey do you want to come and eat with me? My wife is still gone and I would enjoy the company." I stop and stare at the Queen her eyes wide and lips pressed tightly together. I set her down on my cot and hurry to the door.

No sooner is it open does he start trying to push his way in, "Hey sorry I'm actually getting ready to go to bed. I'm not feeling so well and I want to be rested for training tomorrow." The lie feels unnatural and bitter. I've always been honest with him. He's my best friend and yet this is something I'm not sure I can tell anyone. He stops and smiles, stepping back and crossing his arms.

"Well you seemed fine before getting off earlier," a sinister grin widens across his face, "You have someone in there don't you? You have never not let me come in before even when you were sick so it must be a girl." He chuckles and turns to leave, "Just don't do anything I wouldn't." His voice trails off as I close the door and turn to see the Queen now standing fixing her dress.

"I'm sorry your Highness, I apologize for the intrusion but he left." She nods and walks towards me, her hair slightly askew and places a hand on my arm.

"No, I'm sorry I let my feelings get the better of me. Please just keep this between us. I shouldn't have seduced you." She turns to leave, I grab her, swing her around, and roughly press my lips against hers. She melts into me and moans quietly. She pulls back and hurriedly leaves. I stand for a moment confused, hurt, and yet I want more. I sit down and my cot is cold; the smell of lilacs fills my room and I'm left in a daze.

Why me?

When I wake up my room is dark, and the smell of her is still present. I don't have work today as it's my training day so I let my feet drop slowly to the hard ground. After yesterday being alone feels strange even if it was only for a brief moment. I miss the feel of her warmth and the taste of her skin. A loud crash outside snaps me from my daze and I rush to my door flinging it open. It's a maid who looks to have dropped a tray. I quickly help her and make my way back to my room.

Outside the sky is cloudy and dark. It looks like it's going to rain. That's okay, I need a good cold cleanse. My head is foggy as Sir Oweyn and I move around practicing. A sharp pain in my chest knocks me back to my senses, "Ouch, what the hell Oweyn? What was that?"

He chuckles and shakes his head, "I didn't realize you weren't all here today." I rub my chest and shake my head trying to clear it. As I close my eyes I can feel someone staring at me and I quickly open them again. My head spins looking for who it is, and then I see her. Her skin seems to glow, even though the sky says otherwise, and her smile makes me feel warm all over again. I stumble as I turn away and drop my training sword to the ground.

"Um?man I'm not feeling so good," I quicken my pace and head towards the lunch hall. I can hear Sir Oweyn hollering as he chases after me. As I enter I sit at an empty table close by, placing my head into my hands. Not long after Sir Oweyn enters, I keep my face down hoping he will just give up and go away, but he sees me and sits beside me.

"Hey man," he places a hand on my shoulder. "Is everything alright? You were acting weird yesterday as well." I look up and his face is filled with worry and fear. I smile softly and sit up straight before answering.

"I'm okay, my head feels heavy, maybe I'm catching a cold or something. I'll have to talk to Lord Commander Grayson and let him know just in case." His face relaxes and he sighs. "Okay man, I just worry about you. You're like family to me and I just want to be sure everything is okay."

He stands, "Before I head back out do you want me to help you to your room?" His smile is genuine and his words are kind but I just need to get away from everyone.

"No thanks man I'll be fine just going to take a few before heading up." He shrugs as he turns to walk away. I look around the lunch hall and see everyone is just chatting and keeping to themselves not an eye on us. Good.

After talking with Grayson I finally make it back to my room quickly entering and slamming it shut behind me. As I lie down yesterday starts to replay in my head. I feel dizzy and am grateful I'm not standing. I start to doze off when suddenly I shoot straight up. My body is covered in sweat and the room's stale air makes it hard to breathe. My feet fall to the ground and I stand making my way over to the door. I open it slowly, not sure of this odd feeling in my gut. No one is there, it is dark and quiet. I begin to close it when a parchment attached to my door catches my eye. I snag it quickly and rush back to my desk. Using the light from my candle I read;

Sir Alaric,

You have been summoned to the chambers of the King and Queen. Please make haste and dress appropriately.

Lord Commander Grayson

I sit for a while in disbelief before realizing I need to hurry. It must be something important or maybe I'm in trouble for getting sick. I have no clue as to why they would wish to see me at this hour. I pull on my best tunic and leggings; fastening my belt I rush out the door.

The doors look huge, as I approach the knights on duty look at me and nod. I slowly make my way inching closer and feeling the whole world suddenly pressing in on me I start to lose my breath. Suddenly a waft of air hits me; lilac and musk. I shake my head quickly coming to my senses and enter the room. The doors shut behind me and I look around not seeing anyone. A deep husky voice bellows from a chair facing the huge fireplace, "Sir Alaric, how wonderful you have joined us. My wife will be back momentarily, but until then you and I can chat."

My heart stops and I wonder if he knows. God, please save me. He stands facing me, his eyes are golden and they make my stomach flutter. He is so striking I can feel my hands start to get clammy and I stutter, "Yo?Your M?M?Majesty, thank you for inviting me. I am honored," my face feels hot, "I am truly sorry for having to take sick. I just haven't been feeling so well these past few days and I." He stops me with his hand held up.

He motions for me to sit, "No, my wife and I were worried and wanted to check in on you. We care deeply for our men, as you do so much to ensure we are safe we do the same for you all."

I sit my bottom near the edge of the large chair. The room is warm and smells so nice I don't realize I'm smiling until he chuckles. I look at him again and realize he is dressed in night attire. I look away feeling my cheeks get hot again.

"Ah, no need to be shy, how about a drink?" He hands me a goblet and ushers me to take a drink. I eagerly gulp it down, setting it on the table before me. He picks it up and fills it, raising it to his lips he licks the rim before he takes a drink. I stare in confusion and try to brush it off.

Some time later and a few drinks in I realize we have been chatting but the Queen has not returned and I begin to panic. The King grabs my hand, "She is fine she is giving us some time to get to know each other before she returns. No need to rush things, just relax." His smile is comforting and his hand is rough but the way it feels on mine makes me feel warm. I sit back and sigh heavily. I'm so used to being on guard I don't know when not to be.

I turn back to the King's chair only to see he is gone. I stand searching the room, my eyes falling on the monstrous bed and see him standing just beside it, he looks massive. He has a smile and his hand is outstretched towards me. I walk towards him not sure what is happening but I let my body lead. I place my hand gently in his and he pulls me closer, our faces almost touching.

"You smell delicious" his tongue brushes my bottom lip. I am stunned, what is happening?

A secret door behind the King opens and in walks the queen startling me from my daze. She smiles and walks towards us no faster than normal, "Hi Sir Alaric, I'm so happy to see you again. I see you guys are getting to know each other. How wonderful, that makes this so easy now."