Their Bonds of Fate (The Bonds of the Silver Throne Book 1) Read online

  “Eleri,” he whispered, and he pulled her up to him. She smiled down at him as she straddled him, feeling his ample member press against her.

  His hands went to his hips as she ground against him, her area becoming wet as she felt the need to feel him inside her grow. One of his hands moved to her center, circling over her most sensitive part, bringing her close to her edge. He leaned up and moved his other hand to her back, watching her as she moaned his name. His hand moved slow, drawing out her pleasure and causing longing and pain to mix together.

  “Caerwyn, please,” she said breathlessly. “I need you.”

  He growled as he moved both of his hands back to her hips, thrusting himself inside of her. She gasped, feeling his length and girth fill her. He sat up and kissed her as he moved inside her. She moved with him, closing her eyes, feeling as though all she ever needed was him. She wanted to submit everything to him. Her wolf rose to the surface, demanding she give him all of her. Eleri leaned forward, exposing her neck to him. He buried his nose into her neck as he continued to thrust into her. She felt the tickle of air on her skin as he breathed in deep.

  He kissed her gently on her neck, his tongue flickering out to taste her skin. “Yes,” she breathed. “I am yours; take me.”

  She felt his teeth scrape against her skin, and it propelled her to another level of pleasure. She started to get lost, feeling herself reach her peak as his teeth moved slightly deeper into her skin. She was ready to be his. Whatever it took to be with him, she would do it. She would run far away. She would give up her position and birthright. All that mattered was him. He was her destiny, and she wanted nothing more than to be claimed by him so she could claim him.

  She called out his name as she shuddered. He hissed slightly before pulling back and spilling his seed into his hand. He fell back on the bed as Eleri huffed and fell back next to him. She took deep breaths as he grabbed a nearby cloth and wiped his hand cleaned.

  “Why?” she asked as he looked down at her. “Why pullback? Did you truly want to?”

  He closed his eyes before shaking his head. “You know how badly I want you completely, Eleri. There is nothing I want more than to claim you. It hurt me to pull away from you, but it is how it has to be.”

  “No, it doesn’t. You don’t have to be what the land and your father says. You deserve a life, Caerwyn. Do you have no feelings for me other than your wolf’s instinct?”

  He sighed. “I can’t lie and say I don’t. I believe I may care about you more than anyone in this land, Eleri, but I cannot dismiss who I am. I cannot give up my duty. You cannot stop being who you are. Whether you want to admit it or not, you have a destiny just as I do. One day you will accept it.”

  She shook her head and rose from the bed. Finding her nightgown, she slipped it on. “I will not just accept it. No one will control my destiny but me. One day I believe you will realize it as well. We can serve our land, our gods, and even our rightful ruler without giving in to some stupid prophecy.”

  She put on her robe and walked to the door. “I will not beg you to be with me, Caerwyn. It is not who I am, but I will wait for you. I know you want to be with me. I believe you even love me though you have never said it. Go do what you think you have to, and when you realize it is not how you think it has to be, I hope you will find me.”

  Before she opened the door, he said quietly, “Do not wait for me, Eleri. As much as I might wish things were different, they will never be so.”

  Eleri shook her head, clearing it of her memories. They would do her no good, though they did remind her why she shouldn’t fear anything in facing the prince. No matter what prophecy said or what whispers worked their way through the people, she knew the prince would not affect her as her heart and head were full of another. Even then, the small voice within her called out Caerwyn.

  With renewed confidence and indifference, she increased her pace and walked into the grand parlor to face what she must. Her eyes first landed on the elegant older couple who stood side by side. The man with dark graying hair and gray eyes bowed as she entered. His lady with faded blonde hair dipped into a deep curtsey. Next to them stood a beautiful woman with a slight smile on her lips. One of her eyebrows was raised slightly higher than the other, giving her a somewhat mischievous look. Eleri liked her immediately. The woman curtsied, causing Eleri to look next to the woman.

  She felt her breath hitch, and her legs slightly shake. She thought he would not affect her, but she was wrong. He was tall, and while lean, he was not unsubstantial. His hair was light brown and fell in waves over his forehead. She met his eyes to find them a shinning blue. She felt the instant need to be near him and had to stop herself from walking forward. She heard a small growl inside of her that she almost released herself. Instead, she fell into a curtsy, questioning all her ideas of fate and choice.

  Chapter 3

  Good great gods and all they shine upon, she was much more than he imagined. He heard she was beautiful, but what did that even mean to him. Many beautiful women had come through the manor his whole life. Aella, who had seen every day for the past three years, was the loveliest woman he could ever imagine, but when Lady Eleri Cadwin walked into the room, he had to rethink his ideas of a great beauty.

  She was not overly tall or large, but she was elegant and commanding in appearance. The light from the window hit her as she walked into the room, illuminating her dark auburn hair and hiding her face for a moment. Conri couldn’t help but notice her full breasts, even in her simple traveling gown. She walked further in, and he finally saw her face. Her lips were full and light pink. Her skin was fair and unblemished. As his eyes met her bright green ones, he felt an instant pull to walk towards her and claim her in some way. The wolf inside him growled, and it almost sounded like the word ‘mine.’

  She curtsied low in front of him, and Conri followed her movements. He stared at her as she kneeled on the ground before he could stand it no more. He walked forward and took her hand, lifting her up.

  “Lady Eleri?” he asked as she looked up at him.

  She nodded. “Prince Conri?”

  He smiled. “It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, my lady. I have heard much about you and have been looking forward to your visit. We all have.” He forced himself to turn away from her and look at the people in line behind him.

  “Indeed, my lady,” said Lord Havens as he straightened up. “It is a great honor to have you in our home.”

  “The honor is mine,” said Lady Eleri. “I know what risks you have taken to see to the well-being of our prince all these years. My father sends his appreciation and regrets he cannot join us yet. He has business to see to in the land.”

  “I hope we will be able to see him soon,” said Lord Havens. “Now, I know you will want to rest after your journey, but let me myself, my wife, and niece.”

  Lady Eleri nodded, and Lord Havens went on. “I am Lord Cyril Havens. My family has commanded over this estate for over three hundred years. This is my wife, Lady Beatrice Havens. She was a Flint before we married.”

  Lady Eleri raised her eyebrows. “A Flint, my lady?”

  “Yes, but born without powers. I am quite ordinary,” said Lady Havens.

  “You say it like you expect me to think less of you for it,” said Lady Eleri.

  Conri was surprised by her forward speak and the idea she did not look down on his guardians. “Do you not?” he couldn’t help but ask.

  She looked at him, and he felt a fresh wave of longing flow through him. “Not at all. We are not all blessed by the goddess with powers or the ability to transform, but I believe we are all blessed by our gods. These people have kept you safe and raised you well, it seems.” She looked at Lady Havens. “You have all my respect and my father’s as well. We do not think less of anyone because of lack of gift or shifting ability.”

  Lady Havens bowed her head slightly. “Very well, my lady. I did not mean to imply anything. Only my own family did not know what to do with me.”

  “I am sorry to hear it, but you seemed to have done very well. If they think less of you, it is their loss.”

  Lord Havens looked at his wife before motioning towards his niece. “This is my youngest brother’s only child, Lady Aella Havens. She came to live with us a few years ago when my brother and his wife met an unfortunate end.”

  The smile on Lady Eleri’s face faded. “Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Lady Aella. What a tragedy to lose both your parents so young.”

  Aella nodded. “I believe you know what it is like, Lady Eleri.”

  Lady Eleri gave a small sigh. “I do, but I still have my father. I do not know what I would have done if I had lost them both.”

  “I am lucky to have my uncle and aunt, who are very kind.” Aella looked at Conri. “I have enjoyed getting to know Prince Conri as well.”

  “We can talk more at supper, Lady Eleri,” said Lord Havens. “You must wish for rest.”

  “A chance to freshen up and settle in would be welcomed, my lord. We have much to discuss and decide in the coming days. If you could have one of your servants show me to a room and my guard as well.” She looked behind her at the tall, strong-looking man who shadowed her. Prince Conri noticed he was eyeing the prince with a look he could not place.

  “I can show you to your room, my lady,” said Prince Conri.

  “You do not need to trouble yourself, my prince. I am sure a servant could show me.”

  “It is no trouble at all.” He wished to spend every moment he could with her. He felt tied to her in some way, and he had a feeling the more he was around her, the tighter the knot would become. Perhaps it would have been wiser to pull away. He had told himself he would not let some stupid idea of a prophecy bind him to some woman he did
not know, but now that she was there in front of him, he could not deny her allure.

  She looked at Lord and Lady Havens and Aella as Conri held out his arm to her. He noticed Aella’s smile looked a little forced, and it made him feel some guilt in showing Lady Eleri such attention. What did she expect? He had told her many times that they could never truly be together. He was attracted to her as he would be to any beautiful, clever woman, but he knew they had no future. He had been careful not to let their dalliances go too far. He had guarded his heart and hoped she had kept hers under regulation as well.

  Lady Eleri took Conri’s arm, and he heard the voice inside of him give out a small groan of pleasure. Her touch sent a wave of heat and desire through him that was so strong it almost caused him to misstep. They walked from the room together towards the stairs. They were both quiet for a moment, and he wondered if she was feeling some of the same things he was. He was afraid to say the wrong thing, which was a new sensation for him. He had always been bold with his words, but now he felt that anything he would say would sound trite and silly.

  “It seems as though you have been very fortunate in your caregivers all these years,” said Lady Eleri as they reached the stairs.

  “I have. I couldn’t have asked for kinder guardians. Lord Havens is very wise as well. I have learned much from him.”

  “I suppose I should not be surprised at all. My grandfather was a careful man who put his land and king above everything. He would only see his prince under the protection of the best people.”

  “Your father seems a wise and kind man when he came to visit a few years back. I believe Lord Havens enjoyed his company.”

  “I would say my father is the best of men, but I suppose I am biased.” She laughed a little. “I am afraid he has spoiled me as his only child. He has let me do as I wish, and I love him for it.”

  They came to the third-floor landing and paused before he led her down the hall. “Spoiled is not a word I would use for you. I am sure you are just well-loved by a good man who knows his daughter.”

  She laughed again, and Conri found he loved the sound. It was light and almost musical. “You don’t even know my, my prince. You will soon find how insolent and irreverent I can be.”

  He pulled her a little closer. “I doubt that very much, Lady Eleri.” He looked down at her and felt his breathing increase. Her tongue ran along her bottom lip, and he almost moaned as he wondered how it would feel to kiss her full lips. He looked away to gather himself. “Your room is just down this hall. I know you must wish to rest.” He escorted her down the hall to the third door on the left.

  He opened it, and they both walked in. “This is very lovely.”

  “I believe there is a good view of the river from the window.” Her room was only a few doors down from Aella, and he had kissed the woman quite a few times on her balcony. He looked at Lady Eleri as she looked towards the door to her own balcony.

  “I am sure the sunset must be spectacular from this place. I shall have to see for myself tonight before supper.”

  He found himself wishing he could see it with her. “I should leave you so you can settle in. I am sure your things will be brought up soon. If you need anything, pull the cord in the corner. Aella is also just a few doors down. I am sure she wouldn’t mind helping you with anything you need.”

  She raised her eyebrows again at his causal use of Aella’s name but said nothing about it. “Thank you, Prince Conri, you have done more than enough by showing me up here. I will see you soon at supper.”

  He took her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed it gently, causing her to give a small sigh. His lips lingered longer than he meant for them to, but the small taste he gained from her skin was sweeter than anything he had known. He finally let her hand go and looked at her for a moment.

  She took a step away from him and looked down. “I wonder if you and I should not have a conversation soon.” She looked up at him seeming to have forced a look of confidence on her face. “We have much to discuss, I believe.”

  He marveled at her boldness for a moment but then remembered who she was. “I think you are right, my lady. I know you just had a long journey, and a morning on horseback might not sound agreeable, but perhaps a morning walk around the estate might be called for? I could show you the grounds.”

  She nodded. “I would like that. “ She swallowed and raised her chin. “I want to be clear on many things, my prince. You and I will have to work closely together to see you to your rightful place on the throne. I am the only Cadwin who can carry on my father’s legacy, and one day I will be your First Advisor. I am very ready to serve you, but I know there are other rumors about my position in your court.”

  A bold woman, indeed, he thought as a smile came to his face. “I know what you are referring to, and I will be happy to discuss it with you very soon. Today you should rest and settle in.” He wanted to please her and put her at ease which was a new feeling for him. Usually, he didn’t mind if someone was unsettled around him. He was to be king someday, and he usually spoke as he liked.

  “I will not ask anything of you that you do not wish, my lady.” He almost turned to go with a bit of mischievousness broke through the spell she had him under. “Of course, you must not expect things of me either. I have my own ideas of what my life should be and who I should spend it with.”

  To his surprise, she did not look offended. Instead, she laughed. “I think you and I might get on better than I thought.” She turned slightly from him. “I will see you later tonight, Prince Conri.”

  She was dismissing him. He had a thought to stay and try to discompose her in some way, but he wondered if he could even do it. As he left her room, he swore he heard his inner wolf chuckle a little. He had no idea what would happen with Lady Eleri, but he had no qualms in finding out.

  Chapter 4

  The Red Forest truly lived up to its name in the setting sun. The fall leaves were illuminated in the light showing their true colors of red and orange. As Caerwyn approached the forest, he became restless, knowing what large manor lay just on the edge of the tree line. He sat up straighter on his horse, adjusting his cloak. The autumn wind was chilly, but he suddenly felt overly warm. Everything about the area around him brought back memories. Even the smell of the damp earth and leaves took him away to someplace deep in the forest where he remembered loving Eleri.

  He slowed his horse to a trot as the tree line got closer and closer. Something wasn’t sitting right with him, and it wasn’t just the feelings that remembrances of loving Eleri had stirred up in him. He felt as though he was being watched. His flesh had pimpled up, and the wolf within him had risen to the surface, ready to be unleashed. It would take less than five seconds for him to leap off his horse and shift.

  A low growl sounded within his throat, and he thought of turning back and going around a different way. It would take days to avoid the Red Forest, but if any guards of Lord Fellen were up ahead, he could be in trouble even in his wolf form. He was still deciding when he heard the hoof beats to his left come towards him. He worked hard to keep himself under control, knowing he didn’t need to shift until he was absolutely sure he was in danger. It would do no good to scare or harm some ordinary tradesmen making their way home.

  Still, Caerwyn readied himself as his grip on the reins tightened. He slowed his horse, even more, waiting to see who was coming for him. He didn’t have to wait long. Soon a group of men on horseback emerged from the forest, but they were not in the deep green of Lord Fellen’s forces. They all wore red and gold, marking them as men of Lord Cadwin.

  Caerwyn drew up his horse as the group moved in front of him.

  “Greeting, Bright One,” said a tall man with light brown hair in front of the group. “We have been charged in seeing you to the manor of Lord Cadwin.”

  Caerwyn grunted. “How did he even know I was passing this way?”