Strewn Dark

Rated: R-NC-17
Category:  A/U  - Rath/Vilandra
Disclaimer: The story contains violence... I urge you not to try it at home, oh yeah. I don't own Roswell..
Summary:   Vilandra's feelings begin to stir for someone...in particular.  Just read the fic.
Author:     -:- Monika -:-


           
             
The loud pleasurable party, being held in the dinning room made Vilandra's crimson lips smack  together with a smirk. It was so light and jocular. The noble throughout Antar had come to celebrate the official crowning of the King's new bride as Queen Ava. She was the fairest maiden in Antar. Yet being a child bride she had dreamed of the day that a handsome prince would ask for her hand.

Soft tapping of glass slippers were heard,  just a few moments before she retired herself from the grand
dinning table. Her rosy cheeks were flushed as she felt as if her eyelids were to flutter down at any given
moment.  She had raised a thin brow as a solider had so quickly volunteered to escort the beautiful princess up the numerous flights of stairs to her private chambers. She gave an innocent honey brown glance towards her brother, King Zan before thanking the solider for breaching the oak doors for her.

Many honorable guests were seated at tonight’s banquet including Antarian nobles, intellectuals,  and Antar's high esteemed General Rath. General Rath was a rather fine built male. Tall, with deep chestnut brown hair, with striking light gray eyes that suddenly glowed dark when he was angered.. His wide shoulders seemed fit with his clad muscular arms;  He indeed was a "fine breed". Zan trusted the masculine General with his life. Over the years, their collaboration had turned into a great companionship.
The feeling was mutual.

Vilandra kept her gaze down on the cold stone steps her glass slippers were climbing, and quickly glanced over towards the stocky solider, whom was holding the wax candle as their only source of light at the moment. The servants had in all probability overlooked to light the torches that hung on the stonewalls of the palace... or were ordered not to seeing that everyone would be downstairs at the banquet. The thickset solider grinned at the divine princess and bowed his head as she stepped up on the last step of the stairway. He led her half way down the dark Royal corridor and paused outside her chamber door. His dark brown gaze lingered to her hand as he gently leaned forward and sloppily kissed it. Vilandra's thin brows furrowed as he leaned over,.. even more so as her honey brown eyes widen as he kissed her hand. She quickly jerked it away, giving him a puzzling look. What on Antar is he doing...?  she thought. His cheery facial expressions quickly disappeared as a flash of anger surged through his body. How rude...! He thought and shook his head. He was sick of this.. sick of being a common solider. Sick of everything. He took a quick stride towards her as masculine hands cupped around her neck, forcefully being pushed against the cold stonewall. Her eyes widen at his sudden action, quickly bringing her soft hands to her neck trying to pry from his tight grasp.

Her breathing was ragged; She was struggling. The stocky solider…obviously had other plans. He was quickly picking at the back of her gown trying to unclasp hooks and open buttons. The sudden sound of a long tear, made his thin lips smirk at the struggling princess. Her dress was torn, but Vilandra kept on trying to pry his short fat fingers off her neck, everyway possible. It was very strange that he to be double jointed,.. the twists and pulls  of his fingers didn't bother him at all.  - " Stop squirming and be a good whore! " -
He breathed out trying to push her to the marble floor. He quickly succeeded but was surprised from her sudden lash out  of her arm trying to strike him as a muffled cry escaped her lips. He held her down even tighter, raising a strong arm, as a hard slap was heard down from the other end of the hallway.

General Rath slowly climbed up the stone steps to the Royal Corridor. Zan had given him the right to live in the palace...knowing there was no reason to be living far away if he spent all his time on these royal grounds. He froze, hearing a faint muffled cry. His eyes dilated as he squinted from the stairway. A candle was lying on the floor..than suddenly  hearing a loud slap.

He quickly ran up the rest of the stairs and paused as he entered the Royal Corridor. There was some sort of a struggle going on...He knew how he had to react no matter the cost. Brawls were not permitted in the Royal palace anyway. He took quick, but quite strides towards the dark shadows. As he got closer the sound of material being torn, the short gasps of air, and small whimpers were heard. His eyes widen. It was Vilandra....it was Vil.....

His eyes, strewn that deep haunting gray. He ran as fast as he could and jumped on the stocky solider...
{Formally known as Nikolas} making him roll away from the princess. Loud gasps of air were heard for her, as she quickly fumbled around for clothing to cover herself. What seemed to her like eternity really happened for only a few minutes... if any longer than that, she would have been killed. The General had great timing, Nikolas had barely managed to harm her. General Rath picked up the solider up by his shirt and slammed his head down into the marble floor several feet away from Vilandra. He quickly stood up, pulling the solider up by the collar of his shirt, and slamming it against the wall like he had done to the princess moments before. Rath began to loudly shout at him, releasing his sudden build up of anger. He blood was boiling...his eyes were still as dark as night. He was known to be a fierce warrior on the battle field, and very aggressive towards his enemies.

 

One of his flaws would be his great lack of mercy. Slowly he lifted the solider higher...  and higher up against the wall until the whites of his eyes had shown after a quick snap of his neck. Rath let go of the body and took a step back, watching it slump on the floor. He gulped, slowly turning around to look at the terrified princess. Dark eyes remained to flicker as he quickly collected himself and slowly approached her and bent down.

Pear shaped droplets of salt began to well up on the side of her honey brown eyes. He had killed him...
and how weak, and vulnerable she looked! Princess Vilandra never showed her true feelings to anyone. She always thought they would use it against her... and say that she was to weak to rule one day. She took a deep ragged breath as her chin tilted down to gaze at the marble floor. Her soft hands slowly rose to wipe a dripping tear that lingered on to her swollen crimson lips. General Rath shifted his weight, and kneeled on one knee, feeling more comfortable as he slowly over at the terrified princess.

- " Are you well, milady? Please...there is no need to weep, for you are safe now. " - Compassionate gray orbs gazed back her her. It was all over now. She had no reason to cry, she would be safe...even though she didn't feel like it. He frowned a bit, and slowly raised his hand towards Vilandra, causing her to flinch a bit. His large rough hand slowly caressed her soft tear stained cheeks, He wasn't an expert at comforting anyone...particularly a women.

Stains of mascara dripped down her face. She was so embarrassed...she was sitting there crying. She had not even cried at her father's funeral. She flinched seeing him raise his hand before, which was followed by a soft sigh escaping her lips as he comforted her. Rath had always seemed very intimidating to her. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to sit there in her torn garments to less, weeping. A few moments had passed before General Rath had hesitated but continued to lean in to embrace her gently. She had never been hugged. You would assume her long gone parents... or even her brother showed a tiny bit of care by a simple embrace. She accepted his hold rather quickly, digging her head to lie upon his dark velvet cloak that covered his shoulder.

He had helped her stand, and escorted her to her private chambers. She quickly paced, with her amber colored robe lying on her smooth shoulders. A deep breath was taken from her sweet lips as she casted a worried glance toward Rath. She knew what he was thinking. As soon as Zan came up stairs to retire for the evening...they had to notify him on what had happened. They both froze as they heard heavy footsteps followed by giggles and Zan's laughter.
                                                                 

Warm chills ran down her wet smooth body as she laid in the bathing tub, with her head back, eyes closed. She never wanted to get out. It felt so warm…so safe. Almost like her first embrace.
She wasn’t told why she had to get all dressed up, or what the Royal Assembly was about. Although she knew it wasn’t about her attack. Zan had promised to keep it a secret…make it not know that the strong willed princess had a moment of vulnerability. She licked her wet crimson lips as she heard a soft knock on her door, followed by the voice of her maidservant Lillian telling her it was time to get ready.

She held her breath as she stood next to her brother’s throne, looking into the crowds of Antarian nobles and soldiers. She loathed assemblies. She felt as if all eyes were on her, and not on Ava who was sitting beside Zan in her own throne. A slight smile spread upon her sweet lips as she caught a glance of General Rath standing in the front row. Her thought lingered as she began to lick her lips, but was quickly interrupted by that oh-so irritating trumpet blast. She sucked in her breath and waited for something to happen.

Zan took a deep breath and lifted his strong chin, leaning his palms against the armrest of his throne to push himself up. With a loud, deep masculine voice he welcomed and thanked the audience for coming in such short notice. He stated that the announcement was brief, but very important. – “ General Rath… would you please step forward. ”- Vilandra furrowed a thin eyebrow as she watched General Rath looked take a step forward with quite the confusion on his face. – “You have proven yourself worthy…in many cases to be a fine leader and Antarian. Therefore…I beseech thee, that thou accept my offer as Second in Command to the throne. ”- The crowded room was in silence. Vilandra’s heart thumped an irregular beat. Second-in -Command. That would mean General Rath would be leader of Antar if anything happened to him. Rath’s eyes widen. He was sure he didn’t deserve such a great and powerful honor. He furrowed a brow, but quickly nodded, lifting a chin to gaze at the King. – “ I gratefully accept, your highness. ”- The crowded room had once again become bustling and noisy as cheers of congratulations and surprise lingered about. Zan quickly grinned as he took a step forward and
shook Rath’s hand. He knew he was making a wise decision. It would be for the best. They also quickly embraced, both grinning at each other. He nodded towards the King before he took slow steps towards the sitting queen and bowed his head, slowly extending a hand so that Ava’s small but soft fingers laid in his. He slowly bent down at the waist and gently kissed them. Smiling to her as he stood up. He turned and began to slowly walk over towards Vilandra. His heart was pounding. She was gorgeous…she felt so lovely in his arms… so real, unlike her princess personality. He was grinning by the time he stood in front of her. He slowly bowed, watching her curtsy out of the corner of his eye. He quickly took her hand, and gazed up at her before slowly kissing the smooth skin. She smelled like wild cherries. He paused a moment, and stood up straight letting his fingers entwine with her own for a few seconds, than turning around to the friendly embraces of Zan whom was talking to the wealthiest noble in Antar. Long eyelashes fluttered down, and slowly back up once more. That was amazing…she wanted more.

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The candle began to flicker as Vilandra slowly closed those heavy oak doors be hide her. She quietly took slow, cautious strides down the Royal Corridor, her heavy maroon colored robe dragging against the marble. She froze, wondering if the guards sitting on the floor would say something or call attention to her. She smirked a bit as she heard a small snooze form the sleeping soldiers. She bit on her bottom lip as she stood in front of another set of heavy Oak doors. She leaned her soft cheek up against the cool wood, and softly knocked, wondering if they were asleep or not. A groggy, masculine voice called within to enter… not brothering to question, who would be knocking at such a late hour. Maybe it had some importance. Well… you can say that.

Vilandra took a deep breath before slowly turning that golden knob, and pushing it a bit open, sticking her head into his chambers holding her robe tight around herself as she search for him. Rath ran long thin fingers through his disheveled hair as he pulled white satin sheets over his lap. He wondered if something had happened. He closely watched as his door cracked open. His dry lips cracked into a wide smirk as he saw the graceful beautiful blush…seeing him half dressed. Vilandra quickly shut her eyes, and turned her back towards him as he apologized to her. He softly told her it was all right for her to come in, once again running his fingers through his hair. She forced a slight smile and she slowly walking in, tightly grasping her robe together.

 

He cleared his throat and took a step closer to her. –“ Is something…wrong, My Lady? Has something happened?  ”- Those light gray eyes couldn’t help glance at her sweet beckoning lips. Casually nibbling on her bottom tier of lush lip she shook her head. – “ Excuse me…General, for disturbing you so late. I…wanted to congratulate you for your “promotion”. ” – Her cheeks couldn’t help but flush as she realize he wasn’t exactly focusing all his attention on her eyes. – “ Well, that’s very kind of you… my lady. ” – Vilandra quickly interrupted him before he could continue. – “ And I also wanted to thank you. For being so compassionate to me. I know that I haven’t been the best…. anything, and…”- General Rath shook his head quickly, stepping forward to place his finger on her lips. – “ Milady… please. Don’t speak of such nonsense. ” –  Her eyelashes automatically fluttered down at the tingle of his touch. She stood there, breathing softly, feeling her heart thump irregular beats. Rath smacked his lips together softly making his finger trail along her luscious lips. He reached to touch her hair, noting that the silky strands seemed to cling to his callused fingers. So soft…He watched her lips part and her breathing quicken. He found himself unable to tear his gaze away from those sweet crimson lips. His head spun. He knew what he wanted to do. To kiss a royal…to touch a royal… in a non-formal way would mean…

He could never in his life recall wanting to kiss anyone as badly as he did Vilandra in this moment. He watched as she licked her own luscious lips and slowly leaned her thin form against his muscular body. She found a bit of warm in his shoulder as her soft cheek rubbed against his velvet shirt. Rath hesitated but slowly raised a strong arm and massaged the back of her maroon robe. He could feel the chills running down her body. Why was she so cold? Vilandra picked up her small chin just so that the smooth skin of her forehead touched his cheek. For a brief instant, Vilandra became very still, her heart thudding in her chest, which felt too tight to breathe…And than she pressed her mouth to Rath’s, as her hand softly caressed his cheek with her fingertips. She felt the strength and suppleness of those lips on her with a sense of disbelief, but also a heady rush of some strange longing. It made her heart race and her blood quicken in her veins. She wanted to be closer to him, as she pressed herself closely to him, still having a tight grasp on her maroon robe. His lips parted and she felt her own suit, felt the hot inner dampness of his mouth. Vilandra’s abdomen turned and her fingers on her free hand tightened on his velvet shirt. Rath went on kissing her, nibbling tasting, exploring her lips and mouth. But, far from confusing her, this only served to make Vilandra certain she wanted more, that the ache growing in her could only be assuaged by closer and closer contact with his man, and this man only.

Rath was overwhelmed by her open and sensual responses to him, driven to have more of her passion. He suddenly took his hot mouth from hers and held her slightly away from him, gazing into her honey brown eyes. Exchange of words was not needed as she gazed back at those warm light gray eyes. He took slow strides towards his bed, and sat down, then pulling her square across his lap. Immediately his lips came back to hers. But only for a moment before they left her mouth to trace a trail of heat across her jaw and down the tender flesh to the base of her throat. Vilandra’s head flung back with her eyes tightly shut. His head rested on the back of her robe as he pulled her closer towards his masculine body and softly whispered in her ear. –“Pray, why do you keep your heavy robe tightly wrapped around your beauty, Vilandra? There is no need to cover yourself so fully.”- A slight smirk traced along his lips. She could only return his smirk as her free hand caressed his clean-shaven cheek. Her fingers slowly loosened the grip of the strings holding her maroon robe so tightly together. The unraveled in front of Rath’s eyes and slowly began to slip off her bare shoulders. She watched his gaze as her only layer of clothing had slipped off her smooth skin. Rath smirked and blushed, rubbing one hand over his eye. She had been like that the whole time. She never intended just to congratulate him, or she did. In her own way. A little laugh escaped her lips seeing the rough General blush at the site of her.

Her full lips brushed against his ear as she leaned her whole body on him and whispered back. – “ One might be surprised that a lady, made the great General blush. ” – She teased just before lowering her chin to kiss his earlobe. His hand rough hand reached up to cup her heavy breast in his free hand. His eyes closed as he felt her nipple harden against his palm, as she planted kisses on his neck. He groaned again, his arms encircled her more closely and she reveled in the feel of her own body as it awakened wherever he touched her. She was aware of her own softness, the curves of her breasts, hips, her thighs, in contrast to the hardness and strength of his body. A soft moan of longing escaped her and her fingers slipped into the dark hair at his nape, holding him more fully to her mouth as his hands continued to glide over her, molding each curve. Vilandra’s questing fingers slid down, across his chest. The muscles tightened distractingly at the sheer powerful maleness of him. Rath bit his lip as softly grabbed her waist, and laid her back on the bed and kissed her deeply.

Her fingers twined into the hair at the base if his neck, pulling him more closely against her. His groan of pleasure only served in to increase the sensations inside her, creating a sweet ache in her lower belly, spreading down to pool at the joining of her thighs. She had never felt so ,so… very…Her hips arched as if her body understood far more of what was happening than she did. Her hands seemed to have a mind of their own as they reached out to his and caressed his chest Rath felt himself harden even more at her touch, at her nearness. There was something about his woman, her soft warm woman scent, and the velvet of her skin that caused his pulse to pound with a dizzying beat. She was so delicate, yet so perfectly formed. He dipped his head to her breast and she reared up beneath him, holding to her tightly. A low sensuous moan left her lips. The sound made the fine hairs on her body stand to attention, leaving a delicious tingling along her flesh. Barely audible, she moaned his name in his ear. He heard her need and felt an answering desire inside himself. Slowly he leaned up on his elbow, his hands unexpectedly unsteady as he gently slipped his other hand down her belly, for a moment enjoying the rousing quivering of that flat plane beneath his hand, before dipping lower. His fingers found her and he swallowed hard at finding her so damp, so eager for him. A fierce, driving need such as he had never experienced coursed through him…Again, softly whispering her own name into her ear. His mouth came back to her and she leaned up, meeting him without restraint, her mouth hot and wet with longing. When he eased her back on to the white satin sheets he placed his hand on her thigh, Vilandra opened to him without hesitation and his manhood throbbed in response. He closed his eyes, trying to get a hold of himself, but when she gasped his name once more, he knew he could wait no more.

Without breaking the contact of their mouths, he moved over her, sliding between her silken thighs, and found her. As he hesitated at the barrier of her maidenhood, she rose up beneath him and it was breached. She gasped, as he did, his mouth leaving hers as he held himself immobile by gathering shreds of self-denial that he had not know he possessed. Hoarsely he whispered, -“ Pray, forgive me, I did not mean to cause you pain.”- Vilandra could not deny that it did not hurt, yet the ache that had been growing in her from the first time he’d kissed her was far more compelling a master than any mere physical pain could ever be. She whimpered in frustration, her body tightening on him convulsively. – “ Please…go on.”- For a brief instant General Rath became very still, and then ever so slowly, he began to move inside her and Vilandra sighed with relief. But that relief was short-lived, for as he moved, she seemed to draw the same instinctual rhythm from her own body and the ache began to grow more pronounced.
She gasped and found her hands reaching out to hold his lean hips of their own accord. And when she did not believe there could be any more ecstasy in all creation, she arched as a burst of pleasure rolled over her. It was so intense the world disappeared and she cried out in inarticulate joy. Rath was aware of her release and the sheer intensity of it, in spite of his own building need. He held her, reveling in her abandon, when she cried out and arched beneath him. Only than did he give in to his own passion, which, now that he had given it free rein, quickly grew to a fierce white point of unutterable pleasure. –“ Vilandra! ”- Her name escaped him without conscious thought. As he stiffened and arched against her, Vilandra felt her own body press against him as his seed shout into her core. Her mouth opened, feeling the hotness in her. It was awing, that this strong, deeply private man had been moved beyond his accustomed control of himself because of her. His eyes gazed down at her body. He sighed and slowly rolled away from her to lie on his back in the soft bed. Vilandra took a long, deep breath. Only as the feelings ebbed did she begin to feel a sense of self-consciousness, wiggling on the white satin sheets as she inched away from him. Rath quickly frowned, and reached out to her. She froze, and turned so that she was gazing back at him. His fingers slid around the curve of her waist as he pulled her towards him. She closed her eyes and comfortable positioned herself in his arms.

A sharp outline of his jaw was taken as he paced in his Chambers. Ava scrunched her nose and slowly opened her eyes seeing her husband’s worry. She cleared her throat before speaking. – “ Pray you, husband. What’s troubling you so? ” – She shifted her weight on the white satin sheets, and clung to the fabric that covered her breasts as she sat up. Zan’s beautiful hazel eyes were flashing a dark almond. –“Vilandra seems to be missing. Her bed was never slept in…she would never leave without informing anyone.” – He rubbed his eyes as he sat down on the edge of the bed. Ava softly shook her head as blond curls bounced off her cheeks. She slowly wiggled her way towards him, grasping the sheet to cover her naked body. She sat be hide him and whispered comforting words as her hand gently massaged his masculine shoulder.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, and sighed before speaking. –“ I know…just what happened to her last week. What if she’s…” – Ava quickly interrupted his thought. – “ Ssshh. ” – She softly whispered kissing the back of his neck. He couldn’t help but smirk, as he turned around to face her, picking her up by her small waist on to his lap. He slowly covered her with the sheets she had pulled with herself. He leaned in and rested his forehead against her own, pausing a moment before gently kissing her pink lips. – “ I have to find her…”- Warmer brown eyes gazed at her before placing her off his lap, and slowly standing to walk towards the Oak doors, turning the golden knob and taking a step outside without even glancing back. Ava sighed, crawling up the bed, gently laying her head on the down pillow.

Zan ran his rough fingers through his raven hair as he took quick strides down the hall towards the guards on duty. He furrowed a brow and told them to tell him where Vilandra had gone, the night before. They both held their breath, not even noticing that the princess had left her chambers, tilting their chins down to gaze at the marble floor. Zan let out a frustrated sigh and rubbed his face. – “ The next time your on duty…stay AWAKE. ”- He raised his voice slightly, glancing at them and than quickly turning away to another solider who whispered into the King’s ear. – “ You haven’t checked in Rath’s chambers? Why on Earth would Vilandra be in there? ”- His brows raised as he listened to the hopeful solider. – “ Than I will do it. I don’t see why you would think Rath would be angry with you…”- He shook his head as he approached Rath’s chambers and softly knocked. He waited there… and heard no answer. He called Rath’s name… and still no answer. He slowly turned the golden doorknob, and cracked open the door stepping inside. Zan’s eyes widen. There laying on Rath’s bed laid his beloved sister tangled in Rath’s legs, with her head on his shoulder…both sound asleep and nude. He clenched his jaw, as his blood began to boil. He quickly turned and slammed the Oak doors shut with a strong masculine arm, making it echo through the palace.

Rath’s eyes quickly opened, his facial expressions stammering as he rubbed his face. He yawned and started to sit up and he paused, seeing the Zan standing in front of the doorway, his eyes black as the raven on his head. Rath’s jaw dropped, and deeply swallowed as his heart thumped an irregular beat.
–“ Your highness…I…”- The rustling of the white satin sheets were heard as Vilandra snuggled against him, as her hand caressed his cheek, still with her eyes closed. Her voice was hoarse as she spoke.
–“ Rath…I told you not to call me that. It’s just Vila…”- Zan quickly interrupted her as he finished her name. – “ Vilandra. ” – She furrowed a brow, as her eyes struggled to slowly open, peering over towards the door. A soft gasp escaped her lips as he saw Zan and his anger peering out through his eyes. She quickly sat up and held the sheet against her. – “ Collect yourself and leave me to speak with the General. “ – He coldly and stated almost glaring at her. – “ NO. Zanith…Don’t harm him. ” – She raised her voice towards him returning his glare. Zan quickly rolled his eyes, and sharply spoke. – “ DO NOT toy with me, Vilandra. Now do as I say. ” - Rath took a deep breath. He did not want Vilandra arguing with Zan over
him. – “ Vilandra…” - Vilandra’s cheeks flushed with sudden anger. – “ NO. I’m not going anywhere. You treat me as if I were a child… incapable of making my own decisions.”- Her own honey brown gaze turned a deep shade of russet. Zan scoffed at her response. – “ Have we forgotten that I am your brother… your guardian and ALSO the King? For the last time, YOU DO as I say or I will drag you out myself and throw you into the corridor, flesh exposed and all.”-  Vilandra sarcastically smirked. – “ Do as you wish…brother.  For I am not shifting from this bed.”- Zan’s eyes flashed another shade of ebony as he took quick strides towards the bed. Rath quickly grabbed the sheet around his waist and hopped over Vilandra landing in front of Zan as he jumped off the bed. –“ Your highness… please. This is being blown out of proportion.”- Rath cleared his throat, after gently speaking to him. His duty as a General had certain obligations. He had to obey strict orders that the King had commanded. It was in his blood. Once he had received the Military symbol on his chest…it was in him. Zan once again clenched his strong jaw and raised his hand just a bit, making Rath fly towards the opposite end of the room with his powers. Vilandra’s heart thumped as she tightened the grasp on the satin sheet covering her curvy body. She eyes turned her own shade of Ebony as he approached her. Zan had forgotten he gave her the authority to use her powers anything, after her attack. Just before he reached down to grab her arm, Vilandra quickly stuck her arm out and gave out the lime green force field, enabling him to come near her. – “ VILANDRA! ”- He shouted glaring at her through the force field, with quick flashes of anger in his eyes. She smacked her lips together and spoke in a normal tone of voice. – “ You may be the King…but you aren’t my King. Leave us, Zan. Just go…”- His hands trembled with anger. She was using her powers… the ones that he gave her against him. She was straight forward disobeying him. He clenched his jaw and turned towards the door. Just before reaching the door, he quickly turned toward Rath and grabbed him by the throat, raising him higher… and higher… Vilandra’s eyes widen as she quickly jumped out of the bed, her white satin sheet tangled around her body as she ran towards her brother. She had to think quickly… or Zan was going to kill him. There was no way he was bluffing either. She had to make a quick decision, one that would please him and maybe change his mind. She quickly dropped to her knees, closing her eyes tightly as pear shaped droplets of salt spilled down her face. She grabbed on to his leg and begged him to stop. – “ PLEASE Zan! Please…please…I’m sorry! … Please… Zan stop… please.”- She choked out as fresh tears continued to spill over her eyelids. She could hear Rath gasping for air. With his jaw tightly clenched Zan squeezed Rath’s neck, and suddenly opening his palm, letting Rath drop to the floor with a loud thump. He shook Vilandra’s arms off his leg and exited the room.

Loud ragged breaths drummed in Rath’s throat. Vilandra’s facial expressions twisted as she continued to sob, crawling over towards him, grasping his hands, bringing her lips to them kissing him. – “ I’m sorry… so sorry…please… I didn’t know he would hurt you.. I…I” – She stammered as sobbed. Rath sucked in another deep breath as he pulled his hands away from her to push himself to sit up. He reached out for her and cradled her in his arms. – “ Sssh. I know you are. It’s fine.”-

His blood was still boiling his aura was peeking through. Testosterone… perhaps? He had so much control he learned how to hide his emotions from others…but it seemed he was going out of control…haywire. Why had he gotten so angry? Jealously… among other things. Maidservants holding trays of fine porcelain froze seeing the enraged King. They all ran up against the wall, so not to get in his way. As he quickly passed them, out of nowhere the porcelain pieces shattered due to the lack of control of his powers. One girl shrieked as pieces of porcelain dug and scratched into her face. He’s eyes widen as he quickly turned around and ran to the girl. She covered her face, as her hands began to tremble seeing the King quickly approach her. Zan grabbed her hands away from her face and placed his hands slowly over the wound. Zan quickly healed her and let go of her grasp. The girl quickly touched her cheeks and took a deep breath. Only the ruler of Antar could heal, and he rarely used it, and if he did it would be on close family members. Zan

took quick strides away from her walking down the corridor. The maidservant, shouted her thanks to him watching him quickly flee. Zan’s breath quickened. He needed a way to calm down. The only person he trusted right now, the only person he knew would never do him harm, was Ava. He flung his chamber doors open, setting his gaze on Ava who was now fully dressed, gazing out the window with her arms crossed. He assumed she had heard what happened, and knew why he was there. He quickly sat on the edge of the bed and put his head in his hands. Ava took quick strides towards the bed and sat down next to him. She lowered her voice so that it was a whisper, and began speaking to him about a variety of things. The weather, books, films and told him to take deep breaths while listening to her. After several moments of whispering, Ava slowly got up and walked to face him, where she knelt down and gazed in his black eyes. She slowly extended her hand and very gently touched his cheek, making sure not to startle or anger him in anyway. He briefly flinched. She could feel him fighting his energies off not to snap at her. She slowly started to caress his cheek, and again softly whispering. His aurora had calmed down quite a bit, but was still visible. She crawled closer to him and sat at his feet. She wasn’t sure if it was Zan… or just an Antarian King “thing” in general. They always felt pleased, powerful when people were at their feet. Luckily, Vilandra had remembered and quickly kneeled. Ava ran her small hands up the sleeve of his pants, just rubbing his leg. Zan quickly closed his eyes as Ava watched his aura quickly disappear. Although his eyes were a dark brown, he quickly told Ava to get off the floor. He insisted that he would never let her sit at his feet. He shook his head and extended his arms out to her and easily lifted her on to his lap. She leaned forward and kissed him, softly pulling away to gaze into his eyes. – “ Are you feeling better? ”- He slowly nodded. – “ Thank you. ”-

                                                                                      -  +   -
With her blueberry eyes widen open, Ava quietly laid in Zan’s arms. She had been up all night… she just couldn’t sleep. Soft mumbles escaped Zan’s dry lips as he turned, instinctively reaching his hand out until he found the curve of Ava’s hip and pulled her towards him with his strong arm. She closed her eyes briefly, inhaling his sweet scent. Many people had rumored that their marriage was false…arranged by their parents long before they were born. That simply wasn’t true. The first time they had met was at a dance. Ava had snuck out; Zan had seen her standing by the lake alone and came over. They started talking and as Ava leaned in to whisper in his ear, Zan touched her cheek and kissed her. That’s were it all began. In more ways than one Zan relied on Ava to keep him in contact with his real self, and not that burning Antarian Seal on his chest. It often took control of his emotions and decisions, and he once told her in secrecy that he felt she was the only one that could bring him back. His strong jaw rubbed against her curly hair as soft strands rippled against the tiny stubble on his chin.

– “ Morning.” – He breathed with a hoarse voice. Ava paused a moment before returning her morning greeting. – “ Pray, something wrong my love? ”- He softly asked before yawning, keeping his grasp around the curve of her hip. She pulled away from him only to turn her small body around so that they were face to face. She slowly leaned into him and softly kissed him on his thin lips. He opened his eyes and smiled at her, but before he could say another word, Ava began to speak. – “ I’m with child… ”- Zan’s mouth gaped as he glanced back at her. He quickly licked his lips and smiled. He quickly leaned over and kissed her on the lips, her own rosy cheeks flushed as she smiled. Zan smirked as he gently grabbed the curve of her hip so that her stomach was pressed against his abdomen. His strong arms wrapped around her small waist, gently caressing her back. His hands lingered to her silky blonde curls, running his rough hands through them. –  “I’m very pleased. You will surely make an excellent mother.”- He was being truthful. Zan knew Ava would love and protect their child everyway possible, she was just that type of person. – “ And you, my King, will make a wonderful father.” – She spoke softly. - “Thank you… ” -
                                                                         
Three Weeks Later…


Rath held his posture straight as he looked ahead towards the wild orchid palace gardens. He quickly cleared his throat and slowly glanced toward Zan, who was strolling right beside him. This was his chance…Rath thought. Strong arms slowly rose to the back of his neckline, scratching the nape of is neck. Zan slowly furrowed a brow, and momentary looked over towards the muscular General. – “ Your Highness…” - Rath began, rather timidly. – “ I know things haven’t been well with the two of us…but I humbly ask your grace for a favor…” - Zan forced a slight smile towards a few of the courtiers, and paused a moment lifting a strong chin to gaze back at Rath’s eyes. A moment of silence passed when Zan replied. – “ Of course… Pray good sir…continue! ” - He said with a bit of annoyance in his strong voice. – “ Well…your highness. I respectfully ask you for Princess Vilandra’s hand…” – Zan’s strong jaw clenched as he brought a large hand to his right temple, and slowly began to rub his forehead. – “ Her hand…in marriage? ” – Rath quickly nodded, his warm gray eyes seem to plead into the golden delineated hazel orbs of the Antarian King. – “ Rath… Vilandra is very special… she’s…she’s destined to be a queen.  Marriage papers were brought to my attention, seeing that she has come of age. The Prince of the Lands of the Skins wishes to…. my friend…she will never assume the position of queen… if you as my second take her hand. It cannot be. I will not allow my sister’s only chance of monarchy to go to waste. ” - Silence fell upon them both as they continued to stroll down the brick paved path into the palace gardens. – “ Your highness, your grace commends me as your companion, but yet you think ill of me to take Vilandra’s hand. I stand by your grace each day… I protect you in a variety of different battles, as well as awarded for my bravery… and to see fit I am your most well-know bachelor in the kingdom. Your highness… I implore you…please as a friend and a faithful Antarian… until my last breath… I will offend your honor, Antar and Vilandra’s name. ” - Rath’s intense dark gray eyes seemed to flicker back at the King. Zan slowly shook his head, and continued to gaze around the garden to collect his thoughts before speaking. – “ I do. I commend you on your great nationalistic character and your boldness and persistence. But, Rath you will not win with me. I will not deny what is right for Vilandra. In fact, if you have never heard me say it before I will right now. I love her, greatly. And I love… very few people.” – Zan almost seemed to be smiling as he spoke.

 

Rath tried to keep his gaze away from the King, so not to anger him with his dark gray orbs. – “ Your highness… The Princess will not be happy so far from Antar…”-  Zan quickly shook his head and glanced over towards Rath. – “ You do not know what the Princess wants. And if you are correct, she does not know herself. As her brother I am her guardian and I know what’s best for her. Period…end of discussion. ” – Rath quickly clenched his fist and asked the King…ever so politely to be excused.

With one palm pressed against the cold stonewall, as his body pressed against her, he leaned forward and whispered into her ear. She slowly licked her full lips as her hand caressed his back. He was wearing thick armor. A chill ran down her down as she felt the cold metal. Her eyes were shut, feeling him roughly against her. She paused a moment and listened to his whispering and fluttered open her eyes and quickly shook her head. – “ No. I can’t…” – He gently shook his head and raised a strong arm to tilt her small chin up. – “ Just once more.. ”- She shook her head once again leaning her palm against his chest, pausing for a moment and finally, slowly nodded.
                                                                              
Her long rose-colored gown swiped along the marble floor of the Royal Corridor. Vilandra began to pace back and forth in front of the King’s chamber, and paused a moment to nibble on the bottom of her full crimson lip. A heavy sigh was heard from her lips as she squinted at the sounds of giggling be hide the large oak doors. They could at least learn to be quite…  She thought. Vilandra shook her head and took quick strides towards the door and loudly knocked.

Zan gave out a loud sigh, and ran his long fingers through his disheveled raven-colored hair. – “ What is it? ” – He asked boldly, with a tone of discomfort and annoyance. Before Vilandra could answer, he quickly gazed towards Ava. – “ I need to speak with you, brother… ” – Her voice seemed to be a bit confused. – “ Can’t it wait? ”-  Already knowing what her reply was going to be he stood up and walked over towards his red silken robe. He quickly slid his arms in it and let it sway be hide him as he walked towards the wooden doors, again glancing up at Ava whom was in her nightgown. A quick of the golden knob was given, as a gush of air hit Vilandra’s long blonde hair and flew back a bit. Her eyes were reddened, as her eyelashes fluttered down to gaze away from his hazel orbs. Zan quickly stepped aside, and allowed Vilandra in as he turned and asked Ava to leave the room for a moment. Ava let out a soft scuff as her white robe clinged against her petite body and warm bulging stomach. Zan frowned a bit as she watched her take quick strides out of the room and slowly closed the door be hide her. – “ What is it? What’s troubling you? ” –

Vilandra crossed her arms as she gazed down at the marble floor, as her eyelashes fluttered down every now and than. – “ You love to stand in the way of my happiness... don’t you? You dream up these lies… fantasies that you want me to fulfill…and except me to just follow your every command. I am not your piece of property to sell… to some Skin. ”- Zan quickly rolled his eyes and turned away from her taking slow strides towards the window. – “ Is this…what this is all about? You ask to speak to me in the middle of the night…to listen to your babbling? Why can’t you just grow up and accept your duties as a royal? ” – Vilandra quickly scoffed as her honey brown eyes remained on the floor. – “ I’m not you. I don’t have any royal duties to fulfill. I think you just want me under your control… so you can watch me all day. I’m not a child anymore Zan…you can’t protect me from everything forever. ” – Black lashes slowly blinked at her, and quickly turned away. He gazed down at the orchid gardens and slowly spoke. – “ Did Rath tell you of this..? ” – Vilandra quickly shook her end and grabbed a handful of her dress slowly walked towards him. – “ You never notice where I am…do you? You two were speaking right in front of me the whole time… and you didn’t even think to look towards the benches. ” - Zan quickly clenched his jaw staring out into the window. – “ That’s not true. ” – Vilandra slowly brought her fingertips to her full bottom lip, and slowly wiped a small salt drip from it. – “ If you really love me…as you so boldly declared a few weeks ago you will let me w- ” –   “ No. ” –

Vilandra took a ragged breath in as she let her hands drop down to her sided. – “ Don’t make me…I implore you. ” - Zan furrowed a brow, and glanced be hide his shoulder towards his angry sister. – “ Make you…do what? ” -   - “ I know you all too well. You always think about yourself… this time I beseech you not only to think of Ava…but your child…your sweet little heir to the throne. Dark oculars flashed as his strong jaw clenched, slowly turning to gaze at Vilandra…who was staring straight into his dark eyes with her own raven reflection. – “ You would not dare…” - Vilandra slowly smiled as she took slow strides backwards, completely turning away from him walking toward the oak doors. – “ And I quote... “ Hell hath no fury like a women scorned. ” – Dark oculars followed her curvy figure towards the door as a pang of worry hit him. – “ Vilandra, wait…” –

A week later…


Rath slowly blinked as he watch the last few people stroll out of the Assembly room. He couldn’t explain it. What made the King change his mind? A confused looking grin appeared on his face as he saw Vilandra’s jovial gaze looking back at him. King Zan had just announced General Rath and Princess Vilandra’s betrothal. How and what changed his mind stayed a secret between both Vilandra and Zan. Ava sweetly smiled as she sat in the Queen’s throne, with a small hand placed upon her big stomach.  The child was due next month. As soon as the couriers filed out of the large room, Rath quickly went over to Zan and bowed his head before shaking his hand vigorously. -  “ Thank You, your highness… thank you. ” – Rath grinned and thanked Ava as well. Vilandra quickly ran over towards them and slipped her arm against his own, tilting her chin up to gaze at him. Vilandra’s heart was thumping. She finally had what she wanted. Drunken bachelors would not try to hang on her and follow her around. She belonged to him.  Zan forced a slight smile as he turned away from them and took slow strides to Ava. He slowly reached out both of his hands and extending them to Ava. She gracefully accepted them as he quickly pulled her up off the chair. Having such a petite frame made it hard for her to carry such a heavy child.

Vilandra leaned her head against Rath’s wide shoulder, almost begging for him to embrace her as they walked down the paved path of the orchid garden. Salt drips were wiped away with her small hand as Ava’s gaze lingered down on them from the window of her chambers. She quickly turned around hearing Zan come in and starting to speak about the current Skin and Antarian situation. He went on and on while fumbling around the room pacing. Ava quietly stood there watching, but not listening to him. She looked up and saw her husband’s worried gaze on her as he stood in front of her. His slowly extended his hand to caress her cheek and she began to speak. A ragged breath was taken as her voice sounded low and fearful. – “ Your not the father of my child…” – Zan quickly furrowed a brow and let his hand quickly drop from her cheek to his sided. Her eyes welled up with tears at his action as she turned towards the window, away from the painful look in his eyes. Her small hand rested on her round stomach and swallowed before she spoke up once more. – “ Khivar, is the father of my child. I’ve been seeing him since the beginning…” – His strong jaw clenched as his warm eyes swirled with blackness, taking slow steps away from her.
                                                                                       

                                                                                            Fin

                                                                             Written By: Monika
                                                                        SweetRedPoison@yahoo.com
                                                    Please contact the author before borrowing, or using.