Sorceress

Excerpt From: Sorceress

Elishiba, the Empress of Aleem, slipped off her robe and sandals and walked down the steps into her bathing pool. She sank gratefully into the water, which was piped into the palace, warmed in a huge furnace and scented with blossoms for her ornate lapis lazuli and turquoise tiled bath. On the ebb of the evening, songbirds gathered in the tranquil courtyard outside her chambers and she listened to them as she bathed. Lush green foliage crept through the narrow, arched windows, filtering the remaining light as the sun lowered outside. A servant had lit candles that were set into evenly spaced niches in the walls. Soon the room was infused with a warm glow that outshone the fading light of the outside world.

The outside world. Elishiba sighed. Soon she would have to leave Aleem to marry an Emperor from a neighbouring land in order to secure peace for her country. It pained her to even think about leaving her home, but she hoped and prayed that her strength of will would carry her through difficult times ahead, for the sake of her people

“Empress Elishiba, may I request an audience with you?”

It was Xerxes, her closest and most loyal warrior, friend, and—often times—lover. The drapes of his robe swayed with movement as he stopped at the top of the steps. His bared chest looked inviting against the pure white of his garment slung low across one shoulder. With his massive, muscled arms folded he presented a powerful image and she admired it openly, smiling up at him. “Yes.”

He made no effort to hide the fact he was watching her breasts bob gently near the surface of the water. “It is difficult to speak about matters of great importance, when I am distracted by your…beauty.”

She enjoyed the sight of simple desire in his eyes and wished for a less complex life. “In that case, please linger, and I will dress and join you.”

He bowed in acknowledgement. As he did, the beautiful shape of his shaven head was highlighted by the wavering patterns of the candlelight dancing across the skin like shadows on the far hills at sunset. The shape of his head, alone, was handsome. He knew that, and had it shaved daily in order to catch her eye. His smooth, golden skin was the colour of the sandstone walls of the temples when the afternoon sun warmed them. His brows were dark, echoing the dark line of hair that grew down his chin. Rows of silver hoops adorned his ears. They were evenly spaced except for one gap, where she had pulled the hoop free in her moment of climax. He wore the scratch she had given him with true pride, reminding her of his sexual prowess.

His dark eyes grew ever blacker as he looked at her body through the petals on the water. She was very fond of him, and they had been lovers until the latest turn of events had forced her to put some distance between them. It was hard, to say the least. He was an adept lover, as well as a fine Aleem warrior. She took a deep breath. The heady scent of the perfumed water intoxicated her, adding its own invitation to the senses, making her want to couple with him, for pleasure and comfort.

She swam across the pool towards the steps. As she rose out of the water and mounted the steps, his stare imbued her with her own kind of strength—lusty female power and potent desire. “Allow me to assist you.” He reached for a wrap, shaking it out for her to step into.

“Thank you. What is it you wish to speak to me about?” She could guess, but hoped he would not be too difficult about it. She turned against the wrap, offering her back to him.

“Empress, it is difficult to think of anything other than this.” He enclosed her in the fabric and in doing so locked her in his embrace.

Her bare shoulder tingled as he rested a kiss there. The touch, brief, warm and seductive, forced her to close her eyes for a moment. Her body responded, heat gathering at her centre. She clutched at the fabric, her head sinking back against his shoulder. “Xerxes, I need to keep my thoughts level, and you make them wander.”

His large hands moved, cupping her breasts through the fabric while he breathed close against her ear. “I am your servant. I willingly give you pleasure. Let me ease your troubled spirit, Mistress.”

The fabric shifted under his touch, and his thumbs grazed her exposed nipples, caressing them back and forth, until they were peaked and painfully sensitive. He knew her body well, and her entire skin tingled in response to his provocative touches. Darts of longing assailed her, from her breasts to the hot, receptive flesh between her thighs. She swayed, instinctively leaning back against him, which he took for encouragement. One hand anchored her between her breasts, holding her steady against him, while the other shot lower, cupping her mound as the fabric fell to the floor, forgotten.

The clutch of his hand on her sensitive flesh did indeed distract her. The firm, rhythmic squeeze of his large hand over her sensitive folds was most delicious. It was so hard to resist. She savoured it, her hips rolling back and forth. The intimate connection set waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

“You have only to say the word,” he whispered, “and I would gladly offer you relief.”

At her back, she felt him grow taut with lust. The desire for more intimacy was in her blood, too, but she knew she must deny it, for both their sakes. That would be wrong, especially so for him. Soon, she would be joined in marriage with another man. She drew away, forcing herself to put a few steps between them, before she turned to face him.

The expression in his eyes was disappointed, but she knew what he had come to discuss, and it would be much harder to deny her emotions if they were entwined in her bed, sated and intimate. They had been well matched as lovers, but that had to be in the past now. If their union had been meant to be, she would not have been able to deny him. That thought strengthened her.

“You wished to speak with me.”

His expression grew masked. “I noticed that your father seems frailer today.”

Elishiba ached, and glanced away from his probing gaze before she responded. This was just one more reason why she had to be strong, and to take action for their people. “I fear his health continues to weaken.”

“He is no doubt concerned to hear you plan to sacrifice yourself to our enemies.” Anger shone in his eyes.

Elishiba took a deep breath to steady herself. This is what he had really come to speak to her about. She would soon announce her agreement to marry Hanrah, the Emperor of Karseedia. In truth, she saw it as a chance to get close to Hanrah and negotiate. She did not plan to allow her country to be swallowed by his or anyone else’s. It was a dangerous situation. There was no easier solution, so she had decided to pursue it, with caution.

“Karseedia is a treacherous country, my Empress. A place ruled through evil and wrongdoing.” His gestures grew impatient.

“What you say about Karseedia is true.” She stepped behind the dressing screen and pulled on a robe—not waiting for a servant to help her—belting it quickly at the waist with a sash, before rejoining him. “However, there are worse threats further afield, and we must strengthen Aleem in defence against them.” Her thoughts turned briefly to the many half-made plans she harboured, plans of gaining security for her people without sacrifice. The provinces surrounding Aleem were jockeying for alliances. It was time for commitment if they were to strengthen against outside enemies.