Defy

“I don’t want to go back.” I stand at the edge of the forest, gazing out over the Balthian grasslands.

“Neither of us has a choice,” Tristan speaks calmly.

Far in the distance, the Crystal Palace towers high above, dominating the pristine landscape. I may have once thought it was beautiful, but in this moment, it is nothing more than a prison. My wedding to Liira is to take place in only two days. While Tristan and I were away reveling along with the Fardallan court, my family has no doubt been busily preparing.

“Let’s wait here for a bit longer.” I look up toward Tristan, his boyish nest of chocolate-brown hair rustling slightly in the breeze.

Soon I will marry his sister…soon he will be my brother-in-law. Forever close to me, yet perpetually out of reach. I can’t bear the thought.

“We can stay as long as you’d like.” Tristan steps toward me, gripping my shoulders and pushing me up against a tree.

His amber eyes focus into my own, glittering with a cocky, powerful aura. I reach up and wrap my arms around his muscular neck as he presses his frame into me, sandwiching me against the tree trunk. Wordlessly, we hold the embrace, savoring these final moments of our passionate journey together. Once we cross back into the palace, we will no longer be lovers…we will once again be forced into the roles we were fated to play.

Tristan leans in close, his warm lips locking into mine. I open my mouth slightly, letting his tongue slide in as I salivate. I’ll never tire of his heavy taste. I’ll never tire of letting him inside me.

“Hnnggghhh!” I groan as his hand presses into my crotch, grinding against my swollen bulge.

I feel my body tremble with adrenaline as I grow more powerless by the second. I feel so weak when he does this…I’d do anything to satisfy this incredible young prince.

But he breaks away.

“Fuck, don’t stop!” My voice quivers slightly.

“We shouldn’t do this here. Someone might see.”

I grimace. He’s right.

We mount our horses and ride off into the green sea of grass, making our way toward the capital city. This is it. This is the end of my freedom.

Unless I can do something about it.

✦ ✦ ✦

“Well, I’m glad you had Tristan with you.” My father stands in my bedroom, the two of us alone.

“It wasn’t THAT bad. Everyone was just having fun.”

“Nonsense, such sexual perversion has no place in the court of a monarch! You didn’t partake, did you?!”

“Of course not,” I lie.

Perhaps telling him about the unrestrained debauchery at the Fardallan court was a bad idea…but I’m sure he would’ve found out some way or another.

“Good. Let that be a lesson to you ahead of your wedding day. You represent our nation. All eyes will soon be on you.”

“I won’t let the kingdom down.” I feel a knot in my stomach.

“I know. I believe in you.” He smiles at me warmly. “Tomorrow night we will hold the royal banquet and perform the traditional Balthian rites. The wedding will take place the following morning. Tradition dictates you are not to see Liira before the wedding day and will be confined to your bedchamber.”

“Sounds like fun.” I flop down on my bed and moan.

“This will be a life-changing event. You’ll never forget it.”

“I’m sure…” I wistfully gaze out the window as my father leaves.

I feel like a prisoner here, isolated and forbidden from seeing anyone. I wish there was a way for me to escape…to escape all of this.

As I stew in my anxiety, the pulsating warmth of the bloodglass pendant catches my attention. I’m not really alone here. I have Soren!

I pull off the necklace, holding the crimson gem between my fingers. I close my eyes and focus intently on the stone, calling out to the magical power inside.

Soren.

Please come.

I need you.