When I wake, light shines through the small corner window. My neck and back ache, stiff from dozing off too much on the thin sleeping mat. I stretch out a bit, yawning and rubbing my eyes. A need for coffee hits me hard. Too bad on Kerenza, there is none— or at least not in Zhenaria. People here have never heard of it. Maybe I’ll get better luck if I ever leave this kingdom. Zhenarians have their own special kind of tea— Morning Brew— that is supposed to be a morning shot of energy. I haven’t tried it yet, but from Wrenn’s memories I know it doesn’t suit his taste buds. Legs wobbly and eyes half-closed, I stagger to the main room of the smithy. The old man is there, sitting at the table with a cup of Morning Brew, and his gaze is locked onto something in front of him. As I shift my attention to whatever he’s looking at, my eyes widen and my sleepiness dissipates. On the table, in a fine red leather scabbard, lies a sword. The sheath is crafted with skill, though that’s not what c
I step back, trying to keep my distance from the rusty blade waving menacingly inches away from my nose. A foot intentionally placed behind my ankle sends me to the ground. I land on my backside with a loud thud. Okay, this is getting a bad turn. I can practically feel fear freezing my bones. I look at my sword, and my fingers tighten their grip around the hilt. It won't do me any good. I can barely swing it. What chance would I have to defend myself against so many thugs?The thieves’ leader steps forward. With a smug smirk, he looms over me, the rusty blade raised high before lowering slowly until its point reaches my neck. “You’re not much of a fighter, are you?” To underline his mockery, he lets out a huff of scorn. “Your bulky frame isn’t of any help if you have no skill. So, are you going to die for a sword or hand it over to us?”Not giving them the obsidian sword may be a one-way ticket to a painful death. My hunch is that having my flesh ripped apart by a rusty blade would
We walk along the streets of Bree's new turf. These parts of the city seem unnaturally quiet and empty. Not a single soul is in sight. The doors of the shops are shut, and the windows are covered with thick curtains.“What do you think is going on?” I ask. Bree glances around before continuing with her silent stride.“Nothing really.” Eyeing me, she explains, “Whistling is how gangs in town communicate. They call each other and signal when and where to set up ambushes. People know something bad will happen shortly, and they are wise enough to stay indoors for their safety and close shops to protect their merchandise. You could’ve noticed this if you weren't so busy running around like a headless chicken.”“Point taken,” I mutter.Strolling through the streets with Bree at my side, I feel strangely at ease, even in the midst of such an eerie silence. It’s good to have someone walking next to me, although it probably has more to do with my subconscious wanting her company. But I'm not
“Oh, look at that,” I say, pointing toward the golden palace gates and the guards standing at attention. “We’ve arrived. I should hurry up and find the lord who requested this sword.”Waving my hand clutched around the red scabbard in a kind of awkward farewell, I slowly turn away and rapidly depart, praying that Bree won't follow me. I don’t think the palace guards would let her in anyhow. Not looking back, I rush toward the palace, hoping I’ll be let in without any problems. As I get closer, I'm in awe at the royal guards in full regalia. Ornate armors gleam in the sunlight, the likes of which I have never seen before. Intricate designs decorate their helmets, and the hilts of their swords are encrusted with gems. They seem to take pride in their position as decorative elements rather than actual security. In my book, flaunting grandeur and prestige to impress is not necessary when your purpose is to serve and protect.As I approach, one of the guards glances at me without shifti
Once I’m on the second floor, I pause and listen carefully. Aside from some birds chirping in the distance, I hear nothing. That's a good sign. Unfortunately, the window is closed and can be opened only from the inside. No other way to get in, I have to climb up to the next floor.I continue my ascent, looking around only once I reach the third floor. A balcony with railings stands right next to me, so I move past the sill. Keeping my eyes on the window to make sure no one sees me, I climb onto the ledge. Holding firmly onto the circular shape, I use it as a handhold to maneuver myself over the railing and land on the balcony. From here, I can see the entire courtyard, in which I spot a lady. Her attention is focused on the flowers blooming in the garden. She moves her hands over the blossoms with soft strokes, occasionally bending down to smell a flower. Hopefully, she won't look up.A pleased smile spreads across my face when I find the balcony door open. I take a deep breath and
“I’m going to release you,” I whisper as I pull my hand away from her mouth. “Please, don’t make a sound, Naomi.”Still confused, she shakes her head. Her eyes flicker back and forth around the room, examining it for any potential threats. I feel a pang of guilt for making her so tense. To really emphasize that staying silent is so important, I lay my index finger over her lips, keeping it there for a few seconds, before gesturing toward the slightly ajar door.Her eyebrows draw together in a worried expression as she takes a long breath. After a moment, she nods. I let go of her and step away. Naomi stares at me, her confusion evident in her wide eyes. She moves her hands towards her chest and touches her breasts, ensuring that her clothing is properly straightened. She is much shorter than me, and from my vantage point, her cleavage is right on display. I want to stare at her barely covered tits, but two women and a strawberry fill every corner of my mind.The scene in the other
In a hurry so as to not get discovered, I quickly close my pants, pick up the sword, and gesture to Naomi to cover her exposed breast. Her eyes glow with lust as she stares at my face still on her knees. When I turn around to the ajar door, the sight of the blonde lying on her back, sprawled out on the bed, has me gawking like an idiot. Unfortunately, I don’t have time for this. Neither for the blonde, nor for the widow. I don't want to think about it any longer, lest my cock stiffens once more. With a sigh, I lean and kiss Naomi’s forehead, whispering, “I need to go, but I promise I will return to pay you back in kind. We’ll meet at your place.”In a bit of a haze after the powerful orgasm I’ve just had, I quickly head out. I open the door and step out into the hallway. At the other end, a guard looks at me with a strange expression. His eyebrows raise when he sees me. Then he frowns and starts marching toward me. It’s too late to turn back, and I can’t make a run for it becaus
Much to my surprise, I'm about to get out of the palace unscathed and without a big fuss. I find myself in the middle of the courtyard surrounded by trees and flowers with the big winged horse statue to my right, the palace behind me, and the golden gates right ahead.I withhold a sigh of relief the moment the royal guards pull back and open the gates, and I step through them into the city streets. Just as I’m ready to depart, a servant comes running toward the gates and breathlessly beckons for the guards. “The prince—” His voice breaks off, but it doesn`t take long for the rest of the words to come out. “The prince asks if a man by the name of ‘Wrenn Dorn’ was let into the palace.”“Yes.” The guard who escorted me turns back and points at me. “That’s Wrenn Dorn. He’s leaving now.”“Stop him!” the servant yells. “Prince Theodore orders for Wrenn Dorn to be brought to him at once!”The same prince who wants me dead and to stop being a thorn in his side. There’s no way in hell I’ll l