Ruled by the Princess

Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

The forest was alive with the sounds of creatures preparing for cold weather ahead. Belle picked her way through the fallen leaves of scarlet, bright orange, and citrus colors, their already decaying kin crunching beneath them under the weight of her hooves. A light breeze stirred the fine hairs that had come loose from her pins, and Kit felt more alive than she had for half a moon’s phase.

Reeve rode behind her, his horse tromping through the leaves, not as delicate as sweet Belle. A large chestnut stallion, named Red—clearly a suggestion from Reeve’s grandfather who preferred obvious names—the horse did exactly as his rider instructed, which was no surprise to Kit since Reeve had proven himself a horse whisperer the first time she’d visited the barn with him.

That seemed so long ago. So many events had taken place since then. She remembered thinking he was slightly aloof until he’d kissed her there in front of the horse stalls. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life without this man. Strong and serene, always there, ready to do whatever he could to make Kit comfortable, to make her happy.

They were riding through the forest on the west side of the castle. It took longer to get there because the barns were all on the east side, save the military outbuildings, but Kit wanted to free herself of the burdens that traveling into the forest near the remains of Eli’s family home would undoubtedly place on her shoulders.

She hadn’t ridden this direction for years. The last time she remembered traversing here, she’d been a little girl, and rather than riding on her own steed, she’d been in front of her father. It had been a small group. The duke had been one of the only adults to go. The other, her Aunt Nill, who never seemed to leave the castle anymore except to watch competitions in the Choosing. She had brought Avinia, her daughter, Isla, and an older cousin who no longer lived at Wrenbrook, Jan.

They’d made a day of it. Riding through unexplored territory (for the girls, anyway), picnicking, climbing up hills and boulders on foot. But the best part of the day had been a secret hot spring her father had shown her. The girls had stripped down to their chemises and knickers and gone in the warm water, delighted at the refreshing sensation the bubbles created. It was one of her fondest memories, but she hadn’t allowed herself to think of it for so long. Thoughts of how happy her father had been that day caused her heart to ache. When was the last time she’d seen him genuinely smile?

“You are lost in your head again, aren’t you angel?” Reeve asked, pulling alongside her as the path widened a bit.

His voice startled her slightly, and Kit lowered her eyes in embarrassment. “I’m afraid so. I apologize. I was just thinking about my father.”

Reeve’s mouth turned up slightly at the corners, and he reached over to gently place his hand on top of hers for a moment. “You don’t get to see him very often anymore, do you?”

“No, not at all. In fact, I haven’t seen him for weeks. I worry about him, all alone in that dark room. I have no idea if anyone else ever goes to visit him.” She felt guilty for not having gone to see him more frequently. It was so difficult during her Choosing, but he was worth more effort on her part.

“I’m sure that will all change soon enough, once you are queen, my love. Then, he’ll be free to roam about the castle as he chooses.”

The thought brought a smile to Kit’s face, until another idea occurred to her. “What if he disapproves? What if something happens to my mother, or he feels she should stay the rightful ruler? He might decide he no longer wants me for a daughter.”

Reeve’s eyebrows shot up. “I hardly think that would be the case, Kit. I’m fairly certain your father approves of our endeavor.”

“Approves or would approve?” What was he getting at?

“Approves.” Reeve glanced around as if he thought there might be someone else there. Of course, they were all alone. Not even the two members of her guard who were almost always present had trailed them. Kit thought she’d know for certain if someone was present because there was simply no way to pass through the leaves without making a racket. “Kit, your father knows everything.”

His words surprised her. She was of the understanding that Remont had been left in the dark. Now, she began to worry that he might be in danger. “How do you know?”

Reeve shrugged. “I just do, Princess. There are discussions from time to time, when only those who can be trusted are present, and your father has been mentioned more than once.”

“In what capacity?” The idea that her father knew what was happening made Kit begin to worry all over again. The vivacity that had coursed through her veins a few moments ago seemed as dead as the bottom layer of leaves beneath Belle’s hooves.

“Princess, it’s nothing to worry about, honestly.” Reeve’s hand on her shoulder calmed her slightly, but it wasn’t enough to make the dread that filled her gut completely dissipate. “Only that we must look out for his safety and that he shall be a part of the new establishment.”

“The new establishment?” That term sounded so daunting to Kit, she wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“Your reign—however you’d like to word it. I assure you, your father’s safety is of utmost concern to everyone.”

She nodded, deciding it was a good thing that Remont had been taken into consideration. Her mother was wise enough to know a threat against her father could put Kit’s revolution on hold indefinitely, giving Rona time to break every single citizen who had dared to stand against her in any capacity whatsoever.

“Let us not dwell on such heavy topics when we are out among the animals, fresh air in our lungs, vibrant colors all around us.” Reeve spread his arms wide to take it all in, his smile much more relaxed than it had been when he was doing his best to comfort her.

She had to agree. Their great endeavor could wait until she returned to the castle. There was no reason to dwell on the weight of the world right now, not before it was even dropped upon her shoulders. “Would you like to see something even more spectacular?”

“I’m already looking at the most spectacular sight a man could ever lay eyes on.” He grinned, and Kit’s heartbeat quickened, knowing he meant her.

“You’re too kind to me, Reeve.”

“I am honest.”

“You’re adorable.”

It was his turn to blush now, and she pushed Belle over a bit so that she could run her fingers along his cheek. His jawline had a bit of stubble, and the rough texture on the tips of her fingers made her breath catch.

“I shall go wherever you lead, Princess.” His words were jovial, but his tone was heady, and Kit couldn’t help but remember the feel of his hands on her body, the warmth of his lips on hers. It had been too long.

She led him down a narrow path, unsure if she was going the right direction or not, but thinking the babbling brook that led away from the spring had to be somewhere nearby, particularly when the foliage turned an even darker shade of green. Then, she heard it off in the distance and knew if she followed the lane deeper into the forest, she’d find the creek and then the spring.

The closer they got, the louder the water grew. Kit loved the sound of its melody, singing through the trees and bouncing through the bushes. The water was flowing quickly over the tops of craggy, moss covered rocks, and Kit pulled Belle to a stop to watch and listen.

The horses dipped their heads to draw refreshment from the shallow pool on the shore. The water was no more than a hands-length deep at any part of the brook, but it glistened in the sunlight streaming through the canopies and seemed as alive as the birds that echoed its refrain.

“This is spectacular,” Reeve agreed. “I’ve heard many a babbling brook in my day, but this one is intoxicating. It’s both beautiful to behold and invigorating to listen to.”

“I agree. I don’t know why I haven’t been out here in so long. Avinia, Isla, and I had such fun playing here. We did our best to imitate the sound of the water rushing over the rocks, laughing at each other’s silly interpretations.” Kit let the memories come to life in her mind’s eye for a moment, smiling at the girl she once was before she added, “But this isn’t what I wanted to show you.”

“It isn’t?”

“No. It’s this way.”

Once Belle and Red had had their fill of fresh water, Kit turned and followed the brook deeper into the woods. The ground rose and fell slightly, making it difficult to see what was around each bend in the lane, until she found the spring.

It sat between two little knolls, with tall evergreens on either side, and the mouth of it butting up to a rock formation that jetted out of the pool and disappeared into the rising ground. Seclusion encased the location in enchantment so that Kit couldn’t help but imagine this was a place born of magic.

Reeve was down off of his horse almost immediately, walking closer to the spring, leaving Red to keep track of himself. “It’s amazing, Kit. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a spring quite like this one before.”

“Yes, and the water is warm year round.”

He looked up in surprise as Kit began to dismount. Remembering his manners, Reeve agilely stepped to her side, but Kit didn’t need his assistance, and by the time he was there, she was already on the ground, smoothing her blue riding skirt.

Reeve took her hand and led her back to the bank. “Have you swam here before?”

“I have, but not since I was a girl.” Once again, pictures of herself and her cousins frolicking in the water came to mind, her father and aunt sitting on the rolling banks, laughing along with them.

Belle whinnied behind her, reminding her owner that she was free and didn’t know what to do with herself. Reeve stepped away and led both horses over to a shaded area where they could drink from the brook and rest, securing them to two elms, before returning to Kit’s side.

He stooped down and submerged his hand in the water. The effervescent bubbles danced through his fingers, bringing a low chuckle from his throat. “It’s warmer than bath water.”

“If there were a way to capture all of those tiny bubbles and place them in my tub, I would never get out. I remember loving how they tingled when they burst on my bare skin.”

Reeve stood, his eyes meeting hers, and Kit had the notion his mind had gone elsewhere. Perhaps it was the mention of her bare skin. He took a step toward her, and Kit closed the gap, her mouth open and welcoming him as their lips collided. His tongue flickered into her mouth, teasing, before he pulled her even closer and consumed her with a need Kit found echoed within her.

No words were needed. They were alone, Kit was sure, only the forest creatures and the trees to witness as Reeve began to unhook her gown with a fervor she hadn’t witnessed in him before. He made short work of it, and Kit slipped her arms out of the sleeves quickly so that she could unhook his belt. He released his scabbard, gently dropping his sword to the ground, and then ripped his jerkin and tunic off, tossing them aside as if they were of no importance.

Kit’s hands immediately went to his n***d chest. The scar, once a cause of embarrassment to Reeve, now served as enticement to her, and as he struggled to get his boots off, Kit slid one hand down his rippling abdomen, curving along his side, and tracing the raised skin around to his back.

Reeve was amused. Both of his hands were on her shoulders as he worked his second boot off. “To think I was afraid you’d find it hideous.”

“There’s nothing at all hideous about you, Reeve.”

His lips were on hers again, the urgency intensifying. He pulled her bottom lip into his mouth, tugging gently before running the tip of his tongue across it. Kit’s hands sank to his waist, and he reached down to help press his trousers and breeches over his hips, working his legs out of them.

Kit ran her fingers through the fine hair before she made contact with his c**k. Reeve’s mouth was on her neck, and she felt the rumble within him more than she heard it. He was working her knickers down, but Kit had forgotten she was also wearing riding boots, and they would prove to be an obstacle.

Not for long. Reeve hoisted her up off of the ground with one arm, her breasts even with his mouth. He began to kiss the soft mounds that rose from within her stay as he slid her boots and stockings of with his other hand. Once they were off, he set her down, and she stepped out of her knickers as her chemise went up over her head and was flung into the trees.

Reeve untied her stay as Kit reminded him that her hands had recently been exploring his most sensitive area. When she placed her palm beneath his testicles and gave them a slight squeeze, she thought he might melt into putty right there on the forest floor. Liberated from her stay, she stood n***d with him while the birds sang them a love song.

His lips were on her when they stepped into the warm water as one, not that the cool autumn breeze had had a chance at chilling her exposed flesh when this man’s hands were on her. The spring was full of life and bubbled around them, tingling against Kit’s most intimate places, which were already ignited by Reeve. His hands cupped her bottom while his mouth explored her neck, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing her legs up around his waist. His thick member teased against the inside of her thigh, and he lifted her slightly to find a n****e.

With the water caressing her and Reeve’s hands everywhere, Kit’s patience was running out. “You did bring a sheath, didn’t you?” she whispered in his ear, praying to the goddess of water that he had. She needed to start carrying them herself... just in case.

Reeve wasn’t finished with her breasts yet. He continued to suck for a long moment, his tongue flickering against her flesh, before he finally lowered her down and said, “Of course.” He devoured her mouth, and Kit slid up and down his member, her outer lips as slick from her own wetness as from the spring water. Her breath caught in her throat as she pondered the idea of letting him enter without a sheath. The thought of letting him go so that he could retrieve it seemed unbearable.

He proved to have the clearer head of the two. Grabbing her thighs, he unwound himself from her, and Kit was forced to place her feet back on the rocky bed. He kissed her again, lightly this time, and turned to where his trousers were sitting on the shore.

She was only an arm’s length away from him, for only a few seconds, but it seemed too long. When Reeve returned, sheath on, she flung herself at him, the water splashing over its barriers, and Reeve laughed at her enthusiasm, picking up where he’d left off.

He lifted Kit again, and she wrapped her legs around him. Reeve backed closer to the spot where the spring broke free of the ground so that the force of nature was hitting Kit’s most delicate spot. The feel of thousands of effervescent bubbles touching her all at once was a rush of euphoria, and Kit cried out before Reeve even entered her.

It didn’t take him long to show her how much he wanted her. Backing her against one of the larger rocks, Reeve came into her, his hand still cupping her buttocks, and Kit’s moans intensified. The solid rock wall behind her gave them plenty of leverage so with each stroke he came in deeper and deeper. She pressed into him, swaying her hips in time with each thrust, until they peaked together. Kit’s body went into spasm as Reeve gave three sharp grunts and filled the sheath.

Slowly, Kit opened her eyes, her heart still beating out of her chest. Reeve’s stare was intense, and in that moment she felt a connection to this man even more strongly than she ever had before. His lips were soft and warm as he tenderly kissed her over and over again. “I love you, Katrinetta. I love you so much, more than anything. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Nothing.” He rested his forehead against hers, and Kit inhaled as he inhaled and exhaled as he exhaled.

“I love you, too, Reeve. You are my stoic prince, the man I know I can always count on. You never overwhelm, never insist on being the center of attention, but when I reach for you, I know I will always find you exactly where I need you to be.”

He kissed her once more, and Kit let the feel of his lips linger on hers before she slid her legs back down to the earth.

Reeve took a step back. “We should probably return to the castle. I hate to leave such a beautiful place, with such a beautiful girl, but I would hate for you to be late for dinner.”

“Yes, that’s probably true. If I’m late, my mother will be upset, and we don’t want that, not now anyway.”

“I have a spare blanket in Red’s packs. I will fetch it, and you can use it dry off.”

Kit was glad to hear that. The water was so warm, she had a feeling she would be shivering when she got out, and putting her clothing back on while soaking wet wouldn’t be easy or enjoyable.

She watched him climb out of the water, his bottom nothing but muscle. He didn’t stop to put on his breeches or trousers, just went to the horses and came back a moment later with a small, red and blue checked blanket, which he held out to her.

Kit was so caught up in staring at him, it took her a moment to register she was supposed to leave the warm water. Eventually, she remembered herself and carefully climbed out of the pool, backing into Reeve, who wrapped the blanket around her and gently patted her dry. “You must be cold,” she said as the autumn air brought gooseflesh to her exposed skin.

“Not when you’re around.”

She turned and smiled over her shoulder, and he kissed her again. Kit knew they needed to be cautious, or they’d end up right back in the spring. She finished drying and began to dress. She would’ve been lucky to find even one man as handsome, caring, intelligent, and loving as the Representatives she’d bonded with, but to find seven, she knew she was the richest woman in the realm.