The Storm Inside Him

Chapter 6: The Mountains Of Pathos

The sun began to rest behind the western hills as they rode back to the palace. Lenore left a child, but returned a woman. Her body was sore from the afternoon escapades and her heart fully awakened to the power of his violent storm.

She knew he was a monster. She knew he had a sinister disposition, but not with her. With Lenore, he could express a tenderness and tranquil nature he could not show the world. The secret of his true self excited her and made her feel more valuable than the resources of his land because she possessed the heart of a monster. She was the one who could calm his storm.

They rode peacefully through the countryside. They didn’t need to say anything. Their souls seemed to speak for them as they continued on lost at the moment, refusing to give thought to what may lie ahead. Anthony began to slow down as they approached the palace. He helped her down from Arwen’s back and passed the horses to one of his servants. He held her in the courtyard not knowing what to say, but she didn’t need him to speak. His presence was what she longed for.

He grabbed her hand and led her to their chambers. Once they were alone, he kissed her softly and quickly wanted to do more, but her stomach growled, alerting them to other needs that should be attended to.

“We’ve had the most lovely, adventurous day, but it’s time you got something to eat. I’ll let the servants know we are ready for dinner, and I’ll meet you in our garden,” he said. He gently kissed her lips and brushed her cheeks with the back of his hand.

“I’m hungry, yes, but I’m starving for you. Let’s eat dinner and then…” Lenore could not finish her sentence as her cheeks blushed with the talk of things a lady never speaks of.

“Your innocent mind and woman-ly desires make my arousal grow stronger by the minute,” Anthony said as he pulled her in close and played with her blonde curly hair. “Let’s get something to eat, and then I’ll attend to your needs throughout the night.”

He lifted her head and kissed her passionately like she was his most prized possession. Lenore walked to her chambers and called for her servants. They dressed her in a beautiful blue dress and styled her hair with jewels and adornments. She wanted to look her best for her husband as the thought of him pinning her down in the meadow and rocking inside her till her pleasure couldn’t be contained made her blush with embarrassment.

What was this man doing to her? Never did she think she would crave his closeness and his hardness inside her, but as she remembered the events of the day, her thoughts left her wet and ready for his touch. She wanted to eat quickly, so he could fulfill more important needs, and she knew she wasn’t the only one longing for release.

They ate in the garden together and Anthony asked her questions about her childhood. Lenore talked about her family and education. She told him about her love for horses and the afternoon rides she would take by herself. She told him she was skilled at fencing and loved to play the harp. Anthony was intrigued by her ability to ride and fence.

“It’s not common for princesses to be skilled riders and know how to yield a sword. I’m surprised your father allowed this,” he said as they enjoyed grilled fish and delicious steamed vegetables.

“Well,” she replied. “He didn’t allow it per se. My father and mother were too busy entertaining ambassadors and conquering lands to really pay attention to what I was doing. My nurse, Alma, believed I needed to be educated and able to defend myself. She made sure I had accomplished tutors and instructors. My parents were only concerned about my beauty and temperament. I never had much of a relationship with them.”

She became melancholy as she talked about her parents. They never took interest in her nor did she feel an attachment to them. It didn’t seem natural, and it wasn’t the future she wanted for herself with her children, but their apathy built a strong resilience in her and gave her the opportunity for an education few females could boast about. For this, she was grateful.

He continued to ask her questions and would occasionally talk about himself. She couldn’t remember a time when she had talked more and his interest in who she was only made her hungry for his touch. After dinner, he took her hand and they walked along the garden. The flowers were beautiful shades of pink and red. Roses, peonies, and carnations lined the brick sidewalk that led to a wooden fence. Anthony unlocked the gate and inside the secret garden was a wooden swing.

Through the moonlight, she could see the beautiful carvings on the seat of the swing. Lenore sat on the seat while Anthony pushed her. She laughed and pumped her feet, so she went higher and higher. Lenore hadn’t been on a swing in years, and she had forgotten how fun it was to play outside like she did when she was young. They left the secret garden and continued to walk through the palace grounds when a group of Anthony’s soldiers came upon them. The officer halted, bowed, and the captain of the guard stepped forward.

“Sorry for the intrusion, my lord, but his highness is needed for an urgent matter,” the captain of the guard, Rameal said. Anthony’s demeanor changed to a callus stoic presence.

He looked at two of his trusted soldiers. “Tobin and Hansel, take her highness back to our chambers and stand guard by our door. Do not let anyone enter. Everyone else, come with me.”

Anthony looked into my eyes and I could see the color changing and flashes of white light that reminded me of lightning in the distance began to build in his eyes. I smiled and gave him a nod. He nodded slightly and left with his men to attend to this urgent matter.

****