A Pawn of the Gods Aradia Series Book One

By Kata Lexin

Fauna's life was all planned out, or so she thought. She was to marry Draken, a tall handsome man that all the women in the village drooled over. If only she felt the same way. He was more like a brother to her, and as the time drew closer for them to exchange their vows, she became restless and began to feel the urge to explore her world of Aradia to find something to fill her lonely heart. Another man wasn't an option. Draken had taken a legal contract on her and her father eagerly agreed. She was to be his wife no matter what she wanted.

Then one night, a man entered her dreams, a man she was compelled to reach out to and touch. Night after night she saw his face, and she soon realized who he was. He was her soul mate, the one person who was most like her, and most importantly, was forbidden to be with. He lived in another world, Earth, and the only way for her to be with the man who beckoned her to come to him was to cross the veil between the worlds and risk her eternal soul to do so.

Richard was haunted every night by the blonde that called to him in his dreams. She needed him, and he knew he needed her, too. Her need was pure at first, but then, things changed and he found that she stirred a desire deep in his soul that caused an overwhelming urge to protect her from a man that claimed her as his. She was meant for him and Richard wasn't about to let the most exquisite woman he had ever seen be taken away from him. She was only a dream, but a dream he knew was to be a reality. Richard prepared for the arrival of the woman he had fallen in love with and he told her that if she didn't come to him, he was going to come to her.

Little did they know that what they thought was a desire to find each other was just the gods creating circumstances to force them together so the Olympians could get what they wanted, an oracle to save mankind from their own destruction. Despite this, the two souls found a love that would last for an eternity.

Warning: Explicit sexual content

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kata Lexin
• Release date: Oct 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301506989

Book preview

A Pawn of the Gods

Aradia Series - Book One

Kata Lexin

Published by Kata Lexin

Copyright 2013, Kata Lexin

Cover Art by J. Neal

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer: The material in this book is for mature audiences only and contains sexual content that is intended for those over the age of 18 only. Please keep this and other sexual content material in a safe place and in a secure location out of the reach of minors.

This e-book is a work of fiction and the characters and events are from the author’s imagination. References to real establishments, locals, and people are intended to provide a sense of authenticity to the story and are used for that purpose only.

Table of Contents

Title Page/Copyright

Dedication to Artemis

Hesiod

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Epilogue

Glossary of Gods

Book 2, Chapter 1 - Pagan’s Story

Note from Author

Dedication to Artemis

With each step I take, I feel your guiding hand upon my shoulder, leading me, encouraging me, and most importantly, allowing me to feel your presence.

You have not forsaken me, and I am eternally grateful for the courage you instill in me to face the life we all must live and share upon this Earth.

Some call you the huntress, others call you a virgin goddess, and to me you are both, the bringer of courage and the defender of the young.

I call to you to rain upon the land your silver arrows and gather the faithful to your grace, to defend the young of both animal and man.

With each step I take, I know the day will come when your arrow will find its way to me and bring me home to you and Apollo.

Kata Lexin, 2013

And again far-seeing Zeus made yet another generation, the fifth, of men who are upon the bounteous earth. Thereafter, would that I were not among the men of the fifth generation, but either had died before or been born afterwards. For now truly is a race of iron, and men never rest from labor and sorrow by day, and from perishing by night; and the gods shall lay sore trouble upon them. But, notwithstanding, even these shall have some good mingled with their evils. And Zeus will destroy this race of mortal men also when they come to have gray hair on their temples at their birth. The father will not agree with his children, nor the children with their father, nor guest with his host, nor comrade with comrade; nor will brother be dear to brother as aforetime. Men will dishonor their parents as they grow quickly old and will carp at them, chiding them with bitter words, hard-hearted they, not knowing the fear of the gods. They will not repay their aged parents the cost their nurture for might shall be their right: and one man will sack another’s city. There will be no favor for the man who keeps his oath or for the just or for the good; but rather men will praise the evildoer and his violent dealing. Strength will be right and reverence will cease to be; and the wicked will hurt the worthy man, speaking false words against him, and will swear an oath upon them. Envy, foul-mouthed, delighting in evil, with scowling face, will go along with wretched men one and all. And then Aidos and Nemesis, with their sweet forms wrapped in white robes, will go from the wide-pathed earth and forsake mankind to join the company of the deathless gods: and bitter sorrow will be left for mortal men, and there will be no help against evil.

Hesiod, 7th Century BCE, Works and Days, lines 169c-201

PROLOGUE

The Maker sat in his glorious throne, contemplating the goddess’ words. He leaned over to place his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands to rest his forefingers upon his lips. His steel gray eyes stared past her and down the length of the sacred hall of the gods. She waited patiently with her brother by her side.

Artemis, are you sure these two souls are the ones?

Yes, Father, Apollo and I have been watching over them since their births and they are very stable in this life as they have been in every life before this one.

And there is no sign of them becoming seekers? I will not lose souls over this. Aradia is essential to the survival of mankind and ours as well. With each passing day the walls that hold Earth is weakened by man’s actions. We may not be able to save Earth, but we must preserve Aradia. He rose from the silver throne on the dais and stepped down the three marble steps to stand between the two of them. He placed a stern hand upon the goddess’ shoulder, and she lowered her head out of respect. Her father had created souls for mankind from tiny energy beings he believed were capable of helping their cause. He split them in two to enable them to grow independent from each other and placed them in the bodies of man on Earth. Now those same souls threatened their very own existence with their quest for knowledge and began destroying their planet with what they called advancements in technology and their greed to control each other.

The Maker walked past them and went to the portico that over looked the world of Aradia. I created Aradia in order to save the souls that were becoming strong enough to hold their mental abilities. We need those abilities to be strong or all is lost. Your plan is bold, Artemis, and has certain risks that may cause more problems than the benefit we seek.

Apollo left his sister’s side to stand next to his father. We understand the risks, Father, and Artemis and I have given this much thought and we believe she is the one. I need an oracle on Aradia. She will have more power than any one I have had on Earth. The oracle is the key to our power. I will be able to channel through her the intense energy to fight the evil that will threaten Aradia. These two souls have the strength between them to create the being we need.

The Maker turned to face the goddess. You will be guiding her to break a rule I put forth to the Aradians that forbids the seeking out of one’s other half. I cannot change the punishment for such an offense. Order must be maintained in Aradia, man has already brought with him his mannerisms and unwillingness to change. He still craves to possess power over others. If he believes he can defy my decrees, then we will never be able to save them.

Yes, Father. It is a sacrifice, but one I know she will be willing to make.

The Maker walked to the other side of the hallowed hall. He waved a hand before him and the cloud that hid Earth from view dissipated. He pointed to the ruins of what once was the glory of Athens. Artemis and Apollo followed and Apollo knelt on one knee to gaze at the old city that once worshipped the Olympians of Mt. Olympus.

I do not want what happened there to happen on Aradia. The Aradians may not know we still exist, but they are still my creation. To them I am their Maker and my sister, Demeter, is their Great Mother. Zeus turned and walked with determination back to the sacred throne. He sat down and without hesitation gave his decree. So be it.

CHAPTER 1

The sun was placed high in the expansion of soft blue sky. The warm rays streaked the pillow clouds, as if the gentle hands of an artist lightly brushed a canvas to create a picture of serenity. In the fields below, yellow flowers swayed in the cool breeze seemingly in harmony with the wind. Together they played a soft soothing tune, a musical score written by nature to be enjoyed by whoever might wish to hear it. The flowers sent an aroma through the wind to delight the senses. The scent was intoxicating, as it whirled through the air carelessly drifting across the newly fragrant atmosphere. A wondrous bouquet filled the air with a sweet sensation that sent a reminder of the season. It was spring and the evidence was all around her.

The grass below her feet lightly tickled her toes. Fauna tried to ignore it, but she wiggled them to ease the sensation. The movement sent waves of tiny ripples of a strange tickling sensation that was getting too much to bear. The more she tried, the harder it was to keep her mind on what she was doing. It was as if her own body was trying to keep her from accomplishing her goal, a test of some kind to challenge her will power to ignore the caress, the touch of the soft green grass of spring.

Keep still, Fauna. Concentrate.

Fauna opened one eye to peek at the man standing in front of her. Draken stood straight and poised wearing his loose white tunic belted over his black breeches that were neatly pressed against his skin. He stood there barefoot and was capable of ignoring what was bothering her so intensely. He looked very serious. He always looked that way when he was working energy. He was the best teacher she could have asked for, but why do this now when the season begged her to explore the world around her? She glanced about the picturesque scene that surrounded her, the tall trees swaying in the warm breeze, the flowers that bloomed by the command of nature, and the sounds of her natural world that called to her from every angle, begging her to join in on the festivities that were spring.

Close your eyes.

Immediately she obeyed. It was a natural instinct to do as he said; after all he was here to help her learn to create an energy sphere. Learning how to manipulate energy was an important part of developing mental abilities and Draken was exceptionally good at it.

He was tall with a deep stern voice that seemed to match his height. Her head barely reached his shoulders. Kind and courteous, he was the ideal man, handsome, distinguished, and generous. His long black hair glistened in the sunlight. He was wearing it loose today, which was not his usual fashion. He always had it pulled back neatly and bound in a knot at the base of his neck. From the leather knot hung the length of his raven hair past his shoulders. His hair was very long, so long he said he had to keep it tied back to keep it from flying around his face during the windy season.

Today was windy, and yet, he let his hair flow free. Why? It didn’t really matter to her; after all he was Draken, a stern, straightforward, handsome man, a man she had known all her life. But still, the question entered her mind again. Why let his hair be unbound? Most women found his hair to be an attractive quality in a man.

Yes, he was the ideal man, for other women at least. For Fauna, he was more like a brother. She cared for him but not in the way he cared for her. He loved her and had told her so on many occasions, each time expressing his hope that she would one day return that love. He never pressured her to love him, but she knew he wanted her to. Was he trying to appear attractive for her to notice? Was that the reason for his uncharacteristic hairstyle?

Fauna moved her toes again. The soft grass was caressing them, sending more rippling sensations through her body. It definitely was too much to bear, not to mention her sudden fascination with Draken’s hair was also making it hard to concentrate. She reached down and scratched her foot in an attempt to fix the intrusion of the green blades between her toes.

Fauna, what are you doing?

I’m sorry, Draken. I can’t seem to concentrate. I want to put on my shoes.

No.

Why not? The grass tickles me. It’s too distracting.

She continued to scratch her foot. The grass, your hair, it all is rather distracting.

He raised an eyebrow at her. What about my hair?

Nothing. Please, Draken, shoes? she asked with a soft voice.

No shoes, Draken said firmly.

Please, she pleaded.

He gave her that look she knew all too well. His patience was thinning with her. Draken was a very patient man and tried his best not to lose his temper, but she could see she was trying that patient nature of his just a little too much. Fauna had seen him raise his voice to a servant only once. The poor woman, her only crime was being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The true fault lay with Fauna. She had misplaced his sword, not the servant. She had been tired and mistakenly put Draken’s sword in her father’s drawing room. He had tried to help Fauna create an energy sphere in the air that day. He’d spent the entire day working with her, just as he was doing now. She was so exhausted from the energy work; she saw his sword that he had put in the foyer at her house at the end of the day and Fauna absentmindedly put it in the cabinet in her father’s drawing room, not realizing that Draken didn’t see her take the sword. The servant was in tears by the time he finished yelling at her. He did apologize to the maid after he found out Fauna had taken his sword. The poor woman still avoided eye contact with Draken whenever she was around him.

Can’t we at least take a break? We have been at this for an hour, she said.

It has been twenty minutes.

How do you know? There is no clock around here. She twirled a strand of her hair into a tight curl and looked at him with pleading eyes.

Draken looked into those soft emerald eyes and gave in. He knew her mind wandered easily. Maybe he was pushing her too hard? He just wanted her to master the art of creating an energy ball. Her abilities were strong; he could feel and see her aura. It glowed a very deep green with a violet hue mixed in. It was strong and pulsated with a force of undeniable magnitude. If she would only concentrate, he knew she could accomplish this. They had been trying for weeks on this one exercise, and for some reason Fauna was having a difficult time using her wonderful gift. He wondered what was holding her back?

He looked down into her beautiful green eyes again and a smile graced his lips. She was too beautiful and he was suddenly overwhelmed with a pang of desire for her. Her soft shining hair fell down to her waist in a glorious blonde cascade of grace and elegance. It was an odd shade of blonde, almost light beige with a slight hue of white woven within it. It was extraordinary against her ivory skin and the pale lavender gown she was wearing.

Yes, Fauna was a vision of loveliness that he longed to hold and caress in a most intimate way. The idea of her being stretched out beneath him, as he filled her with his manhood, gave him such a heated passion deep in his groin, he fought the urge to pull her in his arms and have his way with her. He was here to help her with her abilities, not to take advantage of her. He needed to put his wantonness aside, for his sake as well as hers. He would let her rest for a bit. It could do no harm. He could also use a reprieve from raising energy from the air. It had only been twenty minutes, but it had been an intense twenty minutes.

All right, a short one, he said.

Fauna sighed and flopped down on the spot where she was standing in the circle of crystals that Draken had placed around them. Draken smiled and laughed softly. For a full-grown woman, she sometimes reminded him of a child.

I heard that.

I know you did, I will never hide my thoughts from you, Fauna, you know that. Your mental abilities are strong. The more you use them, the better developed they will become. Besides, when we are married I want you to trust me enough to share your thoughts with me.

Marriage. Now there was a thought he definitely wanted her to hear. He knew she didn’t love him and she didn’t have a choice, her father agreed upon his betrothal contract and now she was to be his wife. He knew she cared for him with a deep affection. He could see it in her eyes. It was to be a political marriage, one that would gain him control of the ruling chair, he would be able to follow in his father’s footsteps and have the woman he loved at his side. His future looked bright and all he had to do was sit back and wait. He was going to get it all. It was just a matter of time. He had waited this long; a few more months would not make much difference.

Draken watched Fauna with curious eyes. He could tell she was thinking by the way she stared at the ground. She was playing with a loose crystal with her foot, swirling it between the soft blades of grass, creating a circular pattern with such ease and grace. He had promised to always be open with her with his thoughts and never invade hers until she allowed him to. A promise he intended to keep. If this marriage was going to work, he needed her to trust him completely. It was important to him. He considered himself to be an honorable man and wanted deeply for Fauna to see him in that way.

He looked at her slender form and longed to touch her. A lock of her long blonde hair fell across her face when she turned her head to the side. A ray of the sun beamed down upon her, as the clouds above moved across the sky. The light flickered and danced in her hair, illuminating a rainbow of golden hues that streaked her locks from the tip of her head down to the glorious ends. She brushed the stray strands from her face and tucked them behind her ear. He could see the outline of her face, as she again turned her head to the side. He caught a glimpse of the emerald eyes that sparkled with a twinkle of gold flecks deep within them. A distance stare graced her eyes. He hoped she was thinking of their coming marriage.

Fauna, are you ready to try again?

Huh?

She was daydreaming again, Draken could tell by the softness of her voice.

Oh, yes, well, not really. Just a few more minutes? she asked.

Draken sat down beside her. He would let her dream for a little while longer, he thought. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the warm sun’s rays on his face. He imagined the warmth was the soft caress of Fauna’s ivory slender hands across his face. His mind created a sensual scene as he envisioned her kneeling before him, dressed in her soft silk lavender gown. The fabric so thin he could see her rosy pink nipples through the luxurious material. How he longed to reach out and touch those succulent nubs, to gently lay his hands on them and run his fingers across each one to bring them to a swollen point that begged for his lips to encompass them, suck them, and fill them with sweet desire, and elicit soft moans of passion from Fauna’s voice that would arouse his pulsating need deep within his manhood. Just the thought of her now brought him an erection that he needed to get under control before the evidence was visible to her.

Fauna played with the crystal. As she did, she watched the array of colors that shone from the many faucets of the sparkling gem, as the rays of sunlight glistened upon it. She moved it back and forth between the blades of grass and found herself lost in thought. If only moving energy was this easy. For some it was. Everyone in Aradia had mental abilities. Having been born into the 2nd Ruling House of Aradia, her family’s inherited mental traits were well developed. Only the members of the 1st Ruling House of Aradia, Draken’s family, had stronger talents. If only she had his control, then maybe…

Ouch!

What happened? He shot her a concerned glance.

I cut my foot on the crystal, Fauna said, grabbing her bleeding foot.

Let me see.

Draken scooted in front of her and gently placed her foot in his hand. It wasn’t a deep cut and should heal quickly. He ripped a piece of his tunic off and poured water from his pouch on the cloth. Gently he cleaned her cut and she squirmed. He touched her bleeding foot and she winced.

I know it hurts. Hang tight and I’ll have you good as new in no time.

It doesn’t hurt, she said, grating her teeth.

Liar, he replied.

It did hurt, but she didn’t want him to know that. She felt foolish, cutting her foot on that crystal. Draken was right. He was always right. Sometimes she did act like a child. If she hadn’t been daydreaming, this wouldn’t have happened. How could she have been so careless? She knew better than to let her mind drift like that. She just wanted a break.

Well, it wasn’t entirely her fault. The grass was too soft and his hair blowing in the wind, it was all too distracting. But yet, if she had kept her eyes closed like he had asked her to, she wouldn’t have seen his hair blowing. Who was she kidding? His hair wasn’t the real distraction. She wanted to be somewhere else, not here with him.

Fauna looked up at the clear sky. A flock of birds were flying over the trees. Freedom, she thought. They were free to go wherever they pleased, to explore their world at their own leisure. Her heart longed for that. Aradia was her home. She was born on this world and destined to live here lifetime after lifetime until her soul evolved into a higher life form. It was the way things were, for her and everyone on Aradia. Even still, she felt a need to flee and explore this world like she did as a child but with a new curiosity as an adult. What was out there her heart felt she needed to find? She didn’t know. All she knew was that she had an urge to go forth and seek. Once she found whatever it was, she hoped it would cure her need to venture out and explore and be at ease with her life.

Fauna looked back down at Draken, as he continued to cleanse her wound. He would heal it. He had the ability. She watched intently, and he caressed her foot. She wanted to be able to heal, that’s why she was here in the woods with Draken. She had asked him to try to teach her how, again. Once they got there, she realized she didn’t want to be alone with him. Maybe Draken’s thoughts were right? Their marriage was on her mind.

Draken looked into her eyes. Are you ready?

She nodded.

Draken placed both his hands around her foot. She could feel a surge of heat go through her. It was warm and tingly and she felt it deep inside her foot, strong and powerful. It was as if her whole foot were throbbing and she could see each beat pulsate from the center outward with wave after wave of an invisible power, a pure masculine power. Yes, that’s what it was, male. She felt an inward sensation that was strange and yet so familiar. She felt Draken. Somehow Draken was inside her, not in a physical way, but as a pure mass of energy. He had transformed a part of himself into a pure healing force and was using his own life source to heal her. A ball of energy formed around Draken’s hands and encased them with her foot in the middle. It was pure white, soft and glowing, and seemed to take on a life of its own. And as it beamed, her cut slowly disappeared. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen or experienced.

There. All finished, he said, as he placed her foot back on the ground.

Feel better? he asked.

Yes. Thank you. She rubbed her foot. I wish I could do that.

You will. It just takes time and practice.

And patience on your part. Thank you, Draken.

For what? he asked.

For trying to teach me, she said.

My pleasure, besides, healing is a skill you will need once our children start walking. I am sure they will incur a few bumps and bruises as all little ones do.

Draken stood up and held out his hand for her to take. Let me take you home. I think you’ve had enough practice for today.

Fauna reached up and took his hand. Her mind raced with thoughts of her and Draken having children. Oh dear, she thought. She knew it would happen one day but she didn’t know how. Of course she knew the biology behind conception, but that’s not what she was concerned about. She loved Draken as a brother, which was going to be a problem. The thought of actually having sex with him somehow seemed wrong to her.

What was she going to do? Draken had made it perfectly clear that he expected her to give him children, preferably boys. Male descendants guaranteed the ruling chair stayed within the family and not given to another male family member. After all, the rule was written that only males can hold the ruling chair, and Draken so desperately wanted to regain that title for it was supposed to be his, but an unfortunate twist of fate had given the ruling chair to his uncle and his family now had the honor of being the ruler from the 1st Ruling House of Aradia. Marrying her was his only hope of regaining his birthright and she giving him male children would restore things to the way it should be.

Fauna bent over to put on her slippers that she had so desperately wanted to do. She glanced at Draken and he was still sitting on the ground pulling on his leather brown boots. He smiled at her, stood up and reached for his sword he’d left on the ground and sheathed it.

Are you ready to head out?

Yes, Draken. Hey, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to come out here again with me. I know I’m not the most perfect student, but, well, thank you.

Fauna, you are perfect, don’t ever doubt that, he said, as he took her hand in his.

She looked up at him and a blush graced her face. Draken loved her and he wanted her. Waiting wasn’t going to be easy; he knew she needed time to adjust to being his wife. Fauna as his wife, the thought filled him with excitement.

He started to walk and she followed his lead. Together they strolled leisurely through the woods in silence until Fauna softly spoke to him.

Draken, may I ask you something?

Anything. What’s on you mind?

She hesitated before she spoke, What is it like being you?

She stopped in front of him and turned to face him. Draken gave her an inquisitive look.

In what way?

What does it feel like when you heal? You raise a huge amount of energy, how does that feel?

It feels empowering and overwhelming. You must remain in control of the energy and shape it into what you want. In the case of healing, you must give yourself to the energy and will it to be.

She didn’t reply. She just stood there and fidgeted with her hair until she had twisted it into a tight curl. Something told him that wasn’t what she really wanted to know. Her gazed lowered to her feet. He was sure of it now, she wanted to talk about something else, but what?

Fauna, is something on your mind? Talk to me.

No, not really. She hesitated for a moment. Why Mayday?

That was it. She was thinking about their wedding. It was about time she talked with him about it. They had been engaged five months and she not once since that day he signed the contract talked about wedding plans. He was beginning to think they needed to postpone it because she wasn’t ready to make the commitment. That was one of the reasons he talked to his mother about how to get Fauna to fall in love with him. He didn’t want to lose her. His mother was a very caring and loving woman and he admired her greatly.

My parents were married on Mayday and I wanted to honor the memory of my father. I also wanted to give you time to adjust to the idea of marriage to me and creating our children together.

Fauna stiffened at the words. Draken saw it in her stance. He wanted her to prepare for their marriage bed, to open her body to him and receive him completely in order to conceive. He wondered what thoughts were going through her mind? Could she do it? Would she come to his bed willingly? She knew she was to marry him, mating and have children were part of the deal.

How many children? she asked.

Three at least. I want a large family.

Draken knew his answer came as a surprise to her. She needed to know. There was no reason to hide it from her. This was one of the things they should have discussed months ago. She started this conversation. She had her answer. Now she could prepare for what was to come after their wedding.

I’ve answered your question, now you answer mine. Are you willing to name our first born son after my father?

Yes, of course, Draken. I think it is a wonderful gesture.

Good. Shall we make our way home?

They walked to the doorway of Fauna’s house. Draken stopped in front of her and turned to face her. He gently cupped her face and tilted her head upward to his. Slowly he leaned down and kissed her softly on her lips. It was a gentle kiss, a kiss that he wanted to deepen, but he dared not. He knew he had to take it slow with Fauna. He wanted her to give herself to him willingly and he hoped that day would come soon. The ache in his loins throbbed, as the thought of her naked body caressing his entered his mind. He blocked the image so that she couldn’t see it. He was not ready to share with her his sexual thoughts about her. In time he would, but not today.

He could tell he upset her with his thoughts of marriage earlier today. The way her body stiffened when he mentioned their future children concerned him. He knew she didn’t love him the way he loved her, but he hoped her feelings toward him were changing. He had been spending a lot of time with her lately. He needed sexual relief and he wanted his sexual salvation to be Fauna. He vowed not to please any woman sexually except for Fauna. He needed her to want him and he needed her to want him now. This kiss was the first step. Tomorrow he would deepen the kiss, and then, slowly each day, guide her toward acceptance of being his lover and a blissful marriage. But for now, a soft kiss would have to do.

Fauna easily stepped out of his embrace. She said nothing. She didn’t know what to say. He had kissed her before, but not like this. This kiss held tenderness, softness she had never known from him, and it frightened her. She knew she was supposed to be intimate with him, and kissing was a part of that, but this didn’t feel right. She needed to change her heart toward him, but she wasn’t sure how to do it. She wanted to flee and be apart from him. This closeness was making her nervous.

I’m going to go see if I can be of help with dinner. Thank you, Draken, for everything. She opened the door and stepped inside. Draken placed his hand upon the door to keep it from closing. He leaned inward toward her and looked her directly in her eyes.

"Fauna, I love you."

She smiled politely and closed the door, as he released his hold on the wooden structure. She was free of him for the moment. Tomorrow was another day. She knew he would come to call on her again like he had done everyday since October. Sex. The word crept into her mind like a slithering creature. Sex and children, they went hand in hand. You could not have one without the other.

By the heavens, what was she going to do? Fauna rubbed her temples to try to release the headache that was beginning to form. She knew she was to be his wife, but had put off thinking about it because she really didn’t want to think about what her duties to him would be. Yes, she was his betrothed, and she needed to honor him and give herself to him, but she thought it would be no big deal. He wasn’t making sexual advances, so it somehow didn’t seem real. Now that the wedding was getting closer, Draken was forcing her to face reality.

Fauna sighed before she headed toward the kitchen. Dinner was to be served soon but she doubted very seriously she would be able to eat. She no longer had an appetite.

***

Later that day, Draken stood on the balcony of his home, watching the sunset. It was beautiful. It always was and he never tired of watching it. He looked out over the land; the hills were covered with wildflowers replacing the winter blanket of white that was there only a few weeks ago. Spring was here and it was evident everywhere.

In the village, the townspeople were busy preparing for the first festival of spring. The children were gathering flowers and berries to make into dyes. They would use them to color eggs for the festival. Some of the eggs were emptied and filled with confetti. Others were made with a chocolate mold and filled with fresh jellies and cream. Those were Draken’s favorite. He loved the taste of chocolate. He could always find a child willing to trade one for a gold piece, especially his cousin’s son, Tristan. He was only five but already developed the talent for bartering. He was a good boy and hopefully he would be a role model for Draken’s first-born son when he was older.

He enjoyed the first festival of spring, but he was looking forward to the second, Mayday. He and Fauna were to be married then. On that day he would have her as his wife and claim the right to regain the ruling chair. How he longed to take his rightful place.

Draken had the honor of being the first-born son of the 1st Ruling House of Aradia. He was next in line for the ruling chair. Sadly, he had lost that right by the untimely death of his father. A young man in his prime, he was struck down by a sudden heart attack, and left Draken at the age of ten fatherless, and out of the line of succession. The rule was written that a son of the ruler must be twenty-one in order to take over the chair when the current ruler died. If not, the chair was handed down to the oldest living brother of the late ruler. The brother’s family would then rule.

Now Draken’s cousin stood to gain the chair. Draken hated that rule. It seemed so unfair. His cousin was a good man and would rule wisely, but he wanted to be ruler. His father had groomed him for that role since the day he was born. It was his birthright. A right that would be his again once he and Fauna were married.

Draken casually looked over his shoulder, as his personal servant entered the room. She walked over to him and bowed.

Excuse me, my lord. Are you ready for your bath?

The woman lowered her head, as a sign of respect. She was a fine servant. He enjoyed having her around. He would miss her though. After he and Fauna were married, Willa would no longer be taking care of his personal needs.

Yes, Willa, I am.

Very well, my lord.

Draken entered the room and closed the balcony doors behind him. He quickly undressed and stepped into the wooden tub in the center of the room. He eased his naked body into the steaming water. The temperature was just right. Willa knew what he liked. He needed this time to relax his mind and soothe his aching muscles.

He did not say anything to Fauna, but earlier in the day he had been at the stables breaking in a new mare that he had purchased for her as a wedding gift. She was a delicate soft sable yearling with a silky black mane that he knew he had to purchase for Fauna when he saw her running freely in the fields of the stable master. The mare had a spirit that reminded him of Fauna. He had attempted to ride her for the first time, and in her rebellion, she threw him unexpectedly. He hit the ground harder than he had thought at the time and his muscles were starting to ache. He needed this soaking.

He drew in a deep breath, as the warmth of the water covered his lower back. Immediately Willa picked up the soap and started to bathe him.

"Mayday will be here soon. Will you still need my services