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Conquered Rewards (DareToDream & Vivid Fizz)

Harac followed the lovely bard through the halls slowly, never once alerting her to his presence. This was an interesting game of cat and mouse he was playing and his body was singing from the hunt. He was a soldier at heart, hunting was what he did, but this particular prey was unlike none he’d ever experienced before and it sent a thrill through his body. She appeared to be lost, wandering a bit at random, passing various castle staff, none of whom helped her. A few moved to talk to him but he signaled silence and received it each time so his presence was never noticed. As he moved, he watched the gentle sway of her full hips, the fabric of the dress moving back and forth in a very enticing way in her dress. His mouth was watering slightly from the site and his tongue darted out and licked his lips. What he wouldn’t give to have her pushed against the wall right now, his hard shaft sliding inside her tight sheath. As she turned a corner, a grin spread across his face, the realization that she’d just taken a turn that would lead her down a remote dead in sinking in.

**

Inside the council room, Thomas worked with the guards to get everything ready for the appearance of the town folks who would come forward with grievances for him to hear. He wondered how Gilloleth was fairing and when she’d join him by his side. He made another mental note to assign her guards but it was lost as he was approached by one of his men.
 
The turn had taken her by surprise. Gilloleth did not know there could be dead ends in castles; assuming that they were an endless loop of long corridors and winding stairs. This place was turning out to be more of a labyrinth than an actual castle. The next time she went out she was carrying a large spool of twine with her so she could easily get back to where she started. A sigh escaped her lips as she traveled to the end of the hall. Although it lead nowhere, there was beautiful art hanging on the wall and lovely tapestries. If anything she could admire the beauty of the castle before she was snatched away for the meeting.

A small, nearly silent scream escaped her lips as she turned. Harac was there, right behind her. Her heart pounded roughly in her chest and her violet eyes widened. What was he doing there?! A hand came to rest on her collarbone and she worked hard to swallow a lump in her throat. A cold sweat took her. This was not the type of place that she wished to encounter this man.

"E-excuse me," she stammered out. A few seconds was spent trying to arrange herself but she was too frightened.
 
Harac grinned evilly as he slid around the corner, moving up on her silently. Her back was turned to him as she stared at a painting on the wall and he paused to admire her backside some more. When she began to turn, he closed the distance swiftly, stopping just short of her. Her eyes widened and a sound just short of a scream came out of her mouth, causing the general to reach out and place his hand on her collarbone, squeezing it gently for comfort. The feel of her lithe body under his palm sent a surge of electricity zinging through his body and felt himself harden almost instantly.

“Milady” he said, his bobbing slightly in respect, though he had no respect whatsoever for this wench standing before him. A wench that he desperately wanted and was considering taking up against the wall with great force. “You look lost. This castle is not a safe place for one such as you.” He stepped forward even more, his body coming into close contact with hers, the hand on her collarbone squeezing a little tighter. “Dangerous things can happen when you least expect it.” He could tell she was frightened and this pleased him greatly but he knew he had to play it safe for right now. Letting go of her shoulder, he reached out and brushed her hair away from her face, his fingers caressing her skin lightly. He moved forward slightly, pushing her body against the wall, his hard frame pressing against hers. There was no doubt that she’d be able to feel all of him, including his hard length that wanted her. His fingers slid down her cheek and across her lips as he looked at her with deep longing, barely restraining himself.

“The Lord is waiting for you, Milady. I will escort you to him.” With that, Harac stepped back and slid an arm around her waist, pulling her along side him. His hand slid down the curve of her ass and gave it a hard squeeze, unable to resist in the end. “Let’s go now. And….remember, this castle is a dangerous place for one such as you” he said, the words clearly being a warning to him. He gave her ass another squeeze then removed his hand from her waist and took her arm in his, heading back down the hallway with her in tow.
 
Gilloleth was completely and utterly terrified. There was little she could do in her fear; she was frozen. Although she had been put in precarious situations like this before during her dancing career, none of the men who came on to her were ever this strong and now she did not have the other members of her troupe to watch her back. He was touching her; brushing his fingers through her hair and caressing her skin. Her head spun desperately and if she were prone to it, she may have fainted. In seconds she found herself pressed against the wall. The hand on her collarbone was painful and she could feel that hard length pressing against her leg. Her mouth dried and she simply stared at him. This was not good! Her voice stuck in her throat but she wanted to scream for help. Down across her lips he took his hand, his fingers gently rubbing against the full and soft pout of her lips. It made her sick and she closed her eyes, swallowing harshly.

A frightened squeak sounded in the hallway as he pulled her from the wall. She closed her eyes tighter. His words hardly mattered. Yes, he was taking her to see Thomas but in what condition would she arrive? His hand slide down her body in a way that only her lover's should and she gasped loudly as he squeezed the curve of her backside without mercy. He warned her again, how dangerous this castle could be, and again his hand gave her toned behind a firm squeeze.

"Don't!" she exclaimed and she began to pull away from him. "Let me go!" Maybe someone would hear her. This was utterly and completely wrong. There was no way that she would let him get away with touching her like that. Surely he knew that she would inform Thomas as soon as she was able. "I can find him myself, you cad!"
 
Harac let a slow grin spread across his face as Gilloleth began to fight him, her struggles fueling his desire that much more. The very thought of pinning this woman to the ground and burying his hard manhood deep inside her, taking her against her will while she struggled underneath him was creating a throbbing need in his loins that was hard to ignore. He gripped her arm a little tighter, letting her feel the pain as his fingers squeezed hard. There was a possibility that her fragile skin might bruise underneath but it was a risk he had to take to gain her attention. When she jerked a second time, he’d had enough and grabbing her other arm he roughly slammed her against the wall, her head smacking back against the stone.

Getting in her face so they were nose to nose, Harac glared at her. “You’ll get one last warning, you little wench” he growled. “Your beloved Lord is smitten by you right now but there will come a time when you will be tossed out. When that happens, I will be there to take you. For now, I’ll steal my delights when I want them and if you say one word to him, I will kill you. Is that clear?” He gave her a rough shake to make sure she got the message and then crushed his lips to hers in a brief, intense kiss. When he pulled away, he grabbed her hand and started walking again. “Now let’s get you to the Lord.”

He knew what he was doing had a huge risk but he suspected that the lovely Bard would not have the backbone to tell Thomas what had just happened. If she did, the Lord would be in a precarious place because, by law, the Bard was nothing but an entertainer who happened to have the Lord's eye. They were not married yet which meant she was still available to any that would wish to woo her. Granted, some might consider Harac's behavior to be something other than wooing but every man had their own way of doing things. His was by force.
 
For a moment she thought he would break her arm! Fear flashed in her eyes and she thought that he would have his way with her right there. The look on his face told her that he was thinking about it. Without much effort he slammed her against the wall. A bright white light flashed in front of her, followed by a horrible throbbing pain. He had just slammed her against the wall! His face was placed right before hers and when he spoke she knew that he meant every word. Dread like no other filled her and she attempted to press herself against the wall so some space would be afforded between them.

Yet he would not have that. With a powerful force he locked her lips in his in a kiss. In her mind she was screaming. Every part of her tense and, although the stolen kiss only lasted moments, she was desperately waiting for it just to end. Every second was like an hour of torture. Only her dearest Thomas could kiss her like that! What could she do though? He said that he would kill her if she told anyone and she knew that he would. No one made a threat like that to the future Queen unless they decided to keep it.

As he pulled her along, tears streamed down her face. A fate like this was worse than what she could have ever imagined. Harac now had her under his control to do with as he pleased. His words echoed in her mind. He was going to have her no matter what she did or said against it and, if she told her love, she was going to be killed. Gilloleth wanted nothing more than to run away from that kingdom but she did not want to leave her Lord wonder where she went or think she hated him. Never could she live if Thomas thought she did not love him.

“Why?” she whispered as she dragged. “There are so many other girls that would throw themselves at you. I don’t want you. Ever.”
 
Harac dragged the little bard down the hall, aware of her tears but not caring about them. The taste of her lips still lingered on his and thoughts of how he would ravish her when the time came were flowing through his mind, leaving him constantly aroused and needing release. If he’d thought he’d have been able to get away with it, he would have taken her then and there, but the risks were far too high with Thomas waiting on them in the audience chamber. When he heard her question, he stopped them and turned to face her. “Why? My dear lady, you have one but yourself to blame for my interest. Such a wanton display of pleasure that you showed me in the Royal gardens captured my heart immediately. You are a fiery, luscious woman, one I now crave.”

A glance around showed him that they were close to the audience chamber so he reached out and wiped her tears away. “Now compose yourself because we are almost there.” He waited a few moments and then continued walking. They rounded a corner and entered the hallway where the entrance to the chamber was and came face to face with Alyssandra, who was walking from the opposite direction. She stopped and watched them, smiling as they got closer. “Why Harac, I see you have company. How sweet. I do hope you had fun together.” Her eyes twinkled as she turned and walked through the doors. Harac glanced at Gilloleth, saw she was composed, and followed, letting go of her arm as they entered the chamber. Seeing Thomas near the throne, Harac called out to him. “My Lord, look what I found wandering the halls. I took her under my bring and ensured that she reached you safely.”

****

Thomas looked up when he head Harac’s words, his eyes narrowing. Seeing Gilloleth standing beside him, looking somewhat disheveled, caused his heart to race. He moved away from the throne and approached them. Glancing at Harac, he nodded. “My thanks to you Harac. Now, please, take your seat.” Harac nodded and moved off, grinning when his back was turned. Thomas reached out and drew Gilloleth to his side, walking them back to the thrones. “The castle is not a safe place, Gilloleth. There may be traitors among us. I will assign you guards when we are done here.” He frowned again as he took his seat, pushing her towards the one next to him.
 
(( Hey, I plan on continuing but I was just away doing my military shit. I couldn't get wifi in the barracks.))
 
Gilloleth nearly threw herself into Thomas’ arms. The very sight of him brought on a wave of emotion. Another man had had his hands on her body! Even if she could not stop it the minstrel could not help but feel as if it were her fault. Harac’s words rang in her mind; if she had not been so lustful then the diplomat would have taken no interest in her. Full pink lips trembled and violet eyes flashed but she managed to stay silent. Harac was likely a man of his word. If she spoke anything to Thomas then he would come and murder her as she slept. This she was sure of.

When his arm wrapped around her she could not keep herself from desperately clinging to him. Though she still maintained a stony silence Thomas would be hard press not to notice how very terrified she was. Even those who had never seen Gilloleth before noticed that something was off. Whispers were exchanged and a ripple of murmurs went through the crowd. His arms left hers to push her towards her throne and, in an uncharacteristic lapse of grace; she practically fell into the seat. If she was of a sounder mind, she would have found the flub humiliating. Now all she wanted was to get this over with and get the guards that were promised to her.

Alessandra was watching the flit of a bard with a look of upmost satisfaction on her face. Harac was a man who was unafraid to seize what he wanted, even if it belonged to another. There was no doubt in her mind that he had laid a claim on the horrid entertainer. After all Thomas had made no actual move to ensure that Gilloleth would be only his. Technically, the little vermin was up to take any suitors. The way Harac took women was forceful but, a smirk crossed her lips, was still considered to be wooing.

“It seems that our future queen lacks grace,” she said in a clearly audible whisper. This was a prime time to discredit her. “Odd. Her profession is to dance but she is so awkward on her feet... this speaks volumes of her ‘talents’.”
 
Thomas knew something was wrong within moments. It was clear in her body language and the way she clung to him like she was a lost puppy trying to find its owner. He narrowed his eyes and looked at her, then looked at Harac, wheels turning in his brain. Had something happened between the two of them that scared her? Or had something happened in the castle when she was wandering it? He made a note to ask her when they were in their private room; now was not the place, especially with people already whispering about the way she looked and was behaving. When she flopped into the throne, he shot daggers at her, silenting berating her for being less graceful than she normally was. He wasn’t sure what had happened but whatever it was, it had buried the strong graceful bard that he admired and left this simpering woman in her place. Frowning, he took the other throne, now ignoring Gilloleth completely.

His head snapped to the side when he heard Alyssandra’s whispered comment to Harac, knowing she’d done it on purpose to discredit Gilloleth. “Alyssandra!” he snapped. “Curb your tongue or wish you had.” The glare he shot her could have melted ice it was so heated. “Now take your seats and let’s start the session.”

****

Harac grinned when he heard Alyssandra’s comment and smiled even wider when Thomas rebuked her. Dissention in the ranks was a wonderful thing, as was a power struggle, and if he played his cards right, he might just come out with the woman AND the throne. As the first commoner was escorted into the room, he stood ram rod straight and watched with anticipation. The mark of a good ruler was how he handled the commoners and Thomas had always been good at that. Even Harac had to admit that.
 
Gilloleth’s cheeks flushed deeply. The insult from Alyssandra was brutal and the look that Thomas had given her was worse. If she had not been in front of so many people she would have broken down. So much had happened in such a short period of time. All of her friends were dead, she had been propositioned by a terribly violent man, and now she had made Thomas upset with her. If only she could tell him what was going on but she could not. Even when they were alone she knew that if she uttered a single word, she would be killed. Desperately she attempted to get her lover’s attention. A kind smile was all she wanted from him. That didn’t happen. This was going to be miserable for her.

“Of course my lord,” she replied with a very pleased smile. It hardly mattered that he had rebuked her. What was said was said; nothing he did would take away the looks that were now being shot at the entertainer or the stop the whispering that was only silenced by Thomas’ voice calling for order. This was working out better than what she could have dreamed.

The meeting began with the normal pomp and circumstance. Even the common populace had an idea of formality. Watching the people discus in an open forum what were their ailments made Gilloleth calm considerably. For awhile she was even able to forget about Harac and Thomas’ disapproval. The more she heard, the more she wanted to help them.

So much so that, instead of Thomas’ answering the first question proposed, it was she that chimed in, “We understand the pain and suffering you all must be feeling. Your land has been torn apart by war for many years and I could see that agony in the castle city as I made my way through the town. I would love to say that we will be able to provide you with gainful employment as we rebuild the destroyed sections of the Empire, however, there is some dissention at this moment on what is the best course of action.”
 
Thomas sat like a statue on his newly won throne, his queen to be at his side looking like a bedraggled wench pulled from the gutters of the filthiest street, her former beauty and grace currently gone and for reasons unknown. He was not a happy man by any stretch of the imagination, angry at Alyssandra for her comment, at Harac just because, and at the Bard for her lack of fortitude and grace under fire. Things were not shaping up the way he had hoped and for the first time, he wondered if he was making a bad choice by picking Gilloleth to be the queen. Perhaps someone like Alyssandra, of a royal line, would be better suited to the roll.

As the first commoner walked into the room, Thomas shook off his self-doubts and put on his royal airs, sitting up straight and signaling Harac to begin. The General stepped forward and announced the beginning of the royal grievance session, giving a brief history of the battle that turned power over to Thomas and then summarizing the grievances that would be heard that day. When the first commoner stepped forward and spoke their piece, it was Gilloleth who answered, startling Thomas immensely. He turned with a scowl on his face, prepared to rebuke her, but hesitated when he heard her first words. They were eloquent and honest and though her last phrase should have been worded better so as not to appear as if the new government wasn’t in control, it was true nonetheless. When she finished speaking, he sat forward, leaning towards the commoner.

“What the royal consort says is true, my citizen, but do not take it as a sign of a weak government. When there is a transition of power such as occurred here, it takes time to work out all the finer details. We will be rebuilding the empire, paying citizens to do most of the work, and the project will be led by two of my most able Generals. Planning will be completed today…” he shot a look at Alyssandra and Harac, both of whom nodded “…and work will start tomorrow. Together, citizen, we will rebuild the empire to its former glory.” The commoner was dismissed after that and a parade of new ones approached, each having their grievance heard. When an older woman stepped forward, she said she was looking for employment involving gardens or the land. Thomas smiled when he heard that and turned to Gilloth. “My dear, weren’t we just talking this morning about wanting someone to take care of the Royal Garden? I believe it needs a delicate touch to keep it flourishing. What do you think?”

**

Harac listened to each commoner come forward and had to admit that Thomas and Gilloleth handled it well. He kept a close eye on the royal consort, having been quite impressed by her opening statement. Yet another reason for him to admire the sexy little minx that would be his one day.
 
Gilloleth could feel Thomas’ anger and she felt like crying out. Her mouth remained shut in a toothless smile. If he only knew what had happened to his little bard then, perhaps, he would not be so harsh with her. That was impossible and, even if she could, telling him now would be completely and utterly inappropriate. This council was to take care of those suffering inside of the Kingdom.

A smile crossed her lips when he seemed pleased with her words. Visibly she relaxed and was warmed by the reception the peasants had for their new King. Clearly most wanted change from the old routine that had been going on and were pleased that Thomas was taking so much time with them to hear their pleads. This was what she wanted. No matter what Harac and Alyssandra did or said it did not matter compared to this work.

“Yes,” she started in her soft and enchanting tones. “The gardens will need an expert hand to tend to them. Have you been given a chance to see them? Truly they are extraordinary and quite enchanting. I believe tha-“

“While the gardens are an interesting subject,” the elven general cut in quickly, “there are more pressing matters to address. I do believe that there is a grain shortage in the parts of this city furthest from the castle…”

Damn it! That little bitch was doing much better than she thought, even after Harac had harassed her. The man must have been losing his touch; what else could explain the way Gilloleth was brushing things to the side. It seemed that she needed to step up her tactics to make herself look like the superior prospect.

“The lands surrounding this city are fertile but little farming is taking place. With the war over I see no reason why we shouldn’t use that land to its fullest potential. If prosperous, we could ship out much needed food to all of the corners of the empire.”

A smug smile crossed her lips. Let the bard top that one.
 
Thomas’s head snapped around when the elven general’s voice overrode Gilloleth’s, his anger clear on his face. Leaning forward, he let her continue and then made a cutting motion with his hand, drawing all attention back to the throne where it belonged. His eyes studied Alyssandra’s, appraising her, secretly impressed by her ability to continue to disrupt the court in a way that made it appear as if she was only trying to be helpful. Clearly, he’d have to have a talk with her at some point.

“You raise a solid point, Alyssandra, and I do not think there is a single member of this court that would dispute the importance of what you say” he said, letting a smile come to his face. “But right now, we are addressing the concerns of this elderly matron, and..” he paused and looked around the room before focusing his attention back on her “…unless you are suggesting we put her to work in the fields until she collapses from exhaustion – which, at her age, would occur quickly, I don’t think the food shortage applies to this particular discussion. We will address it in a moment.”

Turning back to the elderly woman, he smiled. “Dear lady, your talents would be put to wonderful use in the Royal Garden. Please see that gentleman over there to arrange the details.” He pointed to the general that was responsible for work at the castle and gently nudged her in that direction. When the old woman tottered off, Thomas turned back to Alyssandra. “Now, Alyssandra, your point is open for discussion. How would you propose we address the issue you raised?”

***

Harac saw an opportunity and seized upon immediately, stepping forward. “Lord, if I may?” He waited for Thomas to acknowledge him and spoke as soon as he did. “I believe the Lady Alyssandra has her hands full beginning the rebuilding process. As my role in the planning is now over, I could step away from that project and oversee the replanting of the fields. Perhaps the Lady Gilloleth could assist me since she has such an eloquent way of communicating with the locals.” He bowed his head when he finished, being careful to show proper respect to Thomas.
 
Gilloleth’s eyes widened and she clenched the arms of the throne she sat in. Any composure that she had regained was nearly eradicated with that one statement uttered from Harac’s mouth. No! There had to be another task that she could busy herself with. Perhaps she could busy herself with the preparation of the gardens? Instantly she shot down that idea. Appearing to be only interested in the gardens would seem vain and shallow of her. Even though Alyssandra was scolded in front of everyone, she brought up a good point; the gardens would not help the people in the long run.

“That is a wonderful idea,” the Elven general replied quickly to Harac’s suggestion. That glint was in her eyes. Anyone who knew her could recognize the enjoyment she took in the plan. There was no doubt in her mind that Harac would make it so the bard was ruined for other women. “Your beautiful Princess does have an uncanny ability with her tongue; one that Harac could use.”


"What about my duties for the king? Surely he would not want me away in the fields all day. There are things likely around the castle that need my assistance." Gilloleth said. The panic in her voice was evident.

"But you were so impassioned about helping your people before? Has this changed with the thought of having to work beside them?"

"Of course not! It's just..."

"It's just what?"
 
Thomas watched as Harac stepped forward and proposed his idea, requesting Gilloleth’s assistance at the same time. His first thought was a resounding NO because he didn’t want his lady away from his side for one minute, must less away from him at night but leadership wasn’t about the individual it was about the people and so he gave it some serious though. Had he glanced at Gilloleth he would have seen something there that might have given him pause but he never did glance that way. Instead, he started at Harac and then at Alyssandra as she stepped forward and agreed that the General’s suggestion was wonderful and that Gilloleth would be a solid addition to that team.

When Gilloleth finally spoke up Thomas felt a moment of irritation that she’d yet again stolen his thunder but then he listened carefully to the exchange between his lovely bard and the female General. There was clear panic in Gilloleth’s voice and he turned to study her, hearing her impassioned plea for why she would stay in the castle. Thomas, being the man that he was, immediately misinterpreted her passion and assumed that she didn’t want this task because it would take her from his side, not because she felt endangered in anyway. That thought never crossed his mind at all; after all, she would be with his loyal staff and he trusted Harac far more than he trusted Alyssandra.

Finally he’d heard all he needed to hear and he leaned forward, making his presence known. “Enough” he said, his voice carrying. Turning to Gilloleth, he smiled. “Love, Harac’s idea is a good one – it will get the fields up and running sooner, which will put food in the villager’s stomachs. You do have a certain way about communicating with the commoners that will be particularly useful and you’ve said you want to be more involved in restoring this kingdom to its former glory.” Turning to Harac, he nodded. “You have permission to implement your plan, Harac. I entrust Gilloleth’s overall safety in your hands but will send two personal bodyguards with her to be extra cautious. They are under her command, not yours. You will start tomorrow and return to the castle each night.” Turning back to Gilloleth, he smiled. “If there is another reason you do not want to do this, Gilloleth, tell me now.”
 
“I know it’s good, but…”

What could Gilloleth say? If she uttered one word of what had happened Harac would kill her. He had already proven that he saw no qualms with abusing and manhandling her just to steal a kiss. Desperately her eyes begged with Thomas, if he loved her he would know that this idea was no good; he would be able to see it in her stare. Certainly he could not be as dense as to not see how terrified she was of that general. Gladly she would have faced Alyssandra a million times over but the prospect of being so alone with Harac was chilling to the bone. The guards offered little comfort to her. In the end who would they listen to? A bard that simply entertained their king or a man they had been following for years? Her eyes closed and she fought off the tears that pricked at the corners of her eyes.

“N-no my lord,” she replied in a shaking tone. “There is no other reason. Save that, perhaps, I was selfish and wanted more time with you.”

That excuse seemed flimsy at best to her but to everyone else it had to look like the logical explanation. To everyone else she had to appear to be some spoiled brat throwing a tantrum over having her favorite toy bared from her until she finished her chores.

“That is most good, sire. I am sure that with those two heading the project delightfully shocking things will happen,” Alyssandra gave a dark chuckle and turned to look at Harac.

Gilloleth pursed her lips at the woman. That evil hag! She spoke in euphemism as if it were her native tongue and was able to so skillfully do so that it was impossible to discern what the true meanings beneath her words were. The bard’s hand clenched against the throne.
 
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