Chapter 3
Chapter Three
The Compromise
Alex
Alex lounged in front of Queen Rivka with her arms folded, jaw set. Rivka broke the silence first. “We've been over this; you can't just barge into my council meetings and insult my Army Commander."
“He's a pompous know it all, and besides, he can withstand some insulting."
Alex’s voice was casual, too casual to speak to her queen in such a manner.
If they hadn’t been alone, she wouldn’t have dared.
No matter the events or what was happening, she would never disrespect her like that in front of anyone.
Well, anyone other than Ellis of course.
Rivka rose out of her chair and walked to where Alex was sitting, feet propped up on the table, a lazy smirk on her face.
Rivka’s dress was the same from the market that morning and though simple, Rivka’s strength and beauty shone.
Alex continued speaking, “You went to the market this morning with Colin.”
It wasn’t a question. Rivka’s face stilled but she didn’t cower, she had known she would be angry.
“Yes.” was all she said.
Alex turned to face her, dropping her legs from the table.
“With Colin.” Alex repeated.
“Yes.” Rivka said again, lifting her skirt a bit so that she could straddle her legs over Alex’s lap. Seemingly of their own accord, Alex’s hands gripped Rivka’s hips, the tips of her fingers brushing the top of her curved backside.
Rivka’s fingers drifted to the ties at the front of Alex’s vest, pulling the top string loose.
Alex hadn’t been bestowed with the same ample cleavage as her queen but hers were more than enough to fill her hands.
The strings slipped loose and exposed Alex’s taut nipples.
The tips of her breasts begged to be worshiped.
Rivka took each one in her lips and softly brushed her tongue over them, slowly.
Her nipples glistened in the sunlight streaming in from the skylight.
“Distracting me won’t work. You know how I feel about Colin, and about your safety in the market.” Even Alex didn’t believe her own words. Distracting her would absolutely work.
Rivka lightly kissed Alex’s lips. Slowly she moved her mouth to the side of Alex’s eye, then to her cheek, down her jaw, the side of her neck…
“Riv” Alex started but then stopped as Rivka’s teeth grazed her collar bone, her hair falling over Alex’s nose intoxicating her senses.
Alex surged up out of the chair keeping Rivka in her arms and spun towards the table, settling Rivka on it.
Rivka’s surprised squeal was swallowed by Alex’s lips upon hers.
It was a risk. This moment, these stolen minutes.
But judging by Ellis’ parting words, she was fairly certain he was nearby, ensuring them at least a few moments of privacy.
She should thank Anva for Ellis more often.
They were breathless when Rivka broke the kiss.
“I thought distracting you wasn’t going to work.”
She laughed when Alex growled her response and buried her face in the cleavage now displayed at her eye level. Alex’s hands were firmly on Rivka’s thighs under the layers of dress as she squeezed and stoked the flesh beneath them.
“Please Ria.” Rivka whispered in her ear.
That was all Alex needed to hear. Her heart swelled at the name that echoed in her soul, and throbbing pulsed between her legs.
Damn her and that nickname. She would do anything to hear it.
Alex’s fingers traveled up to Rivka’s hips, to the thin bands of her undergarments and tugged.
Rivka gasped at the sudden pull. Alex removed a hand from beneath the skirts and pushed Rivka back on her elbows, enticing her to lift her hips.
The undergarment slid off into Alex’s hands, damp with arousal.
The tiny noises of pleading increased as Alex shoved those damned skirts up to Rivka’s waist, dipping her head, breathing in deeply.
She could never get enough of this woman.
Alex kissed her inner thighs, first moving up one and then to the other but never exactly where she knew Rivka needed it.
Fingers glided across her wetness but with feather light touches, not the pressure her queen was begging for.
“Ria!”
Rivka’s frustrated exclamation had Alex chuckling darkly, but she still didn’t move closer. “Okay, I’m sorry. I know you worry and I know I should have waited for you.”
At that, Alex descended. Her tongue delved into her before giving her the suction she desperately desired, fully centering on Rivka’s clit. A satisfied sound filled Alex’s ears and she hummed happily.
A noise just outside the door broke through the lust powered haze.
Ellis, having perched himself in the hall, cleared his throat.
“Your…discussion seems to be getting slightly heated. You might want to take it somewhere the walls aren’t quite as…
public.” He called out to them, amusement evident in his voice.
Alex groaned into Rivka’s lap.
”He always spoils the fun,” Rivka pouted as she ran her hand down Alex’s braid.
“He isn’t spoiling it, just postponing it.
” Alex’s muffled voice sounded just before she lifted her head and grinned at Riv.
“You are suddenly feeling awfully weary and must retire to your room for a nap. I, of course, being your loyal bodyguard, must accompany you to be sure that you stay safe and satisfied.” She added that last part with mischief.
Rivka’s eyes sparked with desire, the promise of what would happen during her “nap” hung heavy in the air. Rivka’s breath hitched, as she quickly slid from the table and straightened her skirts before helping Alex quickly relace her vest.
“Let’s go, I have something that I would like to give you back in my room anyway,” Rivka said.
“I bet you do have something for me,” Alex said, wiggling her eyebrows.
“My nap cannot take too long,” Rivka’s tone sounded full of regret, “I have to speak with Drayke about the logistics of the upcoming Treaty Ball within the hour.” Alex tugged Rivka’s waist back, pressing her ass into her as Alex’s hot breath cascaded down her neck.
“We’ll never make it to my room if you keep this up.
” Rivka pulled away and made for the door, the flush on her face and collarbone would surely cause Ellis to tease her for the next week.
Alex backed away. Her demeanor changing quickly, assessing and shifting to the calculated bodyguard she was.
“And you were going to tell me this when? You know all logistics and planning have to be approved by me. The Treaty Ball is not exactly on friendly territory and Queen Vivian,” she said the name with a hefty amount of disdain, “is known to be devious on a good day.”
Rivka sighed, sounding exasperated. “I told you just now, didn’t I?” She reached forward and brushed a loose strand of Alex’s braid back behind her ear. “Now, do you want to stand here and discuss the Treaty Ball or let me bring you to my bed and give you your surprise?”
This woman and her soft curves, easy sultry laugh, and selfless heart had corrupted her.
Rivka had swept in four years ago and Alex hadn’t seen it coming.
She had shaken her world. Men had come and gone from Alex’s bed, a night here or there but none caused her stomach to flutter when they kissed her, or her heart to ache with loss after they had gone.
She hadn’t known love until the lavender eyes of her queen embedded themselves in her soul.
Sighing deeply, Alex followed Rivka to her room, just like she would follow her for the rest of their lives.