Here She Rules: The Chronicles of Erla: Book 1 (40 page)

They were not happy she was leaving so soon after her recovery, and none of them could forget what had befallen her during the past few months. They had hoped for her to remain safely at home with them for quite some time, but they knew she would not shirk her duty to Queen Nera, and they resigned themselves to her imminent departure.

Cassie was excited about her trip. She had very much been looking forward to meeting Leandra’s family and friends as well as retrieving her Princess. She had packed with care, and Mika followed in her footsteps so closely that she was beginning to feel suffocated by his heavy concern.

 
His fear for her was palpable, and it was seriously getting on her nerves. When their hands collided for the tenth time as she checked her saddle bags, Cassie’s patience finally snapped.

“Mika! Go find something to do with yourself; you are driving me insane!” Mika flinched at her anger, and the others shuddered in fear at her rough tone. “I am glad to be leaving the lot of you for a little while; you are nearly suffocating me!”
 

She picked up a goblet and threw it across the room where it shattered against a wall. The sound had them all jumping to their feet.
 

Cassie was immediately sorry for her outburst, and as they ran to clean up her mess, she felt like a true villain. The tears in Mika’s golden eyes made her groan in frustration. He stood unmoving as she grabbed up her bags, tears sliding silently down his face.
 

Mika was angry with himself. He knew he had gone too far in shadowing her as he had been doing, but he was so worried about her and her upcoming trip that he wasn’t thinking clearly. Mika adored his Lady, and her injury and subsequent illness had made him terrified that something else might happen to her.

“Goodbye!” she said gruffly and slammed the door behind her.
 

The men stood frozen in astonishment. She had left on a lengthy journey without bidding them a proper goodbye, and their accusatory eyes flew to Mika. Each of them blamed him for her burst of temper. Mika turned away and quickly made up her bed, ignoring the angry glances from his brothers as he dashed the tears from his eyes.
 

He knew he had been overwhelming her lately with his concern, and he blamed himself for her anger even more than the others did. He also knew he had to control his fear before it drove her completely from him. It had been nearly two weeks since she had taken him to her bed, and he knew it was his own fault for “suffocating” her as she called it.
 

Sighing, he walked out to the balcony as the others went into the weight room, grumbling their disappointment. Mika looked out into the gardens and resolved to not be so needy and to stop fussing over her. He couldn’t bear to lose her affection; it was his reason for being. He silently vowed to change his behavior by the time she returned.
 

Suddenly, a hand lightly caressed his shoulder. He spun about with startled eyes to see his Cassandra gazing at him. Her striking blue-green eyes sparkled with regret, and she pulled him into a tender embrace. A sob broke from his chest, and he crushed her to him.

“Mistress, I am so, so sorry. Forgive me!” he begged, trying not to cry again. Cassie pulled him close and stroked his silky ink-black hair.

“Mika, I am sorry, love. I wish I knew what to do to make you feel more secure. I want my
old
Mika back! You cannot let fear rule you. I am fine and will return to you as I always have. You need to trust in me enough to let me do as I must and trust that I will always be here to care for you.”

She cupped his face in her hands and rested her forehead against his.
 

Mika nodded, and looking into her eyes, he felt his fear slowly melt away. His Mistress was the strongest, fiercest fighter, and she was more than clever enough to keep herself safe.
 

He flashed a small grin and was rewarded with a sweet, deep kiss which curled his toes.
 

“Now, behave yourself until I return, and I might give you the first night back.” She smiled at him flirtatiously, and he felt a jolt of desire roll through his belly. Kissing his nose, she spun on her heel and walked quickly to the exercise room and threw the door open.

“Do I not get goodbye kisses from my men as I leave on my Queen’s business?” she asked with a wide smile, and they nearly ran to be the first to receive her kiss. She spent a few moments telling them goodbye
before she left her quarters, walking quickly to where Leandra and Kara stood outside the Palace talking to Nera and waiting for her.
 

Cassie and Lee mounted their horses after bowing to Nera.

“Is everything sorted out to your satisfaction in your quarters, Lady Cassandra?” Nera asked with a knowing grin.

“Indeed, it is, Your Highness.” she replied, returning the grin.

“Lady Cassandra, are you sure you do not wish me to accompany you?” Kara’s brow was creased with concern and a bit of envy. “The escort party doesn’t leave till tomorrow, and you would be grossly outnumbered if you were to run into trouble.”

“Kara, I need you to remain here to protect the Queen in my absence; there is no other I would trust with her safety, my friend. I will miss your company on this journey, but Erla’s needs outweigh my own wants.” Cassie smiled at her friend.
 

Kara was disappointed not to be going, but she was very proud of her Commander’s belief in her abilities.

“Very well, but be safe, my friend,” Kara said with a bow. “I hope we meet again soon, Leandra—and under more pleasant circumstances!”

“Yes, I definitely would like to further our friendship, Kara. Hopefully, we will meet frequently in the future.” Leandra reached down and clasped forearms with Kara.
 

“Queen Nera, I have been honored to see you again and to assist you. Should you ever need me or the forces of Tayliss again, you have only to send word,” Leandra pledged as she bowed with a flourish.

“Thank you, Lady Leandra. Keep my Commander safe and out of mischief for Erla cannot do without her,” Nera said, causing Cassie to flush with pleasure at her words. “I am sending some pleasure slaves as gifts to Saria; they will travel with the escort on the morrow. Tell her I wish her well and that I hope to see her again soon.”

“I will, Highness. Thank you for your hospitality,” Lee said. With that, she and Cassie swung their mounts around and spurred them into movement, kicking up dust in their wake.

XXV

After three exhausting days on the road, the women reached the outskirts of Tayliss and no sight could have been more welcome. Cassie was dying for a bath and a good hot meal—as was Lee. The women had enjoyed an easy camaraderie and had deepened their friendship over the course of the journey.

“It’s not far now, Cassie. We will have a bath and an equally good meal. Queen Saria owns men beautiful enough to rival your own—as do I—so we will be
well
cared for,” Lee gushed in her excitement to be home.
 

Cassie watched the passing scenery with interest for it was not much different from Erla, though it was more pastoral and less forested. They entered the outskirts of the town and were immediately the center of attention.
 

The stories of the Great Warrior Cassandra had made the rounds, and she had developed a reputation of almost mythic proportions. People pointed and waved, calling out their names, and Lee smiled and returned their greetings, calling some by name as they passed the people by.
 

Cassie smiled and waved politely, and they were soon joined by mounted warriors, who escorted them to the Palace and the waiting group of nobles.
 

Upon arrival, the women promptly dismounted and ran up the steps.
 

Cassie, though recognizing Queen Saria from description, would have known her anyway by her regal bearing as she knelt with bowed head at her feet with Leandra following suit next to her.

“Rise, Lady Cassandra, Lady Leandra. Welcome to Tayliss, My Lady. We are honored by your presence and offer the full hospitality of our country. If there is anything you desire, you have only to speak to make it so.”
 

Cassie stood and regarded the beautiful monarch respectfully. Saria had ankle-length black hair and violet eyes reminiscent of Nera’s. She was of medium height and was truly a stunning beauty.
 

The Queen smiled with genuine friendliness at Cassie, easing Cassie’s nerves.
 

“Thank you, Your Highness. My Queen bids me to share our heartfelt thanks for your help; we are forever indebted to our friends in Tayliss.” Cassie pulled a scroll from her tunic and held it out to Saria, who took it with a smile.

“We are greatly pleased to have such a renowned warrior in our debt!” Saria laughed. “Welcome home, Leandra. You were sorely missed.” Lee grinned at her Lady and bowed.

“Cassie! Cassie! See! I told you she would come for me! I have the greatest warrior in the whole world as my personal protector!” Danai’s voice piped up, and she ran full tilt at Cassie, followed by a group of wide eyed children of various ages.
 

The little girl squealed and launched herself at Cassie, who, laughing wholeheartedly, caught her in her arms and hugged the child closely. Setting her down, Cassie dropped to her knee before the child.

“Your Highness, I await your command.” Cassie glanced up through her lashes and choked back a laugh as Danai preened and puffed out her chest.

“Rise, Lady Cassandra. These are my cousins much removed. You need not kneel before them for they are not as important as I.” The little girl lifted her chin aristocratically.
 

Biting her lip to keep from smiling, Cassie stood and bowed to the children, who gaped at her in awe, impressed by her reputation and razor-sharp sword.

“Lady Danai, your mother wishes for me to remind you of your responsibilities as Princess and Ambassador for Erla and asks that you mind your manners,” Cassie said, raising a brow at the posturing little girl.
 

Danai bit her lip and looked up at Cassie beseechingly.

“And what shall you tell her, Lady Cassandra?” she asked fearfully while trying to maintain a careless façade.

“I shall tell her that My Lady Danai was a kind and honorable young woman whose manners were a credit to her mother and her country,” Cassie said with a significant look at her young charge.

“I will see to it that you will not be misleading my mother,” Danai replied, somewhat shamefacedly.

“I never doubted you, My Lady,” Cassie replied, sweeping a bow to her Princess.

“Well done, Lady Cassandra.” Queen Saria clapped her hands and laughed as the Princess drifted away with her kin. Even Lee was fighting back a grin. “Let us get you to a comfortable apartment; I am sure you are ready for a bath and something to eat. Please rest this afternoon as we will have a dinner this evening in your honor.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. I do indeed desire a bath,” Cassie replied with a heartfelt grin.

“I have sent slaves to care for you during your stay. If they do not suit you, then please let me know. I would have you be comfortable and happy in my house.” Saria inclined her head to Cassie before gesturing to a small female slave to escort Cassie to her rooms.
 

Cassie found her Princess, gave her a quick hug, and bowed to the Queen before following the slave to her suite of rooms.
 

Upon entering, she caught her breath at the beauty and opulence of her chambers.
 

Cool marble floors were scattered with cushions, large overstuffed sofas, and low tables. A balcony looked out over the city, and Cassie smiled when the girl led her on a tour of the bedroom and its adjacent bathing room. While looking longingly at the huge, soft bed, she followed the girl’s lead.
 

Returning to the main room, she was met with the sight of three handsome men awaiting her pleasure. Two of them were twins. They were deeply tanned with long brown hair and light blue eyes. The other had shoulder-length white-blond hair and deep chocolate eyes. They knelt in front of her in polite greeting.

“You may stand. I would know your names,” she said. They rose gracefully and looked into her eyes.

“We are Dylan and Karl, My Lady,” one of the twins said, indicating himself and his brother. “Whatever your desire, we will see it fulfilled.” Cassie was surprised at the seductive tone in his voice; she had not yet encountered such sexual brazenness in a male slave before.
 

She smiled at him and his brother and then turned her attention to the blond.

“I am Liam, My Lady. Your pleasure is mine.” Hot brown eyes held hers for a moment before dropping demurely.
 

Cassie raised a brow; they were indeed very forward.

“I require a bath and something to eat. Then, I will need some rest,” she said firmly.
 

She found their obvious desire amusing and knew she was expected to use them as she wished during her visit, but it would be on her terms alone—not theirs.