Court of Valor and Synn

Part Twelve: Serena

"In shadows deep, we roam the night,
On the run from darkness, seeking light.
With hearts ablaze and spirits free,
We brave the unknown, our destiny."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I silently follow behind Cleo down the seemingly endless and dimly lit hallway, my gut twisting with uncertainty. My eyes roam over the posh surroundings, taking in every intricate detail and committing it to memory. The vaulted ceilings are adorned with shimmering, iridescent tiles that reflect the dim glow of the lamplight in a mesmerizing display, almost reminiscent of stars twinkling in the night sky. The walls are lined with ornate tapestries, each one depicting a different scene from a long-forgotten era, and the floor is made of intricate marble tiles that shine like polished glass beneath our feet. Despite the grandeur of our surroundings, there is a sense of quiet and stillness that permeates the air, as if we are walking through a sacred and hallowed space that feels utterly foreign.
I need to figure out how to get away and fast. This is just too much and I miss my other mates... even fucking Kellan.
I take deep breaths in an attempt to soothe my nerves, while my fingers fumble with the delicate emerald gown that fits my form like a glove, accentuating every curve of my body. I anxiously tug at the slit that scarcely conceals my upper thigh, failing miserably when it goes nowhere, the sheer fabric clinging like a second skin against my goosebumped flesh. The distant sound of laughter can be heard echoing down the hallway, increasing my unending dread. I let out a deep sigh, hoping to release some of the tension that had been building up inside of me and as I do, I notice Cleo looking my way, her head tilted slightly to the side and a sympathetic smile on her friendly face. Her golden eyes reveal a genuine concern almost as if she can sense that something is bothering me and with a cocked brow and calming manner, Cleo asks me with the patience of a saint, "Is everything all right, Ren?" However, my response is far from patient or calm, surprising my new companion. In a hushed, but intense voice, I express frustration with my current plight, "No, it's not 'all right', Cleo! Your King has abducted me and now my so-called 'mate' is ordering, not asking, ordering me to attend a dinner party with him, his parents, and the whole fucking Court of Synn when I don't even want to be here to begin with!" The sound of my voice echoes off the walls of the corridor, highlighting the vehemence of my emotions. She suddenly comes to a halt and turns to face me, her expression one of wonder. Her eyes widen and her lips form a perfect "O" as she processes the information I just shared with her. After a moment of stunned silence, she lets out a nervous laugh and links her arm through mine, practically dragging me along with her down the long corridor. "I'm sorry, Ren but he 'abducted' you? The King? How? Why? You're his fated mate and you belong with him, by his side." I open my mouth to respond but she simply shakes her head as she nearly yanks my arm and practically drags me with her at this point, effectively cutting me off when we turn a corner and step into the dining hall. An overwhelming rush of joyous laughter and excited conversation fills the air as if each person present is bubbling with enthusiasm and excitement. We quietly stride into the open space and I'm immediately struck by the gloomy grandeur of the dining hall. The ceilings are towering and seem to stretch on forever, giving the impression of infinite space. The walls and floors are made of polished black marble, lending an air of refinement to the already unique room. The lighting is subdued, casting a rich green hue over everything and creating a sinister atmosphere. The chamber is filled with people, all of them engaged in lively conversation. The sound of laughter and the clinking of glasses fills the space, creating a vibrant energy that is palpable. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, their faces alight with unhindered joy. The chatter and laughter die down into hushed whispers, and there is a moment of silence as everyone takes in our arrival. Cleo and I make our way through the crowd as heads begin to turn and all eyes are on us but I ignore them, searching the crowd until I find him.
Cleo tugs me toward the table but I stand firmly planted in my spot, my eyes focused solely on my handsome captor who stands in the center of the room smiling brightly and surrounded by a group of tall, Dark Fae women. Jealousy rears its ugly head as I steal a glance at the Fae women surrounding my mate.
What a fucking hypocrite! He has the audacity to steal me from my other mates only to have his own harem of lovers waiting for him here?!
My rage subsides bit by bit when he strides away from the group of stunning women encircling him, shocking them into momentary silence before all of their eyes hone in on me, glaring at me with a look of pure contempt. His caramel eyes bore into mine, sending a shiver down my spine, my body betraying me reacting to his intense gaze as he glides toward me. He gracefully leans forward, his towering figure bowing down before he straightens up and extends his massive hand for mine, a commanding gesture we both know I can't ignore. "Welcome to the Court of Synn, My Queen. I'm pleased you decided to grace us with your presence tonight." With a soft grasp of my arm, he leads me towards a grandiose seat situated at the head of the long, obsidian table. He takes his place in the matching chair and pulls me onto his lap, securing me in his embrace. I try to subtlety adjust the hem of my dress as it rides up, wiggling on Draco's lap and feeling insecure in front of the unfamiliar crowd. Draco groans lowly and leans in, his breath hot against my neck. I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks as I struggle to maintain composure under the intense scrutiny of the onlookers. The passion of Draco's darkened gaze only adds to the tension, making me bite my lip nervously. Despite my best efforts to regain my composure, my body betraying me once again when a sudden rush of heat crept across my skin with a flush of embarrassment. Pressing my back closer to him and dipping my head to his neck to avoid his gaze I brush my lips across his ear, causing his heart to beat erratically under my hand as I lowered my voice into a husky whisper, "Is everything all right, Draco?" I ask innocently, tilting my head slightly in curiosity, gracing him with a playful grin, and batting my eyes at him like I've seen Rowena do a million times before. Leaning back, I gradually withdraw from the warm embrace of my mate, feeling shy. His arms unhurriedly loosened around me allowing me to create a bit of distance between us. I then reach for the glass of Fae wine which is sitting on the table in front of me, its soft pink hue appears to sparkle in the gentle light of the room. Unused to this particular type of wine, I take a small sniff and the scent of the sweet wine wafts up to my nose, hinting at the rich and fruity flavors that await me. Slowly, I take a delicate sip of my wine and let the flavors dance on my tongue, sighing in contentment after my first delicious sip.
I peer up and catch Draco's gaze, which seems to be fixated on me and he slowly reaches out and runs his fingers through my hair, as if he's admiring the feel of it and the way the waves fall across my shoulders. I feel a rush of need as he gathers my hair up into his hand and tugs it slightly, his actions making me shudder under his touch. "You look entirely too exquisite in that dress, Sera. Nothing in my realm or yours compares to the serene beauty you possess." He lazily dances his fingers along the exposed skin on my thigh and I can't help but feel a sudden rush of shock and satisfaction at his admission. My face turns an even brighter shade of crimson as I lower my head, my mind going hazy with desire at his touch. "I-" Just as I was about to respond, a sudden interruption caught both of our attention. It was a voice so silly and high-pitched that it immediately reminded me of the call of a Vale crane, "There you are, My King." The voice cooed sweetly. I turned toward the sound, my eyes falling on a striking figure standing tall before me. She was a Dark Fae, with her purple-black hair styled in an intricate but stylish updo that accentuated her sharp features. Her green eyes were lined with precision, giving her a feline allure that was hard to ignore and she was decked out in a skin-tight black dress that hugged her every curve, her breasts nearly spilling out, emphasizing her lithe and graceful form.
Great... Another one. I hate the way she's looking at him. Ugh! Damned mate bond.
Makes me want to punch that hopeful look off her pretty face.
Her cat-like gaze falls upon me, her eyes widening in shock, but the expression quickly fades into one of hatred. Her upper lip curls up in a sneer and she shifts her attention from me to Draco, her eyes frantic. I notice her dark complexion turning a deep shade of purple, almost reflecting the color of her hair as she worked herself up into a frenzy. The tension in the air is palpable as she continues to stare at us, her emotions written all over her face. "Who is she?"
Her question was asked in a snappy tone, causing her already comically high-pitched voice to rise even further.
"Well, good evening to you too, Thalia. Thank you so much for joining the Court for dinner." He answers politely, never taking his eyes off of me, "This is my fated mate and your Queen, Serena Swan of the Vale." The atmosphere is heavy with the weight of his words as they linger in the air for what feels like an eternity as her gaze shifts dramatically from me to Draco. She opens her mouth to say something when suddenly, a burst of booming laughter echoes across the room, breaking the tension and drawing everyone's attention to a man who bears a more than striking resemblance to Draco. The tall man's neatly trimmed beard is dappled with gray, distinguishing him from his younger lookalike and the smiling man strides toward Draco and me, his dark amber eyes staring curiously into mine as something strange flickers in his otherwise pleasant expression.
Could that be Draco's brother? They look like they could pass for twins if not for the bits of gray in this stranger's beard. And why is he looking at me like that?
"You must be the lovely Serena Swan! I'm so delighted to finally meet you, Chéri."
With a practiced and charming manner, he takes hold of my free hand and plants a soft kiss on it, his eyes boring into mine. Draco's grip tightens once again around my middle and I can feel his already anxious body tensing up underneath me. I offer the man a sweet smile and gracefully bow my head in hello before turning back to Draco who's staring at the smiling man with caution. "I'm Orion Synn, the former King of Synnox and your mate, Draco's father. Welcome to the Court of Synn, Chéri." Smiling brightly, I school my face like I was taught, showing no surprise or concern for anything as he spreads his muscular arms wide and gestures at everything and everyone in the room.
Father?! Goddess, I would have just assumed that they were siblings with how similar they look if he hadn't just introduced himself to me as my FATHER-IN-LAW!
He narrowly misses hitting a small woman with red-black hair who comes up beside him, swiftly ducking out of the way of Orion's arms like this wasn't her first rodeo and smiling wide at Draco and then me. "Good evening! I'm Aria Synn, Draco's mother. I'm so pleased to meet you, Serena. Goddess. You are just stunning!" She gushes as she pulls me from Draco's grip and into a tight hug, "I can't wait to spend time with you, darling! Let's have tea and go visit the seamstress in Ravenna tomorrow. Oh, goddess knows I've always wanted a daughter to spoil and dote on and now I have one!" She sings out, releasing me from her hug as she steps back and looks at Draco proudly, practically beaming. Thalia loudly scoffs from beside me and I ignore it as I smile back and nod my head in agreement, a dull but familiar ache surging inside of my heart.
She seems wonderful, Draco is so lucky to still have both of his parents.
"Oh, Draco, I'm beyond delighted the Goddess has finally blessed you with your fated mate! You had better cherish her or you'll have to answer to me." She laughs loudly, winking at us as she and Orion take their seats to our right. Thalia moves with a sense of urgency towards the vacant chair positioned to our left. However, just as she's about to settle down comfortably, Cleo cunningly descends and settles into the same seat, sporting a self-satisfied smirk on her face as she gazes into Thalia's wide, startled eyes, clearly relishing in her momentary defeat. "Oh, I'm sorry, Thalia! Were you going to sit here? I didn't even notice you." Cleo chimes cheerfully, her face the picture of innocence as she casually waves her hand at the seat beside her, "You are more than welcome to sit by me. I'd love to have a little 'girls chat' with you like when we were children!" Thalia rolls her eyes but sits next to Cleo, her eyes glued to Draco. Orion stands, clinking his spoon against his wine glass and catching everyone in the Court of Synn's attention, "Thank you everyone for attending this most joyous occasion as we celebrate the arrival of your new Queen!" Lively cheers sound throughout the crowd and Orion smiles broadly, gazing down at me and Draco seriously and raising his glass, "May your days be filled with love and nights with lust, your life brimming with happiness before we all turn to dust. I'm proud of you, son. Cheers to Our King and Queen!"
Glasses clink across the room before everyone except Thalia who stands up abruptly and stomps out of the room angrily as everyone else goes back to their conversations and the staff starts serving a divine-smelling dinner to the guests.
A large plate filled with what appeared to be roasted fowl and an array of vegetables is set in front of me, causing my stomach to loudly announce itself. "Hungry, Sera?" He tugs at the hold he has on my hair and drags me to him, murmuring lowly in my ear. I nod, turning to gaze into his brown eyes that darken to midnight when I brush my lips softly against his, testing his resolve. He stands abruptly, hauling me up with him, and heads toward the doorway, carrying me bridal style. "Cleo, please bring our dinner up to us shortly. My Queen is starving but I'm hungry for something else." He orders over his shoulder as a wicked grin spreads lazily across his handsome face, "Hold on, Sera." He whispers, closing his eyes abruptly. "Wha-" When I try to speak the words seem to dissipate into nothingness, like smoke wafting away into thin air. Before I can even register what's happening, I'm being pulled through the veil, and the next thing I know, I find myself in the rooms I was in earlier and Draco's tossing me on the bed, his eyes wild with need. I let out a huge sigh as I flop on the bed, happy to be away from the prying eyes of the Court of Synn and alone with my mystery of a mate. I hear an agonized groan from across the room so I lean up on my elbows to find Draco staring at me, his eyes hooded and cock already straining in his pants. "Stop looking at me like that!" I shout as I shift involuntarily and back up into the headboard, panicked because he's looking at me like he wants to eat me.
No wonder Thalia acted like she was prepared to kill me for him. Oh my, goddess, he is so hot.
"Never, Sera. You are mine. You were such a good girl for me at dinner, keeping your mouth shut about how I took you and wiggling that perfect ass on my cock all night." He growls out lowly as he stalks towards me and lands on top of me, caging my body under his as he kisses me hard and passionately. "I want you." He whispers when his hands land on my breasts, caressing me gently and tweaking my nipples as his knee slowly spreads my legs. Giving him complete access as he grinds himself against my already wet pussy. "Mm Draco... P-please..." Draco smirks against my mouth then pulls away from our kiss, leveling me with a smug smile. "Please what, My Queen? I need you to be a good fucking girl and tell me what you want. Beg for me. Sera. Tell me what you want me to do to you..." He proceeds to lazily kiss down my chest and takes a nipple into his mouth, sucking and biting at the already too-sensitive flesh. A wave of pleasure rushes through me at his words and I reach for his cock, stroking him through his pants as he stares up and into my eyes. His large hands tease my body as my free hand explores his God-like body as I continue to caress his rock-hard cock with the other. I inhale sharply as he releases my nipple with a POP! And moves to the other to do the same thing. "Oh my goddess..." I pant out, the sensations both over and underwhelming simultaneously, needing him inside me. "I want you so bad, Draco! Take me, please!" I scream as I reach to undo his pants and stubbornly struggle with his belt. He chuckles deeply and with a SNAP! Of his fingers, all of our clothes are off in an instant. Biting my lip I look him up and down in admiration as a blush spreads across my cheeks.
Mm, much better...
"You are so fucking hot, 'My King'!" I giggle out sarcastically as my legs instinctively wrap around his waist to guide him to my hot and ready center. He palms his cock roughly, stroking himself slowly before rubbing his head up and down, focusing on my clit and working down unhurriedly to my slit, his cock becoming wet with my arousal as he barely pushes in and pulls out, the action leaving me desperate with need.
"More, Draco, please!" I beg as he keeps teasing me. With a groan he pushes himself fully into my throbbing pussy, making me see stars as he starts to pump in and out of me slowly, "Yessss, FUCK! Don't stop!" I scream as his thrusts become more frantic and he slams into me. He reaches down and thumbs my clit and I writhe beneath him, chasing another orgasm. His thrusts falter, causing me to groan in annoyance at being denied relief. Draco chuckles in my ear and drags his lips to mine in a deep kiss. He groans loudly in my mouth SNAPS! his fingers. I find that I'm instantly put into position, knees down, ass up, sending a wave of pleasure through me as he enters me swiftly from behind, instantly making me shatter around his cock. "Mm, such a good girl. You feel so fucking good wrapped tight around my cock. You were made for me, Serena." He says in between thrusts as he pounds me from behind in a punishingly delectable rhythm. His breathing comes out in pants as he pulls me to his chest, wrapping one arm around my back and the other around my waist as her pumps into me furiously. "Come for me again, Sera, I can't hold it anymore!" He manages to ground out as we explode together and fall onto the bed, our desire for each other sated. For now.