The Raptor Queen

XII - Still Erect

Vermund

"We are under attack, my liege," I replied calmly to the King.

He was clearly startled and incensed at this news, and his face turned crimson with a rush of blood.

King Nikolaos stood angry and confused, his mouth working but silent. He turned back to Anai as if she could make this go away, but her steely gaze offered no succor. Finally the King spit words to me, "I'm certain you and your men can defend us , why must you interrupt me? Am I required to hold your hand?"

I considered a number of inappropriate replies, but I know of a man's reactions under the stress of combat, and this was nothing less. I also know I must prevail.

"Your Father, the King, is very specific when wielding the sword. He leaves no decision to Captains nor archers in such a situation. I have ordered defensive posture, but the assault continues. On your orders will we advance, and not until." I knew my reference to the real king would vex Nikolaos to no end.

The King squinted sharply at me, "Very well Vermund, I order you to defend our encampment, whatever is necessary!"

"Sight unseen?" I wear a visage of incredulousness. "If you think that wise, your grace... I "

"Yes, yes... do all you think necessary! Now put an end to this before I choose someone more capable!" The king exhaled loudly, believing he was the victor in this skirmish.

"It shall be done!" I wheel abruptly towards the tent's opening and begin giving commands to our men outside, "Sir Piermont make ready to strike this tent, find suitable accommodation for King Nikolaos and his guest!"

"What? And halt!" the King's voice countermands my order. "By what right do you order your King's tent to be struck?" He is facing me once more.

"Apologies my Liege, it is standard defensive practice when enemies are firing flaming arrows. They've already started two tents alight; the rest are being struck as we speak. I'm sure you recall the practice from your own training in the military." That last statement a personal barb, knowing all too well Nikolaos had very little training.

The King is furious. Yet my sights are distracted by the Princess yawning. I allowed my eyes to drink deeply of her beauty as the King's head slumped to his chest. Nikolaos realized he was defeated in this contest. I imagined the lust for the Princess burning a hole in the man's mind, and almost pitied him for that. Such beauty would drive any man insane, but tonight was not to be the night. 

"Perhaps you should survey the attack, my Liege and better advise me how to respond," I offer.

"Yes, perhaps I should make certain this isn't mishandled. Await me without!" The King concedes, he would get no more peace this night unless he personally drove off the attackers. He turned back to Anai, only to see her stifle a yawn, bored with the conversation. "I beg your pardon Princess, but it seems that I must attend to this... this untimely event."

"It is only a surprise to me that you are still here," Anai responds with unveiled contempt. She stretches, her full breasts mold into the fabric holding them in place. I start to say something, but instead clear my throat and look away. She continues, "I wonder about a King that doesn't immediately spring into battle when his subjects are in danger. There's no excuse for this, not even me. Either that man is no King at all, or a craven," she knows very well what is causing the King's indecision and smooths her bosom with both hands as if to punctuate her thoughts. 

Nikolaos bit his lip as he watches her hands glide over her nipples, but the words she said finally registered. "You think me a coward? I took the Flax Holdfast against horrid odds, and wore Braeswood Castle down in only nine months. I am a hero of my people." His words are boastful, though her response is that of uninterest.