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fellowshippers2006-01-31 02:29 am
mind-of-onion.livejournal.com) wrote in fellowshippers2006-01-31 02:29 am
Love of all Times (18/?)
Title: Love Of All Times 18/?
Author: little___hobbit and Fin_Anwamane
Type: RPS
Pairing: Liv/Miranda
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Physical violence, abuse and rape described in later chapters not between the main pairing.
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to paddington-bear@web.de
or glorfindel@hornorfgondor.com
Archiving: Angel's Realm, Everafter Love, others please ask
Summary: A.U. An Egyptian Princess and her slave fall for one another and overcome the threats of their environment
Italics indicate thoughts
~~~~~
It was almost a fortnight now since they had escaped from the Temple. Their journey was leading them north all the time; somehow, without having discussed the matter, the three young people had silently agreed to head for the village where Miranda had grown up, and now, they were approaching her old home; in less than an hour, Nakhti had told them, they would arrive.
Miranda sat in the carriage, with Liv's head lying in her lap as the Princess took a nap. The journey was pleasant, but still, it was tough especially for her love, as she was not used to such long travels. Miranda smiled gently down at her and carded a hand through her hair before she looked out of the carriage again and into the distance. So far they had been lucky, the guards, though surely hot on their heels, had not yet come in sight. But no matter what luck they had had in the past days, Miranda knew that it couldn't hold forever; sooner or later they would catch them and bring them back to the Temple.
"When they find us, I will claim that I have taken you hostage and forced you two to bring me here," Miranda said softly to Nakhti, careful not to stir Liv in her sleep.
Nakhti looked over at Miranda briefly before returning his gaze to the road. "I don't think they will believe you," he said squinting into the sun. "Besides, I would not allow you to do that. I have sworn my life to the Princess... and to you as well through association." He looked back to Miranda and could see an almost questioning look in her eyes. "That's right," he continued, "My life for yours, should it come to that. You are royalty in my eyes now. You and the Princess." Nakhti again turned his eyes back to the road and sat quietly. In his mind he knew it would most certainly come to his life to protect them. He'd known this the day they set forth from the Temple. He looked down to the Princess, her head resting in Miranda's lap and smiled inwardly to himself.
Miranda blushed and tucked an errand strand of her hair behind her ear. "Thank you, Nakhti," she said quietly. But I cannot allow you to give your life for me. You need to survive this to protect Liv when I am gone, she thought, but did not voice it. She knew better than to argue with her friend by now; the past few days on the road surely had taught her. Instead, she fell silent again and simply resumed her self-appointed task of caressing her love's hair. As she looked up after a while, she recognized the first houses of her old village, and her face brightened. Miranda gently caressed Liv's cheek. "Wake up, my Princess, we will arrive any minute now," she whispered softly as she traced Liv's eyebrows with her finger.
Slowly Liv stirred and opened her eyes; Miranda's beautiful face was the first thing she saw and she smiled lovingly at her. After a moment she slowly sat up and looked around.
She could see the houses growing nearer and could tell how happy the sight was making Miranda. Reaching over Liv took her love's hand in hers and squeezed it slightly. "You are home my love," she whispered, her own excitement growing. "I cannot wait to meet your family," she added, hoping they would not resent her for who she was.
Miranda returned the small squeeze to Liv's hand and gave the other woman a bright and loving smile. "This may be my home, where I was born and grew up, but I have a second home now. And that is wherever you are, my love," she whispered and leant over to kiss the Princess, snaking a hand into her hair and laying it at Liv's nape, pulling her closer. For a few moments, their tongues brushed together, and Miranda could not fully stifle a small moan.
At length, she reluctantly broke the kiss and leant her forehead against Liv's. "I love you so very much, Liv," Miranda whispered and smiled sweetly, then she pulled back and looked around to find their way. "Turn into this lane, Nakhti," she said to the guard and pointed into a small lane leading away from the main road and further to the shore. As the carriage took the bend and slowly rolled down the dusty path, Miranda looked around, glad that they had removed the cover of their carriage.
The village still looked almost exactly as it had when Miranda had left it ten years ago. Each of the narrow thatched clay houses was obviously well cared for; here and there, a small garden had been set up before a house, almost overloaded with vegetables and flowers. As they drove on, more and more villagers came out of their houses, looking at the magnificent vehicle in awe. Miranda felt her face heat up at all the stares and shyly nodded her head at the people as they bowed to her and her friends.
Suddenly a female voice called out, "Miranda? Is that you?" Miranda turned around quickly and found a young, red-haired woman standing there; at once her face, already beaming with happiness, brightened even more and the blush was gone immediately. "Alexandra?" she asked happily, "Nakhti, stop please!" Even before the carriage had fully been brought to a halt, Miranda jumped off and flew into the open arms of the other woman, laughing and crying at the same time.
Liv took in the scenery as they went through town. She had never seen such a place; it was such a quaint, beautiful little village.
As they came to an abrupt stop and Miranda released her hand then leapt from the carriage Liv was taken aback. Who is this and exactly how does my love know her? she thought to herself briefly, then let it pass. She was quite sure it was some old acquaintance, probably a childhood friend that Miranda would introduce her to. She smiled as she saw how happy her love was, it was good to see her happy once more.
At last, Miranda pulled back and looked at the other woman with a bright smile. "I cannot believe it, Miranda!" Alexandra said, "Look at yourself, you look wonderful! Almost like a Princess! What has happened, did someone free you from slavery?"
It was the truth, though. The bruises on her body had vanished completely by now; instead, she had taken on a healthy tan that made her hair look almost as if it was glowing from inside. What's more, Liv had made Miranda wear one of her gowns which made her look even better, and the constant smile on her face was adding to it as well. Miranda blushed and gave Alexandra's hand a small squeeze. She did not know how to answer the question; she didn't want them to know, but on the other hand, she didn't want to lie. Miranda decided to ignore the question and turned around to the carriage, finding Liv watch her and Alexandra with a happy smile on her face. She returned the smile and looked back at Alexandra, the love even more clearly visible in her eyes. "This is Liv," she said to her friend, "She is my m... my most beautiful love."
Oblivious of Miranda's almost-slip, Alexandra stared open-mouthed at the gorgeous, dark-haired woman sitting in the carriage as her friend let go of her hand and walked back there and held her hand out to Liv. "Do not be scared, my love," Miranda whispered as she helped the Princess out of the carriage and brought her love's hand to her lips to press a kiss on its back, "You are safe here. They will love you just as much as I do, I am sure of it. Come," Miranda added and gently pulled Liv with her towards her friend.
Liv continued to take in the two women's conversation, thinking Alexandra was right; Miranda did indeed look very lovely, just as much like a Princess as Liv did herself. But then, to her, Miranda was even more than a Princess. Without knowing, she had become Liv's Queen; whatever Miranda would ask of her, Liv knew she'd give it to her without any hesitation.
When Miranda introduced her she could feel a blush creep over her; although she was normally used to praise of her beauty, it just felt strange to her to be praised by her love whom she thought so much more beautiful than herself.
Accepting Miranda's hand, she stepped out of the carriage, blushing even more as her love pressed a kiss on the back of her hand although she was not sure why. As Liv took a step towards Alexandra, she suddenly felt a small tug at her gown. Looking down Liv saw a little girl standing there looking up at her with big, gleaming eyes and clutching some meadow flowers in her hand.
"Are you a Princess?" the girl asked breathlessly, handing the flowers to Liv, "Because you do look like a Princess. You are very pretty," she said with an emphasizing nod and tipped her head to the side as she waited for Liv's answer.
Liv took the flowers and smiled sweetly at the girl. "Um, why yes, I am," she said, hoping she had given the right answer.
"I knew it!" exclaimed the girl with a big grin, then she dashed off into the crowd followed closely by several other young girls, all of them squealing excitedly as they went.
Liv looked back to the two women. "Nice to meet you," she said to the other woman whom Miranda had called Alexandra, offering her hand in greeting.
As Miranda watched Liv interacting with the little girl, she felt utterly happy that her people accepted the Princess as one of their own straight away. If she was honest, she had been nervous of this moment ever since it had become clear that her home was their destination. But now, with the people surrounding them with curiosity and respect but without any fear, a great relief washed through her, and the smile on her face brightened even more, although that seemed hardly possible to her.
Alexandra looked from Liv to Miranda and back and smiled. It was obvious how much the two women loved one another, and even more obvious how happy this mutual love made both of them. "Welcome to our village, Liv," she said and simply pulled the perplexed Princess into a big hug, grinning cheekily at Miranda over Liv's shoulder. Once she let go of Liv again, she looked back over to the carriage where Nakhti was still sitting rather stiffly on the driver's seat. She gave him a wink. "And who are you, beautiful stranger?" she asked Nakhti and beamed brightly at him as she beckoned him to step down from the carriage and join his friends. As soon as the guard had stepped down, Alexandra pulled him into a similarly big hug, secretly squeezing his bottom while Liv was shyly and respectfully greeted by other inhabitants of the village.
Suddenly though, the crowd around the carriage fell silent parted, and Miranda looked up. When she saw who was standing here, she could not help the tears welling up in her eyes. Not for one moment breaking eye contact with the new arrivals, Miranda stepped close to Liv and placed a hand on her shoulder. "My love," she said quietly, her voice shaking with emotion, "Come... I want you to meet my parents."
Nakhti looked around as if she might be talking to someone else. When he realized she was talking to him he stammered, "I, uh, I... God you're beautiful. My name is Nakhti," he replied as he swallowed hard. When he exited the carriage and Alexandra pulled him into an embrace Nakhti's smiled. This must be a dream, he thought as he wrapped his arms around the woman to return the hug. This is no dream! He barely suppressed a startled squeak and his eyes widened as he felt her squeeze his bum.
Liv looked to Miranda as she put a hand on her shoulder. She was about to ask why she was crying but her question was soon answered as Miranda spoke. Suddenly she became very nervous and her mouth went dry. What if they hated her, what if they did not approve? Putting on a smile she wiped a tear from Miranda's cheek. "I would love to meet your parents," she said, taking her love's hand and following her as she fought down these fears building inside her.
Miranda smiled gently and gave Liv's hand a loving squeeze. "Come on," she said quietly and tapped Nakhti on the shoulder, saving him from more of Alexandra's cheeky flirting – for now. "You too, Nakhti." She led her friends towards the elderly couple that was standing there and staring at them with wide eyes.
At last they stood right before her parents, and Miranda looked at them, her eyes welling up with new tears of happiness. There was no doubt that the two people standing there were Miranda's parents, despite the past ten years full of worry for their daughter had left their traces on their faces.
Miranda had her father's blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair, although Vegeir's hair was gray and thin now, and the eyes though still full of wisdom had lost some of their sparkling; his ocean-weathered face was one of a man with a quick mind and a big heart. Despite many years of hard labor, Vegeir stood up straight. His hands were those of a man who knew how to work hard, though Miranda only remembered too well how gentle they had been when he had been playing with her when she had still been a child.
From her mother, Miranda had inherited the graceful figure; her freckled face was graced with lines that indicated a lot of laughter in her younger years but also a lot of sorrow. It was obvious that when she had been in Miranda's age, Bebhim had been an exceptional beauty just like her daughter was, and she still was a beautiful woman now. Like her husband, she too had never shied away from hard work, and just like him, she had found strength in the labor rather than being weakened by it. Her curly hair, though it now had streaks of gray in it, was of a darker red than Miranda's.
"So our prayers have been answered," Vegeir whispered as he looked at his daughter, and he took a shaky step forward and reached out to touch Miranda's cheek, unable to believe the sight. Unable to say a word, Miranda just nodded and tilted her head into the palm cupping her cheek. The feel of his daughter's skin to his hand seemed to be enough to convince the old man that it was indeed not a vision but *really* Miranda standing in front of him. "It is you, it is indeed you!" he exclaimed and his voice broke, "You have come home to us!" With a sob, he pulled Miranda into his arms, and she let go of Liv's hand and fiercely hugged her father back, crying just like him.
A few steps behind her husband, Bebhim watched the scene with wet eyes and looked at the Princess. "Thank you for bringing her home," she said quietly and stepped up to Liv. Before the Princess even had a chance of answering, the elderly woman had pulled her into a tight hug as well.
As the three made their way past the on lookers Nakhti looked around, almost uncomfortably. It's as if they have never seen the like of royalty before, he thought as everyone's eyes seemed to follow them. Smiling he fought back tears that were threatening to spill any second as Miranda's father took her into his arms and they shared tears of happiness.
Liv's eyes welled with tears as well at the joyous sight of Miranda reunited with her family. She turned her attention to Bebhim when she spoke and gave a small surprised gasp when the woman pulled her into an embrace. Returning the hug Liv replied, "It is so wonderful to meet you at last. I have heard many great things about you," she rubbed the woman's back softly before continuing. "You have such a wonderful daughter," she finished and pulled away, giving the woman's hands a small squeeze.
"I am Liv, daughter of Raneb and this is my loyal guard Nakhti," she said releasing the woman's hand and gesturing to her companion beside her. She had not the heart to tell her that her daughter was the property of her father and that she had not returned her to freedom, but was instead seeking asylum from his wrath.
Nakhti stepped forward as he was introduced to the elderly woman and bowed. "I am Nakhti, and I am at your service," he said with a small bow.
Miranda rested her cheek against her father's shoulder, enjoying to be held in his arms again, tears running freely down her face. When Liv spoke, she opened her eyes and looked up at her mother bowing low before her love. "Welcome, Liv," said Bebhim, "We are honored you are gracing our village with your visit. And you too, Nakhti; it is wonderful to have you here." Once again, the elderly woman moved quickly and pulled the tall man into a tight hug just as she had given Liv before, without giving him even so much as a chance to react.
Miranda could see on her mother's face that she knew what Liv was concealing from her – the fact that she was still a slave, and when she looked up at her father, she could see the same comprehension on his face. Vegeir broke the embrace with his daughter (letting his wife take over and hug Miranda fiercely) and stepped up before Liv, bowing like his wife had done before he pulled the Princess into a heartfelt hug. "Welcome home, my daughter," he whispered into Liv's ear, stumbling over the words spoken in a language that was so unused to him; usually he only spoke the language of his ancestors.
Miranda squeezed her mother tight as she watched her father welcome her love and Nakhti into the family, calling the latter "my son", as if it was the most natural thing to have royalty come to the village without any forewarning. But she knew better, knew that Liv was the first royal any of the villagers had ever seen.
"Let us go home," Bebhim said at last, and grabbed both Liv's and Miranda's hands, leaving it to her husband to take care of the guard, "And let us prepare a feast." An excited murmur of approval went through the crowd still surrounding the small group. "I want to celebrate that we got to see our daughter again, and so happy! How can I ever thank you for that, Liv? Take care of the carriage and the horse, make sure it'll get the best food and fresh water," she said to a group of teenage boys who immediately saluted the woman and turned to lead the carriage away. Miranda laughed happily and let her mother lead them down the lane towards the shore and the place of her childhood.
Liv smiled happily; relieved at the warm reception they were receiving from Miranda's family. She already felt at ease around them and now felt a little foolish for having been concerned that they would not be accepted and be looked on as outsiders.
"If there is anything I can do to help prepare for the feast, I would feel honored," Liv said to Bebhim as the three women strolled off together.
Nakhti watched as the children led the horse and carriage away. At first he thought of going to make sure they did take care of them correctly but decided it would be thought rude. Instead he turned to Vegeir, "Should we help the women?" Nakhti asked, watching the three walk away.
Bebhim gave Liv an approving smile. "Of course, my dear," she said gently and squeezed Liv's hand, "You can help." Miranda just smiled and blew Liv a kiss at which her mother simply sighed and smiled happily.
"Thank you," Liv replied. "Don't let my royal status fool you, I know my way around a kitchen quite well," she added as she looked around in awe of her surroundings. Liv had seen many things but she had never seen a farm up this close before.
"Yes, I am sure we can help," the old man said to Nakhti, "You can help me slaughter and roast a pig over the fire, and prepare some fish, if you want. This feast is going to last all night I am sure." Vegeir winked at the young man striding beside him. "You know, normally I would not have gone out fishing today, but *something* told me I should, so... I have caught plenty of fish this morning; we can use it for the feast. Though I am sure we would not need it, everyone will bring something along tonight, you'll see." Surely enough, behind them in the village smoke started rising from several houses as the inhabitants started preparing for the feast Bebhim had announced.
"I think I can manage that," Nakhti replied. "I've roasted a few pigs in my day and I'm no stranger to preparing fish either," He said, giving Miranda's father a manly pat on the back. "Say, how about some crocodile? We killed one on the way here. Thing nearly got the best of me, would have if the Princess hadn't have come to my rescue."
The five people continued on their way until they arrived at a small, narrow house by the ocean shore, with white walls and a flat straw roof. On one side, Bebhim had created a small garden where several vegetables and herbs and also some flowers were growing, on the other Vegeir had put up his fishing nets to dry and repair. There was also a small smoking shack made of clay, and beside that, in a deep hole in the ground filled with cold clear water, the old man had put the fish that he'd caught in the morning; more fish had been hung up on a rope to dry in the sun. Behind the house, in the shade, a small stall was holding about half a dozen chicken, four pigs, a goat, and two sheep.
"Come in, please," Bebhim said gently, and led the women into the house while the two men continued to the beach to prepare a fire and the meat. It was cool and shady inside the house, and yet light. Miranda let go of her mother's hand and took Liv's instead. "Mama, can I show Liv around first? We will be with you in a few minutes," she asked softly, causing her mother to smile amused.
"Of course, dear. Go and show your love your home," was the response. Miranda kissed her mother's cheek and turned around to Liv. "It is not big, but I would still like to show you everything, at least about the house," she said softly and led Liv down the narrow hallway. To both sides, there were several small rooms, but Miranda only stopped when she was at the other end of the hallway. "This is my old room," Miranda whispered and pointed at the door on the left side. Slowly she turned and hesitantly reached for the handle of the wooden door, taking a deep breath as she did so. Ten years had passed since she'd last stepped into the room... At last, she gave herself a mental shake and turned the handle. Pushing the door open Miranda lead Liv on into the room. As she looked around, a small gasp escaped her lips: Absolutely nothing had changed inside, it was still furnished just as she'd left it all those years back, as if the room had waited for her return.
"I would love to see your home," Liv said as she smiled at Bebhim then turned and went with Miranda down the hall. She could tell Miranda was a little nervous about entering her old room and gave her hand a small squeeze. Once inside Liv looked around. "This is a lovely room," she said, turning and looking at Miranda. She reached out a hand and lightly brushed her love's cheek with the back of it. Liv could see the happiness in Miranda's eyes; they were sparkling like precious gems in sunlight. "You are so beautiful," Liv whispered as she leant in and kissed Miranda. Lightly at first, then she deepened the kiss, letting her tongue slip between her love's lips as she pulled her into a tender embrace.
Miranda happily let Liv pull her into the embrace, readily parting her lips when the other woman deepened the kiss. She sighed softly and let her tongue brush along her love's, one of her hands coming to rest at Liv's hip, the other reaching up to Liv's hair; one by one Miranda loosened the needles and combs there so that it fell down and freely washed around Liv's shoulders. As the kiss continued, Miranda raked her fingers through the soft silk, stepping as close as was possible and pressing their bodies together.
As she felt Liv's body arch against her own, Miranda was almost at once overcome with desire and lust for the beautiful woman in her arms, and she moaned softly into the kiss. Pulling back briefly, she looked into Liv's eyes and smiled. "How much I love you..." she whispered and then lowered her lips onto Liv's once more, immediately deepening the kiss again and snaking her tongue into Liv's mouth.
Outside, Vegeir and Nakhti were busy preparing the pig they had just slaughtered and skinned to put on a spit. On a wooden plank nearby lay the crocodile meat and about three dozen fish they would roast over the fire too.
"I still cannot believe that your Princess really has finished the beast," Vegeir said while he rubbed salt and other spices into the pork meat. "She looks so..." He searched in vain for the right word and shrugged. "But then, our daughter is the best example for the old saying, 'There is more to it than meets the eye.' And I must say, if Liv can handle a crocodile, she surely is the perfect woman for Miranda," he added with a chuckle. At this, Nakhti looked up in surprise, and Vegeir nodded smiling.
"Yes, we have always known that Miranda loved women more than she loved men. Mind you, she does not reject men, but if given the choice between a man and a woman with exactly the same qualities, she'd choose the woman," he said as he stood up to put the pit over the fire, "Though I am sure you knew that fact about the men," Vegeir added with a wink when Nakhti unconsciously nodded at his words. He laughed when the young man blushed. "Well, I can't blame you. Every man in our village, no matter what age, already turned their heads for her when she was still a teenager, and many of the women too."
Liv looked lustfully into Miranda's eyes as she moved her hand slowly down her love's body, letting it teasingly find its way between Miranda's legs. Gently she raked her fingers over the other woman's sensitive area as she bit her bottom lip. "No words can describe the depth of my love for you," she whispered then licked her lips slowly.
"Yes, there is much more to the Princess than meets the eye, and from what I have observed, and experienced in an earth shattering way, so is Miranda." Nakhti turned his head to look at the meat, trying to give nothing away with his eyes. She may prefer women, but she definitely... Nakhti shook his head trying to clear the memory from his mind.
Vegeir chuckled as he perceived Nakhti's blush deepening and nodded gravely. "Do not worry; I will not come after you for having loved my daughter. It is obvious that you both make her happy in every way, and if that includes sexually too, it is alright. And rest assured that I speak for my wife as well," he said and patted the younger man's back. When Nakhti gasped at his words and looked at him wide-eyed, he laughed. "I hope I am not scaring you, my son! I imagine you lead a rather... restricted life at the Temple, but here at our village... our people are very open when it comes to sexuality. You as a stranger might find that a bit discomforting, but that is the way we have always been. I hope Alexandra's greeting has not shocked you too much," Vegeir said and grinned, "Though she is especially direct and straight forward."
As they continued with their work, Vegeir took up the previous topic of his daughter again. "It is good to see her so happy, my son. I can see you both make her happy, but... I can also see the fear in her eyes. It must be near killing her to love her own mistress." The old man nodded sadly. "Yes, I know that Miranda is still a slave, and so does my wife, but you need not worry, we will not let anyone know. You both may treat her like a free woman, but she is not. If she were, it would not only have been you three to arrive here, but a larger number of guards to look after the Princess. We may seem oblivious to nobility and everything that goes on outside our village, but we are not. Word has reached us that Liv is the King's favorite daughter, and that she is to marry Prince Nebka of Thessaly. Did the King find out about their love that you have fled? Please, be honest with me. This may be the last time ever that I will see my child alive, it is only fair I know what will have caused her death."
Back in her room, Miranda gasped loudly as her love's hand found its way between her legs and she could not fully stop herself from bucking against the teasing fingers. "Liv..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Nakhti studied the man as he spoke. He was right, there would have been more guards if Miranda was truly free and this had been an approved royal visit. He wished it were so, he didn't dare think what Raneb would do if or when he caught them. He hoped that they would one day find a place to stop running, a place where Liv and her love could be happy and live together without fear, though he was afraid such a place did not exist. "I would be grateful if it were kept secret that she is still a slave," Nakhti said with a small sigh, "Lord Raneb knows of their love and he does not approve. It is as you said. The Princess is to be married to the Prince. Not a marriage of love but one of convenience for Raneb and his needs alone. Liv shares no feelings for the man she is to marry, none whatsoever."
Looking away then back to Vegeir, Nakhti put a strong hand on the man's shoulder. "There is more, though I hope you have the heart to hear it." Nakhti paused a moment. "The King has feelings for your daughter, feelings that she does not share in return. I am afraid he will try and force himself on her if she were to be captured and returned." Nakhti did not have the heart to tell the man it had already happened. "I will protect her, just as I will the Princess, with my life. You have my word," Nakhti said looking the man in he eyes. "And as for Alexandra, is she seeing anyone?" Nakhti added after a moment's awkward silence.
Liv continued to move her hand slowly between Miranda's legs as the other began to knead at her breast through her gown. "I want to make love to you, to taste you," she breathed heavily into her love's ear just before she began nibbling on it.
Miranda moaned and shuddered at Liv's husky whisper, her love's breathing brushing hot and damp over her tingling skin. As she felt the hand closing around her breast, she whimpered. "Yes," Miranda said and nodded emphatically, "Please... But... mama, she is waiting for us in the kitchen, we...," she cried softly when Liv sucked at her earlobe and all good intentions vanished into thin air, "God, Liv, please, take me now!" Miranda begged and tipped her head back, far too much enjoying the sensuous torture Liv was putting her through.
Vegeir listened silently to the guard, each word cutting into his heart, making it ache with rage though he did not show any sign of it. When Nakhti hesitated for a moment, the old man looked up from the fish he was preparing. As the young man continued slowly, Vegeir felt as if a cold hand was reaching for his heart. He will try and force himself on her. The words echoed in his head, and with each time they rang through his mind some emotion he had not known before grew inside the man, but he knew immediately what it was. He hated Raneb with every fiber of his body, but he knew that no one would, no one *could* ever know of this hatred. He had raised his daughter not to hate; how would he ever be able to look at her again if he did not follow his own rules?
Thankfully, Nakhti's stammered question distracted him and actually made him smile again. "Alexandra? No, there is no man in this village who could cope with her temper and passion."
"I think *you* could cope with it though," a woman's voice sounded behind the two men and they turned around to see Bebhim together with a few other villagers arrive by the fire, all of them carrying baskets and trays full of food, cutlery and wine. Miranda's mother put her baskets down and sat beside her husband, greeting him with a small, loving kiss as if it had been a whole day that they had not seen each other and not just an hour.
"Where are Miranda and Liv?" Vegeir asked and stood up to help distribute the food and drinks on a few narrow tables that some men were just bringing, "Hadn't they intended to help you?"
"Oh, they had," Bebhim chuckled, "But it appears that the fresh air of the ocean has given them a different kind of hunger. I went to check in on them and well... they didn't even notice me knocking on the door and calling their names. So I closed the door and left them alone."
Vegeir laughed out loud. "That is the ocean air for sure! Well, as long as they don't miss the start of the feat tonight."
"Need I remind you that we missed the start of your birthday feast last year too?" Bebhim teased her husband and winked at Nakhti, "And not because of me? Well, not in the first place," she quickly added with an evil grin as Vegeir opened his mouth to protest. "And what's more, it's only noon, so they have several hours yet."
Liv glanced past Miranda and saw that the door that was still open slightly had been closed. Slowly she licked her lips once more before lowering her head to kiss and tease the flesh of Miranda's neck.
Smiling and shaking his head, Nakhti watched Miranda's parents as they eased at one another, but his mind was on Alexandra.
If Miranda would have known that about a week's travel further south, the cruelest soldier of the King's army had just found the crucial advice that would help him solve the riddle of their flight, Miranda would probably not have given in to her love's seduction. But she did not, and when Liv's lips descended on the heated, sensitive skin of her neck, Miranda gasped loudly and swayed dangerously as her knees buckled. Sighing her love's name, Miranda took a shaky step backwards to lean against the wall as the Princess continued to attack her with small kisses and teasing nibbles. Everything else around her was forgotten, *nothing* was important any more. All that counted now to Miranda were Liv and the promise of what was yet to come in the dark-haired woman's eyes.
Slowly he lead his horse through what used to be a caravan, now it was nothing more than a mass of burning wagons and strewn bodies reduced to rubble by his men on his orders.
His name was Rashabi, Nakhti's eldest brother and of established rank in Raneb's army. He brought his horse to a stop in the center of the chaos as he took in his men’s handiwork.
"My captain," cried one of his men approaching, "We found no sign of Nakhti nor the women," he said looking up at the man on horseback.
Rashabi glared down at him. "No information of their whereabouts?" he asked sternly, his eyes scanning the horizon.
"Nothing sir. No one knew anything of them," he yelled his reply over the screams of the panicking women.
"They didn't know or wouldn't tell?" he asked. Dismounting his horse Rashabi strolled past the man, giving him a small shove in passing, and grabbed a woman as she ran by screaming trying to escape the torment of his men. "We are looking for three travelers," he said as he twisted what was left of the collar of her dress in his hand causing her to gasp for air. "A man and two women," he continued as the woman grabbed his hand in both of hers and continued gasping. "The King's daughter was one and the other her slave, a golden haired woman. Have you seen them?"
The woman shook her head as he tightened his grip and lifted her from the ground. With gritted teeth Rashabi tightened the grip even more and after several more gasps the woman’s body began to convulse and her eyes rolled back as the life went out of her. Dropping her lifeless body to the sand he turned, heading back to his horse. "Kill them, kill them all." Rashabi said in an emotionless voice.
"But sir, there are children," the guard objected.
"Do you question my orders?" Rashabi asked stopping to glare at the man.
"N..., no sir. As you wish," the guard stammered before he began to yell the order to the others.
Rashabi climbed back on his horse and once again resumed scanning the horizon, ignoring the killings going on all around him. "What kind of game are you up to Nakhti?" he asked aloud to no one, "I am coming for you my brother... and when I find you..." He gave the signal and his horse began to stride through the carnage. As he passed the guard who had questioned him he withdrew his sword and beheaded the man, never slowing the trot of his horse.
Author: little___hobbit and Fin_Anwamane
Type: RPS
Pairing: Liv/Miranda
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Ourselves
Warning: Physical violence, abuse and rape described in later chapters not between the main pairing.
Disclaimer: This never happened. This was written in fun that's all.
Feedback: Yes please send to paddington-bear@web.de
or glorfindel@hornorfgondor.com
Archiving: Angel's Realm, Everafter Love, others please ask
Summary: A.U. An Egyptian Princess and her slave fall for one another and overcome the threats of their environment
Italics indicate thoughts
~~~~~
It was almost a fortnight now since they had escaped from the Temple. Their journey was leading them north all the time; somehow, without having discussed the matter, the three young people had silently agreed to head for the village where Miranda had grown up, and now, they were approaching her old home; in less than an hour, Nakhti had told them, they would arrive.
Miranda sat in the carriage, with Liv's head lying in her lap as the Princess took a nap. The journey was pleasant, but still, it was tough especially for her love, as she was not used to such long travels. Miranda smiled gently down at her and carded a hand through her hair before she looked out of the carriage again and into the distance. So far they had been lucky, the guards, though surely hot on their heels, had not yet come in sight. But no matter what luck they had had in the past days, Miranda knew that it couldn't hold forever; sooner or later they would catch them and bring them back to the Temple.
"When they find us, I will claim that I have taken you hostage and forced you two to bring me here," Miranda said softly to Nakhti, careful not to stir Liv in her sleep.
Nakhti looked over at Miranda briefly before returning his gaze to the road. "I don't think they will believe you," he said squinting into the sun. "Besides, I would not allow you to do that. I have sworn my life to the Princess... and to you as well through association." He looked back to Miranda and could see an almost questioning look in her eyes. "That's right," he continued, "My life for yours, should it come to that. You are royalty in my eyes now. You and the Princess." Nakhti again turned his eyes back to the road and sat quietly. In his mind he knew it would most certainly come to his life to protect them. He'd known this the day they set forth from the Temple. He looked down to the Princess, her head resting in Miranda's lap and smiled inwardly to himself.
Miranda blushed and tucked an errand strand of her hair behind her ear. "Thank you, Nakhti," she said quietly. But I cannot allow you to give your life for me. You need to survive this to protect Liv when I am gone, she thought, but did not voice it. She knew better than to argue with her friend by now; the past few days on the road surely had taught her. Instead, she fell silent again and simply resumed her self-appointed task of caressing her love's hair. As she looked up after a while, she recognized the first houses of her old village, and her face brightened. Miranda gently caressed Liv's cheek. "Wake up, my Princess, we will arrive any minute now," she whispered softly as she traced Liv's eyebrows with her finger.
Slowly Liv stirred and opened her eyes; Miranda's beautiful face was the first thing she saw and she smiled lovingly at her. After a moment she slowly sat up and looked around.
She could see the houses growing nearer and could tell how happy the sight was making Miranda. Reaching over Liv took her love's hand in hers and squeezed it slightly. "You are home my love," she whispered, her own excitement growing. "I cannot wait to meet your family," she added, hoping they would not resent her for who she was.
Miranda returned the small squeeze to Liv's hand and gave the other woman a bright and loving smile. "This may be my home, where I was born and grew up, but I have a second home now. And that is wherever you are, my love," she whispered and leant over to kiss the Princess, snaking a hand into her hair and laying it at Liv's nape, pulling her closer. For a few moments, their tongues brushed together, and Miranda could not fully stifle a small moan.
At length, she reluctantly broke the kiss and leant her forehead against Liv's. "I love you so very much, Liv," Miranda whispered and smiled sweetly, then she pulled back and looked around to find their way. "Turn into this lane, Nakhti," she said to the guard and pointed into a small lane leading away from the main road and further to the shore. As the carriage took the bend and slowly rolled down the dusty path, Miranda looked around, glad that they had removed the cover of their carriage.
The village still looked almost exactly as it had when Miranda had left it ten years ago. Each of the narrow thatched clay houses was obviously well cared for; here and there, a small garden had been set up before a house, almost overloaded with vegetables and flowers. As they drove on, more and more villagers came out of their houses, looking at the magnificent vehicle in awe. Miranda felt her face heat up at all the stares and shyly nodded her head at the people as they bowed to her and her friends.
Suddenly a female voice called out, "Miranda? Is that you?" Miranda turned around quickly and found a young, red-haired woman standing there; at once her face, already beaming with happiness, brightened even more and the blush was gone immediately. "Alexandra?" she asked happily, "Nakhti, stop please!" Even before the carriage had fully been brought to a halt, Miranda jumped off and flew into the open arms of the other woman, laughing and crying at the same time.
Liv took in the scenery as they went through town. She had never seen such a place; it was such a quaint, beautiful little village.
As they came to an abrupt stop and Miranda released her hand then leapt from the carriage Liv was taken aback. Who is this and exactly how does my love know her? she thought to herself briefly, then let it pass. She was quite sure it was some old acquaintance, probably a childhood friend that Miranda would introduce her to. She smiled as she saw how happy her love was, it was good to see her happy once more.
At last, Miranda pulled back and looked at the other woman with a bright smile. "I cannot believe it, Miranda!" Alexandra said, "Look at yourself, you look wonderful! Almost like a Princess! What has happened, did someone free you from slavery?"
It was the truth, though. The bruises on her body had vanished completely by now; instead, she had taken on a healthy tan that made her hair look almost as if it was glowing from inside. What's more, Liv had made Miranda wear one of her gowns which made her look even better, and the constant smile on her face was adding to it as well. Miranda blushed and gave Alexandra's hand a small squeeze. She did not know how to answer the question; she didn't want them to know, but on the other hand, she didn't want to lie. Miranda decided to ignore the question and turned around to the carriage, finding Liv watch her and Alexandra with a happy smile on her face. She returned the smile and looked back at Alexandra, the love even more clearly visible in her eyes. "This is Liv," she said to her friend, "She is my m... my most beautiful love."
Oblivious of Miranda's almost-slip, Alexandra stared open-mouthed at the gorgeous, dark-haired woman sitting in the carriage as her friend let go of her hand and walked back there and held her hand out to Liv. "Do not be scared, my love," Miranda whispered as she helped the Princess out of the carriage and brought her love's hand to her lips to press a kiss on its back, "You are safe here. They will love you just as much as I do, I am sure of it. Come," Miranda added and gently pulled Liv with her towards her friend.
Liv continued to take in the two women's conversation, thinking Alexandra was right; Miranda did indeed look very lovely, just as much like a Princess as Liv did herself. But then, to her, Miranda was even more than a Princess. Without knowing, she had become Liv's Queen; whatever Miranda would ask of her, Liv knew she'd give it to her without any hesitation.
When Miranda introduced her she could feel a blush creep over her; although she was normally used to praise of her beauty, it just felt strange to her to be praised by her love whom she thought so much more beautiful than herself.
Accepting Miranda's hand, she stepped out of the carriage, blushing even more as her love pressed a kiss on the back of her hand although she was not sure why. As Liv took a step towards Alexandra, she suddenly felt a small tug at her gown. Looking down Liv saw a little girl standing there looking up at her with big, gleaming eyes and clutching some meadow flowers in her hand.
"Are you a Princess?" the girl asked breathlessly, handing the flowers to Liv, "Because you do look like a Princess. You are very pretty," she said with an emphasizing nod and tipped her head to the side as she waited for Liv's answer.
Liv took the flowers and smiled sweetly at the girl. "Um, why yes, I am," she said, hoping she had given the right answer.
"I knew it!" exclaimed the girl with a big grin, then she dashed off into the crowd followed closely by several other young girls, all of them squealing excitedly as they went.
Liv looked back to the two women. "Nice to meet you," she said to the other woman whom Miranda had called Alexandra, offering her hand in greeting.
As Miranda watched Liv interacting with the little girl, she felt utterly happy that her people accepted the Princess as one of their own straight away. If she was honest, she had been nervous of this moment ever since it had become clear that her home was their destination. But now, with the people surrounding them with curiosity and respect but without any fear, a great relief washed through her, and the smile on her face brightened even more, although that seemed hardly possible to her.
Alexandra looked from Liv to Miranda and back and smiled. It was obvious how much the two women loved one another, and even more obvious how happy this mutual love made both of them. "Welcome to our village, Liv," she said and simply pulled the perplexed Princess into a big hug, grinning cheekily at Miranda over Liv's shoulder. Once she let go of Liv again, she looked back over to the carriage where Nakhti was still sitting rather stiffly on the driver's seat. She gave him a wink. "And who are you, beautiful stranger?" she asked Nakhti and beamed brightly at him as she beckoned him to step down from the carriage and join his friends. As soon as the guard had stepped down, Alexandra pulled him into a similarly big hug, secretly squeezing his bottom while Liv was shyly and respectfully greeted by other inhabitants of the village.
Suddenly though, the crowd around the carriage fell silent parted, and Miranda looked up. When she saw who was standing here, she could not help the tears welling up in her eyes. Not for one moment breaking eye contact with the new arrivals, Miranda stepped close to Liv and placed a hand on her shoulder. "My love," she said quietly, her voice shaking with emotion, "Come... I want you to meet my parents."
Nakhti looked around as if she might be talking to someone else. When he realized she was talking to him he stammered, "I, uh, I... God you're beautiful. My name is Nakhti," he replied as he swallowed hard. When he exited the carriage and Alexandra pulled him into an embrace Nakhti's smiled. This must be a dream, he thought as he wrapped his arms around the woman to return the hug. This is no dream! He barely suppressed a startled squeak and his eyes widened as he felt her squeeze his bum.
Liv looked to Miranda as she put a hand on her shoulder. She was about to ask why she was crying but her question was soon answered as Miranda spoke. Suddenly she became very nervous and her mouth went dry. What if they hated her, what if they did not approve? Putting on a smile she wiped a tear from Miranda's cheek. "I would love to meet your parents," she said, taking her love's hand and following her as she fought down these fears building inside her.
Miranda smiled gently and gave Liv's hand a loving squeeze. "Come on," she said quietly and tapped Nakhti on the shoulder, saving him from more of Alexandra's cheeky flirting – for now. "You too, Nakhti." She led her friends towards the elderly couple that was standing there and staring at them with wide eyes.
At last they stood right before her parents, and Miranda looked at them, her eyes welling up with new tears of happiness. There was no doubt that the two people standing there were Miranda's parents, despite the past ten years full of worry for their daughter had left their traces on their faces.
Miranda had her father's blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair, although Vegeir's hair was gray and thin now, and the eyes though still full of wisdom had lost some of their sparkling; his ocean-weathered face was one of a man with a quick mind and a big heart. Despite many years of hard labor, Vegeir stood up straight. His hands were those of a man who knew how to work hard, though Miranda only remembered too well how gentle they had been when he had been playing with her when she had still been a child.
From her mother, Miranda had inherited the graceful figure; her freckled face was graced with lines that indicated a lot of laughter in her younger years but also a lot of sorrow. It was obvious that when she had been in Miranda's age, Bebhim had been an exceptional beauty just like her daughter was, and she still was a beautiful woman now. Like her husband, she too had never shied away from hard work, and just like him, she had found strength in the labor rather than being weakened by it. Her curly hair, though it now had streaks of gray in it, was of a darker red than Miranda's.
"So our prayers have been answered," Vegeir whispered as he looked at his daughter, and he took a shaky step forward and reached out to touch Miranda's cheek, unable to believe the sight. Unable to say a word, Miranda just nodded and tilted her head into the palm cupping her cheek. The feel of his daughter's skin to his hand seemed to be enough to convince the old man that it was indeed not a vision but *really* Miranda standing in front of him. "It is you, it is indeed you!" he exclaimed and his voice broke, "You have come home to us!" With a sob, he pulled Miranda into his arms, and she let go of Liv's hand and fiercely hugged her father back, crying just like him.
A few steps behind her husband, Bebhim watched the scene with wet eyes and looked at the Princess. "Thank you for bringing her home," she said quietly and stepped up to Liv. Before the Princess even had a chance of answering, the elderly woman had pulled her into a tight hug as well.
As the three made their way past the on lookers Nakhti looked around, almost uncomfortably. It's as if they have never seen the like of royalty before, he thought as everyone's eyes seemed to follow them. Smiling he fought back tears that were threatening to spill any second as Miranda's father took her into his arms and they shared tears of happiness.
Liv's eyes welled with tears as well at the joyous sight of Miranda reunited with her family. She turned her attention to Bebhim when she spoke and gave a small surprised gasp when the woman pulled her into an embrace. Returning the hug Liv replied, "It is so wonderful to meet you at last. I have heard many great things about you," she rubbed the woman's back softly before continuing. "You have such a wonderful daughter," she finished and pulled away, giving the woman's hands a small squeeze.
"I am Liv, daughter of Raneb and this is my loyal guard Nakhti," she said releasing the woman's hand and gesturing to her companion beside her. She had not the heart to tell her that her daughter was the property of her father and that she had not returned her to freedom, but was instead seeking asylum from his wrath.
Nakhti stepped forward as he was introduced to the elderly woman and bowed. "I am Nakhti, and I am at your service," he said with a small bow.
Miranda rested her cheek against her father's shoulder, enjoying to be held in his arms again, tears running freely down her face. When Liv spoke, she opened her eyes and looked up at her mother bowing low before her love. "Welcome, Liv," said Bebhim, "We are honored you are gracing our village with your visit. And you too, Nakhti; it is wonderful to have you here." Once again, the elderly woman moved quickly and pulled the tall man into a tight hug just as she had given Liv before, without giving him even so much as a chance to react.
Miranda could see on her mother's face that she knew what Liv was concealing from her – the fact that she was still a slave, and when she looked up at her father, she could see the same comprehension on his face. Vegeir broke the embrace with his daughter (letting his wife take over and hug Miranda fiercely) and stepped up before Liv, bowing like his wife had done before he pulled the Princess into a heartfelt hug. "Welcome home, my daughter," he whispered into Liv's ear, stumbling over the words spoken in a language that was so unused to him; usually he only spoke the language of his ancestors.
Miranda squeezed her mother tight as she watched her father welcome her love and Nakhti into the family, calling the latter "my son", as if it was the most natural thing to have royalty come to the village without any forewarning. But she knew better, knew that Liv was the first royal any of the villagers had ever seen.
"Let us go home," Bebhim said at last, and grabbed both Liv's and Miranda's hands, leaving it to her husband to take care of the guard, "And let us prepare a feast." An excited murmur of approval went through the crowd still surrounding the small group. "I want to celebrate that we got to see our daughter again, and so happy! How can I ever thank you for that, Liv? Take care of the carriage and the horse, make sure it'll get the best food and fresh water," she said to a group of teenage boys who immediately saluted the woman and turned to lead the carriage away. Miranda laughed happily and let her mother lead them down the lane towards the shore and the place of her childhood.
Liv smiled happily; relieved at the warm reception they were receiving from Miranda's family. She already felt at ease around them and now felt a little foolish for having been concerned that they would not be accepted and be looked on as outsiders.
"If there is anything I can do to help prepare for the feast, I would feel honored," Liv said to Bebhim as the three women strolled off together.
Nakhti watched as the children led the horse and carriage away. At first he thought of going to make sure they did take care of them correctly but decided it would be thought rude. Instead he turned to Vegeir, "Should we help the women?" Nakhti asked, watching the three walk away.
Bebhim gave Liv an approving smile. "Of course, my dear," she said gently and squeezed Liv's hand, "You can help." Miranda just smiled and blew Liv a kiss at which her mother simply sighed and smiled happily.
"Thank you," Liv replied. "Don't let my royal status fool you, I know my way around a kitchen quite well," she added as she looked around in awe of her surroundings. Liv had seen many things but she had never seen a farm up this close before.
"Yes, I am sure we can help," the old man said to Nakhti, "You can help me slaughter and roast a pig over the fire, and prepare some fish, if you want. This feast is going to last all night I am sure." Vegeir winked at the young man striding beside him. "You know, normally I would not have gone out fishing today, but *something* told me I should, so... I have caught plenty of fish this morning; we can use it for the feast. Though I am sure we would not need it, everyone will bring something along tonight, you'll see." Surely enough, behind them in the village smoke started rising from several houses as the inhabitants started preparing for the feast Bebhim had announced.
"I think I can manage that," Nakhti replied. "I've roasted a few pigs in my day and I'm no stranger to preparing fish either," He said, giving Miranda's father a manly pat on the back. "Say, how about some crocodile? We killed one on the way here. Thing nearly got the best of me, would have if the Princess hadn't have come to my rescue."
The five people continued on their way until they arrived at a small, narrow house by the ocean shore, with white walls and a flat straw roof. On one side, Bebhim had created a small garden where several vegetables and herbs and also some flowers were growing, on the other Vegeir had put up his fishing nets to dry and repair. There was also a small smoking shack made of clay, and beside that, in a deep hole in the ground filled with cold clear water, the old man had put the fish that he'd caught in the morning; more fish had been hung up on a rope to dry in the sun. Behind the house, in the shade, a small stall was holding about half a dozen chicken, four pigs, a goat, and two sheep.
"Come in, please," Bebhim said gently, and led the women into the house while the two men continued to the beach to prepare a fire and the meat. It was cool and shady inside the house, and yet light. Miranda let go of her mother's hand and took Liv's instead. "Mama, can I show Liv around first? We will be with you in a few minutes," she asked softly, causing her mother to smile amused.
"Of course, dear. Go and show your love your home," was the response. Miranda kissed her mother's cheek and turned around to Liv. "It is not big, but I would still like to show you everything, at least about the house," she said softly and led Liv down the narrow hallway. To both sides, there were several small rooms, but Miranda only stopped when she was at the other end of the hallway. "This is my old room," Miranda whispered and pointed at the door on the left side. Slowly she turned and hesitantly reached for the handle of the wooden door, taking a deep breath as she did so. Ten years had passed since she'd last stepped into the room... At last, she gave herself a mental shake and turned the handle. Pushing the door open Miranda lead Liv on into the room. As she looked around, a small gasp escaped her lips: Absolutely nothing had changed inside, it was still furnished just as she'd left it all those years back, as if the room had waited for her return.
"I would love to see your home," Liv said as she smiled at Bebhim then turned and went with Miranda down the hall. She could tell Miranda was a little nervous about entering her old room and gave her hand a small squeeze. Once inside Liv looked around. "This is a lovely room," she said, turning and looking at Miranda. She reached out a hand and lightly brushed her love's cheek with the back of it. Liv could see the happiness in Miranda's eyes; they were sparkling like precious gems in sunlight. "You are so beautiful," Liv whispered as she leant in and kissed Miranda. Lightly at first, then she deepened the kiss, letting her tongue slip between her love's lips as she pulled her into a tender embrace.
Miranda happily let Liv pull her into the embrace, readily parting her lips when the other woman deepened the kiss. She sighed softly and let her tongue brush along her love's, one of her hands coming to rest at Liv's hip, the other reaching up to Liv's hair; one by one Miranda loosened the needles and combs there so that it fell down and freely washed around Liv's shoulders. As the kiss continued, Miranda raked her fingers through the soft silk, stepping as close as was possible and pressing their bodies together.
As she felt Liv's body arch against her own, Miranda was almost at once overcome with desire and lust for the beautiful woman in her arms, and she moaned softly into the kiss. Pulling back briefly, she looked into Liv's eyes and smiled. "How much I love you..." she whispered and then lowered her lips onto Liv's once more, immediately deepening the kiss again and snaking her tongue into Liv's mouth.
Outside, Vegeir and Nakhti were busy preparing the pig they had just slaughtered and skinned to put on a spit. On a wooden plank nearby lay the crocodile meat and about three dozen fish they would roast over the fire too.
"I still cannot believe that your Princess really has finished the beast," Vegeir said while he rubbed salt and other spices into the pork meat. "She looks so..." He searched in vain for the right word and shrugged. "But then, our daughter is the best example for the old saying, 'There is more to it than meets the eye.' And I must say, if Liv can handle a crocodile, she surely is the perfect woman for Miranda," he added with a chuckle. At this, Nakhti looked up in surprise, and Vegeir nodded smiling.
"Yes, we have always known that Miranda loved women more than she loved men. Mind you, she does not reject men, but if given the choice between a man and a woman with exactly the same qualities, she'd choose the woman," he said as he stood up to put the pit over the fire, "Though I am sure you knew that fact about the men," Vegeir added with a wink when Nakhti unconsciously nodded at his words. He laughed when the young man blushed. "Well, I can't blame you. Every man in our village, no matter what age, already turned their heads for her when she was still a teenager, and many of the women too."
Liv looked lustfully into Miranda's eyes as she moved her hand slowly down her love's body, letting it teasingly find its way between Miranda's legs. Gently she raked her fingers over the other woman's sensitive area as she bit her bottom lip. "No words can describe the depth of my love for you," she whispered then licked her lips slowly.
"Yes, there is much more to the Princess than meets the eye, and from what I have observed, and experienced in an earth shattering way, so is Miranda." Nakhti turned his head to look at the meat, trying to give nothing away with his eyes. She may prefer women, but she definitely... Nakhti shook his head trying to clear the memory from his mind.
Vegeir chuckled as he perceived Nakhti's blush deepening and nodded gravely. "Do not worry; I will not come after you for having loved my daughter. It is obvious that you both make her happy in every way, and if that includes sexually too, it is alright. And rest assured that I speak for my wife as well," he said and patted the younger man's back. When Nakhti gasped at his words and looked at him wide-eyed, he laughed. "I hope I am not scaring you, my son! I imagine you lead a rather... restricted life at the Temple, but here at our village... our people are very open when it comes to sexuality. You as a stranger might find that a bit discomforting, but that is the way we have always been. I hope Alexandra's greeting has not shocked you too much," Vegeir said and grinned, "Though she is especially direct and straight forward."
As they continued with their work, Vegeir took up the previous topic of his daughter again. "It is good to see her so happy, my son. I can see you both make her happy, but... I can also see the fear in her eyes. It must be near killing her to love her own mistress." The old man nodded sadly. "Yes, I know that Miranda is still a slave, and so does my wife, but you need not worry, we will not let anyone know. You both may treat her like a free woman, but she is not. If she were, it would not only have been you three to arrive here, but a larger number of guards to look after the Princess. We may seem oblivious to nobility and everything that goes on outside our village, but we are not. Word has reached us that Liv is the King's favorite daughter, and that she is to marry Prince Nebka of Thessaly. Did the King find out about their love that you have fled? Please, be honest with me. This may be the last time ever that I will see my child alive, it is only fair I know what will have caused her death."
Back in her room, Miranda gasped loudly as her love's hand found its way between her legs and she could not fully stop herself from bucking against the teasing fingers. "Liv..." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Nakhti studied the man as he spoke. He was right, there would have been more guards if Miranda was truly free and this had been an approved royal visit. He wished it were so, he didn't dare think what Raneb would do if or when he caught them. He hoped that they would one day find a place to stop running, a place where Liv and her love could be happy and live together without fear, though he was afraid such a place did not exist. "I would be grateful if it were kept secret that she is still a slave," Nakhti said with a small sigh, "Lord Raneb knows of their love and he does not approve. It is as you said. The Princess is to be married to the Prince. Not a marriage of love but one of convenience for Raneb and his needs alone. Liv shares no feelings for the man she is to marry, none whatsoever."
Looking away then back to Vegeir, Nakhti put a strong hand on the man's shoulder. "There is more, though I hope you have the heart to hear it." Nakhti paused a moment. "The King has feelings for your daughter, feelings that she does not share in return. I am afraid he will try and force himself on her if she were to be captured and returned." Nakhti did not have the heart to tell the man it had already happened. "I will protect her, just as I will the Princess, with my life. You have my word," Nakhti said looking the man in he eyes. "And as for Alexandra, is she seeing anyone?" Nakhti added after a moment's awkward silence.
Liv continued to move her hand slowly between Miranda's legs as the other began to knead at her breast through her gown. "I want to make love to you, to taste you," she breathed heavily into her love's ear just before she began nibbling on it.
Miranda moaned and shuddered at Liv's husky whisper, her love's breathing brushing hot and damp over her tingling skin. As she felt the hand closing around her breast, she whimpered. "Yes," Miranda said and nodded emphatically, "Please... But... mama, she is waiting for us in the kitchen, we...," she cried softly when Liv sucked at her earlobe and all good intentions vanished into thin air, "God, Liv, please, take me now!" Miranda begged and tipped her head back, far too much enjoying the sensuous torture Liv was putting her through.
Vegeir listened silently to the guard, each word cutting into his heart, making it ache with rage though he did not show any sign of it. When Nakhti hesitated for a moment, the old man looked up from the fish he was preparing. As the young man continued slowly, Vegeir felt as if a cold hand was reaching for his heart. He will try and force himself on her. The words echoed in his head, and with each time they rang through his mind some emotion he had not known before grew inside the man, but he knew immediately what it was. He hated Raneb with every fiber of his body, but he knew that no one would, no one *could* ever know of this hatred. He had raised his daughter not to hate; how would he ever be able to look at her again if he did not follow his own rules?
Thankfully, Nakhti's stammered question distracted him and actually made him smile again. "Alexandra? No, there is no man in this village who could cope with her temper and passion."
"I think *you* could cope with it though," a woman's voice sounded behind the two men and they turned around to see Bebhim together with a few other villagers arrive by the fire, all of them carrying baskets and trays full of food, cutlery and wine. Miranda's mother put her baskets down and sat beside her husband, greeting him with a small, loving kiss as if it had been a whole day that they had not seen each other and not just an hour.
"Where are Miranda and Liv?" Vegeir asked and stood up to help distribute the food and drinks on a few narrow tables that some men were just bringing, "Hadn't they intended to help you?"
"Oh, they had," Bebhim chuckled, "But it appears that the fresh air of the ocean has given them a different kind of hunger. I went to check in on them and well... they didn't even notice me knocking on the door and calling their names. So I closed the door and left them alone."
Vegeir laughed out loud. "That is the ocean air for sure! Well, as long as they don't miss the start of the feat tonight."
"Need I remind you that we missed the start of your birthday feast last year too?" Bebhim teased her husband and winked at Nakhti, "And not because of me? Well, not in the first place," she quickly added with an evil grin as Vegeir opened his mouth to protest. "And what's more, it's only noon, so they have several hours yet."
Liv glanced past Miranda and saw that the door that was still open slightly had been closed. Slowly she licked her lips once more before lowering her head to kiss and tease the flesh of Miranda's neck.
Smiling and shaking his head, Nakhti watched Miranda's parents as they eased at one another, but his mind was on Alexandra.
If Miranda would have known that about a week's travel further south, the cruelest soldier of the King's army had just found the crucial advice that would help him solve the riddle of their flight, Miranda would probably not have given in to her love's seduction. But she did not, and when Liv's lips descended on the heated, sensitive skin of her neck, Miranda gasped loudly and swayed dangerously as her knees buckled. Sighing her love's name, Miranda took a shaky step backwards to lean against the wall as the Princess continued to attack her with small kisses and teasing nibbles. Everything else around her was forgotten, *nothing* was important any more. All that counted now to Miranda were Liv and the promise of what was yet to come in the dark-haired woman's eyes.
Slowly he lead his horse through what used to be a caravan, now it was nothing more than a mass of burning wagons and strewn bodies reduced to rubble by his men on his orders.
His name was Rashabi, Nakhti's eldest brother and of established rank in Raneb's army. He brought his horse to a stop in the center of the chaos as he took in his men’s handiwork.
"My captain," cried one of his men approaching, "We found no sign of Nakhti nor the women," he said looking up at the man on horseback.
Rashabi glared down at him. "No information of their whereabouts?" he asked sternly, his eyes scanning the horizon.
"Nothing sir. No one knew anything of them," he yelled his reply over the screams of the panicking women.
"They didn't know or wouldn't tell?" he asked. Dismounting his horse Rashabi strolled past the man, giving him a small shove in passing, and grabbed a woman as she ran by screaming trying to escape the torment of his men. "We are looking for three travelers," he said as he twisted what was left of the collar of her dress in his hand causing her to gasp for air. "A man and two women," he continued as the woman grabbed his hand in both of hers and continued gasping. "The King's daughter was one and the other her slave, a golden haired woman. Have you seen them?"
The woman shook her head as he tightened his grip and lifted her from the ground. With gritted teeth Rashabi tightened the grip even more and after several more gasps the woman’s body began to convulse and her eyes rolled back as the life went out of her. Dropping her lifeless body to the sand he turned, heading back to his horse. "Kill them, kill them all." Rashabi said in an emotionless voice.
"But sir, there are children," the guard objected.
"Do you question my orders?" Rashabi asked stopping to glare at the man.
"N..., no sir. As you wish," the guard stammered before he began to yell the order to the others.
Rashabi climbed back on his horse and once again resumed scanning the horizon, ignoring the killings going on all around him. "What kind of game are you up to Nakhti?" he asked aloud to no one, "I am coming for you my brother... and when I find you..." He gave the signal and his horse began to stride through the carnage. As he passed the guard who had questioned him he withdrew his sword and beheaded the man, never slowing the trot of his horse.