Disclaimers: They may look like them but they aren’t.  Some bad language.  Sex.. a little and I mean little bit.  If you are under age or it is illegal go away before you get into trouble.

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Gray clouds floated by as Kirra closed her eyes against the pain. Her hands were spread eagled and tied to long poles, keeping her feet from touching the ground. Drops of rain started to hit the top of her dirty shaggy blonde hair.  

“What do you have to say for yourself?” A tall angry looking man asked as he paced back and forth in front of her. “You kidnap our Princess and defiled her purity. No good man will ever be with her now.” Sir Drake slapped Kirra across the face. 

“Except you, right?” Kirra mumbled through the agony. “You don’t mind that she was taken by me. It just makes it easier for you to become king.” 

“Shut up, you disgrace for a human.” The enraged man punched Kirra several times in the stomach breaking several ribs. “I will not let you stand by and talk about her that way.” 

Kirra gasped and tried not to scream out as bones rubbed against each other. She knew she should keep her mouth shut and let him kill her, but the pain he was inflicting on her didn’t compare to falling in love with someone only to find out that all the promises were nothing but lies. She figured she deserved the beatings for being so weak. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Several Weeks before…. 

“Did you hear that?” Kirra asked as she slowed down her horse.  

“Hear what?” Dougie replied looking around the still forest. “I think you drank to much last night.” 

“Shhh,” the blonde woman closed her eyes and concentrated. “Over that way.” She pointed before she rushed off at a fast pace.  

Dougie sighed but quickly followed. When he finally reached a small clearing, he stopped his horse and waited. He knew that if he entered into the fighting he would only get hurt so he stayed back and watched his best friend weld her sword. “That had to hurt.” He cringed as Kirra sank her blade into one of the five raider’s stomach. “Duck,” He bellowed out as another man swung a sword at Kirra’s head. “Gesh, that was close.” 

Several long moments later Kirra had either killed or maimed the men. “You can come closer now.” She yelled out to Dougie. “The coast is clear.” 

“What were they after?” The skinny young man asked as he pulled up next to Kirra. “I don’t see anything important around.” 

“Don’t know. When I came into the clearing, it looked like they were searching for something. When I asked them if they needed any help they charged me.” Kirra explained before she whistled. “Let’s get going. They might have some buddies out here some where and I don’t want to fight anyone else.” 

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Dougie lightly nudged his horse on the side to get it moving. “I sure hope Frank has something good cooking for dinner. I’m starved.” 

“I’m the one who fights a hand full of raiders and you’re starving.” Kirra followed behind her childhood friend.  

As the two quietly head off into the forest, they didn’t notice the person sitting on a branch in the tree they are passing beneath. The person waited until the small blonde was right below her before she dropped. The sudden extra weight made the gray horse kick out. If it weren’t for the sure handed rider, both Kirra and the surprise guest would have been tossed to the hard ground.  

“If you take me somewhere safe I won’t kill you.” The person behind Kirra stated.  

Kirra tried to twist her body so she could slip off her horse but the person behind her held tight. “I’m not taking you anywhere.” 

“Yes, you will or you will die.” The person pulled out a knife and held it up with shaky hands.  

Kirra grabbed the knife and twisted the person’s hand until the sharp blade dropped to the grassy ground. “I don’t like threats.” She used all her strength to elbow the person behind her. She was rewarded with a groan and a thud as the person landed on the ground. Kirra jumped down and pulled her sword from her scabbard. “Now let’s get a look at you.” She used the tip off her sword and flipped the hood off.  

The sight of long black hair and scared blue eyes took Kirra’s breath away. “You’re a woman?” 

“Please don’t hurt me. I had no choice to do what I did. Those men were trying to kidnap me.” The dark haired woman began to cry. “My father has lots of money. I’m sure he would pay you for my safe return.” 

“I don’t want anyone’s money.” Kirra responded as she reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a cloth. She handed it to the crying woman to wipe the tears off her face. “What’s your name?” 

“Isabelle,” The woman whispered. “Please don’t hurt me.” 

Kirra bent down and looked into the scared woman’s eyes. “I won’t hurt you. I promise.” She held out her hand. “My name is Kirra.” 

As soon as their fingers touched, they both felt a warming sensation surge through out their bodies. Kirra quickly let go and shook her hand.  

“Will you take me back to my father?” Isabelle stood up and brushed off her clothing. 

Kerra nodded as she watched the tall woman stand. “How about we go to my camp and get something to eat? Then get a good nights sleep and head off in the morning.”

“I would like that. It’s been days since I had anything solid to eat.” The brunette rubbed her stomach.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

The two women rode Kirra’s horse in silence. Each lost in their own thought.  

“I wonder why someone would kidnap her. Her father must be someone of importance.” Kirra felt the arms around her tighten as her horse shifted as it stepped over a small fallen tree. “I kind of like the way she holds on. Her hand are sure soft. I bet she is soft all over.” 

Isabelle closed her eyes. “It’s been days since I felt safe and I have this small blonde woman to thank for that. I should apologize for trying to force her to take me home.” 

The sound of people moving around and talking broke both women out of their thoughts. 

“Shouldn’t we hide?” Isabelle asked as she tried to find a place to hide. 

Kirra giggled, “Then you won’t get anything to eat.” She guided the horse through two large bushes. “You’re still hungry aren’t you?” 

The site before Isabelle took her breath away. The camp was filled with men, women and children. It looked like one big family, each doing something like carrying wood or water. “Why are you all living here?

“Because we are not welcome anyplace else.” Kirra answered as she slid off her gray horse. “Let me help me down.” She wrapped her hands around the taller woman’s waist. 

“Thank you,” Isabelle smiled as Kirra helped her to the ground.

They both felt some sort of pull when their eyes met. The breath was taken out of their lungs as Kirra caressed her hand down Isabelle’s arm to hold her hand.

“Do you want to rest a while before you eat?” Kirra stammered as she looked down at her hand holding the long elegant fingers of the woman in front of her. 

Isabelle had to cough to clear her throat. “I would like to get something to eat first. If that is okay?” 

“”Sound fine,” Kirra bit her bottom lip. “Let me show you where to go.” 

Isabelle nodded, “okay.” 

“Where have you been? I thought you were right behind me.” Dougie stepped around the horse stopping when he saw Kirra not paying any attention to him. “Excuse me?” 

Isabelle jumped slightly, as did Kirra. 

“Damn it, Dougie you scared the crap out of us.” Kirra turned and glared at her friend. “And if you had been paying attention. You would have noticed I wasn’t behind you for quite some time.” 

“Hey, it’s not my fault that my stomach had control over my body.” Dougie snapped back. “You know how I get when I am hungry.” 

“Sometimes I wonder why I like you so much.” Kirra lowered her head and groaned.  

Dougie winked at Isabella and put his arm across her shoulder. “You saved my life once and I have been trying to repay you.” 

“How are you planning on doing that?” Kirra looked up at her friend.  

Dougie shrugged his shoulders, “not sure yet but as soon as I know so will you.” 

“If you haven’t figured it out…” Kirra started to say, but was interrupted. 

“Who’s your friend?” Dougie held out his hand. “I’m her ever loving sidekick, Dougie.” 

Isabelle laughed at the man in front of her. 

“Her name is Isabelle.” Kirra shoved Dougie away. “Why don’t you go get us a couple of plates of food.” 

The two women looked at Dougie as he stood there staring at Isabelle.  

Kirra slapped him on the back of the head. “Not nice to stare you idiot.” 

“Hey, stop that.” The brown haired man moved away but still looked at Isabelle. “I think I have seen you somewhere before. Where are you from?” 

Isabelle was happy that her stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. “If I don’t eat soon I think I may pass out.” She let her knees buckle slightly. 

Kirra quickly wrapped her arm around the tall woman. “Dougie go get her a plate.” 

Dougie left in search of food for the two as Kirra guided Isabelle over to a small tent.  

“It’s not much, but its home.” Kirra went over to a bucket that sat next to the tent and filled a cup up with water. “Here drink some water. It might help you feel less light headed until Dougie gets back.” 

Isabelle locked her blue eyes with Kirra’s green. “Thank you.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“How long do you think you can survive? I can see your life slowly slipping from you.” The enraged man growled. “You won’t defeat me. Isabelle is my destiny and mine alone. It doesn’t matter that you had her first. What matters is that I will have her last.”  

“You are a sick son of a bitch.” Kirra spat out at Sir Drake. Drops of blood mixed in with her salvia dripped down her chin. “It doesn’t matter.” 

“What doesn’t matter?” Sir Drake asked as he lifted up his hood to protect himself from the increasing rain.  

Kirra lifted her head up and glared at her captor. “Taking someone’s soul through deceit and crushing it under their feet is more torture than what you are putting me through. It doesn’t matter because when you are done.” Kirra looked up into the sky blinking as the rain fell on her face. “I’ll be set free to hopefully get my soul back.”  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

As darkness fell, Isabelle couldn’t stop yawning.  

“Why don’t you go on and get some sleep. As soon as breakfast is over with we’ll get you home.” Kirra stood up and pulled back a flap to the tent. “You can sleep in here.” 

“I can’t tale your bed.” Isabelle stated. “I’ll sleep out here. Under the stars.” 

“Don’t be silly. When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep?” Kirra watched as Isabelle thought. “Long time, I’m thinking.” 

“Okay it’s been awhile, but I don’t want to take your bed.” Isabelle repeated as she looked down at her dirty hands. “Man I would kill for a bath.” 

“Well, you don’t have to go that far.” Kirra stood up and offered her hand to the other woman. “If you think you can stay awake for it I will show you a secret.” 

Isabelle wrapped her fingers around Kirra’s hand and let herself be pulled up. “I think I can manage.”

“Good,” Kirra didn’t let Isabelle’s hand go. She guided her past several tents that had family’s scattered around them. Some were eating and some were just watching the comings and goings over the community. “Promise not to tell anyone?”

“I promise,” Isabelle whispered as she ducked a low hanging branch.  

After a few minutes, Kirra stopped and looked around. Not seeing anyone she pushed back a bush and nudged Isabelle to walk through the small opening. “Go ahead.” 

Isabelle looked into the trusting green eyes and stepped in between the bushes. The sight before her took her breath away. “How did you ever find this place?” 

“I was trying to hide from Dougie and some others.” Kirra walked over to a small rock ledge and sat down. She took off her boots. “I literally fell into it.” She let out a long groan as she slipped her feet into the steaming water.  

“Is it really hot?” Isabelle leaned over and stuck her hand in. “Ohh wow. It’s just right.” 

“Yes Ma’am it’s perfect.” Kirra moaned as she laid back and closed her eyes. “Go ahead and take a bath. I won’t look.” 

Isabelle looked down at the content blonde and for some reason it really didn’t matter if she saw her naked or not. “I don’t mind. You can get in too.” 

“Naw, I’m fine.” Kirra mumbled almost asleep. “Just wake me up when you are ready to leave.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 Lying naked in the warm water Isabelle floated on her back looking up at the sky. Every once in awhile a bird or two would sore overhead. “This is amazing.” 

Isabelle let her mind wonder to what might happen tomorrow when she was returned home. Her father would no doubt be happy to see her and so would the snake, Sir Drake. “I cannot believe Father would even consider that man to be my husband.” She wiped a hand over her face. “I wish I could find my own love. The kind that is true and honest.” 

A soft snore made the bathing woman look up. She couldn’t help but smile as Kirra scratched her stomach as she slept. “I feel like having some fun.” 

Slowly Isabelle swam over to Kirra’s dangling feet. With a smile, she began to tickle the bottom of the sleeping woman’s feet. She bit her lip and tried not to laugh aloud as the smaller woman kicked her feet around.  

The sound of people running and screaming made Isabelle stop teasing the sleeping woman. She began to shake the sleeping woman’s knee. “Kirra, wake up. Something is going on.” 

Kirra slapped at the annoying hand and tried to get comfortable.  

Grabbing a hand full of water Isabelle threw it at Kirra’s face. She moved back when the small blonde sat up cursing. “What the hell?” 

“Sorry, but you wouldn’t wake up.” Isabelle said. “Something is going on. Listen.” 

Kirra looked around and jumped up when she herd a loud screaming. “Something is happening at the camp. Stay here until I come get you.” 

“No, I want to help.” Isabelle pushed herself out of the water. 

Kirra couldn’t move as she watched the drops of water make there way down the stunning body standing before her. “Umm, you can’t fight like that.” She gestured towards Isabelle. “By the time you get dressed they could be gone.” 

“Fine,” Isabelle grabbed her dress. “Go, but I will be right behind you.” 

Kirra nodded and ran for the bushes. When she emerged, she was nearly run down by a woman running with her kids. “What’s going on?” 

“Some raiders surprised us. They are trying to gather everyone up.” The scared woman said as she looked all over the place. “We need to get out of here.” 

“Keep running,” Kirra yelled as she took off in a run towards the camp.  

As soon as Kirra stepped into the open, all she could see was where a once peaceful evening was turned into a nightmare. “Damn it, who would do this?” 

“Oh, look who we have here.” A man’s voice laughed behind Kirra. “Time for a little payback.”

Kirra twisted around. Standing in front of her was one of the men she had fought earlier. “Guess getting beat by a small woman once wasn’t enough.” 

“The only reason you beat me was because I wasn’t prepared. I won’t make the same mistake.” He lunged at her with his sword. 

Kirra jumped back. “Some man you are, fighting an unarmed woman.” She held out her hands as she silently cussed herself out for leaving her sword in her tent. “What will all your friends say when they find out that you got beaten by me not once but twice? And the second time I was without my weapon.” 

“Shut up you little bitch.” The man took another swipe at Kirra.  

This time she was not fast enough and he cut her above her right breast.  

“Oh look I cut you.” The man smirked. “Let’s see how much you will bleed before you die.” 

“You may have cut me, but I can guarantee you won’t kill me.” Kirra ducked another swipe. She flung herself over a fallen log. She spotted a pot of hot water sitting over a fire. Not caring at that moment that she would burn her hands she grabbed the pot and flung the contents at the raiders face.  

He dropped his sword and covered his face with his hands. “I can’t see… my eyes. You burned my eyes.”

Kirra ran over and grabbed the fallen sword. Before the man could mutter another word, she plunged the metal deep into the man’s stomach. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

After pacing for several minutes, Isabelle couldn’t handle waiting any longer. She knew Kirra would not be happy with her for leaving but she wasn’t the kind of person who did what she was told. So without another thought she pushed aside the bush that hid her from view. When several people ran by, she looked to see if anyone else was around. Not seeing anyone, she stepped out and headed back to the campsite.  

Slowly she walked, hiding behind trees and bushes. Not knowing exactly who was friend or foe. Hearing the sound of metal against metal, she moved a little faster because in her heart she knew that was where Kirra was.  

The site of her small friend standing up against a man who was at least twice her size made Isabelle’s insides shake. She almost yelled out when two more men came up beside the other man. The only thing that stopped her was a hand covering her mouth.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“Typical,” Kirra teased as she looked from one man to the next then to the third. “It takes three men to take on poor little ole me.” She laughed as she blocked a sword. “Why don’t you pick out the best and I’ll just fight him.” 

The hair rose on the back of Kirra’s neck and she knew why as she saw Isabelle standing off to the side. It distracted her enough that one of the raiders sliced open her upper arm causing her to drop her sword.  

“Oh look guys, she dropped her sword.” The one who caused the injury bellowed. “I bet this one would be wild in the sack. Why don’t we bring her back with us.” 

“Don’t think that is a good idea.” Kirra responded as she tried to stop the bleeding on her arm.

One of the men stepped closer and grabbed his crotch, “I think she wants us now. Hell with the others.” He started to grab for Kirra’s elbow but was kicked in the groin from behind. 

“You won’t be taking her anywhere.” Isabelle yelled out as she tried to kick the man again.  

The other two raiders turned around and nearly pissed their pants when they saw the twenty well-armed men standing behind the tall dark haired woman.

“Ohh fuck,” The two said before they tried to turn around and run, but they tripped over their own feet and landed on the ground.

“Get them,” Isabelle ordered as she walked towards Kirra who was standing there with blood dripping down her hand and across her chest. “Kirra, let me help you clean up.” 

Kirra nodded her head and took a step when the world around her started to spin. She closed her eyes and hoped it would stop, but it only got worse. She watched in slow motion as Isabelle ran towards her. 

“Someone get me a healer. She’s hurt badly.” Isabelle shouted out replacing Kirra’s hand on her bloody arm with her own hand.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Isabelle walked behind the men as they carried Kirra to the healers hut. It was the only building that was made out of logs. “How come everyone else sleeps in tents?” 

Dougie who had just stepped up to her, answered. “It’s easier to move a tent. The reason the healer gets a building is because it is easier to clean and keep clean.” 

“I still don’t understand. Why would you all want to move around? I know Kirra said no one wants you all around but why?” Isabelle asked as she waited for the men to exit the building so she could enter. 

Dougie scratched the back of his head. “Well, we are all wanted by Sir Drake.” 

Isabelle cringed, “did you say Sir Drake?” 

Dougie nodded his head. “He has taken land from every single family here. He says we all owe him back taxes, but we don’t. He raised them so we can’t pay so he got all the land.” Dougie rubbed his face. “The only person he really wanted though was Kirra.” 

“Why?” Isabelle watched at the healer pushed out the men and closed the door.  

Dougie shoulders slumped, “have you ever seen the man?” 

Isabelle nodded, “yes I have. Don’t like the man much myself.”

“Have you seen the scar he has across his face?” Dougie gestured from one side of his face to the other.  

Isabelle nodded again. 

“Kirra did that after she watched him kill her entire family.” The tall man said sadly. “Ever since then he has wanted revenge.” 

“I always knew he was an asshole.” She looked  Kirra’s long time friend in the eyes and said,  “I promise I’ll do everything I can to help.” 

Dougie looked at her curiously. “How can you help?” 

She stepped closer and whispered in his ear. “My father is the King.” 

Dougie didn’t move, he didn’t blink, and he didn’t breathe. 

Isabelle slapped his face lightly. “Promise you won’t say anything. I have to figure out how to do this as Drake has wiggled his way into my father’s heart.”   

“Wiggled how?” Dougie asked as he snapped out of his shock. 

Isabelle sighed, “he wishes to become my husband.”  

“Yuck,” Dougie made a face of disgust. 

“Tell me about it,” Isabelle patted Dougie on the shoulder. “Thanks for saving my butt out there.”

“No problem,” Dougie smiled. “If I didn’t stop you and you got hurt Kirra would kick my ass.” 

“Speaking of Kirra,” Isabelle started towards the hut. “Let’s go see how she is doing. She lost a lot of blood.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

Isabelle sat next to Kirra’s bed staring out the open window. It had been several hours since Kirra had been hurt and she had not awakened  or even stirred. The healer told Isabelle and Dougie that her body just needed time. 

“What am I going to do?” Isabelle reached for Kirra’s hand and held it. Even though Kirra was not conscious, her fingers tightened around the brunette’s. “I feel something when I am with you. Something I cannot describe.” 

Kirra started to mumble but nothing made since. She opened her eyes and looked straight up at the ceiling.  

“Kirra, look at me.” Isabelle quickly sat down on the bed next to the hurt woman. She placed her hand on the smaller woman’s cheek. “Look at me.” She repeated softer.

Kirra slowly turned her head. It took a few seconds for her eyes to focus on the face in front of her. 

“How do you feel?” Isabelle asked as she caressed Kirra’s soft face. 

Kirra blinked a few times before she grinned. “I’m okay.” 

“No you’re not,” Isabelle smiled down.  

Kirra raised her hand to scratch at the bandage on her chest. Isabelle rested her hand on top of the hurt woman’s. “Don’t do that. You will open it up again.” 

Kirra glanced down. She turned her hand over and held up both hers and Isabelle’s. The sensations running up her arm and over her body was intense. “Do you feel that?” 

Isabelle nodded. She moved her free hand away from Kirra’s cheek. With one finger, she traced lightly across the blonde’s lips. “I feel it and it scares me.” 

“Scares me too, but I like it.” Kirra closed her eyes.  

“Get some rest and we’ll talk about it later.” Isabelle brushed the hair off Kirra’s forehead.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

A few days later the camp was put back together. Kirra sat outside the healer’s hut.  

“So can I please go to my own tent now?” She asked the elderly man, who was the healer.

“Do you get dizzy when you stand up?” The gray haired man questioned as he mixed some herbs in a small bowl.  

Kirra glared at the man, “You old fool I could do that yesterday. Why didn’t you let me leave then?”

“Your sweet personality made me want to keep you around longer.” He replied sarcastically.  

“Love you too, Harold.” Kirra snapped back as she stood up and started towards her tent. “Old fool needs to get a life.” 

When Kirra reached her tent, she noticed that all her things weren’t there. “What the hell?” 

“What are you doing here?” Dougie asked as he walked up to his friend. 

Kirra pointed towards her empty tent. “Where’s our stuff?” 

“Huh?” Dougie look at her confused.  

“Our stuff. You know our beds and bags.” Kirra waved her hands in the air. “Our stuff.” 

“Oh, Isabelle and I moved them.” Dougie rocked back and forth on his feet. “We have moved.” 

“What do you mean moved?” Kirra asked with a raised voice. “Whose idea was it to move?” 

“Mine,” came a soft voice next to Kirra’s ear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“Told you, you would like it.” Dougie grinned as he moved to his spot by the fire.  

“Who said I like it?” Kirra mumbled as she looked around the large area. It was ideal for a place to live. The cave opening was big enough to walk through yet small enough to hide with some well-placed bushes. The large room where the fire was at held a small table covered by a small assortment of food and cutting utensils. Furs covered the ground around the fire making it warm and welcoming.  

“You don’t?” Isabelle looked at her with saddening blue eyes.

Kirra grabbed Isabelle’s hand and squeezed it softly. “I like it. It’s prefect.”

Isabelle smiled and leaned closer placing a gentle kiss on the small shocked blonde’s cheek. “I’m glad.” 

Kirra tried to speak but could only open and close her mouth. 

“Look you turned her into a fish.” Dougie laughed aloud. 

Kirra snapped out of it, walked over to her friend, and smacked him on the back of the head.   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

All three yawned at the same time.  

“By the sound of it, it’s time for bed.” Isabelle stood up and stretched.  

Dougie followed suit. “I’ll talk to you two in the morning. Night.” 

“Night,” Kirra and Isabelle replied at the same time. 

Kirra watched Dougie slip into a small crack. “Where’s he going?”

“It’s a small room that works great as a bedroom for him.” Isabelle poked at the fire to make sure it was safe enough to leave for the night. “You ready for bed?” 

“Yes,” the small woman looked around. “Do I have one of those small cracks in the wall to crawl through?” 

“No, follow me.” Isabelle held out her hand and guided Kirra towards the back. It was on the opposite side that Dougie had gone.  

“Wow, this is nice.” Kirra looked down at the large fur bed that was big enough for three people. “Where are you sleeping?” She was hoping Isabelle would say here with her. The slightly red color that crept up Isabelle’s neck and face answered her question. “Are you sure about this? I mean nothing is going to happen tonight, but….” 

Isabelle places a slender finger across Kirra’s lips. “I am sure and I know nothing is going to happen until we are both ready for it to happen.”

Kirra nodded her head and kissed the tip of the finger. “Until we are both ready.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“Kirra,” Isabelle mumbled as she thrashed and fought the blankets that were wrapped around her. 

The King looked down at his only daughter. “What did she say?” 

The royal healer looked up at the distraught King. “Sir, she said Kirra.”  

“Who is Kirra?” King Randolph asked as he wiped his daughter’s forehead off with a cool cloth.  

“I believe she is who Sir Drake is holding in the courtyard.” The healer stated as he continued to mix herbs and things to try and get Isabelle’s fever down. 

“The one who hurt her?” King Randolph asked.  

The healer glanced at the older man. “May I speak freely?” He saw the King nod. “He is going to make her suffer for taking something he thought was his.” 

“And what’s that?” The King leaned forward waiting for the answer.  

“Your daughter’s heart,” the healer looked up without breaking eye contact with his King. “He is going to torture and kill the woman your daughter is trying to stay alive for.” 

“How do you know she holds my daughter’s heart?” The King stood up. 

The healer never broke eye contact, “because my brother is the healer in their camp and I spoke with him.” He looked over at the Princess. “He said he could tell that together they are one. Together they are a whole. He can feel the love they have for one another just by standing next to them.” He looked back towards the King. “Like you and your wife were.” 

“Ohh god,” King Randolph quickly left,hoping that he wasn’t too late to save Kirra or his daughter.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

The next morning Kirra found herself with a soft arm draped over her waist. She smiled as she carefully turned around to look at Isabelle. “I don’t know how it happened but you have worked your way into my heart.” She whispered softly.  

Dark eyelashes flickered before Isabelle opened her eyes. A small smile greeted her. “Morning.” 

“Morning,” Kirra brushed a flock of hair off the brunette’s face.  

“What are you doing?” Isabelle questions softly. 

Kirra moved closer so they were nose to nose. “Watching you sleep.” 

“Why?” The still sleepy woman tightened her hold she had on the younger woman.  

Kirra placed a butterfly kiss on Isabelle’s lips. “Because I love you.” 

“You love me?” Isabelle asked unsure that she heard Kirra right. 

Kirra placed a longer stronger kiss on Isabelle’s lips. “I know we have only known each other a short while, but I know what my heart feel. Every time I see you or hear your voice, my insides burst with excitement.”

“I feel the same way, but I should tell you something first.” Isabelle sat up and wrapped her arms around herself. 

“What is it?” Kirra moved up behind Isabelle. “What ever it is we will work it out.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“You shouldn’t feel bad.” Kirra said after a few minutes of quietness. “Your father only wants the best for you and for some reason he sees that in Drake.” She shook her head. “Where he sees it, I have no clue.”

“I think ever since Mother died he has been lost and wants me to have what he had.” Isabelle rested her head against Kirra’s chest. “He’s blinded by his goal and doesn’t see the truth.” 

“It happens,” Kirra kissed the top of Isabelle’s head.

Isabelle closed her eyes and smiled. She tilted her head so her face was buried against Kirra’s chest. She could smell the freshly washed clothes and the smaller woman’s own scent.  

Kirra relished the connection she was feeling towards the woman in her arms. She wanted to lay her down and make love to her right here on the spot. 

“Kirra?” Isabelle looked up into lustful green eyes. “I want…” She didn’t get a chance to finish because Kirra’s lips stopped her. “Yes, this is what I want.”    

Kirra moved so she could gently lay Isabelle down on the soft furs of their bed. She broke the kiss off. “You read my mind.” She placed several kisses along Isabelle’s cheek to her ear. 

“Oh, that feel good.” Isabelle grabbed hold of the back of Kirra shirt. Her legs entwined with the smaller woman’s. The breath was taken from her lungs when strong fingers cupped her breast and played with her nipples.   

Dougie didn’t bother asking if his two cave mates wanted any lunch as their moans and screams chased the man outside. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~     

“I think it’s time for you to die.” Sir Drake smiled. “Time for me to get my revenge.” He rubbed his finger across his face where the scar was. “First I want you to feel the pain you caused me.” He took out his dagger and sliced it down Kirra’s cheek.  

Kirra bite her lip trying not to scream out in pain.  

“How does it feel to know the woman you love set you up to die by my hands?” Drake laughed as he took out a letter from the pouch at his waist. “Do you have it memorized yet? Let’s read it again to make sure as you bleed all over the place.” 

To Sir Drake, 

I know you are a man of honor and I have disgraced you by allowing some heathen to corrupt me and my body. I was taken in by her charm and used as nothing but a sex object for her pleasure.   

Thank you for coming and saving me from a life I was not raised to live.  

I know it will hurt your reputation to wed someone who has gone through what I have, but please let it be known that I will be forever grateful if you would consider marrying me.  

I know Kirra will tell you that I love her and hate you as a human, but it is not so. I told her that so she would not kill me or sell me off to the first marauder. 

Please accept my offer in marriage. 

Princess Isabelle

“Here you can see it in her own hand writing. She is mine.” Drake laughed aloud.  

Kirra couldn’t hold her head up any longer. The pain and the loss of blood was too great.  

Sir Drake grabbed a handful of Kirra’s hair and held her head up. “I’m not done with you.” 

“Yes, you are.” A deep voice yelled out from the crowd.  

Drake turned around quickly. “Who dares speak to me that way? I’ll soon be your king and you all will learn some respect.” 

“Over my dead body.” King Randolph bellowed as the crowd separated. “I would like to see this letter my daughter wrote if I may?” 

“Sir, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be with your daughter?” Drake dropped the letter and tried to step on it to smudge the writing but a guard grabbed his foot and stopped him. 

“Since when do you tell me what to do?” The King stepped up next to Drake and waited for an answer. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“I have never felt so loved in my life.” Kirra grinned against the skin below her. “I hope I didn’t hurt you?”

“Well it hurt for a second but it was worth it.” Isabelle ran her fingers through Kirra’s messy hair. “I love you.” 

“I love you too.” Kirra kissed the exposed breast before she started to lick and suck on the hardened nipple.

“Kirra, yes..” Isabelle moaned. 

Kirra was about to continue with her exploration when Dougie came flying into the cave yelling and screaming. “Kirra get up.” 

It took them a few seconds but Kirra ran out into the open part of the cave. “What’s the matter?” 

“The camp is being over run again.” Dougie said in a rush. “This time it’s Sir Drake and the royal guards.” 

“They are looking for me and they will think you kidnapped me.” Isabelle held onto Kirra’s arm. “We have to stop them and especially Drake.” 

“We will,” Kirra saw her sword next to the fire pit. She went over and picked it up. “Time for someone to stop him. Then we will get you back home to your father.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

Unbeknownst to the three of them, Drake had followed Dougie back to the cave. He knew that he was Kirra’s friend and he was running to warn the small woman of his presence. He ordered the guards to wait until they were closer to the cave before they would strike.  

Kirra tried her best to protect Isabelle and Dougie but there were too many of them. She fought off as many as she could, but she was only one. She watched in horror as Dougie threw himself in front of Isabelle. He took a sword in the stomach that was meant for her lover. Her eyes met his and he smiled. He knew that his debt was paid to his best friend and he could die with honor.

Isabelle froze. “No, oh God no.” She tried to get closer to Kirra but the guards were everywhere and Kirra was busy trying to save them.  

When she saw Kirra being hit on the head and fall to the ground not moving she pushed and shoved her way towards her fallen lover. She screamed at the top of her lungs when Drake raised his sword. “Nooooooooooo.” She jumped over and covered the small blonde’s body. She didn’t feel the pain of the sword until it left her body. “Remember I love you.” She whispered before she passed out. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“What happened?” King Randolph ran up to where a carriage was carrying his daughter. He looked at her blood-covered daughter and grabbed Drake by the collar. “Who did this?” 

Drake pointed towards a body tossed over the back of a horse. “She did it when Isabelle tried to escape.” 

“I want that woman to pay.” King Randolph glared at Kirra.  

Drake nodded, “yes, sire. It will be done.” 

The King ordered the healer to be brought to his daughter’s room. He looked at Drake, “I trust you.” 

“Thank you, my King.” Drake bowed. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

Kirra moaned as her body was lowered to the ground. The chill of the cold stone against her skin made her shiver uncontrollable. “Isabelle.” 

“Even though she thinks Isabelle betrayed her, she calls for her.” King Randolph looked down at the small body. “Take her to the healer.” 

“You can’t do that Sire. She is the reason your daughter is up in her room dying.” Drake shouted. “Let me kill her as you had asked me too.” 

King Randolph glared at the once trusted man. “On my way down here I had a short talk with one of my guards.” 

“What does that have to do with anything?” Drake paced around not noticing the Kings Guards moving closer. “Let me do my job of getting rid of the disgrace of the human world.” 

“It is you that is a disgrace. It is you that will be hung here until you die.” King Randolph stepped up and glared into Drakes eyes. “You are the one who put a sword through my daughter. This woman tried to save her.” 

“How can you believe that?” Drake tripped over his feet as he stepped back from the King. “You trust me.” 

“I won’t be making that mistake again.” The King grabbed his sword and flicked the tip of his blade up slicing a long cut across Drake’s face.  

“Guards, put him in the dungeon where the people from the camp were being held.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

“How are they?” King Randolph asked when he stepped into the room.  

“Kirra has broken ribs and a concussion. Her body is bruised and beaten.” The healer ran a cloth over her body to wash away the dried blood. “I usually would say given time she would make a full recovery.” 

“But?” The King sat down next to his daughter taking her hand in his. 

“When she was brought in, the Guards told me what Drake did to her and more importantly what he said.” The healer lowered his head. “I cannot fix a broken soul.” 

“You have to try. My daughter’s own soul rides on it.” The king lowered his head and cried on Isabelle’s chest.  

“Kirra?” Isabelle mumbled as her eyes flickered before opening. “Kirra?” 

“She is here my daughter, but she needs you.” King Randolph caressed his daughter’s face.  

“I need her,” Isabelle turned her head. The tears began to fall when she saw her quiet lover. “Father, please let me hold her hand.” 

The King stood up and helped the healer push Kirra’s bed closer. He watched as Isabelle entwined her fingers together with Kirra’s. He could see the light surrounding them brighten and glow.  

“Their love strengthens them.” King Randolph cried.

Conclusion

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