The Perfect Prince (10 page)

 

When the door shut on his command, Nadja turned. The pleasant light faded from her features as she studied him wryly. Without saying a word, she picked up her uprooted plants and began moving to the sunroom.

 

“Did you buy out the entire village?” he asked, teasingly.

 

Nadja frowned and moved to look at him. Her lips tightly pressed, she said, “I needed a few things.”

 

She turned and walked to the sunroom. Olek wasn’t so willing to let the conversation die, even if he was the one who had to carry all of it.

 

“What was the carpenter for?” he asked, keeping his tone light.

 

Her eyes got defensive, and again he was surprised when her voice didn’t rise to a yell. She looked angry enough. “I need a door. I am making this room my office. You get your private space, I get mine.”

 

Olek followed her into the large atrium. Boxes blocked the pathways and he stepped around them. Nadja was holding the plants in her hand with a light grip, and she was looking around.

 

“What is all this stuff?” he asked, bending over to pick through the boxes.

 

All he saw was a glass container before she demanded, “Leave my stuff alone. I’m not going to search through your personal belongings. The least you could do is stay out of mine.”

 

Olek lifted his hand back and retreated from his curious exploration.

 

“So, you’re planning a bigger garden?”

 

“Don’t you have some work you could be doing, Prince?” she asked, ignoring him as she drew a rectangle pot from the box already filled with dirt. Setting it down, she crouched, repotting the plants from the forest.

 

“Those really aren’t used for anything,” Olek said, still doing his best to ignore her ire. “They won’t bud with flowers.”

 

She turned to give him the ‘you’re still here?’ look and said nothing. Quickly, she finished and stood, moving to go to the kitchen. Olek blocked the path.

 

“Do you mind?” she asked, softly. His eyes were looking at her with a charged electrical need she could feel down to her toes. No matter how hard she tried to pretend she hated him, she knew it wasn’t entirely true. She hated her situation, she hated her fear, but she could never hate him. Her body quivered with fiery longing at that look, eager to pick up where he had left off the night before.

 

Nadja tried to shuffle past him, but he moved to block her way. He took a step forward, forcing her to retreat.

 

“I need to get water for the plants,” she said weakly.

 

Nadja tried again to move past him again. He blocked her. She swallowed apprehensively, not sure what he was up to.

 

Olek’s eyes lit with dangerous intentions, as they began the journey down her throat. His body stirred, smelling the fragrance of her desire for him. The sunroom dome was on a timer and Nadja jumped as the curtains clicked and began to close overhead.

 

“What are you doing, Olek?” She grew worried by his silence. Suddenly, her legs hit a low carved shelf and she realized that her back was surrounded by plants and flowers.Olek didn’t stop. He came forward until his body was pressed next to hers, trapping her with his solid heat. She could feel every hard inch of him burning into her body, sending needles of pleasure over her traitorous nerves. Her eyes dipped at the contact and she took a deep, steadying breath.

 

“I’m going to tend to my little solarflower,” he murmured, dipping forward to kiss her parted lips.

 

Nadja didn’t even try to pull away. As his lips touched hers, she moaned. Her body weakened. Her hands found a ledge and clutched it for support. His mouth boldly laid claim to hers in a scorchingly hot kiss, searing her senses with liquid desire.

 

“Olek,” she tried to say against his mouth, though she didn’t draw her parted lips away from his. “I don’t want--”

 

He deepened the kiss to cut off her words while stealing her breath. Nadja moaned, panted, whimpered. His body ignited and he pressed the center of his torment into her hips so she could feel all of him.

 

“Take off your clothes, Nadja,” he urged against her mouth. “Strip for me again. 
Let me see your exquisite body.”

 

Nadja shivered. When she didn’t comply, his hands were at her slacks, unbuttoning them.

 

“Tell me you want me to take you right here,” he demanded confidently against her mouth.

 

Olek held so much power in his tone that Nadja shuddered to hear it. She could never be that bold, could she? She held still, letting him do what he will, unable to fight or deny him.

 

“Tell me you’re hot for me. Tell me you want me to turn you around and ride you right here and now.”

 

Nadja panted into his mouth. She couldn’t speak for he was stealing her breath with his wicked words and head-spinning kisses.

 

“Tell me you want me inside of you.” Olek broke the kiss, not giving her anymore of his mouth until he had her plea. His hand slipped into her underwear, moving to touch her. “Tell me you want me thrusting myself right here.” Nadja was moist with desire and his finger took full advantage as it lightly stroked her. Shockwaves of pleasure shot through her from his touch. A whimper left her lips, 
soft and pleading. Her mouth opened, staying back from his. She did want him. It was treacherous agony. How could she fight her own body as well as his?

 

“Say it solarflower,” he commanded. His searching hands grew urgent, touching deeper, rubbing against her center nub, stroking a dangerously hot fire. “Say you want to be my Princess. Say you’re happy here with me. Say you want me to take you here and now. Say you want me to end your torment as well as mine. I’ll make you happy, I promise. Please, solarflower, let me make you happy.” Nadja couldn’t say it. She knew she was his wife and she took her obligations and her word seriously. Besides, where else could she go? Galaxy Brides would try to find her for breach of contract. Olek would look for his runaway bride and her father would be sure to get wind of it all the faster. Her position here was as much her doing as his. She chose to take off the mask, knowing full well what she was doing, knowing she was marrying a complete stranger. But, to say the words out loud? She couldn’t do it. It would make them too real.

 

“No,” Nadja breathed to his amazement and to hers as well. She would never understand how the word was shoved past her tightened throat. Her body instantly stiffened, trying to rebel against the logic of her mind.

 

Olek’s body jerked in pain as she denied it. He was hard, ready for her, ready to claim her completely. Never had lust bit him so wretched and hard. However, he wouldn’t prove her words true and act the barbarian for her. He didn’t need her holding that against him as well.

 

To her everlasting torment, he pulled his hand from her eager body and stepped back. His shoulders rose and fell as he tried to catch his breath. The temptingly soft feel of her was still against his fingers.

 

“Ah!” The sound came weakly from Nadja throat as he withdrew. She wished he hadn’t stopped. Her hands quivered, ready to demand him back.

 

“Go tend your garden, wife,” Olek whispered, backing away, his eyes piercing into her as he left her alone. Angrily, he stormed from the room and Nadja heard him leaving the house. Her knees weakened and she fell to the floor.

 

Trembling, she groaned. Her stomach throbbed and ached with what he did to her.

 

Nadja had no clue how to end the torment herself and was too afraid to try. Forcing herself to stand, she went to the kitchen for a glass of water. But, instead of watering the plants, she poured the glass on her white silk shirt to cool her flaming skin. Olek’s denial was definitely worse than any punishment her father had put her through.

 

* * * *

 

Olek stormed through the passageways. He didn't care where he went as long as it wasn’t back home. His eyes flashed a dangerous gold, threatening a full shift into the beast he could become. His teeth gnashed angrily. His fists needed a good fight.

 

Taking a deep breath, he knew his aching body needed to cool. He saw his brother Ualan, covered in mud from a day of mock battle out in the swamps. He growled darkly.

 

Ualan’s eyes flashed as he returned the sentiment with one of his own. The brothers passed each other, not stopping to speak.

 

Olek didn’t come home that night. Nadja hated to admit that she waited up, listening for him from their bed. Judging by the state he left her in, she wondered if he sought out someone more agreeable to tend to his masculine needs. The idea tore bitterly at her, raising her chest in anger to hide the pain. She dozed lightly, but didn’t get much rest. She considered sleeping on the couch, but wouldn’t give up the satisfaction of snubbing him if he tried to touch her.

 

By the time morning came around and she dragged herself out of bed, she was mixed between outrage and worry. Worry that something had happened to him, and anger that someone else might have happened to him. Regardless of her mood, she didn’t try to leave. The door had yet to be programmed to her voice so she couldn’t, even if she wanted to.

 

The Queen came promptly at nine as promised. Mede could open the door with her command. The dressmaker was right behind her followed by a half-dozen dutiful helpers--all men. They carried swatches of material for her to choose from. The woman was kind, speaking to the Queen in the Qurilixian tongue. Queen Mede would in turn translate for Nadja.

 

Lifting her arms up, she held still as the dressmaker measured her chest. Nadja asked the Queen, “So, you just have the four sons?”

 

“Just?” The Queen laughed, looking up from where she had moved a high-backed chair to better see. “There is nothing just about being plagued with four sons.” Nadja smiled despite herself.

 

“All the women on the trip over were abuzz with them. The Princes were all they could talk about,” Nadja admitted. “I thought it was an advertising ploy by the company to get women to sign on.”

 

“And you, Nadja? Were you abuzz with the idea?” the Queen asked thoughtfully.

 

Before stopping to think, she answered honestly, “No. I wanted a simple man like a fat, country doctor.”

 

Nadja blinked, realizing what she had revealed. Her mouth opened in instant apology. This battle really was between Olek and herself. She liked Mede too much to say anything to offend her.

 

The Queen shook her head to stop her apology and grinned.

 

“And your other sons?” Nadja prompted, lowering her arms as the dressmaker finished. “Did they all find brides?”

 

“Yes,” the Queen answered, but Nadja could tell she was troubled. “They have.”

 

“Can I ask their names?” Nadja inquired, curious at to which of the women had 
also won the notice of royalty.

 

“Ah, Ualan is married to Morrigan Blake. Zoran married a woman named Pia and,” Mede paused and chuckled. “To tell the truth, Yusef’s bride won’t give him a name so we don’t know.”

 

Nadja’s giggle joined Mede’s.

 

The door suddenly slid open and Olek came walking in, wearing the same tunic he had left in the night before, only it was a little more wrinkled. Nadja’s carpenter was with him. Her smile faded when he looked at her and she affected an indifferent air.

 

Olek’s heart slowed in his chest when he saw he was the cause of her sudden displeasure. He had heard her and his mother’s laughter outside in the hall and hoped to find her in a better mood. She looked beautiful, standing tall on her stool, wearing the soft cotton top and pants of his people.

 

As Nadja watched, Olek spoke to the carpenter in their shared language, pointing at the sun room and giving him commands. The man nodded at her attention, but listened to her husband.

 

Nadja jumped off the stool, much to the dressmaker’s ire, and ran after the men as they studied the sun room’s entryway.

 

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Nadja asked quietly, pulling Olek’s arm.

 

Her eyes studied him suspiciously trying to ascertain if he had been with anyone the night before. His face was shadowed with a beard and his eyes were darkened as if he hadn’t slept. Her heart leapt in her throat and she couldn’t speak. Then, his mouth curled quizzically at her silence and it was as if they were the only two in the room The spell was interrupted as the dressmaker came to tug on Nadja’s arm, intent on dragging her back to her post on the stool. Nadja couldn’t understand what the woman was saying, but she knew she was being scolded. Olek’s smile deepened, his eyes still holding her in their depths.

 

Hearing Mede’s chuckle, Nadja blinked. Then, frowning at Olek as she came back to her senses, she demanded in her soft tone, “You better not tell him to change anything I ordered.”

 

Olek turned back around, ignoring her. Nadja’s heart still fluttered in her chest from his piercing gaze. Her limbs were weak as she again lifted her arms for the dressmaker. The woman forced her to look forward, so she couldn’t longer see what Olek was up to. She was too proud to turn around to peek.

 

Mede smiled a secret smile, having witnessed the look between her son and his new wife. They may be at odds, but the passion was definitely there. King Llyr would be happy to know that all was going to be just fine on this front, even if the couple didn’t realize it yet for themselves.

 

* * * *

 

To Nadja’s delight, the carpenter did get to work on the doorframe. As the dressmaker finished her many measurements, it was time to pick out the patterns. Mede was a great help, as she chose most of the appropriate gowns for each of a Princess’ 
occasions. When it came down to material, Olek’s closet was consulted and matching designs were laid out for Nadja’s formal wear.

 

By the time she had finished, Nadja was exhausted. The Queen left with the dressmaker, winking at Nadja as she passed through the door. Nadja gave her a tired smile in return. Leaving the carpenter to his work, she began walking to the kitchen. The Queen had offered to let her dine in the common hall with the rest of the castle, but Nadja had refused. Eating at home suited her just fine.

 

Crossing by Olek’s door, she couldn’t help peeking in. The night before she had explored the home while putting away all her purchases and unpacking her suitcases. His office was neatly organized, except for his desk, which was cluttered with electronic organizers and stacks of paper written in several different languages she couldn’t read.

 

Before she realized what she was doing, Nadja was stepping into the office instead of the kitchen. Olek blinked, looking up in surprise to see her. He had taken a shower and shaved. His dark cotton shirt brought out his eyes. His hair was still a little wet, combed back from his face to hang about his shoulders.

 

“All finished?” Olek asked, leaning back in his chair and stretching his hands behind his head.

 

A slight, humorous smile found its way naturally to his lips and Nadja realized he just couldn’t help himself. She nodded, scrunching up her mouth. “I told your mother to make sure the dressmaker shows you the list first. Mede ordered a lot and I wasn’t sure what my budget was.”

 

“You don’t have one,” he answered. His hands stayed threaded behind his head, but they itched to reach forward and pull her to his lap. He would love to kiss her lush lips as he had his way with her on the desktop. He’d even settle for just holding her next to him. “Oh.” Nadja blinked. “Mede said I could put everything on our account. I’m sorry I should have asked before going shopping. I’ll pay you back for everything--wait here.” Olek frowned as Nadja left his office. Her face had been beautifully distracted as she ran from room. He stood to follow her and made it as far as the living room when she came back. The carpenter had disappeared into the sun room.

 

Nadja held a gold box overflowing with the jewelry that her father had given her.

 

She fingered it lightly. Lifting a diamond necklace so he could see it, she dropped it indifferently back onto the pile.

 

“I planned on getting rid of this stuff anyway,” Nadja said, with a shrug. “I’m not sure who to take it to. I didn’t see any brokers when I was in the village. Maybe you know someone who’d buy it. Then, you could just take whatever cash I owe you for your trouble plus what I owe for yesterday and give me the rest.” 

 

“Nadja--”

 

“No, it’s all right. I trust you to be fair about it,” she broke in. She held out the box to him and when he didn’t readily take it, she shoved it into his chest.

 

Olek reluctantly held onto it instead of letting it drop. Looking down, he saw her name engraved on a few of the top pieces. It didn’t look as if the stuff was stolen.

 

Carefully, Nadja added, “Maybe a jeweler could melt it down before reselling it.”

 

“This isn’t necessary. I don’t expect you to sell your belongings--” he began.

 

Again she interrupted before he could finish.

 

“No, really,” Nadja said a little too eagerly. “I don’t want any of it and the cash would help me out until I can find a job.”

 

“You have a job.”

 

“Being a Princess?” Nadja snorted, shaking her head. Her eyes turned sad. “No thanks. I’m sure I can find something that pays decent enough. I can earn my own way. 
It’s what I planned on doing anyway.”

 

“When I said you didn’t have a budget, I simply meant you could buy whatever you needed. I won’t leave you.” Olek set the box aside and moved to stand before her. “I can well afford it.”

 

Nadja glanced down, seeing he wore the simple Qurilixian cotton drawstring pants. Mede had told her it was the casual style of the evening and of day’s off. She took a step back, her body all too willing to remember what his had felt like next to hers and how she had ached for hours afterwards.

 

“Just the same,” she answered. “I would have you get rid of that stuff. I don’t want any of it and I won’t change my mind. Just make sure you tell the jeweler to take my name off of everything before he sells it.” Olek conceded with a nod. Nadja seemed to relax.

 

“We need groceries,” she said, changing the subject with refined ease as she walked to the kitchen.

 

“I usually dine in the hall. My brother Ualan is the cook in the family.”

 

“Is that where you ate last night?” Nadja queried, feigning indifference. “With your brother?”

 

She missed Olek’s smile behind her back. He wondered if she was going to ask him where he had been.

 

“I ate at the royal office.”

 

“With your brothers?” she probed. Even though she made a great show of rummaging through his refrigerator, she listened with her whole brain to his answer.

 

“No.” Olek watched her shoulders stiffen slightly. She might still be upset with him, but she obviously cared enough to be jealous. To his disappointment, she didn’t inquire further, so he offered, “I was with my father.” The King suspected that someone tried to break into the royal office and they had been pouring over possibilities. They didn’t want to alarm anyone else in the family until 
 knew for sure, but it was possible a spy was in their midst. As far as they could tell, nothing was missing.

 

“I don’t really care what you do,” Nadja lied with a shrug. Frowning, she slammed the door shut and sighed. There wasn’thing that tempted her. She went to the cupboard and repeated the same procedure, rummaging through, finding nothing, and shutting the door. After her third unsuccessful try, Olek stepped forward, offering, “We could stop and get something on the way to the library. Or I could have something delivered there if you like. I promised to take you.”

 

“Oh,” Nadja said. She thought that maybe he had forgotten. He tried to move closer to her and she artfully avoided contact with him as she went to the living room.

 

Olek followed behind her. “If it’s not too much trouble … that would be fine. You don’t have to stay there with me if you have work to tend to. I just need to know where it is.”

 

“I have time,” he offered, disappointed that she seemed so eager to get rid of him.

 

“Let me just grab my translator,” Nadja said, walking into their bedroom.

 

Olek eyed the gold jewelry box and frowned. Picking it up, he took it to the safe hidden in his office floor. Even though she said she didn’t want it, he would hold if for her just in case she changed her mind, or until she told him the real reason for wanting to get rid of it. As his fingers lightly dug through the top layer of jewelry, he couldn’t help but wonder who had given her so many expensive gifts.

 

Grabbing some of the papers off his desk, he put them into a long, narrow case encrusted with his royal seal. Nadja was ready for him when he came back. He couldn’t help but smile as he saw her. However, his smile was becoming less and less frequent as of late. Nadja glanced down at his case and, despite her natural curiosity as to what he really did all day, she didn’t ask about it. Olek stopped her at the door, speaking to it in a random succession of Qurilixian words, before murmuring, “State a command so it can record you.”

 

“Open,” Nadja stated, very pleased that she would be able to get out on her own.

 

Olek confirmed her voice command, and motioned for her to speak.

 

“Open,” she repeated and the door slid open. Repeating the same procedure, he had her order the door to close. She smiled slightly. Olek said nothing as he led her out into the hall.

 

The palace library was much larger than Nadja could have imagined. Books, giant old tomes of the written word, lined the high wall shelving. Nothing was on computer and the musty smell of dust and age was thick on the air. Nadja was instantly taken with the room. Though she found a few books written in English, they were mostly old novels from Earth. She was glad she had brought her book translator with her. The books she was interested in reading were only in the Qurilixian script.