I leapt through the window, guiding Alynna’s hand into the courtyard.

“This was amazing!” she whispered, leaning into my ear.

“Alright, mission complete,” I said, trying to catch my breath as we moved toward the door of the main compound of the castle.

They’d made the mock rescue relatively easy. Nidar had been a bit of an opponent due to his raw strength. Man, elves were strong, though, and Zyra, of all people, had challenged me to another mock sword match. She’d let me win, of course.

The funny thing was that, knowing it was a mock rescue and everything, I’d been pumped up. The sexual tension, however, was through the roof. We’d been kept apart for just a few hours, and she was kissing me like crazy.

I couldn’t wait.

And yes, she jumped into my arms again, her fingernails clinging to my chest.

“Carry me, my beloved husband.”

“It’ll be a pleasure,” I replied, every cell of my body aching to do what we’d been waiting for.

We raced up the staircase, reaching our room and pushing the door open with a kick. I was ecstatic not to have to deal with another mock fight for her. No, we were finally alone.

The sheets had been changed into a white set, and I dropped my beautiful warrior bride onto the mattress. Her hair spread like a silken sheet across the bed, her back arching forward, heaving her chest, beautifully framed by her dress. Her arms reached desperately for my sides.

“Make me yours!” she shouted from the depths of her lungs as my knees dug around her hips. I gently placed a finger across her lips, leaning forward and whispering in her ear.

“I’m gonna make it slow and enjoy every moment of it.”

“Yes,” she panted, her cheeks flushing red.

I leaned in for a kiss. I tried to go gently, but she had other plans.

She was trying to devour me. My own tongue met hers, and she melted with a low hum, her legs wrapping around me and pulling tighter. Her arms circled around my neck, pulling me down toward her chest.

My hands moved, opening her dress and revealing her sensual collarbone, getting closer to that glorious chest framed by strong muscles. My lips trailed her chin and neck, every kiss making her moan, her heart pounding so hard that I could hear it. I pulled her chest free as she gasped, breasts more than a handful, firm and inviting.

***

Alynna’s voice broke out after a long sigh.

“This is the best night of my life!”

My weight dropped to the side almost involuntarily. It had gone on for a long time. I’d used all my repertoire on her.

“Wow!” she said. “Woooow.”

Her hair was a gorgeous mess, her eyes half-closed, as if she’d lost sleep. She perked up, on her knees and elbows, her naked form giving me a fantastic vista.

But I needed to rest for a while.

“Right, huh?” I panted. “Just give me a minute…”

“And now for the big reveal!” she said. She flipped to the side awkwardly, as if every muscle in her body was cramped. The candles were faint but provide enough light. She crouched and pointed at the red stain in the middle of the bed.

Shit. We’d done it. My lips trembled, but no word came out.

“I can’t wait to show this to everyone.”

I blinked. I’d heard of things like this—cultures that held this as some kind of tradition for new brides. I’d heard some Roma, even some people in the Caucasus, still doing it decades ago. It was, frankly, quite embarrassing in a modern context. Besides, who really cared? And didn’t hymens break easily by bike riding or wrestling and any other moderate exercise? But, I was experiencing foreign cultures and if the tradition didn’t really seem to hurt, who was I to judge?

She let out a sigh. “I did it! Yes! I really wish my Babushka could be here to experience this moment!”

I cleared my throat. I never really cared about girls’ virginities. Who would? But… damn. I didn’t care what she’d done, but I felt honored to be her first. It made me a bit more self-conscious, though. She was just incredible. I’d guess if girls were into keeping their virginity on Earth, if such a thing was still real in our world, among very religious people, they usually weren’t as open to talking about sex as she was. That was endearing, a bit awkward, but very much… Alynna.

“Aren’t you excited? It’s my pride!” Alynna exclaimed. “It hurt a bit, but it was so worth it! I want this framed, or placed in a treasure chest, at the very least. I will show this to my daughter and granddaughter.”

“Wait, wait. We may have to discuss that—about how we’d raise our children when they come, you know?”

“Don’t make them soft like these Alabenians!” she said, tensing her fists, the rest of her body still rigid.

Weird traditions. I could look past that—what an amazing woman, though.

It was surreal to think I was her husband. And Lariel’s. And they both wanted it that way.

I moved over, gently tackling her and stealing a kiss. Her hands gripped my back. She bridged her hips and managed to push me to the side, getting on top of me.

“Hmm,” her eyes narrowed, her perfect teeth sensually biting her lip. “I know a move that will make sure I stay on top. And I will stay on top for a very long time.”

“Does that really count…?”

“Shh,” she said as she slowly moved toward my abdomen, planting kisses every inch of the way, her hair dropping on my skin as she moved even lower. My friend was ready to go again.

“You don’t know how much I’ve imagined this,” she said, her eyes gazing at me.

“You… never even did this?”

“Of course not! I’m serious about being a virgin. But this… hmm, really exciting. And you did that down there to me… that was… the most magical thing I’ve ever felt! This is already the best night of my life, but you took me beyond my expectations. I need to repay the favor.”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

And we were just beginning.

We’d take another break after. I was damn exhausted after all the dancing, wrestling, and all the mind-blowing sex. But my eyes were already drooping, all the candles had been blown out, and there was nothing but the dark room and the sound of our breathing.

I traced a finger along her hand, savoring the quiet moment as she rested her face on my chest.

Then came the knock.

It was rapid, urgent, and entirely unwelcome. My eyes snapped open, and Alynna was already moving. We exchanged glances.

“Who’s there?” I called, my voice cutting through the silence.

“It’s me,” came Camille’s voice, trembling but firm. “Connor, Alynna… I’m sorry to bother you now. But, please, I need you.”

“I knew it,” Alynna hissed, a mischievous smile on her lips. “She wants to join us!”

Frankly, it didn’t sound like that at all. I reached for a jacket and told Alynna to put on some clothes.

I swung the door open to find Camille, her face pale in the faint glow of a lantern she carried. Her fingers gripped the handle so tightly they turned white.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, my stomach already sinking.

“Malor is gone,” she whispered. “He’s taken one of the horses. He’s riding to the city.”

For a moment, the words didn’t register. “Gone?”

She nodded, her lips trembling. “The stablemaster came to warn us. Malor said he couldn’t wait any longer. He thinks the people will recognize him and rise up. He thinks…” Her voice cracked. “He thinks he can fix everything himself.”

“Idiot,” Alynna muttered under her breath. Her bare back turned toward us as she put on a silk shift.

I ran a hand through my hair, shaking off the haze of sleep. “So they saw him walk out and didn’t say anything?”

“He’s their king. I don’t know what he promised them. He was… resolute,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “Connor. I’m really sorry. I should've stopped him, but he just slipped past under our noses. You know how he gets when he’s determined.”

“How long ago did he flee? How come they didn’t tell us earlier?”

“An hour, maybe two,” Camille said. “We couldn’t find him, we asked around, and one of the stableboys confessed. Connor. He’s alone… If they catch him—”

“They’ll kill him,” I finished grimly. “Or worse. Did Kent send anyone to get him?”

“He did send riders, but they’ve come back already. They didn’t have any luck, and it’s too early to track him. I’m sorry, Connor. I really didn’t want to bother you, but Lariel told me your power can find him easily.”

I nodded, biting back my frustration.

"Alright," I said, forcing the anger bubbling under my skin into a tighter corner of my mind. "We’ll track him. But we’re going to need horses and a plan."

“Kent’s got horses for you. Ready.”

Alynna, now fully dressed in her usual silk travel coat, as well as a thick pair of embroidered boots, pulled her sword belt from the corner of the room and buckled it tightly. She then reached for her quiver and bow and arrow. Her face was grim, her earlier teasing forgotten. She still looked tired, but the faint glow of the lantern revealed determination in her eyes. She didn’t even look frustrated; she looked resolute. “We’re wasting time talking,” she said. “Let’s get Lariel and go.”

“Lariel is waiting!” Camille exclaimed. I nodded, noticing the faint voices outside the window and the neighing of horses.

I nodded, going back into the room to get ready to ride and fight.

When we exited, we found Kent standing next to a pair of knights, sweat on their brows and panting. Lariel was already there, geared in her adventure clothes.

"Lord Tactician," Kent exclaimed, walking over to me. "I sincerely apologize for this disturbance. I am really sorry and will make up for it."

"It is nothing, Kent," I said, letting out a sigh. "This kid..."

"It's our king you're talking about, Lord Tactician," Kent said sharply. But instead of reproach, that tone and that voice were all about concern. Yes, Malor was not only an innocent young man, as much as having political power allowed, and a great asset; he was hope and order for the thousands of people of Alabenia and beyond.

"Here are the horses," Kent exclaimed. "Listen. I’veput much of my trust in you so far. And I trust you with this too. We have heard of your power, granted by the goddess, and we are certain you can bring him back."

I took a deep breath.

"Well, say your prayers to Aria and all the gods. We'll do our best."

Lariel and Alynna mounted their horses, Lariel a bit hesitant at first.

And then, to my surprise, I saw one of the guards handing Camille a halberd and guiding a horse by the bridle toward her.

"Here it is, my lady."

I blinked in surprise.

"Your Highness?" I asked. "Weren't you speaking about other duties the other day?"

"This is about my brother, Lord... Connor. And even with your superior powers, no one knows my brother the way I do."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait," I exclaimed, raising both my hands. "Lord Kent, will you let the princess go back to danger like that?"

"I wouldn't," Kent replied. "But I trust that you wouldn't put our princess in actual danger."

I let out a sigh. "It's easier said than done."

Her pale blue eyes fixed on me, determination mixed with the fear and anguish of her missing brother.

"Didn't you tell me you could give me special abilities or protect me with your abilities? Well, I am here. And I accept you as my leader." She heaved her axe with one hand, presenting it in front of me.

In that moment, an aura of pink started surrounding the princess, glowing around her as her eyes opened wide.

[NAME: Camille von Einhorn]

[CLASS: Knight]

[LV 2]

[EXP: 3/2]

[HP: 9/9]

[DATA]

[ STR] 2[SKILL] 3[SPD] 4[LUCK] 4[DEF] 2

Finally! Her [HP], however, was worryingly small.

"Well, you have accepted me,” I said with a wide grin.

“And... It's strange. I... can see numbers everywhere now."

LARIEL: And see? This is what I told you about! We can communicate here.

CAMILLE: That Tactician is actually hot.

Lariel looked at me. Suddenly, Camille's cheeks flushed red.

CAMILLE: What? You could see that? Sorry. I meant it as a joke. No.. I mean… I…

ALYNNA: And you should see what he can do with that other sword of his.

I cleared my throat.

"Alright, ladies,” I said out loud. “Camille, sorry, just give me the information of where he should be. We will need disguises. Right now. We cannot go simply as we are now, or else they’re gonna catch us. I'll have a plan ready immediately."

"That's the thing," Camille explained, frustrated in her tone. "It's impossible to just tell you a possible address. You've been through the main roads. That's easy. But this city has dozens of diagonal roads and hidden sections. You'd waste more time than necessary."

I let out a sigh.

"Alright. But you'll do exactly as I say."

She took a deep breath, clenching her teeth. It seemed as though she were about to fight back.

Where was Aria when I needed her?

"Alright. Now, I will ask you an important question, Camille. Is there a chance he went through the city already?"

"Most likely. He's not that foolish, you know. I am certain that he's figured out a plan in that mind that he believes is foolproof. I can think of a handful of places where he could be."

I nodded. "Alright, we'll infiltrate the city. We need clothes. Kent. Right now. No more wasting time. Do you have a guardsman's uniform like the one I brought to the city? Two? Perhaps. I'll have a decoy going as a beggar."

"I can be the beggar!" Alynna said.

"And Lariel. Bring an extra change of clothes. Something a beggar would wear. Do you have more standard issue accessories soldiers wear? I might want to replace my elven sword with one of theirs. And if you have halberds, even better."

Kent faced his guards. "You heard him! Bring everything he's asked for. Right now!"

"We'll do so immediately, my lord," said the one who'd handed Camille her axe, relaying his orders.

We promptly received exactly what I had requested and sent the girls to change.

The princess emerged wearing the uniform. And it didn’t fit.

"This thing doesn’t fit," she said, a conical helmet over her head, shielding the sides of her face but wiggling from side to side. On top of that, her nose and eyes still looked much too cute and feminine. The rest of her armor didn't do much to help.

"Believe it or not," she added. "It's tight around the chest."