Shattered Destiny (Reclaiming The Throne Book 1) Read online

  “This is where I like to go when I’m having a bad day. It’s soothing. As an apology for being a bit of an ass when I saw you fighting Alyse, I wanted to give you a place to relax. I know you must have been through something for you to run from your clan.”

  “How do you know I ran from my clan? Or that I was even in a clan?”

  He turned away and walked toward the water. “Will you swim with me?” he asked, changing the subject and refusing to answer me, but I felt the subtle shift. He was hiding something from me.

  I nodded eagerly. Bathing in the small sink-like bowls we had in the tents was not exactly cleansing. Grime from a hard day’s work still stuck to you, whether you wanted it to or not.

  I stripped down to my underwear—a small band of fabric wrapped around my breasts and plain white underwear that were already becoming grey from the constant day to day washing.

  I hopped in the water and sighed in relief. The water was surprisingly warm considering how cool it was. “How come the water is so warm?” I asked as Raphael slowly stripped off by the side of the natural pool. I tried to tell myself not to look, but the bulge of his muscles drew me in. Soft sensual lines ran down his chest, showing how hard he must work at his training to be so...powerful.

  He turned his back on me, and I covered my mouth with a hand to hold back the gasp of shock. His back was littered with scar upon scar, the same way mine now was. The whip.

  I just knew the King must have gotten to him, too. A tear slipped free, and I hid it before he saw.

  He made his way in, and I admired the grace he had especially seeing as I almost slipped three times getting in. “There’s a hot spring pool in the waterfall. It keeps the water warm until we get a cold snap. Once that happens you have to go under the waterfall to get to the heat.”

  “Oh.”

  We both just sat in the water, the silence somewhat comforting. Usually, silence felt awkward and like you needed to talk, but the silence with Raphael was nice.

  After an hour of just soaking in the water, I felt relaxed, and the muscles in my shoulders felt great.

  Raphael walked me back to the camp and kept glancing at me, and I was unable to keep the smile from my face. “Dude, why do you keep looking at me? Do I have a leech attached to my face or something?” I asked finally, wondering what all the looks are about.

  He grins “No, no leech. You just look different.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, not a clue what he was getting at. Was he saying when I’m not bathed properly I look gross? I mean I did, but still to allude to that fact, that’s rude!

  “Don’t worry nothing bad. It’s just while fighting Alyse, you had this glint in your eyes. It made you seem harsh. Now, you look like a noble woman.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, right! I know I’m okay, but I’m definitely not some stuck-up noblewoman.” I shook my head as I veered toward my tent, noticing most of the camp was out for the night.

  It was not until I got to my tent, I realized Raphael had followed me over. “Um, did I forget something?”

  He grimaced. “No, I just wanted to say goodnight and make sure you don’t wander off.”

  “Raphy, I’ve been here for two weeks, and I’ve been fine. I think I can handle myself. Besides, if I can take you on and win, then I should be fine.”

  A scowl marred his beautiful face. “Did you just call me ‘Raphy’?”

  I grinned. “Yep! I thought since you felt like nicknaming me ‘little Abigail’, I should give you a nickname just as good and ‘Raphy’ was the winner.”

  He glared at me. “One, you did not win, we tied.”

  I nodded, a massive grin in place. “Uh, huh. Sure. I didn’t exactly lose, so I call that a win.”

  He rubbed a hand across his face. “Fine, whatever. I just wanted to say goodnight and tell you I don’t mind you using the hot spring whenever you need to, but now, I feel like you’re being too much of an annoyance.”

  Something about our banter pleased me. It was like we both got enjoyment out of irritating each other. He shook his head at some unspoken thought and started to walk away before calling over his shoulder, “I’ll see you at dawn, Little Abigail.”

  I watched him walk away, unable to tear my gaze away until he was in his own tent. When I laid down for the night, I found I couldn’t stop Raphael from popping into my thoughts. I fell asleep that night reassuring myself that it was the banter that I enjoyed, not him.

  ~RAPHAEL~

  I looked up to the clear sky, a grin formed on my lips as I enjoyed the warmth of the sun's rays. The water that reached my waist was at the perfect temperature, giving me a sense of relaxation as I enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

  Birds chirped, butterflies danced in the air and the soothing sound of the waterfall brought me joy to experience this moment. But I wasn't alone.

  A pair of arms slid around my waist, embracing me from behind. My grin widened, knowing exactly who was hugging me. She was my everything. I couldn't imagine life without her, curious how I made it this far in life without her tenderness.

  She was strong, forgiving, and knew behind the front I projected to the world, that I was just someone who craved to be loved. She understood me, and that was something I always wished to find in a companion.

  "Raphy," she purred, her lips pressed gently on my back.

  I had to close my eyes, enjoying the shivers that ran through me at her simple touch. I wondered if this was a dream, but she moved around me; hooking her arms around my waist.

  I opened my eyes, lowering my head to meet her gaze. Those blue eyes of her showed her happiness and admiration for me while her soft pink lips tempted me; my mind urging me to kiss her.

  I lifted my hand, letting it glide through her wet, brown strands. Her smile widened; her naked body pressed against mine. I groaned, ignoring my hardness. I so badly wanted to slide my cock into her, to hear her moan and listen to her whimpers. But I'd wait. I wanted to draw out this moment, but I couldn't ignore the urge to kiss her anymore.

  I lowered my lips to hers— the soft tender kiss made my heart skip a beat as we deepened the kiss. I wanted more...needed more.

  I wanted my Little Abigail...

  I opened my eyes; my blurred vision began to focus while I rapidly blinked my eyes. I turned my head to the side, noticing the lantern on the side of my makeshift bed was still on; the candle almost burnt out.

  "Fuck," I groaned, resting my hand on my face. I tried to calm my racing heart and ignore my erect cock. I ruffled my hair in frustration, trying to calm down, but failing miserably.

  Abigail's naked figure continued to tease me. Even when I shut my eyes, I envision her curvy body in my arms; watching the droplets of water roll down her soft skin.

  I couldn't take it anymore, sitting up. I tried to ignore how my cock strained against my boxers, taking deep breaths to calm my desire for Abigail, but it continued to grow.

  I gave up; sliding my boxers low enough to reveal my rock hard cock.

  I gripped it tightly with my thumb and first two fingers. The simple touch made me groan, my mind one step ahead of me. I could imagine Abigail's delicate hand wrapped around my cock, her turquoise eyes filled with lust as she stared up at me, ready to give me a blowjob.

  I let my head fall back, closing my eyes to enjoying my lust filled imagination; her smooth, pink lips around my cock, sucking and moving up and down in a slow rhythm.

  I ran my hands up and down, massaging my bulging cock. It felt so good, the sensual strokes and the growing excitement that vibrated through me made me squeeze harder and rub faster.

  I thought about how badly I wanted to be with Abigail. I yearned to feel her pussy clench around my length before pounding into her; making her scream my name in ecstasy. I'd take my time enjoying that bountiful set of breasts, and slap her plump ass. And her curves, those luscious curves that turned me on. How I craved to let my hands roam her body and give her the attention she was worth. She deserved the world
.

  My breathing was heavy as my body grew hot; the tingling feeling grew stronger and stronger. I wrapped my remaining fingers around my cock, sliding up and down at a fast pace.

  Each up and down stroke was me pumping into Abigail's pussy, fondling her breasts as I pounded into her. I could imagine her arched back and moans before I silenced her with my lips.

  Abigail. My Little Abi...Fuck.

  The wave of pleasure moved from the base of my dick while my rapid breathing was louder than before. I gritted my teeth, muffling the loud groan that wanted to escape as I came— a rush of pleasure bursting forth. My cum shot out of my cock; pearl white beads pooled around my fingers. I took a few straining breaths, letting the final shot of cum release.

  I relaxed, falling back on my bed and began to catch my breath.

  "Fuck. She's making me masturbate now. Great." I huffed, using my clean hand to pinch my nose in frustration.

  I'd been trying to ignore the feeling. A sense of connection I always experienced the moment my eyes landed on Abigail. In fact, it had gotten stronger. It came to the point where I didn't need to see her. It's was as if my body already knew where she was and would lead me there, unconsciously.

  So much had happened in the short period of time since she'd arrived at the camp. She had a level of confidence and determination I'd never seen in other females. They always tried to act fragile when the others and I were around, like a Damsel in distress with the impression we'd sweep them off their feet; straight into marriage. Ya right.

  But the moment I watched Abigail fight Alyse, the swiftness and strength she displayed in battle was intriguing and...beautiful. She was very attractive, but on the battlefield, she was a warrior with purpose and the power that flickered around her was what made me realize she had potential.

  I still wouldn't dare admit to her face that she beat me and I wouldn't tell her how impressed I was. But, I'd train her to become stronger...better.

  And at least, that would give me the opportunity to spend more time with her.

  Yes...more time.

  “Again!”

  Raphael’s voice was driving me fucking insane. He woke me up just after dawn and dragged my tired ass out into the middle of the fighting area. People were also out there fighting, and Raphael thought it would be funny to humiliate me in front of each and every person there.

  The night before had started making sense. He didn’t take me to the hot spring to be nice. He did it to weaken me!

  My muscles were too relaxed to hold my sword properly, and it kept slipping from the position that I held it in. The rage as he taunted me made me want to plunge my sword straight through his heart.

  “Come on, Little Abigail. You want to be a big strong fighter like the rest of the men here, don’t you? Well, attack me! Don’t fucking stand there like a child with no clue how to use a weapon. Did your mother raise a weak little noblewoman and that’s why you ran away? To avoid the shame you brought to your family?”

  He smirked, and my eyes hazed over as the rage grew. The mention of my mother snapped something inside, and I felt a burning in my heart. I lifted the sword and watched in triumph as he realized he’d crossed the line by mentioning my mother.

  I swung my sword down, the sound of metal clashing against metal as he tried to block my advances. I stepped forward and picked up another sword that had been lost by one of the other warriors and twirled them both in my hands, my wrists swirling the way Alyse had taught me.

  As soon as the second sword was in my hands, I felt something I didn’t think I’d ever felt before. Power.

  I rushed him, eager to make him pay for his words, enjoying the way he took a step back in surprise. I swung out, landing blow after blow, putting the full force of my strength behind me. From the corner of my eye, I saw that each of the men had paused in their training to watch me attack Raphael.

  We were so evenly matched that it was impossible to get beyond his defenses, so I took a step back to assess him. He seemed confident on his feet, but there was a hesitancy in his eyes. The comment about a noblewoman came back to mind, and I smiled.

  “What’s wrong, Raphy? Don’t like the idea a girl can beat you?”

  I watched as the men around us grinned, and he saw the same. Something I’m sure he was not happy about.

  “I told you not to call me Raphy!” he gritted out through clenched teeth.

  I smiled, the vindictive side coming forth. “Tell you what, Raphy? You beat me, then I won’t ever call you Raphy again.”

  A smug smile crossed his lips, and I had to fight the urge to laugh. What I wanted was so much more fun and would annoy the crap out of him. As if it only just occurred to him, he asked with narrowed eyes, “What happens if you win?”

  “If I win,” I said offhand, twirling my swords, “then, I get to keep calling you Raphy.”

  He began to nod when I add the last bit.

  “And, so can the rest of the camp.”

  I waited for what felt like forever until he finally nodded. “Agreed. First one to submit, wins.”

  He didn’t hesitate, swinging at me and narrowly missing my stomach. I jumped back, my eyes going wide at how quick he was. Now, I really was starting to feel he thought I was weak. Why else would he hold back so much?

  We blocked, dodged, and rolled from each other until we were both covered in sweat. Slowly, more and more people gathered to watch our wager play out. Alyse was there, with a grin in place as we faced off. Neither of us backed down.

  We were both too evenly matched, so if I wanted to make him submit, I was going to have to fight dirty. Plan in place, I threw myself harder than ever, and threw a wink over at Alyse before I let Raphael fling the swords from my grasp.

  Just like I expected, he threw his sword to the side to even the fight, and we both engaged in hand to hand combat, each of us landing blow after blow.

  I let his fist connect with my face and use the momentum to throw myself back, closing my eyes as if I was unconscious.

  His presence hovered over me, and I bet he was freaking out that he used too much strength behind the blow, but little did he know, I could handle a lot of pain.

  I felt his hand on the point of my neck checking my pulse and reacted. I twisted my legs, wrapping them around his body, twisting him around until he was face down in the dirt, my arm wrapped around his neck and taking what little oxygen he could get.

  “Submit, Raphy,” I whispered into his ear as he thrashed underneath me, but I was deceptively stronger than I looked. It helped that the oxygen was cutting off his ability to think.

  I start to think maybe he was going to be a douche and pass out when he tapped the ground, and I grinned up at the crowd gathered, many with mixed looks of shock and awe as they look at their leader, in full submission before me.

  I leaned down, my grip still tight, and placed a kiss on his cheek before whispering, “Don’t ever mention my mother, Raphy. Next time you do, things won’t go so easy for you.”

  I let go of him as he started coughing and stood up, making a point to step around him in case he decided to take revenge, but he laid still, the defeat in the air.

  Alyse came to me and gave me a hug. “Well done, Abby, but you know he’s going to make you suffer for humiliating him in front of the camp like that?”

  I looked back to see Raphael getting to his feet, a scowl in place, and Alyse was right. I saw the retribution in his eyes.

  “He can get even all he wants. The moment he mentioned my mother, he crossed a line.”

  She turned to me shocked. “He did what!” I could see the anger in her eyes and knew if not for me gripping her arm, she would’ve walked over and given him what for.

  “Alyse, it’s fine. He doesn’t know, but it still pissed me off. Maybe now, he might think twice,” I said as her eyes gleamed with sympathy.

  It might never happen, but I’d started planning my leave. Two more weeks, and I would leave to journey to his castle. It was going to take a m
onth, but I would get there, even if it killed me.

  It'd been three days since I dropped Raphael on his ass in front of the camp and three days of camp members calling him Raphy.

  Every time I heard it, I smiled a little too vindictively. I never could have dreamed it would annoy him this much. I mean it was just a nickname, it wasn’t like I demanded he run around the camp naked and sing. Although, I would keep that in mind for next time.

  Which brought me to now. I was about to go to training again, and the tension in the air from the past few days had been spine tingling. Like there was something coming, I just didn't know what, yet.

  I met him in the area used for training, and he had two young soldiers by his side.

  "Abigail. Since you seem to be improving faster than we expected, Alyse and I decided it may be better to up your training."

  I looked around for Alyse, only to see her noticeably absent. Damn, this was the payback she mentioned. I knew it was coming, but had no idea when it would happen.

  "Okay, Raphy, bring it," I said, stretching my neck in anticipation.

  He thought I would be weak and unable to handle three of them at once, but he underestimated me. Raphael smiled and gave a nod of his head, and both guys at his side seemed to move at once, knowing what they had to do.

  I dodged the first punch that came my way and almost missed the second guy trying to encase me in his arms. A flicker of panic wormed its way through me at the thought of being trapped by a stranger.

  "Raphael, if they grab me, I won't be responsible for how I react."

  At my words, he grinned wickedly. "What's wrong, Ab-i-gail," he asked drawing out my name, "afraid of being under my power?"

  I dodged and weaved the attacks from Raphael’s men, while he watched from the sideline. "No, I'm not afraid, but I'm asking you nicely," I said as I continue to dodge blows that were starting to weaken me. "Do not let them grab me."