Authors: Julia Sexton
Storm
On the way back to Leka the sun was still shining and the water was blue, but it was moving. The surface of the sea was covered with tiny waves that seemed to move in every direction. The big yacht kept a steady course toward Leka, but the ride was not smooth.
Vicky felt her stomach lurch as the yacht road over several choppy waves.
"Oh, oh, Kroido. I think I'm getting sick."
"It happens to every sailor at some point. You're getting an early start." He smiled and patted her back.
"I need to go below and lie down," Vicky moaned.
"No, it's better if you stay where you can see the horizon. In the closed space you will feel every motion and aggravate your senses. Come." He took her hand and led her to a chair on the deck. "Stay here in the fresh air and look out at the horizon."
"Ahhhhh," Vicky moaned.
Kroido singled up to the bridge. In a minute a young sailor appeared with a large bucket.
"If you can't make it to the side of the boat, here's a contingency item." He smiled. "I got seasick on my first regatta."
"You did?" Vicky whispered, feeling encouraged. Then her stomach did another lurch.
"Yes, the first time I captained the boat myself we were in choppy water. It was worse than this. All of a sudden I was in no shape to command the crew. That's why I say it's good you have it happen early. Your body will adjust."
"Not possible," Vicky said. Then she leaped up and ran to the railing and threw up vigorously.
That was the worst of it. But, she spent the rest of the journey back to Leka in meek surrender to the powers of the sea sitting on the chair. Kroido sat beside her telling her stories of his sailing adventures. She hadn't felt so cared for since she was a little kid with her Mom at her sick bed.
By the time they docked at Leka, the wind had picked up and the sky turned grey. The dock was busy with people tidying the boats and securing extra lines to hold the boats to the dock. All the decks were cleared of anything that could blow away in the wind.
Kroido was on the bridge talking to Zolat and the crew.
Vicky felt better now that they weren't riding the waves. She took in several deep breaths.
Kroido appeared at her side. "This is early but it's time for your initiation into regal responsibility. We'll be here on the docks tonight. Whenever there is a storm the royal family helps in any way possible."
Vicky took in another deep breath. "What do I do? I can't talk to anyone."
"You first job is to be seen. Smile and wave. Encourage everyone. I am going to
Neani’s Wind."
"Neani's Wind
?"
"The royal ship. You saw it when we left. We'll dispense food and drink and tarpaulins and rope."
"If that's where you going, I'm going with you."
They left the yacht in the captain's hands and walked the dock to the big wooden ship. It still looked like a fat cantaloupe slice to Vicky.
Kroido motioned toward a rope ladder.
"Kroido, I...I...I've never done something like this."
"I'll be right behind you," he said. He guided her hands to the ladder and then helped her swing onto the ladder.
When Vicky looked up the top looked a long way up. When she looked down the water between the dock and the ship's hull was dark. Up was better.
Hand over hand and placing her feet carefully she made her way up the ladder. The soft shoes gave her purchase on the rope rungs as she gingerly made her way to the top. At the top helping hands pulled her over onto the deck. Kroido was right behind her.
"Let's get you some storm clothes." He led her down passageways to his stateroom. He pulled a bag out of a chest and handed her new clothes. "Put them on while I find you some storm gear."
Kroido left as Vicky quickly pulled off the loose tee and pants. The new garments were close knit and body hugging.
Long underwear for sailors
, Vicky thought. Of course, being body hugging it revealed every roundness that she had.
On Earth she would have been embarrassed, but Kroido seemed to like her just the way she was. He even called her
beautiful
. Just as she was getting lost in body image thoughts, Kroido returned with an armload of clothing.
"Here you go," he said, then paused and looked at here in the dark navy second skin. "Neani made flesh." He threw the bundle of clothes on the bunk. He pulled her close to him and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
Then he helped her sort out the layers. Soft, fleecy pants and top went over the skintight suit.
"The storm can be powerful so we'll find you a good place to stand where people can see you." Just then the ship rocked on the water.
Vicky let out a little cry, "Oh."
"Yes, the storm is starting. When the wind blows the water can get quite choppy, even here in the harbor. These are your outer wear." He handed her a loose jacket and loose pants made of some light fabric and colored bright yellow.
"They're as waterproof as you can get. Seal the wrists and ankles to stay as dry as you can. Then slip on these boots."
The big ship was moving constantly now. Vicky heard feet running on the deck and shouts. She put her hand on Kroido's chest to steady herself. Then put on the layers according to his directions.
"Vicky, you are quite brave. My mother did this in every storm and she was terrified the entire time. This is her storm hat. If the rain gets strong it will keep your neck from getting too wet."
She looked at the hat. It was bright yellow Vicky felt like a giant doll dressed with too many clothes. She took the broad brimmed waterproof hat from Kroido.
"Maybe it's because I don't know what I'm getting into," she said.
Kroido smiled, kissed her cheek and led her up to the deck.
Everything had changed. The sky was black with clouds and all the heat of yesterday had disappeared in a strong wind. Even with all the layers she was cold.
Kroido led her to the side of the deck so she could look out over the people and the other boats. Everyone was busy.
Neani's Wind
was rocking constantly. She held on to the high deck rail to keep herself steady.
"Smile and wave. I'm off to help with the food. I'll send someone to stay with you." He turned away and then turned back again. "Vicky, you are a royal princess and you look every inch inspiring." He took her hand and squeezed it. Then he was gone.
Vicky looked down at the busy people. She felt as though she was helpless. Everyone seemed purposeful, doing tasks, tightening lines, securing all the open hatches.
OK, I'm doing a job
. She smiled and waved. She thought people would be too busy to notice but here and there people waved back.
The wind blew even stronger, and small waves crashed on the dock even though the harbor was deep in from the sea. When she looked toward the ocean giant waves were crashing on the rocks at the entrance to the harbor.
She checked the straps under her chin that held her hat. The brim was flapping in the wind. The entire harbor was frothing in the wind. Waves swirled and crashed against the outermost boats.
She waved again and more people waved back at her. She wished she knew the language. Then she realized that no one would hear her even if she did. The wind drowned out every other sound.
Two young men appeared and nodded to her. She smiled and nodded back. She turned to wave at the people. Below her the lights of the decks shown out on the dock. Evening arrived and the dark sky became even darker. She reached in the pocket of the jacket and discovered a pair of gloves. She put them on and held onto the railing.
The ship rocked. The wind blew. Vicky smiled and waved. She was cold. The waving made her feel better than standing there shivering. She smiled as rain poured down the brim of her hat onto the jacket.
She was tired and cold and scared. Now and then something clattered somewhere as the wind scraped everything clean. There was a tremendous crash. Vicky could hear it above the wind. A boat had lost its mast to the wind.
Where was Kroido? When she thought of princesses she had never thought of shivering in a storm smiling against the wind.
Suddenly he was there by her side...with hot food! She hadn't realized she was hungry until he handed her a steaming mug of soup.
"Thank you," she said. "I was cold."
The ship rocked.
Kroido said, "Vicky, you are wonderful. I think the people will spare you a quick break. Eat your soup. Come over here and sit down." He led her to a large locker bolted to the deck. They sat side by side as the boat rocked.
Vicky let the steam of the soup warm her face. She turned to Kroido. "I was just thinking a few minutes ago that this," she gestured to her storm gear, "was what a princess does."
He laughed his big laugh that came from somewhere in his large chest. "Balls and magic are for fairy tales. Are you beginning to understand what work there is being a public figure?"
"It's nothing like I imagined," she said before taking another sip of soup. The hot liquid seemed to warm every part of her.
Through her layers, she felt Kroido's thigh next to hers. His presence comforted her. His thigh nudged hers. She looked up from her soup and smiled. Yes, he made her feel safe. Safe, even in a raging storm.
She finished her soup. Kroido kissed her cheek and went off again. Vicky made her way across the slippery deck toward the two men who were waiting for her by the rail.
She looked out smiling and waved. Many people had gone below decks. The few that were out waved back. She saw a woman walking toward
Neani's Wind
on the dock. The wind howled and the brim of her hat flapped up and down making a snapping sound. The ship rocked.
A voice came out of the wind, "Veeckee. Veeckee."
She looked over the side. The woman was climbing the rope ladder up to the deck. As the boat rocked her body swung out into the air and back against the side of the ship. "Veeckee." The face under the storm gear was Cona's.
"Cona," she cried. The two men hurried to the rope ladder and Vicky followed. Her foot slipped on the deck and she almost went down. She regained her balance and fought the wind to get to the top of the rope ladder.
Cona was halfway up now and not swinging so wildly. Her dark face peered up from under her storm hat. "Veeckee, the b..."
Vicky couldn't hear the rest as a gust of wind blew her against the railing. She tumbled into one of the men. When they separated, Vicky looked down again. Rain was pouring off her hat brim and she could barely see. Cona was nearing the top.
The two men reached over to help Cona over the rail. Vicky reached out and found Cona's arm. As the two men pulled Vicky pulled on Cona's arm. Vicky leaned out to get a better grasp. The wind blew and the ship lurched.
Vicky felt herself slip and then tumble over the rail. She plunged to the dark churning water below.
My Love
The water was cold. Vicky felt it seep into her boots and up the ankle closures. The wrist seals leaked cold water up her arm. With so many layers she could barely move. She came up to the surface and spit out water.
She started to panic. Her feet were encased in the boots. They seemed to keep her from kicking. She tried bringing up her leg to take off a boot but it didn't work. She was encased in layers that kept her from moving. She saw a pier for the dock. If she could get over there she could hold on until someone found her.
She kicked her booted feet and dog paddled with her hands. The water was choppy and waves broke over her head. She felt as though her body was turning to ice. At last she made it to the pier.
But it was covered in slimy moss. When she tried to hold on her hands slipped. She could feel the water seeping up her legs and arms. Her boots were full and weighted her down.
Don't panic. Don't panic.
Cold. She was cold. She tried to form a plan but her brain seemed blank. She heard footsteps above her on the dock. "Here, here, I'm here. Help!"
She realized that people didn't understand her language. She gave up on the slippery pier and pushed out so that people on the dock could see her. She looked up and saw a small group calling to her and gesturing. She didn't understand a word they said. Her teeth started chattering.
The group on the dock pointed behind her. She turned to look. Kroido and the two men were rowing toward her. The small boat was bouncing on the choppy water. One of the men threw out a life preserver attached to a rope. She grabbed it. They pulled the rope and Vicky slowly floated toward the tossing boat.
"My love, my love," Kroido called into the wind.
Then she was hauled up over the side. In an instant she was in his arms.
"Kroido, I am cold."
"Shh, shh, we'll get you warm." He covered her face with kisses as he rubbed her hands.
The two men rowed toward a ladder coming down from the dock. They tied up the boat.
Kroido asked, "Can you make it up the ladder?"
"I think so." Vicky realized she was shaking all over.
Somehow she did make it up the ladder with Kroido following behind.
"Quickly, quickly," he said, holding her against his body. They walked the dock toward the yacht. The small crowd on the dock cheered. "Veeckee. Veeckee."
Kroido picked her up in his arms and carried her along the dock. "Vicky, we'll get you warm."
Then they were on the yacht and warm air enveloped them. He carried her to his stateroom.
"Take off everything. Right now." He unfastened her clumsy storm jacket and threw it across the room. Then he took off her storm hat. "Sit," he commanded.
She sat on a big chair. Kroido knelt down. His big hands tugged at a boot and pulled it off. Then the other. "Get those pants unfastened," he said.
Vicky fumbled at the elastic waist.
"Stand."
Vicky stood. Kroido reached for her waist and pulled down the storm pants. Then he pulled down the soggy fleece pants. He ripped off the fleece jacket. One by one he tossed the clothes across the room.
"Lift up your arms." Vicky obeyed. She was shivering and her teeth wouldn't stop chattering.
Kroido pulled up the skin clinging top and tossed it into the heap.
"Quickly. The pants." He reached to her waist and pulled down the last layer. Then he swept her into his arms and laid her on the bed. Vicky's skin was a red as a sunburn.
He pulled the covers up to her chin. Then he grabbed two more blankets and laid them on top.
"The best cure for what you have is body heat." He stripped off his clothes and tossed them onto the mound of clothes.
He pulled up the covers just enough to slip in beside her. He pushed his body up to hers and spooned her shivering back. "My love, my love," he whispered. But Vicky didn't hear him. She was asleep.
Vicky woke to the warmth of Kroido's body. Dazed, she slowly remembered her freezing time in the water and Kroido pulling her out. She felt Kroido stir.
"Vicky, my love, you are awake. How do you feel?" He wrapped his arm around her spooned body and snuggled even closer.
She felt his hard body press against her and the strength of his arms, the arms that had carried her.
"Kroido, I don't know. I remember falling and the cold water. I couldn't get out. You. The little boat."
He touched her cheek and began stroking her face. The gentleness from his powerful body was like a comforting shield.
"And Cona," Vicky said. "What happened with Cona?"
"Ah, her ship lost a spar. We'll have to postpone the Regatta. She and her women are my chief competitors. But we all take care of each other. My crew is there now helping restore the boat to full function."
Vicky turned her body to face him. She nestled her head against his powerful shoulder. She gave him a questioning look.
"When we met on Earth I thought you were a self-absorbed power user, disregarding the feelings of others. I'm sorry I pre-judged you. Now, the trip on the boat, the hike to the waterfall, your thoughts about being a ruler. Everything has changed in my head, but I'm not sure how."
She suddenly realized she was naked and in his arms. He could see all of her.
Once again, as if he read her mind, Kroido said, "Look at you. Your body is like a goddess. Power and perfection."
Vicky felt her body begin to stir under his caresses. "I feel like a goddess when I'm with you. Your personal goddess." She reached up and touched his cheek.
Kroido’s lips touched hers with a soft kiss. Anticipation stirred in her body. She felt the heat rush to her groin. She responded with a deeper kiss as his lips became firm and pressed against hers. Kroido placed his hand on her shoulder. His clear blue eyes looked into hers. "We'll change that, if you are willing."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Vicky asked. These days on Leka she'd experienced so many changes and reversals she needed to hear in plain language.
Kroido took her hand. "Vicky, will you have me? Will you take me and make me yours forever?"
"Yes," she said, no hesitation in her voice. "Kroido, yes."
They looked into each other's eyes with amazement. It was all happening so fast.
"And you will have my heir?" His eyes twinkled.
Vicky was so filled with emotion she was speechless. Kroido wanted her. Not just a "mate," but her, Vicky Donovan, the round, impoverished bartender. He knew and honored her secret desire, her lifelong dream of a loving relationship. She couldn't imagine a more perfect mate.
Kroido caressed her cheek. Then he tilted her head to his. His lips parted as they met hers. Vicky felt bolts of electricity shoot through her body.
Kroido touched her neck. He ran his fingers through her brown curls. Continuing the kiss he moved his large hand to her breast, covering it with his palm.
Vicky felt a deep warmth as she lay naked pressed against his body. It wasn't the hot lust of her one boyfriend, it was something deep, deep in her heart. She felt an overwhelming desire to please him. He was her man. They were married. The idea of it roamed in her brain. She was ready to give him whatever he wanted.
He ran his hand up her thigh. "So soft," he murmured. "Your skin is so soft." Kroido wrapped his other arm around her and pressed her closer against his long body.
"Vicky," he murmured in a husky voice. "We are going to make a fine family."
She felt his cock push against her. She broke their embrace and kissed his chest, covering it with tiny, soft kisses.
She took his shaft in her hands and caressed him. He gave a soft moan of pleasure. He ran his fingers through her hair. She felt her nipples harden as he ran his hands down her neck to trace the outline of her collar bone.
Something deep inside awakened in Vicky. She felt her body, every inch of it, was his. She was ready to please him. Her desire rose inside warming her vagina. She felt her wetness.
"You are beautiful," Kroido whispered breathlessly. Vicky felt beautiful for the first time in her life. His strong hands caressed her breasts. He fingered her nipples. She felt waves of passion surge through her. Her loins were on fire and wet with wanting.
Then his hands brushed her abdomen and trailed down to her dark patch. His fingers combed her lightly, then pressed in to caress her labia full with the want of him.
His fingers pushed inside and Vicky trembled. She felt the waves take over her body as he continued to press and probe. His thumb gently caressed her nub in tiny circles and as her waves built the circles became more vigorous.
Vicky moaned and then cried in pleasure. "Kroido, I am all for you. There's no one but you." Then she was lost in coming.
Kroido raised his body over hers. His shaft found her eager opening. He gently pushed in.
"Oh, yes," Vicky murmured. "Yes, I want you inside me."
He pushed deeper as her walls pulsed around him as if pulling him in. His whole length entered deep. Vicky gasped in pleasure as she burst around him.
Kroido's thrusts became rhythmic and deep. She moved her hips in perfect rhythm to match his thrusts. They were long and deep. She had never experienced such intense pleasure. Her entire body was his and yet matched him, male and female.
She felt her arousal build with his thrusts as his balls paced a rhythm against her.
"Kroido," she cried in delight. "I'm going to come."
"So am I," he growled into her neck.
Their passion built to a frenzy of movement. She felt him erupt inside her. She felt the hot drops explode inside her as her passion peaked.
"Kroido," she murmured his name.
"We seem to go together," Kroido said with that laughing smile on his lips as he rolled to her side.
Vicky felt her heart swell.
They explored each other's bodies with wonder. She ran her hand up his long, strong leg feeling the power. He caressed one breast and then the other. She traced patterns on his broad chest and roamed down to the taught muscles of his abdomen. He gently stroked her round abdomen.
Vicky felt her passion begin to stir. Kroido's shaft pushed gently against her, then harder.
Suddenly they were united in passion. They rolled on the bed as Kroido's shaft pushed deep inside her. He lay under her. She rose on her knees keeping his shaft in.
She rose and fell on his shaft, feeling it glide inside her wet, pulsing vagina. As her rhythm rose faster she pushed down and felt the full length of is shaft plunge into her depth. With a cry of pleasure Vicky moved against him bringing him to full arousal. Once again she felt him burst inside her, as her spasms peaked.
She fell on top of him, feeling the warmth of his body. He wrapped his big arms around her as they kissed gently. Vicky felt she could ask him anything, could talk about anything with him. But her first thought was about Leka.
"Tell me the story of Neani," Vicky asked as she rolled to his side and nestled into his arms. "The long one, the one the priests told at our wedding."