The Kings Series #2 His Silver Hand novel Chapter 19

Pleasure.

One word. Eight letters. He, the Dragon King, her mate, had given her that and more.

So much more. Faith. Trust. She didn't know she was capable of giving credit to those words, to a strong male. A dominant and autocratic one at that. To let him touch her body and pleasure her until she screamed. It was like falling from the sky, confident and sure -- knowing someone will catch her. Unfettered joy. It's like tasting freedom after such long imprisonment.

She shuddered at the memory. This time in pleasure. More. Yes, more indeed.

After their glorious morning, he carried her to the shower and proceeded to clean every inch of her sated body. She tried to tempt him to give her more -- he growled playfully and promised her tonight.

She grinned at the thought. Then sobered instantly when she realized they had reached the infirmary where Indali was recuperating.

Lucas mentioned during breakfast his sister was healing very fast. Courtesy of her dragon spirit.

Rie made him tell her everything, she needed to know. The medical assessments for his sister were important to her.

She would want to know how to take care of her future sister-in-law.

He held her tight on his lap and told her all.

Losing her appetite, she decided to bake Indali her famous chocolate cake. Informing Lucas of her plans to visit his sister. Thankfully he consented because Alexie and her sisters were coming with her along with a huge security team.

He wanted to be with her at all times, however, there was a conference meeting scheduled in the afternoon. The High Council and Esmeralda, the white witch and a powerful priestess would be present.

"Penny for your thoughts, Rie?" Alexandria nudged her shoulder. Grinning knowingly. Rie blushed. Damn, she-wolf! She must have heard or smelt what happened earlier today.

"I would prefer diamonds," she answered cheekily. She swore Alexie and Anna knew everything. Only Mish was unaware of what's going on. Well, with anything sexual that is.

"Hmmm, diamonds then." She draped her slender arm on Rie's shoulder, hugging her side. "Seriously, are you okay, sis?"

All teasing and playfulness were gone from her misty gray eyes. She glanced at her sisters -- in a deep conversation behind them and turned her attention to Alexie. Still waiting, no judgment in her honest eyes.

"I'm okay. I promise. He didn't...he didn't..." Her throat tightened at the memory. She gulped a deep breath. "I'm glad Lucas killed Zachary. If that made me a bad person, then so be it."

"We are all glad too. I'm always here for you, Rie. All of us. We can't lose you." She was aware Alexie was admonishing her in her own way. Guilt replaced her sorrow all of a sudden. She had acted impulsively.

"I'm sorry, Alexie." She ducked her head. Ashamed. What she must have put them through...

"Hey, sis! None of that. I am proud of you. Very proud." She embraced her fully. Like a mother. Showing her love and patience. She missed Sofia too. They were her mentors. "You are a true Dragon Queen. A true Dragon Rider."

Rie sobbed on her shoulders, all her pent up worries flowing with her tears. The next thing she knew, she was held in a group hug. Her sisters and Alexie crying and laughing with her right at the hospital lobby.

Despite what happened, she was still blessed.

***

She left Alexie and her sisters outside, conversing with Lucas' sisters-in-law.

Wanting to talk to Indali first. To see to her care and comfort. Grinning --she found her reading a recipe book, in a hospital gown no less-- Rie approached her bed. She must have felt her presence because she closed her book and welcomed her with her beautiful innocent smile.

"Hi, chef Rie." She waved shyly. Her eyes instantly grew misty. Throwing caution to the wind, she hurriedly closed the distance between them and hugged her.

Indali giggled and returned her embrace just as fiercely. "Hi, chef Indie." She managed to utter tearfully.

"I'll be a full pledge chef in a few months." Rie nodded. Agreeing with her. She can do anything.

Perched at the side of her small bed, she glanced around, trying to formulate her words. Thank Goddess she didn't have tubes coming out of her body. And she was healed almost instantly, while she had bruises that will last for a few days.

Grasping Indali's hand, she bowed to kiss it. She gasped, trying to remove it.

Rie knew. In Indali's world, a realm she will be joining soon, a Queen can only bow to her King and vice versa.

"Chef Rie," she protested weakly. Her cheeks flaming.

"Please, Indie. I owe you my life. You saved me. We are equals. You and I." Her eyes were round as saucers, trying to absorb her explanation.

"You save me, too. You will be my queen. The most important person in our kingdom yet you didn't hesitate to come and save me." Indali whispered in awe. This innocent beauty was amazing.

"How can I be a Queen if I left you to die? I didn't just save you, I saved your brother as well. I could never live with myself, knowing you were hurt or worse. Lucas will never forgive himself. And we will never be happy. Your brother and I." Those were her reasons, pondered through during the night.

"You love him," Indali said simply. Rie choked on her saliva from her words. Was she that transparent?

She glanced at her and found her smirking. The dragon queen groaned.