Chapter 30 - Body And Soul

After leaving Alessandra's room, I headed back to the maid quarters to wait a couple more hours. To go to Talia's chamber immediately would be suicide. No. I needed to wait till they changed shifts so I could sneak in and reason out with her. Without the prying eyes of Ronaldo and the other guards, maybe the conversation would turn out great. Or at least that was what I was hoping for. Either way, I was determined to get her back, or I'd die trying.

When the clock struck 12, I slipped past the hallway, being careful not to be spotted by anyone. To do that, I used the passageways that only I had access to. I should have done this a long time. Why didn't I? Because I was too stressed out about the whole shenanigan, that's why.

Opening Talia's bedroom doors, I made my way inside, shutting the door gently behind me, and making sure to lock it so no one would enter. As I crept inside the dark room, my eyes landed on the princess. She was wearing a navy blue nightgown made from silk and had her back to me, currently facing the window. Bathed with the moonlight, she really looked like a dream.

Talia must have heard or felt my presence because she turned around to face me. "Cybele?" she asked, squinting her eyes to see if she was right.

I stepped closer to her. "Yes it's me."

The princess looked left and right, as if expecting someone else there. She didn't see anyone but me. "What are you doing here?" She was suspicious, yet the happiness in her eyes told me otherwise. "Did anyone see you leave your room? I think you must go."

"I'm not going anywhere until you and I have talked things through," I said, determination in my voice.

Talia looked confused. "What will we talk about?"

"Everything." I sat on the bed, giving her a look. "It's about time you learned about my past. What I've been through all those years that I've been away. Come here princess. I want you right beside me."

Talia hesitated, but seeing the look on my face, she probably decided that I wouldn't budge an inch until we have understood each other. "Alright Cybele. Just let me close the curtains." She pulled the drapes on the windows downward, immediately making the bedroom pitch black. I could hear her walking near me. "We can never be too sure," she said, switching the lamp by the bed open so we could see each other. "Guards are lurking everywhere. Now what is it that you want to talk about?"

I didn't know exactly how to start. Or rather, when to start, because the whole thing happened so many years ago, yet it felt like it was just yesterday. As Talia sat beside me with an expectant look, I cleared my throat, proceeding to plunge into the tale that has given me hate for her mother all my life.

"A decade or so ago, the king and queen wanted to go to the villa. I was a child then, about ten." Talia's eyes dawned of recognition. She was probably remembering some things herself. "I remember that it was cold that day, and father was joking about a present that he would give me. That night inside our room in the villa, Ronaldo, who has been the head guard at that time knocked on our door." I swallowed the lump on my throat, cold sweat trickling down my neck. Relieving the past was never easy. And this one always gave me nightmares.

"Because the king and queen trusted their head guard, they let him in, thinking he was going to report something, but he. . ." My voice trembled, together with my shaking hands. How? How do I start with this?

"Go on. I'm here," Talia said in a soothing tone, holding my hand so I wouldn't feel alone. She wouldn't want to calm me after I told her the truth.

"Ronaldo. . . He. . . He stabbed my father in the chest right in front of me." Talia gasped, her eyes widening in horror. "After Ronaldo was done with the king, he proceeded to murder mother," I choked, the blood on my mother's white dress reminding me of the awful past. "He stabbed me too, then set the villa on fire to cover the evidence. But I survived and escaped."

"Cybele. . ." Talia embraced me hard without hesitation, her body warming my cold heart. "We should punish Ronaldo for his treachery," she said in a hard voice. "He killed the rulers of this country."

Now comes the hard part, I thought with a broken heart. Pushing her gently from me, I stared Talia in the eyes. "There's more." She raised her eyebrows in question. "Your mother was the one who ordered my parents murder. Esmeralda betrayed the king and queen."

A small squeak escaped from her lips. "No," she said in denial.

"Yes," I replied with a sure tone.

Her eyes clouded with confusion, and she stood up abruptly, pacing two steps at a time in the bedroom. Talia stopped to look at me. "Mother knows how much I adore you Cybele." She was getting frustrated by the minute.

"She killed my parents," I said with a poker face, though deep inside I was feeling the same way she was. Hurt. Confused. Wanting to escape.

Talia grasped her hair. Her eyes were beginning to show the first signs of panic. I didn't dare try to confront her or even calm her. If I did, we would both explode with our feelings, and I should hold on a bit more, at least until after I pleaded my case. "Why are you telling me this?" she asked in a high voice. Good thing the wall to her room was rather thick, or the guards would have heard her by now.

"Because it's the truth," I stated clearly.

Talia took a step forward, her hands shaking. "And what do you want me to do? Kill me own mother?! Cybele this is my mother we're talking about. She's my only living relative." Talia squeezed her eyes shut in pain.

"The truth is I wanted to kill your mother. In fact, I still do." I formed my hands into fists, digging my fingers on my palm. "I hate her so much that I want to punish her over and over. And even when she's dead, I want to kill her more until there's nothing left."

"Cybele," Talia gasped. "I'm her daughter. Do you realize what I can do to you after you confessed your wishes to me? I can have you hanged." Her eyes told me how torturous such a thing was for her.

I smiled, pulling the rope which has been tucked behind my jeans. "That's why I brought this." Taking the silk handkerchief from my pocket, I also showed that to her proudly. "And this."

"What do you want me to do with that?" she asked in bewilderment, her body taut and alert. I didn't let my jittery nerves and her reaction get in the way. Standing up from the bed, I began to peel away my clothing. Talia's eyes widened. In surprise this time. "Tell me what you're doing. I don't understand. Are you doing this to hurt me further?" Her eyes scanned my naked body. I didn't feel an ounce of shame or embarrassment, only love for her.

"No Talia," I murmured, smiling brightly to her as I made my way to the bed, kneeling in the middle. Silently, I covered my eyes with the handkerchief, then fastened my hands in front me with the rope, with the help of my teeth and mouth. I was completely blind and helpless in front of her, just as I planned. "Now I want you to choose Talia."

"Choose what?" I heard the doubt in her voice, combined with fear. Her mind must be in overdrive right now at what she discovered, as well as what she was seeing in front of her.

"I want you to be the one who gives me judgment," I said in a steady voice, though my heart was anything but. It felt like my whole body was protesting to break free, preventing me from saying what I wanted to say. But it was too late. "Choose my princess." I raised my head so she could read my lips clearly. "Death or love. Kill me now while I'm bound and naked in front of you for wanting to murder your mother, or claim me and make love to me. You can only choose one."

"That's insane! You've gone crazy Cybele!"

"If you set me free without doing as I asked, I will murder your mother at one point or another. After that, I will commit suicide for being the one who caused you pain. Either way, you're going to lose both of us." Cold sweat trickled down my back. "A lot of times, you have doubted my love for you," I said in almost a whisper. "Now I'm offering my body and soul to you princess. Do what you want with it. I was raised as a queen, and my parents always told me never to bow down to anyone."

The reminder pricked me in the heart, like a thousand needles were impaled there. "But you know what Talia?" I continued. "A real queen only bows down to her king, or her queen for that matter. And to me you are the only queen I would ever have. That's how much I love you. And that is also the reason why I'm bared in front of you. So tell me. What will you choose? Death or love? I will gladly take one or the other. My only wish is that you'll never forget me in the future, should you want to end my life."

Talia didn't speak for what felt like hours. A moment passed before I heard her walking in the direction of the bed. The mattress sagged as she made her way to me. For someone who was about to die, I was strangely calmer than expected. Maybe because it was her that was going to deal the killing blow. After a few seconds, I felt something silky wrap around my neck. Then the strangling began.

I choked and gagged helplessly, the silk torturously cutting the air and circulation from my body. But though I was dying, I didn't try to defend myself. After all, it was me who asked that of her, and she only gave what I wanted. "Talia," I gasped, my head and body bowing at the mere effort of speaking. Death was near, I could feel it. "I'm glad it was you."

Something wet fell on my knees. The handkerchief was removed from my eyes. I blinked a couple of times, allowing my eyes to adjust, though I was having difficulty breathing. Talia was crying in front of me. "Do you think I enjoy doing this?" she whispered, tears streaming down her perfect face. "Look at my neck Cybele."

My eyes went to the area. The choker she wore at all times was gone. Now I knew what she was using to strangle me. How ironic, using a choker to choke someone. If I wasn't dying, I would have laughed loudly. "Look at my scar," she instructed, still crying, though the chokehold loosened a little bit, allowing me to gulp in air which my lungs gladly accepted.

"I slit my throat when mother told me you were gone," she said, breathing heavily, her chest moving up and down in quick successions. "So how can you expect me to kill you when I was willing to die for you?"

"Then why are you doing this to me Talia?" I heaved, my throat way too uncomfortable for words. It felt like burning.

She stared me in the eyes. "Because I'm so mad at you for asking me for your death. How could you?" she choked. "I loved you all my life. I'm only marrying Lance to keep you safe. If I committed suicide, you're as good as dead and I could never allow that."

"So what is your decision?" I asked. Her face was unreadable, but she did remove the choker around my neck, to my relief.

"It's one or the other right?" She gave me a strange look. "Then I choose love," Talia said before pushing me down on the bed, attacking me with gentle kisses on my mouth. Her lips pumped my almost dead heart, her tongue that slipped inside ignited my passion. Despite everything that transpired earlier, I found myself yearning for her touch. The wetness between my legs proved how much I wanted her.

"Talia, my hands are still tied," I said between kisses, my heart palpitating hard, feeling like it was going to burst with happiness.

She bit my lips, then said, "Exactly." Talia grabbed my arms, raising it above my head. "You wanted to be bound and naked right? Well there you go."

"Well you're still clothed," I murmured, a blush creeping on my face. "Not exactly how I envisioned our first time."

"Patience," she whispered, removing her nightgown in one swift move. "You desire me that much my queen?" Her eyes clouded of lust. So was mine.

"It's hard not to when the princess is so alluring." I eyed her body hungrily, starting from her face, down to her v-line. We were both strangely feverish. "Love me."

Talia nodded, biting her lips. The undergarment she was wearing was gone in a few seconds, tossed somewhere unreachable. I felt and saw exactly how much she wanted me too when she sat with her legs spread wide on my stomach, giving me a firsthand view of the goods I thought I wouldn't have.

"Talia." Holy. . . Was that my voice? I thought. It sounded like I just growled at her. "Touch me princess," I pleaded, my arms unaccounted for because of the rope.

"Oh I'm going to do more than that," she whispered, leaning down to kiss my neck. She smelled strongly of lavender. "Damn the whole palace tonight. I'm going to make you scream."

Making good on her promise, Talia kissed my neck, making me moan with pleasure. Her gentle kisses turned into nipping, until it felt like she was drawing blood from the area. "There," she said, after she was done with her handiwork.

"Done with your kiss mark?" I smirked, gazing at her beautiful bosom which was beginning to show signs of arousal. It did wonders to my own body. Noticing the direction of my eyes, Talia offered her front, which I took with gratitude with my own mouth.

"We should have done this sooner," she groaned, tangling her hand through my hair.

I released her swollen and pinkish pebbles. "But then it wouldn't be as exciting."

"Nonsense," she said, lowering her head so she could kiss me everywhere. My mouth. My neck. My breast. Talia caressed the spot until my breathing was fluctuating and I could no longer stand being bound with rope.

"Release me," I begged, raising my arm so I could show her the rope.

"I'll release you alright Cybele," she murmured wickedly, moving lower, lower, till she was at the desired area. Talia rubbed the right spot, making me quiver on the bed. Unsatisfied with my response, she started using her tongue, gliding it up and down like she was tasting something delicious. I was powerless over her sensual torture, riding the pleasure that made me dizzy with ecstasy. Unable to stand it any longer, I gave my release, biting my lips to prevent from crying out loud though a small whimper escaped. My body shaking by the intensity of it.

All the doubt and unhappiness that was accumulated over the days vanished as we locked eyes with each other. Hers were full of love for me, while I was willing to worship even the ground she walked on. "How's that for a release?" she smirked.

"Where the heck did you learn that princess?" I asked with amusement, the pace of my heart beginning to slow to its normal tempo.

"Let's just say that I picked up your habit of reading books."

I laughed at her. "Can you please remove this rope now? It's really itchy, and I want to hold you." Talia reached underneath her pillow, producing a dagger which she unsheathed. In seconds, the rope was loose, and she returned the dagger where it came from.

"Now come here," I called out as I took her gently in my arms. Talia giggled against me. Earlier, she smelled of lavender. Now it was combined with my own scent and sweat. "It's time for me to taste the royal goods."

"Mmmmm," was all she replied.

I kissed her nose first before claiming her mouth. Her tongue was sweet like candy, of her own unique taste, plus something else that I couldn't place. Talia stroked my face softly, sending me straight to lesbian heaven. If there was such a place, it was definitely in her arms. I rolled us over so I was on top of her. Bloody hell I was beginning to get horny for her again and it has only been minutes. How do I stop?

The next thing I did was kissed her neck. "No," she moaned, a combination of lust and embarrassment. Talia pushed me away gently.

"Why? Don't you want to?" I sounded confused.

Talia blushed profusely. "The scar there is so ugly."

Tracing my finger on the scar she was talking about, I said in the most soothing voice I could muster, "You'll always be perfect to me, scars and all."

"You're just saying that because you don't want me to be upset."

"I'm saying that because that's how I feel." I smiled. "But you have to promise that you won't hurt yourself again, even for me." Talia nodded her consent. "Now enough small talk. I'm dying to get inside you."

Moving downwards, I took her foot in my hand, kissing the sole lovingly. Talia stared at me wordlessly as I worshipped her with kisses. Then, I did the same thing to the other foot. Making my way up, I trailed feather light kisses on her inner legs. The princess gripped the bed sheet, moaning. I spread her legs apart, breathing her scent of arousal. God she smelled divine.

Instead of tasting straight from the source, I moved further up, until Talia and I were face to face, staring at each other deeply. "Remember what I told you about how women love?" She nodded. "Well this is how Cybele loves." Gently, I slipped a finger inside of her, then another, moving in a steady rhythm. Talia gasped, her eyes glazing with lust. "But that's not even the best part," I murmured.

I removed myself from her, then gently caressed the right spot repeatedly. Talia's mouth opened, her breathing heavy. She reached for my face with both hands. Her eyes closed shut. Wanting to satisfy her, I quickened my pace. Talia quivered and arched her back a few moments later. "Fuck!" she said, her hips bucking. "Iti dau inima mea Cybele!" She held on to me while I continued the movement. "Aaaaaaaaahhh," was her last cry as she released her pleasure, embracing me for support.

Once the climax ebbed away, Talia stilled beneath me, appearing to savor my warmth. We were both covered in sweat, smiles on our faces, the two of us sporting bed hair. The bed sheet was totally undone and it looked like a mess, but we didn't care.

"Cybele?"

"Hmmm?"

She tightened her grip around me. "I'm done with this whole thing."

I leaned back so I could look at her. "Not exactly sure what you mean there princess."

"Come away with me," she blurted. "Come away with me so we could be together forever. I hate all of this." Talia gave me a look of sadness. "You made me choose earlier right? And now I ask the same from you. Please choose my queen, the right for the throne, or happiness with me."