The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] by Robbie Collins Read Free Book Online Page A

as such."
    "Where did you go when you left the fire this eve? You went to Mil'der'in, did you not?"
    "I did."
    Shr'dler'in had guessed the truth, so didn't need to know anything further. She now knew that Ann'wn had spoken to Mil'der'in about their own relationship, “Hold me for a moment."
    Ann'wn wrapped her strong arms around Shr'dler'in, giving her the moments she needed. Shr'dler'in laid her head against Ann'wn's chest, relaxing in her strength.
    "We fit together well, I think."
    Ann'wn was going to say ‘Perfect', but suddenly felt Shr'dler'in's hand move underneath her shirt, moving up to her breast. Ann'wn could barely breathe in the anticipation of it, when Shr'dler'in touched her, feeling her breast grow in its hardness. The Healer laughed softly, “You desire me."
    Gasping again and moaning, Ann'wn replied, “I think it obvious, do you not?"
    Shr'dler'in then just rested her hand on Ann'wn's breast, enjoying the feeling of the desiring softness, but frustrating Ann'wn in the wait.
    "Why do you hesitate? Do I frighten you? I know that you also have had many lovers prior, so it is not that. I know you know me well, so it cannot be that."
    Shr'dler'in looked up at her while removing her hand from her breast, “There is an invisible line in all relationships, Force Leader, and we now stand at that line, ready to cross it. But it is always when I cross that line that the relationship fails. I am afraid to cross this line."
    Ann'wn moved her back slightly and placed her hands on Shr'dler'in's shoulders, “Healer. I have already crossed that line with you, but acknowledged it not to either of us. For many prior moments now, whenever you touched me or stood near me, it was a moment I both craved and feared. My heart pounds just at having you near me. I have wanted to touch and be with you for long prior now, but saw that you looked not at me. Now, here I stand, joyous in knowing that you desire me as I do you, but saddened in knowing you are afraid to act upon it. You trust me not. What can I do to gain your trust?"
    "That is the line, Ann'wn. Trust. Perhaps I trust not myself."
    "I am a warrior, Healer. I could die next turn. We must take what is given to us and enjoy it as we can while it is with us."
    The Healer laughed, “A philosophical warrior? You? Why Ann'wn, you do have parts to you that surprise me."
    Ann'wn kissed her again, fully, passionately, urgently. Then she softly pleaded, “Be with me. Give us a chance. Trust may be difficult, but we cannot know unless we try.” She pleaded, “Please let me be with you this eve."
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Chapter II
The Long-Prior Powers
    As Ann'wn and The Healer were near the fire trying to bring their relationship to understanding, The High Queen heard a voice while in deep sleep, So, High Queen. Do you think your powers stronger than mine these turns? We shall see. Your first test awaits you outside the west tunnel exit.
    She sat straight up in her bed, shocked into full alertness, “NO!"
    Sle'nel’ stirred, awakened in her sleep by San'lr'in's sudden movement. The High Queen looked at her, “Forgive Me, My Elf.” She got up and hurriedly threw on her garments, grabbing for her long hooded cloak as she half-ran out of the alcove where Ann'wn and The Healer were yet working out their relationship. Sle'nel', dazed, just stared after her.
    "Please, Healer. Let me lay beside you this eve."
    The Healer looked into Ann'wn's eyes, every part of her body and mind craving her. She drew in a big breath, then released it, sighing. For the first moment since being in The High Queen's bed many cycles prior, The Healer had decided to take a chance on love.
    Just as she began to say yes, she saw San'lr'in', “High One! What is wrong?"
    Ann'wn jerked around to The High Queen at The Healer's shocked expression, and saw The High Queen staring at them, looking confused. She didn't respond to The Healer, but instead gave a quick whistle, calling her horse to