Prince of Spies - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,21

at a time. First he had to supply them for the journey as best he could, then he would see about getting them out of Skithdron.

Spying a likely clothesline, Nico took the opportunity to pilfer a bit of clothing for Riki on his way out of town. She had to have been frozen after the long, cold ride the night before. Leaving a silver coin in payment, Nico felt no guilt for taking the unknown peasant woman’s dress.

He circled back cautiously through the cornfield, knowing darkness brought out predators in Skithdron the likes of which they didn’t see in his native land. Still, Nico was traveled enough to know how to avoid the worst of them, and he used all his skills now as he made his way quickly back to Riki.

Nico arrived back at the spot where he had left Riki, but she was nowhere to be found. Panic threatened until a rustle of leaves in the tall tree ten yards away caught his attention. Riki smiled down at him from between the leaves of a low branch. She hopped to the ground and ran to him.

Nico dropped the basket and caught her in his arms as she entered the camouflaging rows of corn. Hugging her close, he placed little kisses all over her upturned face.

“You scared me, sweetheart.”

“I was too afraid to stay in the corn and I figured I could hide in the leafy part of the tree if I was careful.”

“Brilliant, Riki. That was good thinking.”

She beamed at him and he felt his heart expand. But they were in terrible danger from predators on the ground—both human and otherwise. Nico lifted the basket and led her away from town as quickly and safely as possible, rerouting only once to avoid a large predator eating its nightly kill.

When they were far enough away and out of the corn, Nico stopped.

“I have something for you.” He produced the peasant dress with a flourish and was gratified to see tears of happiness in her eyes. She took the dress from him and held it up to her skinny form. “Put it on over that shift you’re wearing for now. It gets cold in the night sky and I want you to be as warm as possible.”

Riki tugged the dress on with his help and his breath caught at her beauty. Her gorgeous auburn hair was coming back to life as her energy built with each passing hour of freedom. Riki was beginning to bloom like a flower after a long winter, and she was just as enchanting.

A healthy flush lit her pale cheeks. Nico felt better as well due to the way their energies fed off each other and multiplied while they slept. He was just glad Riki was starting to regain the health she should have had all along.

“Thank you, Nico!” Riki stretched up to kiss his cheek and the innocent touch sang through him. He pulled her to his chest and took her lips with his own, saluting lightly at first, then pushing in with his tongue.

When she didn’t resist, he took the kiss deeper—a long, slow exploration of her that drove him nearly wild with desire. Riki clawed at his chest, her hands digging into his muscles, kneading him in a way that made his cock harder than stone. Warnings shot through to his brain. He wanted to ignore the little voice that told him he was taking too much, going too far, but he had to listen. For Riki’s sake. Her safety depended on him and he had to put her first.

Nico pulled back, placing soft, nibbling kisses on her full lips.

“You are so beautiful.”

The blush on her cheeks enchanted him. He kissed her softly, mustering all the tenderness he felt for this little, lost princess. Gathering himself, Nico stepped away and lifted the basket once more. He removed a serving of cheese and bread piled together as Riki fussed a bit with her new skirt.

“Eat this, for now, and we’ll get underway.”

Riki did as he asked, silently nibbling as Nico pulled the length of rope from the basket and set about knotting it just so. Riki watched him quizzically as he worked, but her mouth was full as she chewed and she didn’t ask him what he was about. She’d find out soon enough.

Riki was nearly finished with her snack when Nico swept the black cloak over her shoulders, tucking it up under her chin, glad to see the heavy material enveloped her from