I tap the pin on his clothes and look up at him. "All done," I say.
Theo pulls me closer to his body and places a kiss on my temple. I grin at him. I make it seem as warm as possible because my heart had already turned cold. Despite that, a simple touch from him can blaze my body into intoxication again.
Thankfully, Kissa is already made aware that I am her rival to Theo's attention. Like right now, the only reason he can kiss and hug me like this is because we are preparing to alight on the kingdom of Duran. And Princess Kissa is busy with all her clothes and make-up.
At night, she also monopolizes his attention. She also started to sleep in his room after they make love, despite his annoyance. So, as he promised, he allowed me to move somewhere I cannot hear their lovemaking. That's what his kindness means.
In the morning, once Princess Kissa is out of the room, I enter to help with his bath. During those moments, he will pepper me with hugs and kisses, while I brush his body. Thankfully, before it escalates, Kissa will return with her made-up clothes, hair, and face. She will note my wet clothes and scrunch her nose in distaste. Then, she will turn sweet again as she shares breakfast with Theo.
And that's my cue to leave the room. That's all I am to him lately, a slave whore he keeps on the side while Princess Kissa is not looking.
"I want to spend a day with only you in Duran," he whispers, his breath tickling my ears. "Let's make good memories."
"How about after your appointment with the Duran royalty?" I ask because there is a high chance that we will never spend a day together. With another royalty in tow, it is required for them to visit the Duran royalty. And I know they will be kept there until it's time to leave.
He holds my neck and pulls me closer. He places a kiss on my lips and his tongue surges inside my mouth. I grab his arm, just enough touch so he won't guess that I don't like him to kiss me on the morning of his copulation with another woman.
Then his kisses move down my chin and collarbone. He nibbles on my skin as he presses my body against his. He unclasps the first buttons on my dress and lets his tongue trail on the middle of my chest. His hold on me tightens at the same time that my breathing becomes heavy with desire.
"Kaiya, let's replace the bad memory we had the last time we were there. All I want are good memories with you."
He sucks on my bare skin and he watches the way my chest rises and falls due to his kisses. His hand slips inside my clothes and cups one of my breasts. I moan at the sudden touch and he supports my back so I won't drop to the floor.
He continues to knead until he allows my right breast to spill out of my dress. I can hear my heavy breathing as I watch him gaze at my tender nub. Suddenly, he places it in his mouth and starts to suck. My moans become louder and he supports my weight. With my hands on his shoulders and neck, my desire heightens. My legs feel weak and I am starting to lose my mind. My heat throbs and he is about to touch my crotch when Princess Kissa is announced by the door.
I jump from his hold, and I fall to the floor. I wipe my mouth and hide my breast. Thankfully, Theo ordered everyone to knock first every time we are alone in the room.
I am still buttoning my dress when Theo crouches in front of me. He is smiling as he lightly touches my cheeks.
"You are flushing scarlet, Kaiya," he says. "Better tone down your blushing if you don't want her to find us out. Although, I don't care either way. She would know that you're the only one I love once we reach Pitchford, anyway."
I swallow hard and nod. My breathing is still heavy, and his eyes focus on the rising and falling of my chest. Desire plays on his face.
"Damn, I want you so bad now, but it must wait after our Duran royalty visit. And then, as we promised, we will be alone the entire day."
He places a quick kiss on my forehead before standing up and allowing Princess Kissa into the room. The instant the door opens, I stand up and bow my head to them.
"Let's have breakfast together at Duran," Princess Kissa suggests to Theo. "We are close anyway."
Theo laughs. "As you wish Princess Kissa. Shall we go then?"
Princess Kissa squeals in excitement. When I hear the door open, I raise my head to see Theo smiling at me. "Fix yourself up. Then you can follow us to Duran."
"Yes, my-"
"No, King Theo!" Princess Kissa interrupts. "They invited only the two of us. No guards are allowed inside."
"But she's my protector."
"The Duran King does not want commoners close to him," she answers. She looks at me, head to toe, and adds, "Especially, ex-slaves."
"Kissa-"
"I may be lax with you in this boat, but I won't condone disrespect when we are facing other royalty! Even I, a failure as I am, need to uphold the name of my family."
Theo takes a deep breath and looks at me, but I keep my head down. I bite my lips as I realize the difference in our station once again. And so, I pray to the moon goddess, to let me have an ordinary man as my mate next time.


**************************************
Instead of quiet arrival in Duran, this time, they welcome us with fanfare. Same as with Orttenburg, an envoy was sent to the port to fetch both Theo and Princess Kissa.
Nothing changed with Duran's scenery. Besides, it's only been a few weeks since we were last here. The only difference is that the place is more lively and noisier and there are a lot more people to look at both King Theo and Princess Kissa.
On the other hand, I, with Ami, Elroy and Nadif are standing on the side to watch the small parade. Even Klevon is behind Theo and the Princess. He is allowed to go with them, and I am not, because I am just a faceless wench in the crowd.
"So, that King finally decides to take a wife huh?" one observer comments. He is with another man who is watching the parade intently.
"Not a wife. I heard she'll be a Concubine," his companion answers.
"Only concubine? She's very pretty, not to mention that she is Orttenburg royalty. Is the young king of Pitchford really picky with his women?"
"You saw how he looks. That man won't lack women. I'm sure women flock to him."
"And he will have his pick among them."
"Somehow, I pity the Princess. She will have a long list of rivals."
Ami and I look at each other. There is a look of pity in her eyes. To assure her, I reach for her hand and squeeze.
'I am fine,' I mouth to her and she beams.
"Seems like we'll be together for a few days," she answers.
"Are you not going to visit Silvino?"
"He will be with us after his shift. Besides," she interlaces her arms on mine and adds, "I missed you."
"I missed you too," I admit. Being with Ami, everything is easier, and sometimes, I forget I am mated with a King. "What should we do then?" I ask as I watch the end of the small parade moving towards the Duran castle.
"Eat, Play, Stroll Around, and Drink!" she exclaims.
I grin at the same time that Nadif and Elroy shift their attention to us to see what Ami is screaming about.