Chapter 46

   Back in Larylia, a group of warriors returns from the jungle just beyond their own. The dark cloud of defeat released a bitter rain. It soured them on the man, but not the woman. Aurelia believed they could stop the sword beasts, but needed a new tactic. She saw the despair in the faces of the men and shook her head. Time was of the essence at least for Aurelia and Zinjo it was, in four days they would leave. Aurelia hated to leave anything unfinished or undone. 

   Aurelia jumped on the edge of a gorgeous marble fountain in the center of town. She donned the mental Catsuit in her mind and became the lioness. Her tail swished back and forth, and she roared loud enough to have people come out of their homes. She remembered how horrible the hopelessness felt, and what it was like to be sorrow's companion. She refuses to give into it any longer. 

   "Are you guys done?" Aurelia asked in a voice that mocked them. Zinjo bared his teeth, and she grinned, "I'm sorry we didn't stay to die horribly. Ask yourself this: Is there anyone more dedicated to the people, more qualified to protect the town?"

   "I would sooner trust the safety of my town with a hoard of howler monkeys than some other layabout that doesn't care," Tiberius shouted, "I have sacrificed all to keep this town safe, and I will continue to do so as long as there is breath in my body."

   His men nodded in unison. Henshaw stepped forward, "And we shall follow you as long as there is breath in our bodies," a resolute and tenacious expression touched the marksman's babyface. 

   "Then why are you all so upset? You live to fight another day. We pulled back because it made sense. After all, victory was beyond our grasp. Let us take the evening to ponder our situation, and attack the problem with fresh minds in the morning," She held out her hand and Zinjo stared at it, "Ahem, you may help me down now."

  Zinjo's eyes darted around, "Sorry, dark princess, my mind went elsewhere for a moment," His reddened while he extended his hand out."

  "You and I need to speak with Gael about extending our stay, I can't leave this job half-finished," Aurelia shifted back to her human form, and daintily stepped down from the polished marble.

*** 

   Gael wasn't around when they returned to the ship, and most of the crew were in the mess hall trading high sea adventures and drinking grog. A thought crossed Aurelia's mind, as Zinjo removed his shirt and revealed the sculpted form beneath. What was she waiting for? The goddess had chosen for them to be together, what more did they need to know. 

   With all the grace of a lion, Aurelia embraced Zinjo from behind and her hand slid to his crotch and she gripped him. Her hand slowly moved back and forth, Zinjo's breath quickened. He leaned back and Aurelia bit his neck softly and moved her hand a little faster, and a low moan came from Zinjo.

  "We should stop, dark princess," his words and tone contradicted one another. He was enjoying himself. He began to move his hips back and forth. She slowed and moved to the front, Zinjo's eyes devoured her in his primal passion.

   She guided his hand to her soft flesh, "I'm not going to stop, and you don't want me to," She undid the buckles on her armor, and let the breastplate fall to the weathered boards. Her entire torso was exposed. Zinjo's finger caressed her and waves of pleasure crashed against her mind, she ached for more. A gentle hand touched her breasts and a thumb seductively ran over her nipples. 

   Aurelia removed the rest of her clothes and laid down. She expected to feel the pain of Zinjo cleaving her but instead, he kissed her neck and down her body. A tingle of excitement followed each kiss up her inner thighs before his rough tongue teased her. 

   She ran her hands through his hair and surrendered to his care and attention. The waves of ecstasy came faster, and she teetered on the edge of satisfaction. She pulled his face up to hers and guided him into her. She winced through the first couple of thrusts, but as time went on she began to enjoy it.

   Her hands touched his face as he moved in slow and steady. Soft moans and purrs soon filled the air of the cabin. Aurelia sensed Zinjo was close as was she. Her hands clawed his back, and she whispered, "Go faster,"

    The pace increased and all the love passion and lust culminated in a sensation unlike any other Aurelia experienced before. Her legs wrapped around her lover's back and held him steady. His perfect face buried itself in her shoulder, and he crushed her in his arms, and then went still. Aurelia pulled his face back to hers and kissed him. "More," she said in a breathless tone. 

  Zinjo kissed her and did as he was asked and the rest of the night melted away in his embrace. 

***

   Aurelia awoke naked next to Zinjo and straddled him, his eyes popped open, "Again, dark princess?"

  "I'm toying with the idea," Aurelia rubbed herself against his hard flesh, "I don't know if Tiberius and his men will want to try again. I hope he does."

  Zinjo sat up and embraced her, and wrapped the slender legs of Aurelia around his back, "I think if we mean to help these people, we have to put other activities aside." He paused and kissed the erect nipples, "Though you naked form does make a compelling argument. 

  "Have you given the matter any thought?"

  "Hmmm," Zinjo paused to kiss her again, "I have nothing, but in my defense, I was distracted by a naked woman."

  "Well like you said, I know how to make a compelling argument."

  "Do you find my argument compelling?" Zinjo asked as their lips met again. 

  Aurelia adjusted herself and allowed Zinjo to fill her to the brim. She panted with excitement, "I'm sure we can squeeze in another round. She slowly bucked back and forth, and another hour passed.

***

   The young lovers met Tiberius and his men at the guardhouse. It smelled of sweat, stale ale, and smoke from the fireplace. Tiberius appeared to be a little displeased, "What took you guys," displeasure made way for a sly grin to play across the guard captain's lips. "Never mind, I'd recognize that glow anywhere."

  Zinjo and Aurelia's embarrassment could be seen in shades of crimson. "I'm  sure you remember being young and in love, captain." Aurelia teased. 

   "Aye, but then I lost her to the hybrids, which is why I fight so hard to protect this small but proud kingdom. Did you know the previous rulers abdicated the throne and right now no one is in charge?"

  "How is it possible that the town looks prosperous?" Zinjo exclaimed.

  "I've done what I could to keep the people's hopes alive..."

   Another thought crossed Aurelia's mind as she stared at Tiberius, "Okay, gentlemen, how do we secure victory over our swamp-born enemies?"