Chapter 6: The Battle Begins

The once desolate grounds of Rexus' fortress now teemed with life. Vibrant fields of green surrounded the castle, bursting with crops, herbs, and fruit-bearing trees. The scent of fresh earth and ripening produce filled the air, a stark contrast to the lifeless wilderness that once marked the Dark Lord's domain.

When Richard chased him and other outcasts away, they relegated him into the dark forest, where not much grew. It had a relic of a castle that Rexus fixed to be habitable. Nobody wanted to walk the forest because it hardly had anything. There were hardly any fruit-bearing trees or edible animals.

Charmaine walked among the rows of crops, inspecting the growth with care. She paused to pluck a few leaves from a basil plant, inhaling its sharp, clean scent before tossing it into the basket she carried. Around her, Rexus' men worked tirelessly, their spirits lifted by full bellies and the promise of a brighter future.

She had become a fixture in their lives, offering words of encouragement and ensuring everyone had enough to eat. She wasn't a warrior, but she was their hero nonetheless. Rexus and his men saw her as kindness personified. 

Richard had no idea what he just lost. Charmaine was a jewel. She built up his army in just a few days.

In her small workshop, the air was thick with the aroma of simmering herbs and roots. Charmaine stirred a bubbling cauldron, her face damp with sweat from the heat of the fire. The potions she brewed glowed faintly, a testament to her unique magic. Healing potions, salves for burns, antidotes for poisons—her creations were as varied as they were vital.

Rexus stood in the doorway, watching her work. She hummed softly, a tune unfamiliar to him but soothing nonetheless. He leaned against the door frame, his dark cloak sweeping the floor. "You've been busy," he remarked.

Charmaine glanced over her shoulder, offering him a small smile. "There's no time to waste. Your men need to be prepared."

"They are," he said, his voice quieter. "Because of you."

She laughed, a soft, self-deprecating sound. "I'm just trying to keep them alive. You're the one they follow."

Rexus stepped closer, his expression thoughtful. "You've done more than that. You've turned this place into something... hopeful. They don't fight for me, Charmaine. They fight because of what you've built here."

His fingers brushed her cheeks. Charmaine felt a warmth rise in her chest but quickly pushed it aside. "We'll see how hopeful they feel once the battle begins." She turned back to her work, ladling the potion into small glass vials.

Rexus took the vial and ladle and put them on the table. He leaned closer to Charmaine. Her heart beat faster. Anticipation or fear? She'd not shown fear before.

His lips brushed hers. She gasped and pushed him away. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?"

She stepped back, then ran. Rexus cursed. She was not afraid of him before. But now? That was fear in her face. Fear of him? He'd never hurt her.

***

Charmaine was in her room crying. She'd not felt this devastated since Marx. "Are all men like this?"

"No," he answered.

Gasping, she hid under her covers when he entered her room. "Go away!"

Rexus approached the bed. "Someone hurt you."

"I said go away!"

But he didn't. Instead, he sat and even laid down beside her. "Do not fear me. I would never hurt you."

"Because you need me?"

"In more ways than one." He pulled the blanket away. His hands held her breast and she gasped.

"Nobody likes me that way."

"Why?"

She looked at him as if he just sprouted horns. "Look at me. I'm not pretty or thin, or athletic."

"Why would that matter?" He asked, curious. "Is it like that in your world? Only thin, athletic, or pretty girls can get bedmates?" 

"No, there are exceptions but that doesn't include me. Nobody likes me. When men see me, they don't feel that way."

"I like you and I am people's epitome of evil. Still, you made me feel something. You made me crave you." To prove his point, he lowered his mouth to such a nipple through her bodice.

She blushed. "I… I…"

Rexus took her bodice and ripped it apart, exposing her breasts. Like a man starved, he began to devour them. Without hesitation, he tore off her entire dress. With his free hand, he pulled off her petticoat and underwear as well. His hands finally felt the heat of her.

"Ohhhhh!"

"Has nobody touched you here?"

She shook her head, feeling vulnerable.

Encouraged, he fondled her as he sucked each nipple alternatively. He could tell this was her first and he was going to make it special. 

"Rexus! Stop! I'm going to-to-to…" She couldn't form a coherent thought. Her body was on fire but it was a very welcome feeling.

"Ride it. Just ride my fingers." He sped said fingers in her, making sure to rub the jewel of nerves in her. He felt the little nub and played with it.

She felt herself being flung over the edge. Charmaine closed her eyes and relished the sensation. Rexus didn't stop sucking or pumping his fingers, not until she calmed.

Had it been a minute or an hour? He didn't care. He basked in her scent. She was overwhelmed but very satisfied. Was she?

Rexus licked his fingers and moaned. "I've never tasted something as delectable as this."

"Um, I have to clean up." Charmaine blushed. She was completely naked, wet between her legs and still wanting more. 

He smiled. "Allow me to clean you up."

Before she could comprehend what he meant, he pulled her legs apart and hoisted them over his shoulders. Like a man crazed with hunger, he guided his tongue into the most intimate part of her.

Charmaine saw stars. Rexus licked, sucked, and playfully bit intimate parts of her. Nobody had ever given her this much pleasure before. She resumed closing her eyes and let him have her body. He treated it like something precious at the same time he treated it like his favorite piece of candy. The man did not stop, not until she was boneless. So this was how Dark Lords took their lovers. She liked it. He gave her one last kiss, then left her to rest. 

***

Meanwhile, in Richard's court, the mood was tense. The reports from spies had ceased, and the once-neglected forest between their lands and Rexus' fortress had grown too thick for easy traversal.

Marx sat in the council chamber, staring at a map of the region. His thoughts drifted to Charmaine. The servants had informed him of Lady Charmaine's teary departure from the palace. He regretted the part he had played in driving her away. But with no sign of her and the king pressing for action, he had no choice but to focus on the task at hand. They had to prepare for war.

"We cannot afford to wait any longer," King Richard declared. His voice was sharp, his expression stern. "The Dark Lord's forces are gathering. We must strike before he has the chance to strengthen further."

Marx hesitated, his gaze flickering to the empty space where Charmaine used to sit during court meetings. "And if Charmaine is with him?"

Richard waved the concern away. "Then she has betrayed us. She made her choice when she left."

Marx's stomach twisted, but he said nothing.

***

The day of the battle arrived all too quickly. The fortress' outer walls were lined with Rexus' forces, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. Anticipation hung heavy in the air, akin to the quiet before the storm.

Charmaine stood near the gates, handing out vials of her potions to the soldiers. "Take one if you're injured. Two if it's serious," she instructed, her tone firm.

Rexus approached her, his expression unreadable. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," she replied, forcing a smile. Their relationship had changed since that night. 

He nodded, his gaze lingering on her. "Stay close."

"You too," she said softly. Knowing that if he was injured, she could heal him quickly. Her healing abilities were growing. She had weeks to help it grow when she practiced on his men. Now it was the time to use them.

With that, the gates opened, and the battle began.