Summer Solace [COMPLETE]

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Joscelin's arms were tight around her, and for the first time since she had come to Camelot, Sophia felt completely safe. She knew instinctively that he would never hurt her, nor let anyone else do her harm. For some reason, she trusted this man whom she had only just met, but she had no idea why.

The way he held her nestled against his chest was comforting, and she simply enjoyed his embrace for a moment, while her heart slowed its furious pace. It still beat rapidly, but not as fiercely as it had the moment the plants exploded.

Raising her head, Sophia took in the bareness of the branches, and the leaves and flower petals strewn upon the ground. There were a few bright petals in Joscelin's hair as well, and she reached up to gently brush them away with one slender and trembling hand.

There was only one explanation for what had happened: magic. The young princess had not seen it since the day she had first met Arthur, but as this incident was remarkably like the rose that had exploded in her hands … only on a much larger scale … it had to be magic.

But why?

Sophia remembered that Arthur had mentioned that the magic might be the work of his father's spies, testing her to see if she was a good match for the prince. Could that be true? If so, then why had the bushes exploded when she was about to leave? It would seem as if Uther's spies would be pleased that she had rejected the advances of another man … even though she had not exactly rejected Joscelin. On the contrary, she wanted to stay in his arms forever. She felt as if she belonged there.

So did Joscelin have the magic? Had he caused the disturbance in order to propel her back to him? No, that made no more sense than the other ideas she had come up with. His efforts could just as easily caused the opposite effect …. she could have run away from him. Yet something deep inside her told her that the magic was not coming from him.

Then who?

Was it some young mage playing practical jokes on the foreign princess whose father was known to hate magic? Or was it one of the more experienced magicians trying to scare her enough that she would run back home to Gore? She was not naïve enough to believe that everyone in the kingdom approved of the “courtship” between Arthur and herself, and the mages had the most to lose if she married the prince and convinced him that magic should be banned in Camelot as it was in Gore.

That was, in fact, her father's plan for her … and these random displays of magic were only confirming the lessons Urien had taught her. Magic was evil, and it corrupted those who used it until they became evil as well.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Joscelin stood up with her in his arms. Instinctively, her arms went around his neck, and she nestled her head against his shoulder. Sophia was still frightened, so frightened that she felt a bit dizzy and was not even certain if she could stand on her own. And she felt so safe with this intriguing man who held her so gently.

Perhaps she should have protested as he carried her back into the castle, Cedric trotting at his heels. But she did not, as she just wanted to get out of the gardens and away from whoever had used that magic. And it felt so right being so close to him, as if what was happening between them was meant to be. Her desire for him had lessened a bit, but now she was more than ever aware of his warmth surrounding her, of his deep masculine scent, of the feel of his bare neck beneath her cheek. She noticed how strong he was to be able to carry her so easily. Sophia was short and slender and did not weigh much, but things seemed to get heavier the longer you held them, and he seemed to be carrying her all over the castle.

Where was he taking her anyway?

She didn't have much of a sense of direction, and she still got lost in the castle from time to time, but she knew this was not the way to her chambers. Striding down a corridor that was unfamiliar to the the princess, he unlocked it and carried her inside.

He had taken her to his chambers.

Sophia's heart started racing again, whether from anticipation or fear she did not know. Certainly he did not have disreputable intentions toward her, did he? And what would she do if he did? She knew what she wanted to do, but that would not be the right thing. Would it?

He had told her he would keep her safe, so perhaps he thought his rooms were the safest place to take her. That made sense. Even if it wasn't what she wanted the reason to be.

Sophia was, as usual, confused.

When he placed her gently on his bed, she thought she might faint. Was he going to join her? No, he walked over to a window and stood looking out, his body brightly outlined by the morning sun streaming through the window. The princess felt rather disappointed, although she was not certain why.

Sitting up, she looked around her curiously. The room she found herself in was not nearly as elaborate as the quarters she had been assigned. Most likely, the rooms she inhabited had been specifically designed for royal visitors. Joscelin's rooms seemed quite quaint in comparison.

And not nearly as tidy as her own. Did he not have a manservant to attend him? Or did he actually like to live in unordered confusion? If so, that was one thing the two of them did not have in common.

Her ice-blue eyes darted around the room, noticing the many books, the unfinished carvings of animals, the lute resting on the arm of a chair, and something spread out on a table that looked like a drawing. He seemed to be a very creative man, and she admired that. The lute, especially, interested her, as she was a musician herself. Her favored instrument was the harp, although she could inexpertly play most anything with strings. She wondered again if he sang. That alluring voice of his would sound wonderful raised with hers in song.

Cedric prowled around the room, sniffing of this and that. Sophia was afraid that he would disturb or break something; the wolf was no longer a cute little cub anymore. Yet he did not get too close to any of Joscelin's possessions and for that, she was grateful.

Her attention was caught when he spoke and turned to face her. What did he mean when he said the worst was over? Did he know something that she did not? Or did he not know the disturbance was caused by magic?

And then he was walking toward her. Still silhouetted by the sun, he looked like a golden god. A silvery little thrill snaked up her spine and spread throughout her body. Realizing she was staring at him, Sophia dropped her eyes and blushed a becoming shade of rose.

“Yes,” she said in answer to his question, her voice a bit breathless. “Yes, I am fine, Joscelin. Thank you for taking me away from there. I love the gardens but … but not when they … when they explode."

Tilting her head to the side, she smiled at him shyly. “So what do you think caused it?” she asked, testing him a bit to see if he knew that the incident had been the result of malicious magic. “And did you notice that the bushes in the rest of the garden were intact? It was only those in the area that we were visiting that was affected by the disturbance. Sometimes I think Camelot is a very strange place.”

She wondered if he would join her on the bed.

And what she would do if he did.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

Others may see a room that was disorganized but Joscelin saw a room that was nigh impossible to tamper with. It was something he had learned within his youth that had been taught to him by one Anafiel Delaunay. The man had explained that a cleanly room was easy to enter and search without leaving the tell tale signs of another. As for one that was disorganized and that had many layers meant there were a number of stages that could be recorded to memory. That, and much more could be hidden underneath said layers, and any changes could be noted.

Despite the fact of the mess, though, Joscelin seemed to move about the room as if there was nothing there. As if he had done this a thousand and one times. That, and he didn't seem to very much mind Cedric exploring. Whilst others may be more considerate and worrisome over their own things, Joscelin didn't much care for such albeit that's not to say he didn't have a few items of sentimental value. Yet, for all that Joscelin had within his room, there was only one treasure he seemed to have eyes for and that was Sophia Lyonesse as he lowered himself onto the bed.

"I don't exactly blame you for that, Sophia," Joscelin agreed. He didn't quite like the event himself. Yet, the way she spoke of such...well, it sounded like she had been apart of another similar event. He wanted to ask her whether or not she had seen such a thing before. Except Joscelin wasn't able to before she spoke once more and questioned him.

What did he think caused such an event?

Joscelin wasn't certain but he wasn't a daft fellow. He had a keen mind and tended to ask questions first before settling on a conclusion. He listened to her observation too and questioned such himself. The phenomenon was utterly shocking to say the very least. He looked thoughtful and pursed his mouth. Yet, within moments, Joscelin lifted his hand to brush his fingers through Sophia's hair mindfully. All the while Joscelin perched there upon the edge of the bed with his body drawn near her own. His fingers, though, found flower petals within her tresses which were so cleverly plucked free to flit onto the bedding beside her. He tended to her with a lover's caress.

"I thought it a quake at first but then there was no trembling." Joscelin murmured. "You see, there are quakes back home from where I come. There would occasionally be a tremble and thereafter a sharper one. Afterward there would be aftershocks but nothing as harsh as the first sharp one." Joscelin explained. "Despite that...I've never seen bushes quite...well, explode as we saw there." Joscelin fell silent then. "Mayhap a gust of a wind but then I didn't feel anything beyond the norm such as that either." Joscelin confessed.

There were the statues to consider as well.

He honestly didn't know how to explain the event.

Despite the fact that their conversation had turned toward a more serious matter. The moment between them was still as intimate as ever. After all, both Sophia and Joscelin were not within his chambers, and alone, too. That, and Joscelin's hand was within her hair finding petals that had clung there only to find the last one that lingered. He drew that final petal across her cheek and tenderly over her lower lip by way of reflex. There was no doubt that Joscelin was a man that relied on touch and affection; a man who savored such.

He drew the petal from her lips and held such between thumb and forefinger.

"Have you seen such a thing before, Sophia?" He dared to ask suddenly.

"What do you think it was?" He questioned afterward and looked to her.

Joscelin looked truly genuine within those moments. He wanted to know what she thought of the situation. There had to be a reason why she was so frightened of it. There had to be a reason why she didn't want to look to it and hide from such things. Joscelin wanted to know the meaning behind it all because he wanted to protect her from it with himself.

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

Joscelin did join her on the bed, and Sophia scooted backwards a bit to give him enough room so that he would not touch her. Her own reaction confused her because what she wanted most was for him to touch her. And hold her. And kiss her. And …

As she listened to him speak, she realized that he had no idea that the explosion and the toppling of the statues had been caused by magic. Was there magic in his own land, she wondered? What did he think of it? Did he understand that it was evil?

Her thoughts were distracted as his hand moved gently through her hair, finding a few petals that had clung to her long blonde tresses. She leaned into his hand slightly, longing for so much more but knowing that she could not have it. They were both in enough danger as it was, especially if any of her father's spies … or even King Uther's … had seen him carry her into his chambers. Although not every man and woman went into each other's private quarters to make love, that was usually the first thought that came to mind. She was certain it would be the first in the minds of spies.

Perhaps they thought that Joscelin was trying to seduce her away from Arthur. Yet what would his motive be? To kill her father and take over Gore? It was definitely possible that a nobleman would be ambitious enough to try and take charge of a kingdom, and whoever married her would be King upon her father's death. Yet she did not really believe that of him. He seemed as genuinely attracted to her and she was attracted to him. It seemed to her that the attraction would still be there, even if had only been a servant girl.

But what did she know? She had been sheltered all her life and had been accused many times of being too trusting.

Sophia remembered overhearing some maidservants in Gore discussing how you could not choose who you fell in love with, that it just happened on its own. You might know as soon as you met someone, or your feelings might grow as you got to know him … even if you found him annoying.

Was that what was happening here? The princess knew already that she wanted to see him again and knew that she would probably dream of him tonight and that those dreams would most likely be sensuous in nature. Already she was dreading the moment when they had to part ways, knowing that she would feel bereft without him.

And she hardly even knew the man.

Whatever the reason, she loved the way he made her feel.

Sophia smiled as he rubbed the last petal against her cheek and lips. She wanted to touch him as well, yet she felt so vulnerable lying here on his bed beside him. If she reached out and ran her fingertips over his face or along his arm, he might get the wrong idea about her.

Or would it be the right idea?

Even if it was, she instinctively knew she was not ready to take that step at the moment. But when she was, she knew that she wanted him to be the one who initiated her into the art of pleasing a man, and being pleased in return.

"Have you seen such a thing before, Sophia?" he asked her. "What do you think it was?”

Should she tell him? Perhaps if she did, he would feel the same way as she. Or he might actually endorse the use of magic. Not for the first time, she realized just how little she knew about him. And there were so many things about him she wished to know.

Deciding to trust him with the truth, she let out a deep sigh and gazed at him with eyes still dazed by fright. “It was magic, Joscelin. And yes, I have seen it before. Camelot condones magic. They don't understand how evil and corrupting it can be. What if those statues had fallen on us? We could have been killed.”

It did seem rather odd to her that the statues had both fallen away from them. Perhaps the mage, whoever he or she was, only wanted to scare them.

If so, it had worked … at least on her.

Sophia shook her head in confusion. “I don't know but … but it seems to me that I might be the target of malicious magic. My father is well known for executing any magician that crosses his borders. Perhaps one of those mages was related to or a good friend to a magician here? And he wants to get back at my father through me? Or maybe they are trying to run me off before I can convince Arthur and his father that magic needs to be banned? I really don't understand it, but ...”

Without thinking, she reached out and took his hand in both of hers, lifting it and holding it against her cheek. “I don't feel safe in Camelot, Joscelin … unless I am with you.”

[Joscelin Trevalion]

Joscelin's mind longed to be elsewhere within those moments. It longed to settle on things that he found soothing and a comfort. He wanted to think of her mothernaked and entangled within the sheets of her bed. He wanted to think of her whimpering for him and he longed to feel her quiver beneath his hard and calloused hand. He longed to hear her beg for him to warm her bed. He longed to hear her beg for him to come to her that night.

He wanted to touch her, too, and smooth his hand along her thigh.

Yet, there were many things to consider within those moments and Joscelin easily pushed aside the wants of himself for her. He knew that she had been frightened by what had happened within the gardens and the cause of such a thing that spurred fear within her. It had been genuine and even stirred him albeit Joscelin had mastered himself. Yet, the moment Sophia spoke, Joscelin felt his mind work over the notion and the names of those apart of the Guild filled his mind.

It was magic and she had seen such a thing before.

Joscelin understood that Camelot condoned magic. Yet, the truth was, was that Joscelin had thought them only the work of a skilled alchemist and nothing more; after all, Joscelin had seen such a thing once before. He had seen men and women who had claimed the ability of magic use compounds of powder or even liquid set within a brazier to create such illusions that one could deem as magic. That, or even cause hallucinations or leave one more susceptible to believing the art. So, Joscelin's stand on the matter was of the skeptical sort.

Yet, the way Sophia spoke of such and seemed to believe that this was wholeheartedly magic...well, Joscelin was almost convinced that it was real. Then the moment she stated her suspicions made Joscelin wonder who truly was behind such a thing; after all, Joscelin knew that he wasn't alone. That there were others with eyes, ears and hands here that will move when told. That they would shift to influence the world around them and that's the reason why Joscelin was here. That he was here to assure that the Pendragon royalty would stay the course.

That everyone would be safe within Camelot's court.

Joscelin knew that he would have to move fast. In fact, if Sophia hadn't been there, Joscelin would have begged some time away from her. He would have gone then and there to consult his web of intrigue, and have them set within such a manner that would glean him the knowledge he longed for. That, or Joscelin would directly confront Merlin and alert him of a mage within their midst that uses their abilities without shame. That they set Sophia's life directly in danger.

The blood of royalty whether foreign or not should always be protected at court.

...especially Sophia Lyonesse.

Joscelin had been deep within thought then with his teeth set and brow furrowed. His chin, too, brushed against his chest. Yet, the moment Sophia took his hand, Joscelin felt his world melt the moment she brought his hand to her cheek. He met her gaze evenly and knew what he saw there within her eyes. That, and what she uttered...Joscelin felt himself tremble.

He leaned closer to her then. In fact, Joscelin shifted and drew closer as well. Then Joscelin's brow touched upon her own for a moment. All the while Joscelin's hand was pressed upon her cheek and he savored the warmth there before he leaned away a slight and bowed his head to her as a loyal servant might have...as one devoted to her would have.

"I will not rest until you feel safe within these halls with or without me, Sophia," Joscelin told her suddenly. Yet, Joscelin understood and knew that she didn't know what he was. That there was no way to figure such a thing out of him because he performed his act so well enough that no one had ever found him out before. What he promised her...ah! Joscelin knew that he was performing the task given unto him, but what happened now...what he longed to do...such a thing may influence Camelot's court within a way that shouldn't happen.

That Joscelin may commit treason with the steps he may take.

Yet, that mattered little.

"I will protect you...I promise," he uttered and his eyes never left her own.

Joscelin knew within that moment he had pledged his fealty to her.

...the things that one's heart could do to a man.

Despite that all, Joscelin didn't feel like he had fallen. He felt like he had found something he had been looking for...for a very long time. The way she looked at him and the way she touched him. The look within her eyes...the way her lips moved and her flesh warmed from each touch he bestowed her with. It wasn't simple infatuation. He knew that because Joscelin had had that once. This was different. He could feel such within his very core.

Then he leaned closer and his lips brushed her own moce more. It was fleetingly and ever so brief. Yet, so much so that Joscelin could taste every nuance of her lips as he had before. It made him ache as he took their clasps hands and set her knuckles gently against his mouth with his head bent over their hands. He uttered a prayer that she would not hear. It was a prayer of protection and for hope that things will end well. That Joscelin would find the one that had meant to frighten her or even worse....harm her.

The question once more...How much time was left?

"If you wish you may stay here for as long as you please," Joscelin told her suddenly. "When you're ready I'll take you to your chambers or fetch you whatever you want for." Joscelin added and looked up to her. His mouth moved against her hand and his breath rushed out upon her skin.

It was an assurance that Joscelin would protect her...That he was there for her.

Then...suddenly so...

"Will you smile for me...? As you had within the gardens," Joscelin asked.

[Princess Sophia Lyonesse]

He didn't say anything about magic. Sophia was unsure now whether she should have told him at all. Perhaps he didn't believe her. Or perhaps he condoned magic, which would explain why he wanted to ally his nation with Camelot rather than Gore. Was he disappointed to learn her views on the subject? If so, he would probably not wish to see her again. As soon as that thought entered her mind, a pang of agony pierced her heart. Now that she had found him, she didn't want to lose him.

Her eyes widened. For the first time, she realized exactly how strong her feelings for him were. And they had only just met! How could that be?

But it was, and to say that the revelation did not frighten her a bit would be a lie. Yet it also enthralled her. Sophia had never felt so alive before. There was a chance that the new emotions blossoming inside her would fade as soon as she was away from him. She did not really believe that, though. Most likely, she would miss him intensely when she went back to her own chambers, and that night he would probably dance through ever more sensuous dreams.

The princess did not move as he drew closer to her. Deep inside, she reveled in the fact that he did not seem to be put off by her adamant hatred of magic. Once again, she thought of how little she knew about this man who captivated her so. What if he truly meant her harm? What if he had magic himself and was entrancing her by it? What if …?”

Then he pledged to protect her, and all doubts flew out of her mind. He sounded so sincere, and she believed that he would not let any harm come to her … assuming that somebody was out to hurt her. There was always the possibility she was imagining things. Sophia was not paranoid by nature, but where magic was concerned, she did not know what to think. It could just be some young mage playing innocuous tricks on her. The fact that she understood nothing of magic, though, made her wary. That, and the fact that she believed it to be evil.

All thoughts fled as he kissed her once more, lightly, fleetingly, making her long for so much more. His breath was warm against her hands as he held them to his mouth, spreading a delicious heat throughout her body. It was so tempting to tell him that she wanted to stay here with him, at least for awhile, that she wanted him to fill the aching need within her, that she wanted him to ease her fears with kisses and caresses. It would be so easy to simply tell him to take her here and now …

But she could not, even if that was what she longed for more than she had ever remembered longing for anything else. It would be wrong to give into her desire for a stranger she knew nothing about. What if all he wanted from her was a roll in the hay so he could brag about seducing a princess? She did not believe that was the case, but how did she really know? Sophia knew she was trusted people too easily, and that sometimes got her into trouble.

No, it was best to go back to her chambers, where she would not be tempted with such dangerous yet exciting possibilities.

"Will you smile for me...? As you had within the gardens?" he asked suddenly.

That was an easy request to fill. The corners of her lips turned up in a shy and delicate smile as she gazed at him from under demurely-lowered eyelashes. She raised their clasped hands from his mouth and brought them to hers, where she kissed each of his fingers in turn. In a move bolder than she would have considered herself capable of, Sophia leaned forward and kissed his lips briefly, hesitantly, before pulling away once more. Those intriguing little thrills ran down her spine again and her body trembled in both anticipation and need. A need, that this time, would not be filled.

“As much as I would love to stay with you, Joscelin,” she whispered, “I think I should go back to my quarters. People will talk if I stay here too long, and I don't think that would be good for either of us.”

With a graceful move, she stood up and held out her hand to him. “Will you please take me there? I will feel much safer with you by my side.”

And she did not want to leave him until the last minute possible.

[Joscelin Trevalion]

Joscelin had shuddered the moment Sophia had drawn their clasped hands from his mouth to her own. Her mouth had touched upon his fingers and the affection was more than welcome. In fact, Joscelin had even leaned toward her and savored such eagerly, and even moreso when she had leaned forth to claim his mouth with her own. Truth be told, Joscelin wasn't certain what to do within those moments; after all, Joscelin felt...right. That everything was right with the world.

Despite the fact that Joscelin knew that nothing was perfect, Joscelin dared to pretend that things were. At the very least for that moment. Yet, who could truly blame Joscelin...? He had once represented the stain upon his father's name, and soon after had been groomed. The life that Joscelin had always ever known was the one that was expected of him by his Grace and father both. Now, for the first time, Joscelin found himself claiming something for himself...

...choosing his own path.

It was strange to know that Joscelin had never been a typically freeman until the moment he had decided he wanted something for himself. That Joscelin had spent the entirety of his life bringing honor unto his household and pleasing his Grace. Yet, what of his heart and what he wanted when all was over with and he was far too old to continue?

Joscelin wanted much more...

Sophia showed him that he could have that something...eventually.

He had found himself watching her. In fact, Joscelin had been very well staring at her until the moment she had slipped out of bed and stood there. That, and had begun to speak and offer her hand to him. He smiled at her then and felt his heart quicken. Within moments Joscelin bowed over her hand and reached out to grasp hers gently before coming to his feet.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Sophia," Joscelin said and smiled.

Then within moments they left with Cedric at their heels.

Idly Joscelin had wondered whether or not anyone else had been seen what had happened within the gardens. Had they been the only witnesses...? It was a possibility but one Joscelin didn't believe. Yet, even now the servants didn't seem to wander the halls. Instead, Joscelin had begun to wonder whether or not this was a dream until they had passed one corridor that had a retreating servant before they had taken to a stairwell that led to another floor where Sophia's chambers were. Of course, Joscelin had allowed her to lead him despite the fact that he knew where she resided. He didn't wish her to question him or even have suspicions of him.

Yet, the moment they arrived at her chambers, Joscelin had turned her to him and stole a kiss.

It had been a thrum of excitement that had overwhelmed him. After all, the both of them could have been caught by a stray servant or even another of nobility. Yet, Joscelin had kissed her...! That, and without shame. He savored the taste of her lips and recalled the way she smiled to him and the sound of her voice as his hands had held her face warmly and gently.

...and then...

"Ride with me on the morrow," he told her.

...and Joscelin felt no regret.

[Thread complete! I'm almost done with the other for us.]