The Knights of the Public Realm Ch. 05

Ann slept fitfully that night, her mind a torrent of excitement and anxiety. Torn between embracing the new and fearing it, sleep seemed a distant relief, just out of reach that evening. Her mind struggled with the enormity of the days in front of her; three discreet days of competition each to test the skills a true knight needed. First she would need to compete in archery, then jousting and finally hand-to-hand combat. Laying in the dark, her chest rising and falling a little too rapidly, she thought of the consequences of success, and of failure.

The compact had been impetuous, she knew that now. Not least because in the heat of the moment, and she had been hot indeed, the terms of the compact had been opaque. Was victory defined by the day or over the course of the tournament? Her pride would forbid her to renege and if Sir Lawrence chose to take it one day at a time then that's how it would be. And as she tried to calm her nerves and catch what threads of sleep she might find, she weighed up her chances. Archery was one of her loves, and she favoured herself in that. Sir Lawrence was a renowned jouster and had the superior steed, so he was favourite there. Which meant that it might be that everything would come to the final day, to be made a Knight of the Public Realm, her name elevated into the highest echelons of society. Or to give herself over to Sir Lawrence, entirely and without caveat. Sleep was ushered in as she began to think of which she might prefer.

The next morning a stillness fell over Ann. No more time to wonder or to worry, only the process of dressing for archery, of her bow and arrow extending through her. Even the wind was still providing perfect conditions as the competition progressed and the distances increased. It was a simple enough process, in groups of ten they shot three arrows at a target. Hit three times and the length was increased until eventually the group was whittled down to the last two competitors. And so on until a final field of ten was revealed.

To no one's great surprise Sir Lawrence and Ann had made the final cut, each with comfortable wins along the way. They both shot with great surety, each bringing out the best in one another. Ann allowed herself a sideways glance at Sir Lawrence as he loosed another accurate arrow, his form excellent, his body strong, confident, exuding authority. She fought hard to snap back her attention, determined not to let him have the upper hand.

One by one the other competitors dropped as the distance increased, until the last remaining adversary, a squire of Sir Lawrence's retinue, missed his final shot, leaving just the two of them. At this point a horn was sounded, refreshment taken and in some quarters bets were laid. The crowd, familiar with Ann's devastating accuracy favoured her for the competition. She took confidence from hearing her name supported and gathered herself, shut the anxiety in the box in her mind and drew her bow.

For each arrow that unerringly hit its target so did Sir Lawrence's. They matched each other, shot-for-shot, pace for pace. Now standing at the furthest distance she could remember shooting from, Ann loosed her first arrow accurately, to the acclaim of the crowd. Feeling secure that that was the competition won, Ann turned to Sir Lawrence and mockingly bowed. Barely turning or seemingly aiming at his mark, Sir Lawrence shot and mirrored her success.

Gathering herself, and trying hard not to be impressed Ann loosed another arrow, perfectly flighted and striking adjacent to her first shot. This time she did not taunt her adversary and instead focussed on the distant target.

Ann couldn't help but exclaim as he hit the mark for a second time. He smiled, gratified by her uncontrolled noise and lent towards her.

"Oh Ann. I will do this all day if it means I win you for the evening."

Ann was rooted to the spot. The terms of the compact were clear, as were the consequences; three losses would mean three nights submitted to him. Her mind reeled at the delicious, outrageous, deplorable possibilities. Her hands were suddenly unsteady as she drew back the arrow, and for the first time that day she doubted the outcome of the shot.

Time slowed to an impossibly slow pace, the arrow winding its way towards the target. And as it drew closer, and the crowd fell to silence Ann knew that she had missed. Her heart leapt and sank simultaneously, her jaw dropped as the implications fell to her. And then time caught up, the crowd went wild and Ann cast her eyes down.

Sir Lawrence's arrow was true, the pressure of the shot having no impact, his aim and accuracy unaffected. In a moment Sir Lawrence was beside her and drew her close, ostensibly to congratulate a worthy competitor bested. But as he raised her hands aloft he whispered, full of intent.

"I look forward to seeing you later Ann. I will be with you around 8, be sure to leave your chamber door unlocked for me."

With that he was gone, to accept the congratulations of his courtiers, to revel in the remarkable shooting of the day and, no doubt, to enjoy the anticipation of the evening ahead.

Ann made her excuses and left, her staff and court assuming to dwell on the course of the day. And that was in part true, but also Ann wanted to dwell on what might, what was bound to, come that evening. She called for a hot bath and washed away the day, the feeling of disappointment and drew on her well of inner strength and resolve to face the next few hours. When the hour came and the door opened she faced away from the door and braced herself.

The door closed fast behind him, Sir Lawrence turning the key and placing it in his pocket. Ann's heart beat quickly and she tried to quell the panic she was feeling. She knew the cost of the day and was prepared to meet it. Besides, she told herself, maybe these butterflies were of anticipation as well as anxiety, she had often confused the two.

"Strip."

It was the first thing that Sir Lawrence had said since the exchange on the field and his voice was like a peal of thunder, low and ominous. Ann turned, protest on her lips but his countenance and her position stopped her. She bowed her head and began to unlace.

Sir Lawrence watched intently, his eyes devouring each inch of flesh slowly revealed. Her body was every bit as wonderful as he had hoped, toned and supple, her skin smooth, her curves alluring. Without looking up Ann stripped until naked, feeling increasingly exposed and vulnerable. Her skin prickled under his gaze and despite it all, despite everything her mind was telling her, she started to feel aroused.

"Turn. Slowly."

His voice was commanding, and Ann, knowing her place this evening, the role she was bound to play, complied. She turned slowly, knowing that his hungry eyes were devouring her, feasting on her soft bare flesh. The turn carried on slowly, hoping to earn his praise and not to make him speak crossly to her. She was surprised by her own submission to this, but now there was no time to alter the evening and she gave herself to it.

"Magnificent. Absolutely magnificent Ann. You truly are incredible."

Ann flushed, proud of her body and delighted with his praise, despite how she knew she should feel patronised by his words.

"Lay on the bed in front of me Ann, on your back with your legs facing me."

He moved so that he was facing the door, and Ann positioned herself on the bed as instructed, her head propped up pillows watching him. Her eyes roamed over him and settled on the very prominent bulge in his trousers, reinforcing his complimentary words. Given how she was his this evening she wondered why he wasn't already on top of her, as the few other men she had slept with had been, eager and clumsy.

"I want you to touch yourself Ann. Keep your eyes on me, but your hands should wander over your breasts, between your thighs, over you clit. But you are not to come until I give you clear permission to do so. Is that clear Ann?

Ann nodded, shocked, and incredibly aroused. Their eyes remained locked and it was clear from his expression that he now expected her to start. Her hands started to roam and, under his gaze she took her breast in one hand and snaked her other between her thighs. His eyes were all over her body and Ann found that his attention was turning her on more and more, and what had begun as tentative circles around her clit was quickly firmed and her reluctance and inhibitions began to dissipate.

Unable to maintain eye contact any longer her eyes returned to his burgeoning trousers, and began to earnestly yearn to feel his cock, to see its strength, to watch him take it in his hand. He traced her eyes to his erection and smiled.

"Would you like to see my cock?"

Ann nodded, a little ashamed of her overwhelming desire, but unable to be anything other than entirely truthful with him, all her defences were overcome and it she was liberated. Sir Lawrence smiled, moved closer and knelt on the bed next to her arm. Her eyes widened at his proximity, about how much she wanted him, at how close she was getting to climax.

He undid his trousers and levered his cock out in a single smooth movement. Ann gasped quietly, his cock looking almost intimidating hard, curved and long, its veins prominent and muscular. Her hand quickened again knowing that that was what he would want. As she did he began to stroke his length, tantalisingly close to her mouth. Looking up at him, she edged her head towards him until she was able to run her tongue on the underside of his impressive shaft. His grunt of pleasure encouraged her and hand stilled as she focussed on pleasuring his cock.

Her tongue caressed his shaft, from the base to its tip, tracing the contours of the head, dwelling on the sensitive ridge. She adjusted her position slightly, raising herself on her arms in order to take him in her mouth, her soft lips parting and enveloping his girth. Leaning on her arm she brought her other hand to his balls and began to caress them as she bobbed her head, hoping to please.

"No Ann, I didn't say for you to stop touching yourself."

He drew back, away from her mouth and waited for her hand to restart, her clit harder and pussy wetter now, desperate to feel his cock. She looked up once more at him, keen to bring herself to climax, to offer up her orgasm to him. Sir Lawrence looked down, his hand now firm on his cock as he watched this beautiful woman writhe underneath him. Overcome by the sight he knew it would not take much for him to reach his peak too. Ann could wait no longer.

"Please. Please Sir, please can I come now?"

This pleased him immensely. Her complete submission was delicious, natural and unexpected. He felt his cock stiffen impossibly in his hand, his arousal increasing by the second. Her hand was swift and hard, and he knew better than to prolong her orgasm too much on the first time. Ann's eyes pleaded, beautiful and full of need.

"Come for me Ann."

And with that, as instructed, her body shuddered and fell apart in the tidal wave of a phenomenal orgasm. Her muscles came alive, each nerve a pinprick of light, of ecstacy. Her back arched, her body writhed and a deep, exquisite moan of pleasure came from within her. It was all that Sir Lawrence needed to find his pleasure also, doubling up and gripping tightly as he came too, spilling over her heaving chest and torso as a low, delighted moan left him.

She lay there, somewhat stunned by the power of her orgasm, only slowly becoming aware that he had climaxed too, her breasts now covered with his come. It was a new sensation for her, and she liked how she felt owned by it, how he had been unable to control himself because of her, a wonderful feeling of both submission and power. She smiled and let out a sigh, unable to properly gather herself and no longer caring.

Sir Lawrence gazed at the sight in front of him, her exquisite body glistening in front of him and knew that he had to make her his, had to repeat and expand on this moment. It felt like a new and infinitely exciting world was opening up to him, an opportunity he was going to seize with both hands. He smiled down at Ann and fetched a piece of linen for her and handing it over lent in and kissed her, their lips soft upon each other. He pulled away, both their hearts racing in unison.

"Goodnight Ann, sleep well."

He let himself out, leaving the key in the door. Ann stared a long time at the closed door before cleaning herself off and dressing for bed. Her lips still tingled from their kiss, her body still ached for him. She slept well that night, a deep and dreamless sleep and woke refreshed and invigorated for the morning's tests. She had learnt something new and exciting about herself the previous night and knew that some things about her would never be the same again. Maybe in the past this would have made her uncomfortable but this, whatever this was, made her feel powerful and happy. She looked forward to finding out more.