*
Dragon's Beautiful Treasure
Princess Tianna smiled as her prince rode up next to her. She thought he spent entire too much time speaking with Lady Adriana, Lady Olivia, and the pretty commoners that attended the great Ladies. She slanted him a wicked little smile.
Oh, is it my turn again?
she said.
He looked her over, looking like he liked what he saw. Tianna was dressed in her summer finery: riding dress of the purest white, with red decorations and piping. The bodice was snug, showing off her feminine charms nicely. Her waist-length blonde mane was swept back and allowed to hang in silken waves down her back. Her small white and red hat was tilted sassily.
Tianna accessorized with elaborate and terribly expensive jewelry, to let him know just how much wealth she'd bring to their union. Chandelier earrings sparkled with diamonds and rubies, only outshined by her necklace. She wore a matching ring and bracelet as well.
Your turn?
Prince Han said, looking a little bored with it all. He glanced back at the other ladies, and gave one of them a wink. What do you mean?
He was tall, blonde, and broad-shouldered, and much too handsome. He had to be the most vain man she ever met, but it was hard to fault him since he really was all he thought he was, and maybe more. All of the women loved him too much, hung on his every word. Of course, he was a prince and first in line to the throne of the mountain kingdom of Caraca. It was a wealthy kingdom, with the best two passes across the mountains. What woman could resist such a man?
Tianna certainly couldn't.
My turn to enjoy your company, my prince,
she said, and glanced back over her shoulder. The other women quickly averted the gazes. My ladies already look lonely.
I'm just being friendly, my princess,
Han said, flipping shoulder-length blonde hair back. She was afraid he might be prettier than her, but still a handsome husband was a bonus for a princess. Too often royalty wasn't all that pretty. You know I only have eyes for you.
Not what the palace rumors said. He was a randy boy, and liked to dip into any pretty young thing that gave him a second look. Tianna wasn't used to being ignored by men, and not just because she was a princess. The young princess was widely heralded as the great beauty of the Northern Kingdoms. Han was not her only suitor, but he was the only one first in line to his kingdom's throne. With Han she would be Queen of Caraca.
What does a girl have to do to hold your attention, my prince?
she said, and wagged her brows. He did a double-take on her, and then his eyes raked her white clad body several times. Oh, are my clothes the problem?
She caught his eyes, holding them a long second. If they are, I will gladly remove them.
That was the boldest thing she'd ever said to him. Tianna watched his face, his eyes intently. His reaction was all she wanted and more. Lust spread across his handsome face, and he eyes grew so hungry it kind of scared her. Her heart raced and it got very difficult to breathe.
I would like that,
Han said, voice low and husky. Is there a place where…?
Something about his hungry voice sent a thrill up her spine. Tianna's mind went to some really naughty places. She was a virgin, and eager to be rid of that burden, but it wasn't a requirement to marry. The people of the Southern Kingdoms put much more importance on virginity. The northern people were more practical, and understood young men and women were…curious. And Tianna was more than a little curious, and the roving-eyed prince made her crazy. She was determined to do whatever it took to keep his eyes and heart firmly on her.
Captain!
Tianna called.
Yes, your highness?
Captain Lowe said. He was a middle-aged nobleman and army officer, and the head of her company of guardsmen. He wore the same helmet and chain armor as the regular guards, but his was silver-cased.
I think the horses are past due for a rest,
she said. Let's stop for a bite to eat up ahead, under the shade of Locan's Lookout.
As you wish, you highness,
he said.
Locan's Lockout?
Prince Han said.
It’s a regular spot to rest the horses,
she said. It's halfway up the side of a tall hill, with a flat, shaded area big enough for everyone.
Then she gave him a wicked little smile. And it has a special place, that I'll show you and only you.
He looked at her lips, and then at her breasts. Her riding outfit exposed more than a little cleavage. When he swallowed Tianna knew she had him.
Tianna and Han flirted and teased each other for the next half hour, before they arrived at Locan's Lookout. The site was built up for royal and noble comfort. There was a wooden pavilion, a corral, and even a shed with feed for the horses. Some of the soldiers guarding them took their mounts to the corral to tend them properly, while others started cooking.
Once the nobles were settled in, Tianna rose and
