Amazonia: An Impossible Choice Read online

  Shale crossed to the bed and sat down on it, unwrapping the outer cloth to reveal a bejeweled dagger. The craftsmanship was exceptional, and as Shale lifted it, it caught the light, highlighting both the intricate engraving and the glorious colors of the inlaid stones.

  Shale was somewhat overwhelmed by the exquisite gift. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Kale sat next to her. “If you don’t like it, I’ll have it,” she joked.

  “I love it.” Shale laid the dagger on the bed and embraced Kale. “Probably more than I love you.”

  Kale barked a laugh. “As if that’s possible.” She gave Shale a tight squeeze before she withdrew.

  Shale eagerly showed the dagger to Blake and Zayla, then she enfolded Amber in a hug. “The dagger’s perfect, Amber. Thank you so much.”

  Amber patted her on the back. “You’re welcome, Shale.” Blake’s gift came next. It was a matching brush and comb set that had finely sculpted bone handles. She thanked Amber and Kale as Shale had, with genuine appreciation and hugs for both.

  Zayla’s gift was last, and she gestured them to the table, where the item was concealed underneath a draped cloth.

  Blake carefully removed the cloth, revealing a magnificent statue beneath. The figure was of the goddess Artemis. Blake sucked in a sharp breath. “Mother, did you carve this?”

  “I did, Blakaea.”

  It was clear from the level of detail that a lot of time had been spent making the statue, and Shale was impressed by Zayla’s obvious skill. “Zayla, it’s beautiful. I now see where Blake gets her artistic talents.”

  Zayla’s smile was humble. “It is for you both, for your home together.” She reached out and touched Artemis’s carved head. “May she watch over you always, my two precious daughters.”

  Shale swallowed hard, touched by Zayla’s kind welcome into her family. Not only had she gained a wife on this day, but a mother as well—she was truly blessed.

  THE CELEBRATIONS HAD finally died down, allowing Blake and Shale to return to their cabin. It was the first time all day they’d been alone together, and as Shale closed the door, shutting out the rest of the world, they took a moment to just look at one another.

  “This is the happiest day of my life.”

  Smiling, Blake wrapped her arms around Shale’s waist. “Mine, too.”

  Shale lightly brushed her lips against Blake’s. She moved down Blake’s neck, laying kisses as she went. The material of Blake’s top soon got in the way, so Blake helpfully raised her arms for Shale to remove it.

  Shale cupped one of Blake’s breasts in her hand, and took the other in her mouth. Blake ran her fingers through Shale’s hair, and drew her closer still, letting out a moan as Shale fondled and sucked.

  Blake groaned in disappointment, however, when Shale suddenly withdrew, and started to remove her own clothes.

  Blake quickly took hold of her hands, stopping her. “What are you doing?”

  Shale chuckled, her desire-filled eyes locking onto Blake. “If I have to explain it, I’m clearly not doing it very well.”

  Blake laughed, and gently caressed Shale’s face. “I’m not sure I want to let you take off your clothes, you look so beautiful in them.” Blake ran a finger across the material. “I think you should wear this every day.”

  “What about when they need washing?”

  Blake didn’t hesitate. “You can just walk around naked.”

  “Hmm. I see you’ve got it all figured out.”

  “I certainly do. Now hold still while I look at you.” Blake’s gaze raked across Shale’s perfectly shaped figure, savoring the sight before her. Desire flooded Blake’s senses, and it was she who couldn’t hold still. She quickly pushed down her skirt, leaving herself completely nude, and then started to strip Shale of her clothes.

  “I thought you wanted me to keep these on?” Shale teased.

  Blake playfully narrowed her eyes at Shale. “I’ve changed my mind.”

  “Well, all right, whatever you wish.” Shale kicked off her skirt as Blake pulled off her top, both items discarded on the floor.

  Blake pressed her body against Shale’s, bare flesh meeting bare flesh. Their mouths met hungrily, tongues darting out to caress, lick, and tease. Shale inserted her hard, muscled thigh between Blake’s legs, and grabbing her rump, she moved Blake against it, swallowing Blake’s moan of delight.

  A slick wetness soon coated Shale’s thigh, and Blake had to break off the kiss as she gasped for air, not wanting her release to be so soon, but unable to stop herself from rocking onto Shale’s thigh. As the wave of euphoria washed over her, Blake shuddered in Shale’s hold, her moan long and unrestrained.

  As Blake fought to regain her senses, Shale tenderly carried her to the bed and set her down on it. Shale then stretched out beside her and began to kiss Blake’s face, so attentive in her ministrations that she didn’t seem to notice Blake’s wandering hand.

  Shale gasped in surprise when Blake slipped two fingers inside her, and she released a startled cry.

  Blake felt the tight, almost painful grip on her shoulder and stilled herself. “Shale? Sweetheart, did I hurt you?”

  “No.” Shale’s breathing was uneven, and Blake detected the heady scent of their arousal in the air. “You just overwhelm me.”

  Blake chuckled, immensely pleased by that. Her eyes latched onto Shale’s and they stayed that way as Blake began to move in her, sliding in and out with long, slow strokes.

  “Oh, Blake,” Shale whispered. “Don’t stop.”

  Blake had no intention of stopping. As she watched Shale’s expression, the passion rising ever higher, Blake felt her own wetness building again, and she whimpered when Shale kissed her, fervently locking their mouths together so their tongues could duel.

  As if hearing Blake’s need, Shale’s hand snaked down her stomach. Blake opened her legs, eager to accept her. Shale’s fingers delved up into Blake, the velvety folds slick with arousal.

  “Shale!” Blake gasped and began to gyrate against her hand.

  They stroked one another in sync, both panting heavily as their thrusts grew deeper, faster as their need increased.

  Shale moaned. “Blake, I’m so close...”

  Blake was barely managing to hold back her own climax. “I’m right with you, Shale.”

  They kissed again, and that pushed them both over the edge. They collapsed in one another‘s arms, completely spent.

  Shale pulled a blanket over them, inadvertently showering them with flower petals. She smiled as she lifted a pale pink petal from Blake’s cheek. “My wife.”

  Shale spoke the words with so much devotion, Blake felt herself tear up. She lovingly cupped Shale’s face. “All yours. Now and forever.”

  Chapter Four

  THREE DAYS LATER, the weather had again taken a turn for the worse. The wind whipped up such a frenzy that many Amazons feared for their cabins—worried that their roofs wouldn’t hold—that they would simply be blown off by the strong, vicious gusts.

  Early that morning, a deluge of rain had descended from the heavens, the outpouring so relentless that the ground was already slick with mud.

  Many Amazons stayed huddled in their homes, and even the warriors’ daily training session had been called off. But Blake had insisted on carrying out a few errands, her role as queen didn’t stop for the weather. She was now rethinking her choice, cursing herself as she hurried across the village. She slipped, and barely managed to keep her footing. She consciously slowed her pace. Getting soaked was better than ending up face down in the mud.

  She finally reached her destination and knocked on Appollonia’s door. Blake’s own cabin was actually straight across from the healer’s lodge, but the usually short trip seemed a lot farther in the heavy rain.

  Appollonia, an extremely skinny woman, opened the door and gestured for Blake to enter. It was quite spacious inside the lodge, being bigger in size than a cabin. The beds for the patients were all lined up against the same wall,
all three of which were currently empty. A chair sat alongside each bed, for use by the patients or a visiting family member.

  Two shelves stretched right across the back wall, each holding an assortment of medicinal supplies, from rags and bandages, through to bottles of herbs and remedies.

  A table sat in front of the shelves, and was stacked high with scrolls and parchment.

  “Is something wrong, Blake?”

  Seeing Appollonia’s concern, Blake shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”

  “I thought you must be ill to venture out in this weather.”

  Blake laughed. “You’re the second person today to tell me I’m mad for doing it.” Shale had been the first, not wanting Blake to catch a cold.

  Appollonia smiled as she tucked her pale blonde hair behind an ear. “I think I put it a bit nicer than that.”

  “You did.” Blake declined Appollonia’s offer of a seat. “No, thanks. I won’t stay long, and I don’t want to get everything wet.” She’d only crossed the village, and despite the cloak she was wearing, she was soaked through. “I just wanted to ask about the potential healers. Any headway?”

  “Yes. I spoke to four women who were interested. I talked them through the sorts of things they’d need to learn, which I, of course, would teach, and what, as a healer, they’d be expected to do. I didn’t mollycoddle them. Being a healer is rewarding, but it’s not for the fainthearted. Some of the sights I’ve seen would turn a warlord’s stomach.”

  Blake nodded as she could imagine. She also agreed with Appollonia’s direct approach. It was a waste of everyone’s time to train someone who wasn’t cut out for the role. “Did you scare them all off?”

  Appollonia laughed, her voice high and musical. “Just one. The other three, Elpis, Hypatia, and Rhea are all still interested.”

  Blake lifted a pleased eyebrow. “That’s better than I hoped.”

  “Elpis in particular stands out, if you want my preference. I have high hopes for her.”

  “That’s good to hear. I know we discussed a single healer, but how would you feel about teaching all three? Would it be too much work at once?”

  Appollonia fell silent, clearly thinking it through. “It would be difficult, Blake, I won’t lie. That said, I can see the advantages—when their skills grow, the assistance will be of great help.”

  “Take some time to think about it. You’re wiser than I on the subject, so I leave the decision to you. I’ll stand by it, whatever your choice.”

  “I appreciate that, Blake. I’ll let you know the outcome.”

  Blake acknowledged her words with a nod, then a smile appeared. “Speaking of appreciation, thank you so much for adorning the cabin, it was a lovely surprise to return to.”

  “I’m glad you liked it. Aris and I had great fun getting it ready.” Appollonia’s unusual gray eyes twinkled at the memory, and Blake could tell that the relatively recent romance between Appollonia and the chief warrior was still going well. Blake considered both women to be friends, and was glad they’d found happiness with one another. She’d often heard the saying ‘opposites attract’, and it was certainly fitting in this case. A healer and a warrior couldn’t be more contrasted.

  Though Appollonia’s statement gave Blake an opening to ask about their relationship, she didn’t take it. Blake wasn’t one to pry. She merely smiled at Appollonia.

  Her task now finished, Blake turned to leave. As she opened the door, the cold wind whistled in, nearly yanking the door from her grasp. Blake decided there and then to return straight to her cabin. None of her other errands were vital, and could wait until tomorrow.

  BLAKE THREW BACK the cloak’s hood, her hair beneath so sodden it appeared as if it was plastered to her head. She was dripping so much a pool formed around her mud-caked boots. “Gods, it’s awful out there.”

  Shale immediately came close and removed Blake’s saturated cloak, surprised when she found the clothes beneath to be in a similar state. “Doesn’t look like the cloak did you much good. You’re drenched, sweetheart.”

  “The wind kept blowing it open. My hood wouldn’t stay up either.” Blake hugged herself as she shivered. “You were right, I should’ve stayed inside.” A small, sheepish smile appeared.

  Shale rubbed Blake’s shoulders in an effort to warm her. “Take your clothes off.”

  She left Blake to undress as she fetched a blanket from the bed. She also retrieved a large off-cut of cloth from the shelves, which she used to dry her hair after bathing.

  When Shale returned, Blake was already naked, obviously keen to get out of her wet clothes. They were in a pile on the floor, next to her muddied boots. Shale drew Blake farther into the cabin then began to dry her with the cloth. She worked quickly, but was thorough, drying both Blake’s body and her hair. Once dry, Shale draped a blanket over Blake’s shoulders and led her to the bed.

  Blake sat down on the bed’s edge, but Shale shook her head. “Not there. Sit with your back to the wall. Stretch your legs out in front of you.”

  Blake didn’t question and instantly did as Shale requested.

  Shale covered Blake’s outstretched legs with another blanket, so Blake was encased from neck to foot. She then reached beneath the blanket and lifted Blake’s foot onto her lap. Her warm hands began to massage the cold skin.

  Blake sighed in contentment. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”

  Shale chuckled. When Blake’s foot warmed, she switched to the other, eliciting an adorable moan from Blake. “I’m getting the impression you’re enjoying this.”

  Blake gave a keen nod. “I may just go back outside and come back in again.”

  Shale laughed, though she shook her head. “Don’t you dare.”

  She raised Blake’s leg, kissed her ankle, then tucked it under the blanket. Leaving Blake in bed, Shale moved about the cabin, gathering up Blake’s wet clothes and spreading them out on the dining table to dry. She then went through Blake’s chest of clothes and selected a dry outfit for her to wear.

  With Blake’s new comb in hand, Shale returned to the bed. Blake scooted forward so Shale could fit behind her. Shale gently untangled Blake’s hair, taking her time, as she knew Blake found it relaxing.

  After a while, Shale set the comb aside and wrapped her arms around Blake, drawing her close so she could feel her body heat. Blake leaned back into her hold, turning her head to give Shale a grateful kiss.

  Shale slipped a hand inside the blanket, smiling impishly as she cupped Blake’s breast. “I’m just checking that you’re warming up.”

  “Mm-hmm.” Blake didn’t sound convinced. “I am.” Shale batted her eyelashes in pure innocence. She grew serious. “Are you still cold, love?”

  “I’m a lot warmer since you put your hand on me.”

  The corner of Shale’s mouth curled up, but the concern was still present in her voice. “Perhaps you should get under the bed covers? I don’t want you to get sick.”

  Blake twisted in Shale’s arms and placed a reassuring hand on Shale’s cheek. “Sweetheart, I’m fine. Don’t worry yourself.”

  Shale nodded, her mind put at ease. Moments later her mind was set on edge again, when thunder rumbled through the sky. The weather was already bad enough, and it seemed it was only going to get worse.

  BLAKE SET DOWN the quill she’d been writing with. After waiting for the ink to dry, she rolled up the scroll. She looked at the two piles of parchment on her desk, one large and one small. Fortunately, the bigger pile was work she’d already done, and the other was work left to do. Pleased with her progress, Blake rubbed her neck, which was somewhat stiff from being in the same position.

  The ring of steel against stone sank into her consciousness anew, the sound so repetitive that Blake easily tuned it out when she had to concentrate on her work. She followed the sound, and found Shale sat by the door, busy using a sharpening stone on her sword.

  Shale paused in her task when a particularly loud clap of thunder erupted directly overhead. The s
torm had been raging all afternoon, the wind howling wildly outside their door. The rain was a constant addition, now torrential in its relentless descent.

  “I spoke to mother.” Blake stepped out from behind her desk. “She’s willing to watch over the tribe for a while.”

  Shale’s gaze darted to Blake in surprise. “Are we going somewhere?”

  “I know you wanted to show me your old home. The scenery around there.”

  Leaving her sword and the stone behind, Shale excitedly got to her feet. “Really? Zayla doesn’t mind?”

  “I want to be alone with my new wife, mother understands that. She thinks the time away will be good for us.”

  Shale happily embraced her. “Kale will be so jealous.”

  “Why? She’s coming too. Her and Amber.”

  “Really?” Shale asked again, sounding hopeful. She shook her head. “You don’t have to do that, Blake. I know we need time just for one another.”

  “Yes, but we’ll be gone for more than a few days, and I know you don’t like to be apart that long.”

  “True, but I don’t want you to think that our relationship comes second to mine and Kale’s, because it doesn’t.”

  “Shale.” Blake stretched up and kissed her. “I know that.”

  Shale smiled, her enthusiasm returning. “So when do we—”

  Thunder boomed deafeningly overhead, though this time was different than all those before. A sharp crack split the air, and moments later the ground beneath them shook.

  Blake clutched Shale’s arm in fright. “What in Hades name?”

  Shale didn’t get the chance to speculate. Outside, a woman screamed.

  They both bolted into motion. As Blake threw open the door, she was struck by how dark it was, the mass of angry storm clouds completely blocking out the light of the late afternoon sky. Fortunately, it wasn’t as dark as night, so Blake could see relatively well.

  The village was in pandemonium. Numerous Amazons were running frantically about, some shouting instructions, others yelling for help.