Page 86 of The Stolen Kingdom

Valda wasn’t paying attention. Maris could tell by how her eyes trailed over her entire form. Her burning gaze moved about Maris, first her face, then her neck, chest, and legs. Maris cleared her throat, and Valda’s eyes were back with her.

“Are you listening to what I am saying, or are you purposely ignoring me, Your Highness?”

Valda’s smirk sent a shiver down Maris’s spine, engulfing her in the excitement she feared had long forgotten.

“Forgive me, my Queen,” Valda said, a smirk stretching over her lips.

Maris took a deep breath at Valda’s playful tone. If they didn’t stop this soon, Maris would give in.

“Why should I?” Maris asked, her head tilting to the side.

“It was not my intention. I was just,” Valda’s attention dipped to Maris’s thighs, then back to her face. “Distracted.”

Maris narrowed her eyes, clicking her tongue scoldingly while shaking her head as she placed the scissors on her lap. “Such disrespect to the person who just gave you the perfect haircut. What should I do with you, Valda?”

Valda shrugged, smirking. “Whatever punishment you deem fit,Your Highness.”

Maris’s eyes lowered until they were hooded. Her gaze never left Valda’s as she slowly lifted her leg to rest it on top of the armchair, exposing herself. Maris could feel the other woman’s desire, thrashing about like a caged beast, ready to be freed with the sole purpose of devouring its prey.

Maris wanted nothing more than to be eaten.

“On your knees, darling.” Maris’s voice did not quiver even as fire coursed through her, settling low in her belly. Her excitement peeked as Valda’s body tensed at her command. Gods, Valda looked so delicious when she was confused.

Valda’s lips parted slightly, surprise flickering in her honeyed gaze before narrowing into a smoldering glare. Maris couldn’t help but relish the rebellious spark in her expression. She knew Valda was fighting with herself. Should she give in to Maris or play along? Maybe she needed a little more encouragement.

“Do not make me repeat myself, Valda.”

The rumble of a warning escaped Valda’s chest, but she obeyed. Slowly, her left knee lowered to the floor, followed by her right.

“Come closer.”

Valda didn’t speak. She moved forward on her knees, slowly, the wooden ground groaning, until her face was just inches from Maris’s.

“Such a good girl,” Maris whispered, leaning forward to brush an errant strand of hair away from Valda’s forehead.

Her fingertips traced the curve of Valda’s jaw, lingering just long enough to make the other woman shudder. Maris’s thumb brushed against Valda’s lips, then pressed gently against them, coaxing them open.

“Submission suits you, Valda.”

Valda exhaled, her entire body trembling. Her tongue darted out to brush against Maris’s thumb, sending an electric bolt through Maris, but she held on to firmly. She wanted, and needed, to have control now, and if Valda would give it up, she would take it.

“I am simply playing your game, Maris,” Valda whispered, her gaze never breaking with Maris’s.

Maris tilted her head, a wicked smile curling her lips. “I’d rather you call meYour Highness.”

Valda leaned even closer, forcing Maris to move back against the chair. Maris could see the desperation in her lover’s body and the tight grip of the chairs’ arms.

“Your Highness?” Valda muttered.

Maris tilted her chin upward, spreading her legs just enough to pull her tunic aside, revealing the glistening wetness of her arousal. Yet Valda’s gaze never wavered, locked fiercely on hers.

“What is it, Valda?” Maris asked, a hint of mockery in her voice. Yet, she was delighted at seeing Valda struggling to contain herself… She reveled in the way Valda’s muscles tightened as she grasped the armrests.

“If I don’t taste your cunt in the next minute, I will go absolutely insane.”

Maris’s lips parted in faux shock, her tongue clicking against her teeth. “Valda! Language!” she teased, running her fingers lazily through Valda’s hair. “Perhaps I should make you wait five more minutes. Let’s see if you reallydolose your mind.”

A guttural growl escaped Valda’s throat. The ticking of a nearby clock punctuated the silence, broken only by Maris’s steady breathing.

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