Scenes cut from To Catch A Merchant Princess Ch. 03

I decided to go a different direction to speed up the advance of the story, which wasn't moving nearly as quickly as the first two chapers. Too much "day in the life" and not enough action to mesh up with the beginning of the story. Going this route would have stretched out the story another chapter or so beyond what I had in my head when I started.

This series of scenes would have immediately followed Alicia stepping back from the balcony after seeing the couple getting frisky in the garden.

Alicia hung up her woolen dressing gown, and sat down on her bed, the heat within her still surging. The kiss of the night air as she shifted her legs up onto the bed made her aware of the wet spot on her panties. Alicia’s shame faded, replaced by burning need. With an almost relieved sigh, she surrendered.

She pulled off her chemise, even the light silk feeling suffocating to her. Her panties soon followed, and she caressed her nude body, beyond caring that she lay within the full light of the moon beaming through the windows on the balcony doors.

In her mind’s eye, it was Thakkor’s hands that explored her body, touching her tummy, hips, and legs. Her back arched as she cupped her breasts, the wonder in Thakkor’s eyes plain to her in her fantasy as he did the same.

He whispered to her how beautiful she was as he touched her so tenderly, but she knew that he restrained a passionate need just as great as her own. Her fingers reached the short curls on her mound, sending a chill up her spine. She let her thighs slip apart, just wide enough to admit her hand – his hand. A warbling sigh accompanied the first touch of her fingertip to her wet heat.

Alicia’s fingers glided over her slippery folds, her feather-light touch a mere tickle – and yet something far more. Her body responded without conscious direction, her legs parting farther and her other hand moving to the firm globes of her breasts. The pressure of her fingers increased in minuscule amounts, growing in time with her arousal and the image of Thakkor in her mind’s eye.

Small sounds of pleasure emerged unbidden from between her parted lips, the vocalizations forgotten as quickly as Alicia heard them. Too deep in the fantasy to worry about anyone hearing, sounds of aroused bliss passed her lips for the first time in her young life.

With three fingers pressed hard against her folds and moving in a slow circle, Alicia’s pleasure mounted. She held her thumb over the stiff vein of her bud, the gyrations of her hand giving her the perfect amount of stimulation to the center of her pleasure.

The muscles in Alicia’s legs tightened, slowly raising her bottom up off the bed. She breathed in rapid pants, her open mouth quivering from the intensity of the orgasm coiled for release in her loins. For a pair of heartbeats, her fingers flashed over her sex as quickly as she could move her hand – and then she came.

A sharp Ah accompanied the initial shock of her climax, followed by a long, high-pitched moan that warbled from the trembling of her body. Her quivering hand still pressed tight against her folds kept her coming until she thought her muscles would never relax again.

Her climax released her in a sudden rush, and Alicia collapsed limp to the bed, sucking in a great gasp of air. She only realized that she’d held her breath since her moan trailed away when she had to continue to pant in order to chase away the spots swimming before her eyes.

Once the aftershocks of her orgasm calmed and she could breathe properly again, Alicia rubbed her fingers together, fascinated by the amount of wetness coating them. Touching her thighs and her outer lips with her other hand revealed much the same. She could feel a cooling spot against her bottom, and knew her sheets were likewise damp with her juices.

She could still feel Thakkor lying next to her, his hands caressing her. In those moments of languid bliss, Alicia realized that she could never again return to the life she knew, or the one her father had planned for her. She had changed, and she smiled as she realized that she was not unpleased with what she’d become.

As she struggled in a half-doze to find her panties and chemise, she wondered what she was going to do about her self-realization. That thought remained with her – with no apparent solution – as she drifted off to sleep.

****

Alicia stood in the sheltered spot of the garden near the bench where she’d observed the couple the night before. She’d chosen the spot for its secluded nature, but doubted that anyone would disturb her anyway. Her mother couldn’t even find words to express her displeasure when Alicia descended the stairs wearing a blouse and skirt. Alicia had refused to let anyone dispose of the simple garments she’d worn on her trek home, but she hadn’t dared to wear them until this day. She’d passed her sputtering mother with a little curtsy, announced that she was going out to the garden, and proceeded directly to this spot.

Comfortable in her plain outfit, Alicia set her feet and stretched into the first movement of what Trell called the sword dance. The series of exercises simulated the parries and strikes of combat in slow motion, helping to tone and strengthen the necessary muscles. Though she knew it well, she rarely found the opportunity to practice it. The movements couldn’t be mistaken for the more common exercises she did, which she passed off as directed toward toning her figure. Every strong, flowing motion bespoke the martial arts.

Alicia finished the dance with only a slight burn in her muscles, though sweat dripped from her every pore and soaked her clothing. Fortunately, the damp linen didn’t cling to her as her more expensive clothing would have. She walked to one of the small decorative pools down a side path, startling the golden carp there when she splashed water on her face, and then cupped her hands to drink from the stone-lined stream that fed the pool.

Feeling alive, such a rarity since her return home, Alicia reached beneath her skirt and unsheathed her dagger. Once again setting her feet, she performed the portion of the sword dance that correlated with her weapon, increasing the speed and strength of the moves. An innocent bush lost a few leaves, but Alicia vented much of her remaining frustration in the process.

She cleaned the dagger on her skirt, and then replaced the blade in its clandestine sheathe on her thigh. A walk down the garden paths brought her near the wall surrounding the estate, giving her a view of the city.

Alicia could count the number of times she’d ventured into the city without stepping directly from a carriage into someone’s home on the fingers of one hand. She’d always thought of visiting alone, without her mother, father, or some other chaperone. Thinking that she couldn’t possibly create any more trouble for herself at this point, Alicia turned on her heel and walked at a brisk pace toward the path that emerged nearest the front door – the city calling to her.

A servant nearly tripped from changing course when Alicia stepped from the garden to proceed toward the door. When he recognized that Alicia planned to pay him no mind, he called out, “Milady, your mother wishes to speak with you immediately.”

Alicia kept walking, but winced a little because she knew that sending the servants to fetch her didn’t bode well. Though she knew there was little hope now, she was determined to keep to her plan. The servant called once more, but then ceased when Alicia was close enough that he must have understood she was going inside.

As soon as she crossed the threshold, Alicia sighed. Her mother descended the stairs at a quicker pace than Alicia had ever seen her walk, wearing a passive expression that Alicia knew was completely false. Alicia slowed, knowing there was no escaping this confrontation without pointedly ignoring her mother – something she was not yet brave enough to do.

“Kylie awaits in your chambers. You will bathe, don appropriate clothing, and make yourself presentable.”

“Mother, I...”

“You will do as I say, without hesitation. You must be ready by highsun.”

Taken aback by the steel in her mother’s voice, Alicia responded, “Y-yes, Mother.”

“Now go.”

Alicia could feel her mother’s eyes boring into her back as she ascended the stairs. She had little doubt that if she deviated from her directed course in any way that her mother would be upon her within a few heartbeats. Though she wanted to run to escape the uncomfortable sensation of her mother’s stare, Alicia maintained a stately pace, knowing nothing less was expected of her.

Alicia pulled open her door to find Kylie hurrying from the closet with a pair of torturous-looking heels. “Your bath is drawn.”

“What is it?” Alicia asked as she closed the door and moved toward the tub, the young woman’s anxiety plain in both her expression and her manner.

“I cannot say for certain, save to guess that someone of noble blood will call at highsun today. It will take some time to dry and fix your hair after your bath.”

Alicia understood the need for haste, and knew that Kylie’s mention of it meant that the young woman was very nervous. Alicia worked on the first button of her blouse and assured Kylie, “I will hurry.”

“Thank you,” Kylie responded, and then returned to gathering up clothing.

Alicia did as she promised, hastening through the bath and washing her hair first to give it additional time to dry. Kylie’s anxiety steadily transferred to Alicia until she had butterflies in her stomach by the time Kylie finished her makeup.

Dressed in her finest with a few minutes to spare, Alicia stood in her room, wondering what to do now. Sensing Alicia’s confusion, Kylie shrugged her shoulders and said, “I was given no other instructions. I will seek out your mother, if you wish?”

Alicia sighed and nodded, but before the brunette could even take a step toward the door, a knock sounded on it. Kylie opened the door to reveal the butler. “I am charged to convey you to the foyer, Milady,” he explained.

“Thank you, Marcan,” Alicia said, and then approached him.

He stepped forward to allow her to exit her room, and then led her down the stairs to the foyer. Upon reaching the center of the polished stone floor, Marcan nodded and walked away. Alicia stood alone in her finery, her darting eyes showing no signs of anyone except the retreating butler.

Just as Alicia considered taking a seat on one of the servant’s benches, her mother appeared in the archway leading to the sitting room. She offered an icy stare as she joined Alicia in the center of the room. Marcan appeared once more, somehow reaching the door before Alicia realized he’d entered the foyer.

The double doors opened, the bright sunlight making it impossible for Alicia to distinguish who stood on the other side as her eyes adjusted.. She could see several figures, but little more.

“Welcome, My Lady,” Alicia’s mother said with a formal curtsy.

Already moving into her own curtsy almost simultaneously with her mother, Alicia repeated the greeting as her eyes adjusted to reveal Gwen.

The Baroness sighed, her face a carefully controlled mask of indignity. “It appears I have misjudged your progress in our lessons, if the reports of your recent behavior are to be believed. Prepare a bag. I will send for the rest of your things. From this moment forth, you will be tried and tested, day and night, until such time as I am convinced you can conduct yourself properly in polite company.”

“You are too kind to take our unruly daughter into your good graces, My Lady,” Alicia’s mother said.

“I consider this a matter of personal pride. I have undertaken this endeavor, and I will see it to a satisfactory conclusion.”

Far from remiss in her lessons, Alicia knew the proper response. “I am ashamed of my behavior, My Lady.” She cast her eyes downward, just enough to indicate shame without losing the poise of her stance. “I am certainly undeserving of this chance to correct my mistakes.”

“It is good that you know this,” Gwen responded. “Go prepare your bag, and tarry not.”

“Yes, My Lady. Thank you, My Lady.” Alicia turned toward the stairs and proceeded at a stately, if hastened pace to her room. Someone had apparently informed Kylie, because the young woman had already prepared Alicia’s day bag.

Alicia knew she couldn’t possibly secret her practice uniform in the bag without Kylie noticing, so she settled for placing the tools of her magic and her dagger in the bag. The hard edge in Gwen’s manner and voice made Alicia wonder if she’d wasted her time. Her friend appeared genuinely disappointed, and Alicia’s words of apology were quite true in light of that possibility.

Only one of Gwen’s servants remained in the foyer when Alicia returned to the stairs. He made a sharp gesture for her to follow when she reached him, and she fell into step behind him.

The footman helped Alicia into the Baroness’ carriage, revealing Gwen seated on the cushioned bench, wearing the same hard expression Alicia remembered from the foyer. Alicia curtsied as appropriate, and awaited permission to be seated. When Gwen gestured, Alicia sat down on the opposite bench. A few snorts from the horses accompanied the carriage lurching into motion, as though the driver had clairvoyant abilities that allowed him to know the moment Alicia sat down.

Gwen pulled the curtains closed, and then her stony expression faded as quickly as the light from outside. “Oh, do relax,” the Baroness whispered with a wink.

Alicia let out a great sigh, slumping from her stiff posture in relief. Her friend’s smile and amused tone chased away all fears that Gwen was genuinely displeased.

“Surely you were not fooled?” Gwen asked incredulously. “I have missed my calling in life, it seems.” She flipped her hair before continuing, “Surely I was destined for the theater.”

Alicia stifled a laugh behind her hand, and then let out a gasp, snapping her hand to the rail along the wall of the carriage when one of the wheels dipped into a rut.

Gwen likewise grabbed the rail and turned toward the front of the carriage with a look of irritation. Without prompting, the driver called out “Sorry, My Lady. A deer spooked the horses.”

“Apology accepted, Herot,” Gwen called, and then turned back to Alicia. “Now, as repayment for my timely rescue, you simply must give me every tiny detail of how you snubbed that lecherous ass, Stephan.”

Invisible shackles fell from Alicia’s wrists as the carriage rolled on, and Alicia smiled as she repaid her friend, as requested.

****

The man in the shadowed fork of a maple tree overlooking the Nash estate put away his spyglass with a worried expression. From what he’d observed by reading the lips of the servants before the carriage rolled out the gate, he knew things had just become much more complicated.

Stealthily dropping from the tree, he proceeded toward the city, knowing that his master would not be pleased with this news.

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