T. A. Chase

The Vanguard

The Vanguard copyright (c) 2007 TA Chase

Part Thirty-Four-

Rathian wasn’t sure what he should do except walk to his suite. None of his men reacted to the fact that both he and Stakel were naked. He held his head high. There was no reason he should be embarrassed. As the Supreme Commander, he had every right to walk around the Manor sans clothing if he wanted.

Rathian never thought he’d been uncomfortable in his skin, but knowing all eyes were on him was unnerving. The footsteps following him kept him moving along at a steady pace instead of hurrying. He stopped, allowing one of his men to open the Manor door for him.

“Sir, I need to speak to you.”

He turned and saw Excelsie standing in the hallway to his left. “Now isn’t a good time, General.”

Stakel remained close, but didn’t say anything. Rathian moved and his lover’s hand came to rest at the small of his back. Rough fingers caressed the soft skin there. Shivers chased down his spine, but his focus stayed on Excelsie.

“I’m afraid it is important.” Excelsie’s gaze shot over Rathian’s shoulder to land on Stakel.
“We have some new information about Villious and how the battle goes.” The general’s eyes were cold and ugly.

Duty warred with desire. He longed to go with Stakel to his rooms. Stakel seemed to enjoy their love making. He wanted to experience it as well, even though he’d been taught that the Supreme Commander never makes himself submissive to anyone. Yet he didn’t think Stakel would take advantage of that.

“Darius, bring the Supreme Commander a set of clothes and food to the war room.” Stakel’s orders shocked all of them.

“Who are you to give the prince’s page orders?” Excelsie’s body tensed.

Stakel stalked forward, pushing into the general’s face. Rathian saw the scowl marring his lover’s face. Stakel’s brown eyes glowed with a golden light. He started to reach out and stop the Villious from confronting Excelsie.

If he means something to you, you must let him fight his own battles. Do you want him to stay with you?

Who the hell was this voice talking to him? He’d never had it happen before Stakel arrived. Yes. It was a simple answer, but it was spoken from the heart. Rathian didn’t want to lose Stakel.

Then you must allow him to fight his own battles and establish his place in the Vanguard. He’ll not be a subservient lover. As a Consort, he fought against the chains and whips of the priests. They couldn’t break his pride. He won’t allow you to put him in that same position.

Rathian bit his lip and let Stakel deal with Excelsie. Glancing around, he saw Darius standing on the bottom stair. The page gave him an askance shrug. The prince nodded. Stakel had decided that the war was more important at the moment than their pleasure. In a way, it made Rathian happy to know his lover understood the demands placed on Rathian as the Supreme Commander.

“I don’t have to explain anything to you, General. You aren’t my commander, so your authority doesn’t extend to me.” Stakel pointed at Rathian. “The only one I’ll ever take orders from is Prince Rathian. My loyalty is his and no one else’s.”

Excelsie snarled, but something in the set of Stakel’s shoulders or the fact that the Villious’ hand gripped the curved blade convinced the general not to lose control. Rathian joined them.

“One of these days, the prince won’t be there to protect you and your evil plot will be revealed.” Excelsie spun around and marched off to the war room.

Rathian started to chase after him. Anger boiled in him at the threat Excelsie leveled towards Stakel. His lover’s hand stayed his movement. He looked at Stakel who shook his head.

“Don’t. This is between him and me. When the time comes, he’ll make his move and discover that I don’t need anyone’s protection.” A bruising kiss landed on his lips. “Go. Talk about the war. I can wait.”

A rough hand stroked his naked cock and he groaned. Stakel might be able to wait, but he wasn’t sure if he could.

“I’ll try to return as soon as possible,” he promised.

“You know where to find me.”

Stakel pumped his cock again, and then headed up the stairs. Rathian watched his lover’s tight ass flex with each step. For the first time, he cursed the responsibilities of being the Supreme Commander.

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