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Callum boots echoed loudly in the deserted hallway.
Running a country was a lot more work than Callum expected. Over two months had passed since the battle at the Storm Spire and the human kingdoms still couldn’t agree on a simple alliance against Viren and Claudia. Who cares if it’s with the elves and dragons! Why was it so hard to agree to fight a common enemy?
As if that wasn’t irritating enough, Callum was required to wear ‘proper’ clothing for a prince to these meetings, including a stiff, tailored suit and a cravat instead of his scarf. He couldn’t wait to get back to his room and change into something comfortable.
He felt sorry for Ez. So young, yet he still must endure these endless meetings that always ran late. Even the usually unflappable Opeli seemed near the end of her rope when a Neolandia ambassador asked for the umpteenth time why they should ally with elven monsters when there was no immediate threat.
He arrived at the door to his room and the two guards saluted. Callum was so preoccupied with human idiocy, he was a few beats late acknowledging them. Gods! He so wanted this day to be over.
He grabbed the door handle and brusquely threw open the door… and froze in his tracks.
An overwhelming paralysis gripped his body.
Time slowed to a crawl.
Rayla stood next to her bed facing him, arms above her head, hands clasped together, eyes closed, mouth with a hint of a smile.
Obviously enjoying a stretch after a long day in a uniform.
And the freedom of wearing absolutely nothing above her waist.
A voice in the back of his mind shouted at him – Close your eyes and turn around… NOW.
But he couldn’t move a muscle, couldn’t tear his eyes from her slender figure.
The outward curve of her hips.
The inward curve of her taut, toned waist.
The outward curve of her breasts… each topped with almost lavender nipples.
He stared, mesmerized by her beauty, ignoring his pounding pulse and the voice in his head, growing ever more insistent. He was pretty sure he’d forgotten to breathe.
In slow motion, Rayla opened her eyes.
The voice in the back of his mind, now a shriek, warned him to turn around or he’d be caught. Doing something he definitely shouldn’t be doing. Rayla was going to be pissed.
His rational mind knew this, but he was transfixed. He’d never seen anything as beautiful. Sure, there were lots of paintings and statues of topless women. They were pretty and shapely and everything. But Rayla was like a goddess compared to them. Seeing her slaked a thirst he never knew he had.
Time gradually sped up as recognition, then shock spread across her face. She jerked her arms down to her chest, covering her breasts with her hands.
Someone screamed.
It took a moment to realize it was him.
He spun around to face the doorway only to see one of the guards standing in the hall with her sword drawn, looking concerned. Of course, she was concerned. He’d screamed like he’d found a banther in his room. “Are you alright, your highness,” she asked.
Callum stepped into the doorway and closed the door behind him slightly to hide the view inside the room.
“I… I’m fine,” he stammered. “Everything’s good. Rayla just startled me.” He tried his best smile. “You know these ex-assassins. They love to sneak up on people. Practicing their skills. Moonshadow elves are such pranksters.”
She raised one eyebrow, not looking completely convinced. Granted, it wasn’t a great story but it was all he had at the moment.
“Thank you for your concern,” he continued. “I’ll just go… retire for the night.”
“As you wish, your highness.” The guard studied him for a moment, before she sheathed her sword and returned to her post.
Callum breathed a sigh of relief. He reentered the room and closed the door. Rayla still stood next to her bed with nothing covering her top but her arms.
“Callum!” She whisper-yelled, her eyebrows knitted.
She’d caught him staring at her boobs and now he was in deep doo-doo. He should have listened to that voice telling him to turn around.
“I’m sorry,” he whimpered, shuffling towards her, staring at her feet.
“What did you see,” she enquired, arms still tightly clasped around her, sounding like a stern Opeli.
“Nothing!” he blurted out, risking a glance at her face.
She gave him the tight lip, raised eyebrow look.
Might as well come clean. He had seen something. But only for a little bit. It wasn’t like he’d studied her for minutes or anything.
“Not much…” he corrected.
Rayla looked like he’d slapped her. Her face dropped. She no longer looked angry. She seemed shy and unsure… sad even.
“I’m sorry there’s not much for you to see,” she said quietly, concentrating on the floor.
His mouth hung open in shock. He was ready for her to be mad at him for invading her privacy. Instead, she was apologizing to him.
“Ummmm….” He muttered to fill the silence, while he racked his brain trying to understand what she was talking about. “What should I be seeing more of…”
“Boobs!” She spat out, fixing his gaze. She seemed exasperated at his confusion and very defensive. “Boys like big boobs, right? You liked Claudia and she’s much bigger than I am.”
“Rayla, it was just a stupid crush. I never thought much about her boobs.”
“But my boobs are tiny.” Her anger dissipated, sounding resigned to her perceived shortcoming. “I’m sorry to disappoint you,” she said, pulling her arms tighter, shrinking into herself.
Good thing she wasn’t looking at him because he felt like his jaw hit the floor. She seriously thought he was disappointed with her boobs! With some effort, he managed to close his mouth and form words.
“Rayla, believe me, I wasn’t disappointed.”
She raised doubting eyes to him. “You screamed when you saw them,” she accused, hurt and fear in her voice.
“I panicked!”
“You panicked when you saw my boobs?” she scoffed.
That did sound bad. “Yes! No… I mean, I wasn’t screaming at the sight of your boobs. I screamed because you caught me doing something I shouldn’t have been doing. I’m sorry.”
Rayla’s expression softened as she considered his explanation for what seemed like an eternity but was only a few moments. “Dummy,” she said finally, with a half-smile. “You really should have knocked first.”
“I know,” he admitted, glad she wasn’t as upset. “I was distracted by how stupid the Neolandian ambassador was being. And I really wanted to get out of these stiff clothes.”
“It’s okay,” she said, the anger and hurt gone from her voice. “I know you didn’t mean to look.”
“I didn’t. But I should have turned around when I first saw you.”
They stood a moment in awkward silence, Callum looking everywhere but at her crossed arms.
“I’m sorry I screamed,” he said. “I think I even scared the guards.”
“It was pretty loud,” she replied smiling.
“I was… very surprised. A few months ago, I was scared to even say ‘boobs’. Then suddenly, right there in front of me, staring me in the face, is a perfect pair.”
“Perfect, huh?” Was she smirking at him?
“The best I’ve ever seen.”
“So, you’ve seen lots of boobs then?” Definitely a smirk.
“If two is lots, then yeah.”
“Are you suuure they’re perfect,” she asked with a wry smile, her voice flirty.
“Yep. Pretty sure.” It was exhausting trying to keep his eyes focused on her face and not her alluring figure.
“Why is that?” She enjoyed watching him squirm. He deserved to squirm a bit.
“Rayla, you’re so beautiful in every way. When I see you, my brain stops working. I knew I shouldn’t stand there staring. That I should turn around. But I couldn’t look away. It was like you’d cast a spell on me.”
Rayla straightened up, her usual confidence in herself returning. “Elves are magical,” she said with a sly smile. She moved within arm’s reach of him and looked him in the eye. “I could put my arms down so you can be absolutely sure they’re perfect.”
She stood waiting for his reply.
He could see a blush forming on her cheeks and neck and down her chest… No! Don’t look there…
Apparently dreams do come true, he thought.
He desperately wanted to say yes. But she was obviously nervous about this. It would be better if they were nervous together.
“Wait!” he cried, backing away. “Not yet!”
Rayla’s face fell, obviously disappointed by his reaction. “I’m sorry,” she said, also stepping back. “I’m not trying to rush things. I just –”
“No!” Callum interrupted. “I’m dying to make sure they’re perfect. But I should be topless too. We should be topless together.”
Rayla’s expression immediately changed to a relieved smile. “I’d like that,” she replied.
Callum turned around and tore off his jacket, cravat and shirt, managing to only lose one shirt button in his haste.
He crossed his arms in front of his chest and turned back to face her.
“Okay. I’m ready,” he said locking his eyes on hers. “On the count of three.” They both took a deep breath.
“One,” he called.
“Two,” he continued. Rayla looked as nervous as he felt.
“Three,” he said sharply, dropping his arms to his sides.
Rayla dropped her arms too, although he didn’t move his eyes from hers. She continued to fix her eyes on his, turning it into a contest of who would look first.
Callum’s eyes quickly betrayed him and he glanced lower to her bosom.
Rayla noticed his glance and chuckled, not breaking her gaze from his eyes. “Still perfect?” she teased, but her tight lips belied an undertone of worry.
“Better than perfect,” he gushed. Now that he’d looked, he decided to let his eyes linger on her chest. “Much better than I ever imagined.”
“So, you’ve thought about ‘em a lot?” she asked, confident again. Instead of shrinking under his gaze, she turned slightly from side to side.
“Way more than I’d like to admit,” he replied, tearing his eyes away from her chest to glance at her face.
She relaxed enough to put her hands on her hips. “How long have you been imaginin’ ‘em?” she asked with a flirty grin.
“Ummm… ever since we kissed on top of the ambler and I realized I loved you…”
“Well, now you don’t have to imagine ‘em anymore.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m not going to dream about them.”
“I hope they give you sweet dreams,” she smirked. “Looks like your willie’s enjoyin’ ‘em too.”
There was no hiding that. “Yep. It also thinks they’re perfect.”
Rayla smiled as his response and glanced away briefly. “Is it…” she started. “Is it alright if we hug like this? You know… with me like this and you like that.”
Callum answered her with outstretched arms.
She leapt forward, grinning from ear to ear, and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her bare skin against his.
He slipped his arms under hers and around her, cradling her, feeling the warmth of her bare back. He pulled her gently against him, the slight swell of her breasts more pronounced against his chest without intervening layers of cloth. As was the gentle firmness of her nipples.
He brushed one hand delicately up her back to her neck, running his fingers through her hair that flowed softly down her back and across her shoulders, unobstructed by a shirt or collar.
They rested their heads against each other’s neck and shoulders drinking in the new sensations. He could stay like this forever, their warmth closer than ever.
“This is nice,” Rayla finally whispered.
“Very nice,” Callum agreed.
Rayla was quiet for a moment. “You’re sure they’re big enough,” she asked.
He pulled away to rest his forehead on hers. He understood why she was worried, given how so may guys seemed obsessed with big boobs. But he’d never really thought much about girls’ figures. Not even Rayla’s until he realized he loved her. He wanted her to know he loved her, and everything about her.
“I’m positive,” he said. “You don’t need to worry about that. Ever! I love you no matter what size your boobs are.”
She sighed and held him tighter, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you,” she said, almost a whisper. She sounded relieved but there was still an edge to her voice, as if she wasn’t fully convinced.
“Umm… can I ask why you’re worried about this?” he ventured.
“It’s stupid.”
“Rayla, if it’s bothering you, it’s not stupid. I love you and want to help.”
She sighed, then took a deep breath before continuing. “There was a boy a few years older than me that I briefly had a crush on. I finally worked up the courage to tell him I liked him. He laughed and said come back in a few years. Maybe then I wouldn’t have itty bitty titties. That was the end of my crush. And the end of my self-confidence.”
Apparently, elves could be assholes just as much as humans. “What a fucking jerk!" burst from his mouth. Too late, he remembered he shouldn’t swear. “Sorry for the language. It’s just… he was so mean!”
“That’s okay,” she said grinning. “I’ve thought much worse about him.” Her smile moved against his neck.
“Well, it’s his loss,” Callum declared. “He’ll never know the perfection he’s missing.”
He pressed his lips to hers to prove his point.
“Your size,” he whispered when the separated, “whatever it is, will always be the perfect size for me,”
“I’m glad you’re happy,” she replied.
Callum chuckled. “I’m way beyond happy. And boob size is a silly basis for a relationship anyway. What if you didn’t like me because my willie was small.”
“Is it small?” She asked grinning, obviously feeling good enough to tease him again.
“I have no idea,” he answered. “I haven’t gone around comparing willies.”
“Well,” she said, pressing her lower body against him, “that lump down there doesn’t seem too small… I think I’ll keep you.”
“That’s good,” he replied, pulling her top close to him again. “Because these two lumps against my chest don’t seem too small either.” He pulled back to smile at her. “Guess we’re stuck with each other.”
“Guess so,” she smirked.
He leaned his forehead against hers. “I’m sorry this evening started out so weird, but I like the ending.”
“Me too.”
“I feel somehow closer to you,” Callum said.
Rayla snorted. “Maybe it’s the lack of clothes.”
“You know what I mean,” he chided and she laughed.
“It’s a wee bit chilly without a top on, though,” she said. “Can we finish getting ready for bed and snuggle a while?”
Callum wasn’t quite ready to give up feeling her against him, but they did need to sleep and he didn’t want her to be cold. “Sure,” he replied, reluctantly releasing her.
Rayla went back to her bed, removed her trousers and left her underwear bottoms on. However, she didn’t bother to cover her top as she went to wash up.
Callum set about hanging up the clothes he’d so roughly removed. He’d have to ask the tailor to fix that one button he’d pulled off in his haste.
Callum was starting to remove his trousers when Rayla exited the washroom. She was wearing her pyjama bottom but not the top, which was still lying on her bed.
He stopped in mid belt unbuckle. Gawking at how her breasts jiggled enticingly as she walked towards her bed, he felt an aching need growing inside him. He was unsure exactly what the need was, but most likely it involved something he and Rayla weren’t ready for yet.
Rayla returned his gaze with a curious smile. “What?” she asked. “You just saw ‘em a few minutes ago. They haven’t changed.”
“I know. But when you walk, they…” He felt himself reddening furiously.
“They what?” she asked innocently, as she exaggerated the up and down movements in her step, enhancing the jiggle. The need grew more intense as he watched, unable to turn away. Like a starving man gazing from afar at a feast he can’t attend.
“Gods,” he cried. “Yes! They jiggle so perfectly I have to look. It’s torture to watch. Delicious torture, but still torture.”
Rayla stopped bouncing and covered her chest with her arms. “I’m sorry Callum,” she said frowning. “I shouldn’t make you suffer. It’s just that I never thought anyone would ever find me attractive in that way. I got a bit carried away.”
“It’s okay,” he said, hurrying over to wrap his arms around her. “You don’t need to wear your top. I do appreciate the view. But please… don’t flaunt ‘em, at least for a little while. I need time to get used to this. Otherwise, my teenaged boy head might explode.”
She looked up at him and smiled. “Can’t have that happenin’. I’m supposed to be protectin’ you.”
He kissed her forehead. “Thank you. Being a guy is sometimes hard.”
Rayla leaned back and looked down between their bodies. “I can see that,” she said smirking.
Callum rolled his eyes. “Now I’m going to take off these very tight trousers and get ready for bed so we can have our snuggle.”
“And I’ll put on a top to prevent your head explodin’,” she replied with a smile.
“Awww…” he said in mock annoyance as he headed for the washroom.
A few minutes later he to crawled into her bed and snuggled against her back as the big spoon, draping one arm over her waist and nuzzling into her neck.
Now that he’d felt her skin against his, the collar and the shirt material felt like a thick barrier to their closeness. He hoped he could feel their bare tops against each other again soon. He’d never felt that close to someone before and he longed to feel it again.
“Thinkin’ about my boobs?” she asked, with a chuckle.
“How can I not,” he whispered into her neck. “I meant it when I said you’re beautiful.”
“You’re not too bad topless either,” she teased.
“Very funny.”
“It’s true,” she protested. “My training has worked wonders on your mashed potatoes.” She sounded very pleased with herself.
“Thanks. But I’m not just thinking about your boobs. I’m also thinking about how I love being with you. And how much I love you. You’re so kind and funny and brave and amazing.”
“I’m not that amazin’,” she protested.
“I disagree. Look how quickly you became a Crownguard leader. Not just the fighting, but strategy and tactics too.”
“You’ve been talkin’ to your aunt again haven’t you.”
“Maybe,” Callum admitted. “She is impressed by you. And if Aunt Amaya likes you, you’re definitely amazing.”
“Well, I think she’s amazin’.”
“Sounds like the two of you are going to get along.”
“We’ve come a long way since our first introduction,” Rayla quipped.
They lay there enjoying each other’s warmth for a while. Callum was reviewing what a crazy, wonderful day it had been when a question popped into his head.
“So,” he asked, “why were you topless when I came in? You usually don’t take off your underclothes until you’re washing up.”
“Yep, still thinkin’ about my boobs,” she teased.
“You’re not answering the question,” he teased back.
“I don’t know,” she sighed. “I was tired of wearing the bindings all day. You weren’t here, and I wanted to free the girls.”
“The ‘girls’, huh?”
“Yeah. You think that’s funny.”
“No. Not at all. I understand how you feel.”
“Really? You don’t have boobs.”
“No, I don’t,” he replied feigning indignance. “But sometimes ‘the boys’ are tired of being scrunched up in tight pants all day and just want to hang free.”
He felt Rayla snicker. “Do you really call your balls, the boys?”
“I do now. Seems only fair.”
Rayla giggled. “Now I’m going to chuckle to myself whenever someone says ‘the boys’. Like if someone’s looking for you and Ezran and asks me ‘Have you seen the boys?’”
Callum giggled too. “Or if someone asks me if I like ‘girls’.”
“Then someone’s goin’ to ask us why we’re laughing.”
Callum suddenly stopped giggling. “I just hope it’s not Opeli.”
Rayla rolled over to face Callum, still giggling. “We’ll worry about that later. Right now, we should put the boys and girls to bed.”
“You’re right,” he whispered as they pulled each other close for a sweet, lingering kiss.
After they parted, Callum got up and stood next to her bed. “Good night,” he said, running his fingers through her hair.
“Enjoy your sweet dreams,” Rayla said with a smirk.
“You are so bad,” he replied with a grin.
“I have no idea what you’re talkin’ about,” she protested with an innocent smile.
Callum chuckled as he crossed to his own bed and crawled under the covers, immediately missing Rayla’s warmth.
However, once he closed his eyes, his sweet dreams of her warmed him right up.
The next morning Rayla accompanied Callum to the diplomatic session. Ez liked to visit with them before the day became too busy so she and Callum made sure to get their early.
Rayla let out a snort when they rounded the last corner and saw that Opeli was with Ezran.
“What’s so funny,” Callum whispered.
“Hope Opeli doesn’t ask about the boys,” she whispered back.
“Shhhh, she might hear you!” Callum warned.
“Rayla!” Ez cried when he saw them, running to envelop her in a hug.
“It’s good to see you, Ez… I mean… King Ezran,” she corrected as Opeli nodded her approval.
“What about me?” Callum protested. “I’m your brother.”
“You get a hug too,” Ez said, turning to embrace Callum. “I hear Rayla still has her assassin skills.”
“Soren’s still impressed, huh,” Callum said. Everyone knew Rayla was one of the best fighters in the Crownguard.
“Well… yes,” Ez answered. “But that’s not what I mean. I heard she made you scream last night.”
Callum’s eyes went wide and he felt color rising in his cheeks. He glanced at Rayla and she had the same reaction. Opeli calmly studied them both.
“Oh that,” Callum said. Luckily, he already had an excuse. “Yeah. She sometimes sneaks up on me and surprises me. Helps keep her sharp.”
“And it’s part of Callum’s trainin’ to make sure he’s ready for anythin’.” Rayla hastily added.
“Exactly!” Callum continued. “I should remain calm and not freeze up or scream, no matter what.”
Rayla glanced at Callum with a slight smirk. “We’re still workin’ on that part.”
“How did you know about that?” Callum asked Ez.
“I overheard some of the Crownguard talking about it.” Ez replied.
“Prince Callum,” Opeli interjected with a disapproving look. “You’re still young. About a year younger than Rayla, I believe. You may not be ready for everything she can offer.” Opeli glanced knowingly at Rayla before returning to Callum. “I hope Rayla isn’t pushing you faster than you can handle in your training.”
The hallway suddenly felt much warmer. “No,” Callum replied, trying to sound calm. “The pace of the training is good. We both like taking it slow.”
“Yep. We don’t want to rush your trainin’,” Rayla agreed.
Opeli glared at each of them in turn. She seemed mollified for the moment, but Callum didn’t want to wait around for more grilling. “Hey Ez,” he said, “did you want to grab some breakfast with us?”
“Sorry,” Ez replied. “But Opeli and I have a few more things to go over before the meeting starts. I’ll join you for lunch.”
“Okay! See you then,” Callum said a bit hurriedly as he grabbed Rayla’s hand and hustled towards the mess hall.
“Callum, it’s not a big deal,” Rayla said, their boots clicking on the hallway floor.
“But all the guards know you made me scream,” Callum replied as they headed to the mess hall.
“Yes, but they think it’s because I’m trainin’ you.”
She did have a point. “As long as no one knows the real reason.”
“They won’t,” she reassured him as they strode into the mess hall. “And besides, in a few days it’ll be old news. No one will care and it’ll be forgotten.”
But as Callum looked around the room, he couldn’t shake the feeling that some people’s eyes lingered on them a bit longer than usual. Or turned away to hide a smile.
He hoped she was right.