The ancient city of Osmorth sits in the forested outlands of the kingdom. It was once prosperous but had fallen into hard times. Nolan opens the loft door and looks down at the mounted troops passing below on the cobblestone street. The men look dusty and tired, and as he looks up the street, his eyes widen. The ornate carriage of the Prince is entering the gates.

“Shit!” he says as he stands and bends out the door to see if any other carriages are following. Seeing none, he turns and strides to a stack of hay bales which he pushed over to reveal a small door. Stepping out through the door, he stepped across a flat roof, then he stopped to pick up a brick. He looked up and considered the partially collapsed tower rising above him, then taking his arm back, he threw the brick up and into a window on the tower. Immediately there was a responding curse from the window.

A swarthy, long-haired head peered out the window, “I will kill whoever threw that ... oh, it’s you, Nolan. That brick nearly hit my head.”

“If I had wanted to hit that thick head, Bargar, I would have. You know I never miss,” Nolan replied. “You and your slut better get up, the Prince’s carriage just rolled into town,” he said.

Immediately, a mass of blonde hair emerged from the window. Angelica shook her hair back and looked down at him, “Is that bitch with him?”

Nolan shrugged and then said, “Don’t know. Either way, you two had better get about court business!”

Their heads disappeared and Nolan heard curses. “Where are my undergarments!” Then there was more cursing, and he saw Bargar, hurtling down the tower steps, as he pulled on his clothes. He stopped at the window across the roof from Nolan, “When did you get back?” he asked from across the alley.

“Late,” Nolan answered.

“How did you know we were up there?” he shook his head as he realized who he was asking. “I need to talk to you later!” and then he ran down the steps to the street and hurried on.

Then Angelina appeared at the window, “Nolan, help me. I can’t go on the street like this. Isn’t there a plank under the straw for crossing?”

Nolan pulled the plank up and started to slide it across the gap, then he stopped, “Wait! The last time I saw you, you said hated me and never wanted to see me again.”

“Well, I was upset and didn’t mean it. Besides, you’re the one who threw a brick through the window, and you know I hate that tower, because it’s always cold and draughty.”

Nolan looked at the beautiful girl perched on the bricks of the window, seeing her large breasts as they rose and fell in her lose bodice. “You tried to stab me with a blade, Angelica!”

“It was just a small one!” she said with a pout, and a playful glint in her eye. “And it was for your own good!”

“Will you come to me tonight?” he asked.

She bit her lip, eyeing him coyly, “Maybe,” she replied, her voice was a soft purr that sent a shiver down his spine. Then she added, “but you’ll have to promise me something first.”

With his curiosity piqued, Nolan leaned against the wooden railing, with one eyebrow raised, “And what would that be, my dear?”

“Remember, I don’t belong to you. I don’t care what that document you have says, I’m not your slave anymore. No more collars, chains, or shackles. I hate being restrained like that!”

Nolan’s jaw tightened at the mention of the collar, his eyes darkened as he recalled the night he found her in that tavern, bruised and beaten. He runs a hand through his hair, his muscles are tensing beneath the worn, leather jerkin. “I never meant for you to feel like that, Angelica. The collar was for your protection,” he said gruffly. “But I understand, that if coming to me tonight means leaving it behind, so be it.” Then he secured the plank in place, and offered her a hand to cross. “What is it you want from me?” he asks, his voice is gruff, with a hint of vulnerability.

Angelica came into his arms and looked up at him, “I just want you to accept me as I am, Nolan. No more games, no more control. Just ... us. Together, freely.”

Nolan looked questionly at her as he said, “And any other man, or woman, who wants you!”

“Nolan,” she whispers, her voice a warm caress, “I’ve had enough of the games and enough of others claiming to own me. I want to choose who I’m with.”

Nolan led her down the ladder into the stables below, “Girl, you smell like sex and a bitch in heat!”

“ZORAN!” she exclaimed as she ran over to a stabled stallion. She hugged his massive head over the railing, as he neighed and rubbed his snout against her. “Has that cruel man kept you always tethered? He hates to see anything run free. He never whipped you, did he?” she asked as Zoran snorted.

“He was running free when he got into the Prince’s corral. Now, all four of those fancy fillies that pull his carriage are pregnant. We are staying out of Royal sight for the moment.”

Her eyes light up at the sight of the stallion, as her love for animals is genuine and unbridled. She stroked Zoran’s mane tenderly, whispering sweet nothings to him, that only he seems to understand. Her smile falters briefly as Nolan speaks, reminding her of the precarious situation she’s in. “I see,” she says with a sigh, stepping away from the horse. “Well, I suppose we mustn’t cause any more trouble than necessary.” She glanced around the stables, with her gaze lingering on the shadows, as a hint of mischief is playing in her eyes.

“But I can’t help but feel a bit trapped myself,” she says, more to the stallion than to Nolan, with her hand absent-mindedly tracing the scar on her neck where the iron collar once was. “I’ve missed you,” she says, turning to face him fully, “but I don’t miss being owned,” and then she turned back to Zoran and scratched him between his eyes. “He thinks he is the only one with a big cock allowed to have fun, Zoran. I heard you had bedded down with that witch, Cuscilla. I thought you were immune to magic spells and charms. Maybe it was her big tits and tight pussy that bewitched you?”

A smirk tugs at the corner of Nolan’s mouth, as he watches Angelica with Zoran, her words about freedom echoed in his ears. He knew she was special, that’s why he had bought her from the ‘Slaver Pirates’ years ago. But she had changed him more than he could ever admit. “You’re right,” he said, his voice low and earnest, “you shouldn’t have to be owned by anyone.” Then he took a step closer, as his hand reached out to cup her cheek gently, “But I care for you, Angelica. More than I should.” And then, he leaned in and kissed her, a soft, lingering kiss, that speaks of unspoken promises. “I just want to keep you safe,” he whispers against her lips, “Plus, it excites you when I collar you, we both know that.”

She melted into the kiss, her eyes closed briefly, as she savored the warmth of his touch. When they parted, she looked up at him, as her eyes filled with a mix of affection and defiance. “I don’t need a collar to know you care,” she said softly. “But I need your trust,” she added as she stroked his hand with hers, her thumb brushing over his calloused palm. “Let’s leave the past where it belongs, Nolan. We can make our own future. You freed me and said you loved me, remember?” “I was drunk on ale and pussy that night,” he said as he walked over and lifted a hidden hatch. Come on, this leads to the tavern under the street.” Nolan’s eyes searched hers, the depths of his own filled with a complex web of emotions - love, anger, regret, and a fierce protectiveness. He nodded, understanding her need for freedom but also knowing the dangers of this city. He bent down, his hand brushing hers as he opened the hatch, revealing a hidden staircase leading into darkness. He lit a torch and led her through the clammy, cob-webbed passage.

Following Nolan, Angelica’s heart raced at the thought of the impending rendezvous with the Prince. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement at the prospect of seeing the opulence of the Royal Court again, despite the danger it presented. She took a deep breath, letting the scent of the stables cling to her, a reminder of the brief moments of happiness she had found in her less-than-respectable life.

Nolan opened a door into a cellar full of casks and hanging sausages and cheeses. He then closed the concealed door behind her, “You need to stay out of the castle. The Prince has enough to think about with marauding pirates and giants coming down from the mountains, the he doesn’t need distractions like your big tits bouncing around.”

“Giants?” she asked as she looked up at him with big eyes. Her eyes widen with a mix of excitement and fear as she looked up at Nolan, and asked again, “Giants? I’ve read about them in books, but I didn’t think they were real!” She ran her hand over a dusty cask, as her mind was racing. “What does that mean for the city? For us?” She glanced around the cellar, causing her thoughts of freedom to be momentarily forgotten in the face of danger. Despite her apprehension, there was a spark in her eyes, a hint of the adventure she’s always craved. “Do you think the Prince will be looking for someone to entertain him tonight?” she asks, her voice dropping to a seductive purr. “I could find out what he knows, maybe even get us an audience.”

“You need to stay out of the castle. The Princess is not far behind, and you know she will never leave him alone with you in this city. She knows her husband to well. Go to the academy and get those ladies in waiting prepared, because that’s your job.”

Angelica pouted, her eyes drifting over the dusty casks and forgotten treasures of the tavern’s cellar. “But Nolan,” she whined, her voice dripping with sweetness, “surely one little visit won’t hurt. Besides, think of what I could learn, what I could do for us.” She stepped closer to him, her breasts brushing against his chest, her fingers tracing the contours of his muscular arms, “I could charm him, and get him to see things our way.” She leaned in, her warm breath caressing his ear, “Please,” she whispered, her voice a siren’s call, “let me help.” Her eyes searched his, a mix of hope and challenge.

Nolan then said, “You belong to me tonight, and I will have a room upstairs in the inn. I want you bathed also, because you smell like cum and it is matted in your hair. You must have shown Bargar a good time last night.”

Angelica rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the blush that crept up her neck. She knew Nolan was right, and that the scent of sex clung to her like a second skin. She stepped away from his embrace, with a glint of determination in her eyes, “I’ll clean up,” she said, her voice was a mix of resentment and resignation, “but I’m going to the academy first. I need to make sure the girls are ready for the royal visit, and I can keep an ear out for any gossip about these giants and pirates.” She turned to leave, and he watched as her hips were swaying as she ascended the stairs. Then she looked over her shoulder and said, “You need a bath too. You smell like horse and sweat.”

“I’ll take care of it,” he grunted, continuing to watch her ascend. He knew she was right about the information she could gather, but he had been away too long and had missed much. “But be careful, Angelica,” he called after her. “The city is not as safe as it once was.” Nolan looked around the cellar, then he spotted a cast of Turan dark ale, and smiled.

He cut a wedge of sausage and cheese, as the burly tavern owner descended the steps and peered around the dark cellar. “Nolan! I figured you were down here when I saw that saucy wench of yours. Welcome home! You see I have some of that ale you like.”

“Thanks, I will have some tonight, he said as he tossed the owner a thick gold coin. “That is for this sausage and a good room, and if you can get a hot bath for me, I will give you another one.”

The owner eyed the coin, “This is a Eargan coin. Haven’t seen one in years. You been fighting pirates?” Nolan caught the coin with a snatch of his hand and held it up, watching the tavern owner’s eyes widen at the sight of its gleaming gold. “You might say that,” he replied with a wry smile, “But that’s a story for another night. For now, I need to get clean and get some rest.” He tucked the coin into his leather pouch with a jingle, the sound echoing in the damp cellar. “And make sure that room is clean, I don’t want any surprises.” He winked at the man before heading up the stairs, his thoughts were lingering on Angelica’s proposal. He knew she was more than just a pretty face, she had a sharp mind, and an even sharper tongue. Her ability to charm and manipulate was something he had seen firsthand, and if anyone could get close to the Prince and glean useful information, it would be her. But the risks were too great, so he had to find a way to keep her safe, even if it meant keeping her at bay.

Nolan soaked in a large metal tub in his room. As he leaned backwards, he let his massive muscles relax, when suddenly the door opened and two young girls entered carrying steamy buckets. The girls, no more than sixteen, giggled and whispered to each other as they filled the tub with hot water from the nearby kettle. Nolan didn’t pay them much mind, because his thoughts were elsewhere. The gold coin he had given the tavern owner was indeed from Eargan lands. It was payment for a job he’d taken before the war, before the giants had started their descent, and the pirates had become so bold. The memory of the battle against the Eargan pirates was etched into his very soul, a testament to the bloody path he had walked to protect his homeland. As the water warmed his weary body, he couldn’t help but wonder how Angelica would fare in the political minefield of the Royal Court. Her fiery spirit and sharp wit had always been her greatest weapons, but in the world of courtly intrigue, even the most skilled could stumble.

“I can scrub your back, Master,” one of the girls shyly said. Nolan’s thoughts were interrupted by this tentative offer from one of the young tavern girls. He glanced over his shoulder, noticing the way her eyes lingered on his broad shoulders and the scars that crisscrossed his back. Despite his exhaustion, he couldn’t help but feel a stirring of lust at the sight of her innocent curiosity.

He nodded, his voice gruff, “Go on,” he said, leaning back and allowing her to approach. She blushed furiously but did as she was told, as her small, trembling hands tentatively touched his skin. As she worked the soap into a lather, he closed his eyes and let the warm water, and her gentle touch, soothe away the day’s tension. The other girl hovered nearby, her eyes were wide with a mix of envy and fascination. She used a stiff brush to gently scrub his shoulders and back as the other girl poured steamy water to rinse him. A young pair of loose, pert breasts rubbed against his arm as she worked on him. Nolan asked her, “How old are you, Girl?”

The girl looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mix of innocence and curiosity, “I’m seventeen, Sir,” she replied, her voice was quivering slightly. Nolan’s gaze lingered on her, noticing the way her eyes darted to his bare chest and the water droplets that clung to his skin. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt, because he knew all too well what could happen to a girl in this city, especially, one so young and unguarded. Despite his own desires, he pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. “Just the back,” he said firmly, his voice a gentle rumble. He didn’t want to take advantage of her, not like that. She nodded and continued her ministrations, her touch growing a bit bolder as she worked the knots from his muscles. He could feel the tension in the room thicken, a silent dance of temptation and restraint.

“Father said we are to serve you in any way you need, Master,” she said to him. Nolan’s eyes snapped open at the mention of the tavern owner’s claim. He sat up in the tub, water sloshing over the sides, as he turned to face the girl. His expression was a mix of surprise and concern, “Your father should know better than to offer you up to me like that,” he said, his voice a low rumble, as he continued, “You’re too young to deal with the likes of me.” He then took the brush from her hand and set it aside, gently pushing her back, “Just the bath, that’s all I need,” he insisted, his eyes met hers with a firmness that brooked no argument. Despite the hunger in his gaze, he knew the line between a weary traveler and a predator was a thin one. He had crossed it before, but not with innocents like her. “Thank you for your service,” he added, his voice was softer now. “Now, go. Tell your father I expect the room to be ready soon.”

He slept most of the day. It had been weeks since he had slept in a bed. He got up to find his underclothes, tunic, and breeches had been cleaned and folded, as well as his boots had been polished and oiled. He dressed, strapped on his broadsword, and went downstairs, which caused the raucous of the inn to die down, as all the men turned to observe the legendary warrior and Ranger.

He walked through the tavern, his eyes scanning the room for familiar faces, when he saw a couple grizzled old comrades at the bar and joined them. He set another gold Eargan coin on the bar, “No one pays for drink tonight,” he told the tavern owner.

The room erupted into cheers and the clinking of mugs, as the men raised their drinks in salute to the returning hero. Nolan took a seat between his friends, accepting a mug of ale with a nod of thanks, and then he leaned back, and watched the crowd with a wary eye, but his mind was still on Angelica, and the danger she could face at court. The warmth of the fire, and the camaraderie of his comrades, helped ease the tension in his shoulders, but the thought of her in the lion’s den was a constant thorn in his side.

“I heard the Prince routed that filthy scoundrel, Zorba, at the bay of Tubis, Nolan. That strategy he used sounded like your way of attacking, am I wrong?” an older, scar faced man asked.

“I might have had a hand in that,” Nolan said modestly, taking a sip of his ale. The warmth spread through his chest, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit of pride at the mention of the victory. “But it was the men’s valor that won the day. I might have advised the Prince to show a weak initial front to draw the pirates ships into bow range.”

The scar-faced man nodded in admiration, his one good eye shining with the light of the hearth, “Aye, you always had a knack for that, Nolan. A sharp mind for strategy and a swift blade. It’s a good thing you’re on our side.” The men at the bar chuckled and clinked their mugs together. Nolan couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging among these rough, honest men. They had seen the horrors of war and had survived, each with their own stories to tell, yet, even as he basked in their respect, his mind was on Angelica. He knew that the Royal Court was a different kind of battlefield, one where the swords were made of words, and the armor was made of lies.

“That wench of yours keeps out of the taverns, but I would have a word with that sly fox, Bargar, Nolan. He is always sneaking around at the academy,” the scar faced man told him in a low voice. “I would never have taken that iron collar off that pretty neck if I had owned such a treasure.”

Nolan rose, “I need to check on my horse. Perhaps later you men would be up for some card playing.” Leaving the tavern, Nolan made his way to the stables. The cool evening air washed over him, carrying the distant sounds of the city coming to life. His thoughts swirled like a tempest, torn between the comfort of his comrades and the need to protect Angelica. He knew that her curiosity and desire for adventure could lead her into trouble, and he had to find a way to keep her safe without stifling her spirit. As he approached the stables, he spotted her, her blonde hair, a beacon in the flickering torchlight, and he saw that she was whispering to Zoran, her hand was on his muzzle. The sight of her brought a smile to his face despite his worries.

“Can I ride him again in a couple days Nolan?” she asked when she saw him standing there.

Nolan nodded and said, “If he hasn’t been claimed by the Royal stables, yes. Now come, I need to get you back to the academy before the sun sets.”

Angelica looked at Nolan, her eyes sparkling with excitement, “But what about the giants and the pirates? Surely, they’re more interesting than teaching those stuffy old hens at the academy!” She playfully pouted, hoping to persuade him to let her join in on the adventure. However, she knew the importance of her role and the risks involved. With a sigh, she turned away from Zoran, her hand lingering on his velvety nose, “Alright, I’ll go back. But promise me you’ll tell me everything you learn,” she said over her shoulder as she walked towards him.

She was cleaned up, her blonde hair cascaded over her bare shoulders, her loose blouse hung open and low over her large breasts. “Nolan, wait,” she called out as he turned to leave, her voice was filled with a new urgency. She stepped closer, her breasts brushing against his chest, as she looked up into his eyes, “Let me come with you. I can be useful, I promise.” Her hand slid down to his waist, her fingers tracing the outline of the dagger he kept there. “I know how to handle myself,” she said, as her voice dropped to a seductive murmur.

Nolan looked at her and said, “I’m not going into the Court. I am just going to find the captain and check on the troops. I saw messenger pigeons flying in and out of the Castle, and I want to know if there’s news from the company we left in the field.”

Angelica’s eyes searched Nolan’s, her expression a blend of disappointment and understanding. She knew he was right, the Royal Court was a minefield of deceit and danger, especially, for someone with her history, “Very well,” she said with a sigh, as her hand dropped away from the dagger at his waist. “But promise me you’ll be careful. I’ll keep my ears open at the academy and see what the whispers say about these giants and pirates. Maybe I’ll find something useful for you.” Then she stepped back, her hand lingering on his forearm, before she turned and began to walk away, her hips again swaying in a way that was both mesmerizing and maddening.

“I would like you in my room tonight when the last bells ring, Angelica,” he said to her.

Angelica’s gaze lingered on Nolan’s broad back as he walked away. She knew the tone of his voice wasn’t one to be denied, but she also knew the risks of their relationship. She couldn’t help the thrill that coursed through her at the thought of the night ahead. A part of her longed for the comfort of his strong arms, the heat of his body against hers, and the way he made her feel so alive. With a deep breath, she turned away from the stables, her thoughts were racing, and as she approached the academy, the grandeur of the castle loomed in the distance. The whispers of giants and pirates had set her imagination alight, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy at Nolan’s adventures. She pushed open the heavy doors to the academy, where the scent of parchment and candle wax greeted her. The chatter of young voices grew quieter as the stern Lady Catherine looked up from her desk, “Welcome back, Miss Angelica,” she said with a tight smile. “The girls are eager to learn of the latest courtly manners.”

Angelica forced a smile, her mind already racing with plans for the night, “Yes, Lady Catherine,” she said, her voice a silken purr. “I have much to teach them, before the Princess arrives tomorrow.” She couldn’t resist the urge to flounce her hips a little more than necessary as she walked away, the fabric of her skirt was whispering against her legs. She had a feeling Nolan’s visit to the captain would yield interesting results, and she was determined to be a part of whatever unfolded.

Nolan mused on the news he had heard from the captain. Giants had been observed in the deep forest, so the company had retreated. He took the hand, to the groans of the other card players, and raked in the pile of coins. He took a handful and pulled a buxom, tavern wench close. He poured the coins between her corseted breasts, as he said, “Share those with the other girls.” The tavern girl giggled and scurried away, as the coins jingled between her breasts. Nolan’s eyes followed her retreating figure before turning back to the game. His mind was racing with the implications of the captain’s report, ‘Giants in the forest, pirates on the prowl ... the city of Osmorth was in for troubled times.’ He couldn’t help but worry about Angelica, alone in the academy, surrounded by potential enemies and temptations. He knew her strength and cunning, but the Royal Court was a place where even the strongest could fall.

He heard the final bells of the night ringing over the city and rose, “Deal me out. I need to rest early today.” The tavern’s patrons looked at him with a mix of disappointment and respect. They knew Nolan wasn’t one to turn down a good hand unless something important was afoot. He downed the last of his ale and stood, his muscles were flexing beneath his tunic as he stretched, and mounted the stairs to his room, where a naked Angelica waited for him on his bed.

“My lord and Master, I await your needs of me,” she says to him as he enters the room.

Nolan saw that she had a silk ribbon around her throat, so he approached the bed and ran his finger under the ribbon. “Does this signify submission, little one?” he asked her.

Angelica watched Nolan with a smoldering gaze as he approached the bed, as her heart raced at his touch on the silk ribbon. She knew the games of power and submission well, having played them many times in the shadows of the Royal Court. “Only to you, my lord,” she murmured, her voice a seductive whisper. She leaned back against the pillows, her large breasts rising and falling with each breath she took, “Tonight, I am yours to command.” The ribbon was a symbol of her willingness to submit, to give herself over to his desires. Yet, deep down, she knew that the true power lay in her ability to manipulate and seduce. As his finger trailed along the delicate fabric, she couldn’t help but wonder if he knew just how much control she had over him, too.

Her body ached in a delicious way, as she slid her bruised breasts across his chest, and she gently stroked his massively thick cock with her small hand. She had forgotten over the months how it was with him. How he could use her so powerfully, but then be gentle. She had also lost count of her orgasms. Then she thought to herself, ‘That witch, Cuscilla didn’t steal any of your prowess my love.’ Nolan groaned in pleasure as Angelica’s hand slid down to grip his hard shaft. Her eyes searched his, looking for the connection that had been missing for so long. She felt a strange mix of emotions - love, lust, and a hint of fear for what the future held in this dangerous world. “We’ve missed this,” she murmured, her voice thick with desire, “But we’ve also missed each other.”

Nolan then said to her, “Cuscilla isn’t all bad. She knows where my heart lies, so she sent you this,” then he reached into his bag and pulled out a dark stone mounted on a pendant. He looped the long chain around her waist, as he told her, “The pendent is to lie just above your sex. She said it will always remind you who that pussy belongs too.”

Angelica’s eyes widened at the sight of the stone, and the heat in her cheeks was not entirely from passion. She took the stone in her hand, feeling its cold weight and the warmth of Nolan’s touch, as he placed it around her waist. “A ... a gift from Cuscilla?” she stammered, trying to reconcile the witch’s usual coldness with this unexpected gesture. She looked up at him, her expression a mix of confusion and arousal, “What does it mean?”

Nolan shrugged, “That the magic will keep your pussy always ready for me I suppose. But I have found you always ready for fucking, so, I don’t know. Do you feel differently?”

Angelica felt a shiver of excitement run down her spine as she looked at the stone resting against her skin, so close to the throbbing heat between her legs. She was torn between anger at Cuscilla’s audacity and the undeniable thrill of being marked so intimately by Nolan. “I ... I’m not sure,” she admitted, her voice a breathless whisper. Her hand trailed down to the stone, tracing the intricate patterns etched into its surface, as the warmth of Nolan’s touch lingered on her waist, and she felt a sudden, intense need to feel him inside her again. “But it does feel ... different,” she murmured, her eyes never leaving his. “Perhaps it’s the anticipation of what the future holds.”

Nolan rubbed the smooth stone across her lower belly, “Maybe it will make Bargar’s cock shrivel up next time he tries to stick it in.”

“You know I don’t want him, Nolan. Only you.”

“Can you show you truly missed me like I just showed you?”

Her eyes flashed with a mix of desire and defiance. She knew Nolan was teasing, but she couldn’t resist the challenge. She straddled him, her legs wrapping around his waist, as she leaned down to whisper in his ear, “I’ve missed you in every way imaginable,” she breathed, her breath hot against his neck. She took his face in her hands, pulling his mouth to hers in a deep, hungry kiss. Her tongue danced with his, a silent declaration of her longing.