Carrowyn

Three weeks had passed since Liandrin's victory in battle. The newly purchased slaves were slowly getting used to life in her household, but Kaelen remained the most special among them. He slept in Liandrin's chambers at night, licked her boots every morning, and each day surrendered a little more than the day before.

But today was different.

Liandrin stood in the courtyard sharpening her sword when the sound of hooves echoed from the distance. The gate swung open and a rider with fiery red hair entered the courtyard. She was tall, around 180 centimeters, with green eyes like the forests of the North and a smile that could steal anyone's heart.

Carrowyn.

Liandrin dropped her sword and ran toward her, eyes gleaming. "Carrowyn! I thought you wouldn't be back until next month!"

Carrowyn dismounted and fell into Liandrin's arms. Their lips locked together—a deep, lingering kiss that silenced the entire courtyard. The slaves bowed their heads, but Kaelen sneaked a glance upward.

Liandrin pulled back and stroked Carrowyn's fiery hair with her fingers. "I missed you. How were the Northern battles?"

Carrowyn laughed. "A bunch of worthless rebels. I burned them all." Her gaze fell on the line of slaves. "And you? Where did you get these?"

Liandrin wrapped her arm around Carrowyn's waist and guided her toward the veranda. "Spoils of war. Some are more trainable than others."

Carrowyn stopped and stared at Kaelen. "What about this one?"

"Kaelen. The most special of them all." Liandrin smiled. "But today, that doesn't matter. Today, only you matter."

Carrowyn studied Kaelen with her gaze, then turned and pulled Liandrin toward the house. "Come inside. I have a lot to tell you."

Liandrin's private chamber was large and luxurious. Red curtains hung from the ceiling and candlelight flickered across the walls. The grand bed in the center was covered with soft furs.

Carrowyn pushed Liandrin toward the bed and she sat down on the edge. Carrowyn stood over her, placed one knee on the mattress, and cupped Liandrin's face in her hands.

"I missed you so much, Liandrin," she whispered. "In the cold tents of the North, I only thought of your eyes."

Liandrin placed her hands on Carrowyn's waist and pulled her closer. "Then come here. Let me feel you."

Carrowyn sat on Liandrin's lap—lapsitting—pressing her face against Liandrin's neck, trailing her lips across her soft skin. Liandrin took a deep breath and buried her fingers in Carrowyn's hair.

"I thought of you too," Liandrin whispered. "Every night when I kissed Kaelen, you were in my mind."

Carrowyn lifted her head and frowned. "You kiss Kaelen?"

Liandrin laughed. "For training purposes. You know slaves are just tools. But you..." She placed her finger under Carrowyn's chin. "You are my lover. No one takes your place."

Carrowyn smiled and took Liandrin's lips again. This time the kiss was deeper, with teeth and tongue. Liandrin pressed her hands against Carrowyn's hips and pulled her closer.

Carrowyn moved her lips to Liandrin's ear and whispered, "Tonight it's just you and me. No slaves in the room. Just me, you, and fire."

Liandrin trembled. "Carrowyn... you drive me crazy."

Carrowyn rose from her lap and pushed Liandrin onto her back on the bed. Then she straddled her, knees on either side of Liandrin's hips, and pinned her wrists down.

"Now it's my turn to train you, great commander," Carrowyn said in a playful but dominant tone.

Liandrin laughed. "You can't train me."

Carrowyn raised an eyebrow. "No? Then let me try."

She pinned Liandrin's wrists above her head with one hand and placed the other on her throat—not hard, just warning. Then she leaned down and pressed her lips to Liandrin's neck, sucking and nibbling gently.

Liandrin let out a weak moan. "Carrowyn..."

"Quiet," Carrowyn commanded. "Tonight you're my ****. Just one night. Taste what it feels like."

With every bite, every suck, Liandrin surrendered more. Carrowyn was the only one who could make her this way. The only one with the power to turn a great firebender into a trembling, yearning woman.

Carrowyn brought her lips to Liandrin's ear and whispered: "I love you. Even when you're a commander. Even when you're harsh. Even when you kiss your slaves in front of me. I love you."

Liandrin's eyes filled with tears. "I love you too, Carrowyn. More than fire, more than victory, more than anything."

Carrowyn released her wrists and lay down beside her, burying her face in Liandrin's neck. Both were breathing heavily, sweat on their foreheads.

Hours later, Liandrin woke up. Carrowyn was asleep in her arms. Through the window, the full moon shone over the Land of Fire. Liandrin stroked Carrowyn's hair and whispered: "Never let me lose you."

At that moment, a knock came at the door. Kaelen's voice from behind it: "My Lady, an urgent message has arrived from the Council of Firebenders."

Liandrin sighed. Carrowyn stirred, eyes half-open. "What is it?"

"I don't know. But whatever it is, I must go." Liandrin dressed and walked toward the door.

Carrowyn rose from the bed and hugged her from behind. "Come back to me. I want you all night."

Liandrin turned and kissed her lips once more. "I promise."

When the door opened, Kaelen was kneeling, holding a letter up high. Liandrin took it and read. Her face went pale.

Carrowyn approached. "What is it?"

Liandrin took a deep breath. "The Council has summoned me to the capital. A major uprising in the East. They want me to lead the army."

Carrowyn placed her hand on her shoulder. "Then you'll go and you'll win. As always."

Liandrin looked down at Kaelen, still kneeling, eyes fixed on the ground. Then she looked at Carrowyn—those green eyes, that confident smile.

"We go together," Liandrin said. "You, me, and Kaelen. All three of us ride East."

Carrowyn raised an eyebrow. "You're taking your **** with you?"

Liandrin smiled. "He'll be useful on the road. And so will you." She wrapped her arm around Carrowyn's waist. "And when we return, you're mine, Carrowyn. Not just for one night. Forever."

Carrowyn laughed. "I've always been yours, Liandrin. You just realized it late."