Wizard's Woman Read online

  An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

  www.ellorascave.com

  Wizard’s Woman

  ISBN 9781419912351

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  Wizard’s Woman Copyright © 2007 Solange Ayre.

  Edited by Helen Woodall.

  Cover art by Syneca.

  Electronic book Publication: October 2007

  This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  Wizard’s Woman

  Solange Ayre

  Dedication

  Dedicated to Chris, Dianne and Eddie. Thank you for all your help.

  Chapter One

  “Behave yourself tonight, my boy.” Wizard Kardos’ tone was acerbic but his grip was kindly on his apprentice’s shoulder. “I’ll allow you to attend the Hallow’s Eve masquerade ball but you must not drink overmuch. And return to your room before midnight strikes.”

  Ash trembled under the wizard’s touch. “What happens at midnight, master?”

  “They call it ‘The Hour of Passion’. Unsuitable for the young.”

  “I’m twenty-one now,” Ash protested.

  Kardos’ dark brows rose. “You will obey me or forego the ball altogether.”

  “What fun will it be if I can’t misbehave?” Ash gave him the saucy grin of a brash young man. Master Kardos returned a quelling look and handed her a mortar and pestle to clean. When his long fingers brushed hers, familiar heat coiled in her pussy. For the thousandth time, she thought of revealing her gender to her master.

  No, Ash. Follow your plan for tonight.

  A year had passed since she’d appeared at the wizard’s stone cottage, begging to be taken on as his apprentice. Because females were not allowed to study the Arcane Arts, she’d disguised herself in the breeches and leather boots of a male. Since that time, she’d learned spell-casting, divining, foretelling, rhetoric and higher mathematics from Kardos.

  Although she was sure it had never been his intention, he had also taught her to love him.

  Would it be possible for the apprentice to seduce the master? She longed to see the tempting body he kept hidden under his flowing robe.

  Back when they’d been alone together in the country, she’d been able to enjoy their days together and keep her desires in check. She’d longed to reveal her gender but feared his anger. And if she told her secret, he’d be forced to bow to the law of their country and send her away.

  I’ll die if that happens.

  With the approach of All Hallows, Kardos had been called to Queen Rosina’s service. As was customary, the finest wizards of Bozari had traveled to the capital to celebrate the Goddess’ holiday.

  Now that she and her master had lodgings in the Queen’s Mansion, everything was different. Ash had seen how the court ladies eyed the handsome wizard, sighing as he approached in the marble halls. So far he had ignored even the most beautiful women, despite their flirtatious glances and lavishly displayed bosoms.

  Would that change tonight?

  During All Hallows, the veil between the earthly world and the Goddess’ Realm grew thin. Spirits walked abroad. People wore costumes and disguises to hide from the Soul Collector.

  The awareness of death made life seem more precious. People strove to find mates. The Goddess, always sympathetic to lovers, granted special blessings to them during the All Hallows holiday.

  Ash feared that women would see Kardos at the ball and lust for his sensual mouth on their breasts, ache for caresses from his clever hands. Anger shook her at the thought of him naked between another woman’s thighs.

  She must not give him the chance to choose a lady of the court.

  “Master, are you staying for The Hour of Passion?”

  Kardos leveled a stern look at her. “Go study your transformation spells. That last one was carelessly performed. I’ll stop by your room later so that you can accompany me to the ball.”

  “Yes, master,” she muttered.

  Running up the stone steps to her tiny third-floor bedchamber, Ash had no intention of obeying Kardos’ command to study. Instead she searched in her wooden chest until she found the concealed bag of coins. Then she left the Queen’s Mansion and headed into Glaventown.

  Thank the Goddess it was a market day.

  * * * * *

  That evening, Ash feigned illness.

  Kardos brought her tea steeped with willow bark. “What a shame you will have to miss the year’s most important holiday, the time when all magic is enhanced.”

  “I will pray to the Goddess for a swift cure.” Ash ventured a cough.

  “Be sure to stay in bed,” Kardos ordered.

  I’ll stay here willingly if you’ll join me. She thought of him slipping underneath the bedclothes, pressing his writhing body against hers. A flush rose to her cheeks.

  He touched her forehead with cool fingers. Ash drank in his familiar scent, a heady mixture of cinnamon and mint. She imagined grasping his hand and holding it to her breast. It would astonish him to find a woman’s tender nipple underneath her rough, homespun nightshirt. Envisioning his fingers exploring her curves, she shivered with need.

  “Chills, my boy? You must be feverish. Drink your tea.”

  Ash quaffed the bitter brew and made a face.

  Her master’s dark brows drew together in concern. “I shall check on you later.”

  “No need. I’m sure I’ll be asleep.”

  Once Kardos took his leave, Ash sprang from her bed and brought out the clothing and cosmetics she’d purchased in Glaventown for her costume.

  A long time had passed since she’d seen the swell of her breasts revealed in feminine attire. Surely they were more rounded and larger than they used to be—or perhaps it was the copper breastplate’s effect. The metal pushed her breasts upward, leaving the tops as naked as her shoulders.

  The blue tribal patterns she’d drawn on her face distinguished her from Kardos’ young apprentice.

  For the last part of her disguise, she severed a lock of her auburn hair. Holding it in her hands, she intoned a spell from Kardos’ secret book, the one he kept hidden from her.

  When she looked into the mirror she barely recognized herself. The spell had worked even better than she’d hoped. Her hair had altered, becoming thick and curly, the color of a haystack in the sunlight. The illusion would last for the next ten hours.

  She smiled confidently, certain her master would be fooled by her transformation. Holding her long skirt off the floor, she hurried through the mansion’s corridors. How strange it feels to be in women’s clothing again, she thought as the scarlet silk brushed against her bare legs.

  The fast heartbeat seemed to match the lively fiddle music echoing into the hall as she approached the ballroom. This masquerade would be her chance to appear as a woman to Kardos. To draw his attention—and his lust.

  Halting on the threshold, she stood transfixed by the splendor. The room blazed with the light of a thousand candles. Hung with banners of royal purple depicting the provinces of Bozari, the ballroom smelled rich and strange, a blending of incense and exotic spices.

  A lord dressed as a peacock danced by holding a nearly naked water nymph against his chest. A bare-breasted mermaid flirted with a warrior and a fish. Jugglers entertained the crowd by throwing pumpkins to each other.

  A tall man dressed only in a loincloth chose delicacies from the sweets table. Ash’s glance lingered on his glistening ches
t momentarily then passed on, searching for her master.

  Couples occupied the alcoves that lined the walls, their passionate embraces screened by sheer curtains. Ash pictured herself sharing a curtained settee with Kardos. Would he press her against the padded back while his eager hands roved over her body?

  When she spotted Kardos talking to the prince consort, she gasped. Was that really her master, that bewitching man with imperial bearing? His black-velvet frock coat was perfectly tailored to his lean physique. How would his muscular chest feel beneath the soft fabric?

  Dark purple tights revealed muscular legs. She’d never dreamt his wizard’s robe concealed such patrician elegance.

  Could she capture his attention before the court ladies descended on him like mares raising their tails for a stallion?

  Ash whispered to the footman, who announced her. “Queen Brianna—the warrior who conquered the Music Islands five hundred years ago!”

  She curtsied to the other partygoers. Looking up, she discovered Kardos’ dark gaze fixed upon her.

  Her lips curved into a quick smile, then she lowered her lashes. She headed toward the sweets table, praying Kardos would follow. Her mouth watered as she looked over the array of desserts. Many of these treats had been unknown in her country village.

  The center of the table was dominated by an ice-sculpture of the Goddess and Jador, Her favorite consort. Across Her naked breasts lay a sheaf of wheat, symbolizing the harvest. Her head was thrown back ecstatically as Jador knelt between Her thighs, his tongue pleasuring Her sex. Jador’s satisfaction with their encounter was shown by his hugely erect phallus.

  Ash’s mouth went dry as she stared at the sculpture. What would it feel like to have a man’s tongue licking her sensitive folds?

  “Allow me, Queen Brianna.” At her shoulder, Kardos picked up a silver plate. “Do you care for a pumpkin tart? Or perhaps a rumball?”

  She turned to give him a flirtatious look. I’ll take anything you want to give me. “I believe I shall try both. It’s a long time since I’ve eaten.”

  His arched brows rose. “Five centuries, if I’m not mistaken.” He used tongs to put two rumballs on the plate.

  Although her pulse beat erratically, Ash managed a winning smile. “Five centuries is a long time to fast…but I’d starve another five hundred years to be served by such a handsome man.” She spoke in a soft, lilting voice that she was confident Kardos would not recognize.

  “I’ve always longed to meet the beautiful warrior-queen who fought so bravely at the Beruna Fords.” Taking the hand she offered, he pressed a warm kiss on her palm. Ash trembled with delight at the teasing touch of his mouth. The plan had worked—Kardos seemed unaware that the woman masquerading as Queen Brianna was his apprentice.

  He loaded her plate with tarts, rolled cookies, a peach and a strawberry, then led her to an alcove on the south wall. They sat on a purple, velvet-padded settee, his thigh tight against her skirt. She longed to run her hand up his leg, caressing the hard muscle.

  This is exactly where I wish to be.

  “Did you attend Queen Rosina’s birthday concert?” he asked.

  She turned to face him. All she wanted to do was gaze into his heavy-lidded, intense eyes while she tangled her fingers in his long, black hair.

  “I was there.” She nibbled on a marzipan heart, enjoying the sweetness melting over her tongue. “I particularly enjoyed the flautist.”

  The concert had been a rare chance to spend two hours seated next to the man she adored. She’d stolen glances at Kardos while he listened to the music, imagining him leading her to a dark corner and kissing her until they were both breathless, his hands fondling her breasts and stroking her pussy.

  Once she’d looked up from the program and found his gaze lingering on her face. A strange look for a man to give his male apprentice…for a moment she’d wondered if he’d discovered her secret.

  “The flautist showed high artistry,” Kardos said. “But I didn’t see you there. How did I miss such a charming lady?”

  “I arrived late.” Then she suppressed a gasp at her mistake. The flautist had been the first musician to play.

  Her error went unnoticed. Kardos picked up the strawberry and held the pointed end to his lips, a nibbling taste that was almost a caress. Would he sample a woman’s rosy nipples with such enjoyment, his white teeth barely touching the surface?

  “The wise know that sharing brings good fortune.” He held the berry to her mouth.

  Ash swirled her tongue over the juicy treat. Boldly she licked his fingers, thrilled at his quick intake of breath. Their eyes met for a brief moment.

  She ate the berry. “Delicious.”

  “Another?” He made a subtle gesture with his hand. A plump strawberry materialized on the plate.

  “How clever of you!” she exclaimed and let him feed her. Even this slight brush of his fingers across her lips made her body tingle with desire.

  His eyes lingered on her mouth. “The juice has stained your lips, my Queen.” Drawing near, he ran his thumb over her mouth. Her heart jumped at the sensual touch.

  Close as they were, she wished to be even closer. She wanted to straddle his lap, throw her arms around his neck, caress his silky goatee.

  He opened a ripe peach with the dagger that hung at his side, offering half to her. She shook her head. “I don’t care for peaches.”

  “I’ve always favored them.” Instead of biting into the fruit, he lapped the juice, his lips lingering against the peach’s firm, divided interior. Ash felt faint as she pictured his mouth pressed to her nether lips, licking and sucking until she reached a powerful climax.

  Raising the peach, he let the juice trickle into his mouth. She bit her lip, trying to ignore the heat building between her thighs. His eyes crinkled at the corners as though he knew exactly what was happening in her fevered imagination.

  “Try a rumball.” He offered the plate.

  Capturing his gaze, she took one. “I adore sucking balls.”

  “Truly?” Kardos looked entranced. “You must demonstrate your technique.”

  She held the rumball to her lips, then gave its circumference a quick, delicate lick. Then another. The soft ball yielded slightly under the pressure of her tongue. She held the rumball in her lips and sucked. Kardos’ black eyes followed every movement.

  I want to feel your body against mine. To enjoy your kisses and caresses. To suck on your tongue and take your cock deep inside my body. I am yours…if only you will realize it. She gazed back at him, trying to tell him how she felt without words.

  Fiddlers dressed as black cats struck up a cotillion. Kardos rose, bowed and invited her to dance. Ash trembled as his hands glided across her waist to guide her. As they paced the stately steps, he caressed her, his palms searing circles on the exposed flesh between her breastplate and skirt.

  His touch sets my skin aflame. Will he invite me to his bed tonight?

  When the dance ended, he led her through a door to a balcony festooned with jack-o’-lanterns. She paused in the flickering orange glow, enchanted. The night air was cool, the music faint. They stood close together, looking out at the Hallow’s Eve illumination of Glaventown. The inky night glimmered with tiny yellow and red lights.

  When she’d started as his apprentice, she’d never dreamt of loving such an intimidating man. In those first months, he’d kept her busy from morn until eve. Aside from studying for hours every day, she’d cleaned the cottage, tended the animals and delivered potions to the villagers. Kardos had been severe with her when she failed to perform a task well, sarcastic when she asked foolish questions and angry when she’d broken his favorite astrolabe.

  Now she realized he’d been testing her. Gaining proficiency in the Arcane Arts took years. Kardos had taught her diligently. He would not want to waste his time on a student who lacked dedication.

  Would he be as diligent if he tutored her in the sensual arts?

  Gradually they’d grown more comfortable
with each other. On one momentous day, Kardos had told her he was pleased with her passion for learning. After that, he’d revealed his mind to her, discussing politics and philosophy, teaching her scientific and magical theory, opening her eyes to the world as it really was and not as the naïve villagers imagined it to be.

  How could she have helped falling in love with him?

  Kardos put his arm around her waist, gathering her close. Ash leaned against him, every nerve vibrating with longing.

  Her eyes drifted closed as she drank in his warmth. She had captured his attention but she wanted so much more. His brief touches had teased her until she was dizzy with desire.

  She had to speak or she might cast herself on his chest and beg him to caress every inch of her body.

  “Are you enjoying your visit to the Queen’s Court?” Her voice came out high and strained but at least she had spoken.

  His tone was absent as he replied, “I miss my country home.” He turned from her slightly, raking a hand through his black hair.

  “Wasn’t it lonely in the country?”

  “No. I have an apprentice. Guiding and teaching is a fascinating pastime.”

  “You care for him?” she asked eagerly, hoping for more insight into what Kardos really thought of his young pupil.

  “My apprentice is a fine student.” Kardos smiled. “Smart as a fox with the hounds on its tail. Yet maddening at times.”

  “Maddening?” Ash’s voice rose. What had she ever done to madden him?

  “Let us not speak of this now. I would rather think about you, my Queen.” He drew her against his chest.

  She held her breath. She’d spent so many months waiting for his kiss.

  How often had she sat in the workroom with him, watching him deftly open a fern’s seed pod, wishing those long fingers were stroking her nipples? How many times had they wandered the woods together, Kardos explaining the magical uses of acorns, mushrooms and pine needles while she envisioned falling with him into a bed of leaves, their legs entangled, his hard shaft erect against her body?