caressed her body, her fingers sliding over her breasts and arms, down to her flat stomach, and finally once again cupping her breasts.
Her eyes were fixed on the soldiers as she worked at her petticoat, dropping it from her satiny waist. Halya turned at the sound of a deep groan, knowing she had driven the men beyond human control.
Ivan, in a state of tightly checked arousal and anticipation of what was to come, made no comment when the soldiers ran from the room, their trousers wet and stained.
Halya danced as if passion had become the driver and ruler of her undulating body. Gliding gracefully to the bedside once more, her pear-shaped orbs hard and firm, she motioned for Ivan to touch her. Salivating, he clutched at her breasts, her thighs and legs, as low animal-like noises escaped his mouth.
Perspiration dripping from his face, Ivan felt blood soar through his veins as the pain in his loins became unbearable. He reached for Halya, clutching at her golden hair, moaning wildly as he brought his mouth crashing down upon hers.
âIvan, take me! Please! Take me!â
Ivan mounted her, hoping against hope that all his soaring blood would erect his manhood. When it failed to do so, he rolled from her body, tears streaming down his sunken cheeks.
Exhausted, Halya lay next to Ivan, who, unfulfilled, nibbled at her still-erect nipples. Halya lay quietly, indifferent to his touch, wishing she were with the one man who could have fulfilled her.
Determined to overcome his impotence, Ivan continued to nibble at Halyaâs swollen breasts. His hands traveled down her body, searching out the coveted moist, warm place between her slim thighs.
Halyaâs body became alive, responding once again to his tender caresses.
âTry, Ivan,â Halya pleaded as she parted her legs, welcoming him to her. Silently she reprimanded herself for the charade she was acting. Halya tried desperately to convince herself she might one day love Ivan and forget Kostya.
In desperation, Ivan strained every part of his being to produce the taut muscles necessary to satisfy her. At Halyaâs scream of despair, Ivan fell back in resignation, ignoring the princess, totally absorbed in his own despair.
Halya lay back on the bed, her eyes closed to prevent the threatened tears from spilling down her cheeks. Was this going to be her life from now on? God, help me, she prayed silently.
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Though it was early when Halya woke, her eyes searched every corner of the room for Ivan. When she was satisfied that he was not there, she slid from the bed and quickly dressed to return to her own quarters. She needed a warm bath to help her forget the previous hours.
Halya placed her hand on the doorknob, but was unexpectedly thrown off balance with the Czarâs entrance into the room.
âI want to commend you on your . . . your performance last evening. You were exquisite! I do try to please you, Halya, I think you know that,â he said, his voice a soothing melody.
âYes, Ivan, I know you try, and I understand you have many tragedies in your life,â she said quietly. As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her mistake. âIvan, I . . . Iâm sorryââ
Obscene expletives flew from the Czarâs mouth. His aging, aristocratic face turned purple with rage. âYou were told never to refer to my past!â he screamed at the top of his lungs. âYou are here for one purpose and one purpose onlyâto brighten my life and make me happy. Get down on your knees and beg me to forgive you!â
Halya did as ordered, tears streaming down her cheeks. âPlease, I beg of you, forgive me,â she pleaded.
âVery well, I forgive you, this time,â he said, his rage forgotten. âCome near me, let me hold you for a moment.â Halya nestled nervously in his arms. âLet me kiss the lips that drove me to the heights of desire last evening.â
Suddenly he thrust her from his arms and