A slow enticing waltz struck up and couples eagerly began to dance. The soft light of candles lent the scene a romantic air, yet the effect was totally ignored by the youngest Saillune Princess. Curled into a tiny ball on the plush pillows making up a window seat, mournful orbs of amethyst gazed longingly into the night sky. Slender arms tightly hugged her stomach in a protective fashion, tears pooled at the corners of her eyes.

Pieces of a conversation best left forgotten flitted through her mind with agonizing intensity.

"Isn’t Amelia going to come downstairs?"

"No, she never attends our costume parties." Crown Prince Phillieonel had replied with apparent disinterest.

"Why not…is she not a Saillune Princess?" Zelgadiss ventured cautiously.

"Nah that always used to be the job of my dear little Gracia." Her father replied, his tone softened by a deep affection. "Amelia just doesn’t attract attention like her sister did…"

"You’re Amelia’s father, how can you say something like that?!" Zelgadiss choked out, actually sounding outraged.

"She is my daughter and while I believe she’s lovely I’m not blind to others opinions. Frankly she just doesn’t measure up."

Amelia had fled the vacant hall upon hearing that unconcerned statement…not even waiting to see how Zelgadiss would respond. As her gaze refocused and returned to the present she wondered bitterly if she would always be trapped within her sister’s shadow. Suddenly an idea formed in her numbed brain…a plan she normally would NEVER resort too.

The door to the closet opened with an audible groan…she peered inside the wardrobe she used to share with Gracia, searching out the clothing her sister had worn before her disappearance years past. A delighted gasp escaped from her throat, as she reverently touched a gown made of gossamer silk. Tonight would be an evening…never to be forgotten!

The azure hued chimera lounged idly at the edge of the dance floor, costumed as a woodland elf. Ice-blue eyes shone with fleeting panic at the circle of women who gathered around to shower him with affection. A thin bead of sweat trickled down his brow as one of the more bold admirers lightly caressed his chin.

"I just LOVE a man with blue skin." She purred in a throaty growl, a tone meant to be seductive…yet it only seemed threatening to Zelgadiss. "Oooooh, I wonder if you’re hard aaaaaalll over." He didn’t hear her; in fact in one moment he completely forgot she even existed! The golem was transfixed, stunned and entranced by the vision that materialized at the top of the spiral staircase.

Ivory slippers peek out of a hem of infinitely fragile lace…his gaze skimmed higher carefully scrutinizing the high-waisted dress. Artfully cut to hang off the shoulders, the front scooped low to offer a modest view of the upper slope of her breasts. Over long sleeves brushed against the layered sky blue silk, perfectly accompanied by the thin strip of ebon velvet that encircled the elegant column of her throat. Translucent wings, crafted like a butterfly, lent the young woman an earth-real air… her tresses, pure undiluted raven, were adorned by fragrant blooms.

Outfitted in such a way he was reminded of a fairy…a sidhe sent to tempt mortal men. The fabric of her gown almost matched the color of his eyes, he thought inanely. Such a spectacle was the woman even Lina and Gourry had paused in their attempts to devour all the food, which was sitting on side table (not to mention sumptuously prepared). Both were unabashedly gaping, chicken and other vitals dropping from their open mouths. His breath caught as she descended upon them, moving with a charming, feminine grace...he started, realizing she was making her way over to him! The lyrical jangle of sweetly tuned bells tickled his senses, the sound coming from a pair of golden earrings dangling precariously from her earlobes. The Fairy came to a sudden halt not even a foot from the Chimera, dressed in earthen tones, a tiny smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. It was then, he remembered the … harem of women, that had been following him the ENTIRE night.

In a gallant gesture utterly, foreign to Zelgadiss he proffered his arm, masking the intense surge of pleasure he felt when she lightly grasped his elbow and meekly followed him to the dance floor. Amelia was completely swept away the instant her beloved golem had silently invited him to join him in the waltz. She felt as if she was flying among pink tipped clouds! Her fingers trembled slightly and when he grasped her hand, warming within his palms, a delectable blush crept across her cheeks. She happily embraced this moment…sadly aware he would forget this by the morn…and would return to…hating her.

The blunt of his forefinger pressed gently against the small of her back, tensing as he dipped low, delighted by the skill of his partner. It…seemed as if they were meant to be like this. Two halves once joined to make the perfect whole. A half mask, of incredible beauty, obscured most of her features…much to Zelgadiss’s annoyance. Something about the soft, amethyst eyes seemed…familiar. Amelia…was it her?

Dong! Dong! Dong! Midnight, way past time for Amelia to be staying…she could tell just from the confused look on Zel’s face her disguise was wearing off. The enchanted mask used to conceal her identity was losing its effect! She thought wildly, as the current tune finally finished. When it was over, she smiled gratefully, her way of thanking Zelgadiss for such a wonderful night, then bolted with a flutter of silk. In her haste a fragile slipper had come off, and sat before her partner's disorientated gaze.

"Amelia!" He roared after her rapidly disappearing form.

The worst had happened…she was lost, embarrassing because this WAS her house after all. Great leaves of an emerald green loomed about her indicating Amelia’s flight into the garden maze. She sighed in disgust and took the feathered covering away from her face. The mask was useless now anyway! Just as she was about to cast a flight spell, something heavy hit her between the shoulder blades. She only had enough time to let out a muffled shriek before she crumpled to the ground.

He had to find her…something was wrong! Dread clawed at his nerve endings, constricting in his chest until it was difficult to draw a breath. Zelgadiss hastily scrambled across the sprawling lawn of the Saillune estates. When his keen hearing picked up the muted cry of distress, he headed from the grouping of shrubs at a dead run.

Amelia shook her head in attempts to stop the ringing sound in her ears.

"Damn…never knew the youngest Princess was such a babe! Screw what the boss said! I’m gonna have a sampling of this tasty morsel first!"

A clawed hand tangled in her hair, yanking upwards in one vicious tug. She gasped as she came face to face with a furred snarling werewolf. She managed to concentrate enough to begin chanting a spell.

"Crimson beyond twilight…" She trailed off as his fingers slid around her throat and closed about the pale flesh. "Fire ball!" Nothing. A whimper of fear, anger and helplessness combined as she discovered her incantation did not work.

"Nice try kid. You are gonna have to do better than that. Heh…you can’t, can you?"

"Wh-what did you do to me?"

"Even a werewolf can learn a trick or two. Yer magic is on temporary halt." He snickered, fangs born into a feral smile.

Amelia repressed the urge to throw up when his tongue slid across her face. Instead, she smacked him with all her limited strength, savagely pleased by his howl of pain. In retaliation, he forced her against the rocky earth freeing one hand to tear the bodice of her gown. Harsh maniacal laughter exploded from the furred snout at the sight of a childish bra decorated by flowers. With one rake of his claws, that last covering was removed, baring her torso to his view.

Amelia squirmed, helpless…and knowing it.

"Zelgadiss!" She cried out, voice made shrill by terror. Panic, complete and utter panic…yet somewhere through the hysteria she heard a loud roar…coming from…? Her sooty lashes fluttered shut and as she slowly lost consciousness a shadow crashed headlong into her attacker.

He was in a blood rage, practically "foaming at the mouth", as he emerged from the shrubs and spotted the werewolf astride Amelia trying to undo his breeches. A solid kick to the monster’s chest sent him flying backwards into the base of a stone statue. Dispatching a lone fireball to finish him off, Zelgadiss returned his attention to the crumpled heap on the ground. Zelgadiss knelt in the grass, staining the fawn colored leather slacks and not giving a damn, lightly grasping Amelia’s waist to slide the unconscious girl into his lap.

"Amelia?" His voice was quiet, still vibrating with leashed rage. Suddenly she became animated once more, struggling as if her life depended on freeing herself. He quickly captured her wrists, just as a precaution…he didn’t want her injuring herself by hitting his ungodly tough skin. "Shhh little one. It is okay now … wake up Amelia; stop moving! You’re in safe hands now honey."

"M-Mr. Z…Zel…gad…iss?" Her whisper was quavering with emotion. She blinked as large salty tears escaped from the corners of her eyes, leaving silvery trails down her waxen cheeks. He groaned, tormented by her pain, bending over to lightly kiss the overflowing wellspring of water. Amelia responded by flinging her arms about his neck, her face resting against the hard wall of his chest.

The hug was returned with tensed restraint, wincing as her shoulders shook with muffled sobs.

"I’m sorry…I-I can’t seem to stop it!" She choked out, the side of her face pillowed by the soft fabric of his shirt. He made no reply, merely rubbed the arch of her back with soothing strokes of his fingertips. "Just…please don’t leave me…not yet." He cupped her chin between thumb and forefinger, forcing her to meet his gaze. In a shockingly fierce voice, the sound close to a growl, he murmured.

"No apologies…it is not your fault Amelia."

"I know…hold me for awhile…please?" She said around sniffles, her voice muffled by the fist full of his shirt pressed against her face. He untangled her fingers, and gently clasped them within his palm. On impulse he bent forward to lightly brush his lips across hers, in an achingly chaste kiss, wanting nothing more than the banishment of her pain. A soft broken sigh, exhaled against Zelgadiss’s stone tiers, escaped the confines of her throat.

He proceeded with such care it amazed and made Amelia feel…treasured. A convulsive shiver, trembling with sensation as his tongue traced her parted mouth. Cautiously, as if gauging her reaction, he deepened the kiss. Amelia marveled at how perfectly their mouths fit together like two pieces of an interlocking puzzle. Her freed hand held a tight grasp on his shoulder, drowning…overcome by the newly discovered awareness. His scent was unique in itself, a pleasantly masculine odor that reminded the dazed girl of the ocean. Slowly, with obvious reluctance, he pulled away until his face hovered a few precarious inches from her own.

"I…" The sound was awed, yet there was a trace of guilt.

"Make love to me." She whispered, her breath caressing his temptingly near countenance.

"No…" The chimera groaned the protest weak…hinting at surrender. Mimicking his earlier actions, her tiny tongue teasingly ran across his mouth, causing Zelgadiss to hiss out a reverent curse.

"I don’t know what exactly will happen, only that I’ve waited for this moment my entire life!" She declared passionately, her misted eyes pleading with him to give in to her request.

"I…can’t…I won’t take advantage of you…not when you’re not thinking clearly!" The statement was torn from his chest in an agonized growl, his heart thudding as if he had just run for miles. Her fragile palms framed his face, and in a low, calm tone she murmured:

"I love you."

That unleashed the devil inside Zelgadiss…all the arguments he had developed during the past few months, as to why he shouldn’t be attracted to Amelia vanished like smoke. He threw reason and caution to the wind…hell a part of him had been anticipating this moment for a very long time as well. With a delicacy that seemed innate, at least when dealing with her, he sampled the velvety recesses of her mouth. He proceeded as if he had all the time in the world to be here…with her. He took a ragged breath, part wonderment, part anticipation, as his fingers tangled into her raven tresses. Working his way upwards, he let the tangled tendrils glide through his fingers, cascading back into place like a silken waterfall.

Lightly he feathered, nipped, and brushed at her parted lips. The then rained tiny kisses over her face, down the pert little nose, finally coming to reside upon the shell of her ear. He leisurely explored the territory with his tongue, his hold about her tightening imperceptibly. With a tormented groan, he rose to his knees tugging her with him, to kiss her without any restraints. Amelia melted against him, excitement screaming at her nerve endings, swaying unsteadily as his hands slid to settle over her hips. Heat rippled through the princess, startling her with the intensity…no one had told her it would be like this!

His questing mouth abandoned its present post, to seek out the tender flesh comprising her throat. She could feel his blatant desire, radiating from his person…as well as from the alien bulge that pressed insistently against her abdomen. A flush of pure exhilaration colored her features, her pulse racing in response to his amorous advances. Hastily he brushed the torn remainder of the gown bodice, greedily baring her upper torso so that he could admire it. Another curse, of praise and pleasure…showing the true affect such a sight had upon his senses.

"Beautiful...so perfect…" The tips of her gently rounded breasts were taut, shriveled by the cold, the areola’s centers rosy with desire. He bit on the stiffened tips, not satisfied until she squirmed, and moaned loudly. The promise of no barriers between their bodies was a mighty erotic force and he gruffly muttered in a voice made raw by desire, "You inflame me…tempt me with every step." He captured her hand and guided it to the swollen length of his sex, forcing out between clenched teeth. "Feel…oh Amelia…this is what you do to me."

"I-I…never imagined!" Amelia gasped, and whispered raggedly. His phallus was larger than she could have ever dreamt, and so very hard. The warmth of it burned…as if it were a living creature. Her quiet astonishment merely heightened his attraction, confirmed he would be her first. Such a thing caused his groin to tighten, grow even firmer and thicker. She trembled with uncertainty and he reluctantly drew her hand away. Zelgadiss positioned his straining erection against her female cradle, exerting gentle force as he rocked against her.

"Are you sure you want this?" Using a bit more pressure, trying to seduce any doubts from her mind, hips rotating again.

"Y-Yes…more than my next breath." With an agile tug the gown slid down her hips, in a puddle about her knees, he easily lifted her so that that covering could be discarded in the grass. His thumbs hooked in the line of her under drawers and with a slow, startlingly sensual motion he pulled them off, revealing the downy nest in the center of her thighs. For the barest of moments, he let his palm rest upon the ebon curls. Then with impatient movements his own clothes were discarded, and thrown in haphazard directions. The cloak he had previously donned to the ball was spread out, and with unconstrained eagerness Amelia was borne unto the fabric.

For a few bliss filled moments, he merely held her naked body against his own, enjoying the tingling sensation of flesh upon stone. Then with a curiosity he was unable to control the golem moved downwards until his cheek pressed against the inner slope of her legs. Amelia jolted and squeaked.

"Z-Zelgadiss?! What are you…?" She attempted to close herself off from him but he prevented that with soothing words.

"Hush Amy…don’t be embarrassed. Let me do what I want…please." He nuzzled into the soft wealth of dark curls, using his fingers to separate the folds of flesh, leaving her open to the penetration of his tongue. One surging lick into the tantalizingly salty cove wrung an impassioned cry from her lips. Another, and yet another, lingering in hungry exploration…senses spiraling out of control. Zelgadiss felt Amelia pushing at his head, but he ignored the feeble protest and concentrated on the treasure that had been unlocked. Her body arched, lips letting loose a keen cry of release as the contractions reached the pinnacle and she tumbled from some miraculous height.

He gathered the shivering girl into his arms once more, a tender smile curving his usually grim visage. With a rueful laugh he murmured into her thick midnight mane: "I’m not too sure what to do next either imp." Amelia tilted her head back to gaze up at him in wonderment, and a touch of confusion. "But, I’m sure we’ll manage." He quickly added, giving her bottom a reassuring squeeze.

Once more, he inserted two fingers inside of her body, slowly separating them to stretch the tight channel. She moaned softly, desire building anew at the intimate touch, and squirmed against those arousing digits. He continued to tease her until she squirmed, on the verges of climaxing. Then he lowered her upon his erect shaft and with a careful thrust pushed past the maidenhead, that signified her virginity. Amelia yelped and went tense, dismayed by the sudden agony that robbed her of her excitement. A lone tear trickled down her cheek, causing Zelgadiss to flinch and mutter a vile curse. He fondled her breasts, trying to coax the pain away, while he lightly sucked on her ear lobe.

She shifted, the movement sending his engorged manhood deeper into her disconcertingly tiny passage, the hurt slowly ebbing away. "Amelia…how do you feel?"

"No pain…just heaven."

At her shy confession, he sighed with relief. Settling his palms on her thighs, he held them still and settled her more firmly upon his man’s sex. Inch by glorious inch, he entered the velvet warmth, suppressing a groan as her inner muscles caressed him with fingers of fire. She wriggled wild and free…knowing nothing now but the sensation of his massive girth inside of her body. Her skin was tingling; blood thrumming through her veins as a sure of awesome pleasure caught her attention.

Zelgadiss began to plumb her, rapidly gaining speed until their tempo was fast, frenzied…reckless. It was exquisite for the both of them, the rapture, and need for more the only goal. Amelia cried out at the ecstasy of being filled an emptiness she never knew she had, as she learned his rhythm. She began to rock with him, meeting him thrust for thrust…matching the accelerating tempo. A wave washed over the both of them, sending them closer and closer to the highest peak of rapture. The chimera huffed feeling much akin to a sweat slicked, war-horse though his enthusiasm did not fade. His movements quickened, Amelia urging him on with sighs and her hands. He bucked into her, his torso pumping faster until time stood still. His back arched violently, lips parted in a silent scream. Amelia cried out frantically, as they both lost themselves in the inferno…feeling his seed empty into her womb. Limply he flopped backwards, exhausted but still trembling with the aftershocks. He pulled the make shift blankets about her slender form, rolling to the side to allow his body to remain imbedded in hers. Pressing a warm, loving kiss to her forehead he murmured softly:

"Sleep now Amelia."

Zelgadiss’s eyes slowly fluttered open, a tired yawn escaping his throat. He felt hammered into the ground, as if he had spent the entire night in a fight against a skilled swordsman. The heat of a young woman warmed his stone flesh, and the memory of last night returned with a rush. An uncomfortable cough drew his notice, and he blearily gazed into a…very familiar face. He rapidly scanned the large assembly of people that surrounded him sourly noting Xellos to be present as well.

"Do you mind?" He growled testily, annoyed by such an untimely appearance. Lina, he noticed seemed to be…blushing? An odd reaction, one he found amusing to behold. The dumb blonde swordsman (Gourry) merely gaped stupidly, a wide-eyed Sylfiel standing close to his side. Fillia swallowed, and looked away…whereas Crown Prince Phillionel glared murderously at him. Wonderful, he was going to have to deal with the pissed off papa although as he cradled her still sleeping body against his own, a tender grin was the result. Granted he had taken a big risk by having sex with the Saillune Princess, but he had to admit it had been well worth it.

Amelia stirred, and smiled sleepily up at Zelgadiss. Puzzled by the sudden frown that marred his features, she let her gaze slide to the side…and then a mortified blush creeped over her high cheekbones.

"Daddy?" She mumbled inanely.

"Amelia…" Her father choked out, his face turning blue. "Wh-What are you DOING out here young lady?!"

"Oh no! I’m so embarrassed!" She squeaked trying to disappear into Zelgadiss’s chest.

"Because you got caught with me?" He mumbled self consciously, more than a little hurt by her attitude.

"No! I love you…but-but-but I’m naked in front of all these people!!!!!" She yelped, drawing an unwilling chuckle from the chimera.

"I know you are…and a very sexy body you have your highness." He whispered, for her ears only.

"This is totally unacceptable!" Phillionel roared stomping over to the two huddled in the billowing folds of a cloak. "We must talk. RIGHT NOW!"

"Shut up Daddy, you’re making a scene!" Amelia wailed piteously.

"Not anymore than you already have." He snarled, angered by her most unusual behavior. "A Saillune Princess does not conduct herself in such a manner!"

"I can sleep with whom ever I choose!" She argued, jaw set into a stubborn line, her own temper riled by his old fashioned statements.

"Meaning this has happened more than once?" The Prince yowled, looking ready to bust a gut. "My daughter…my own flesh and blood…acting like a common tramp!"

"Don’t you ever say that about her honor again." Some how amid the chaos, Zelgadiss had drawn (from hammer space ::shrugs::) his sword, the razor sharp tip pointed to Phillionel’s throat. "She was a virgin ‘till last night…you insult her again, and I’ll kill you where you stand." He intoned in a cold voice, icy eyes filled with deadly promise. The Crown Prince paled and swallowed convulsively.

"Uh-…I see…" The man backed away, fearing for his life lest he manage to annoy the golem.

"Zelgadiss…one question for you?" Lina interjected in a meek tone. He quirked a stony brow, a silent indication for her to continue.

"What happened anyway…I mean to the uh…thing over there." She pointed out the badly burnt corpse of a werewolf, looking more interested in its cause of death…rather than the situation concerning Amelia’s "chastity".

"That, was the creature who attacked Amelia last night. Couldn’t get a name of its employer though. I’m afraid I was too angry to make it talk before I destroyed it."

"I guess I owe you an…apology." The Crown Prince muttered, the admission seeming to be very reluctant. "You saved my daughter’s life."

"Tsk…tsk…tsk." The mysterious priest murmured softly, looking over the deceased mercenary that was now a rotting pile of flesh. "Never hire a moron for simple jobs…oh well."

"What do you mean by that?!" Lina shrieked, a fireball summoned into her palms.

"Uhmmm…sore wa himitsu desu! "

"That’s it! You’re goin’ down." She yelled furiously, chasing after the SD Xellos. Zelgadiss sighed in disgust, making a vow to kill the priest later for this. Amelia looked ready to join the chase (Xellos whizzes by followed by Lina, Fillia, Phillionel and a mob of very upset towns people)

"Gourry-dear come, lets go eat breakfast!" Sylfiel suggested, literally dragging the clueless boy away.

"Ignore ‘em hun…we’ll deal with the bastard later." He muttered, resting his chin upon her crown. "I love you Amelia." He whispered, voice trembling with emotion.

"Oh Zelgadiss!" She exclaimed happily. At that hesitant confession they both totally forgot about the raging mob, they eagerly retreated into their own world filled with passion and adventure (and everything in between). Any one who would have passed by would have viewed the couple in utter shock. Some things are not done in broad daylight!

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