Pirate Prince

Part 4

Posted: March 2003
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

Every time Karl walked past the prisoners' room, he had to suppress the urge to kick the door down and beat the men inside to a pulp. They had succeeded in doing something no one had done in the past ten years. They had made Orli cry. Never once had the older man seen his young first-mate shed a tear, not even when Orli was just a child put on display at that horrible slave auction.

Karl still remembered how his friend looked that night, curled up in fetal position in the dark, sobbing uncontrollably. Orli was so upset that he could not summon his usual icy reserve to put up a brave face for him. The younger man simply melted into his warm, protective embrace and cried until exhaustion overtook him. Much to his chagrin, the first thing his friend did when he awoke the next morning was to beg Karl to leave their prisoners alone. Though he was of a mind to execute them right away, he could not find the heart to refuse Orli when the little one looked at him with pleading eyes.

*****

Everything seemed to have returned to normal on the ship after that morning. The prisoners had not dared to show their faces on deck; and the pirates continued their daily routine as if they were not on board. Orli assumed his full duties after his 'day off', though Karl insisted on overseeing everything. He wanted to stay by his first- mate's side in case the young man needed him. But after the initial emotional breakdown, his young friend had returned to his former self - the quiet, deadly Orli Bloom that even the crew feared.

Four days had past since they kidnapped the two Naval Officers. It was strange how no government vessels had been sighted since. The captain feared a trap though Orli thought that would be unlikely. Since the 'mishap' at the governor's party, even Karl did not know where would be the best place to dock. There was no way the North Sea Fleet could anticipate the Revenge's course to set an ambush.

Before, Karl would have been reassured by his first-mate's assessment; but now, he feared that Orli was not completely himself so soon after the heartbreak caused by Viggo. So it was that a slightly worried captain of the Revenge sat alone in his study in the small hours of the night, staring at various charts, trying to ascertain that his ship was under no imminent threat from the Navy.

*****

It took David almost two hours to pick the lock on their door. He began work as soon as Viggo fell into an uneasy lumber. The younger man did not wish his friend to know he was going to see Roberts about Orli. Viggo would never allow such a thing. Though the General was obviously lovesick, he would never admit to having tender feelings for an outlaw. Viggo was just 'annoyingly stubborn' that way. Because of his need to keep his activities a secret from his 'roommate', the tactician could not call the guards to let him out. 'Breaking out' of his makeshift prison was his only option.

Luckily for the young Naval Officer, the guards were fast asleep when he exited the room. Unsure of where the captain's rooms were, David headed away from the guards and started looking for his destination through the labyrinth of corridors in the bowels of the ship. After half an hour of fruitless search, the tactician began to wonder if this was a bad idea. From his experience with other ships, he assumed that the captain's rooms would be bigger, with a more ornate door, which would differentiate it from the others. But, the 'Dread Pirate Roberts' was no ordinary outlaw, which meant David's assumptions could be wrong.

Before the young Naval Officer could begin his track back to his room, he heard voices heading towards him. He knew that discovery by the crew before he could find Roberts would be disastrous. Running as fast as he could, he rushed down the corridor, away from the noise. Unluckily, the passage dead-ended. David could now see the lights carried by the pirates around the corner. Hurriedly, he looked for a hiding place and was relieved when he found two small doors opposite each other near his end of the hallway. Having no other choices, the tactician raced to the doors. He tried the one on the right and found it unlocked. Quietly, the Naval Officer slipped inside the dark room, ears pressed against the door, hoping his presence would remain undiscovered.

*****

Karl could feel a small draft coming into his study; this could mean only one thing. Someone had entered his adjoining bedroom through the other door. His foster father's ingenious design of the room had finally demonstrated its value. A large, ornate front door led to his study while his bedroom had a smaller, inconspicuous side-door which opened to a different corridor. This made 'escape' easier if their ship was boarded. In addition, the area was built such that if one door were opened, a draft would be felt in the other chamber. This way, the captain would never be caught unaware when an intruder came into his rooms. With the stealth and grace of a panther on the prowl, the captain of the Revenge slid into his bedchamber to confront his uninvited visitor.

*****

David was so relieved to hear the pirates in the corridor leave that he failed to notice another man now stood only a few feet from him in the dark. He barely had time to register what was happening when he found himself pinned against the door. In a low, dangerous voice, his captor whispered, "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

When the shock of being caught finally subsided, the tactician tried his best to calm himself before answering. "I am David Wenham, chief tactical officer in the North Sea Fleet. I am looking for Captain Roberts. I need to speak with him."

Intrigued, Karl loosened his grip slightly and stepped away from his captive. He had not forgotten what this man and Viggo did to his young Orli. Though his instinct told him to wreck the neck of his enemy's only son, he was curious as to why the officer sought him. The intelligent tactician should know that given the bad blood between them, David was risking serious injuries, if not death, in coming here. "Well, you found him. So speak."

The Naval Officer tried to study his captor's face, but it was too dark to see his features clearly. All he could see was a silhouette of the other man in the dim starlight from the open window. Not that it would help much if there were more light; the captain was masked on the night of the party when his father was killed. Though David was not entirely certain that the pirate was speaking the truth, the rich baritone of his captor did resembled Roberts'. He would have to take his chances. "I want to talk to you about Orlando."

At the mention of his young friend's name, Karl tensed. How dared this man steal into his rooms so he could talk about Orli behind the little one's back like a bartering tool? Without warning, the captain shook the Naval Officer, slamming him hard against the door once again. "Really?" asked the outlaw in a mock-interested voice as he moved one of his large hands to David's neck and squeezed.

"Please..need...your...help," pleaded the officer as he struggled to breathe. He was willing to give anything to bring Viggo and Orlando back together. But he could not die before Roberts heard his plea.

The captain could not believe his ears - David, coming here for 'help'. But, the desperation in the other man's voice forced Karl into remembering his promise to Orli. Reluctantly, the pirate relaxed his stranglehold on the other man. He knew he was close to losing control. If David stayed here any longer, he could not guarantee what he would do. As he released the officer completely to allow the man to leave, he whispered, malice clear in his voice, "Get out if you value your life."

Instead of turning to leave, the officer reached out to grasp the pirate's arm and begged, "I am not leaving until you hear what I have to say. Viggo is in love with your first-mate, even if he won't admit it to himself. He has been miserable ever since the day Orlando left. If your friend does not go to him soon, he is going to waste away and die. Please, help me."

The sliver of control Karl had was slipping again. Grabbing David's wrist to twist his arm behind his back, he slammed the smaller man into the wall. "Why should I believe you? You are a lying, scheming bastard just like your father," said the captain in a slightly raised and heated voice.

"Just go look at Viggo if you don't believe me. He hasn't eaten or slept much in days. All he does is stare at the door, hoping Orlando will come back. He cannot fake that, no matter how good of a liar he is. I know you are only keeping us alive because Orlando begged you to spare us. Your friend is still in love with Viggo and you are the only one who can help them get back together. You want Orlando to be happy, don't you?" continued David, ignoring the pain in his shoulder. The pirate could break his arm for all he cared; all that mattered was convincing Roberts to talk to Orli about Viggo.

"Happy? Viggo made him cry. I have never seen him cry until that night," whispered Karl bitterly, his anger replaced by a sense of guilt. He wanted the little one to be happy, to be loved. But in the end, not only had he failed to protect Orli from heartbreak, he was the one who urged his cautious friend into developing a relationship with the heartless Navy General.

David could sense that the pirate's anger was abating. Perhaps the captain was now ready to listen. "That just shows how much Orlando cares about Viggo. Don't you see? They will never be happy unless they are together. If I were not so stupid and blind to see that Viggo was in love, this would have not happened. Everything is MY fault. That's why I am here now, begging you to talk to Orlando, to ask him to visit Viggo one more time."

When the pirate made no response, David added softly, using Roberts real name, hoping to appeal to the man inside, "Please, Karl, I will do anything." The tactician knew he did not have anything to offer, except himself. It was a price he was willing to pay to see Viggo happy again.

"Anything?" repeated the captain, realizing the tactician's intentions. David knew his own strengths; the pirate wondered if anyone had ever refused the young officer anything. That voice, hesitant and yet sensuous, holding promises of infinite possibilities, combined with the way Karl's name rolled off David's tongue like a soft caress; despite his principles and anger, the Prince could not help wondering what the other man would feel underneath him.

"Yes, anything," replied David huskily. As if to prove his point, he moved to press his buttocks hard against Karl's body.

Karl groaned lustily before jumping back as though he had been burnt. He would not play this game with David; he would not allow the officer to turn him into a 'common' scoundrel, driven only by base needs. He might be a pirate; but he was born the Prince of Ascensia. He would not shame his family by giving in to the handsome blond's lecherous charms. "Go back to your rooms, David. I don't sleep with whores."

*****

The Naval Officer would have been grateful for the gallantry the pirate showed him if he was not so enraged at the way Karl insulted him. Not only had the captain rejected his offer, the outlaw had made it sound petty, as if this was what David did on a daily basis. David had never offered himself to anyone before; in fact, he had never even allowed himself to be claimed in his entire life. On more than one occasion, he had fantasized about it, like a few days ago when he watched the mysterious, handsome rogue on deck. But in real life, he preferred to be on top, where he had control of the situation. The tactician could not even begin to describe the shame he felt when he made his proposal; but as it was the only thing he could give in exchange for Karl's assistance, he had no other choice. And the captain had just called him a whore for his willingness to sacrifice everything for Viggo's sake. Without thinking, David spun round and charged the pirate.

Of all things Karl expected, an incensed David flying at him was not one of them. The pirate barely had time to dodge the officer's fist aimed at his face before the other man tried to kick his stomach. Reacting instinctively, the captain spun past the tactician to push him forward. David's momentum sent him flying; but luckily, he landed on Karl's bed instead of the hard floor. Before he could move, the pirate was there, bending over him, twisting one arm behind his back and pushing him down into the mattress with the other.

"What is wrong with you? Do you really want to get raped or killed that badly?" asked an annoyed and surprised Karl, no longer bothering to lower his voice.

Instead of answering, the still seething David struggled to get free but to no avail. Defeated, the tactician screamed, "Let me go!" and was surprised that his demand were heeded. He was of a mind to make some insults on the pirate's ancestry when Karl's soft statement melted all the anger away.

"Please, just leave..before we do something we both regret," said the captain in a voice shaky with desire. He had moved far from the bed and turned his back on his uninvited guest. He knew he could not trust himself to be in the same room with this maddeningly tempting young officer any longer. His senses were still reeling from his body's reaction to the other man's fiery spirit when David struggled against him on his bed. At that brief moment, despite his resolve and frustration, his primal instinct was to rip David's clothes off and claim him as mate, to mark the handsome young man as his own. He needed the Naval Officer to leave him alone lest he lost control.

The words reached deep into David's cynical mind to touch his heart as none had in many years. The pirate had rejected him to protect him! Karl knew he did not truly wanted to share his bed; and had thus refused his offer, not wanting him to degrade himself. The tactician was aware of his own appeal; he knew even his allies would have accepted his offer without consideration of David's feelings. Yet, this pirate, nemesis of his father, his enemy in every sense of the word, was selfless enough to have the decency to turn David away despite his own desires. The officer, who had experienced more than his share of intrigues and deceit, could not help admiring Karl's noble spirit. Though the man was the 'Dread Pirate Roberts', his behavior and principles were more righteous and pure than a lot of the politicians David knew. "All right, I will leave. But what about Orlando?"

That soft, cultured voice again. Karl could feel his skin flushed with heat at the mere sound of it. His manhood jumped in anticipation, hardened to the point of pain, demanding immediately attention. The pirate could not help feeling a sense of loss now that David was leaving. With effort, the captain replied in a strained voice, "I will tell him what you said about Viggo. It is up to him to decide whether to go see your friend or not."

"Thank you," whispered David gratefully as he moved off the bed and headed towards the door. He felt indebt to the pirate; but there was something more. The intelligent man knew someone as special as Karl was difficult to find these days. Unlike Viggo whose principles were set in stone, the younger officer knew he had feelings for the captain and was not afraid to admit it. His only regret was that nothing would ever come of this attraction he felt. . The captain would never think of him as anything more than the son of a hated enemy and a scheming liar who was willing to use his body to get what he wanted. Karl would never reciprocate his affections.

*****

Relief flooded Karl when the other man moved to leave his room. Now that the object of his desire was gone, he could begin to see to his throbbing member. Bracing himself against the wall with one hand, the pirate freed his aching shaft and started to stroke as he tried to alleviate the pain of unspent lust.

*****

David hesitated at the door and turned back to glance at his beloved outlaw one last time. Though the room was dark and Karl's back was to him, the little sighs of pleasure that escaped from the other man told the young officer all he needed to know. He could not leave Karl like this, even if the other man could never love him. The noble Prince had protected his honor and David wanted nothing more than to give himself to him. Tonight, David would allow himself to pretend that Karl's feelings for him went deeper than just lust. The practical tactician would relinquish control to his heart; he would give himself this one night of passion, fond memories that David would carry with him for as long as he lived, a memento of his hopeless, impossible dream.

*****

The captain was so enrapt with his own administrations that he failed to notice the tactician's approach. Standing merely inches away behind the larger man, David slipped his hands around him, one finding its way into the pirate's shirt as the other joined Karl's hand to stroke the heated shaft. Karl jumped in surprise at David's soft caress. God, how he wanted this! The Prince was surprised to realize that he had grown very fond of the young officer after their 'conversation' earlier. On the surface, David seemed calm and sophisticated; yet, when roused, he had a fire and intensity that would put the 'wildest rogues' to shame. And then, there was his devotion to Viggo. Karl could not help but admire that; other than Orli, he had never known anyone who was as giving and loyal as David. But the pirate also knew he had no right to enjoy the young Naval Officer's touch or to claim that perfect, supple body. David would never have tender feelings for him. Their family history and position in life guaranteed that. Stilling the smaller man's hands with his own calloused ones, the pirate demanded, "Didn't I already promise to talk to Orli? Why are you still here?"

Leaning close to the pirate to press their hips together, David breathed into his ear seductively, "Yes, you promised. And it should be pretty obvious why I am still here."

"David..."

Whatever arguments Karl had against spending the nights together, they vanished as the other man nibbled his earlobe and licked the sensitive inner shell of his ear. Between the strokes of his tongue, David purred the words, "I...want...you."

*****

The pirate could only groan in response as he released David's hands to explore his hard, sculpted body once more. The smaller man lost no time in resuming his earlier activities, stroking Karl's manhood lovingly with one hand as his other roved the pirate's chest and abs before settling to tease his nipple with nimble fingers. Soon, David's hungry mouth sought other targets to taste, leaving Karl's ears to lay a series of light, wet kisses along the larger man's neck.

Karl's quiet acquiescence was unraveling David's control. The young officer was hard to the point of pain; boiling within him was a blinding need to mate, to claim or be claimed, whichever way his lover wanted it. With less finesse and more urgency, the smaller man began to greedily suckle and lick every inch of Karl's exposed skin, wanting more of the sensation that only the other man's taste and touch could bring. "Need...more...now," whispered David against the pirate's shoulder as his hands left their tasks in an attempt to remove Karl's clothes.

Up till now, the pirate had stood still, indulgent to David's teasingly gentle touches that brought him so much pleasure. Karl's resolve was thrown out the window the moment the young Naval Officer kissed him; but a small part of him still doubted that David truly wanted to sleep with him. At this moment, however, sensing the smaller man's arousal pressing flushed against his buttocks, Karl knew it was time to take control. It was clear the young officer wanted the same thing he wanted tonight. Spinning around in the other man's loose embrace, the pirate captured both David's wrists in one of his own. With his free hand, Karl tilted the young officer's head back before crushing their lips together in a passionate kiss.

David could feel himself melting under the heat of their kiss. Karl's tongue thrusted forcefully into his mouth, every bit like the pirate laying irrefutable claim on a treasure. Tongues dueling with a primal rhythm of lust, the young officer thought his entire body was aflame. The tiny part of his mind that could still function registered that he had never felt emotions and sensations so intense before; only Karl could light this fire within him that consumed him and branded him as Karl's own. When the pirate's hands tore his uniform, ripping the shirt off without interrupting their kiss, all thoughts vanished; only overwhelming desire remained. Eagerly, David reciprocated the favor and rid Karl of the barrier that was preventing the contact of their bare skin.

Karl would have been surprised and pleased with the officer's impatience if he could think. But the heat of their kiss had robbed him of thoughts; now all he could feel was David and the need to bury himself deep inside the other man. Roughly, the pirate pushed the Naval Officer onto his bed. After pulling off his boots and breeches as quickly as he could, Karl joined his handsome lover, stealing David's breath away with yet another searing kiss.

Eager hands caressed Karl's back and buttocks, before slipping between their bodies to fondle his now weeping cock. The animal instinct in the pirate knew he could not last much longer if his lover did not stop soon, which would of course be unacceptable. Karl would not settle for anything less than filling David to the hilt with his shaft. He wanted, no, he needed to make this handsome young Naval Officer his. Reluctantly, the larger man broke the kiss and moved to kneel between his lover's legs. Swiftly, Karl removed the offending breeches that hid the officer's delectable body from his sight. Pushing David's legs wide part, the pirate began to stroke the man's inner thighs.

David moaned in excitement as he bucked and shifted, trying to get the pirate to touch his aching manhood. Karl complied, caressing the other man's leaking shaft, gathering the moisture onto his fingers. The young officer writhed in need against his lover's touch, desperate for release within Karl's strong grip. But the pirate had other ideas and soon, the other man's hand left his throbbing manhood. The officer sought to complain with a whiny moan, but the sound that came was a hitched breath as Karl slowly inserted his wet finger into David's heat. Expertly, the pirate massaged and probed his lover's sweet spot, eliciting wanton cries with each stroke. So great was his pleasure, that David barely noticed when Karl inserted two more fingers to prepare his opening for the final claiming.

For as long as he could, the pirate contained his own desire, pumping his lover with his fingers to ascertain David would be ready for him when he plunged his shaft into the smaller man's body. But the lustful response of his lover was quickly becoming too much to bear. Knowing he could not wait much longer, Karl pulled out his fingers and lifted David's hips. Trapping the young man's legs on his shoulders, the pirate positioned himself at the entrance and began to slowly slide into David's tight heat. The friction was killing him; all Karl wanted to do was to thrust hard and deep into his lover. But he did not know how much experience the young Naval Officer had with men; he would try to be gentle even if it killed him.

But slow and gentle was not what David had in mind. He could sense the raw masculinity from the fire in the pirate's kisses. He did not want the other man to pretend to be a 'sophisticated' and 'tender' lover just to please him. He wanted Karl the way he was, powerful and untamed. Tonight, David was trusting the pirate he secretly loved with control over his body; all he wished for in return was for Karl to trust him with his true self. In his trapped position, the young man arched up, trying to take more of his lover inside faster. Though David's manuveure was not very successful, it shattered the last shred of Karl's self control. The simple movement was all the incentive the pirate needed to quicken his pace, groaning as he pumped harder and faster into the officer's willing body. Shifting so he could hit his lover's sweet spot with each hard thrust, Karl began stroking David's arousal in time with the relentless drive of his manhood. It was not long before the young officer cried Karl's name and came within his hand. The tightening of David's inner muscles proved to be the pirate's undoing; with a few more thrusts, Karl spilled his seed deep inside his lover's body.

Exhausted and sated from the most intense pleasure he had ever experienced in his life, Karl moved to gather a barely conscious David in his arms and drifted into a dreamless sleep. There they stayed in peaceful slumber, warm and content in each other's embrace, until morning comes, bringing responsibilities and duties that would threaten to tear the lovers apart.

*****

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