Ensnared

The Discourteous Rose. Being back here, it was almost as though no time had passed. 

With one notable difference. 

Before she left the house, Phrike made a conscious effort to compartmentalize her feelings. She was about to ask for a very big favor from an old friend. Staying focused was imperative. 

A few crew members directed Phrike toward the Captain’s Quarters. Some she recognized, which led to some awkward waving. The physical reminder of the place she’d been fantasizing about in private moments left her heart racing. 

Particularly when Phrike recalled the fevered tenor of her last interaction with the Captain. She’d been about to try the door handle, her hand freezing halfway. 

Best to not forget her manners.

Phrike knocked three times. 

“State your business,” Madeline shouted. At least she sounded calm, and not terribly upset about being interrupted. 

“It’s Phrike.” Gods, how did one go about opening up negotiations with a former pirate Captain? “I, ah, have a proposition for you.” Phrike winced, her face growing heated. It wasn’t meant to sound so suggestive. 

The door opened. Madeline leaned against the door frame with a smirk. Phrike swallowed, her heart thumping. Still having such a visceral reaction to the Captain’s presence did not inspire the most confidence. 

“Didn’t expect I’d be hearing those words from you any time soon, pet.” Madeline leaned in closer, holding onto the doorframe.

For her part, Phrike’s mouth went dry. She cleared her throat. “May I come in?” There was no point in putting on a pretense. Madeline had a tendency to see to the core of her being. 

The Captain lingered. For a moment, Phrike felt captured by the gaze of a predator in the wild. A strange twist of anticipation and dread wound its way down her spine. Finally, she stepped back and gestured for Phrike to enter, before closing the door.

Flustered, Phrike turned toward Madeline, who’d taken another step closer. “I like what you’ve done with your hair. Not to mention, the clothes,” The Captain’s tone was licentious, to say the least. 

Being reminded of the changes to her appearance brought Phrike’s mind back to the present. The real reason she’d sought out Madeline in the first place. 

Still, she’d be lying if their stolen moments together at the tournament hadn’t haunted her dreams ever since. Whether she was awake or asleep. 

“Thank you. I, ah…Captain, I have a request.” Phrike’s nails dug into her palm, as she attempted to ground herself. “Would you allow the Wyld Ones to book passage aboard the Discourteous Rose? It’s a matter of some urgency.” 

Madeline raised an eyebrow. Turning, she crossed the room and poured two glasses of amber liquid. Lifting one to her lips, she indicated Phrike was welcome to the other. 

The prospect of liquid courage ordinarily filled Phrike with healthy skepticism. Wyld Bru wouldn’t have been her drink of choice for this evening. 

Phrike reached for the other glass, lifting it in a silent toast. Madeline’s eyes met hers over the rim of her glass. 

The burn of the alcohol temporarily soothed her nerves. After they’d each taken a sip, Madeline tilted her head in the direction of the sitting area. They sat across from each other. 

“You recall what happened last time I let you and your friends on board?” Madeline began, swirling the contents of her glass. Phrike didn’t bother to hide her wince. “Yes. It’s why I wanted to offer you a better deal this time.” 

“This ought to be good.” Madeline gestured for Phrike to begin. 

Glancing down, Phrike saw the remnants of a card game on the table. “I’ll play you for it. And, if I win,” Phrike's eyes slowly moved up to Madeline’s, “We earn passage to Morrighanáth.” 

“That is quite the journey.” Madeline’s eyes widened. “What awaits you in the Citadel?” 

“It’s possible that it may lead to a more thorough understanding of the Reconvergence.” Phrike said only as much as she’d theorized. Still left with a limited understanding of her father’s plans.

Madeline took another sip of her drink, “So you’re asking me to fly my ship and crew into dangerous territory based on a theory.” 

“I’m aware of the gravity of what I’m asking. Which is why I’m willing to add in an incentive.” There was a reason Phrike had slipped away in the night, trying not to alert the remaining Wyld Ones. 

She wouldn’t have attempted something this reckless were it not for their interlude at the Tournament of Heroes.

“I’m listening.” The corners of Madeline’s sumptuous mouth turned up. 

“If I win, then for however long the journey to Morrighanáth takes, I will sleep in your quarters.” Phrike’s throat tightened. By far her biggest gamble this evening, and they had yet to deal the cards on the table. 

Madeline paused, the drink halfway to her lips. Phrike watched her sparkling green eyes blaze with heat. “There’s something different about you, Phrike.” Madeline’s voice was huskier after a prolonged moment of contemplation.

Finally, the Captain smiled. “What’s in it for me if I win?” 

It would be truly embarrassing to return to the Wyld Ones in defeat after taking this kind of chance. “You might have heard the Wyld Ones have more of a reputation in Rhódania now.” 

“Of course.” Madeline nodded. Phrike recalled Madeline’s willingness to sponsor her as a champion. 

“If you win, I will owe you a favor.” Phrike declared. “You’ve seen what I’m capable of. I know I have my faults, but it’s like Conall said.” Phrike faltered slightly at the mention of his name, but pressed on. “What we break, we fix.” 

Everyone had stayed behind to help with the ship’s repairs. If Phrike had taken anything away from surviving a shipwreck, it was that blame couldn’t be placed on any one person. From a logical standpoint, they’d done everything they could. 

This was still Madeline’s choice, of whether or not she’d entertain a bargain with Phrike.

Madeline brought forth the bottle of alcohol they’d been enjoying. “Tell you what, pet. If you lose, I’ll put in a good word for you and the Wyld Ones, with another Captain.” 

Phrike imagined a former pirate with her reputation would have a number of contacts. Madeline’s offer to help was quite gracious. Phrike chose to take the Captain at her word. 

“Done.” Phrike lifted her untouched drink to her lips, eyes meeting Madeline’s before she drained the glass in a single swallow. The burn made her eyes water. Madeline chuckled, gathering the cards into her hands. 

Eamon had taught her how to play once. Would it be detrimental for Phrike to admit she was rusty? Years ago, she learned that Rhódania had a number of different card games. 

There was Dragonchess, so of course there was Dragon’s Poker. 

“Need a refresher on the rules?” Madeline dealt the cards, her movements dizzying. Phrike nodded. Perhaps it was better to let her opponent underestimate her early in the game. 

Madeline set the deck of cards between the two of them, explaining the winning hands. Phrike picked up her cards, holding them in front of her face in an attempt to conceal her dismayed expression. 

“We don’t have anything to make bets with.” Phrike added. Madeline looked up from her cards, smiling. “You needn’t worry about playing with the Wyld Ones’ fortune, love.” 

Her heart skipped a beat. Phrike shifted restlessly in her seats. “Then, what shall we play with?” She adjusted her posture, attempting to emulate some of Madeline’s air of confidence. 

“That part’s easy.” Madeline briefly set her hand down, rotating a bracelet on her wrist before placing it on the table. “You lose a hand, you take something off.” 

Phrike blinked. “So, we play…” 

“Until one of us has nothing left to lose? Yes.” Madeline’s feline grin left twin spots of color in Phrike’s cheeks. She opened her mouth, but found she had no objections.  

This game they’d been playing was fast becoming addicting. Still, Phrike drew strength from the liquid courage. Not to mention, the thrill of power when she licked her lips. Noting Madeline’s eyes following the movement of her tongue.  

“I’m in.” 

Madeline lifted her glass in another silent toast before she picked up her cards. 

“Let’s play, pet.” The Captain’s voice was husky, her green eyes twinkling. 

The first round went to the Captain. Phrike had tried to keep her elation about her hand in check. Madeline had called her bluff, revealing she held a better hand. 

Madeline refilled their drinks, clinking their glasses together. “Shall it be the winner’s choice of what item of clothing gets removed?” Madeline sat as Phrike shuffled the cards. 

“Sure.” Phrike’s voice went raspy, her heart squeezing her chest. She cleared her throat. 

“The shoes first then, Phrike. Don’t forget to deal.” Madeline smiled. 

For once, Phrike was glad that her new shoes came off easily. The next few hands went to Madeline. Phrike set her weapons aside. Finally, Phrike was dealt a better hand. 

“Your coat.” Phrike decided, with a slow smile. Madeline didn’t disappoint. She tossed her hat on the table. “Call that one a gift.” Madeline unfastened the buttons on her coat, sliding it off his shoulders and tossing it over a nearby trunk. 

She wore a flowing shirt with an underbust corset, leading into fitted pants. They looked practically painted onto her body, drawing the eye to her glorious curves. 

“Focus, dear. We’re not even at the halfway mark yet.” Madeline smiled. “Ready to deal?” 

Phrike dealt a few more hands. 

Madeline lost her boots, and several clips in her hair. Her long red tresses cascaded down her shoulders, bringing with them a bewitching scent.

The Captain had Phrike at a disadvantage, with the amount of accessories she wore. Phrike worried she might be out of the game soon. 

Or, she might take another chance. 

When Madeline won the next hand, Phrike stood up. Swaying slightly, which she might have attributed to the alcohol. 

Phrike gazed at Madeline, tugging her romper down her shoulders, one at a time. With the fabric gathered around her waist, instinct told her to shimmy the rest down her hips. Leaving her standing before Madeline in nothing but her underwear. 

Phrike sat, picking up her drink and crossing her legs. For her part, Madeline grinned. “You are full of surprises, Phrike.” 

They kept playing. Phrike watched Madeline strip out of her skintight pants. She swallowed, finishing the rest of her drink when her mouth went dry. 

Another round went by. Phrike slipped out of her bra first. Relishing the satisfaction of Madeline’s eyes lingering over her body. The other woman let out a slow exhale. “You’re a dream, darling.” 

It was difficult to remember they were still playing a game.

After another hand, Madeline turned around. Sliding her hands down her hips. “Help me with the laces, will you, Phrike?” 

Phrike stood, swallowing as she approached the Captain. The alcohol might be emboldening her choices. Phrike swept Madeline’s hair to one side. Deftly unfastening the knot that held her laces together. 

Phrike couldn’t resist leaning into her ear, once the corset had fallen to the floor. Her hands flexed at her sides. Barely managing to resist the impulse to touch.  

“Have you come undone?” The laces were unfastened, but Phrike still felt the tension building between them. Madeline let out a throaty chuckle. “I must say, I’m enjoying this side of you, pet.”

“Still want to finish the game?” Phrike murmured, nuzzling the back of Madeline’s neck. A thrill of satisfaction ran through her when Madeline shivered. Phrike’s hands trembled. 

“Wouldn’t be right if we didn’t declare a winner.” Madeline’s accent was much more pronounced, her voice husky. 

Phrike took a step back, turning and walking back to her seat. If her hips swayed a little more as she walked, she’d never admit it. Madeline let out a chuckle. “You’re playing a dangerous game, darling.” 

Phrike gathered the cards. It was her turn to deal. She looked the Captain in the eye when she was finished, picking up her hand. “Doesn’t the danger make it half the fun?” Phrike recalled Madeline’s philosophy on rising to the challenge. 

Madeline chuckled. Still, she must have been more distracted than she let on. The next round went to Phrike, who watched as she took her time unfastening the buttons on her shirt. The fabric pooled on the ground at her feet, as Madeline sat before Phrike. Picking up her cards, before propping her foot on the table. 

Phrike felt her heart thump once in her chest. Unable to tear her eyes away from the view between Madeline’s thighs. 

“It’s your turn to deal, Phrike.” The smile was evident in her voice. Phrike felt her face burn, as she picked up the cards and dealt them one more time. 

Phrike’s concentration was shot, the tension building up between them all night hanging heavy in the air. Too late Phrike realized she gave away the perfect hand. “Poor dear.” Madeline tossed her cards onto the table, revealing a killer hand. Phrike smiled. Somehow the sting of defeat was lessened, by the buzzing of anticipation in her veins. She started to sit up, reaching for her panties.

“Before you take those off,” Madeline beckoned her closer, “Come here.” 

Phrike couldn’t really blame the alcohol lowering her inhibitions. Phrike stood and circled the table with her slow, purposeful stride. Madeline lifted a cushion from the couch, tossing it inelegantly on the floor. “On your knees, darling.” 

Her movements were fluid. Little had ever felt so right to Phrike before. She sank to her knees. “Spread your legs.” Phrike bit her lower lip, acquiescing to the Captain’s will. Hands resting perilously close to her inner thighs. “Touch yourself.” There was a harder edge to Madeline's voice now, the undeniably sensuality in her demeanor fanning the flames of Phrike’s ruination. 

This came so easily to Madeline. An intrusive thought came to Phrike’s mind. The few times she’d attempted to exude similar confidence it felt nowhere near as effortless as Madeline made it look. 

“I believe I gave you an order, pet,” Madeline’s voice interrupted her reverie, “Get out of your head.” Phrike’s eyes widened slightly. “There you are. Right back where you belong.” Phrike swallowed, one hand sliding up her rib cage to cup her breast. Nails dragging, in a facsimile of Madeline’s touch. The gentle sting made her hiss, the resulting trail of heat winding its way down her spine. 

Phrike’s other hand teased the apex of her thighs, until she whimpered. “Come when you’re ready.” Phrike’s eyes flicked to Madeline, her breathing growing ragged as she saw the other woman had torn her panties away in her haste. Transfixed by the sight of Madeline’s fingers caressing her soft, short curls. Panting at the sight of her luscious thighs, which begged to be kissed and bitten. 

A wild grunt escaped Phrike at the first gentle touch of her fingers. Already she’d soaked through the fabric of her panties. The first flash of pain gave way to a steady wave of pleasure, as Phrike slowly stroked her clit. Soon her body began to tremble. A bead of sweat trailed the back of her neck, making her shiver. 

“Close, already?” Madeline smiled, the expression positively feral. “Good girl.” Phrike watched Madeline’s fingers slide inside her cunt. Pumping once, twice, until her mouth fell open with a pleasurable groan. “Don’t stop now, darling. Do as you’re told.” The strain in her voice sent a thrill through Phrike. 

Though she tried to hold herself up, Phrike’s body bowed beneath the tension of her mounting arousal. 

In the end, it took no time at all. The entire evening had been an exercise in delayed gratification already. Both women watched each other, until the throes of pleasure overtook them entirely. Their combined shouts echoed through the room. 

Though a carefully placed enchantment kept these sounds from traveling beyond the borders of this room. 

Soon the only sounds exchanged between them were several ragged breaths. Madeilne lifted her shining fingers, beckoning her closer. 

Phrike, already on her hands and knees, crawled forward. The moment she sat back on her heels, her lips parted. Madeline held out her fingers, only for Phrike leaned forward to lick them clean. 

Madeline hummed low in her throat, eyes darkening with lust. “You’re a revelation, pet.” She rubbed her thumb across Phrike’s lower lip, leaving her mouth shining slightly. Madeline grabbed Phrike’s hair, pulling her head back and exposing her throat. 

“I’ll take you, and your friends to Morrighanáth,” The poignant pause was not lost on Phrike. “Though your offer is tempting, you are not obligated to sleep in my quarters. Only if you want to.” Madeline added, seeing Phrike start to speak up about that. 

“I do want to.” The alcohol wasn’t entirely to blame for her decision. What if she finally explored these unchecked feelings for Madeline? 

Madeline smiled. “Delightful. Preparing for a journey like that is going to take a couple of days.” The Captain sounded remarkably composed, given the drinks they’d been enjoying. 

Phrike’s surprise must have registered on her face. “Thank you, Madeline. I know it’s asking a lot, but I appreciate you taking a chance on the Wyld Ones again. I--” Madeline held a finger to her lips, interrupting Phrike. 

“Now, now. Enough of that.” Madeline’s hand clasped her throat, thumb trailing her pulse point. “I’ll tell you when I want you to be formal with me.” 

Phrike shivered.

Madeline kept her gentle hold on Phrike’s throat, slowly standing. Phrike didn’t need to be told to follow along. The Captain led her across the room, toward her bed. 

Madeline brought their lips closer, murmuring, “Get on the bed,” before releasing her throat. Phrike swayed a little as Madeline turned away, before she crawled onto the Captain’s bed. “Closer to the edge. On all fours.”  

The first time Phrike saw Madeline ordering the ship’s crew around, she’d been overwhelmed by a peculiar sensation she could not name. The cool silk of her bedsheets touched Phrike’s cheek, as that same feeling swept through her body once more. 

Was she awed by Madeline? Fearful of her wrath and subsequently eager to fall in line, like certain members of her crew? Or did she simply admire the confidence Madeline slipped into with the same ease as her dress sense? 

Something landed on the bed beside Phrike. What surprised her more was how Phrike didn’t flinch. Deciding that the answer to all of her above questions was yes. Madeline was extraordinary, intimidating, and powerful.

Yet here she was. Walking right into the flames of passion. Embracing the heat entwining around her limbs. Trusting Madeline to lead her through to the other side. 

Or join her in the middle, until they were both consumed. 

Phrike gasped, feeling the gentle scrape of the other woman’s nails along her lower back. “Eyes on me, pet.” Madeline ordered, reminding Phrike of the mirrored wall in the Captain’s quarters. 

As Phrike was about to ask what came next, Madeline held up a phallic-shaped toy. “Purchased with you in mind.” At first glance the material appeared crystalline, but Madeline seemed able to manipulate it easily enough. 

“Is that…” Phrike couldn’t say it. Gods above, the idea had her trembling. Still sensitive from her earlier orgasm, she shifted her hips. Subtly trying to press her thighs together. 

Phrike yelped, feeling the sharp sting of Madeline’s hand on her ass. “Be still, darling.” Madeline chastised her gently. “Relax.” 

The texture of the toy seemed to naturally adjust to the temperature of her body. It wouldn’t have surprised Phrike if the toy were somehow magically enhanced. 

Though really, what sort of places sold such devices? Perhaps it was a relic of another time, or another world entirely. 

At first Phrike felt the flared crown of the toy teasing her clit. She tried to speak, barely managing a strained whimper before she steadied herself again. “Please.” 

“Please, what?” Phrike felt the toy tap, sending interesting shock waves through her nervous system. “Use your words.” 

“Please, take me.” The daughter of shadow reduced to a disheveled, pleading mess. Some part of her felt satisfied by the knowledge.

“Have you forgotten how to ask me for things, pet?” Madeline tsked. “Poor dear. It must be so hard for you to think right now.” 

Phrike whined. How was this working? The slight note of condescension in Madeline’s voice only made her hotter. “Please, Mommy. Take me.” She hardly recognized her own voice when she was this deep in a headspace. 

At this point, she hardly cared. 

“Louder.” Madeline groaned. Phrike heard the Captain’s voice inside her mind. Sounding for all the world like her control was starting to slip. 

I’m going to hold you down and fuck you like this, pet. Tell me now if you take issue with that. 

Phrike didn’t hesitate. 

Can you feel that toy, Mommy? She wiggled her hips. Do you want it inside me, just like I do? 

Madeline groaned. “Such a tease. But yes, I can.” She lunged, pinning Phrike to the mattress. The ridge of the toy pressing into her ass. 

“And yes, I do. Beg me to fuck you, Phrike.” Her voice brokered no argument. Hand reaching up to grip Phrike’s hair. When Madeline pulled, she grunted. “Please fuck me, Mommy.” 

Phrike felt the toy push past her entrance. She exhaled a shuddering sigh. “Keep going.” Madeline’s lips found her shoulder, her teeth quickly leaving a claiming mark over her territory. 

Madeline made Phrike beg for every intense thrust. Phrike started to push her hips back into the toy that seemed perfectly sized. This was some practical magic, indeed.

If this was the future during their journey to Morrighanáth, Phrike could get used to traveling on the Discourteous Rose again. “Don’t stop, Mommy. I love the way you feel.” Phrike groaned. 

Madeline snapped her fingers. The toy began to vibrate. Phrike’s eyes rolled back. You’re taking it so well for me, precious. 

“Need to come, Mommy. Please.” Phrike shuddered. Certain she’d commit the sound of Madeline panting in her ear to memory. 

Without magic, Madeline reached between their bodies. The first touch to Phrike’s clit had her gasping. Oversensitized as she was. 

Though she lacked the energy to physically lift her head, Phrike imagined what the two of them must look like right now. 

Madeline, ravaging Phrike within an inch of her life. The Captain panting in her ear, touching and teasing her body in all the ways that drove her wild. Almost as though she’d divined the knowledge directly from Phrike’s mind. 

“Be a good girl and come for Mommy, darling.” Madeline groaned. “We’ll do it together.” 

Phrike nodded, her lips forming around her acquiescence. Still, her voice gave out on the broken groan as Madeline changed the angle of her thrusts. 

Pinned between her Captain and the mattress, Phrike fell apart as Madeline held her fast. Their fingers intertwined as their pleasure reached a cataclysmic explosion. 

Lost to the influx of sensation, Phrike didn’t notice the moment the vibrations stopped. She blinked slowly, catching her breath. Soon it felt better to keep her eyes closed. 

Some of her buzz wearing off, Madeline came to her senses long enough to gently clean herself and Phrike up. She didn’t bother with pulling the covers back, finding a throw blanket big enough to cover herself and Phrike. They fell asleep at an odd angle on the bed. 

The last thought in Madeline’s mind was how lovely it would be to wake up beside Phrike the next morning. 

Fin