Free The Immortal Scrolls by Kristin Secorsky

thought quietly for a moment. “I have to get back out there before someone comes looking for me and finds us here. You must meet me in secret.”
    He looked at her, wondering what she had in mind. “How?” he asked.
    “There is a secret passageway to my room. All the private quarters have secret escape passageways. In the main hall before you turn down the corridor to the bedrooms is a statue of my father.”
    “Yes, I know it,” he said.
    “You’ll notice the lines on the wall are slightly different. There is a switch on the floor behind the statue. Step on it, and the wall will open enough for you to get through. But make sure you aren’t seen.”
    “This is crazy,” he said.
    “Come to me tonight, Androcles. Please,” she begged.
    “I could try to get in after I leave you for the night,” he said.
    Araceli smiled. “Be careful no one sees,” she said nervously.
    Androcles kissed her again quickly, and then they slipped out of the alcove. There was no one around to see them. Araceli went out and rejoined the group on the balcony. Androcles stood back by the other guards. The warmup matches were beginning. Araceli watched for a few moments until the first blood was shed. Then she averted her eyes once again.

    Later that evening Androcles was waiting anxiously for the night guards to relieve him from his post at her door. He was wondering where his sense of honor and duty went. Then he saw the two guards turning the corner. He joked around with them for a few minutes and then left. He turned from the corridor to Araceli’s room into the main hall. He saw the statue she had mentioned and walked to toward it. Sure enough the wall looked odd. He found the switch easily and looked around to make sure no one was there. All was clear, so he pressed the switch, and the door opened slightly. He took a deep breath and went in the room.
    The passageway was dark, musty, and full of cobwebs. Androcles stretched out his arms and ran his hands along the walls to guide him. He stepped slowly and cautiously until he reached another wall. He bent down and felt around. His fingers finally passed over the switch. Androcles opened the passageway and squeezed through. He was in Araceli’s private bath. The torches had been blown out. Her room was darkened too, with only a few candles to light it up. She had drawn shut the curtains on the open balcony doorway.
    “Araceli,” he whispered hesitantly.
    “Over here, Androcles,” she whispered back. “It’s all right. We are alone.”
    Androcles stepped out from the bath. He saw Araceli stand up from her bed. His heart stopped as she walked slowly toward him. She was dressed in a long golden gown so sheer he could see right through it. Her wavy hair was down. She finally reached him and smiled. He reached a shaky hand out and gently stroked her soft hair. His hand fell down, and he untied her gown from around her neck. Her breathing was shallow and nervous as he touched her. Then her gown fell swiftly to the ground.
    “You are beautiful,” he said. Androcles smiled at her as he leaned in to kiss her. Her arms reached around his neck to pull him closer to her. She began tugging at his armor, but she couldn’t get it off. Androcles laughed softly and stepped back. He removed his chest plate and his boots. Araceli grabbed the hem of his tunic and pulled it up over his head, revealing his chiseled body. His skin was scarred from battle. Her eyes explored his body hungrily. She had never seen a naked man before. Her parents had kept her well away from their more questionable parties. Araceli stepped close and ran her hands down his strong, smooth chest. He trembled at her touch.
    Androcles could not restrain himself anymore. He grabbed her suddenly and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist. His lips crushed hers passionately as he walked toward the bed. She could feel his hardness against her. Her body ached with a desire she had never known. He knelt down on her