CHAPTER 9

The following morning Skye was up bright and early. She hoped to find Paul and leave before she ran into her mother and grandmother. No such luck.

"Good morning Daughter. You are up early today."

"Good morning Mother. I was hoping to take our visitors out today." Skye said hesitantly.

"Are you taking them swimming with you?" Queen Daphne asked innocently.

With horror written on her face, "No!"

"Are you going to tell him my Daughter?"

Skye avoided her mother's question and her stare. "I was hoping to show them more of the island today."

"You did not answer my question Skye."

"Mother, it is too early."

"Skye, this is a time of testing for you, that is why I allowed these men on the island. You must learn to judge the character of people. Do not let your feelings for this man cloud your judgment. Follow your heart, but…."

"Granddaughter are you going swimming now?” Adolphina interrupted. “Perhaps I will go with you." Adolphina was going to make sure that Skye spent time in the water.

"Yes Grandmother." Skye replied reluctantly.

Queen Daphne smiled as she watched her mother and daughter leave together knowing Skye's heart was not in it.

"Good morning your Majesty." Bruce approached the Queen.

They had decided last night that of the three of them the Queen liked Bruce the most so he should be their spokesman.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Breakfast is ready for you if you will accompany me to the dining room."

Paul could not contain himself any longer. "Will Skye be joining us for breakfast?"

"No. Skye and her grandmother had duties to attend to. She sends her regrets but she will join you later. I thought I would show you around my island."

“That would be very nice, we would enjoy that." Bruce again spoke for the group.

They all ate breakfast together and the Queen answered their questions being careful not to reveal too much.

Queen Daphne gave Bruce, Paul, and Gene an intensive tour of the island. She explained bout the trade deals she had negotiated and about how her people lived on the island. Gene found the queen to be quite delightful and interesting as she explained their government to them. Of course, Daphne left out certain things.

While Bruce and Gene conversed with the queen Paul kept an eye out for Skye. Would their paths cross today? Paul had no idea that Skye was at the bottom of the ocean miles away from the island.

All in all it was a good day. Gene discovered that he liked the Queen and he began to understand the workings of this island paradise. Paul hated to admit it, but he too, enjoyed the Queen's explanation of the island. Before any of them realized it the sun was beginning to go down and it was time for dinner. As they entered the dining room Paul realized Skye was not back and he had not seen her all day.

"Hello Daughter." Queen Daphne said as Skye entered the dining room for dinner. "Did all go well today?"

"Yes Mother." Skye answered.

"All is well with you and your grandmother?"

"Yes Mother."

"Then come join us for dinner." Queen Daphne smiled at her daughter as she at across from Paul.

"I missed you today." Paul said quietly.

"And I missed you." Skye answered, embarrassed at this exchange so close to her mother.

"Can I see you later?" Paul continued.

"After dinner." Skye whispered.

Queen Daphne watched the exchange between Paul and Skye with an amused smile but said nothing. Queen Daphne knew that Adolphina had a long talk with Skye and now she would have to trust her daughter's judgment. This surely was a test for all of them.

After dinner Skye excused herself and went outside. Paul was soon behind her.

"I missed you." Paul said again as he ran his finger down her arm.

Skye shivered at his touch.

"I couldn’t wait for you to come back. Where were you all day?" Paul was asking too many questions Skye thought.

"My grandmother and I had things to do today." Was all she would say.

Paul took her hand and kissed it as he looked into her eyes. "She won't disturb us tonight will she?"

Skye looked down, slightly embarrassed, "No. She has promised that I will be free from my duties for the duration of your stay."

Paul lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes, "I'm glad."

"Shall we go for a walk?" Skye asked.

"That would be nice." Paul smiled.

Skye led him through the jungle and up to the cliff to her favorite spot. It was a full moon and in the distance you could see the dolphins jump and play.

"There's Mallow." Skye smiled as she pointed.

"Mallow?" Paul asked.

"Marshmallow. My dolphin." She answered.

"You have a pet dolphin? How did that happen." Paul inquired as he moved closer to her.

"One day when I was younger I was out swimming and Mallow just followed me home. She is my best friend." Skye beamed.

"Well, Mallow has very good taste."

He was so close Skye could feel his breath on her cheek. She had never been this close to a man before. Paul caressed her cheek. Skye thought she would faint. Never had she felt such a rush of emotions. Paul looked into her eyes and then kissed her, gently at first, then opening her mouth so his tongue could find it's way inside. Skye's knees began to shake.

Her tongue found his and copying him she explored his mouth. She ran her tongue across his lips and returned his smile as they looked at each other.

Paul held her in his arms as they looked out across the ocean. "Come back to my room with me." He whispered in her ear, his breath hot.

Skye did not answer but took him by the hand and led him back to her room where they would have more privacy.

As she shut the door and locked it Paul again pulled her into his arms and kissed her with an urgency they both shared. His hands roamed across her back as he rained kissed down her neck. His hand lightly brushed against her breast and he heard her sharp intake of breath. 'Not too fast Paul.' He thought to himself. 'You have all night.' Paul smiled as he slipped off her top and began to suckle at her breast. So intense were Skye's feeling that her knees gave way and just as she was about to fall Paul picked her up and carried her to the bed.

He lay her down and continued his assault on her body, not stopping and not giving her time to think. Before she knew what had happened they were lying in bed together naked and Paul's hands were beginning a downward exploration.

This whole experience was new to Skye. Her mother had told her about sex but never did she imagine the intense pleasure it would bring. She allowed Paul to continue his explorations of her body as she enjoyed wheat his hands and mouth did to her. Skye felt the bed shift as Paul moved over her; using his knees to part her legs he slowly entered her. Skye was surprised at this sudden pain she felt. As the pain eased Paul resumed his thrusting finally bringing them to their ultimate pleasure.

They lay side by side not saying anything. Paul's fingers again traced circles on her arm as he held her against him.

"Are you all right?" he whispered as he kissed her ear.

"Yes." Skye answered breathless. "I didn't know anything could feel this good."

Paul smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it." He nibbled on her neck and caressed her stomach as his need for her arose. They spent the night exploring each other's bodies and enjoying the way each felt. Paul smiled at her inexperience but marveled at how quickly she learned. This was proving to be quite an interesting trip.

Just before dawn Paul awoke and not wanting to upset the queen decided it might not be good for him t be found in Skye's room. He dressed and kissed the still sleeping Princess and quietly left to return to his room.