Rezzora's Workshop (Witch Xim, #1) / Witch Xim (ePub)

Xim is the young apprentice of Rezzora, the ancient witch who advises the queen of Noctonoth. When Castle Tinnethor is suddenly attacked by Ozul, a dark necromancer, and her undead army, Xim is tasked with protecting Princess Demetria. Upon "rescuing" the princess, however, feminine Xim learns that Demetria is a masculine butch warrior and in very little need of protecting. Teaming up against a horde of zombies, the two of them learn to protect each other as they set out on a quest for the Flame of Aymar. Don't miss the first installment of this lesbian romance series!

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"Who am I?" the ghoul asked in a deep, hoarse voice.

"You are Harlow," Rezzora answered, still circling and inspecting. "You are a ghoul, and I have created you."

The ghoul didn't seem pleased to hear that, though Xim imagined no one would enjoy waking up to learn they were an enslaved zombie.

"What is my purpose?" the ghoul asked anxiously.

"To protect the life of Xim and do as she commands until such a time as she has released you," Rezzora answered in the same calm manner.

The ghoul frowned. "Who is Xim?"

Rezzora halted at Harlow's side and pointed at Xim, who was still standing beside the window. Xim regretted being pointed out, for Harlow stared at her and did not stop, did not blink.

--

"I have decided that you shall be mine," Demetria announced.

Xim blushed a little, and her lashes fluttered. She was enjoying this, she enjoyed that Demetria wanted her desperately, but she jerked her chin and said in disgust, "You may be used to having whatever and whomever you please, your grace, but we are not in the castle, and you will find that I am not one of your simpering milkmaids-"

She knew about the milkmaids? thought Demetria, embarrassed.

"No, you shall be my princess," Demetria said seriously. "I shall fill you with my child, wife and wife, as the gods have ordained it, and you shall rule at my side."

Xim tripped over her own boots and nearly fell. Demetria caught her by the waist and righted her. They became lost in each other's eyes. Xim was blushing a little.

--

Xim looked off at the dark forest in the distance, then without a word, she marched toward it.

Harlow gave Demetria a pleading look, as if begging her to stop Xim.

Demetria only shrugged, feeling helpless. "Why are the beautiful ones always crazy?" she said, shaking her head.

--

"I want you, Xim," Demetria said seriously now. "And you can feel it, can't you? You can feel how my body craves you. You witches can always feel the energy of others. I used to hate it, but . . . I don't mind that you feel me. I want you to bear my children." She stepped closer and hesitated, then closed her arms around Xim from behind.

"You can't have decided all of that," the witch said helplessly, "after knowing me for twenty minutes!"

Demetria laughed. "I have seen you around the castle grounds for years, Xim," she said, "and you have seen me training in the yard. You used to watch me, thinking I didn't see."

Xim blushed harder.