Nicholas woke and stretched luxuriously. He had not felt this relaxed for a long time. He smiled at the memory of the previous night. Miranda had been quite the compliant serving wench, catering to his every want. He felt the beginnings of an erection as he recalled the vision of her smooth, white buttocks, pink from his spanking, and their other activities of the evening. After his meal, he had ordered her to strip and then undress him. The innkeeper had sent up water for a bath, and Nicholas had Miranda join him in the tub and wash him. Her hands had been strong and firm as they soaped his entire body, stirring up fresh waves of desire. Afterwards, he sat in a chair and had Miranda kneel in front of him to lick and suck his cock, bringing him just to the edge of another orgasm. But he had stopped her, wanting to enter her once again.  Bending her over his lap, he had spanked her shapely bottom until they were both highly aroused and ready for another coupling. They had moved to the bed and had a marvellous fuck, each experiencing a powerful orgasm before falling into a peaceful sleep.

        Miranda had left his bed, no doubt to preserve propriety, he thought. He knew she had a room at the inn, and he planned to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with her, and then ride out to continue his tasks. Perhaps she would join him for awhile. Nicholas normally travelled alone, and considered that a blessing. He did not much care for company on the road, particularly not a woman’s. There was, however, something about Miranda that interested him greatly. It was not only her sparkling eyes, which turned deep green when she was aroused, or her firm, luscious body that fit so well with his.  No, there was something else that drew his attention and made him want to spend more time with her. But not too much time, of course. Nicholas knew that women quickly became possessive and clingy if given too much attention, and the combination of his royal background and good looks made him a target for every ambitious woman in the land.  He was very careful how he bestowed his affections. 

           After he had washed and gathered his belongings, Nicholas reached for his coin purse. It felt lighter than it should. He looked inside and discovered that half of the coins were missing!  Was there a thief at the inn?  No, he knew it had been intact when he’d come to his room last night.  Miranda had robbed him! 

           She was, of course, gone. Nicholas brooded while he ate his breakfast. Miranda had certainly not seemed like a common thief. She was clean, her clothing was well made if a bit odd for this region, and she had a glorious smile with perfectly white teeth; she seemed to be well bred. Nicholas had met many thieves in his life, and she didn’t fit the pattern. He reflected that it was odd that she had not taken all of his coins.  Well, from the little she had said and information he got from the innkeeper, he had an idea of where she was going. A slight detour from his route would take him there. The thought of seeing her again brought an unexpected smile to his lips, and he left the inn in better humour.

           As he prepared to ride out, he noticed a piece of parchment tied to his horse.  Written in a flowing feminine handwriting was a note.

Dear Nicholas, My apologies for borrowing a few coins from you without first asking. I find myself a bit short of funds at this time, and was not sure you would see fit to give me a loan, as we hardly know each other. I will pay you back one day when our paths cross again. 

        It was signed ‘Miranda’.  Nicholas smiled again.  Yes, my lady, he thought, our paths will indeed cross again, and sooner than you might think.

Reviewed by Miz Love and Crew
"A good short novella with sexy scenes, likeable characters and a new world to immerse yourself in"

http://www.mizlovelovesbooks.com/2011/08/mirandas-travels-by-naomi-bellina.html


Reviewed by Mary at Bitten By Books
http://bittenbybooks.com/43582/mirandas-travels-by-naomi-bellina/


"I appreciated Miranda’s efforts to protect knowledge by gathering books for safekeeping, and found her abilities fascinating. Nicholas’ determination to become his own man led him to leave his kingdom and search for Miranda, following his heart instead of tradition. This short story is definitely hot and spicy, very descriptive, and not for the under 18 crowd."