Marie Kelly's Blog, page 3

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 22)

Chapter Twenty Two

Tialla’s eyes widened as she stuttered out her incredulity, “Y… You’re from Drakel?”

Cadell grimaced, standing. “It’s a long story. One best told over food”, his tone softening. “I’ll tell you the whole sorry tale if you go shower and freshen up. Deal?”

Her mouth snapped shut as she smiled, her head nodding. “OK. Food and a shower does sound kind of good right now.”

His hand reached out to lift her to her feet. Seeing as the sheet fell from her naked form she could see the fire that sprung to his dark eyes, a shaky half-laugh leaving him. “OK. I will give you peace, because looking at you right now is not doing anything for my determination to be a responsible husband and ensure you retain your strength.”

Chuckling, she moved to the mouth of the cave, pausing before she rounded the section of the wall which would obscure her sight of him, her movement unhurriedly sexy as she shimmied before him. Turning her head to look at him over her shoulder her sultry look brought another groan from him. “As you wish my lover”, her laugh becoming deeper hearing the small curse from him, his “Now I am going to be needing a cold shower” making her laugh even harder.

She felt strangely powerful at his reaction, his quickly cried out instructions on where to find the ‘perfect shower’ seeing her turn left as she exited the cave.

He was right. The water fell behind the tunnel at just the right point to allow her to wash, she gasping as the ice water sloshed all over her, reviving her body with its refreshing tingles. Washed, she returned to the cave, quickly drying before dressing, her brows furrowed as she once more left, this time turning right in search of Cadell.

Leaving the protective curtain of water her senses were bombarded by the delicious aroma of cooking, her belly once more rumbling, her feet moving faster to join him. In a small clearing, he had a fire burning, her makeshift stove over it with two scaled and gutted fish cooking. He had somehow found fruit as well and cut them into pieces ready for eating.

Hearing her move towards him, Cadell turned, a wide smile on his handsome face, Tialla’s stomach flipping at just the sight of him. So this was what it was like to be in love, happiness swamping her. It felt good.

“As promised my queen – breakfast”, his hands sweeping towards a large tree stump he had cleaned and set her cutlery on. Shaking her head, she laughed, dropping onto the fur rug which she had last seen on their bed, his consideration for her comfort somehow touching.

Within seconds he joined her, passing her a plate and waiting for her to try a piece of the perfectly cooked fish. Her eyes closed reverently, a sound of pleasure leaving her lips. “That is delicious!”

“Well, I might not cook often, but when I do… Let’s just say I have never killed anybody with food”, his smile and cheeky comment making her laugh.

As they ate in silence, her eyes often turned to him. She had so many questions, instinctively knowing that the time to ask was close, but in the meantime having to admit that he was most definitely a surprise. How many leaders, especially warlords, knew how to cook?

When both finished, each having eaten their lot, Tialla rubbed her belly, a dreamy smile on her lips, “I could get used to this”, her wistful words bringing another smile to him, his head nodding too as he looked around at their peaceful setting.

“Yeah. It is pretty nice. No pressure, no life or death decisions to make… Just chill.”

Chuckling, her eyes danced with impish fun. “No poor women to strip and dress as a slave…”

She giggled harder as his features crumpled into an apologetic ‘ouch’ before he too grinned wickedly, turning to her. “Guess I should not admit that I had a really good look right? That would not be the smartest thing to say.”

As she mock-glared at him, he laughed harder, his hands reaching for her and pulling her onto the rug under him, his head bending as he claimed her lips. Instantly Tialla melted against him, her arms wrapping around his neck. This felt right. He felt right.

Pulling from her, Cadell smiled seeing the look on her beautiful face, her closed eyes slowly opening as a wistful sigh escaped her soft lips. She wanted him every bit as much as he her, this knowledge swelling his insides. But now it was the time for some truths.

Pushing up to a seating position, he helped her up, his fingers entwining with hers. “I promised you the truth, and I want to tell you everything Tialla.”

Her lips curved in the most adorable smile, trust shining from her as she wordlessly nodded.

Exhaling a long sigh, his eyes dropped to the rug, a frown furrowing his brow as he began his story. “I was born in Drakel. My father was a soldier, part of Garel’s personal security. When my sister was eighteen, he was able to get her a position as one of Garel’s current queen’s maids.” His head rose, his eyes finding hers. “She was so excited Tialla. She thought that working in the castle would be wonderful, exciting.” She silently watched as anger seemed to seep into his eyes. “At the time I was training as a soldier. We would practice in the courtyard and I was doing well. It seemed my family were destined for good things in Garel’s service.”

Her fingers squeezed his seeing the pain which flashed across his features “Niandra, my sister, had only worked there for a day when it became apparent that she had caught the eye of Garel.” His mouth curling into a bitter sneer, “And Garel is not the kind of man to take no for an answer.”

Next installment {28th Aug}

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 21)

Chapter Twenty-One

Blinking awake the next morning, Tialla frowned, her eyes expecting the sun to be pouring in from the large window in her bedroom, the breeze cooling the large opulent room. However, it was dark, a closed in feel to the area along with a musty smell, confusion filling her. Where was she?

Sitting up, she felt the fur fall away, again not the expected silk sheets she was used to. Her eyes widened seeing herself naked, just as the memories swooshed in, her hands rising to cover her mouth. She was in a cave. She was taking part in Tol Dar. A giggle spluttered up from between her fingers. She was no longer a virgin. She was Cadell’s queen by every possible meaning of the word. Letting herself drop back into the make-shift bed, heat bloomed within. She was in love, and what was more, he was in love with her. Her heart swelled with this knowledge. Her head turned looking for him even as her hands patted the empty place beside her. She was alone, a sense of loss invading her. Where was he?

The sound of feet approaching saw her head swing around just in time to see Cadell himself appear, something swinging from his hands. She heard his small groan as he dropped whatever he carried onto a small outcrop of rock before moving to quickly join her. His hands cupped her face, dragging her mouth to his, “Good morning my love.”

His words curved her lips into a large grin, her hands covering his, “Good morning my King”, her response seeing his eyes shine with pride as he smoothed her hair from her face.

“No. I will always be your slave Tialla because you will always be the queen of my heart. Others may call me their king, but I wish you to only ever call me your love.”

Her arms flew around his neck as she nodded. “I can do that”, the words whispered against his ear with reverence. She felt a shudder from him before he pulled back slightly to look closely at her. “I was not sure how you would feel this morning”, his features contorting into a grimace. “I meant to go easy on you, but…”

Giggling, she allowed herself to once more fall back onto their bed, a throaty purr leaving her, “Never go easy on me my love. I am tougher than I look.” Now her smooth brow furrowed as she looked closer at him. “Where have you been?”, a small pout on her lips. “And why did you not wake me?”

Chuckling, he lay alongside her, leaning in to trail his mouth down her neck, “I woke hours ago, and I decided to get breakfast for you as a surprise.”

At the thought of food, she felt her stomach rumble, the realisation hitting her that after a long walk to the cave neither had eaten, yet both had definitely expended a lot of energy through the night. She felt her insides warm at his consideration, his tongue now tantalizing the small hollow where her neck and shoulder joined, sending tremors through her. Turning her nose towards him, she inhaled him before frowning. He smelled fresh, washed, a throaty laugh leaving her. “Why do you smell so clean?”

Cadell pulled back, a smile on his mouth. “I showered. I found a section of the waterfall that was perfect for you, so I tested it first.” His brows rising and falling, “I don’t want my queen to go off me do I?”

Now her eyes widened, “Really?”

He nodding in confirmation, his eyes sparkling with fun, “Don’t think I didn’t see the different soaps you managed to slide into that bag. I want this home of ours for the next week to be comfortable for you.”

Tialla released a long happy sigh. “To think that I feared that I might spend Tol Dor living under a bush somewhere trying to keep my spoilt husband-to-be from getting eaten by some animal”, her lips curving into a wicked smile. “Or not saving him, depending on his attitude.” Pushing herself half up, her look was quizzical, “Your father must have been a very different king from most. The princes I met would think not having a servant to pull down their bed was living rough.”

Cadell’s features seemed to grow more serious as he shook his head, wariness in his eyes, “My father was not a king Tialla. I don’t come from royal blood.”

“But you are king of Karok?”

His shoulders shrugged as he nodded. “Yes. But only because I overturned the previous ruler,” He looked away, his body stiffening, “I’m sorry. I thought that you would know all of this”, his head dropping slightly as he seemed to stare at something on the bed, his brows drawn tightly together, a strain now in his tone. “The fact is that I am not even originally from Karok. I wonder if this changes your feelings for me.” Now his head turned to her, his expression fierce, yet she could see a vulnerability there too. “Does it make a difference to you that I am not from royal blood Tialla?”

Pushing herself straight, her arms flew around him, “NO! I have dealt with those from royal blood Cadell. They are mostly self-serving, selfish and all things that I despise. You are honourable, kind, protective and you are the man I love. As far as I am concerned a man’s worth is in his character. These other kingdoms would do well with a leader like yourself, and I love you.”

She felt him cling to her before he pulled back slightly, love radiating from him. “I love you too”, the pair staring at each other before her stomach rumbled, both laughing as their foreheads met, Cadell’s fingers gently stroking her cheek. “Well this leader better feed his future wife before she turns into a spitting animal.”

Snorting out a derisive sound she gave him a quick kiss before cocking her head slightly, “So if you are not from Karok, where are you from?”

She felt him tense as he blew out a breath, his eyes sombre as he answered, “Drakel.”

next installment August 12th

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 20)

Chapter Twenty

She could hear someone crying out, not recognising her own voice or even aware as Cadell moved quickly, sliding up her body to position himself between her legs. Then with one sure thrust he pushed himself deep into her still-spasming body, tearing the membrane within.

Pain flashed briefly through Tialla, the pleasure quickly overpowering it as her hips rose to meet him, her gasp lost as his mouth covered hers, his kiss gentle, seductive. As the sensations lessened, her body relaxed once more as she slowly sank back into the softness of their homemade bed. Every part of her felt heavy, languorous and yet wonderful at the same time. Her eyes opened, revealing the level of her confusion. “C… Cadell”, her voice unsure, her features showing how vulnerable she felt.

His hand rose to caress her cheek as he kissed the edge of her mouth, nibbled gently on her lip, his tone reassuring and reverent. “You’re fine Tialla. I have you, I won’t let you go. Trust me.” Instantly relief washed over her, Cadell almost choking seeing this, seeing the proof of the level of her trust in him. They had not had the best of introductions, but he could feel her faith in him, the level of it flooring him. He loved her.

As she moved, a gasp ripped from her lips, she feeling him still securely sheathed within her, he unable to hold back the ragged sigh feeling her body clamp down on him. However, still he held back, fighting the urge to drive harder into her body, sweat breaking out on his back. “Did I hurt you? Are you OK?”, the sound of his concern bringing a smile to her mouth.

Shaking her head, she lifted herself slightly to bring their mouths together once more. “No. You never hurt me, and I know you never would.”

Cadell’s smile shone from him as his head nodded slightly, “Never. I would rather die myself than see harm come to you”, his mouth a hair’s breadth from hers, his voice growing seductive, “But I only ask because we are not finished yet princess.”

Groaning, her head shook slightly, “I… I don’t think I can”, her voice shaking as their eyes locked, his full of certainty

“Oh you can. And you will. Only this time it will be better, so much better”

About to tell him that it could not possibly be any better his hips moved, the flesh deep inside her sliding across nerves which sprang instantly to wakeful awareness her body stiffening, her hands grasping his arms, fingers rigid as the sound escaped from her mouth to his, his head dipping and taking her lips in a fierce possessive kiss.

Tialla would not have thought it possible after the way she reacted to recover so quickly, but the minute she felt him move deep within her she knew that she was wrong. This man would take her to places she had never even dreamed off.

Cadell struggled to hold back. Everything in him wanted to unleash the desire to plunge deeper and deeper into her tight body, to give way to the beast within screaming for release. But clinging to his control by the thinnest of threads he took his time, allowed her body to adjust to her first climax, to give her time to attune to him, feeling as she finally let go, her legs wrapping around his waist in the most instinctive of urges. Her kiss was now fervent as his, she seeking as much as he as she gripped him, clung to him, let herself go.

He could feel the tingling of release deep in his belly, his fingers gripping the fur blanket as he pushed it back, determined to take her with him. The sense of relief almost knocked him over as she ripped her mouth from his, her back arching against him as her body exploded, clamping down on him, the rippling of her inside, around and over him more than he could withstand.

Driving faster and harder into her – once, twice – his own release shot from him, his cries joining hers in the darkness of the cave, the sound of their joined passion reverberating off the walls, then silence, save for the sound as both tried to bring their ragged breathing under control, he collapsing over her totally spent.

It took the feel of Tialla moving slightly under him for his arm, to shakily push himself from her, rolling to the side one flung around her shoulder to keep her against him, he inexplicably needing to feel her against himself. He felt floored, his mouth kissing the top of her head as she nuzzled in harder against him.

“OK. That was better” her sleepy words, soft and satiated kissed his skin, he huffing out a laugh, happiness bursting from him as he nodded, his head turning to look once more down at her, hers tilted slightly up to look back at him, her eyes large.

“Told you”, his chuckle becoming softer, more serious, “But I can honestly say that even I never expected it to be that good.” His hand rose, one finger trailing down her cheek, “But then again. I have never been in love before”, he surprised at just how easy it was to be open with this women. She was his soulmate, and he knew that he could say anything to her, this feeling freeing.

Her nose scrunched up in the most adorable little giggle as she nodded, “Well, I have very little to compare this experience to, but it felt… special”, her arm sliding around his waist as she cuddled into him, her words now coming out on a tired slur, “You feel special.”

Looking down, Cadell smiled seeing her eyes flutter shut, she falling into a peaceful sleep. Draping the ends of the blanket over them both as best as he could without awakening her, he sighed with contentment before sleep swooshed in to claim him to.

next installment 1st August

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 19)

Chapter Nineteen

A large smile shone from her as she nodded before falling back onto the bed, her arms rising above her head as she stared back at him. “In my kingdom, we are big on science and discovery. So Cadell of Karok, I think it is about time for you to put your theory into practice.”

Cadell laughed again, his body falling beside hers as his eyes slid down her perfection. “Well, when you put it that way princess…”, before his mouth once more covered hers. His kiss was unhurried, gentle, searching, his tongue caressing hers in a seductive slide, Tialla melting against him. The man knew exactly how to relax her – he always had.

As he kissed her, his hands gently cupped her shoulders, before sliding down her chest, his fingers so gentle, his fingertips almost a whisper against her skin. Instantly, heat pooled between her legs, the strangest throbbing setting up a tempo deep within her, she moaning softly.

As his fingers found the tip of her nipple, the bud engorged, the moan turning to a full gasp, her body arching up to his touch. Now there was not a force in the world that could stop her own hand rising, the two turning so they were facing each other as her hand mimicked his, her touch as gentle as his as it slid down his chest.

Cadell missed nothing as his hand continued its sure journey down her belly, she following his lead. When his fingers pushed her legs apart, a shudder ripped through her, even as her hand closed over the hardness of him, he jumping slightly. Only now did he break the kiss, his words whispered against her cheek. “Tialla, don’t stop”, the husky pleading within empowering her as she allowed her hand to slide up and down the velvety length of him, his breathing turning ragged as his mouth kissed along her neck, nipping her ear.

Tialla was on fire, her body on edge, needing something, she not sure what, until his fingers rubbed against the moist heat of her. Her eyes flew open wide, a half-moan, half-sigh escaping her lips. Yes, that was it, she needed him to touch her there, right there. As if he knew, his fingers began long strokes against her, she not even aware of the way her body began to writhe against him in a completely instinctive manner, nor of the way her hand stroked him harder.

When his hand pulled from her, she could not hold back the whimper, his forehead falling against her chest, his breathing coming in pants. “Stop, Tialla. Please, too much”, her look colliding with his, disappointment filling her. Was that it? Chuckling, Cadell could see the disappointment in her along with frustration, his mouth curving into a seductive smile, “No my queen. We are not finished yet, not by a long shot”, her look turning once more to confusion. However, as his mouth covered one nipple her eyes rolled into the back of her head as her head flew back, her back arching to him once more.

Slowly, very slowly Cadell took his time to lick and suck the heightened nub, her hands now gripping the fur blanket she had worn through the jungle, worn so they would both be comfortable, somehow this knowledge only adding to the moment. Moving to the other nipple, his fingers continued to play with the first, Tialla now making almost animalistic noises of pleasure.

Turning them both, he lay over her, making a place for himself between her legs before sliding further down, his hands moulding with her small waist as his tongue licked the silky skin, following the way her belly concaved before rising once more to wider hips. His hands wrapped around her thighs keeping her legs wide for him. By now Tialla had pushed herself to her elbows, her look following his every move, her face filled with need and intensity as she hitched her bottom lip with pearly teeth, her pupils flaring as his mouth covered the heat of her. Groaning, a small bloom of red appeared on her cheeks, a hint of embarrassment now filtering through the needy, breathy word, “Cadell…”

His rumbled laugh skittered over her sending all new shock waves throughout her already buzzing body, his tongue swiping out to taste her as though she was the most delectable feast. “You are going to be my woman Tialla, and we will enjoy each other to the full. There will not be a part of you that I do not know, nor you me.” His eyes locked with hers as once more he began to lick her, his tongue making small unhurried passes over the most intimate part of her.

Tialla swallowed hard, her hands rising, not to push him away, but to allow her fingers to slide deeper into the thickness of his hair, her hand shaking as she pulled him harder to her. He was right, he was her woman to do with what he wanted, and right now what he wanted was exactly what she did, and she trusted him, trusted him to look after her, make it good for her.

Falling back, her eyes closed as she gave herself over to the pleasure. Cadell knew how to look after her, of that she was sure. For what seemed hardly any time at all his mouth continued its onslaught, sometimes soft, sometimes harder, his tongue now flicking deeper inside her. She could feel something deep inside her clenching, the small spiral of pleasure which flared deep in her belly becoming more insistent, more intense. However, when his mouth found the small bead and sucked down hard on it, the spiral turned into a full on tornado, it crashing down on her with an unexpected suddenness, heat flaring into every part of her as she cried out, her fingers growing rigid in his hair, Tialla unaware of anything as she rode the wave of pure pleasure.

{next installment 17th July}

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 18)

Chapter Eighteen

A soft groan escaped Cadell, his eyes once more meeting hers. The time for talk was over as his hand wrapped around her head, pulling her to him. Tialla allowed herself to fall willingly against him, her hands fanning across his chest. “Tialla”, her name slipped reverently from his lips before he was kissing her, his mouth gentle, his tongue sliding against the soft velvety softness of hers as he seemed to seek permission for entry. With the smallest of sighs her lips parted, her tongue darting out to touch his.

Cadell had never before experienced anything so erotic, so intensely personal. He had many lovers in his life, but never before had he felt as connected to another person, his body shivering slightly. He wanted her, wanted her badly, this need almost as important as the need to breathe, but he pulled back slightly, his forehead against hers as he fought for breath, not sure why his breathing had become so ragged. “Tialla. Have you ever been with a man?”

He saw the way her eyes blinked, a soft pink blush blooming over her cheeks as her head gave one small shake, her voice thick with desire, “No. As princess, it was expected that I would give myself only to the man who would be my king”, a small chuckle leaving her as her eyes once more filled with laughter. “To be honest it has not been too hard a promise to keep, until you arrived. Every time you touched me I have felt so strange, so… out of control.”

Now Cadell could not hold back the smile as his thumb brushed along the softness of her cheeks. “You have not been the only one princess. It is a wonder I have slept at all with the thoughts of you that have filled my nights, wicked thoughts of what I wanted to do with your body.” Now a hint of wariness came into his voice, “But I do not want to hurt you Tialla.”

Rising on her tiptoes, Tialla brought her mouth once more to his, their lips not quite touching, their breaths intermingling. “Cadell. If you truly do not want to hurt me then you had better make love to me soon, because I feel like my skin is on fire.”

“As you wish, your majesty.” His deep chuckle skittered over her mouth a split second before his hand flexed, once more pulling her to him, this time the kiss harder, more demanding. Tialla was not aware as her fingers clutched at him as she hung on to his tunic, his kiss eliciting an equal reaction within her. She gave everything as their tongues tangled with the other’s, her body writhing against him in an instinctive dance.

As his hands drifted down, moving down her back, he began to unhook the fastenings of her top, heat flaring between her legs, her belly rolling in the most erotic manner. She too began to undress him, her fingers, nervous to start, pulling at the fastenings of his tunic, a sigh escaping her as the sides gave way, her fingertips now touching the hardness of his well-toned chest.

With movements now more daring, spurred on by the small sigh which escaped him, and the way his body jumped at just her gentle touch, she explored, allowing her hands to slide down his chest, down his belly and around his side, goosebumps rising wherever she touched. While she might be an innocent, there was no mistaking the bulge in his leathers which prodded her stomach.

As he continued to kiss her, his hands now having released all of the hooks on her tunic top, she let her hand glide over the tip of the bulge. Cadell jumped, his mouth ripped from hers as he whispered words she could not fully make out, but instinctively understood, his need for her almost overpowering him. As he kissed down her neck, his hands pulled the top from her, until she stood naked from the waist up. She allowed her head to fall back, this bringing her hips harder to him, another moan ripped from him as his mouth licked and kissed down the long column of her slender neck. “My God Tialla”, his words were gritty, and hoarse, “I have never wanted another like this. Just the touch of your hand sets me on fire. I am not sure how long I can last.”

His words meant nothing to Tialla, but she could feel the pent up need in him, this strangely empowering. Pulling back, she stepped backwards, not aware of the image she made, his eyes half closing as he stared at her wonderful body. With actions unconsciously natural to a woman she moved to lay over their bed, her hands falling level with her head as she licked her reddened lips, “I am here my lord. Make me truly yours.”

Cadell would not have thought it possible to be any harder than he already was, but her words like warm water sloshed over him with the intensity of a tsunami. Dragging the open tunic from himself, he pulled the boots he wore from his feet before yanking the leathers down and kicking them to some unseen part of the cave.

Naked, he paused, his look taking in the way her eyes widened as she pushed herself slightly up, her hand reaching out. Stepping closer, he held his breath as her fingers nervously touched the tip of his now weeping hardness. Her look rose to meet his, wariness now mixing with the desire in the blueness, “You are so big. W…Will that fit?”

Of all the things he expected to hear, that had not been it, a laugh bursting from him as he dropped to kneel beside her. Taking her hand in his, he turned it to lay soft kisses along the white underside of her wrist. “It will fit Tialla, because we fit. We were meant to be together. I absolutely know this. You are the woman I was destined to be with, so yes, it will fit.”

{next installment 3rd July}

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 17)

Chapter Seventeen

Tialla stared at Cadell, her heart soaring deep within her chest. Could he mean it? Her eyes flicked down his features seeing nothing but honesty within. This man did not need to lie to her. She was his no matter what, tears blurring her vision.

“Did you mean what you said to my people on the balcony?”

The apprehension in his face seemed to melt as he nodded, his voice gentling, “Every word. Your uncle is a clever man Tialla. He told me that the hardest part of conquest is not winning the war, it is winning the peace. You are a peaceful woman, wise beyond your years. You are selfless and the kind of leader any region would be proud to have. From the moment we met I have held you in the highest esteem.”

Finally, she managed to huff out a small snort, not aware as tears slid down her cheeks. “As I recall you stripped me down and forced me to wear the silks of a servant girl, so perhaps not from the first moment.”

Cadell’s eyes squeezed together in a pained grimace even as he laughed, his head nodding, “Oh I won’t lie, I really appreciated you then too. You have an amazing body”, the laughter dying down as his eyes became more serious. “I am sorry for every slight I ever made towards you. To think back on it makes me hate myself, and I only hope that you can learn to feel a fraction of the way I feel about you now”, his hand cupping her cheeks as his thumbs lovingly wiped away the tears.

Tialla swallowed as her hand rose to touch his cheek also, her look flicking over his features seeing the honesty in his words. “It is true that when we met I hated you, but sometimes as a very cunning man once told me, bad things happen to save us from even worse things. Had Garok invaded, I know with absolute conviction that my region would even now be under martial law, my uncle drawn into a bloody war which would have seen his and my people slaughtered. You saved us… and you saved me.” Now her look became more impassioned. “Cadell, when I am with you I feel safe, I feel treasured, and I never expected that. When I see you, my heart starts racing, not from fear, but because I think… No I know, that I love you too.”

The smile which lit his lips radiated from him, his hands curving further around her head as he dragged her head closer to his, his mouth taking hers in a long demanding kiss. Tialla let herself sink into it, rejoicing in the knowledge that against all odds, somehow she had found a man who would die for her and who would care for her and her people just as she would him and his.

Once more Cadell pulled back, determination in his eyes, she smiling widely as he took her hand and dropped to his knee. Looking up at her he grinned. “I know that technically in the eyes of our people we are engaged, the deal struck, but I am asking you now as a man who loves you, not as a leader wishing to make a beneficial treaty. Tialla, I am asking you if you will be my wife. If you will be the one and only woman I spend the rest of my life with. Not because it is advantageous”, a wicked smile on his lips as he gave a small shrug, “Although it is”, his hand dragging her fingers to his mouth as he once more became sombre, “But because I love you. While I will do all a leader should to support his queen, this declaration is not about our peoples, but one about us. I want to see you smile, hear that smart-assed mouth of yours telling me off when I do dumb things – and I am sure to. I want to feel you in my arms, be the man you turn to when you feel overwhelmed or pained. Tialla, I want to be the other half of your soul.”

Now she could see the way his eyes seemed to shimmer as he spoke with deep meaning. “My soul has been dark for so long, but already, just being around you, I feel like a better man. Tialla, you have the power to save me from becoming the one thing that I most dread, the one thing that till now has seemed almost inevitable. Your gentle spirit and kindness make me want to be better, and fills me with the belief that I can be more like you and not end up becoming a man like Garel.” Taking a deep breath, he looked deeply into her eyes. “Be my wife Tialla. Share my life and be my partner. I need you and I love you with everything in me.”

Tialla shone as she smiled, her head nodding, words taking time to form as she dropped to her knees, her arms flying around his neck. “Yes. Oh yes. I feel like I have waited my entire life just for you Cadell. I love you too.” For several seconds the two clung to the other before she gently pried herself from him, her eyes delving into his. “As for saving you, perhaps it is that we are just saving each other. Since meeting you, I have felt the connection, felt the pull of you to me. I was lonely before, but now I feel I have somebody I can share everything with.” She managed a snicker as she hitched her bottom lip playfully between pearly white teeth. “It has been exhausting talking to myself all this time”, he joining in before her hand once more gently caressed his cheek. “And you might think that you would slip into the kind of man Garel is, but you never would.” Her hand now moved to touch his chest. “You have a good heart Cadell, one full of all the qualities a king needs. You are strong, resilient, cunning and determined like a warrior, but you are also compassionate and forgiving like a leader. I am honoured to be the woman who will stand by your side, who will be the mother of your children and who will be your lover.”

next installment (19th June)

Warrior’s Bride (PT 16)

Chapter Sixteen

Looking around once more, Cadell gave her a lopsided grin. “Well, Your Highness, I hate to be the one to say this to you, but it looks like we have some work to do”, he rising once more with the grace of a cat, his hand outstretched for hers. With no hesitation, she placed her small hand into his large one, he pulling her gently to her feet. However, the action brought the two closer together, her hand still in his, the feel of it enveloped by his strong one suddenly filling her with the strangest heat.

Looking up into his face, she could see a similar desire reflected in his eyes too, surprise mingled with something else, something which made her groin clench, a shiver running through her. As though sensing her arousal, his free hand lifted to cup her face, the joviality of earlier disappearing, replaced by something more intense.

Her nerves were strained to the breaking point, she not even aware as her hand lifted to cover his, this action not one to throw him off her, but to keep him there, her eyes dropping to fix on his mouth. Everything in her wanted him to kiss her, to once more feel the way he made her feel the previous day in the palace, only this time there would be nobody there to interrupt them.

Hearing the soft groan from him, her eyes once more rose to his, she seeing that now he was looking at her mouth, his intentions clear as his hand, still in hers, pulled her even closer as his head bent and touched her lips.

With a sigh, she felt her body fall against his, his kiss deepening as her mouth flowered open for him, the hand on her cheek moving to cup the nape of her neck, pulling her head even harder to him. The kiss was full of fire and passion and promise, the promise that he would take care of her, support her and be her partner, Tialla responding with a woman’s instinct as though she was made for this man.

As his hand released hers, her arms wrapped around his neck, her body writhing against his with a need that was both foreign and demanding. She wanted him, the truth somehow freeing her. This man was to be her husband, and this thought was not unwelcome. He had been nothing but kind and patient and understanding with her, when he did not need to be. She had been his for the taking, yet he had held back, complied with her people’s customs, winning them over, even though his armies had swept into her kingdom as a hostile force.

With absolute conviction, Tialla knew that Cadell was intelligent, strong and somehow the perfect match for her, this truth seeping into her with a certainty that allowed her to bring down the walls she had erected to all others. Finally, she knew what it was that made her body and mind so drawn to the warlord. Cadell was her soul mate.

Cadell pulled the small woman harder against himself. He had enjoyed many women in his life, but this one was different. She was special. She would be his wife, and this thought, rather than making his spirits drop, filled him with the strangest happiness. Tialla was everything he ever dreamt of in a woman, and more. Her spirit matched his, her determination to be the best like his own. Where he was the iron fist, she was the unyielding rock that would never break. She both fascinated and attracted him. Her beauty was not just skin deep, it was to her very core. She was a good woman, and she made him want to be a better man.

As a warlord, he knew of the two competing forces within him. He strove to allow goodness to lead him, even though the path was often littered with evil deeds. He fought each and every day to keep the darkness at bay, to follow the light and fight for those who needed him to keep them free and safe. With her by his side, he knew that the darkness would be banished, held back by the dazzling light that she was. With certainty he knew too that she was his soul mate.

Pulling back slightly his hands held the top of her arms, the need to speak filling him. Looking down at her, he had to swallow hard not to pull her to him once more. Her eyes struggled to open as her smooth brow furrowed slightly, a small whimper leaving her large reddened lips, lust slamming into him. He had never wanted a woman more, but at that moment he needed to talk.

“Tialla.” He could hear the hoarseness of his voice, the breathiness of his words, “I want you.”

Now her eyes opened, her long lashes sweeping up as those large blue eyes met his. The smallest of smiles touched her lips, honesty deep within them. “I want you too Cadell.”

Her statement sent another shudder running through him, he having to take a deep breath not to fall back onto their makeshift bed, he needing to get out the words filling him, “I have never felt this way before.” Her eyes softened as the smile widened, “I want your body that is true, but more than that, I want you. I want to wake up with you, watch you as you rule your people and bring your wisdom to mine. I want to protect you and I want to have children with you.” He paused, truth tinged with nerves making his tone lower, “What I am trying to say Tialla is that I never believed that there was such goodness to be found in this world, and I certainly never thought myself worthy of it.” His eyes shone with the intensity of his words as he dragged in a deep breath, Tialla seeing the way he bared his very soul to her as he whispered almost reverently, “Tialla, my princess, my future queen. What I am trying to tell you, is that I love you.”

Next installment (5th June)

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 15)

Chapter Fifteen

The exploration of the cave did not take long, Cadell nodding in approval as his eyes scanned the area. The interior was about 30 feet long and about the same in width, he ensuring that there were no hidden crevices or holes where animals might be lurking. Finding a second entrance leading out to the wall of water, his features broke into a smile, “Excellent”, his only comment, though even Tialla knew the benefit of having another exit in case they were surprised from the first.

Turning to her, he grinned, seeming to have made up his mind. “OK Princess, time to unpack”, his eyebrows wiggling as he bent down and began to empty the contents of his backpack. Tialla chuckled seeing the numerous weapons he pulled free, along with a change of clothing, before he looked pointedly at her bag. “I may have been unfair asking you to bring all the cooking stuff”, his tone softening. “You will be glad to know that I have a trusty knife and can make just about anything… Within reason. Also we have plenty of firewood at our disposal.”

Giving a small snort, she knelt down to join him. “I think you underestimate me Cadell”, her tone a little waspish, though the smile on her mouth belied any real animosity. Pulling items from the bag, she soon had cutlery, plates and cups. As she pulled out coffee and tea granules, he laughed, declaring her an angel, she rewarding him with a smile of her own. “Well, I must admit that those are more for my benefit. Your Tol Dor might seem very long if you had to put up with me with no caffeine in my system.”

Nodding, his lips twitched, finding himself enjoying her company, his forehead furrowing as she gripped the sides of the bag before ripping it apart, it seeming to break into three sections. One contained two towels, his eyebrows rising at the clever design.

The other two looked familiar and with interest he reached over to lift them, his head shaking as it finally dawned on him what he was looking at. “Water purification kit?”, his eyes finding hers seeing as she nodded.

“I am sure that boiling is fine, but I like to be cautious”, her head cocking to the side. “Animals use the water down there as a bathroom you know.” Grinning, he made to stand, she rising with him. “Not finished yet”, her words making him pause seeing as she pulled the heavy cloak from herself, her eyes sparkling impishly. “I know you probably think that I was crazy wearing all of this, but in about one minute, you are going to be amazed”, her lovely mouth curving in anticipation.

Enthralled, Cadell leant against the rock wall watching her, his gaze full of curiosity. “OK, amaze me.”

Laughing again at his challenge, she lay the cloak on the ground, he seeing the inside was lined with thick fur. Sympathy filled him. It must have been very uncomfortable for her trekking in the jungle wearing such a thing. With a yank, she pulled the hood from the main piece, the shape of the item changing instantly, he seeing as it now became a perfect rectangle. Pushing back from the wall, his eyes widened seeing as the cloak began to expand, as though filling with air.

Giving her a stunned look, his head shook with genuine appreciation. “Is that a bed?”

Tialla nodded back, her features shining, “Yep. My scientists created this from two compounds. While each on its own is less than the width of a finger, when the membrane between them was removed, which the hood held, and they mixed…then they expand to nearly a foot!” She chuckled. I have no idea how it works, but it does, and now we don’t have to rough it on the floor.”

Nodding his head, he fixed her with amused eyes. “OK, I am amazed.” Laughing, she held up a hand to indicate that there was more before reaching to the decorative clasp on the long skirt she wore. Pulling it, the skirt dropped to the ground, Cadell seeing that she wore more suitable trousers under it.

Lifting up the voluminous material, she neatly draped it over the makeshift bed, he seeing that they now had a blanket. Lifting her head, she pointed to it. “Again, my scientists have developed a material that keeps in heat, so we should be nice and cosy”, her lips twitching with pride. “They really are a very creative group.”

Cadell’s brow rose as he nodded. He had camped often, he used to rough living, but even he had to admit that the thought of a little comfort for a change was very enticing. Moving to sit on the bed, he was aware of just how comfortable it was, the reason for the fur on the inside now clear, the softness adding to the pile.

His eyes were questioning as she joined him. “How long will it remain like this?”, he asked softly.

Tialla shrugged “Apparently, we should not worry. They tell me that so long as we are not spending a month in the jungle then it should remain as it is.”

Cadell released a deep laugh, his finger lifting wagging it as he tutted softly, “And you accused me of cheating! Thought you could only have the items you could carry in the hold all?”

Giving him a superior look, she huffed out a small sound of indignation. “I checked the rules VERY carefully, and it doesn’t say that you can’t wear things!”, a hint of laughter now in her eyes as she smiled at him. “So, I figured if it didn’t say that you couldn’t… Then it meant you could.”

Shaking his head once more he regarded her thoughtfully. Beautiful, compassionate, caring and now resourceful. It seemed that he really had done well in his choice of bride. Very well.

next installment {May 21st}

Warrior’s Bride (PT 14)

Chapter Fourteen

Tialla felt her mouth growing dry as her eyes rose to meet his. Even this look seemed so personal, her eyes finally dropping as she coughed slightly, looking around herself. “What now, oh great warlord?”, her words filled with a note of teasing.

Laughing, Cadell stepped back, he too scouring the area, now his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Well, I would say that perhaps the best thing to do would be to find shelter. I had some of my men explore the area”, his eyes widening innocently as she gasped.

“That’s cheating!”

Shaking his head, his finger wagged before her. “Absolutely not Tialla. Smart. Any good ‘warlord’ is going to only move when they have information. So, not cheating.”

Rolling her eyes, her head cocked to the side. “OK. And what did your scouts find out for you?”

Grinning, he moved to one of the larger trees, Tialla’s mouth falling open as he began to scale it, she amazed how quickly and gracefully he moved up the trunk, his actions making it seem almost effortless. When she could no longer see him for all of the branches and greenery, she began fretting on her lower lip. If he got stuck, there was no way that she could help him.

The sound of his moving back down was a strange relief, he jumping the last ten feet with ease before turning to her. “I found out that there is a section of this forest comprised of rock, where a waterfall hides many caves. Caves, that we can use for shelter”, his tone now becoming more sombre. “While we possibly could be safe around a camp fire, I prefer to have more solid protection”, his eyes glinting with fun now. “Especially when the rain comes, and from my research, I happen to know that happens regularly.”

Tialla could not help but be impressed with the warrior. He was certainly not the man she had thought she might have to endure Tol Dor with. Nope, not by a long shot. Indicating a certain direction, he gallantly offered to carry her bag, she chuckling as she shook her head. “I appreciate that, but I’m fine.”

Flicking a look down her he nodded, before leading the way. The hour long march through the dense foliage was gruelling. She admired the way he cleared them a path with the large machete which magically appeared from his backpack. It certainly made traversing the area easier. Despite the way she would often trip over the long skirt of her dress, he never once commented, only ever offering her a hand or catching her.

As they walked she became aware of a low sound, that noise growing louder as they seemed to grow closer to the source of the sound. As they cleared through one particularly almost impenetrable area of greenery, the noise filled the area, he giving a grunt of satisfaction, Tialla coming level with him. Gasping, she could only stare at the beautiful vision before her.

Now stood in a clearing, a waterfall thundered into a pool of blue-green water, she seeing fish swimming around the large watering hole, the water clear enough to see right to the bottom. Looking up, she could see the tall wall of rock, the dense forest hiding the outcrop, even while they had been close.

Turning, he gave her a pleased smile. “OK, now, let’s go home hunting shall we?”, he pulling his backpack from his shoulder as he pulled out several weapons, the knives quickly disappearing into previously hidden slots in his tunic and trousers. Raising an eyebrow, she looked surprised. “Are we expecting company?”

Flashing her a warm grin, his head shook. “Probably not, but I think it prudent to make sure that we have some protection. You never know if some of this area’s less friendly inhabitants have had the same thoughts as us. I heard that you have some nasty animals living here, including a bear. Now in my experience, bears have a liking for caves.”

With the vision of a bear now firmly seated in her mind the two moved towards the oasis, she unable to stop staring at the natural beauty of it. Holding down the chuckle, she allowed her eyes to slide down Cadell. Not many would have been so prepared, would have thought to send scouts out ahead, even for what was meant only to be a getting to know each other exercise. Now, it looked like they would be spending the time in some relative comfort.

As they got closer, the sound seemed to strangely diminish, she realising that when they were lower, they did not get the effect of the sound echoing around the rock face. However, it was still loud enough to make hearing him talk more difficult. Together, they made their way around the back of the sheet of water, the water falling far enough forward to allow them to follow what appeared almost to be a path to the rocks behind.

Gasping, her eyes blinking from the sudden darkness fear thudded into her as Cadell disappeared. Rushing forward, the strangest sense of fear for the man gripped her. Had he fallen into a crevasse? His name left her lips on a high cry, the man himself appearing almost instantly, anxiety deep in his eyes. “What? Are you OK?”, the genuine concern for her safety making something deep within her warm.

“I thought you had fallen.”

His lips curved into a grin as his handsome head shook. “No, there is a cave here. I was just checking it out.”

Relief swamped her as she nodded, trying to regain her composure. As though sensing her unease, he stepped forward, reaching out and taking her hand, his voice gentle. “Why don’t we look together?”

Nodding, she gave him an approving smile, not aware how this made her large eyes glow, even in the half light, nor how this more intimate look made his stomach pitch. She really was the most stunning woman he had ever met.

next installment (7th May)

Warrior’s Bride (Pt 13)

Chapter Thirteen

The next morning, Tialla strode into the grand hall. Cadell was already waiting with his second, Nadia walking demurely behind her having begged for the position as her lady. As was traditional, the magistrate was present to ensure that both adhered to the rules, taking with them only what they wore and what could fit into a backpack.

Bowing, Cadell seemed surprised as she moved alongside him, his mouth quirking into a playful smile as he leant in closer to her, Tialla clenching her fists at the awareness which ran through her at just having him that near. “Princess, while you look beautiful as always, I should perhaps point out that the forest might not be the best place for your current ensemble. A long train and cape?”

Dropping her head to hide the smug smile, she finally turned to him, Cadell surprised at the quick wink she gave him, her back to the magistrate. “On the contrary Cadell of Karok. I think you will find that this is the perfect outfit for the terrain. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised just how much thought I have put into this.”

With eyes slightly narrowed Cadell was already getting to know the signs that Tialla was up to something, his mouth curving into a smile as he cocked his head. “Then I withdraw my comment, and look forward to our time together.”

The magistrate stepped forward, his eyes examining the backpacks both wore over their shoulders. As was tradition, he was not allowed to see what each carried, and in a sign that perhaps the two could learn to trust, Cadell and Tialla had the night before agreed who should carry what. Cadell insisted on ensuring he brought weapons and asked Tialla if she could bring utensils for cooking and other needed items for a week of living rough.

At the time she had snorted at his assumption that she was a homemaker, her head rising as she considered arguing that she was every bit as capable of handling a weapon as he. However, the sense of his words finally saw her nod. It would be pointless for them to duplicate their provisions, though she still carried a large knife on her belt buckle.

Seeming happy with what he was seeing, the magistrate again went over the rules, both listening patiently, both very aware of them already.

With the legalities seen to, Cadell stood back slightly, his hand gesturing towards the man stood just behind him. Tialla was surprised to see the man, he, like Cadell, not the normal warrior. He was tall and handsome, his intelligent eyes sparkling with fun as he gave Tialla a ready smile, his head turning to include Nadia. “It is an honour to make your acquaintance Princess, and it will be an honour to be of service to you when you are my queen”, his eyes flicking to Nadia. “I will endeavour to ensure that the lady Nadia is well protected while we await your return.”

Tialla could see the way Nadia’s eyes dropped, a small blush on her cheeks. It seemed that she was not the only one who thought the warrior handsome. Cadell chuckled. “Princess and Lady Nadia, may I introduce you to my right hand man and good friend, Zandria?”

Nadia bowed deeply, while Tialla inclined her head, her look flicking to Cadell. You could tell a lot about a man by his friends, and Zandria seemed charming and respectful. Tialla liked the man, not sure why this made Cadell seem even more likable also.

As was the rule, once they reached the outskirts of the great forest, both Tialla and Cadell were blindfolded, each led by their second to ensure neither came to any harm, while the magistrate and a small garrison led them for over an hour into the heart of the forest.

Finally the blindfolds were removed, Tialla hugging a nervous and wary Nadia, her handmaiden constantly reminding her that she should not put herself in peril, Tialla grinning as she shook her head, her eyes filled with mirth. “When do I ever?”

Nadia managed a laugh as she stepped back, a rueful line to her lips, as she shook her head, “When do you not!”

A little way from them, Zandria and Cadell seemed deep in conversation, both men serious, before Zandria flicked a look towards the two women. Once more his eyes filled with humour as he said something to Cadell, the leader shaking his head as he laughed, both men quickly embracing in the way that men did.

Moving over to stand beside Tialla, Cadell gave her a reassuring grin as the magistrate and the soldiers stood back. Zandria bowed to Nadia, offering his arm, Tialla having to resist rolling her eyes at the speed with which her lady took it.

“Cadell of Karok and Princess Tialla, we shall take our leave”, the deep voice of the magistrate filling the silence, the man’s voice full of honesty as he bowed to the two. “I, along with your entire region, look forward to the marriage a week from today Princess”, his look sliding to Cadell. “Take care of her my lord. Our princess is this region’s most precious jewel.”

Smiling, Cadell bowed back, his look turning to Tialla as he nodded. “I will ensure that she comes to no harm. I promise to lay down my own life if need be”, Tialla surprised at the passion in his voice. He really sounded like he meant it.

With that, the procession turned, disappearing into the dense undergrowth of the forest, both knowing that the group would wait on the outskirts until the week was over when Zandria and Nadia would come to retrieve them. Waving a final farewell to her lady, she turned, hearing the loud exhalation of breath from Cadell, his features full of warmth. “I am relieved that is over. I find the pomp tiresome”

Chuckling, she nodded in agreement, a small grimace crossing her perfect brow. “However, perhaps you should have thought of that before agreeing to be my husband. My people have a great liking for traditional events, so you may come to regret your decision.”

Stepping closer, now there was a light of something more heated in his look. “I think to be with a woman like you Tialla a man can put up with some pomp and circumstance.”

next installment (24th April)