Chapter 69

Stuart and Ailene were engaged in a leisurely bout of sex of their own to rouse themselves for the day, when they heard Teárlag's scream of pleasure ring through the halls.

"It sounds as if someone else had the same idea as we did, husband," Ailene said, lying on her side as Stuart plumbed her from behind.

"I wonder who," Stuart asked, panting.

"The only rooms close enough for us to hear would be Thorburn's, Frang's, Isobel's and the Lord Mayors. Since Isobel isn't likely to be entertaining anyone, Frang would not be coupling with another on the eve of his wedding, and the Lord Mayor looks like he's past the days where he can encourage his wife to crow like that, it must be Thorburn and Teárlag. She had her things moved to his room when we needed the extra space."

"Aye. Well it's nice to know he hasn't lost his touch with the ladies."

"I can't imagine what he must have done to make her scream like that."

"Well, it wasn't a scream of pain, so he hasn't hurt her."

"No, it certainly wasn't pain," Ailene agreed, breathing faster. "Given she's unlikely to scream under normal circumstances with all these people about, it must have been unexpected pleasure. She was unprepared for it. I wonder if she'll be embarrassed when we see her. I would be."

"Teárlag seems unconcerned for the conventions of others if she asked to move to Thorburn's room. She may not care at all. From the sounds of it, she may not even realize she was screaming," Stuart said. "Would you say this time counts as being under the magic of Midsummer's Night or have we passed that point?"

"Is it light yet?"

"It will be shortly, but the roosters yet to crow."

"Then hurry," she said, kneeling up. "Finish now and we can hope to catch the last bit of magic."

Stuart knelt behind her and plunged into her wetness, the fourth time they'd fucked. When she'd started sucking his cock, he'd doubted he could go again, but Ailene had other ideas and Stuart found he wasn't as tired as first believed. He pumped harder, seeking to speed the process.

Ailene said, "I'm close, husband. Give me your seed once more."

Close himself, his sperm boiling in his balls, preparing for the journey into her womb, Stuart was as eager as she was. Surprised he had any more to give, he pumped rapidly a few more thrusts and as she moaned and climaxed on his cock, he plunged deeply into her welcoming cunt. His sack released it's prize and flowed into her clinging grip, in rapid pulses, joining the other seeds he'd already planted in her. He strained to get the last few drops into his intended target, his cock twitching. When he was done, his cock rapidly deflated, well used this night and no longer able to maintain hardness. Ailene's pussy pulsed through the last of her spasms and pushed his limp cock from her body as the rooster crowed.

"Just in time," she whispered. "I hope you've given me a child, Stuart. I so want to have your son. I know you'll be a wonderful father."

"Let's hope so, my love. You've completely drained me. I have nothing more to give you. It's like our wedding night, when we couldn't stop."

"Another magical night. This night will join it in my memory forever, to recall should I ever need warm thoughts to distract me from another strapping."

"Hopefully, they'll be no more of those."

"Let's wash up. We have lots to do today, a hundred preparations."

Ailene took clean cloths and dipping them in their basin, tenderly washed her husband down, wiping away the signs of their lust, before Stuart did the same for her.

Isobel, awakened by Teárlag's cry of pleasure, lay momentarily in bed, wondering at the sound which had woken her. As she reflected, she suddenly realized what it must have been.

"I don't know who it was," she said to herself, "but I can guess what it was. Tis not a sound I ever made in my marriage, but I recognize what it must be."

She listened for any further noises, but the Keep was much better constructed than McTavish's, so nothing but very loud noises carried far. Her nausea was back, though it bothered her less knowing why she felt ill. She would have to skip breakfast unless Ailene knew of a remedy to help.

I must get up anyway, she thought, I have so much to do today. Before the sun sets, I shall be married again, and to another gambler. I'd hoped to be done with them, not just gamblers, but all men, yet here she was; on her wedding day. At least this one seemed kind, as do his brothers, so I can hope for more this time than last. She lay for a moment considering all the things she must do today, ordering them in her mind. She must seek Ailene's permission, or at least guidance for some. Perhaps Ailene would consider lending her a maid to help.

After she was dressed, Isobel stepped out in the hall and met everyone else. Stuart, Ailene and Frang all seemed to looking at Thorburn and Teárlag, both of whom were blushing. It was surprising to see Thorburn blush, but she now guessed the source of the noise which wakened her this morning.

"Thorburn, a word please," Isobel said.

"Aye. I suppose you wish to tease me as well."

"Nay. Another matter entirely."

The rest of them wandered down to breakfast while he delayed a moment to speak with her.

"I was wondering if you'd give me away today," Isobel asked, "since I've no family here?"

"It would be my pleasure to give you away, dear Lady."

"Thank you, Thorburn. That is the second thing I must thank you for."

"The second? And what would be the first?"

"For undergoing punishment with me yesterday."

"Frang or Ailene tell you?" He asked.

"They did not. You merely confirmed what I already expected. I've never seen you mad on the training grounds, nor would any man willingly deny you anything, Thorburn. Your men would follow you to the gates of hell if asked, and to see one refuse to pick up his sword on your order was ludicrous on the face of it. Normally, you cajole your men to get more out of them than they believe they can give. To see you strike him was unbelievable. So, I realized you did it for me, so I'd not be alone in being strapped. I think you underestimate the healing you've done on me, all of you. I am no longer the fragile, broken bird you took in, but I thank you nonetheless. It was a kind and noble gesture, one of many you've done for me. I hope the poor man was compensated for the blow you gave him. It looked like it hurt worse than my punishment did. I was able to sit comfortably at dinner last night. He may not have been able to eat."

Thorburn laughed. "I gave him two silver coins. Money I could have saved myself as you so easily perceived my ruse. I took some off the blow so I'd not break his jaw. I think he feels he got the best of the deal, though we've not spoken since."

Isobel laid her head on Thorburn's arm. "Thank him for me when next you see him."

"I'll let him know you've asked after him."

"Shall we go to the kitchen? I'm unable to eat more than a bit of dry bread, but I'd break fast with all of you."

He gave her his arm and escorted her to the kitchen. When they arrived, they found his brothers, Ailene and Teárlag eating together at one table with enough room for them. Isobel bade Thorburn sit and she'd bring him some food, plus crusts for herself. She came back to the table with a plate heaped high with food. She sat beside Frang, kissing him on the cheek.

"Tis the last time you see me today before the ceremony," Isobel said. "I'll not risk bad luck by letting you see me in my wedding dress."

"I'll be good," Frang replied.

On the whole, all appeared to be quite hungry, save Frang and herself. Even Teárlag and Ailene were eating like wolves. Teárlag seemed uncomfortable, as she squirmed on her bench interminably.

Finally, she asked, "Would it be possible to get a cushion? A certain big gentleman, who shall remain nameless, rather mistreated my bottom and I'm afraid I can't get comfortable on these wooden benches."