Chapter 14

Tristan looked around his bedchamber to make sure nothing had been forgotten. Flower arrangements were placed throughout the room and filled the air with a fragrance of a sweet floral scent. All the flowers were handpicked only a few hours ago and made into lovely arrangements in the vases that had belonged to his mother. It was done with the loving grace of his mother’s hand. The candles were set in elegant holdings ready to be lit for the nights to come and an extra stack was nearby in case more were to be needed. His bed linens were made of soft cotton and ivory in color with a gold embroidered plush comforter. He had extra pillows made as well to set against the wooden headboard. He wanted everything to be perfect for his bride. He lightly touched the pillow where Pagan was soon to be laying her head. He smiled at the thought. This bed once served as a place of healing for her and now it was to be a place of love and commitment between the two of them. He also had sheer lace curtains made to drape around the wedding bed that the seamstress spent the entire Mayday to complete in time for the wedding. He had paid her a handsome fee to get it done on time, and she did a wonderful job.

He walked over to the fireplace to check the supply of wood. There was an ample amount ready to be used for the nights to come. He then proceeded to his washstand to see if the brush and combs for her hair were in place. They were. Everything was the way he wanted it. The room was ready and now it was time to retrieve his bride.

Tristan opened the small trunk next to the washstand and pulled out the anointing oil and the veil for his bride. The veil was a special gift from her grandmother. It belonged to her grandmother and Elizabeth offered it to him for Pagan. He graciously accepted. It was a symbol of their two houses joining. He placed them in an ornate small box and closed the clasp. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. This was it. The time had come.

He was about to have the woman he loved with all his heart as his bride for life. She had accepted his proposal of marriage because she loved him, he felt it in her touch and saw it in her eyes. This was an arranged marriage deemed necessary by the Maker because of who she was. He had never dreamed their creator would hand pick a woman to be his. He agreed to the match out of duty but was walking into this ceremony a man who was eternally grateful to be marrying the woman he believed was created specifically for him.

Tristan walked down the stairs to be greeted by his family. His mother embraced him and kissed him tenderly on the cheek. Brailey patted him on his back and smiled.

“See you in the circle,” Brailey said as he took his mother’s hand to escort her to the ritual site.

Tristan smiled and turned to see Betha straightening her gown. She looked toward him and blew him a kiss before she trotted after Brailey and their mother. He was alone in his foyer with the front door open, waiting for the wedding presession to begin.

“Are you ready?” Came a soft feminine voice.

Tristan looked to the doorway and saw the priestess that was to officiate the ceremony. The time had officially arrived.

“Yes, my lady. Take me to my bride.”

He had said the words every groom had spoken, as was Aradian tradition.

The priestess would carry the lantern of light to illuminate the path of marriage, to guide him toward his wife and to bear witness to his ritual dressing of her, and then seal them as husband and wife with her touch. It was a tradition that had been held for a thousand years and a sacred act he was honored to be a part of this very day.

Tristan walked to the door, and she bowed her head in acceptance of his intent to marry. The priestess turned and strolled to the outer steps and descended, holding the lantern to make their path visible in the darkness just before dawn. He followed close behind filled with anticipation.

Pagan stood at her window, watching for the light that was to come. She wasn’t sure which way they would approach, and she hoped to catch sight of them. She wringed her hands together before leaning out the window to take another glance, and still no Tristan or a woman carrying a lantern. Where were they?

“Step away from the window, my dear. They will be here,” Elizabeth said.

“But when? It is almost sunrise,” Pagan said as she walked over to her bed and flopped onto it. Her nerves were getting the best of her. Wedding day jitters, she thought. She assumed every bride had them, but hers were causing her to panic. Where was he?

“He is coming, I promise you. He wants this as much as you do. In fact, he would have slept outside your door if he could’ve just to be here on time.”

“Oh, Grandmother, you’re just saying that.” She smiled at the thought.

“No, dear, I mean it. Your grandfather had to shoo him away last night so we could have our private time together as is our tradition.”

Tradition. The word seemed to be involved in everything done in Aradia. There was so much to learn about this world that was so different than on Earth. The private time with the bride’s family was just that, private. It was the three of them, her grandparents and she, eating a traditional meal of braised pork and steamed vegetables with a creamy sauce that tasted like cheese. The wine was white, and the sweet cakes were soft and buttery, and they melted in her mouth. She knew there had to be a meaning behind the food choices, she just didn’t know what and she felt silly always having to ask. She chose to keep her questions about the meal to herself and enjoyed the time with her family. Her only regret was that her mother and father weren’t there to share this special time with her. They were gone but they were a part of her family.

Her family. Here in Aradia she had family. Something she never thought she would say. She knew her mother had lived here, but she dared not dream her mother’s family would ever accept her, let alone love her, but they did take her in with open arms. She had been dead to them for twenty years and Draken felt it best to let them think so. He had already defied the Maker by replacing her soul and took her across the veil with the intent of raising her there as his. But the wheels of fate turned, and he was called back to lead his people and he had no choice but to leave her behind. Now she was back here where she felt she belonged. She still loved her Mexican family and thought about them constantly, but it wasn’t possible to be with them for their safety as well as hers. The only one left alive over there was Esmeralda and that saddened her heart.

Pagan remembered the way her grandfather held her hand with such tenderness, as he escorted her to the drawing room after last night’s meal. He knelt before her and kissed her hand then placed it into her grandmother’s, who then escorted her into the garden, and together they picked the flowers that were to adorn her wedding bed. She was told Tristan’s mother was doing the same for the same purpose. It was considered a bringing together of the two families by nature, an act her mother would have done if she were still alive.

At the thought of her mother, Pagan caressed the white gown that had been placed on the bed. It was to be her mother’s wedding dress and was made to her specifications. It had a tight bodice with ivory lace overlays and pearls sewn into the delicate fabric. Just below the breast line was a thin silk brown ribbon intertwined in the edge of the lace and went around the bottom of the bodice. It was strapless and she was amazed how well it fit. The seamstress had to make minor alterations for it to fit Pagan and commented on how she was almost built like her mother. She was thankful her grandmother had kept the dress, even though at the time she thought no one would ever wear it.

“He’s here! He’s here!” The voice was her grandmother’s handmaiden from down the hall.

Pagan jumped off the bed and started pacing nervously. This was it. Her wedding day had finally arrived, and her vows were to be taken right here in this room. No church, no guests, no rice to be thrown, just a private ceremony with she, Tristan, and a priestess in attendance.

Pagan heard footsteps in the hall, but no one entered. She straightened the cloak she wore over her naked body and looked toward the window to see the pink and orange hue that filled the sky to signify the beginning of dawn. In the distance she heard bells echoing their chimes, it was the bells at the circle to mark to the gathered guests that the wedding was to begin.

A knock came upon the bedroom door. Her grandmother opened it and the priestess stood in the doorway.

“Are you ready?” The priestess asked.

“Yes, my lady. Bring to me my husband,” Pagan said the traditional words.

The priestess entered the room and Tristan followed. He walked over to Elizabeth and kissed her cheek. She went to stand next to Pagan and Tristan walked to stand before her. He handed her grandmother the ornate box he was holding, and she placed it on the bed next to the dress. She kissed Pagan’s cheek and left the room, closing the door behind her. The wedding was now to take place. This was it. She no longer was to be single and alone in life. She was now being tied to Tristan by this ceremony and be his wife for the rest of her life. A life she was looking forward to.

The priestess took their hands and led them to the bed. Tristan stood in front of Pagan and the priestess to her side. She kissed both of their hands and said, “Tristan, here is your wife. It is time for you to dress her.”

Tristan smiled and reached for the tie of her cloak. He untied it and pushed it off her shoulders, letting it fall to the ground. He opened the box and took out the oil and dabbed it on his fingers. He rubbed the liquid upon her forehead and then gently across both her breasts, then the place above her curls over her womb. He knelt before her and looked up into her eyes, as he anointed her pearl between her folds with the wedding oil. He rose to stand and picked up her wedding dress. He helped her step into it, and she turned so that he could button the back. He picked up the short veil that had hair combs attached. Pagan turned to face him, and he placed it in her hair. He took her hands into his and kissed them.

“You have prepared your wife. You have anointed her as your promise to keep her sacred above all others. You have dressed her as your promise to keep her warm and clothed and provide for her every need. And you have placed the veil upon her head, marking her as yours. Speak your vow to hold her as your wife and lover for this life,” the priestess said.

“Pagan, I hold you as my wife, and lover, and I give myself to you freely for the rest of my life,” he said.

“You have received your husband. Speak your vow to hold him as your husband and lover for this life,” the priestess spoke softly and looked at Pagan.

“Tristan, I hold you as my husband, and lover, and I give myself to you freely,” she hesitated for a second, “for this life and beyond because I love you.”

Tristan’s eyes gleamed with delight, and he kissed her before he whispered upon her lips, “I love you.”

He kissed her again and she returned his kiss with tears of joy gracing her cheek.

The priestess cleared her throat, “I am supposed to say ‘take your first kiss as husband and wife’ before you do that.”

They stopped their kiss and looked at the priestess.

“Take your first kiss as husband and wife,” the priestess said with a hint of laughter in her voice.

Pagan smiled at the priestess and Tristan placed his finger under her chin and lifted her gaze to him. He leaned in and kissed her tenderly for the official kiss. They were married; she belonged to him and he to her. She didn’t need a piece of paper signed by him to prove they were married. The look in his eyes told her everything she needed to know.

“This marriage is sealed.” The priestess touched a finger to her lips then touched Tristan’s lips then Pagan’s. The private ceremony was complete. It was unique and not something she had ever seen or heard of on Earth, but it was special and held a deep meaning of commitment to her.

“Shall we go greet our waiting guests?” He held out his arm for Pagan to take.

“Yes, let’s,” she replied with a tear and a smile.

The priestess led the way out the door, through the corridor, and out the front door in the direction of the ritual circle to be with their family. This was the best day of her life and she wanted to share it with her Aradian family.

***

Betha stood at the entrance to the ritual circle. She strained her eyes to see if the newly married couple was headed her way. She looked toward the horizon. The sun was just beyond it, and she knew the ceremony had to be over by now. She looked back to the path that was in the 2nd Ruling House’s direction. She caught a glimpse of light that seemed to be getting closer. It was! The priestess was headed in her direction and behind her walked Tristan and Pagan.

It was over! They were married! Joy filled her heart for her brother and his bride. She loved him dearly and Pagan had become a dear friend to her in the short time she had been there. She was glad Pagan was now a member of her family. All seemed right in the world, and she wanted to celebrate it.

Betha looked over at Charles, who was standing with his family, the 3rd Ruling House of Aradia. She blushed at the memory of what they had done in the woods two nights ago. Charles was Tristan’s age, polite, charming, and a good catch for a mate, and handsome as well. Maybe he would continue to court her and by next spring marry her? She hoped so; she’d had a crush on him since she was a little girl. And after their experience together in the woods after the chase, she knew they went together nicely in a sexual way. She snatched him with her scarf, and he delighted her in his response with his playful chase.

Charles noticed her looking his way. He smiled and blew her a kiss. Oh yeah, he was definitely going to court her. She was going to be his wife. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind. She lowered her gaze then slowly raised her eyes and smiled softly in a flirtatious way. She may be only twenty, but she knew how to flirt. Maybe a late summer wedding, she thought.

The bells started to ring again, and Betha turned her attention to the path leading to the circle. Tristan and Pagan were there and she rushed to take her place with her family.

The priestess entered the circle and proceeded to the center. She turned to face the entrance and Tristan and Pagan walked toward her and each stood on a side of her. She took their left hands and stretched them outward. Patrice and Elizabeth walked to them and bound their outstretched arms with red ribbons. Elizabeth placed a gold ring on Tristan’s finger and Patrice placed a ring on Pagan’s. Each ring had their mate’s name engraved on it. Cheers rang out and the flute player started dancing around the guest, creating a musical sound that expressed the joy of the occasion. The crowd gathered around the couple, giving congratulations before family members and select invited guests headed to the official house of the 1st Ruling House of Aradia, Draken’s home.

Pagan glanced over to Delia, who was standing next to a man she had never seen before. The man was slightly older than her and held Delia’s hand tightly in his. Delia frowned and squirmed when she noticed Pagan looking at her, and the man next to her whispered in her ear, causing Delia to lower her gaze and stand still.

“Who is that with Delia?” Pagan whispered to Tristan.

“That is Delia’s betrothed, he is a captain in her father’s unit. Apparently, early yesterday morning the good captain took a contract on her, and he exercised his bedding rights to her the same day. They are to be married next week before he takes her with him to the coast.”

“Really, why the coast?” She asked.

“Draken stationed him there to be in charge of a unit to maintain order in the area.”

Pagan and Tristan left the ritual area and walked toward Draken’s home. She couldn’t help but wonder if Draken had a hand in Delia’s betrothal. It didn’t really matter. Delia was out of their lives for good it seemed, and she was glad of that, but a part of her felt sorry for the woman. She had to marry someone she obviously didn’t love and quite possibly didn’t even know all that well.

She looked over to Tristan. He was her husband now. He knew she was to be his from the moment he found her, and he had told her so. She was thankful at that moment that Zeus had given her to Tristan. He was everything she ever could have hoped for in a husband. He was a dream that she never thought was possible to come true. Yet here he was in the flesh and despite all she had done to distance herself to keep from getting hurt all those years in Mexico, she somehow had found happiness with a man who refused to let her go.

***

The drawing room and garden were filled with people who were there to share in this joyous occasion. Cassandra had insisted on hosting the reception for Tristan and Pagan since the bride was Daken’s adopted daughter and it was also Cassandra’s first official duty as the wife of the ruler. Draken agreed and he was glad he had done so. The kitchen staff walked around, handing each guest a plate of sweet cakes and fruit. Pagan and Tristan were seated at a small table, still tied together, and feeding each other the delicate pastries on a shared plate. Draken noticed how happy Pagan seemed. He hadn’t seen her smile so much since she was a little girl. He tried to do right by her then and he and Ezzie did their best to create a happy home for her. The Maker took that away from them and Pagan suffered because of it. But now it seemed she was where she belonged and had peace in her soul. He was happy for her. Draken turned his head and noticed the priestess was there, and he walked over to the woman standing by the fireplace.

“Surprised to see you here, my lady. I didn’t know a keeper of the souls attended such festivities,” Draken said.

“We don’t. I am here for another reason,” she said softly.

“Then let us retreat to my study to talk privately.” Draken took her by the arm and led her out the room. Once inside his study, he closed the door. “So, tell me, what brings you here, my lady?”

“Have arrangements been made for your men to cross the veil and kill the Earth man?” She asked as she sat in a chair.

“Yes. I have hand picked the men for the task and we are to leave in two days.”

“Is Tristan one of them?” She asked.

“Yes, he has agreed to come, though I fail to understand why the Maker insisted that Tristan be one of the men. Do you care to share some light on the subject?”

“Why do you object?” She asked.

Draken sat back in his chair and placed his elbow on the armrest. “I think that is rather obvious. I have no male heirs and he is next in line to inherit the ruling chair. Cassandra is carrying our daughter in her womb. He should stay here in case I die to maintain order and take his place as ruler.”

“I understand your concern, but the Maker has His reasons,” she replied.

“Well, I don’t like it and I am tempted to defy Him in this.” He watched her face for an expression. There was none.

“Give Tristan two weeks with his bride, then you may cross the veil,” she said.

“Why?” Draken asked surprised.

“The future of Aradia depends on it.”

“The Maker wants Tristan to have two weeks, for what?”

“You said Tristan is your heir to the ruling chair and he is now married to Pagan. Tell me, my lord ruler, what do newly married couples do?”

“They make love on many occasions. What does that have to do with anything?” He asked.

“And what may be a result of such couplings?” She asked as she raised an eyebrow.

“It brings them closer together and there is a chance of a…” He stopped as he realized what she was talking about. “He wants her to conceive an heir.”

“Like I said, the future of Aradia depends on it.”

“Pagan will never forgive me for putting him in harm’s way, especially if she is with child. She hates me as it is for leaving her behind fifteen years ago,” he said rubbing his brow.

“My lord, she does not hate you and she has forgiven you. She just doesn’t know how to tell you.”

Draken thought about her words for a moment. Pagan had every right to be angry with him. He couldn’t blame her. She had lived a harsh life after he left her and she became hard at heart because of it, not wanting to allow herself to love for fear of being abandoned.

“Do not defy the Maker in this. She is here because of you. You changed the course of our history by your actions and now you must set things right,” the priestess said in an even tone of voice.

“My actions? If memory serves me right, Fauna changed our history by seeking her soul mate and conceived a child with him. Pagan is here because of her actions, not mine. I lost the ruling chair because of what Fauna did,” he said hoarsely.

“Are you not ruler now?” She asked. “Fauna broke a rule, and she did give birth to a Halfling, but the Maker corrected her actions by taking her soul as well as the soul of her soul mate and their offspring, as He was supposed to do. You, however, replaced the soul of the infant and now she lives a life different from her original destiny because of you and is being granted a chance to be a part of our society by the Maker’s grace. You must take action to keep her and Aradia safe, and she will do what the Maker wants her to do by giving Tristan an heir.”

“Why send Tristan?” He asked.

“There is no reason for you to question the Maker’s decree, but I will tell you. He is being sent for her benefit. She needs to learn that love doesn’t always mean abandonment. Death is a part of life, and she must understand this.”

Draken gave a low curse. He knew what the keeper meant. Someone Pagan loved was going to die and someone was going to help her deal with that loss with his love. In his heart he knew who was not going to return alive from this task.

“Very well then. Tell the Maker I will see to it Tristan comes with me after his son is conceived,” Draken said as he rose out of his chair. He offered his hand to the priestess to help her stand and he escorted her out of his study. He watched her as she walked through the crowd in the foyer, and she quietly made her way out the front door. Now he had to find Tristan and give him the Maker’s decree. He sighed. His adopted daughter’s life was about to be upended and a major change was going to take place in the near future for his homeland of Aradia.

***

Draken walked over to where Tristan and Pagan were seated. He stood behind him and placed a hand on Tristan’s shoulder. Tristan looked up at him and the look in his eyes told him his cousin needed to speak privately with him. More than likely it was about the task to Earth in two days. He hadn’t told Pagan anything about it yet. He knew it would upset her when she found out he was going. Draken had asked him to join the group and he was rather glad he did. If he hadn’t, he was going to volunteer to go. He wanted the opportunity to kill the man that had hounded his wife for years.

Tristan spoke to Draken’s mind. Draken, I assume you have something important to say to me. The task is still going as planned?

Yes and no. Yes, we are still going, and no, we are leaving a little later than planned. We leave in two weeks. Take time to enjoy your bride, and while you are at it, get her pregnant.

Tristan shot him a surprised look, as his mouth dropped. He was dumbfounded at Draken’s words. He wanted him to get Pagan pregnant and so soon after they were married. Why?

Tristan, don’t look at me like that. I can’t help it if the Maker wants her to conceive an heir.

Are you saying the Maker has decreed I get Pagan pregnant? Since when does He get so involved in our personal lives, more specifically mine?

Hey, be thankful He is allowing her to live. You have your orders, so, I suggest you take your lovely bride home and get started. We only have two weeks.

Two weeks. Tristan had two weeks to be alone with Pagan and now he was to get her pregnant because Zeus wanted him to. Why didn’t the deity tell him this personally? Why send the message through Draken? He shook his head and sighed. Pagan wasn’t going to be too happy about this, and he considered not telling her. After all, she was his wife, and this was their honeymoon. He wasn’t planning on using a covering for the first month, which was the Aradian custom, and if she didn’t conceive, then they would consider using protection and plan when they wanted to start their family. That was no longer an option. He had to get her pregnant on purpose. Damn Zeus and his hidden agendas. He glanced over to his bride sitting next to him. She was whispering and laughing with Betha who had pulled up a chair to chat with her friend. She was too preoccupied to see that Draken had approached them. Draken left and Pagan still didn’t see him. Well, he thought, he’d better get started. Making love to Pagan was something he was looking forward to but now he had a purpose for doing so, a child. He needed to have her conceive before he left for Earth.

Tristan motioned for Pagan to stand with him, and he cleared his throat to get the attention of the guests. She rose out of her chair and looked up at him with her gorgeous lavender eyes.

“I do believe the time has come for us to leave this good company and retire to our bedchamber,” he announced to their guests.

He looked down into her face and a smile graced her lovely lips. He loved her with all his heart and he was about to take her as his wife and lover in the way he had longed to since the day he first kissed her.

Elizabeth and Patrice walked over to them and picked up the baskets that held the flower garlands made from their gardens the night before. Draken stood back in order to let the bride and groom pass. As Pagan reached him, she stopped and caressed his cheek before placing a caring kiss upon it. She smiled and continued on her way with Tristan.

Draken smiled at her gesture. The priestess had been right. Pagan had forgiven him; her actions spoke louder than any words she could have uttered. He walked over to his wife and placed a tender kiss upon her cheek as he gently rubbed her pregnant belly that held his soon to be born daughter. Everything was right in his world, at least for now. In two weeks things were going to change and he hoped for the better after he completed his task on Earth.

The walk to Tristan’s home was not a very long one. The matriarchs of their families led the way and stopped in front of the door. They nodded and entered the manor while Pagan stood there with her husband and waited for the ladies to go and adorn the wedding bed with the garlands. It was a tradition that Tristan insisted upon. She was still tied to him by the red silk ribbons, another Aradian tradition. She looked down at their bound hands and caressed the soft fabric with her finger. He belonged to her, and she was glad of it.

At that moment she couldn’t imagine anyone else in this world or on Earth she wanted to be with more. She loved him. For the first time in her life, she was truly in love.

Tristan noticed her movements and lifted her chin up with his free hand and kissed her lips tenderly. She shivered slightly at him doing so.

“Pagan, are you all right?” He asked.

“Yes, well, in truth, I’m a little nervous,” she hesitated, “I want to make you happy, and I’m not exactly experienced in what we are about to do. I mean, well, you know the extent of knowledge in…” she didn’t finish her sentence.

“You are trying to say that I am the only man you have been with in any sexual way, and you are worried that I won’t find pleasure in making love with you. Pagan, did I seem to be displeased with you the other night in the woods?” He asked.

“Well, no, but you pleased me, and I didn’t do a thing to please you–”

He cut her off, “I wanted your first sexual experience to be one of pleasure and pleasing you does please me.” He spoke to her mind. I took your virginity earlier that day and being inside you then was intoxicating to me. I wanted you to experience the joy of love making without sacrificing too much of your virtues that you grew up with. I want to be inside you again without the restrictions of the rite of passage, and now that you are my wife, I can.

She blushed at his words. But that doesn’t guarantee I’ll know what to do to satisfy you.

Your body responded to my lips upon you then and I promise you it will respond in kind when we make love. There is no doubt in my mind about that.

He gently caressed her lips, and she kissed the tip of his fingers. By the heavens, she hoped he was right. She was aroused by his touch and the chase amplified her sexual desire for him. She had been caught up in the moment, and all the sexual tension that had built up in the air by all the couples making love in the woods that night fueled her need to be with Tristan. Now they were married, and she wanted to show him how much she wanted him and was grateful for his actions toward her notions about only knowing one man sexually.

She would have preferred to wait till after their vows before she accepted him inside her, even as out dated as that notion was on Earth, but Aradian law didn’t allow for that. He took the initiative and secretly took the place of the chosen one for her. She was glad he had done so and by the law here she did belong to him as his betrothed, and in his mind, he was letting her keep her values. She thought about it for a moment and realized she would have given herself to him without a promise of marriage. She wanted him and loved him that much. The only reason she didn’t that night in the woods is because he chose to wait for this day to do so, their wedding day.

“Come, princess, let us go to our bedchamber. I’m sure our mothers are finished with the adornments by now,” he said as he guided her into the house. He smiled at her, and he guided her into the house. The house that was now hers as well.

They walked to the base of the staircase, and she lifted the skirt of her dress with her free hand before she took the first step. It was sort of awkward with their left hands tied together and walking side by side, but she managed and together they ascended to the top and turned to head down the hall.

They stopped just outside the door to his room and Pagan noticed her grandmother and his mother waiting inside.

“Well, it’s about time you two got here,” Patrice said as a smile graced her lips. She walked over to Pagan and kissed her cheek, then her grandmother did the same. The two women left the room, as Tristan and Pagan stepped in, and Patrice closed the door, giving them the privacy they wanted.

They were alone and they were married.

Pagan looked around at the room and was overwhelmed by the detailed splendor of its décor. Candles were everywhere, glowing in elegant candelabras, and flowers in silver fluted vases graced every piece of furniture in the room. They were even hung in the corners in cascades of white, pink, and red roses. It was as if a garden had bloomed in the room for their delight and the aroma was one of sweet, soft, floral bouquet that aroused the senses.

The drapes were drawn closed, and the candlelight gave an aura of a soft sensual blush of light that wasn’t too dim or too bright. It was just enough to see each other if they stood close to one another. The massive bed was adorned with sheer lace curtains suspended from the tall posts on each corner and draped across to form a beautiful canopy above it. The floral garlands were wrapped around each post and created a romantic garden for their first sexual encounter as husband and wife. It was the most romantic thing she had ever seen.

“Do you approve?” He asked in a soft voice.

“Yes, this is beautiful,” she said as she took another look around the room.

Tristan raised his tied arm and started to undo the ribbons. She watched as each ribbon fell to the floor, freeing their hand from the wedding binding that symbolized they were one. He laced his fingers with hers and stroked his thumb over her palm. The soft touch of his against her skin sent a slow burning up her arm and she flushed from the intimacy. He led her to the foot of the bed and reached up to remove the veil he had placed in her hair during his dressing of her, slowly lifting it off her head and placing it on the table next to the bed. He placed his hands upon her shoulders and slowly turned her back to him. He brushed her long curls aside and kissed the back of her neck while he unbuttoned her wedding gown. He took his time in doing so as if he was savoring the moment. She didn’t mind. She loved the feel of his lips upon her skin.

As the last button was freed, the gown fell to her feet, and she stepped out of it. Pagan turned to face him. He removed his belt and pulled his white tunic over his head. He then picked her up and placed her on the massive bed, removed her shoes, and she scooted to the center. He took off his boots and unlaced his breeches, removed them, and stood there in a relaxed stance that took her breath away.

His black hair hung free passed his shoulders to the middle of his back. It shone in the candlelight and once again she found herself in awe of his masculinity. His shoulders were broad and his abdomen well defined and muscular. His hips were slightly smaller, and his thighs were athletic and strong. This wasn’t the first time she had seen him naked, but it was the first time as his wife and reveled in the idea of what they were about to do.

Pagan noticed his erection was already present. He was massive and the feeling of desire filled her. She recalled the many times she had seen him this way through her time here and she was now glad she had. He was so familiar to her in his nakedness that it felt natural to see him this way. She reached out her hand to him. “Come to me, Tristan. I want you,” she beckoned him toward her.

“I assume we are forgoing the mating dance you are supposed to perform?” he asked as he climbed into the bed to lay on top of her with his erection crushed between them, as it had been that night in the woods.

She loved the feel of his swollen shaft against her skin; it was a reminder of how much he wanted her. By the heavens this felt good and natural to be this way.

Tristan kissed her lips softly; she parted them, and he deepened the pressure upon them with his moist lips. She moaned softly, as his tongue entered her mouth and caressed hers. His kiss was slow and tantalizing and she returned the intimacy. He placed his fingers in her blonde curls, as he rested on his elbows. He kissed her forehead, her nose, and then her chin. She turned her head to the side, and he kissed her neck, gently nipped her skin, and made a trail of kisses down between her breasts. He released her hair and squeezed both her breasts, as he kissed her mouth once again.

Tristan rose to his knees and straddled her, placing his erection between her breasts. He looked down at her face, and she blushed at the thoughts that were running through her mind.

“Touch me, Pagan. You want to please me, let me show you how,” he spoke in a seductive voice.

He took her hand and placed it on his manhood. She held it in her palm, and he closed her hand around it. With his hand over hers, he gently stroked his length. He removed his hand, and she tightened her hold on him and slid her hand up and down. A slight curve of a smile graced his lips, and she knew he was enjoying every stroke. She liked doing it, giving him pleasure, and she felt him flex within her hand.

He leaned over and kissed her fiercely and she returned that kiss with full force. He removed her hand from him and again laid siege to her body with his lips, upon her breasts, nipples, and her stomach, down to her belly button. He dipped his tongue inside it, wetting the aperture, then continued with his pattern of kisses down to her soft curls. He nuzzled his nose there and spread her legs with his hands.

She filled with the anticipation of what he was about to do. As his mouth found her pearl between her folds, she arched her back with a wave of pleasure running through her. A tiny tingling sensation started in her belly and intensified with each lick of his tongue. He sucked on her hidden pearl, and she gasped and lifted her head at him doing so. He held her hips in place to keep her still, as she tried to wriggle beneath him. He took one finger and dipped it inside her, moving it in and out while not releasing his mouth from her pearl. He put a second finger inside, stretching her and she tightened around them.

He groaned at her action and removed his fingers immediately and settled between her legs. She spread them further to allow him access and she felt the tip of his erection at her opening before he entered her. She placed her arms around him and moved her hips upward. She wanted more of him. He thrust a little deeper and she tightened her grip inside. He threw his head back and moaned and pushed farther until he was completely surrounded by her tightness.

He filled her, stretched her, and she felt him flex inside before he started to move his hips in a circular motion that sent ripples of pleasure through her entire body. A slow burning stirred deep in her belly, and she moved her hips to match his, following his lead, as they made love.

“Oh, Pagan, I told you your body would respond to me. You feel so tight, I love the way you feel around me.”

He lowered his head to hers and she whispered in his ear, “Tristan, please, never stop wanting me.”

Tristan slowly withdrew from her, and she sighed, reaching for him to return. He smiled and kissed her ear, then leisurely slid back in, giving her his full length before he retreated again. He repeated this several times and each time she felt the sensation build a little more. It was welling up inside and she felt flushed with each stroke. He increased the intensity of each thrust and frequency. She wanted more, much more; she needed the release his lovemaking was promising to give.

She matched each thrust he gave her, and she could hear his breathing become rapid. She instinctively wrapped her legs around him and he pumped her harder. She could feel the friction upon her sensitive pearl, and spirals of light gathered and twirled above his head. The red hue deepened, and she let out a cry, as she reached her climatic point, and a red stream of energy left her body and melded with his spirals. He pushed harder and faster until he, too, released his climatic energy into her, and she shivered at the intimacy it gave her. She felt a warm sensation inside, as he released his seed.

He held her tight against him and rolled over on his back with her on top. He kissed her forehead ever so gently.

“Don’t ever doubt that you can please me, Pagan. I assure you I am thoroughly pleased.” He flexed inside her and she quivered.

Tristan held her there for several minutes before she raised her head up and kissed him tenderly. She opened her mind to him intentionally and sent spirals of love into his body. She did love him and wanted him to know and feel her love. He squeezed her in response.

Pagan whispered against his lips, “Let’s do that again.”

Tristan laughed softly, “I do believe my wife likes the fringe benefits of being married to me.” He caressed her bottom, tracing circles with his fingertips.

Pagan stretched out her arms above his head and smoothed her hands over the soft comforter. “It feels so soft,” she said.

“Well, give me a minute, jeez, aren’t we in a hurry.”

She rose up to look at his face and gave him a confused look. He twitched inside her and she gasped, “Ohh.”

He had a twinkle in his eye.

“Wow, do that again.”

He obliged. She giggled.

“I’m not too soft, am I?” He asked sardonically.

She realized he misunderstood what she had said. “Not you. I meant the bed coverings are soft and beautiful. They are different that the ones you had when I stayed here before.”

“Yes, they are. I had them made especially for you. I thought the gold threads would complement your golden ringlets.” He placed a finger in one of her tight curls that graced her head. “This is your home now. I want you to feel welcome here.” He caressed her hair between his fingers. “I love the color of your hair and it feels so soft.”

She lowered her head against his chest. “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?” He asked.

“Always give me complements. I’m not used to that. All my life I have been treated different by others and felt unwelcome and now, being here with you and your family, and of course mine, I feel like I belong and that, well, feels strange to me.”

Tristan ran a finger down her back, tracing an invisible line up and down her spine.

“Pagan, I say these things because they are true, it’s what I feel and I want you to know you do belong here, especially with me. I love you. I fell in love with you the moment I looked into your lavender eyes. What set you apart from the people on Earth is what endeared you to my heart.”

He lifted her head to face him, and he brought her down to his lips. He kissed her affectionately and she sighed beneath her breath. She felt him stir deep within her and realized he was erect again. He started to move his hips in a circular motion, and she felt the need rise up once more inside her. Her legs became weak and quivered with each movement he made.

God, she wanted him again. Now that he was her husband, she was able to offer her body to him and take him in and relish in the feverish desire he stirred deep within her, and at that particular moment, that’s what she intended to do.

Pagan moved her hips and started to grind her pelvis into his. He arched his back and hissed. He pushed her up by her shoulders and she bent over him with her hands embedded in the comforter.

“Sit up slowly and place your hands on the bed behind you,” he said.

She did as he said and she let out a low cry of ecstasy, as she felt the full length of him deep inside. She leaned her head back, her hair cascading down her back, and she started to grind against him again. The feeling was liberating, uninhibited, and she was aroused beyond any limit she may have had. Her movements were slow and deliberate, and each swirl of her pelvis into his brought a heightened sensual pulsation. She began to feel like a goddess in human form and she was making love to her man. She closed her eyes and let loose her passion upon him. He placed his hands on her hips and matched each grind she gave him. The need to release came over her and she let go of the feeling with a soft scream, as her body twitched with a wave of satisfaction.

She opened her eyes and saw the raw gratification on his face, as he, too, gave into the sexual release that had built up inside him. She once again lay on his chest spent from exhaustion and her breath came in ragged breaths. He wrapped his arms around her and rolled over on top of her.

Tristan caressed the top of her head.

“Rest, my sweet, for I intend to make love to you every hour, on the hour, for days to come.”

He slowly lifted off her, picked her up, and placed her on the side of the bed. He pulled the comforter and sheets back and she crawled underneath them while he lay next to her, spooning her, and kissing her cheek before nesting his head into her hair.

She drifted off to sleep as she whispered, “Tristan, please, don’t leave me.”

“I’ll always be here for you, princess.”

***

Pagan vaguely heard voices, as she lifted her sleepy gaze to her surroundings. She caught a glimpse of Tristan wearing a robe and taking a tray of food from a woman, probably his mother, and placed it on the table by the fireplace. The candle flames had been put out and one drape pulled open to let the afternoon sun in.

He closed the door and walked over to her, removed his robe then pushed the sheets off of her. She turned on her back and opened her legs as he placed a cool wet cloth against her feminine area that had only a few hours ago held him deep inside. She winced at the touch of the fabric against her.

“Are you sore?” He asked.

She realized she was. “Yes, a little.”

“It’s to be expected. You are not used to such intimate activity.”

“She looked toward the window. “What time is it?”

“Around four.”

“Why did you let me sleep so long?”

“You were exhausted, we were up most of the night, waiting for sunrise. I felt you needed your sleep. Come, I have food, you must be hungry,” he said.

He helped her rise from the bed, and she stumbled when her shaking knees gave way. He caught her, picked her up, and carried her to the table. She sat in her chair gingerly, and he smirked a little.

“You did this to me, you know,” she said.

“Oh, I well remember, and you need to get used to it. I intend to do it to you again and again and again.”

He leaned over and placed an apple slice into her mouth. She slowly took it in and sucked his finger a second before she leaned back and chewed the apple.

“Ooh, you little tease. You keep that up and I’ll never let you leave my bed.”

“That is my intention and isn’t it our bed?” She said slyly.

“Excuse me, I stand corrected. Our bed.”

Tristan removed the cover from their early dinner and a wonderful aroma filled the air. She sniffed and licked her lips. She was famished. She hadn’t eaten anything since their morning wedding cakes and the meal smelled delicious.

“Eat, you’re going to need your strength,” Tristan said as he placed a forkful in her mouth.

“For what?” She chewed, savoring every morsel.

“I told you. I am going to make love to you every hour on the hour for days to come. You do remember that conversation?”

Pagan blushed and nodded. She did remember his words. He spoke them, as she was falling asleep after she had made love to him. She closed her eyes at the memory. She had taken charge and pleased him with her hips. The movements came naturally to her, as if her body knew what to do before her mind did. And judging by the look Tristan had on his face, she had pleased him completely.

She reached for another bite of food.

“Uh ah, no, you don’t. I want to feed you.” Tristan speared another piece of meat and placed it in her mouth. The juice from the roast dribbled down her chin and he leaned over and kissed it away before eating a bite himself.

“You like? Pot-roast, one of my favorites, my mother made it. And this delicious delicacy is a gift from your grandmother.” He spooned baked apple drizzled with a raisin sauce and dipped it into her mouth.

“Mmm, this is delicious. The two of them have done so much for us. They are such wonderful ladies,” Pagan said.

“Yes, they are. And of course, providing us with meals during our honeymoon period is an Aradian tradition. Your grandmother is staying in the guest room.”

“Really,” she said surprised.

“And to give you some warning, the honeymoon period is not over till you walk out that door, and I have no intention of letting you do that any time soon.” He placed more meat into her mouth.

“Why, sir, I do believe you intend to take full advantage of me.”

“You bet your sweet bottom I do.”

They finished their meal and Tristan placed more wood in the fireplace. It was early May and there was still a slight chill in the evening air. He walked back to the table and took her by her hand and led her to the privy door.

“It is time for a bath,” he said.

Pagan looked around the bedchamber for the wooden tub that he used to have his personal servant bathe him in. That was a memory she definitely wanted to forget.

“Where is the tub?” She asked.

“In here.” He opened the privy door. “I had one installed in a more private location since you seem to have an aversion of my bathing in my bedroom.”

“It wasn’t the fact you bathed in your room, it had more to do with how you bathed.” She peeped through the door. “Where is your little servant, anyway? I haven’t seen her around?”

“I dismissed her.”

“What? You fired her because I was jealous?”

“Ah ha! So, you admit it, you were jealous!” A twinkle sparked in his eyes.

“Well, okay, I admit it, I was jealous. But could you blame me. After all, you asked me to marry you then turn around and let a hired hand touch your body. And you shouldn’t have fired her.”

“I didn’t. Brailey’s personal servant is getting married and left her position to work in our kitchens, so I gave him mine with the same pay.”

“When did you do that?” She asked.

“The day after your little fit and I have been bathing myself ever since, thanks to you.”

“Well, a grown man needs to bathe himself.”

“So, does this mean you’re not going to wash me? And here I was so looking forward to it.” He gave her a mocking smile. “But I hope you don’t mind if I bathe you.”

He picked her up and carried her to the cast iron footed tub in the corner of the room. He set her on her feet in front of the tub and she watched him lean over and turn on the water. She stepped in and he settled in behind her. She leaned back against his chest, as he lavished the warm water over her shoulder. She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh, and Tristan kissed her head. She was relaxed in his arms and had a slight curve of a smile upon her lips. She looked happy and he knew he was the reason.

She had finally given into her feelings for him and took a chance on love, something he wasn’t sure she was going to be able to do. He had placed himself in her life over the time she had been there because he knew he was to marry her by Zeus’ decree. She wasn’t happy when she found out and pulled back from him. It was hard to get her to trust him again, but he managed and now she married him of her own free will.

Tristan lathered the soap in his hands and gently caressed her skin with small circular strokes, cleansing her entire chest, arms, and legs. He scooped up water and poured it over her and the soapsuds trickled down her body. She reached for the soap and turned in the water to face him. She lathered her hands and ran them all over his body, gently kneading his thighs up to his groin. Her knuckle brushed against his manhood, and he touched her hand.

“Careful what you do here, princess. You go any further and you’ll have me aroused again, and if that happens, I’ll be burrowing deep inside you in a heartbeat. Or is that your intent?”

She said nothing and placed her hand around his length. She gripped lightly and started to stroke him slowly. He moaned and she tightened to a firm hold. She watched as he became erect under her touch, and she was filled with anticipation of him being inside her again. She wondered how long it would take him to reach full satisfaction and possibly release under her touch. It was a bold thought, but she wanted to try. She increased her strokes and went up and down his length faster.

He closed his eyes for a second before he grabbed her hand to still her.

In one swift movement, he turned her around and pinned her to him. He reached around her and spread her legs, then found her opening with his fingers and plunged two inside. She grabbed the sides of the tub and held on tightly, as he moved his fingers in and out of her as swiftly as she had stroked him. She moved her hips to match each thrust he laid upon her.

“I do believe I promised to make love to you every hour on the hour, and right now seems as good as any to start,” he said.

Pagan arched against him, as he pressed against her pearl with his other hand. He swirled his forefinger around it, applying pressure, then caresses, then pressure again, all in rhythm with his fingers making love inside her. She let out soft cries, as the tension he created stirred her senses. It was invigorating, overpowering, and filled her with an uncontrollable need to have him press harder against her, fill her desire to be sated in his arms.

“Oh, Tristan, please,” she said with bated breath.

“Please? Please what? Tell me what you want.” He nibbled on her ear.

“I want you inside me,” she responded.

“But I am inside you.” He inserted a third finger.

“I want you to fill me up, release yourself inside me.”

“As you wish, my love.”

Tristan released his hold on her and rose out of the water. He stepped out of the tub and lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the fireplace, placing her on the carpet. She stretched on the floor in front of the fire, and he crawled on top of her. He wasted no time in entering her. He plunged deep and hard with fast deliberate strokes, each time sending her soaring with exquisite tingling vibrations that begged for more. She found her voice and screamed a cry of pleasure, as she came to the sweet salvation he brought to her once more.

Tristan looked into her eyes, and she could see the desire that graced his face. He released his need with a guttural groan and fell upon her, giving her his full weight. She laced her fingers in his raven hair and whispered in his ear, “One hour down and countless more to go.”

Tristan laughed at her words. His little princess turned out to be a wanton as far as sex was concerned and he loved the idea of that.