by Eva Brandt
“More beautiful than I had ever hoped. Like the princess of Kerys.”
It was not exactly what I had wanted to hear, but it had been silly to ask my mother for her opinion. Even without the enchantment clouding her mind, she wouldn’t have known if my current look would please my future husbands. I’d just have to hope for the best and see for myself later.
Straightening my back, I accepted the bouquet my mother dutifully offered me and let her guide me out of my quarters. Throngs of liveried guards and servants surrounded me as I passed, watching me with awed eyes. I paid them no heed and kept walking. Just a little further now, and I would reach them, reach the men whom I had chosen to be by my side, for the rest of my life.
The ceremony would be held in the throne room of our palace, so it was much easier to get there than it had been to reach the tournament arena. I was very grateful for that, since I shuddered at the thought of having to climb into a boat while wearing my bridal gown. As beautiful as it might have been, it was also heavier and more ornate than any other dress I’d worn. I’d have had trouble fitting even in my father’s boat. My parents would’ve made a special one for me had it been necessary, but I was glad we hadn’t been forced into such a useless task.
It still seemed to take forever to make my way through the winding corridors of the palace. Maybe I was just being more impatient than usual, but by the time I reached the throne room, I had started clutching my bouquet so hard I almost crushed the flower stems. I suspected that the only reason why I didn’t end up with the flower arrangement in pieces was my mother’s uncanny knack to foresee every problem. She must’ve decided to enchant the bouquet too.
My irrelevant thoughts drifted away when the throne room doors opened, granting me entrance. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw them waiting for me in front of the dais that held my father’s throne. My heart started to race, my erratic emotions threatening to overwhelm me once again.
The gods must have smiled upon this day, since I didn’t trip on the hem of my dress, nor did I lose control of my magic. It was a good thing, since the throne room was filled to the brim with people, the most important political figures of Kerys having all been invited to my wedding. I ignored the onlookers and fixed my gaze on Mathias, Halvar, and Thrandur, taking refuge in their dumbstruck expressions. The elegant clothing prepared by the palace tailors suited them, but at the same time, made me so very aware of my position. I had liked it better when we had simply been ourselves and hadn’t needed to rely on all these embellishments at all.
It was stupid to focus on that now, though, since at the end of the day, it wasn’t the clothes that mattered, but the fact that they had agreed to this, to support me and help me with my goals. Stay calm, Dahud. You can trust them. You want this and they want it too.
That much was obvious. I’d also been foolish to think they wouldn’t appreciate the sight of me in my gown. They appreciated the sight of me no matter what clothes I wore, and they’d probably like me even more naked. But no, now was not the best moment to think such things. I’d worry about it later, once we were alone.
I made my way toward them, affecting a calm I didn’t really feel. The path I needed to walk to get to the dais seemed too long, but I somehow managed to cross the distance without embarrassing myself. I was distantly aware of my mother and my handmaidens still following me, of all the eyes watching me, all the voices making comments—assessing, admiring, or occasionally judgmental.
“She’s beautiful.”
“As expected of the Princess Dahud.”
“It is a shame she chose such an unfortunate marriage.”
“I don’t know what the king was thinking when he agreed.”
“Hush. This is not the best place to discuss such things.”
The murmurs were low enough that I wouldn’t have heard them if not for my advanced senses. Amusingly, I was a little grateful for the criticism. I knew how to deal with that. I had been prepared for it. Having to identify the people who were unwise to say such things on my wedding day anchored me. By the time I reached my future husbands, my nervousness had subsided yet again.
They were waiting in a semicircle in front of the dais and for a few seconds, as I stopped next to them, they didn’t know what to do with themselves. Mathias made an aborted motion, as if he wanted to kneel, but I discreetly shook my head at him and he stopped. Not yet, and not in front of me, at least.
I shot them a little smile, one they probably couldn’t see very well due to my veil. It was enough, because they remembered themselves and stepped to the side, forming a line to my right.
We didn’t speak, as a conversation between us would’ve been inappropriate according to our ways. Instead, we waited while my father left his throne and stepped up in front of us.
Nothing in his demeanor suggested he’d been coerced into accepting this. He smiled widely at me, seeming just as happy for me as my mother had been. It was a little unnerving, but I supposed I was grateful for it, regardless.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union between my most beloved daughter, and her chosen partners. On this day, we thank the gods for the gifts we have been granted and offer the pledge of four entwined hearts in turn.”
With the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a few people fidgeting in discomfort at the phrasing. The ceremony had been designed for two people, not four, and not everyone liked the change. They would have to get used to the idea, because despite my apprehension, I wouldn’t back out.
“Kerys has always been a blessed land,” my father continued in front of me, “and its strength and potential lies in the hearts and loyalty of its people. We welcome those who embrace our ideals, those who swear to protect our nation. In this way, we make sure Kerys continues to persevere and grow, like it has for generations.”
I suppressed a snort. That much, at least, my future husbands could promise, although their hearts and loyalties were not to Kerys, but to me. The thought was both heady and worrisome, and it made me look away from my father, at the men whom I had picked to share my future.
They were so different from one another. I barely knew them. They barely knew me. And yet… What was this feeling? Why had I picked them? What made them special?
Was it just because Thrandur had broken the curse on me, or was it something else?
In the background, my father kept speaking, but I wasn’t really listening to him anymore. When my future husbands looked at me, I tried to discern what they were truly thinking. What had made them agree to my crazy idea, when I’d admitted with my own mouth I was dangerous?
As if guessing my thoughts, Halvar winked at me and mouthed, “Ready?”
It was a bit of a taunt, and his eyes glinted with mischief when he said it. It reassured me, because it reminded me I was indeed ready for this. I always had been, from the moment I’d seen them.
They had the strength I’d always been looking for and they’d help me with my plans. With them, I’d be safe. I was sure of it.
With my nervousness fully gone, I allowed myself to enjoy the rest of the ceremony. It was a little too long, but I paid more attention to the potential traitors in the hall than to my father’s speech anyway.
Then, something seemed to shift in the air, and I became aware that it was finally time for me to make my vows. My mother wrapped golden cords around my wrists and those of my future husbands, a symbolic binding that held more weight than it should have.
Her magic, coerced by mine, rushed through the material, turning it into a conduit of power. “Here and now, before the nation of Kerys, do you Theuderic, son of Otker, Hartmut, son of Nordbert, and Mathias, son of Ninian, pledge to protect, honor, and care for Princess Dahud, daughter of King Gradlon, of Kerys, until death take you?”
“Always.”
“I do.”
“I so swear.”
The oath didn’t involve the real names of my chosen husbands. It shouldn’t have been valid. But it was, and I instantly felt their promi
se settle on my heart. And when my mother asked me to make a promise of my own, I did so without hesitation.
This was the right choice. I’d finally found the right path, for my happiness and that of my homeland.
Together, my husbands and I would forge a new world and a new future.
First Time
Thrandur
The feast held by Gradlon in honor of his daughter’s wedding rivaled the most lavish parties I’d gone to when I’d been at my father’s court. It also seemed much longer, although I knew for a fact that wasn’t true.
My father regularly held parties that could last up to three days after successful battles. Gradlon had prepared a week-long celebration in Dahud’s honor, but we were only expected to stay for one evening before we retired.
The hours stretched out endlessly as Halvar and I tried to acquaint ourselves with the people at court without breaking our cover. Mathias did the best he could to help, although his humble background was a problem too.
To make matters worse, after we made our vows, we couldn’t steal one single moment with Dahud. She was promptly whisked away by her mother and the other women.
I tried not to sulk, but I must’ve failed, because Mathias pulled me aside and explained, “It’s tradition. We’re going to see her later, in our quarters.”
“Yes, I realize that,” I answered irritably. “I just wish we had more time with her, that’s all.”
We’d barely gotten the chance to speak since Dahud had made her decision. She’d seemed a little hesitant earlier. And why shouldn’t she be? No matter how powerful she was, it stood to reason that she’d have some doubts over this course of action.
I wondered what she had in mind for tonight. Would she even allow us to touch her? Halvar had said she seemed open to the idea, but it might not be the best plan, since she was still recovering from the curse.
I shook myself and tried to push away the almost unbearable yearning to be with my wife. Searching for a distraction, I asked, “Never mind me. How are you feeling?”
Mathias arched a dark brow at me and gave me a knowing look. “I’m not going to collapse in sorrow over what happened, if that’s what you mean.” He glanced around the room filled with nobility and sighed. “Besides, as much as I hate to admit it, I understand their reasons. My parents would’ve felt awful if they’d come.”
Maybe he was right, but I still found the whole thing very strange. Mathias was the only one who had parents nearby, so logic stated that they’d come when their son married the princess. Mathias had sent them a notice to invite them, but they’d declined, claiming they were uncomfortable with the idea of being around so many people who were better than them.
Even if that was true, it seemed rude to spurn the invitation. I wondered if there was something he hadn’t told us about his background, or if this incident was truly nothing more than the uncertainty of two humble people overwhelmed by their son’s unexpected good fortune.
Before I could ask, Halvar surreptitiously made his way to my side. “We’ll have all the time in the world to be with her,” he said. “Nothing else matters but that.”
I didn’t ask him how he’d overheard the brief exchange between me and Mathias, or how he’d guessed my thoughts. The beast inside him came with some unique talents and his advanced senses had often guided him to my side whenever I needed him most. I just offered him a brief, polite smile and nodded. “Yes, of course.”
I had enough experience with court formalities to withstand the boring political game my wedding had turned into. I found it hilarious that somehow, I’d ended up in this situation despite having run from my position back home. But if the gods had placed Dahud in our path, it was for a reason, and I believed in the strange connection we shared.
Well after midnight, Mathias, Halvar and I were finally excused. The courtiers all gave us long looks as we left, perhaps wondering what we’d soon be doing behind closed doors. As we headed to our new quarters, I did my best to force my thoughts away from lascivious territory, fully intending to let Dahud decide.
My good intentions promptly flew out the window the moment I entered our shared room. Dahud got up from the couch and let out an exasperated sigh. “Well, finally,” she said. “I was beginning to think I’d have to sleep alone on my wedding night.”
She was completely naked, her silken hair tumbling down to her shoulders in a luxurious cascade. In the dim light of the moon, she shone more brightly than any star. The room was a little chilly, so her nipples were pebbled. My mouth went dry at the sinful sight she made, waiting for us in the dark.
I should’ve maybe answered. I should’ve apologized for the delay and complimented her on her looks. I should’ve asked her if she was all right, or if she felt uncertain about this in any way.
The words wouldn’t come. My vocal cords refused to work.
Halvar and Mathias weren’t doing much better. Behind me, Halvar let out an inarticulate noise. Mathias managed to choke out a confused, “What…?” and then he lost the ability of speech as well.
Dahud’s brow creased in a tiny frown. “Is anything wrong? Did you have a change of heart?”
The idea was outrageous enough that it snapped me out of my trance. “No, of course not,” I answered hastily. “We just didn’t expect this.”
Dahud narrowed her eyes at me. The shadow of self-consciousness I’d seen earlier on her face melted into a speculative mask. “Surely, this can’t be so surprising. You must’ve had women before.”
Yes, I had. I’d slept with plenty of women, and so had Halvar. I didn’t know about Mathias, but a man like him would’ve drawn the eye of the wenches in his village. But no woman, no matter how beautiful, could’ve compared to Dahud.
“You’re not just any woman,” Mathias said, echoing my thoughts. “You’re a goddess.”
Dahud let out a light, sharp chuckle. “That’s not true, but let’s pretend it is. Does that mean you’ll worship me?”
Flickers of gold danced through her eyes like starlight. Her voice held the underlining tone of a threat and I loved it. I didn’t want her to ever hide what she was, not when we were together. “If that’s what you want, we will worship you,” I replied. “But more than that, we will show you that you can be loved. Because we want to.”
She might be trying to hide it, but that whole business with her accidentally mind-controlling her parents had shaken her badly. She’d set it aside for now, focusing on the practical advantages, but her apprehension was still there. She didn’t want to be worshipped as a deity, not now when her magic still scared her.
“You might not be our goddess or our witch,” I said, walking up to her. “But you can certainly be our queen. Isn’t that right?”
I cupped her cheek with a gentle hand and met her bright, fierce eyes. As our gazes locked and held, I realized it had been better that I hadn’t asked her if she was all right with this. The question would’ve been insulting. Dahud would never back out, not now, after she’d decided to go through with the wedding. She’d made us a promise, just like we had made one to her. It was an oath sealed in a magic far more potent than the wedding vows we’d made earlier today.
Dahud must’ve felt the same, because she pressed her body to mine and said, “Kiss me.”
I couldn’t have denied her to save my life. She was so close, her heat and scent drawing me in like a moth to the flame. At this point, I didn’t care if I got burnt, as long as I tasted her before my unavoidable end.
Without a single moment of hesitation, I crushed our mouths together. She wrapped her arms around my neck and parted her lips eagerly for my invasion. As I thrust my tongue into her wet cavern, she let out a breathy, choked moan that went straight to my cock.
I kept my eyes closed while kissing her, but I still sensed Mathias and Halvar approach. They didn’t immediately touch her, and I knew what they were thinking. Since she was pure, it was a bad idea to overwhelm her with our affections.
But in the kiss Dahud and
I shared, I tasted her need and defiance. I knew she didn’t want to be treated like she was fragile. She was a warrior at heart, and that went beyond her world-conquering ambitions.
For that reason, I wasn’t surprised when, the moment I broke our kiss, Dahud tightened her grip on me and said, “I need you inside me. Now.”
She was far stronger physically than someone so slight should’ve been. I couldn’t break free from her hold. I might’ve been able to, had I tried, but anyone without the benefit of a blessing from the gods would’ve probably had trouble. Her words held a dose of magic, just enough for me to feel the compulsion.
I didn’t mind any of it. In fact, I embraced her forcible, domineering nature. It stirred that part of me that had always craved submitting to a partner who was stronger than me. “Of course, my queen.”
For most of my life, I’d been told that submission was humiliating for a man. I’d have believed it, but I’d met Halvar, and the rightness I felt when I was with him in bed, when I gave him my body, told me everything I needed to know. It wasn’t wrong to want this, no matter what my father or his fellows believed.
But even Halvar was hesitant to indulge me, although I’d told him many times that it was something I liked. I suspected he didn’t actually believe me and he thought I was forcing myself for his benefit.
With Dahud, I would do better. I felt no shame at submitting to a woman. It was just right.
I’d have dropped to my knees right then and there, but that wasn’t what she’d asked for. When she loosened her hold on me, I took her in my arms and carried her to the bed.
As I set her down, her magic licked over my skin, sliding underneath my elaborate outfit like a physical caress. “Take your clothes off. All of you. I want you naked.”
“Of course, my queen,” Mathias replied.
He was already dropping his shirt on the floor, exposing his hard muscles, born from a life of physical labor. He wasn’t a warrior, not like me and Halvar, but even so, I could read his strength in every line of his body. So could Dahud, because she licked her lips and eyed him with obvious hunger.