* * *
The wedding festivities traveled back to the estate for an extravagant reception. Musicians and jugglers filled the reception with excitement and merriment. For all the joy surrounding him, Felipe could only stare vacantly at the scores of well-wishers that had come to congratulate him and Lilith on their marriage. He made certain to smile on cue, keeping up the facade, but inside Felipe was heartbroken. How could he marry Lilith, knowing he loved Zaybeth? He berated himself for being such a coward and not taking a firmer stand against his parents. Felipe’s world was crashing in all around him. It all seemed like a terrible dream.
Felipe watched his father dance like a schoolboy, with his mother on his arm. He couldn’t recall a time he’d seen his father happier.
Felipe’s eyes trailed up to Zaybeth’s bedroom window. His thoughts were interrupted by guests tapping spoons on their crystal glasses.
“A toast to the happy couple,” Abraham said. “To Felipe and Lilith, may their love continue to grow and last for all eternity.”
The guests raised their glasses.
“Cheers!”
The archbishop and his staff of personal assistants hurried him over to the bridal table.
“Felipe, God bless you on your marriage,” Archbishop de Acuña said, giving Lilith a cold hard stare.
“Thank you for coming, Your Excellency.” Felipe stood and bowed. He kneeled down on one knee and kissed the bishop’s Episcopal ring before returning to the bridal table.
“Leaving so soon, Antonio?” Tomás said, making his way over to the bishop. The archbishop’s attendants blocked Tomás’ several attempts to get closer to the bishop.
The archbishop turned and gave Tomás a feign smile.
“Ah, Tomás, I’m afraid I must be going. I do not usually attend weddings, but since you are one of the Church’s most generous parishioners I made an exception. Congratulations. I’m sure you are very proud.”
“I am indeed proud. Felipe has—”
“Well, again, congratulations,” the bishop said, interrupting Tomás.
“Thank you, Your Excellency for coming.” Tomás bowed as the archbishop and his attendants left in a hurry.
Felipe and Lilith took turns making speeches. Gertrudis rolled out a sponge cake, steeped with a rich fruit filling and almonds, covered with creamy white icing. As the night reception festivities continued, Lilith threw her bouquet high up in the air for the single women to catch. As if by magick, the bouquet landed straight in Gertrudis’ hands.
“Gertrudis, it seems you are the lucky lady, who will soon marry,” Lilith said, flashing Eduardo a sly grin.
A tall man with reddish brown hair walked up to the bridal table and pulled Felipe close.
“Beware of the signs,” he whispered in Felipe’s ear.
Felipe gave the man a puzzled look. He didn’t recall seeing the gentleman at the wedding ceremony. He was certain the man was not a family friend or relative.
“Excuse me, Señor, but have we—”
Lilith returned to the table and Felipe turned away from the strange man and stood up. He pulled out a chair for Lilith. Once Lilith was seated, Felipe quickly turned back to the man, but he was gone.
“Lilith, do you know the man I was talking to?”
“What man, dear?”
“The man that was just standing here, talking to me, do you know him?”
“I didn’t see you speaking to anyone.”
Felipe’s eyes searched for the man in the crowd of guests, but he was nowhere to be found.
* * *
Zaybeth covered her ears with pillows to drown out the merriment from the wedding reception. Feeling as though she was about to go insane, she collapsed on the floor underneath the heavy bombardment of emotions. Crying so hysterically at times, her body convulsed.
Maria rushed into her daughter’s room. She managed to get Zaybeth up on her feet and into bed.
“Zaybeth, you must be strong. You’ll get through this, I promise.”
LUST SPELL
The reception continued until the wee hours of the night, against a bright full moon, and ended in a riotous manner. Young men, led by Alejandro, tore ribbons, garters, and bridal laces from Lilith as souvenirs. The young men hoisted Lilith and Felipe up onto their shoulders and raucously escorted them to their bridal bedchamber.
Tomás, Francisca, Abraham, and Nashiema followed the crowd and wished Felipe and Lilith well on their honeymoon. The once bright, full moon had changed into a blood-red, total eclipse as it hung in a blackened sky.
* * *
Felipe stood nervously in the middle of the room. He gave Lilith an imperceptible smile as he fumbled with his shirt and breeches. He felt a slight chill and out the corner of his eye, Felipe caught sight of tiny bands of shimmering white and purple luminous radiation. He rubbed his eyes and looked around the room. Whatever he thought he saw had vanished.
Lilith walked over to her husband and put her arms around his neck. He could feel her warm breath upon his face.
Felipe started kissing Lilith. Her tongue slipped into his mouth. Felipe surprised himself by becoming aroused. How could his body betray him in such a way? What about Zaybeth? His breeches fell to the floor, releasing his enormous, fully erect cock. His tongue sought the nape of her neck. Soon, Felipe’s hands were on Lilith’s breasts, rolling her sensitive nipples. They responded by budding and standing erect.
Felipe glided Lilith’s dress down her shoulders, allowing it too gently past over her narrow waist and slender hips. Felipe hands slid lower, past her flat stomach and hips, and in between her thighs. He eased one finger into her womanhood, which was hot and wet. The earthy scent of patchouli filled Felipe’s senses and made him overcome by wanton lust. His eyes rolled back in his head as he was filled with sensual pleasure.
The Eye of Saturn swirled in Lilith’s eyes. She gave a deep, wicked, sensual laugh as she and Felipe, wrapped in a frenzied lover’s embrace, edged closer to the bed, collapsing on it.
* * *
Small as the head of a pin, the Daughters of Saturn flew in and around Felipe and Lilith, chanting softly in unison.
“Elidaelohim, seduce Felipe with your enticing charms. Let the scent of your womanhood be more aromatic than perfume. Let the juices of your womanhood taste sweeter than the sweetest nectar, sweeter than honey to Felipe’s tongue. Take his manhood into your into womanhood, make love to him, sister. Let him become intoxicated with pleasure. Let him ejaculate his seed into your fertile womb, so that you may give birth to a son—our prince.”
Unconsciously, Felipe responded to the Daughters of Saturn lust spell. He parted Lilith’s legs with his knees and buried his tongue deep inside her. Felipe could both smell and feel her arousal. Hot, sticky, orgasmic juices saturated his tongue. Maddened by lust, Felipe climbed on top of Lilith and took his bride’s virginity with full passion.
* * *
The Daughters of Saturn’s lust spell reverberated, igniting raw sexual passion throughout the de Hayos household.
Eduardo worked up enough courage to do what he had wanted to do for some time now. Gingerly, he approached Gertrudis’ bedroom door, but before he could knock, she opened the door and pulled him in, slamming the door shut.
* * *
Alejandro tossed and turned awakened with a throbbing erection pressing against his mattress. Burning with mad sexual desires, he could not contain himself any longer. He leapt out of bed and ran to Zaybeth’s door. But when he got there, he heard Zaybeth sobbing and Maria consoling her. His once throbbing erection went flaccid. He returned to his room, filled with shame and sexual frustration.
* * *
Felipe’s thrusts became deeper and faster. He pulled his swollen cock out of Lilith and spilled his seed onto the bed linens beside her. He looked up and saw the disappointed look on her face. Felipe lowered his guilty eyes, averting her gaze. Lilith had given him her virginity and he had given Lilith his, but his heart still belonged to Zaybeth.
&n
bsp; LOVE IS BLIND
Tomás and Francisca joined Maria, who was sitting alone at the breakfast table. The couple sat down and started kissing and fondling each other.
Tomás buried his head in Francisca’s bosom.
Maria was shocked—she had never seen Tomás and Francisca display such sensual affections.
“I am sorry we’re late for breakfast,” Felipe said, pulling a chair out for Lilith.
Nashiema and Abraham sat down at the table and were so busy kissing and fondling each other, they did not notice Alejandro had sat down at the table.
Maria cleared her throat, loudly, but the couples ignored her and continued to openly display lewd sensual behavior.
Alejandro looked at Maria and shrugged his shoulders.
“I hope I haven’t missed breakfast. I came down earlier, but no one was here,” Maria said in a loud voice.
“It seems breakfast is two hours late,” Francisca said, laughing hysterically and kissing Tomás so amorously, Maria blushed.
Maria turned to Felipe, who had the same love crazed look in his eyes.
“Felipe, Lilith, I apologize for missing your wedding. I am sure the ceremony was lovely. But Zaybeth took violently ill yesterday.”
Felipe’s head was still reeling from the Daughters of Saturn’s lust spell. His glazed eyes stared at Maria, unable to comprehend what she was saying.
Lilith gave Felipe an impish smile.
“Oh, dear, I hope it is nothing serious. I lost my Sarah to a terrible malady,” Nashiema said, feeling more like herself.
As Gertrudis brought out the bread to the table, Eduardo gave her an affectionate pat on her backside. She giggled.
The effects of the Daughters of Saturn’s lust spell wore off and the servants started shaking their heads and rubbing their eyes. The look of embarrassment replaced the once lustful stares. The servants scrambled to bring coffee, fruits, and meats to the breakfast table before Tomás could yell.
“Nashiema, thank you for your concern, but I think Zaybeth will be as good as new in a couple of days,” Maria said.
Felipe shook his head and blinked his eyes a couple of times. He stared curiously around the table. The lust spell had finally worn completely off, and he was no longer love-drunk. “Maria, where is Zaybeth? She wasn’t at the wedding—” Felipe said, concerned.
“She is ill, Felipe,” Maria repeated firmly, with a raised eyebrow.
“I should bring her something to eat,” he said, reaching across the table.
Maria stood and quickly put her hand over Felipe’s hand. “That won’t be necessary. I’ll take a tray up to her room. Again, congratulations on your marriage,” she said, cutting her eyes to at Lilith. “You two make a beautiful couple.”
Felipe’s eyes trailed to Lilith’s gaze. He felt guilty and held his eyes downcast to Maria. “Thank you.”
Lilith gave Maria a smirk, while leaning over to kiss Felipe full on the lips.
Maria ate her breakfast in a hurry. She fixed Zaybeth’s plate and excused herself.
* * *
“Felipe, I am surprised to see you and Lilith up so early this morning. I mean, after a night of such sweet lovemaking,” Abraham said, raising his left eyebrow playfully. “Soon, you will give us a grandson?” Abraham joked.
Felipe was silent.
“Or a granddaughter,” Nashiema chimed in.
Abraham turned into Felipe. His expression turned serious. “Felipe, since you and Lilith are now married, you are of one flesh and blood. Our people take blood very seriously. You are now our kin, Felipe and Lilith have a blood covenant that must never be broken!”
Felipe gave Abraham a reassuring nod and glanced over at Lilith. He gave her an unsteady smile and looked up in the sky, and turned to Tomás.
“Papa, I think today would be a perfect day to take Abraham and Nashiema to see Toledo,” Felipe said, changing the subject. He looked up to the sky. “It’s a clear day, making it perfect for sightseeing.
“Oh, can we, Tomás?” Francisca asked excited. “Nashiema and I can go to the market.”
“Yes, of course, my love,” Tomás said.
“Felipe, how about we go riding today? You did promise,” Lilith asked.
“Sure, have Gabriel ready the horses. If you will excuse me for a moment, I’ll meet you at the stables.”
He gave Lilith a quick peck on the lips and moved from the table and briskly walked across the courtyard and entered the manor. Felipe dashed up the stairs where he found Maria closing Zaybeth’s door and walking down the hall.
“Maria,” Felipe called after her.
She stopped and waited for Felipe to catch up to her.
“How is she?”
“Her heart is broken, but she will live.”
“I would have married her,” he confessed solemnly. “I love Zaybeth with all my heart, but there was anything I could do.”
“I know,” Maria said, giving him a half smile before turning and walking away.
* * *
Later that afternoon.
Lilith admired how tall Felipe sat in the saddle.
“Felipe, you are a much better rider than I remember,” Lilith said as their horses trotted alongside each other.
“I can ride just as long as the horse isn’t trying to kill me.”
Lilith and Felipe shared a laugh. Lilith studied her husband’s face and, for the first time, she noticed his smile. She loved the way his lips thinned and he opened his mouth, throwing his head back. It was good to see him happy. He looks so serious all the time.
Lilith knew if Saturn was going to find favor with Felipe, and transform him into an Elisolhim (High Priest), she would have to prepare him. There was much for Felipe to learn. But first, she would have to tell him she was an immortal. How would Felipe react? Would he be afraid of her? Would he reject her?
“Felipe, I need tell you something—” Lilith stopped short.
“Tell me what?”
She looked into Felipe’s soulful brown eyes and gave him a nervous smile. “I just wanted to tell you that I love you very much.” Lilith smiled wide in anticipation of Felipe saying “I love you too.”
Instead, Felipe gave her a polite smile and rode away. Lilith’s smile diminished.
* * *
A week later.
Felipe stood beside Lilith as they said goodbye to her parents.
Abraham walked up to Felipe and gave him a bear hug, nearly suffocating him in the armpits of his robe.
“Felipe, you are family now. You must listen to Lilith, for she is wise and will teach you our ways.” Abraham kissed Felipe on either side of his cheeks.
“Ma’as salaama,” (Peace be with you) Felipe said, while he and Lilith waved goodbye to Nashiema and Abraham.
As the grand caravan rolled out of the courtyard, Gabriel’s unwavering stare held Felipe’s attention. Felipe’s eyes fell flat with guilt.
FOOL’S GOLD
The sun shone brightly through Zaybeth’s bedroom window. She flopped onto her bed. Tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable, Zaybeth got out of bed and began pacing the floor back and forth like a caged animal. She simply had to get out of her self-imposed prison and rejoin the living before she went mad.
It had been three weeks since Felipe’s wedding and she had done her best to avoid the couple—taking her meals in her room and leaving only after everyone else had retired. But Zaybeth had grown weary of living like a prisoner.
Seeing that the coast was clear, she hastily made her way down the stairs, out of the manor, and into the courtyard. Zaybeth hid behind trees and ducked behind a few large vases. She wiped her forehead with a sigh of relief, having made her way through the patio undetected. Zaybeth looked at the garden, which were just a few yards ahead. However, getting there might prove to be a challenge. There was a wide open area that would leave her exposed. Zaybeth took a deep breath before dashing out into the clearing.
“Zaybeth,” a familiar male voice said.
&nbs
p; She stopped. Her heart skipped a beat. She recognized the voice instantly. Slowly, Zaybeth turned around. There stood Felipe, smiling.
Zaybeth tilted her head sideways and cast Felipe a resentful glare.
“It’s good to finally see you again. I’ve missed you terribly.”
Zaybeth ignored Felipe and stepped to the right of him, trying to make a hasty exit, but Felipe deliberately stepped in front of her. Zaybeth stepped to the left of him, and again, Felipe blocked her path. Zaybeth looked up at Felipe, now annoyed, her eyes filled with disdain.
“Lunch will be served on the patio today. It would be nice if you could join us.”
Zaybeth stood silent with her arms folded.
“It would certainly be better than having lunch all alone in your bedroom.”
“I’ll think about it,” she said coldly. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have things to do. Please, let me pass.”
Felipe didn’t move. He just stood there, staring tenderly at Zaybeth.
“I don’t have time for this, Felipe. Get out of my way.”
Felipe stepped aside.
* * *
Making a grand entrance wearing her finest dress, Zaybeth strolled onto the patio.
All the men at the table stood.
“Buenas tardes,” Zaybeth said, giving Felipe a beguiling smile.
“Ah, my darling daughter,” Maria said. “I see you have made a miraculous recovery, thanks be to God.”
Alejandro pulled out the only chair available, which was between him and Lilith.
“You look lovely, Zaybeth,” he whispered.
Zaybeth smiled and sat down. “Gracias, Alejandro.”
Zaybeth noticed Felipe gazing at her, probably longer than he should have, leaving him as the only one standing long after she had taken her seat.
Zaybeth wasted no time making idle conversation with Lilith and Alejandro. Occasionally, she would allow her eyes to wander in Felipe’s direction. The two exchanged stolen glances, being careful not to draw attention to their fleeting stares.
Eye of Saturn (The Daughters of Saturn Book 1) Page 11