The Huntsmen

by Honor James

  “Wouldn’t count on that,” Baldric said, dashing up. “She heard and she’s headed this way. She looks pissed off,” he shook his head frantically, “So not accurate to describe the look of death and dismemberment on her face.”

  “You can say that again.” Snow nearly shouted as she walked into the room. “I thought I asked you to be safe,” she demanded as she took the bandage from the woman. “Thank you, I’ll take it from here.” She watched the woman nod and shook her head. Settling on Dierk’s lap, she laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. “Damn it, Dierk, I didn’t want you hurt,” she whispered softly then pulled back so she could begin to wrap his arm for him.

  “It’s nothing,” he murmured holding her to him. “It was in the saving of some of the women. It matters little in light of that, Snow. Besides, it’s just a little scratch,” he said, cupping her head rocking her slowly. “Shh, Snow, please stop crying, love.”

  “I can’t help it,” she growled. “I don’t know why I’m crying so damn much. It makes no flipping sense at all. I’m just so happy and sad at the same time.”

  Nuzzling at her neck, he smiled, “I’d tell you but you’ll hit me and since I’m already injured, I don’t think I could take much more.” Pressing a kiss to her cheek, he scraped his teeth on her skin lightly. “We should go find a room to claim as our own and you should have a nap.”

  “That’d be good.” She pulled back to look in his eyes once more. “Are you sure you’re okay? Sure you’ll be alright with coming to bed with me, sleeping with me, with your injury? Oh God, you got hurt fighting my fight.”

  “Snow,” he groaned when she burst into tears again. Slipping his arm under her legs, he lifted her up as he stood. “Can you men make sure all those that aren’t dead are locked up securely? I’m sure Adam already has guards in place but lend a hand. Then come find us, we’ll be upstairs somewhere.”

  “We’ve got it,” Niklaus said. “Don’t worry a bit.”

  Snow pressed her face against Dierk’s chest and cried slowly. “I really hate this,” she snorted. “I really hate crying at the drop of a hat. I fought without a tear on my face but then I come out here and I see you hurt and the tears start falling without question, like a dam brook.”

  “It’s because you love us, you’d have done the same if it were any of the others too. Plus you’re,” he looked around as he climbed the stairs, “well you’re with child, love,” he pointed out very softly. “You’re probably feeling the effects of it and the change associated with it.”

  “I know,” she finally stopped crying and started to hiccup. “The time in the Elven lands was far longer than the one day I thought it would be, we should have known they’d pull some quick crap like that.” She didn’t know who had been more upset, her or her Huntsmen. To find out they’d been delayed like that and then to begin to comprehend the implications for their lovemaking and therefore the life blooming within her body. Truly hard to fully grasp just the enormity of it all. “You haven’t told the others yet have you?”

  “About the babe?” he looked down at her and shook his head. “It’s your news to share, love,” he told her quietly. Walking a little further, he finally stopped. “Where am I going, Snow?” he asked with a grin.

  “Last door on the left. I was told it’d be cleared out and fresh bedding would be placed on the bed for us. It was the King’s Master chamber. Evidently the bitch had this room closed up for a while,” she shrugged. “Oh well, all that matters is that it’s ours now, that’s all we can do, right?”

  “She never touched it,” he murmured, moving to where she’d directed. Pushing in, he stopped and looked around, “Holy hell,” Dierk stared wide-eyed. “This room is bigger than the entire house we three share. It’s massive!”

  Snow smiled and nodded, “Mom always slept in here with dad. I was told it was also where the uncles slept when they were here too. They were here far more than they weren’t, at least when mom was alive.” She yawned and moved closer to him. “Put me down, honey, so I can get naked and we can sleep okay?”

  Nodding, he set her down on her feet, a hand at her back keeping her upright. “I love the view from all the windows, this is amazing. It’s a great room with a great bed; God that bed is bigger than my room at the house! Who needs a bed that big?”

  “Think about it, there was mom, dad, and the four uncles. Six people in the bed at once. We’ll have four in this bed at once,” she shrugged. “For now I’ll be happy just to be able to get naked and climb in with you, daddy,” she teased, unable to help herself.

  “You don’t know it’s mine any more than I do, darling,” he pointed out, turning around slowly taking in the room. “It could be any of ours,” he said, shaking his head. “This is amazing, absolutely amazing,” he murmured. “Bed, we need to get you into the bed and sleeping,” Dierk moved toward her with purpose.

  She nodded and climbed up into the bed after getting naked. She yawned and curled up into Dierk. “No matter what, this child is yours. It’s your child, Niklaus’s child, and Baldric’s child. It doesn’t matter who the true father is, all three of you are the fathers,” she yawned again. “Besides, you’re going to marry me so you’ll have to claim it too, right?”

  “I’d claim the child anyway,” he said, drawing up the blankets. Tucking them around her, he pulled her into his arms. “I just hope he or she takes after you, darling, and not Nik. God help us all if the child takes after him, there’ll never be any peace in our lives then.”

  She smiled at and shook her head, “At least Nik will be there to help us corral our babe,” she murmured. “It’s all good. I’m not worried about it at all,” she said with a smile. “I knew you’d claim it. I love you, babe, and you’re going to love this baby every bit as much as I will.”

  “We all will, Snow,” he said quietly. “It’s our child, all of ours. You’re right, we’ll never know who actually fathered the child, but all that matters is we’ll be there to watch over and guide him or her. We will keep Nik from teaching him or her how to pull pranks that’ll age us years and years too quickly.”

  “Agreed,” she said softly as she was nestled up close to him. “For now we should get a nap, honey. We’ll wake up later and eat but right now, I’m really sleepy. After all we did today I just really want to sleep okay?”

  “Yes, Princess,” he smiled and kissed her gently. “Sleep, darling, we have a lot to talk about soon,” he whispered against her cheek as he hugged her close. “Including when you plan on making an honest man of me.”

  “Sounds good to me. Goodnight, honey. Rest well and we’ll talk very, very soon,” she said with a happy smile. With that she fell sound asleep.

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later...

  “Ready, Princess?” Niklaus grinned at her as he took one hand and Baldric took her other. Leaning over, he kissed her fingers, “Or should I say, soon to be Queen?”

  Chuckling, Baldric kissed her fingers as he looked her over, “You look beautiful, Snow. Dierk is likely to trip on his tongue when you walk up the aisle toward him.”

  “He is definitely nervous, first time for everything I guess,” Niklaus chuckled. “He’s been fidgeting like I have never seen before. I quite like seeing him so off balance, a complete wreck. While here you are, looking calm, serene, like you’re taking a walk through the gardens. How do you manage it, darling?”

  “Because I have all I ever wanted in the three of you,” she said quietly. “You should go on out and stand at his side. The uncles are going to walk me down the aisle.” She turned her face up to them and smiled, “Kiss me before you leave, please?” she asked quietly.

  Leaning in, Niklaus kissed her slowly, “You’re beautiful, Snow,” he whispered, stepping back.

  Stepping closer, Baldric gave her a gentle kiss, “He’s right, you’re beyond words, beautiful Princess.” Looking to his friend, he grinned, “Let’s go make sure Dierk hasn’t passed out.”

  “If he hasn’t yet let�
��s see how close we can get him to that state,” Nik said with a huge grin. Chuckling, they began heading off to find their friend.

  “Those are some very strange men you have in your life, Snow,” Adam commented, walking toward her. “With friends like those, Dierk will never need enemies,” he smiled.

  Snow smiled and nodded, “This is very true,” she murmured, “but they love me. Those boys love me more than anyone has loved me before. I love them as well. I adore those men like crazy.” She looked up at her uncle, “They’re amazing men, aren’t they?”

  “They’re definitely something,” he snorted out a laugh. Turning, he looked her up and down, “You look so much like your mother,” he whispered. “You look just like a true Princess should, Snow, as a Queen should too.” Leaning in, he kissed her cheek, “You ready to marry your man?”

  “I’m very ready to marry him.” She paused and laid her hand on his, “Why didn’t you ever marry mom? I know you all loved her, I know you all mourned her life so why, when she was alive, did you not marry her?”

  “Because she loved your father just a little bit more,” Adam said softly. “Oh she loved us all equally in so many ways but when she looked at him,” he shook his head. “When she looked at him she’d get this look on her face. He held a very special place in her heart. Her heart was big enough to include us all, but he held a secret place. A place none of us could ever reach and didn’t want to. They had a unique bond, one I see with you and Dierk. You love them all, it’s clear to everyone, but you two have that look when you’re looking at just him.” He gave a shrug, “So we remained as the uncles, grateful for the love she gave us, the places we had in her life and love. It was enough and then it was gone. She was a special woman, one that can never be replaced for any of us.”

  “What if I chose to wed all of them? What if I chose to overthrow the rules of the land and include all of them?” Snow asked her uncle. “Yes I do love Dierk in a special sort of way and I don’t understand it because I love them all. I truly do love all of the men completely.” She sighed and took in a deep breath. “I’m with child.” She told her uncle softly. “I don’t know which man is the father but they all will be the father in this child’s life.”

  “We know,” he smiled. “We might be old, Snow, but we’re not blind. You’ve a glow about you that makes it evident. Though, the way you look at those men has fooled many into thinking otherwise, likely a good thing. If you wish to marry them all, good luck to you. It’ll be a battle, one the ruling council or the church won’t likely allow, but you can try, Snow. You’re nothing if not determined,” he chuckled then looked up at the sound of the music changing from within the chapel. “That must be our cue, ready?” he asked holding out his arm.

  “Yes, Uncle, I’m ready.” She paused at the threshold and looked up at her uncle, “Will you back me? When I go before the council? Will you back me when I ask to have them all as my husbands?”

  “I’ll think on it, Snow. I can’t promise more at this moment but I’ll think on it. We’ll talk about it in a few days, for now though,” he smiled at her, “let’s get one marriage completed. We should do it before Dierk passes out. Is it me or maybe the lighting, but he looks really pale from here?”

  Snow grinned and nodded, “Yeah he does look like he’s ready to pass out, doesn’t he?” She moved then with her uncle and gave his hand a squeeze. Finally making it to Dierk, she was transferred to him and she moved in closer. “Breathe, Dierk,” she whispered with a grin.

  Lifting her hand, he pressed a kiss to her fingers and met her gaze. He looked relieved and a little worried, “Better now that you’re here,” he whispered quietly. Squeezing her hand, he stepped up and helped her onto the dais as they faced the priest.

  Snow faced the priest with her uncles at her back and her men at her side. Smiling, she nodded for the man to begin the ceremony.

  *****

  Half an hour later, they stood on the balcony waving to their people. Snow’s smile was wide on her face as she waved. “We did it, finally.” Leaning into Dierk, she looked up at him and smiled, “Do you want to tell them?” His hand rested on her belly, lovingly, as he pulled her closer, possessive even in his relaxed stance.

  “You should tell them,” he said, smiling down at her. Leaning in, he kissed her again gently. “I’d tell them before the crowning ceremony tomorrow though. We’ll need them both conscious and aware otherwise they’ll make us do it a second time just so they can remember it.”

  Nodding, she smiled. Turning so her back was against Dierk, Snow said, “How about you two come kiss the mother of your son or daughter.” She didn’t know how else to break it to them, so she went with something that would give her pleasure as well as them.

  Baldric stepped up and kissed her with a grin that looked confused. Niklaus moved in, frowning, and kissed her before stepping back. “What do you mean, Snow?” he asked curiously, looking from her to Dierk at her back.

  “I mean I’m with child,” she told them with a grin. “Our time in Elven lands was more than one day. It was closer to a week as you all know. I was with child before we began our race to my uncles. So in nine months we’ll have a baby.”

  “Technically just under,” Dierk said frowning. “Are you two alright?”

  “Yup, just fine,” Baldric nodded.

  “Perfectly,” Niklaus smiled.

  Seconds later, the two of them crumpled to the floor as their eyes rolled back in their heads. “Serves them right for all the crap they gave me today,” Dierk muttered.

  Snow laughed and hugged Dierk back. “Why do I have a feeling they’ll do that every time it's known I carry a babe?” Happiness filled her. She was happy, her family was whole, the woman that killed her father was dead, and she had three of the most amazing men in the world as hers.

  Nudging Nik with his boot, Dierk looked at her and chuckled, “Because they likely will,” he smiled. “I love you, My Queen,” he whispered before kissing her gently. “We did it, Snow, we made it all happen and we’re together, all four of us—soon to be five.”

  “Yes we did. We freed our lands. We’ll rule with honor, with integrity, and our child will know nothing but love and happiness. We did it.” She leaned back against him even as their people shouted their happiness once more. “This is what it’s all about. This happiness.”

  Grinning, Dierk kissed her cheek and lifted a hand to the roar of the crowd. Both of them turned at the low groans on the floor of the balcony, “Hmm, maybe we should get them a doctor,” he murmured with a soft laugh.

  She laughed and shook her head, “Nah, they’re good. They both have very hard heads. Now, let’s go eat,” she told her man with a smile then walked out with her King, her lovers soon trailing behind them. Happiness was a part of the King and Queen’s marriage and the entire kingdom felt it.

  The End

  Books by Honor James

  Published with JK Publishing, Inc.

  Knights of Ares

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  Excerpt from Goldie and Her Bears

  Naughty Fairy Tales Book One

  by Honor James

  “What part of no do you not understand?” Goldie’s brown eyes were wide, shock registering on her face. “I mean seriously?” She should have never fucking came with them. She knew what a bad idea it was the moment she saw only four men and no other girls. She’d thought their wives and girlfriends were going, they’d even alluded to meeting them out at the campsite. Damn it, she really should have verified that, called the women instead of just believing these assholes. But it had sounded right when they’d told her they’d pick her up after a meeting and then meet the ladies out at the site. According to Barrett, their wives and girlfriends had gone out earlier to secure a campsite. It had all been a fucking lie. Her first clue should have been why were they going on a normal workday, but when she questioned it, the number one asshole had made a lame excuse about they all had worked so hard on the last project and they needed a break. Dumb, Goldie, dumb.

  “Fuck you, tweedle dick.” She turned on her heel with her long blond hair flying out around her, grabbed her backpack, and stomped into the woods with her flashlight shining brightly. She would rather walk the fuck out on her own, as apposed to staying here and putting up with this shit.

  “Don’t worry, she will be back,” the male voice carried on the breeze to her and made her stiffen. “All it’s going to take is some fucking rabbit or something to scurry across the path and then the bitch will be back. If she’s lucky we will just fuck her senseless, and she will be back in our good graces. Or we can tie her ass down and make her like it.” The laughter that followed the suggestion made her skin crawl. The nerve of the arrogant prick.