"Van Marete, Cianan ta Daneal, with the blessings of our Goddess I now declare this union sealed until your last breath." Xavier offered the chalice to Maleta, and she took a drink, then he gave it to Cianan, who turned the chalice so his lips touched the same spot hers had. Xavier poured the remainder of the honey mead on the altar. "Cianan, you may kiss your bride."
Cianan curled a hand around Maleta's neck, and took her mouth in a burning kiss that made her tremble. When they parted, Xavier unbound their hands, and Cianan kissed the ring on her finger. To enthusiastic cheers, Cianan swept Maleta up into his arms, and true to his word carried her into the great hall, up onto the dais to their seats at the table. His heated gaze swept her from wreath to slippers and back again, lingering on the bared flesh above the gown.
Maleta bit her lip. "I know, I look really different, and – "
His lips silenced her, his tongue teasing hers in an openly carnal kiss that weakened her knees and had her clinging to his tunic in a desperate attempt to remain standing. He broke off the kiss to bury his face in the curve of her shoulder. He took a deep breath, and trembled. "Lord and Lady, you take my breath away," he whispered. She gasped as his breath tickled her skin. "You smell so sweet, part freesia, part you. I tried to envision what you would look like in your wedding dress, but I could have never imagined this. You are so very beautiful, elingrena."
Maleta focused on the medals to avoid the heat in his gaze. She brushed a small white horse. "What's this one for?"
He smiled, accepting her shy withdrawal. "I got that when Kikeona chose me as her partner, to symbolize my ranger status. They all mean something. The half-risen sun you already know stands for the Lady and the Light. The sword is for my graduation from the academy. The bow and quiver affirm my skill as an archer – the circle around it means I am an instructor of the same. Each bar represents fifty years of service to my king."
"And the book?"
"That represents the quest to the Isle of Mysts, to retrieve a book of spells Dara needed for the war against the demon. We had to travel through the Shadowlands to get there. All who went wear that book as a reminder."
The shadow in his voice made her look up. She saw the same shadow in his eyes. "The battle I saw in the sword-vision?" she asked. He nodded. She reached up to brush back a strand of black hair over his shoulder. "And the shield that bears the book?"
"He's the only one with that distinction," Dara said from behind him. "When he saved my life. I fell from my horse, and he placed himself betwixt a goblin sword and me. A living shield. It seemed appropriate."
"And I have one more to give him now," Loren said quietly. "With Aletha and Everett's blessings and the Lady's permission, we have created a symbol for Lady's champion."
Maleta and Cianan turned to face Loren and Dara. Elio stood behind his king and queen, his eyes glowing with pride as his gaze rested on his son. Maleta watched Loren pin a hand holding a burning torch aloft to Cianan's tunic, and noted the same medal on his own. Cianan trembled, just a bit. She squeezed his hand.
"Wear it with pride, the rest of your days," Loren said. Dara stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "And I have one more announcement," the elven king added. He turned to the assembly. "I hereby appoint Cianan ta Daneal as my ambassador and personal representative to the kingdom of Shamar, and authorize him to use Kunigonde as our official embassy."
"I accept thy resignation from the academy, in light of thy new promotion," Elio added.
"We could certainly use an archery instructor here," Gayle called. "Mostly we use sword and shield."
"I am honored to host the new Arcadian and Poshnari-Unai embassies here, on behalf of Shamar," Jovan said. "Marete, Cianan, I grant you the east wing as your own."
Ana bustled forward. "Yer suite has already been prepared, but ye can tell us how ye wish the rest."
Maleta's eyes burned. "We're staying?"
Cianan smiled. "This is our home. Asides, I imagine ambassadors must travel back and forth to the kingdom they represent, just to keep in touch."
"Frequently." Loren's eyes twinkled.
"Then I accept my new position."
Maleta threw her arms around his neck for a heartfelt kiss, a kiss Cianan took full advantage of.
"A toast," Elio interrupted. "I would celebrate this union and welcome my new daughter to my family."
Cianan's gaze never left hers as he drank the toast with the rest. "I would say a word of my own, in honor of my bride. Cerilyrian avariel, elingrena. You complete me, My Heart." He drank alone, for her.
Maleta trembled at the words, and had to sit down afore she fell down. That signaled the start of the banquet, and servants began passing platters of food and refilling pitchers. Ana herself brought the food to the head table. Maleta frowned in puzzlement at variety of fresh fruits and vegetables provided. Lettuce, pea pods, strawberries? She glanced at Cianan, but it was Elio who answered.
"Since the bride's family hosted the location and the ceremony, the groom's family provided the provisions," he stated. "A bit backward from what thou told us was thy tradition, but we would honor thy ways as we can."
"And we've sent ships to the harbor at Marcou, filled with food and supplies to see Shamar through the winter and next year's planting," Dara added.
"It truly is a new beginning," Maleta whispered. She barely tasted the strawberry Cianan brushed against her lips. Someone rapped on their table, and Cianan grinned.
"Here we go," he murmured and kissed her as her tradition demanded. He handed her the goblet, filled with a golden elven wine. "We shall probably have to eat fast, to keep a clear head. I should hate for you to get me drunk and take unfair advantage of me."
Her cheeks flamed at the image that called to mind. There was laughter, toasts and kisses, and she knew she ate some, but it was all a blur. All she could feel was the warmth of Cianan's love, the sureness of his belief in them. The heat of his desire for her flickered within the glow of his love, and his need awakened a longing within her. After the meal, he pulled her up, and led her down to the middle of the room for the first bridal dance. Maleta marveled at how right it felt to be in his arms, at how the fear just disappeared. She was Cianan's bride, and tonight would be his wife in truth. She wanted the magic Dara spoke of.
Cianan stopped dancing. "I sense where your thoughts lead. I can feel you melting, can scent your desire with every breath I take. I want to take you away from here so badly I am shaking." His eyes blazed. "I would be alone with my wife and spend the rest of tonight showing her indeed how much I worship her. Are you ready to go where I lead?"
She trembled at the strength of his need for her. She needed this too. Needed him to complete her, to make her whole. She nodded and reached up to pull the wreath slowly from her head. Chairs scraped back as Kunigonde maidens gathered, giggling, around them. "You have to cover my eyes," she whispered. "The hand of fate must be blind when I throw this." He moved behind her and covered her closed eyes lightly with his hands. She heard the girls circle, and threw the wreath backward, behind her and Cianan. A shriek of glee told her someone had it. Cianan uncovered her eyes, and they turned to see Jana laughing and clapping her wreath-free hands.
Next to her stood a frozen Gayle, staring with astonishment at the beribboned wreath in her hands. Her stunned gaze rose to Maleta's. "What did you do?"
"The Destiny Hand," Cianan said.
"Mayhaps 'tis time for your own miracle, Captain." Maleta smiled. "Sweet dreams."
Cianan untied the moneybag from his belt. Reaching in, he grabbed a handful of gold coins and tossed them into the air. They bounced and scattered all about the great hall until the bag was empty and every guest had one. "Rejoice in our happiness," he said. "Ana?"
"Aye, my lord?"
"We take our leave now. Would you guide us to our new home?"
"As you have guided me my whole life," Maleta added.
Ana's eyes shone with tears. "With great pride and honor, my lady."
Chapter T
wenty-five
Maleta looked around what had once been the best guest suite, with a bedroom, sitting area, bathing chamber and wardrobe. A door opened to another bedroom, which could easily be converted into a nursery. She blushed at the thought. Her rocking chairs and rug graced the sitting area, along with her embroidery stand and an unfamiliar large wooden chair with green velvet cushions. Their personal weapons hung over the fireplace mantle. She felt Cianan's start of surprise at the chair. "Yours?"
He nodded and glanced at Ana.
"We might've sent for a few things of yers," she admitted. "Lord Elio sent them through with the help of someone named Gwendolyn. If ye'll excuse me, I'd bid ye good night."
"Good night, Ana," Maleta said. "Thank you."
"Dear Gwen." Cianan smiled as he took Maleta's hand and led her back to the bedroom. The old bed had been replaced with a massive four-poster, with a headboard and footboard of golden wood carved with the sinuous forms of vines and leafy trees. A matching chest of drawers stood in the corner, aside her little bookshelf. Her chest rested at the foot of the bed. A tray of food and a pitcher of wine sat atop her table, flanked by her chairs. A stunning tapestry of a white rearing horse against a starlit background hung over her dressing table. Vases of freesia and beeswax candles stood on every flat surface. Their scents glossed the heavier smell of burning pine from the two fireplaces. Her draperies covered the windows and the doorway to an east-facing balcony, blocking any chill. Leaf-embossed runners graced the floor on either side of the bed.
Maleta tried hard not to stare at that enormous bed.
"Our people must have worked all day on this," Cianan observed. "Amazing how Kunigonde's colors match my own. We blend together seamlessly. Already I feel as though I have come home."
"It's beautiful," she agreed. Did the bed have to be so big, so... there?
He smiled. "You are beautiful." He grabbed a quilt folded at the foot of the bed. "Grab the tray."
"What?" She blinked at him, but he was already spreading the quilt afore the fire in the sitting room.
"Bring the food out here." He appeared in the doorway. "I shall grab the drinks."
Maleta glanced at the bed. "But aren't we – "
Cianan quirked an eyebrow at her. "Are you sleepy?"
"N-n-no."
"Then bring the tray." He picked up the pitcher and cups and carried them over to the quilt on the rug.
Mystified, she picked up the food and followed him. Once in the main room, away from that bed, she breathed easier.
He chuckled and dropped to the floor. "You do not have to be quite so relieved, elingrena. I feel as though I have granted you a stay of execution."
Since that was exactly how Maleta herself felt, she wasn't sure how to respond. He wasn't mocking her, but still she blushed.
"I can take that off your hands." He set the tray down for her, then held out his hand. "Come. Sit aside me." Cianan pulled her down. He kicked off his boots and sprawled on his side, head propped up on his hand. She removed her slippers and sat aside him, spreading her skirt over her legs while he casually cored a pear. "This is a great deal more peaceful without all those people staring at us, hmm?" he asked. "You hardly ate a thing." He sliced the pear and held a piece to her mouth. "Here."
She took it from his fingers, shivering when his thumb slid across her lower lip as he pulled his hand away. He ate his slice off the knife. The next piece he offered her dripped juice down his hand. Without thinking about what she did, she caught the drop on the tip of her tongue, tasting the salt of Cianan's skin along with sweet pear. He sucked in a breath. His gaze never left her face as he brought his hand to his mouth and licked off the rest of the juice.
Her eyes widened at how such a seemingly harmless activity changed in a heartbeat, and wondered at this unfamiliar game. Could two play? She picked up a slice of pear.
"Careful, elingrena, I bite," he teased gently. His voice roughened with passion, but she caught the humor in his eyes and a feeling of admiration from him that she was willing to try so quickly.
It emboldened her. She hesitated, then placed the fruit on his tongue. He sucked her fingers unto his mouth along with the pear, and his teeth scraped her skin ever so slightly as she pulled free. She gasped at the tingling sensations that caused, and his eyes darkened. He caught her hand in his, brought it close to kiss her palm, her wrist. Her nipples tightened in reaction, and she shifted restlessly as he scraped his teeth lightly over the unbelievably sensitive skin of her wrist.
"Shh, easy, elingrena," he soothed. Cianan picked up another piece of fruit, tracing her lips with it afore allowing her to take it from his hand. She slowly sucked the pear into her mouth, and he shuddered. A flash of hot desire hit her as he groaned, "You are killing me, wife."
Had she done something wrong?
"Nay, never," he assured her. "You are just very good at this." He rose up to brush her mouth with his, teasing the juice from her lips with his tongue and then pulling away. "It is a simple bonding game, elingrena."
Maleta slipped him another piece, and he traced the lines of her palm with his tongue.
"Do not be afraid of your feelings. Just let them happen," he murmured.
She stared into his eyes.
"Trust me. I wish only for your pleasure here, this night." Cianan curled his fingers and reached up to trail the back of his knuckles down the side of her neck, then stroked along her jaw.
Maleta needed to kiss him. She leaned in to brush his lips with hers, breathing in his hot male scent. His mouth opened under hers, and she stroked his tongue with her own. A tingling fire quickly spread. They kissed for long moments, tongues tangling, his breath becoming hers. Her breath becoming his. Her breasts swelled against the confines of her dress, her nipples rubbing against the material until they were points of need. She whimpered into his mouth, wanting more. She pulled back to catch her breath, and he trailed a line of fire down her neck, scraping over the pulse pounding in her throat with his teeth. "Please!" she gasped.
"So sweet," he whispered against her skin. "Sweet Goddess, you make me burn." He brushed his fingertips along the edge of her gown, dipping into the slight hollow betwixt the tops of her breasts. "I need your touch on me," he coaxed, curling her fingers around the hem of his tunic. "Take it off," he urged. "Tell me to take it off."
Her hand slipped under the material but was hampered by the stitching. His groan was pure encouragement, and she wanted to keep going. "Take it off," she echoed. She slid the tunic up, gliding over hot skin and the hard muscle along his sides. He yanked the tunic over his head, tossing it carelessly across the room. "You should hang that up," she teased.
"Later." He pulled her down into an open-mouthed kiss, teasing his fingers along the top of her gown again. "Let me touch you." He cupped a hand around each breast, squeezing gently, stroking his thumbs across her nipples through the material.
The circling caress shocked her, but felt too good to object. She needed... something... so badly... A growing tension built, and she shifted restlessly against him. He slid his leg betwixt hers, easing the ache a little.
"Feel the fire," he whispered. His fingers quickened their pace. "Burn with me."
Her heart pounded as she moved on him, straining toward some mysterious end. "Cianan," she cried out in shock as his mouth closed over her breast and he tongued her through the material, suckling hard. An answering dart of fire struck low in her abdomen and she clutched his hair, arching into his mouth.
He released her breast, and she could have cried at the loss. "Go on." His voice was raspy, hoarse. She quivered at the sound. "Let go. Trust me, I have you." Then he switched to her other breast, pulling hard ... and her entire world shattered in a rush of stars. She screamed. His name. His kiss silenced anything else she might have expressed as her nails tightened on his shoulders and she shook in his arms. Gradually his kiss gentled, his hand slowly stroking her arm and her back.
Maleta gasped for air and opened her eyes, dazed, exh
ilarated, exhausted. She couldn't move. Her skirt was bunched up every which way about her legs – and his. She still quivered. Cianan rubbed circles against her lower belly, which helped her relax. "Oh, my stars!" she gasped. "What just happened?"
Cianan smiled. His eyes glowed. She caught a feeling of pride, of awe. "You are an incredible woman, elingrena. So sensitive, so passionate. You flew – and I never even got you out of your clothes. That feeling is what happens during true lovemaking, when you trust and give yourself over completely to your lover. No pain, no fear. Just pleasure after pleasure." He rained a trail of fire with his lips down her neck, across her shoulder, and reached around to tug at the lacings of her gown. "It feels even better when skin can slide against skin – plus you can now, finally, take a deep breath."
Maleta laughed, but as the gown loosened she was able to breathe easier. "So you're always right too? That could be a problem."
"When it comes to you and me, to us, neither one of us shall ever be wrong," he murmured.
She ran a hand along his side and felt him shudder in reaction. She caressed his heated skin, her hand sliding around to his belly and up to his chest. His heart hammered under her hand. "You're burning up," she whispered.
"Oh, aye." Cianan closed his eyes as her hand lowered, her fingers just brushing the band of his breeches. "And we shall burn a lot hotter afore morning breaks." He opened his eyes, and slid her dress down over one shoulder. "Take your arm out of the sleeve."
She grabbed at his hand. "Why?"
"Because I do not want your arms restrained when this dress comes down." He searched her eyes. "You can look and touch all you want, get used to me, to my body. Nothing is forbidden, nothing is wrong. But I need to see you, touch you too, I want my chance to please you again." Cianan closed his mouth over her shoulder, caressing her with his tongue. "No pain, no fear. Just pleasure after pleasure, and the slide of hot skin against hot skin," he whispered in her ear. "Take off the sleeves. Trust me again to show you how good it can be."
Trust me. She did, but was struck with a wave of shyness as she sat up and wiggled out of the sleeves. She clutched the rest of the gown to her chest.
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