"So do I." She kissed his lips lightly, enjoying the butterflies in her chest, and the warmth of his bare skin under her fingers.
He grabbed her waist and brought her against his chest, reclining across the foot of the bed. She found herself atop him and her body heated up at the thought of their bed games.
Melusine disengaged herself and chuckled, wagging a finger at him. "We'll have to wait until tonight for what you have in mind, my lord."
"Why not get a taste now?" He grinned wolfishly.
"Because our guests are flooding the great hall, and they expect us to preside at the feast." She pointed at the twins, who fussed, calling her attention. "Besides, this bed is occupied, and the babes are hungry. I thought you were, too."
"I am." Artaud sighed deeply and sat up. "Can you help with my boots?"
She knelt on the rushes to pull off his boots. Once done, she rose. He could remove his hose himself, or they would never get to the hall in time.
"I shall suckle the babes while you bathe."
"They are the lucky ones to get what they want straightaway." He laughed and dropped his hose to the floor then walked naked toward the tub. She admired the perfect lines of his backside, and the firm muscles of his legs. Despite the scars on his back, he looked like a Greek god.
He lowered himself into the steamy bath, facing her, and caught her staring. "At least I get to watch you feed our sons, right?"
"Aye." Melusine blushed and climbed upon the bed to join the two fussing babies among the bolsters. She sat herself next to them, loosened the top of her gown then took one babe in each arm and eased her nipples into their tiny mouths, so they could drink their fill together.
"I never thought married life could be this heavenly." Artaud's deep baritone purred, filling the chamber.
She couldn't help a dreamy smile. "And think, now our sons can grow up in a peaceful world, surrounded by those who love them."
Artaud nodded. "Did I tell you Ida wants to be my new general in charge of the armies?"
"That girl certainly has a knack for battle." Melusine liked Ida. "And she learned strategy from the very best."
Artaud frowned. "But will my soldiers obey a woman?"
"They will, if you tell them to." Melusine adjusted the babies in her arms. "Besides, you couldn't stop Ida even if you tried. She will be a great asset to Forez."
"Aye." Artaud smiled from his bath, staring at her and their sons.
By the time Artaud stepped out of the cooling water, Melusine had fed and burped the babies. She helped him get into his best leggings and tunic, struggling to remain out of range of his groping hands. He looked very handsome in white, with the golden dolphin of Forez on a field of red on his chest. She'd embroidered it herself on the front of his tunic.
She thanked the Goddess in her heart for giving her back the love of her life. Artaud was everything she had come to love about a man. He gave her a long, soft kiss and she rejoiced in his warmth.
"Are we ready?" she asked after he reluctantly released her.
"Aye, beloved," he whispered in her hair. "We are ready."
Melusine handed him one son, and he took the babe with infinite care, cradling his head gently into his large hand.
He sniffed the sparse hair. "They smell so good."
"Aye, they do." She lifted the other twin into her arms. "Let's make our official entrance into the world with the new additions to the ruling family of Forez."
Artaud stared at both babes in turn and his brow furrowed. "How do you know which is which?"
"Oh, believe me, I know." She shrugged and pointed to the babe in his arms. "This one is Guillou." Then she tickled the baby on her arm. "And this is little Artaud."
"Good traditional names." Artaud took the lead and descended the narrow stone stairs toward the great hall below.
Strings of musical notes and the delicious aroma of stew and roasted meats wafted up from the feasting hall. As Melusine followed Artaud's steps, her stomach growled again.
She thanked the Goddess for bringing her such happiness. She would enjoy being Chatelaine of Forez for a long while. As long as their love endured, all would be well for Melusine, Artaud and their entire family, and the Goddess would smile upon them. In the fullness of time, the Great One promised She would lift Melusine's curse.
When Artaud stepped into the hall carrying the babe, a cheer of excited voices rose to welcome him. Then Melusine stepped down beside him and the cheers amplified. The musicians started a happy tune.
"Let this celebration begin," Artaud announced. "I'm famished."
He took Melusine's waist with his free hand and she leaned into his great strength. She'd never felt so fulfilled. In her hour of happiness, she closed her eyes a moment.
Thank you, O Great One, for the boons you lavished upon our family.
The End
Curse of the Lost Isle series
(medieval fantasy romance):
Princess of Bretagne – Book 1
Pagan Queen – Book 2
Seducing Sigefroi – Book 3
Lady of Luxembourg – Book 4
Special Edition (First three books)
Ancient Enemy series (sci-fi romance):
Anaz-voohri – Book One
Relics – Book Two
Kicking Bots – Book Three
Archangel books (speculative fiction):
Crusader – Book One
Checkmate – Book Two
Ashes for the Elephant God (reincarnation love story)
Snatched (Sci-fi Romance)
Alien Lockdown (Sci-fi Romance)
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About the author
Born in France, award-winning author Vijaya Schartz never conformed to anything and could never refuse a challenge. She likes action and exotic settings, in life and on the page. She traveled the world and claims to also travel through time, as she writes without boundaries about the future and the far away past. Her love of cats transpires in most of her books. Her stories collected many five star reviews, nominations, and awards. She makes you believe you actually lived these extraordinary adventures among her characters. Reviewers compared her stories to Indiana Jones with sizzling romance, and she takes that as a compliment anytime.
Find out more about Vijaya and her books at:
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
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