Blood Keep

by Wend Petzler

  Gabriel snapped at the giant. “That woman is a knight of the Realm! Edward gave Isabella her spurs when she was only fifteen. She has fought in battles where most men would have pissed their pants!"

  Nicolas was surprised at the rage in the usually mellow knight. His amber eyes widened at Gabriel's words. No, Isabella couldn't be....

  She'd had enough of the dilly-dallying. “I will not lie anymore. Not to you, Drago, or to my men. I am a knight and Baroness of Blood Keep. Our dispute needs be settled today! Your men doubt whether I have the right to bear arms, they will see why Edward believes in me. Darwin, I don't have all day. Can we please be about our business?” She smiled politely as she flipped the long, thick braid over her shoulder.

  Bowing mockingly to Isabella, Darwin replied, “If the Black Army wishes to have their battles fought by a woman, by all means, let us settle this challenge."

  A wicked grin split her elfish features as she crouched in a defensive stance, her sword held wide in her right as she circled the giant, leading with her left hand. “Show me what you got."

  Watching his wife meet each swing with teeth bared, dodging Darwin's fist as well as his sword, Nicolas felt sick and at the same time proud of her. Incredibly staying out of reach, she would duck in to strike the man here and there, easily getting out of harm's way. Isabella's style of fighting was unique, efficient, deadly.

  Out of nowhere, Isabella's booted foot struck Darwin in the groin. As the knight bent over with pain, her fist rose and struck downward, punching him dead in the nose, blood splattering from the brutal force. Darwin inadvertently dropped his sword as he clutched his broken nose. As his sword fell, she grabbed it in mid-air as her foot struck him square in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Quick as a cat, Isabella slammed one foot on one arm, then the other, her knees driving his shoulders hard to the ground as the bright blades crossed, the sharp tips driving a hair's breath past his jugular veins, burying into the dirt. The blades hovered, gleaming brightly in the morning sun, crossed over his exposed throat.

  Nicolas and his knights stood there flabbergasted as Isabella straddled the giant. Darwin's breathing was harsh bellows as he stared into emerald eyes burning with triumph. The knight swallowed hard as he realized how close to death he had come. “Who are you?” Darwin whispered in awe, beaten by a mere woman.

  Her lovely mouth curved in grimness. “Do you yield?” Isabella demanded, breathing hard from the taxing effort to bring the giant down.

  "I yield!” Darwin shouted, waiting to be released. Grabbing the hilts of the swords, Isabella leapt off him holding the blades ready in case the knight wasn't finished.

  He was done. Slowly climbing to his feet and grimacing from the pain, he warily accepted his sword Isabella handed back to him, hilt first.

  A mischievous gleam in her green eyes, she answered, “You know who I am."

  Uncomprehending, Darwin reflected on how Isabella fought him. As if lightening flashed inside his brain, he thanked the heavens above for being alive!

  Isabella boldly winked at Darwin as she strode over to Drago. “We seem to have a problem uniting our men. I see only one solution to end this dispute of who is leader.” She motioned to Gabriel to come to her. Driving the tip of her blade hard in the soil at her feet, Gabriel helped Isabella shed the chain mail.

  "When you came to Blood Keep and met me at the gates, you wore a look of complete horror when I took off my helm. Was it beneath you to think you owed your life to a mere woman? Do you remember the day you and the Demon Lord were impaled by the arrow, your blood mingling with his?” Nicolas cautiously nodded as Isabella opened the collar of her leather tunic, exposing a scar above the swell of her left breast.

  He stared at the scar, unable to process what she was telling him. Emerald eyes bore ruthlessly into him, moving away as Isabella faced his men, showing the resulting scar of the arrow fusing her to Drago at Halidon Hill. The knights stared in shocked disbelief, except the evidence was right before them.

  Emerald eyes savagely bore into each man as the knights finally understood her wrath. In a clear voice, all had their fears confirmed. “I am the Demon Lord! By right of blood and royal degree, I rule Blood Keep. I have consented to marry Nicolas Drago, the Red Dragon, with the hope to better protect my lands from my enemies, but it seems I made a grave error.” The men shifted uncomfortable at her apparent rage at their constant bickering. “I find I must settle the matter of who is leader in my own home!” Isabella shouted, glaring at her husband whose face appeared to be cut from granite.

  "Black Knights, Demons, I am proud to have served as your commander. We have fought many battles together, shed blood for our King and Country. Now, we are separated. I have a solution to the problem, one I order to be accepted or I swear I will personally meet each protester in the arena until the matter is resolved!” She glared at her men as well as Drago's who now respected her.

  Grasping the hilt of her sword, she bent one knee to the ground, her head held high proudly. “I swear my allegiance to you, Baron Drago. I publicly announce before my men and yours, uniting my house with yours."

  He stood frozen to the spot as the full impact of Isabella's actions hit him. Isabella was the infamous Demon Lord! She had come out of the darkness to stand by his side in the light and was handing the entire Black Army to him! The knights in black slipped in the arena, drawing their swords and knelt behind her in formation. Her Archangels, faithful to Isabella forever, Michael and Gabriel knelt beside her.

  In one, great voice, the honorable Black Knights and the fierce Demons swore their allegiance to Drago. “We swear by our honor oath to serve and protect you and England!"

  Slipping under the rail, Nicolas strode up to Isabella, eyes blazing and drew his sword. “I am grateful for your support and accept your allegiance to me. We are one!” Nicolas roared, holding the bright blade high above his head. The black-armored knights leapt to their feet roaring as did his men, glad at having the question finally solved of who was in charge. Isabella wearily rose to her feet and slid her sword back in the leather scabbard. Knights swarmed around Nicolas while Isabella quietly slipped out of the arena and left the cheering men, heading for the stables. Bitterness engulfed her. All she had worked for, bled for was handed to Drago in a single gesture, though a necessary one. It was a simple matter for Drago to accept, a harsh lesson for her to swallow.

  At her request earlier, Lucifer was saddled earlier. Isabella knew she would need to flee from the celebrating knights when they were made aware of her true identity, running from the relief in her husband's eyes as he was made the sole ruler of Blood Keep.

  Nicolas searched for Isabella, only to find her swinging up on the prancing warhorse. Lucifer rose on his back legs, screaming before launching forward to boldly canter out of Blood Keep. The men in black sobered as they realized the full impact of Isabella's decision. Silently, they left the arena, heading for the barracks with mixed feelings, leaving Drago and his men alone on the field.

  Darwin approached Drago, holding a cloth to his bloodied nose, a look of awe mingled with pride in his eyes for Lady Isabella who had kicked his ass. “My lord, I may be out of line here, but I think you should ride after Lady Isabella. She has taught us a valuable lesson today. We were supposed to give aid to Blood Keep, but instead we tried to run them over. I am ashamed of my actions for now I see whether as the Demon Lord or a mere noblewoman, Lady Isabella has more courage, more heart than any man I have ever known. We have done a horrible disservice to our great Lady.” Darwin bowed to Drago, grinning unabashed at Mark as the young knight clapped the giant heartily on the back.

  "Now you know why we follow Isabella! She is truly one of a kind.” Mark bowed to Drago before he and Darwin walked back to the Keep for a cup of ale to celebrate.

  Determination filled Nicolas as he ran to the stable, surprised to find his horse saddled and ready. Ahmed held the snorting red stallion, a grin lighting his dark features as Nicolas raised an eyebrow in questi
on. “Go Master, she is heading to her favorite hideout, a waterfall, roughly two miles from here. Otto says you are to follow the river south. Good luck!"

  Nicolas smiled in gratitude as he swung up on his horse, riding hard after the woman he loved more than life itself.

  Isabella reined Lucifer to a halt, lifting her face to feel the cool spray of mist from the waterfall. A deep pool of shimmering slate-blue water waited invitingly as she dismounted. Tying the reins to a limb, she gave the stallion enough room to lower his head to munch on the sweet grass. She walked to the edge of the pool, listening to the soothing sounds of the water combined with the forest's chatter. The tranquility was broken by the clatter of hooves approaching, and she knew without a doubt it was Drago.

  Nicolas secured his horse well away from the volatile Lucifer, frowning when Isabella did not greet him. He walked over to her then froze as Isabella whipped around, facing him, her beautiful features contorted with bitter fury, seeing the dried blood along her brow from the gash. “What is wrong?” He asked in confusion as she faced him as if he were the enemy.

  Staring in disbelief, “What is wrong you ask? I just handed over Blood Keep and made you commander of the Black Army! I'd say you had a pretty good day, Baron Drago. Don't you agree?” Isabella responded sarcastically.

  The Demon Lord saved him once more when Isabella declared her allegiance to him. His very own wife was the feared Demon Lord, standing before him incredibly wild and beautiful. He finally saw the real Isabella, her emerald eyes bright and fierce as she stood proud, and magnificent in her rage.

  He made to take her in his arms when her sword flashed, the tip resting on his heart, staying him. Amber eyes burned with the intensity of his desire and love as he pressed forward. “I am in love with you. Be you noblewoman or the feared Demon Lord, I love you.” He spoke from the heart as it dawned on Nicolas that he was grateful for knowing the truth at last.

  "Do you not understand what I'm saying?” Isabella raged, glaring at him as he continued to smile with a roguish look on his sinfully handsome features. “I am the Demon Lord! I have fought in more battles than even I care to recall. I am feared by those who are convinced I am a death-dealing demon wraith from Hell! Do you understand who I am?” she yelled at him, emerald eyes glistening with bright tears.

  A highly amused grin parted his firm lips as Nicolas pressed her sword back, his eyes fairly glowing as he stalked Isabella, the intensity of his hot gaze fixed on her. “I think I have known who you were since I met you at the gate, demanding why I came to Blood Keep. The scent of roses reminded me of the day when I was pinned to the Demon with that fateful arrow. I denied the truth because I was afraid you could really be the Demon Lord. Now, I find myself the luckiest man in the world!"

  Dazed by his words, Isabella took an involuntary step back in confusion, trying to understand what Nicolas meant. “But you wanted a meek wife, a woman who does as you bid. I am none of those things. Hell, I nearly died saving your life at Halidon Hill!"

  Nicolas stopped, frozen in his tracks by her words. “I never knew what happened to you. Nevertheless, I wished to thank you for risking your life for mine. By the way, why did you save me?” He asked, crossing his powerful arms in front of him as he waited for her reply.

  She lowered the sword and helplessly shrugged her shoulders with a half-smile curving her lips. “I did it because I loved you."

  He threw back his dark head, laughing heartily at the look on Isabella's face. “Woman, you are not anything remotely resembling ordinary! I find myself in a position of a lifetime, part of something exciting. I doubt being married to the Demon Lord will ever be boring, do you?"

  Shaking her head at Nicolas, Isabella looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Maybe, they both had, she thought resigned as she slid the sword in the scabbard. She stood her ground as he closed the gap between them, then she punched him in the shoulder. Nicolas stared in disbelief as Isabella glared up at him. “Do you realize I have been terrified of your response to the truth? My fate was sealed the day I was born. I can no sooner change the moon and the stars than be something other than what I am. Can you see the real me?” Isabella demanded only to be engulfed in Nicolas's strong embrace, his mouth clamping down on hers, forcing her lips apart as his tongue swept hers along in a realm where only they existed and no one else mattered.

  Nicolas devoured her willing mouth as he kissed her, proving to her how he felt. When he lifted his head, a heart-stopping smile warmed his handsome features. “To be honest, a month ago, I would have run as far from Blood Keep as fast as my horse could carry me. As of this moment, I find myself married to the most vibrant, deadly woman alive and I love it! Hell, I love the idea of being married to the woman who risked her life to save my worthless hide.” Long, lean fingers curved along Isabella's neck as his lips met hers in a searing kiss, burning with desire and fierce love.

  Trembling from his heated touch, she stared up at him, daring to hope their marriage could work. Wide, green eyes searched his, seeking the truth, finding love as intense as his desire for her and her alone. Her arms flew around his neck, pressing her body to his hard frame, kissing him with all the love and passion she felt. Nicolas held her tight as his mouth covered hers, demanding, giving of his love freely to Isabella. Suddenly, he dipped, picking her up, whirling Isabella around and around as she clung to him, both laughing at last feeling free of so many dark secrets.

  Setting Isabella back on her feet, Nicolas gazed deep in her emerald eyes. “I think we should go for a swim, don't you?” A sexy smile curved his sculpted lips, her cheeks flushed as she agreed.

  She helped him from his armor, turning around so Nicolas could strip hers off. Nicolas quickly shed his clothes then stilled as his burning gaze held emerald eyes. Isabella stepped back from him and slowly disrobed, intense green eyes locked with his. In the bright sun, she stood before her husband, her glorious naked body bared for him to see. He stared, seeing for the first time the truth of her scars-,silvery reminders of battles fought and won. The puckered scar over her heart made the reality sink in. Nicolas took a full step closer to her, laying his rough palm over the scar as Isabella held her breath waiting for his next move. He reached down, taking her hand, laying it upon his scar.

  "We are one. As the arrow joined us as one, our marriage seals our destiny as did fate by the hand of God. I owe my life to you. I gladly swear my sword, my horse, my body, heart, and soul to you. Only you.” Nicolas spoke the words carefully as he pledged his life to her, his eyes resembling molten amber.

  He captured her sweet lips, leisurely kissing her, groaning, tasting the wildness of her honeyed mouth. Unexpectedly lifting Isabella into his arms, he strode into the cool water, stopping when the pool reached his lean hips.

  With love glistening in her eyes, she whispered, her voice tender with emotion. “I swear to you as the Demon Lord and your wife, I will stand by your side. Defend you and guard your back in whatever life throws our way.” Isabella sealed her vow with a slow, languid kiss, sending hot, flames rippling through his hardening body.

  Growling deep in his throat, he released her legs, Isabella's supple body sliding down his, enjoying the feel of her curves clinging to him. He backed Isabella towards the waterfall to a flat rock, partially hidden by the cascading water. Sliding his large hands over her firm buttocks, Nicolas lifted her up, urging Isabella to wrap her legs around his lean waist. She gasped as her womanly center came in full contact with the satiny tip of his hard shaft. Isabella slipped her hand between them as she claimed his mouth fiercely, stroking his hard length, awed by the feel of velvet over steel. She guided him into her moist center, gasping as he thrust hard inside her. Nicolas groaned as her hot, tightness encased him.

  She clutched his broad shoulders, her anchor as Nicolas strained, driving himself deeper inside the woman he loved. Throwing her head back from the sheer intensity of his shaft ramming in her hot, tight sheath, water flowed over her hair, washing away the blood from the cu
t as it did the masquerade she endured for so long. Moaning as his mouth claimed a rosy nipple, suckling hard, his sharp teeth scraping erotically the sensitive skin as he pumped his shaft harder, slick from her desire. Isabella clung to Nicolas as her body erupted with waves of intense pleasure as she reached the pinnacle of his thrusts as he, too, exploded, shouting her name, driving himself so deep, they were joined as one, one heart, one soul.

  Exhausted, Nicolas sat on the rock, cradling Isabella close, his legs shaking from the momentous experience, her legs locked around his waist as he was still a formidable presence inside of her. Resting her head in the curve of his neck as their breathing slowed as they relaxed in each other's arms. Nicolas tenderly swept back the wet strands of hair from her beautiful face, gazing into sated emerald eyes, content to hold Isabella in his arms.

  "Are you well, my lord?” Isabella asked cheekily, grinning up at her husband.

  "Is that a challenge, wife?” Nicolas growled at her, love glowing in his amber eyes. His eyes closed with a sigh of pleasure as Isabella rubbed her cheek against his stubble-rough cheek. Laughter bubbled forth from her, causing his heart to constrict with sheer joy. “Perhaps, I can show you later how well I feel. If you don't object, I would like to swim with you."

  He chuckled as Isabella sighed, obviously disappointed as he effortlessly picked her up, sliding in the water, Isabella's arms wrapped around his sturdy neck letting his powerful body keep her afloat. His strong arms held her supple body as Isabella floated above his. “I love you, sweetheart,” Nicolas whispered, happy there were no more secrets. The cool water soothed the heat of their bodies as they relaxed, swimming in the tranquil pool.

  "Umm,” Isabella replied, utterly satisfied as her body relaxed in his protective embrace, trusting Nicolas totally. The thought struck home, as Isabella realized with a jolt, she did trust Nicolas. She trusted him with her life, her family and with Blood Keep. The bitterness from earlier melted away as she knew without doubt, Nicolas would not rule alone but with her right by his side, as equals.