Destiny's Bride

by Ginger Simpson

  ***

  Awake and nervously pacing the width of his parents’ lodge, Lone Eagle gazed at the wedding clothes lying on the bed and wished time would pass quickly. He envisioned being able to spend a full night with Cecile, not having to leave her bed ever again.

  “My son, today is a special day. Our future chief will take a wife. It is a proud day for our tribe.” Broken Feather interrupted his son’s thoughts.

  Lone Eagle smiled at the sentiment, but tears blurred his vision. “Yes, my father. It is a proud day…and a happy day for me. Today I join with the woman I love.”

  Not used to such an emotional display in the presence of his father, Lone Eagle excused himself to bathe and prepare for the ceremony.

  ***

  Singing Sparrow, Rain Woman, and a few other women descended upon Cecile’s lodge to ready her for the celebration. They chattered away while they bathed her from head to toe in pungent herbs and flower petals. Singing Sparrow handed Cecile a wrapped package and lovingly patted her hand. Touched by the show of affection, Cecile thanked her with a hug.

  Inside the cloth-wrapped package was the most beautiful white doeskin dress Cecile had ever seen. Exquisite turquoise stones complemented the feathers adorning it, each one expertly sewn into place with stitches so small they were barely visible. Beneath the dress, she discovered a pair of matching knee-high moccasins decorated in the same fine fashion.

  “Thank you, my mother.” Emotion made it hard to speak. “This is the most beautiful gift I have ever received,”

  Singing Sparrow embraced Cecile, and then held her at arm’s length. “You must get ready, my daughter. Soon you will join with my Lone Eagle.”

  Cecile shimmied the dress over her head and past her hips, still marveling at its beauty. Another woman liberally greased her auburn hair to make it shinier, and Singing Sparrow braided it for her. Rain Woman decorated Cecile’s cheeks with brightly painted yellow symbols, and Little Dove stepped forward to present her gift—a matching headband. Cecile put on the beautifully gemmed headpiece as the crowning touch and peered at herself in a piece of broken mirror. She then turned to face the group. “Thanks to all of you, I think I look beautiful…but the important thing is will my husband-to-be agree?”

  “You are certainly a vision bound to please your husband. This is much better than the clothing of the white man you wore when you first came to us. I am proud to call you t'akója” Rain Woman flashed her gaping smile.

  Everyone laughed, including Cecile. She looked into the faces of Rain Woman and Singing Sparrow and saw the pride and love shining from their eyes. Despite recognizing the meaning of the Lakota word for grandchild used by the old woman, today, she truly felt like a daughter to each of them.

  Outside, Little Elk called out to announce his arrival. During the past few weeks, he'd become a good friend despite his mother’s apparent hatred for Cecile. Children were brought up under the guidance of many different adults, and since Little Elk’s father had died, his maternal grandparents had raised him. He looked to be around thirteen years old. Shy at first, he started tagging along while Cecile completed her chores. He was curious about white people and asked lots of questions.

  Cecile practiced speaking Lakota with him and in the process learned more about the Sioux and their customs. He’d excitedly told her about his upcoming vision quest. She was happy Lone Eagle had already explained the process, so she understood Little Elk’s eagerness. She valued his friendship, and now he was about to become her nephew.

  Little Elk clutched the lead rope to Cecile’s horse and waited. When she came out, his eyes widened. “Are you truly the same white woman who came to our village a short time ago?”

  “Of course, it’s me,” she kidded. Despite the paleness of her skin and the color of her hair, she felt every bit Sioux.

  He helped her mount, and rather than straddling the horse, she dangled both legs down one side. Centering herself, she firmly grasped the mare’s flowing mane while Little Elk led the animal at a slow, even pace toward the ceremonial lodge. Cecile risked letting go with one hand momentarily to clutch her stomach. She wasn’t sure if the baby moved or if she was experiencing a severe case of butterflies. Either was a cause for happiness, and her jaws ached from smiling.

  The large flap had been thrown aside, and Little Elk led the horse into the arena. Lone Eagle stood beside his father, wearing an outfit that rivaled hers in beauty. Singing Sparrow had made both to match. He looked ruggedly handsome, and anticipation shivered through Cecile as Little Elk halted the mare in front of her soon-to-be husband. As had been explained, the young man’s action symbolized a past tradition of leaving one’s intended in front of her suitor’s lodge.

  Lone Eagle helped her dismount, allowing her body to slowly slide down the length of his own until her feet touched the ground. “Green Eyes, you are truly a vision.”

  Clasping hands with her, they stood before Chief Broken Feather, who was regally dressed in ceremonial garb with full headdress. He held a spear topped with a rainbow of colored feathers, and draped over his other arm was a brightly colored blanket.

  A large majority of tribal members crowded inside to witness the event. The last time the whole village had circled Cecile, fear and intimidation froze her in place but today, she was among friends.

  Standing beside her handsome warrior, she faced the chief. The majority of the ceremony was in Lakota, and although she didn’t fully understand all the words, the gestures and looks made everything clear. Broken Feather handed the blanket to Lone Eagle, who then placed it around Cecile’s shoulders and drew her close. This, she knew from Rain Woman, signified his love, affection and intent to be her caretaker. Cecile barely heard what else was being said. Lone Eagle peered into her very soul, and she lost herself within the depths of his ebony eyes.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The wedding ended when Broken Feather raised both hands in the air, shook his spear and lifted his voice in a high-pitched vibrating yell. In response, the entire tribe erupted into a deafening combination of cheers and war whoops. Lone Eagle took Cecile’s hand and raised it so the crowd knew they were truly joined as one. This ceremony had been quite a contrast to her previous one with Walt. She wasn’t the same person who stood in her parents’ living room and took vows with another. Doubtful, she would ever be again, but today she was just as happy as then…maybe more so.

  Lone Eagle lifted her onto her horse, and effortlessly mounted behind her. Amidst the crowd’s continued cheering, he directed the animal out of the arena and across the compound. The early evening air stung Cecile’s cheeks and the tip of her nose. She pulled the marriage blanket tighter, grateful for its added warmth.

  They rode beyond the village, past the creek, and back into the recesses of the mountain to a secluded honeymoon lodge, far enough from the village to allow them complete privacy. The tepee was almost obscured from sight by a shroud of evergreens dotted with red winterberries.

  Lone Eagle reined in the mare at the tepee entrance, slid to the ground and, reached up to help Cecile down. “Come, my wife. It is time to begin our married life.”

  Her heart skipped a beat.

  Inside, a fire burned brightly. Someone had been kind enough to get everything ready for their arrival. The wood crackled and hissed with growing warmth next to the marriage bed Lone Eagle and Cecile would share for the first time as husband and wife. He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, tugging on the drawstring at the neck of her dress. It immediately released and fell to the floor.

  Her toes still tingling from his passionate kiss, she stepped from the heap of clothing, and stood naked before him. “Make love to me, Lone Eagle. Today and forever, I am your wife.”

  The firelight reflected on her hair and danced in her green eyes. Her erect nipples revealed her building excitement, and Lone Eagle’s hardness fought to escape the confines of his loincloth. In a flash, he stepped back and bared his body to her.

  Cecile scanned his
appealing form…his well-formed biceps, his flat stomach, the sinewy muscles of his legs, and his tight behind—he was perfect.

  They came together in a lingering kiss, their bodies meshing into one as Lone Eagle slowly lowered her onto the bed. While showering her face and neck with kisses, his hand moved deliberately over her breasts and slowly past her protruding stomach, searching for a point of entry. His hand came to rest at the junction of her thighs, where he spread her legs and inserted his finger. Skillfully, he manipulated her nub of pleasure until she undulated to his touch. Gently, he mounted her and teased her with his hardness.

  Cecile moved her hips in a circular motion in response to him, wanting to take in every inch of his maleness. Every time they made love, he did something new that brought her to a higher level of excitement. When she reached the point of orgasm, he plunged deeper, spewing his warmth inside her.

  “Oh, Lone Eagle,” she whimpered. “Oh, oh, oh!”

  They fell asleep as the glow of the morning sun invaded their honeymoon sanctuary.

  ***

  With enough provisions, they had no need to leave the warmth and comfort of the lodge except to relieve nature’s call. Between lovemaking bouts, they talked endlessly.

  “Growing up as an only child was sometimes very lonely for me. I never really went without anything I wanted, except a brother or sister. Now I have lots of them.” Cecile compared her previous life to her new one.

  “That’s the Sioux way. Everyone helps out, and we are all family.”

  They shared customs, celebrations, and spiritual beliefs, discovering the only real difference between them was the color of their skin.

  “Lone Eagle, you do believe in God, don’t you?”

  “Wakan Tanka, our grandfather spirit, has power without end. He created the animals, the sun, and the earth upon which we walk. I believe he allowed me to find you.”

  Cecile found his sentiment touching. She’d spent a lot of time praying lately and it helped to know Lone Eagle believed, too. “I guess we both have something to thank our God for.”

  ***

  One the third day, they awoke to another blanket of snow; this one heavier and deeper. Although the glorious time alone gave them the opportunity to truly know one another, the time came for the honeymoon to end. Despite having to leave the serenity behind, Cecile would assume her position as an official member of the tribe for the first time.

  Lone Eagle went for the horse, she straightened the rumpled bed of robes, bundled their belongings together, and doused the fire with the remaining water. The dying embers hissed and smoked in protest, and almost immediately, a chill crawled along the floor. Before leaving, she paused for a moment and took a last look around the dim interior, gathering the memories shared during the past few days. She braced herself and stepped outside.

  Lone Eagle lifted her onto the mare. “I am sure you will have a big baby,” he chided her. “It is much harder to lift you than before. Or could it be you just have a larger appetite these days?”

  Cecile jokingly puckered her face. “Well, my husband, it seems you have quite an appetite as well…although not always for food.”

  Effortlessly, he hopped up behind her, playfully nuzzled her ear and patted her pregnant belly. “No matter how big you grow, I still find you very appealing.”

  He urged the horse into a slow walk, and Cecile settled back against him and enjoyed the warmth of his body against her tired back. Her advancing pregnancy wore on her, and she appreciated the short ride home.

  When they rode into camp, they were greeted by their friends. Cecile compared this homecoming to her first arrival and giggled. “It’s amazing how much more comfortable I feel coming to the village this time.”

  The mare halted in front of her lodge and Lone Eagle helped her down. “From now on you will live alone no more. I will bring my things and this will be our home.”

  Cecile stood with arms stretched above her head in an effort to get the kink out of her back and allow the baby room to move. She flashed a pleased smile. “That makes me very happy, my husband. Hurry home.”

  With a kiss on her forehead, Lone Eagle handed her the clothing bundle. “I will return as soon as I put your mare with the other horses.”

  Cecile stepped into the darkened confines expecting to see all the gifts Lone Eagle told her would await them. Instead, a putrid smell greeted her. Holding her breath and covering her nose, she fully opened the flap, allowing sunlight and fresh air inside. In the middle of the bed, lay what appeared to be a rotting animal carcass. What must have been the gifts were torn apart and strewn about the lodge. All her personal belongings had been ripped to shreds as well. The precious baby gifts she’d received before the wedding smoldered in the fire pit.

  She collapsed into tears. Who could have done such a terrible thing, and why?

  ***

  Lone Eagle heard sobbing coming from inside the lodge as he approached. He quickened his steps, his heart pounding in panic. His first thought was of the child… was it time for the birth? “Green Eyes, are you okay?” He called out as he came closer.

  He ducked inside, his eyes widening at what he saw. Everything was in total disarray, and a sickening odor assaulted his nose. He scanned the tepee for the source, but it was difficult in the dim light.

  When he was satisfied Green Eyes was physically okay, he hurried to build a fire. The tepee lacked warmth, but he needed to see the carnage more clearly. Surely she didn’t destroy her own belongings. Only moments before, she was full of happiness and glad to be home. His mind spun with questions.

  When the fire flickered to life, he knelt and took his new wife in his arms. “Green Eyes, what happened? Did you do this?”

  “Why would I do this?” Her voice broke into sobs. “I loved these things. Who hates me this much?”

  He knew the answer immediately, and suspected Green Eyes knew, too. Despite the warm homecoming they received, only one person would do something so horrible.

  “Spotted Doe!” Lone Eagle yelled her name and stormed out of the lodge, his jaw tensed.

  His strides across the compound quickened as his anger grew. How dare Spotted Doe destroy their homecoming and cause such sadness on this special day. Racing toward her tepee, he spied her returning from the stream, carrying a basket of laundry. He stopped directly in her path, arms folded across his chest.

  She looked up at him and smiled. “Lone Eagle, it is nice to see you,” she purred.

  He knocked the basket from her hands and grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her. “I know you were in our lodge. I know you destroyed our gifts. Understand this, I will not tolerate anymore of this craziness. I am married to the woman I love, and you will accept this. I forbid you to come near Green Eyes or me, or you will suffer my wrath. Do you understand?”

  Spotted Doe took hold of one of his hands and held it to her breast. “I know you don’t mean that. I can make you happier than the one with the fiery hair. Can you compare her pale skin to mine? Come, sample my love and decide who is best.”

  Had she not heard a word he said? He jerked his hand away. “Listen well, Spotted Doe. I do not love you. I do not want you, and you will honor my words.”

  Spotted Doe’s eyes narrowed, her lips quivered as she angrily picked up pieces of clothing and threw them back into her basket. “How dare you treat me like that,” she muttered. “You will regret this day.”

  Despite her threat, Lone Eagle spun on his heel and strode away.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Cecile was much more composed and trying to clean up the mess when Lone Eagle returned. She had managed to salvage a few mendable things, but most were a total loss.

  He gathered her into his arms and held her, stroking her hair. “Spotted Doe won’t bother us anymore. I told her she would be sorry if she came near you again. And please don’t be upset about your things. My mother and sister will help you repair or replace everything.”

  Cecile found strength and solace in his
arms. What had seemed so devastating before wasn’t all that important now. Even back when Lone Eagle’s life was in jeopardy, his thoughts were of her and her loss. If he hadn’t insisted she leave her home with him, she risked dying alone from starvation or freezing in the winter’s cold. He even agreed to accept the baby of a man he never knew, not for his good, but for the sake of her and her child.

  She held him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re part of my life. What would happen to me without you?” As she looked up and smiled at him, the baby gave a hearty kick.

  Lone Eagle stiffened and then laughed. “This child will surely be a fine, strong son. Or perhaps a daughter with a temper to rival the color of her mother’s hair.” He gave her a quick peck on the lips, and held her at arm’s length. “Do not tempt me now, woman, I have work to do!”

  Scrunching his nose, he picked up the dead animal Cecile had thrown outside. “I’ll find a better place for this.”

  She watched his lithe body cross the compound, feeling warm even in the cold air. Ducking back inside, she finished cleaning, trying to get everything back to normal. She threw some pungent herbs on the fire, and brought in fresh pine boughs to help rid the air of the smell, and then brought in fresh water and changed the bedding. Satisfied everything was in order, she decided to visit Rain Woman. Someone with a positive attitude was just what Cecile needed right now, and although the honeymoon had been thoroughly enjoyable, she did miss having her lessons.

  Rain Woman’s greeting was warm. Cecile shared what had happened while they were gone, and the grandmother didn’t act surprised. “Spotted Doe sets her sights on something and doesn’t rest until she gets it. You had best be watchful.” The elder’s warning sent a shiver through Cecile.