Brianna watched with a half smile as he wreaked havoc on it. The short ebony thatch stood on end. She hoped he never stopped doing that. It gave her an excuse to touch him when she would otherwise have none. Standing, she moved to the window and looked out through the blackness of space.
“The rest of my people will treat you with much more respect.”
Well, that was something, wasn’t it? “Because I’m Morwyyn’s granddaughter?” It made sense in a weird sort of way.
“No,” Niklas closed his eyes and sighed. “Because you are their Queen.”
“What!” Brianna’s stomach lurched, and her heart drummed against her ribs, feeling as though it might burst through her chest. He couldn’t possibly be serious! Her knees suddenly felt like rubber and she had to emotionally pull herself together to keep from collapsing. “You can’t be serious.”
He looked at her in a way she would believe him. Had to believe him.
The authority in his voice, the nobility in his bearing could not be denied and suddenly, she realized he told her the truth. Niklas drew himself up to his full impressive height. “Laharra, I am Niklas Tanis Marcious Voortag, High King of Terrna.” He bowed, took her hand, then kissed it. Niklas lifted his head and looked into her eyes.
What could she do? She saw the hope in his eyes, the yearning. Knew he thought she was going to condemn him for not telling her the truth after all of this time. He was having a difficult time controlling his emotions and she could feel it. Finally, after all this time, she could feel something from him.
Apparently, she could still read his thoughts after all. He’d just been blocking them the past few weeks. Now that he was upset, she could feel them spilling over the barrier he’d built in his mind. She felt his fear of losing her, his love for her, his determination to keep her with him no matter what.
Tears ran down her face. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you warn me that I was going to be a…a queen before you asked me to choose?” Pain knifed through him. She felt it even though he disguised it well. She wouldn’t have known if he had his emotions under control.
“Would you have chosen differently, Laharra?” he asked. “Would you have loved me any less?”
“Ooh, I hate it when you do that. You know it wouldn’t have made a difference, you big goon.” Brianna pushed at his chest and glowered when she didn’t budge him. “I would have liked to have had the choice anyway,” she snapped, her expression practically spitting fire.
“You did have a choice,” he shrugged. “And you chose me. Just because I am a king, it should be different?” He put his hands behind his back to keep from touching her. “If I had been a cook, should I have said, will you choose me even though I am a cook? Would it really have mattered to you?” He shook his head. “I refuse to believe you could be so superficial.”
She blinked slowly. “You know it wouldn’t have made a difference, I thought… Well, I don’t know what I thought. I know I didn’t expect you to be a king.” She threw up her hands.
He cocked his head, raising that one eyebrow that drove her mad. “Do you think I expected to fall in love with a woman from another world—one with more power in her little finger than all of my people combined?” His words were matter of fact, as though it should go without saying, this staggering belief that he and his people had of her and her so called powers.
“I do not,” she stomped her foot, crossing her arms over her chest. Brianna tried to ignore the fact it made her feel good that he even thought so, with her idiotic feelings and conservative upbringing. Yet she knew better. She may be a descendant of Merlin or Morwyyn or whatever the heck his name was, but it didn’t mean she had any real power of her own. She said as much.
“Yes, you do. I would bet you even cast a spell to bring me to you. That is probably why I was able to find you so quickly. Did you call to me, Laharra?”
Brianna felt the warmth steal up her neck. His eyes were teasing, the half smile on his lips inviting. She shook her head, wanting to lie, but her honor wouldn’t allow it. “Yes, I called to you. After I dreamed of you when you were searching for me. You seemed to need me so badly. I wrote a spell to draw you to me. Only I thought you needed someone to love. I had no idea you wanted a savior for your world. The whole idea is horrifying.” She put her head in her hands.
Niklas stepped behind her and put his hands on her arms. “The prophecy is real. You were born to be Queen of Terrna. From the moment you drew your first breath, you were destined to be Queen. I do need you, Laharra, more than I have ever needed anyone. I love you,” he said as he pushed a nervous hand through his hair once again.
The motion made her smile. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear that.” She reached up and smoothed his hair down. He bent closer so she didn’t have to stretch so far to reach him. His eyes held hers. A girl could lose herself in eyes like those, she knew that from experience. She was losing herself even now.
Niklas bent his head closer still and her arms wrapped around his neck almost of their own volition. Their lips met in a searing kiss. One made all the better from their long abstinence.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His hands rubbed her hips, sides and back. He lifted her, carrying her to the bed as if she weighed little more than a child. Brianna was in awe of him, his strength and character. Niklas was literally the man of her dreams. Love me, Laharru. Need me, as I need you.
* * * *
Niklas could barely contain his elation. She had used their mental bond while lovemaking. Without coercion!
I haven’t yet, Laharru. She gave him a sultry smile. We are not making love. Yet. With a sexy grin, Brianna winked at him, then slowly ran her tongue over her lower lip.
Still, Niklas was overjoyed, if only she would call him—he tried to banish the thought, didn’t want to ask her to call him that. He wanted her to say it of her own free will.
I didn’t know you wished it, Mi Daru. I shall call you by no other endearment if that’s what you wish.
I only wish for you to say it if you desire to, Laharra.
This whole talking while kissing thing is great. She smiled into his mind.
He grinned against Brianna’s lips. I heard a wise Earth saying while on your world. Talk is cheap, Laharra. Let me show you more pleasurable pursuits.
And he did.
Chapter Sixteen
The crew began to relax around Brianna after three more weeks passed. They became even more casual when Niklas dragged her into the mess hall, her face and neck still pink from his kisses. He reintroduced her to let them know they no longer had to hide his identity. In fact, he did it in a very matter of fact manner. He’d just waltzed her into the room and said in English, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, your Queen.”
The entire crew cheered. It wasn’t hard to see the relief on their faces. Brianna stood slightly behind him and blushed. She knew everyone could tell what they had been up to.
Niklas could do nothing but grin. He looked at her and winked. You put this smile on my face, Laharra. I was nothing without you.
You were King, she thought indignantly, her smile still glued in place.
I was a lonely king, one who did not even know the true meaning of the word love. He gave her a smoldering look.
Don’t give me that load of bull. You loved your mother and your sister.
That is not the same, Laharra, and you know it. Niklas wrapped his arm around her, pulling her forward within his embrace.
She resisted, wanting to stay behind him, using his body as protection. She raised her chin, determined to hold her ground. To the crew they were just a happy couple gazing into each other’s eyes. You were still loved, Niklas, but I will grant that platonic love has nothing on what we have together. She wet her lips, biting back a smile, as she watched his gaze follow the path of her tongue. She couldn’t resist moving it slowly from one side of her mouth to the other in a wanton display.
You are right, Laharra. I never knew passionate love s
uch as this. He squeezed her gently. Never before have I looked at one woman and knew I would want her over all others, for all time. Until you. Niklas grimaced, causing her to elbow him when he added. Even when I thought you had black hair and that horrible growth on your face, I still wanted only you.
She blushed at the memory. To the crew’s surprised delight, she put her arms around his neck, pulled his head down and kissed him thoroughly. Then it really must have been true love.
He returned her kiss passionately, lifted her in his arms, leaving her feet dangling nearly a foot from the floor. The crew cheered, happy to see their King and Queen so well matched.
You must be right, he said as he set her on the floor.
Brianna stood next to him, swaying, and shook her head to clear it. She looked up into his eyes and grinned. Wanna go have some fun, big boy?
Niklas raised an eyebrow, and inclined his head. His eyes glittered mischievously, and his brilliant smile seemed to light the room around them.
“How do you two do that?”
Niklas pulled his gaze from hers to look at the man who’d spoken. “Do what, Cholo?”
“It’s as though you two are speaking or communicating with just a look. It’s almost as if…” He shook his head. “No, that’s just an old wives’ tale.” He laughed.
Brianna laughed. “Don’t be silly! Many married couples can make it seem as though they are communicating with just eye contact. It usually just means they wouldn’t mind some time alone.” She waggled her eyebrows at the crew.
“Then, by all means, take some time. Niklas needs an heir!” another crewmember shouted.
Brianna wished the floor would open up and swallow her. Where in the world had she learned to be so brazen? She would have been absolutely mortified had she not known it was all said in good cheer, that the crew really cared for Niklas.
“A drink to our King, and our new Queen!” Hale cried, and they all raised their cups in a toast.
“Now be off with you two and make us an heir, so we will know the throne of Terrna is safe for another generation,” Rodel shouted, waving his hands in front of him, shooing them from the room. He sent a knowing glance toward Minra, who blushed to the roots of her hair.
Niklas pulled Brianna from the room, and they hurried down the corridor laughing. Niklas gained ground faster than she could with his long legs. He turned, noticed her lagging behind, picked her up and carried her the rest of the way to their room.
Brianna was too overcome with laughter to try to fight him. “Put me down, put me down! I swear, one of these days you’re going to hurt yourself doing that,” she said through her giggles. She pushed against his chest, a futile effort against his superior strength.
He shook his head with a grin. “Perhaps. One day, when I am old and gray and you have grown fat from having too many babies,” he said with a laugh. He spun around in a circle making her dizzy.
She stopped smiling. This was something she’d wanted to talk with him about for quite some time but was unsure how to broach the subject. “How many children are too many, Niklas?”
He smiled and kissed her. “You do not have to have any children if that is your wish. I want you by my side for me. Not as a brood mare for my people.”
She wanted to believe him, but she hadn’t forgotten why she was here in the first place. “I wish I could believe that, Niklas. But you forget, I do know why you came searching for me, and it was for your people.”
He looked uncomfortable. “You’re right to question me. I cannot say I wouldn’t do the same. At first, I did want you to save our world. But I would not keep you with me if I didn’t love you. I do love you, Laharra.” He reached up and brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead. “My sister is capable of giving my family heirs, if that is what you wish. You are more important to me than the continuation of my line.”
Brianna sighed. That wasn’t exactly what she’d wanted to hear. She’d wanted to hear he wanted a dozen children and would still love her even if she did get fat.
“But I would, Laharra, I will love you always. You are my El’edal.”
She pulled away, turned toward the window and watched the stars stream by. It never ceased to amaze her that there were windows on this ship. Smiling sadly, she turned, walked toward the bathing chamber and looked into the mirror hanging on the wall. “I keep forgetting you can do that. Birthday presents are going to be a problem for us, aren’t they?” She looked at Niklas over the shoulder of her reflection.
He chuckled. “My mother is going to love you. She always said I would fall in love with a woman with more fire and sense than I would know what to do with.” He picked her up and carried her to the bed. After setting her down, he lit some candles then strode to the door and switched off the light. “It seems she was right.” He shook his head slowly. “How do you say it?” He paused. “I shall never live it down.”
“Your mother?” Brianna’s look was apprehensive. She cast her eyes downward, wetting suddenly dry lips. “I didn’t think about your mother.”
* * * *
Niklas watched her tongue travel across her lips. A fire grew in his blood like an inferno. She had no idea how sexy it looked when she did that or when she pushed the heavy fall of hair from her face as she was doing now. He nearly groaned with wanting her. “Yes, we will be home soon, not quite a week from now.”
“A week?” Brianna squeaked. She couldn’t keep the alarm from flaring in her eyes. She had known they would eventually reach his planet. “So soon?”
Niklas felt her fear and apprehension rise and he rushed to her side. “What’s wrong, Laharra?” His gaze was searching. “What is wrong with you? You weren’t this upset when you discovered I abducted you.”
Brianna shrugged. It was a small graceful movement of her slender shoulders that drew his attention to the thin column of her neck. “Just nerves, I guess. I’m not sure I’m ready to meet your family. What if they don’t like me?” Her eyes filled with tears. She wanted him to be happy. What would she do if his mother didn’t like her?
“She will love you, Laharra, if only because you make me happy.” He enveloped her in his arms, giving her the comfort she craved. He opened his mind, sharing his memories with her. His mother scolding him for leaving his world. Her happiness when she found out he was going in search of a bride. He held her shoulders, looking into her tear-filled eyes.
She won’t care that I’m not from Terrna?” Brianna sniffed.
Niklas smiled, held her to him. “She will only care that I have finally found my El’edal. The most important thing to her is my marriage and the possibility of grandchildren in the near future.”
Brianna’s smile wobbled a bit. “She does have that.”
* * * *
“Then you agree to have my children?” He appeared to be holding his breath. Apparently, children were a bit more important to him than he let on. The action endeared him to her. She knew if she said no, he would readily agree although it was obvious he desperately wanted children.
“Only our children, Laharra. But I would not force you to bear even one, if you do not wish to.”
Brianna looked at him and nodded. “I agree, Niklas. I will bear your children. Quite possibly in the very near future.” Her eyes were wide, searching.
Niklas stilled, his face unreadable. He paused, his hand stopped in midair as he reached toward her hair.
She nervously licked her lips, wished she knew what he was thinking, but this time his thoughts were his own. This mind bond thing was pretty cool, but it definitely wasn’t very reliable.
He tilted his head and continued to stare at her. His eyes grew bright and he blinked, clearing his throat several times. “Are you saying that you are— That we are going to—” When comprehension dawned, his grin was blinding.
Brianna blinked. He was happy? His smile was beautiful. He was beautiful. She’d often wondered if he could get more handsome. Well, apparently he could.
Niklas rushed to her
side, picked her up in his arms and twirled her around the room.
Ooh, Boy! He was ecstatic. She began to feel sick and held her hand over her mouth. If he didn’t stop soon, she was going to embarrass herself. She looked down and had the ridiculous thought that the carpet wasn’t green.
Niklas caught her last thought and stopped twirling her immediately. Only it was too late.
I’m going to be sick! She didn’t dare open her mouth.
He rushed her to the bathroom. They reached the basin just in time.
“Somehow, I don’t think being pregnant is going to be any fun at all.” She leaned over the sink for several moments before she rinsed her mouth and stood. Niklas helped her clean up, took her to the bed, and called Sarcha.
Sarcha arrived with his medical supplies. He looked around confused. “Is there a problem, Your Highness?” It was apparent that neither one of them was seriously ill. He obviously wondered why he had been summoned. He looked around the room once more, blinking owlishly.
Nothing seemed to rattle the doctor. Brianna would bet everything she owned that Sarcha’s hair could catch on fire, and he would simply walk to a sink and stick his head under the faucet. She could even picture him saying. My hair is on fire? Big deal, it just needs a little water… The thought made her want to giggle, but she coughed instead. Somehow, she didn’t think either of them would appreciate humor now. This felt like it was going to turn into a big deal. Good grief, she hoped they didn’t start treating her like some porcelain doll or something.
“Brianna needs a complete physical, Sarcha. She hasn’t been feeling well for the last few…” Niklas shot her an inquiring look.
“Weeks.”
Niklas raised an eyebrow, giving her that look she’d seen him use on others when he felt he should have been informed of something. It was a look she’d seen him direct at members of the crew often over the last months.
“A few weeks?”
Brianna gave him a sheepish look and shrugged. “I thought it was nerves. You have to admit I have been under quite a bit of stress lately. To tell the truth, I didn’t think much of it at first. At least not until everyone started talking about heirs. Then I realized that must be what has been wrong with me.”
Briannas Prophecy Page 18