by D. R. Grady
“Yes. I remember thinking it was strange of her to hint like that. Usually she just came out with what was on her mind.”
This startled a slightly pained laugh from her. “My mother claimed being plain spoken saved a lot of time.”
They shared a smile. Albeit sad ones, but it helped that this man had counted Margina (and Raene’s father) among his friends. Knowing they’d enjoyed a friendship cemented her feelings for him.
What exactly those feelings would become in the future remained to be seen. They already enjoyed an existing respect and affection that would likely grow.
“When do you believe she intended to introduce us?” A question, but more so something to muse upon.
“I would venture that she planned it to be sooner rather than later. She had that look in her eyes whenever she mentioned you.”
“What look?”
“As though she had placed me in a slot I had never considered before.” He rubbed his nape.
“Why don’t Aasguard warriors marry?”
Her question made him pause. “I don’t know.”
“No one ever explained?”
“Not to my knowledge. While never forbidden, I’ve not heard of our warriors marrying.”
“What a lonely life.”
“Yes, it has been all these years. I’ve had Aern, of course.”
“He certainly livens things up.”
“He does. And he’s been an excellent companion through the ages.”
“Aern seemed very supportive of you marrying me.”
“He’s happy for us.”
A knock at the door produced a maid and several of the design team who sought to know what they wished done with the space. Vidar had a few ideas, but he seemed content to allow her to make most of the decisions.
When it came time to choose their crest however, he had plenty to say. “You’ve been thinking about this.” She brushed a finger across his square jawline. Tremors started in her stomach and fanned out.
“I’ve spent many years in service. Therefore, I’ve seen multiple crests. I suppose during those long years I have formulated one in my mind.” He caught her hand and raised it to his lips.
“Which colors again?” The woman assisting them paused over a color palette.
“Blue and silver,” Vidar answered.
Their animal could only be a dragon, and with the royal symbol that had been designed for Raene’s family centuries ago, they soon settled their coat of arms.
The designer finished the sketch on her handheld crystal and showed them the final product. “It’s perfect.” Raene’s breath caught.
Vidar nodded. “We don’t need to alter any part of this.”
“This will become official on your wedding day.” The woman finalized their coat of arms within her console and they moved to other areas of the chamber. A small area across the room had been designed for cold drinks and a place to make tea or coffee, as well as a nice sized sitting area.
The color scheme for the room always reflected the monarch’s coat of arms, and the bedding and towels would match the crest colors.
When the designer finally left, Raene felt Vidar’s heavy stare. “What’s wrong?”
“Today is our wedding day.”
“Yes.” Her cheeks heated.
“It was a challenge to not inform that woman we are wed.”
“I also struggled with it.” She slid into his arms. “I want the entire nation to know we’re married.”
His squeeze was gentle and reassuring. “As do I. However, I fear we need to keep quiet on this score.”
“I fear the same. Although I don’t understand why.”
“We have two weeks to explore each other.” His silver eyes heated. “You may choose whether we consummate our marriage tonight or in two weeks time.”
She opened her mouth, but he settled two callused, masculine fingers against her lips. “You do not need to decide right this moment. You are grieving and adjusting to what life has given you.”
Raene kissed the fingers because they were there and she wanted to. His eyes heated another notch before his lips replaced his fingers.
The ensuing kiss deepened when she opened her mouth to invite him inside. He didn’t balk at her invitation. Her brain shut off as her emotions surged forward to greet this man who was hers.
“We are so lucky.” Her heartfelt murmur made him swallow.
“Yes. We must always remember this, Raene.”
At supper that evening, the two dukes engaged Vidar in conversation so Raene rose to weave among the tables. She wanted to speak to an elderly woman on the other side of the dining hall. This woman had been a good friend of her grandmother’s and had looked after Margina in a motherly way.
“We’ll miss your mother terribly, Raene.” Lilith stroked her arm, much like she had Margina.
“Thank you. It’s hard to think of her as gone.” Tears rose.
Lilith continued patting her as though she truly did understand. “You’re too young to be without your mother. But I believe you’ll make a fine queen. You’ve already made an exceedingly wise choice.” The lady’s eyes strayed to Vidar, who sat confidently with the royal dukes, not fazed or overwhelmed.
Of course he wouldn’t be. This man had fought battles none of them could relate to. Had faced situations long past, but those experiences had shaped him into the remarkable warrior he was.
“I didn’t wish to be married so soon.” Her eyes remained on her new husband.
“No. But you won’t regret your decision.” Lilith rose then, wobbling for a gasp worthy moment. Raene steadied her as Lilith hugged her before hobbling to the door. Her cane made tapping noises on the dining hall’s hardwood floor.
Raene watched her go before turning. She bumped into something warm and hard. And gasped.
Kjell blocked her way. Raene’s stomach turned. “Excuse me.”
His eyes blazed at her. “You should have chosen one of us.” It might have been an optical illusion that his chest puffed out.
“I’m very happy with my choice, thank you.” She edged around him.
“It’s not too late.” A lot of what might be angst simmered in his voice. The sensation of crawling insects rose on her arms.
She gave in to the urge to scratch.
In answer to his statement, she kept her face bland. There was no need to inform him it was too late to change her mind. She had safely wed Vidar and was more relieved than she could express. “Again, I’m pleased with my choice. I have no regrets.” None at all.
Kjell snarled. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”
Not in the least interested in discovering his version of her situation, Raene ducked under his arm. “Yes, I’ve secured Montequirst as one of the most powerful nations in history.”
He said something, but to her back, as she didn’t care enough to stay and listen to him. Eyes seeking the one man who did hold her interest, they were ensnared by liquid silver. Nothing in the mercurial depths indicated displeasure. Raene gained the impression he was merely watchful. As if her safety topped his list of priorities.
Warmth tingled through her as she stopped to smile at him.
His eyes glowed with a light she wished to explore.
“Are you certain you want to marry him?”
Whirling in place, Raene confronted new disgruntlement. “Yes, I’m sure.”
She didn’t know this warrior. He was five or six years older than she. His uniform indicated his active duty status. He had brown hair and eyes and most females likely would consider him handsome, but he didn’t compare to the tall man with silver eyes who made her heart flutter.
“Are you questioning Vidar’s abilities?” She infused her tone with more than a little royal disdain.
“Not at all.” He backpedaled. “There is no denying those.”
“Then why are you and your colleagues questioning my choice? I chose the very best.” She narrowed her eyes.
“I do apologize, yo
ur majesty.” He bowed and backed away. The man didn’t bump into the table behind him, his coordination evident as he turned and strode away. As many of his vocation, his steps were measured and graceful. She bet his cheeks were also a little red.
At least she hoped so.
The number of pouting men here had to reach ridiculous numbers. If Montequirst wished to continue as a mighty power, it needed Vidar. Their nation needed Vidar to be king.
Which he was, after their private ceremony today. Her heart pounded because they would still go through the pomp and circumstance—people expected it. But she and Vidar had today.
And tonight.
Her heart flipped. She had no idea what to expect for tonight . . .
“Are you okay?’ His voice sent shivers down her spine. She peered up at him and her breath caught.
“I am now.”
He took her hand in his and made it very obvious who she had chosen as he escorted her back to their table.
“The men are still bothering you.” It wasn’t a question.
“More like they’re pouting.”
She couldn’t ascertain whether the twist of his lips was a grimace or not. “It’s too late for them.” He spoke so softly she had to strain to hear him.
“Yes. And I’m not going to enlighten them until we have to.”
His hand tightened on hers as he seated her at their table again.
He sat beside her, his width and height outstripping every single man in the room. Why would any woman choose another man?
This one, a little voice breathed in the back of her mind.
Haines looked out over the crowded dining hall. “I expect you made a lot of men unhappy today, Raene.”
“And they’re not shy about informing me of this.” She picked up her fork to finish her meal. Only her hunger had already been appeased, so she set it down again to take another sip of tea.
“They’re going to start bothering you now.” Vidar peered at Stefana.
She shuddered. “I do hope not.”
“They will. You’re next in line. At least until we produce children.”
“I’m not next in line. Haines would be.” She indicated the duke with one shaky finger.
“I am related by birth but I am not the princess, you are, Stefana.” Haines’ voice was firm.
“In the event something untoward were to happen to me, Haines would rule, with Stefana continuing to act as the princess.”
Haines’ mouth tightened. “I’d have to rule?”
“Yes. You are a direct descendant of our royal line, therefore you would be named king.”
“You need to stay as safe as possible.” Haines shuddered even as he exchanged chagrined looks with Stefana over the rim of his water goblet.
“I could denounce my right to the throne, in which case it would fall to you.” Raene gave in to the urge to tease him.
“You are not permitted to do so. You are the queen and together with Vidar, you will make a worthy royal pair.”
“Nothing is going to happen to us.” An abundance of assurance resounded in Vidar’s tone.
Even Haines’ rigid shoulders relaxed. “We are heartened to hear that.” He turned to her. “You need to produce lots of heirs quickly.”
Her cheeks burned while Vidar’s large hand covered hers.
“We are looking forward to children, but aren’t intending to produce them quite this soon.”
“No.” Her agreement was little more than a squeak, but Haines laughed.
Stefana’s cheeks glowed as bright as hers. “They have plenty of time. Getting to know one another is vital.”
“It is.” Vidar’s mercurial gaze settled on her. A deep sense of contentment emanated from him.
She hoped she was responsible for at least part of it. And never did anything to shatter this state.
Chapter 19
After the meal, those from her table proceeded to the family room. She and her parents had often settled here in the evenings. A large, but cozy room, especially with the fire roaring in the fireplace. The seating was more comfortable than the formal receiving rooms. She hoped they had a chair large enough for Vidar’s frame.
He settled into the only chair her family hadn’t used much. Although her father had been a warrior of renown, he hadn’t been up to Vidar’s weight. No man in this realm, and the next several over, was.
“This is the perfect size.” He settled in with a deep sigh of contentment.
Her favorite chair stood right beside his, so she tugged it closer.
“What are the plans now, Raene?” Stella flicked something off her skirt.
“In two weeks time Vidar and I will marry before the entire population.” She turned to Haines. “What about the official coronation?”
“Your coronation will occur directly after your wedding. Then we shall all gather together for the subsequent royal feast.”
The thought of both released a small flock of birds into her stomach, along with a giant spear of sorrow. Such important days and her parents wouldn’t be there to witness either event.
Strong, gentle hands scooped her out of her chair and planted her in Vidar’s lap. His arms closed around her and his scent helped to quell the worst of the unmitigated sorrow tormenting her. She burrowed closer, ducking her head to breathe him in, to inhale his scent into her lungs, inside her to help banish the intense grief.
“We’re all feeling this way, Raene.” Haines spoke quietly. Multiple threads of sadness intertwined his reassurance.
“They should be here.”
“Yes. Yet neither of them would want you to mourn them to the point of neglecting what must be done.” Henry’s statement offered the right amount of censure, with love—in the way only a father produced.
“’Tis an unfortunate circumstance that it takes death before one ascends to the throne.” Stella’s lips pinched. Her husband took her hand.
“It is, but that’s how it has been done.”
“If she were here, I’d be able to ask her advice.” Raene stared into the fire, soaking in the warmth in front of and under her. She wriggled to better peer into Vidar’s face.
“We shall do the best we can.” His affirmation offered surcease.
“The most important part of all of this is to show a united front before the people and those of the surrounding nations. We must prove to them we are strong and capable.” Haines’ gaze rested on Vidar. “I don’t believe you could have chosen a better husband, Raene.”
Henry snorted. “No one with a working brain is going to challenge an Aasguard.”
Her heart beat far too fast through the corridors and up the stairs to her bedchamber.
“Are you going to sleep in the castle tonight?” She kept her question soft. Many of the staff had already retreated to their chambers, but enough were still out and about so she might be overheard.
“It’s up to you. I don’t mind sleeping in my usual bed.”
“You’re the king.”
He smiled. “No one but you knows that.” His hand tightened on hers as they halted in the middle of a narrow passageway to face each other. “I don’t mind where I sleep.”
Taking a deep breath, she fixed him with a steady gaze. “Where would you like to sleep tonight?”
“With you.” He didn’t hesitate.
“That’s what I want as well.”
“Are you certain?”
Her heart thumped faster and faster. “Yes. I wish for us to become husband and wife in all ways.”
“I don’t want you to feel pressured. A lot has happened to you in the past few days.”
“Yes. But I need to start feeling normal again. Nothing in my life feels normal right now.”
“I understand.” Vidar took a deep breath. “I’ll return you to your room, and then proceed to mine. When your maid leaves, notify me on my crystal. I shall come to you.”
“Okay.”
His liquid silver eyes glowed with affection and sweetness. Her heart ste
adied. She took a deep breath, a little jittery, but this felt like the right thing to do. She needed him to take her mind off all that had happened today.
So much, too much to process right now. Yet her thoughts remained firmly on her new husband, and she didn’t fear consummating their marriage. She had heard enough court chatter to understand most women found this aspect of married life enjoyable.
When she entered her bedchamber with Vidar, they startled her maid. Vidar leaned down to kiss Raene. A kiss of such sweetness and promise, her heart expanded.
He nodded to Anneke, her maid, and then swiftly left them alone. He exited through the main door.
“You have chosen a husband.” Anneke stared after him. “I am not so brave.”
“I don’t feel brave in the least. Vidar is going to be a wonderful husband.”
“I do believe you’re right, princess . . . My queen.” Anneke curtsied awkwardly.
“Anneke, how long have you been helping me?”
“Since you were a child. I was a child as well, come to think on it.” Raene had been ten, and Anneke barely fifteen, when she had gained the post of lady’s maid to the young princess.
“Correct. We’ve been friends a long time, have we not?”
“We have.”
“Then you will continue to address me as Raene, as calling me the queen in my private bedchamber is ridiculous.”
“It’s odd to think of you as the queen now.” Anneke brightened. “But it’s nice, too.”
Raene sank onto the edge of the bed, her fingers busy tugging the fastenings of her gown while Anneke ducked into the wardrobe to remove her nightgown.
“It is odd to be the queen. Not that nightgown. Perhaps we should go with something more adult.” The one in Anneke’s hand was an adult gown, but not appropriate for a new queen, and definitely not for a new bride.
A tingle of awareness dashed through her. So much so, she nearly broke the last tie on her dress.
Anneke tucked the first gown back into the drawer and removed another. This one a bright blue. It sported lace and was pretty.
“I’m thinking the white and silver one.” Raene offered more direction.