Her Duty, His Desire (5 of 7)
Apr. 4th, 2015 12:25 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sidhe_faerieChapter 5: Their First Night
Analla had two porters standing ready when they reached the lifter in the North Tower. Retalon helped Anna step up on the platform.
“Hold tight to me, Anna. This is a very shaky way to ascend. It’s not like flying at all.” Retalon said. He held on to her as they, along with Analla, were hoisted up to the tenth floor.
Anna clutched his arm and silently agreed with him.
Analla opened the gate on the tenth floor and waited as Retalon and Anna stepped off. She followed walked with Retalon to their chambers.
“That was strange.” Anna said. She turned to Analla. “You use that often?”
“Yes My Lady. I’m getting on in years and the stairs are getting a little much for me.” Analla said. “Why I’m nearly sixty years of age.”
“That is old for humans?” Anna looked up at Retalon.
“Very old indeed.” Retalon looked back at Analla and winked. “Humans rarely live past their first mark. They are delicate and short lived.”
“I’m not delicate.” Analla grumbled under her breath.
Retalon led Anna to a door at the end of the corridor. He waited as Analla opened it with an ornate key.
“This is our home when the Council is in session. It’s just a suite of rooms but it is comfortable.” Retalon walked her around and pointed out the rooms of their quarters. “There is a bathing room, a small kitchen, a sitting room, and two sleeping chambers.”
“I will sleep in the room with Analla?” Anna asked.
“No. You will share my bedchamber.” Retalon told her. “I hope that doesn’t upset you.”
“No it doesn’t but it does surprise me.” Anna admitted. “A Draconian wife never shares her husband’s bed. He comes to her to mate with her then leaves. So we are to sleep and mate in the same bed?”
Retalon smiled. “Yes but we will not mate again until you are ready to accept my attentions. I will not demand it as other men do.”
“Thank you. You are kind. I was not expecting that.” Anna said shyly.
“I will try to be a better husband than our fathers. You will have to teach me what pleases you.” Retalon led her over to a sofa and sat down.
“I am you wife. You will tell me what pleases me.” Anna said confused by what he meant.
“No Anna. You have your own mind to know what is pleasurable to you. I will not tell you what to think or feel.” Retalon told her.
“Sounds like you both have a lot to learn.” Analla said. “I will put a fresh pitcher of water in your bedchamber and then I will prepare a light supper.”
“Thank you. Anna let me show you our other home.” Retalon help her stand and then led her by the hand to a large window facing east. He pointed to a large land mass. “That is Ogham-Duir. We are colonizing it. I have an estate there where we will live when council is not in session. It’s behind that mountain. At the foot of the mountain is the cove I was telling you about.”
“That is the place where we will picnic and play in the surf?” Anna looked at the beach with wonder.
“Yes. That is the place.” Retalon nodded. “The Council will be in session for a few more weeks then we will leave for Ogham-Duir.”
“I believe I will be most happy here in this world. It is so beautiful here.” Anna said as she looked out of the window. “Most happy indeed.”
Retalon looked at her in the fading sunlight. He knew he was doing the right thing by giving her the best life he could. There was one thing he knew he had already given her. He had already given her his heart.
-
Analla came into the sitting room after preparing a light mean and found them sitting on the sofa looking at a large tome written in Draca, the ancient language. Anna was looking intently at one of the pages as she walked up.
“I suppose, My Lady reads that old dragon language too.” Analla said.
“I can’t read at all. Retalon was just reading to me about the ancient Draconian world before it was lost.” Anna traced the image on the page of a bejeweled woman with the claw of a dragon in front of her. “The women were so beautiful.”
“It wasn’t until Draconian men had contact with other races that they started to follow the practices they do now. Before that women had the same freedoms as men.” Retalon told them. “This was the Queen of the last era. Her name was Benna.”
“Retalon, when we have a daughter I would like to call her Benna after this Queen.” Anna looked up at him for permission.
“I think that would be a wonderful idea.” Retalon smiled. “What if we have a son?”
“I will give you many children. I’m sure they will not all be sons.” Anna said shyly.
“I will hold you to that, my golden beauty.” Retalon smiled. He gazed at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the known world
Anna blinked at the way he was looking at her and what he had just called her. She didn’t know what to say to him in response. She could only stare back at him in wonder.
“You two must be still lightheaded. I have some soup and bread warmed for your supper. You need to eat then get some rest.” Analla put her hands on her hips and waited for them to stop looking at each other.
Retalon closed the book and sat it on the table. “Anna, she will not give in we must have her soup and then rest or she will start to insist louder.”
“You are right about that, My Lord.” Analla said. “Shall I bring the soup in here?”
“Yes Analla. Is there some butter for the bread?” Retalon asked.
“No butter but there is honey and I think there may be some starrberry jam.” Analla said as she headed back to the kitchen. “I’ll just bring them both.”
Retalon looked at the book. “I will teach you to read both Draca and common tongue. You will need to know how to read to accept invitations and make lists for the market. I will ask Analla to teach you to keep the household accounts.”
“Are these things that a Lady of Station does?” Anna asked.
“Yes.” Retalon said. “We will attend parties and concerts hosted by others and you will be expected to organize parties and concerts to invite the Council Members and their wives and husbands to.”
“I will have to learn much to be a Lady of Station.” Anna said.
Analla brought a tray with soup and bread on it. There was a small pot with jam and another with honey. She sat it on the table and picked up the book. “Here. Let me put this back on the shelf.”
“Thank you Analla.” Retalon picked up a slice of bread. “Would you like honey or jam, Anna?”
“I should be doing that for you.” Anna took the bread from him. “Husband?”
“Honey. I like sweet things.” Retalon said.
Anna spread the bread with honey handed it to him on a napkin. She picked up another slice of bread and spread it with jam. “I believe I would like to try the starrberry jam.”
Anna sat back and took a bite. She sighed contentedly. “Oh! This is so good.”
“You have some jam on your face. Here.” Retalon reached over and wiped her mouth with his finger. He pulled back slowly. “I removed it.”
Analla looked at them both and realized that this may be an arranged marriage but they were quickly falling in love. Lord Draconis was already more than half way there. The Lady was shyly falling in love as well. She believed that they will be well suited once they get over their nervousness.
The newlyweds quietly finished the soup and Retalon led Anna off to bed.
-
Anna made herself comfortable next to Retalon in the bed. “Retalon, sleep well.”
“Sleep well, my golden beauty.” Retalon said as he smoothed her curls away from her face.
“Why do you call me that?” Anna asked.
“You are so beautiful and your curls and coloring as a dragon are both golden. Do you want me to stop?” Retalon asked.
“No. It makes me feel like I am special to you.” Anna said.
“You are special to me. You are my wife. You touched my heart at the fountain. You honestly changed me with your words.” Retalon said. “I hope I can be the husband you spoke of.”
“Retalon, you are already a better husband than I could have ever expected.” Anna said. She moved closer to him and kissed his lips. She settled her head on his shoulder. She sighed as he wrapped his arm around her.
-
Analla walked into their bedchamber near midday with a tray of food and smiled as she saw the newlyweds snuggled together. She hated to wake them but she had to get them out of bed. She sat the tray down on the table with a clatter.
Anna jumped with a squeak. Retalon growled at being awakened so suddenly.
“Analla! How many times have I told you not to do that?” Retalon shouted at his housekeeper.
Analla shrugged. “I just thought you would want to wake up before supper. It’s already midday, My Lord.”
Retalon scowled at her. He looked at Anna. She was wide eyed and cowering on the other side of the bed. “It is safe, Anna. Analla does this when I stay too long in the bed. You have frightened your mistress.”
“I apologize, My Lady.” Analla said. She went over to the draperies and opened them letting in the sun. “I have brought a light meal for you. There are wedding gifts that have been delivered. They need to be opened. The seamstress has also sent two gowns for My Lady.”
Retalon reached out for Anna. “I suppose we must get out of this bed and start our life together.”
Anna nodded and let him pull her closer. “Retalon?”
“Yes my golden beauty.” Retalon answered gently.
“Will you stay home today or do you have Council duties?” Anna asked.
“I have to prepare for the Ambassador from the Queen of the Court Of Tir-Nan-Og but I can do that here. Would you feel safer if I were here?” Retalon sensed that she was uneasy and it didn’t have anything to do with the way they had been awakened.
“I would.” Anna said. “At least until my father is well on his way back to Firestorm.”
Retalon nodded. “I understand. Analla has there been a message from Lord Caldra?”
“Yes My Lord. He will be here in an hour or so to say goodbye to his daughter. His man servant came a few minutes ago to deliver the message. That was when I decided that I had better wake you.” Analla told them.
Retalon rubbed his face and groaned. He looked at Anna. “Do you wish to see him when he comes?”
“Yes.” Anna said hesitantly. “If it is permitted.”
“Of course. I will be present while you speak with him.” Retalon stroked her cheek. “I think after yesterday that would be best.”
Anna smiled. “I think so too. Thank you Husband.”
“I will bring your gowns in just a moment, My Lady. I think the seamstress did wonderful work on such short notice.” Analla said. “I will arrange your hair as soon as you have washed and dressed.”
“Thank you Analla.” Anna slipped out of bed and went over to the table. She looked at the tray and picked up the plate of cheese and fruit. She went to sit on the bed and held the plate out to Retalon. “We should eat something. I think it will settle our bellies after yesterday.”
Retalon picked up a starrberry and held it to her lips. “I think you are right.”
Anna took a bite of the dark red berry. Retalon put the rest of the fruit in his mouth.
Analla snorted in amusement.
“What is so amusing?” Retalon looked at the woman.
“Nothing My Lord. I will bring My Lady’s gowns for her to choose what she would like to wear today.” Analla walked out of the room.
“I think she is amused by the way we are behaving.” Anna took a bite of toasted bread spread with honey.
“You mean the way I am acting like a besotted fool.” Retalon smiled and shook his head. “I am besotted by your beauty.”
Anna smiled shyly. “I think that is nice. You are very handsome. Your eyes are so beautiful and you are trim. I expected you to be a fat cruel man. I am very pleased that you are neither of those things.”
Retalon laughed out loud. “So am I.”
Anna giggled. She turned pink in the cheeks
Retalon watched her curls bounce and the light come into her eyes. She almost sparkled when she giggled. His heart melted and he wanted to make her always have a reason to giggle.
Analla came in with the two gowns. Anna handed the plate to Retalon and went to look at them.
“They are so beautiful.” Anna held up one that was the same shade of blue as the water. “May I wear this one?”
“You may wear either one you wish.” Retalon said as he got off the bed. “They are yours. You do not have to ask permission to wear them.”
“Thank you.” Anna hugged the blue gown. “I have never had anything to wear that was so beautiful before.”
“They will do for day but she will need more formal gowns for special occasions. Take her to the seamstress tomorrow to see to that and get her some night dresses.” Retalon told Analla. He reached out and captured a hand full of the garment Anna was wearing. “Something soft and more feminine, I think.”
Anna put her hand over his. “You are being too generous.”
“Nonsense. The material is rough and I have sensitive skin.” Retalon said with a wink. He leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “Go wash and dress. I can’t wait to see you in that.”
Anna smiled and went into the bathing room. She gasped when she found a large tub with a pair of water pumps and soap and toweling. They never had one of these in Firestorm. Atlantis was very advanced, she thought.
“She’s right. You are being very generous.” Analla said softly.
“I can’t help it. I just want to make her happy. I have no idea how other men have done what they have done to their wives for generations. When I look at her, I just want to be good to her.” Retalon’s face softened.
“That is because you are a good man. If you weren’t I wouldn’t work for you.” Analla said. “She will need a corset and some undergarments. It will cost you to get all of these things for her. She will also need heeled slippers and hair combs.”
“Take care of it tomorrow. Dip into the estate account if you have to. I want her to have all she needs. I don’t want her to feel like she is a slave anymore.” Retalon said.
Analla nodded. “I understand. She is too sweet and innocent to be treated roughly.”
“Yes and she is mine to protect.” Retalon looked toward the bathing room. “And love.”
Analla laughed. “Yes My Lord that she is. I believe you already love her.”
Retalon blinked in surprise then nodded. “I do.”
Analla patted him on the arm and chuckled.
Chapter 6
Analla had two porters standing ready when they reached the lifter in the North Tower. Retalon helped Anna step up on the platform.
“Hold tight to me, Anna. This is a very shaky way to ascend. It’s not like flying at all.” Retalon said. He held on to her as they, along with Analla, were hoisted up to the tenth floor.
Anna clutched his arm and silently agreed with him.
Analla opened the gate on the tenth floor and waited as Retalon and Anna stepped off. She followed walked with Retalon to their chambers.
“That was strange.” Anna said. She turned to Analla. “You use that often?”
“Yes My Lady. I’m getting on in years and the stairs are getting a little much for me.” Analla said. “Why I’m nearly sixty years of age.”
“That is old for humans?” Anna looked up at Retalon.
“Very old indeed.” Retalon looked back at Analla and winked. “Humans rarely live past their first mark. They are delicate and short lived.”
“I’m not delicate.” Analla grumbled under her breath.
Retalon led Anna to a door at the end of the corridor. He waited as Analla opened it with an ornate key.
“This is our home when the Council is in session. It’s just a suite of rooms but it is comfortable.” Retalon walked her around and pointed out the rooms of their quarters. “There is a bathing room, a small kitchen, a sitting room, and two sleeping chambers.”
“I will sleep in the room with Analla?” Anna asked.
“No. You will share my bedchamber.” Retalon told her. “I hope that doesn’t upset you.”
“No it doesn’t but it does surprise me.” Anna admitted. “A Draconian wife never shares her husband’s bed. He comes to her to mate with her then leaves. So we are to sleep and mate in the same bed?”
Retalon smiled. “Yes but we will not mate again until you are ready to accept my attentions. I will not demand it as other men do.”
“Thank you. You are kind. I was not expecting that.” Anna said shyly.
“I will try to be a better husband than our fathers. You will have to teach me what pleases you.” Retalon led her over to a sofa and sat down.
“I am you wife. You will tell me what pleases me.” Anna said confused by what he meant.
“No Anna. You have your own mind to know what is pleasurable to you. I will not tell you what to think or feel.” Retalon told her.
“Sounds like you both have a lot to learn.” Analla said. “I will put a fresh pitcher of water in your bedchamber and then I will prepare a light supper.”
“Thank you. Anna let me show you our other home.” Retalon help her stand and then led her by the hand to a large window facing east. He pointed to a large land mass. “That is Ogham-Duir. We are colonizing it. I have an estate there where we will live when council is not in session. It’s behind that mountain. At the foot of the mountain is the cove I was telling you about.”
“That is the place where we will picnic and play in the surf?” Anna looked at the beach with wonder.
“Yes. That is the place.” Retalon nodded. “The Council will be in session for a few more weeks then we will leave for Ogham-Duir.”
“I believe I will be most happy here in this world. It is so beautiful here.” Anna said as she looked out of the window. “Most happy indeed.”
Retalon looked at her in the fading sunlight. He knew he was doing the right thing by giving her the best life he could. There was one thing he knew he had already given her. He had already given her his heart.
-
Analla came into the sitting room after preparing a light mean and found them sitting on the sofa looking at a large tome written in Draca, the ancient language. Anna was looking intently at one of the pages as she walked up.
“I suppose, My Lady reads that old dragon language too.” Analla said.
“I can’t read at all. Retalon was just reading to me about the ancient Draconian world before it was lost.” Anna traced the image on the page of a bejeweled woman with the claw of a dragon in front of her. “The women were so beautiful.”
“It wasn’t until Draconian men had contact with other races that they started to follow the practices they do now. Before that women had the same freedoms as men.” Retalon told them. “This was the Queen of the last era. Her name was Benna.”
“Retalon, when we have a daughter I would like to call her Benna after this Queen.” Anna looked up at him for permission.
“I think that would be a wonderful idea.” Retalon smiled. “What if we have a son?”
“I will give you many children. I’m sure they will not all be sons.” Anna said shyly.
“I will hold you to that, my golden beauty.” Retalon smiled. He gazed at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the known world
Anna blinked at the way he was looking at her and what he had just called her. She didn’t know what to say to him in response. She could only stare back at him in wonder.
“You two must be still lightheaded. I have some soup and bread warmed for your supper. You need to eat then get some rest.” Analla put her hands on her hips and waited for them to stop looking at each other.
Retalon closed the book and sat it on the table. “Anna, she will not give in we must have her soup and then rest or she will start to insist louder.”
“You are right about that, My Lord.” Analla said. “Shall I bring the soup in here?”
“Yes Analla. Is there some butter for the bread?” Retalon asked.
“No butter but there is honey and I think there may be some starrberry jam.” Analla said as she headed back to the kitchen. “I’ll just bring them both.”
Retalon looked at the book. “I will teach you to read both Draca and common tongue. You will need to know how to read to accept invitations and make lists for the market. I will ask Analla to teach you to keep the household accounts.”
“Are these things that a Lady of Station does?” Anna asked.
“Yes.” Retalon said. “We will attend parties and concerts hosted by others and you will be expected to organize parties and concerts to invite the Council Members and their wives and husbands to.”
“I will have to learn much to be a Lady of Station.” Anna said.
Analla brought a tray with soup and bread on it. There was a small pot with jam and another with honey. She sat it on the table and picked up the book. “Here. Let me put this back on the shelf.”
“Thank you Analla.” Retalon picked up a slice of bread. “Would you like honey or jam, Anna?”
“I should be doing that for you.” Anna took the bread from him. “Husband?”
“Honey. I like sweet things.” Retalon said.
Anna spread the bread with honey handed it to him on a napkin. She picked up another slice of bread and spread it with jam. “I believe I would like to try the starrberry jam.”
Anna sat back and took a bite. She sighed contentedly. “Oh! This is so good.”
“You have some jam on your face. Here.” Retalon reached over and wiped her mouth with his finger. He pulled back slowly. “I removed it.”
Analla looked at them both and realized that this may be an arranged marriage but they were quickly falling in love. Lord Draconis was already more than half way there. The Lady was shyly falling in love as well. She believed that they will be well suited once they get over their nervousness.
The newlyweds quietly finished the soup and Retalon led Anna off to bed.
-
Anna made herself comfortable next to Retalon in the bed. “Retalon, sleep well.”
“Sleep well, my golden beauty.” Retalon said as he smoothed her curls away from her face.
“Why do you call me that?” Anna asked.
“You are so beautiful and your curls and coloring as a dragon are both golden. Do you want me to stop?” Retalon asked.
“No. It makes me feel like I am special to you.” Anna said.
“You are special to me. You are my wife. You touched my heart at the fountain. You honestly changed me with your words.” Retalon said. “I hope I can be the husband you spoke of.”
“Retalon, you are already a better husband than I could have ever expected.” Anna said. She moved closer to him and kissed his lips. She settled her head on his shoulder. She sighed as he wrapped his arm around her.
-
Analla walked into their bedchamber near midday with a tray of food and smiled as she saw the newlyweds snuggled together. She hated to wake them but she had to get them out of bed. She sat the tray down on the table with a clatter.
Anna jumped with a squeak. Retalon growled at being awakened so suddenly.
“Analla! How many times have I told you not to do that?” Retalon shouted at his housekeeper.
Analla shrugged. “I just thought you would want to wake up before supper. It’s already midday, My Lord.”
Retalon scowled at her. He looked at Anna. She was wide eyed and cowering on the other side of the bed. “It is safe, Anna. Analla does this when I stay too long in the bed. You have frightened your mistress.”
“I apologize, My Lady.” Analla said. She went over to the draperies and opened them letting in the sun. “I have brought a light meal for you. There are wedding gifts that have been delivered. They need to be opened. The seamstress has also sent two gowns for My Lady.”
Retalon reached out for Anna. “I suppose we must get out of this bed and start our life together.”
Anna nodded and let him pull her closer. “Retalon?”
“Yes my golden beauty.” Retalon answered gently.
“Will you stay home today or do you have Council duties?” Anna asked.
“I have to prepare for the Ambassador from the Queen of the Court Of Tir-Nan-Og but I can do that here. Would you feel safer if I were here?” Retalon sensed that she was uneasy and it didn’t have anything to do with the way they had been awakened.
“I would.” Anna said. “At least until my father is well on his way back to Firestorm.”
Retalon nodded. “I understand. Analla has there been a message from Lord Caldra?”
“Yes My Lord. He will be here in an hour or so to say goodbye to his daughter. His man servant came a few minutes ago to deliver the message. That was when I decided that I had better wake you.” Analla told them.
Retalon rubbed his face and groaned. He looked at Anna. “Do you wish to see him when he comes?”
“Yes.” Anna said hesitantly. “If it is permitted.”
“Of course. I will be present while you speak with him.” Retalon stroked her cheek. “I think after yesterday that would be best.”
Anna smiled. “I think so too. Thank you Husband.”
“I will bring your gowns in just a moment, My Lady. I think the seamstress did wonderful work on such short notice.” Analla said. “I will arrange your hair as soon as you have washed and dressed.”
“Thank you Analla.” Anna slipped out of bed and went over to the table. She looked at the tray and picked up the plate of cheese and fruit. She went to sit on the bed and held the plate out to Retalon. “We should eat something. I think it will settle our bellies after yesterday.”
Retalon picked up a starrberry and held it to her lips. “I think you are right.”
Anna took a bite of the dark red berry. Retalon put the rest of the fruit in his mouth.
Analla snorted in amusement.
“What is so amusing?” Retalon looked at the woman.
“Nothing My Lord. I will bring My Lady’s gowns for her to choose what she would like to wear today.” Analla walked out of the room.
“I think she is amused by the way we are behaving.” Anna took a bite of toasted bread spread with honey.
“You mean the way I am acting like a besotted fool.” Retalon smiled and shook his head. “I am besotted by your beauty.”
Anna smiled shyly. “I think that is nice. You are very handsome. Your eyes are so beautiful and you are trim. I expected you to be a fat cruel man. I am very pleased that you are neither of those things.”
Retalon laughed out loud. “So am I.”
Anna giggled. She turned pink in the cheeks
Retalon watched her curls bounce and the light come into her eyes. She almost sparkled when she giggled. His heart melted and he wanted to make her always have a reason to giggle.
Analla came in with the two gowns. Anna handed the plate to Retalon and went to look at them.
“They are so beautiful.” Anna held up one that was the same shade of blue as the water. “May I wear this one?”
“You may wear either one you wish.” Retalon said as he got off the bed. “They are yours. You do not have to ask permission to wear them.”
“Thank you.” Anna hugged the blue gown. “I have never had anything to wear that was so beautiful before.”
“They will do for day but she will need more formal gowns for special occasions. Take her to the seamstress tomorrow to see to that and get her some night dresses.” Retalon told Analla. He reached out and captured a hand full of the garment Anna was wearing. “Something soft and more feminine, I think.”
Anna put her hand over his. “You are being too generous.”
“Nonsense. The material is rough and I have sensitive skin.” Retalon said with a wink. He leaned over and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “Go wash and dress. I can’t wait to see you in that.”
Anna smiled and went into the bathing room. She gasped when she found a large tub with a pair of water pumps and soap and toweling. They never had one of these in Firestorm. Atlantis was very advanced, she thought.
“She’s right. You are being very generous.” Analla said softly.
“I can’t help it. I just want to make her happy. I have no idea how other men have done what they have done to their wives for generations. When I look at her, I just want to be good to her.” Retalon’s face softened.
“That is because you are a good man. If you weren’t I wouldn’t work for you.” Analla said. “She will need a corset and some undergarments. It will cost you to get all of these things for her. She will also need heeled slippers and hair combs.”
“Take care of it tomorrow. Dip into the estate account if you have to. I want her to have all she needs. I don’t want her to feel like she is a slave anymore.” Retalon said.
Analla nodded. “I understand. She is too sweet and innocent to be treated roughly.”
“Yes and she is mine to protect.” Retalon looked toward the bathing room. “And love.”
Analla laughed. “Yes My Lord that she is. I believe you already love her.”
Retalon blinked in surprise then nodded. “I do.”
Analla patted him on the arm and chuckled.
Chapter 6