Her Duty, His Desire (6 of 7)
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sidhe_faerieChapter 6: A Lady of Station
It was nearly two hours before Lord Caldra came to say goodbye to Anna. Retalon greeted him at the door and showed him into the sitting room.
“Lord Caldra, I have been expecting you.” Retalon nodded to the older man.
“I do not have much time to socialize. I have come to say goodbye to my daughter. Will you permit it?” Lord Caldra asked stiffly.
“Yes but I will stay while you speak to her.” Retalon told him. He turned toward their bedchamber and called out. “Anna, your father is here.”
“You are calling her by name?” Lord Caldra sounded annoyed and impatient.
Retalon looked at the man. He tried not to show his annoyance at the man. He turned back to the door of the bedchamber as Anna came through it.
Anna was wearing the blue day gown and her hair was piled simply on her head with curls streaming down the back. “Hello Father.”
Lord Caldra looked at his daughter then back at Retalon. “What is all of this?”
“I am a Lady of Station. That is what my husband says. I will have a good life, Father. You will not have to be concerned about my welfare any longer. It is now my husband’s concern. He will treat me well and I will be a grateful and attentive wife.” Anna said defiantly.
“If I had known that you were going to ignore the ways of our race I would have never agreed to this bonding.” Lord Caldra said.
“I had intended to follow tradition but my eyes were opened and I realized that I wanted a wife that I could love and could love me back. I know I will have that with your daughter.” Retalon reached out and took Anna’s hand. “Do you not see her beauty or her grace? How could the men of our race do the things they have done when they looked upon the face of their wives and daughters? I can no longer justify the cruelty and I will not be a part of it.”
“I see.” Lord Caldra looked at his daughter. “You may wish to rethink that. She is willful and wild. She needs to be mastered.”
“You are wrong and now that you have seen her you may leave our home.” Retalon said.
Lord Caldra looked at his new son in law. “Good luck to you. You will need it.”
Analla met him at the door and let him out.
Retalon held out his arms to Anna and she stepped into his embrace. “He is gone. We can live our new life without his interference.”
Anna tightened her arms around Retalon. “I promise that I will be a good wife. I promise Husband.”
“I have no doubt of that, my golden beauty.” Retalon held her tighter and looked up at Analla who smiled at him.
-
The next morning Retalon went to meet the Ambassador from the Tir- Nan-Og court. He left instructions for Analla to take Anna to the seamstress then take her along to the market.
Anna and Analla went through the list with the seamstress and picked out designs and materials. Some things such as undergarments and nightdresses would be ready that afternoon and they were to be sent to the Draconis quarters in the North Tower. The rest would be delivered as soon as they were ready.
Anna came out of the seamstress’ shop with a frown. “I wonder if Retalon will be upset with me. I didn’t order everything that was on the list he gave you.”
“I don’t think he will be angry but if I may ask why did you refuse the corset?” Analla asked.
“I am not a game animal to be stuffed with stale bread and spices and trussed up for roasting in a pit.” Anna said. “I am a dragon and I prefer to be able to breathe deeply when it suits me.”
Analla laughed. “Now I see why My Lord fancies you. You are a fiery one. Sorry My Lady. I don’t mean to offend.”
“You didn’t. I spoke my mind to him on the morning we were bonded. I think he was expecting a meek girl and not an opinionated woman.” Anna smiled.
“Lord Draconis likes it when people speak their minds to him. I do it all the time.” Analla said. “Those that speak up are more honest.”
“I agree, Analla.” Anna said. “I was honest about my feelings that morning at the fountain and I believe that is part of the reason he has turned away from those things that are shameful and cruel to the women of our race. I am so proud of him for doing that.”
“I am as well, My Lady. Analla said. “He is a good man you will see that as you spend more time with him.”
“I can already see it. I am fortunate to have him as a husband.” Anna smiled. “Not only is he kind and generous but he is very handsome as well.”
Analla smiled. So her mistress was falling in love with her master. She was sure now that will have a strong marriage.
“Retalon said something about you showing me the marketplace. I have never been to a marketplace. I was never allowed out of my home before.” Anna told her.
“This will be a grand adventure for you, My Lady. The market is over there where all the people are gathered.” Analla pointed to a part of the city towards the docks. “Stay close. I don’t want you to get lost.”
Anna nodded. She followed Analla towards the docks and into a great open space with tables and canopies. Several people were inviting them to look at what they had to sell.
Anna and Analla moved through the rows of venders and made purchases. Soon their shopping baskets were full with fruits vegetables and loaves of bread.
Anna tapped Analla on the shoulder and pointed to a stall where there were carved hair combs. “I want to look at those combs.”
“Good idea, My Lady. You need more than the ones you have for all those dresses.” Analla nodded. “I need to see the butcher about our order. Will you be all right until I come back?”
“See if he has any braum.” Anna told her.
“Braum?” Analla had no idea what she was talking about.
“Yes. It has horns and it gives milk and says moo.” Anna explained.
“That’s a cow.” Analla smiled.
“See if he has a nice cut of cow.” Anna nodded.
“Yes My Lady.” Analla smiled. She started to move off.
Anna put her hand on Analla’s shoulder to stop her. “And some smoked boar.”
“Ah! I know that one. I will ask. Stay right here. I won’t be long.” Analla said as she walked off.
“I will.” Anna said. She started to go towards the venders table but stopped when she was tapped on the shoulder.
“Lady Draconis, I would speak with you. I am Lady Vena from the Holy Temple. We met at your wedding feast.” The blue veiled woman said to her.
Anna bowed slightly. “Mother Vena. I remember. I would be honored to speak with you.”
“I am surprised to see you out and about. I thought that Draconian women never left their homes.” Lady Vena tilted her head.
“That is usually the case but my husband is not one for tradition it would seem.” Anna said. “He has been kind and generous. I have more freedom than other Draconian women. I thought you were part of the Council. Is there not an Ambassador from the Fae here to speak of colonization?”
“You are well informed. The meeting has concluded. We are considering the application from the Fae Court.” Lady Vena told her.
“I have never met a Fae before. Will there be much debate on granting the application?” Anna asked.
“No. They are a kind and gentle race. I am sure we will grant the application. Did you come here alone?” Lady Vena looked around.
“No. Our servant brought me. She is speaking with the butcher. She said to wait for her here.” Anna looked around and smiled. “I think this is a wonderful place. There are so many things here.”
“Atlantis is a port city. We receive goods from all around this world and many others.” Lady Vena said proudly. “Will I see you at the temple?”
“I do not know. I will speak to my husband about it. I do not know if it is something he is accustomed to doing. I am still getting to know him.” Anna said.
“That is understandable. I must be going. It was nice to see you, Lady Draconis. I hope to speak with you again.” Lady Vena said.
“It will be an honor, Mother Vena.” Anna bowed.
The High Priestess moved off and disappeared into the crowd.
Anna watched the blue veiled figure for a few moments before she stepped to the table and started to look at the combs that were displayed.
“Hail My Lady. Is there anything in particular you are looking for? I have many fine wares to choose from.” The vender smiled.
“You have many carved flowers. I was looking for firestars. My husband calls them day lilies. They are the color of the sunset.” Anna said.
“Let me take a look in the boxes under the table. I believe I have something you will like.” The vender reached under the table and pulled out a box with several other flowers including the day lilies.
“Yes. That is what I am looking for. They are my favorite flower. What is this one called?” Anna asked as she pointed to another set.
“Those are roses. You must be Lady Draconis. I heard that Lord Draconis had gotten married.” The vender said. “I also heard that you are not from this world.”
“Yes. I am Lady Draconis.” Anna smiled. “I am from Firestorm. We don’t have the same flowers as this world.”
“I see. I have some carved daisies that would look lovely in your hair too. Let me find those.” The vender looked under the table and found what he was looking for.
Analla came up and watched as the man presented the daises to Anna.
“They are very pretty.” Anna said.
“Which ones do you like, my golden beauty?” Retalon said as he walked up and put his arm around her waist.
“Oh hello. I thought I would look at some combs for my hair. Have you finished all your business for the Council?” Anna asked him. She put her hand over his and caressed it. She was surprised at how affectionate he was in public.
“Yes. I thought I would come home and spend some time with you but you were still out. So I came to look for you.” Retalon kissed her cheek. He looked over at Analla. “Analla, do you have any more shopping to do?”
“No my lord. We have finished it all.” Analla said. “The seamstress and butcher will be making their deliveries later today. He did have some braum and the smoked boar, My Lady.”
Retalon smiled. “I haven’t heard a cow called a braum since I was a child. I see I will have to teach you more common tongue.”
“I did not know it had another name.” Anna said. “I may need to study more than I thought. Retalon, Mother Vena spoke with me while Analla was with the butcher. She asked if I would attend sabbats at the Holy Temple.”
“Do you wish to?” Retalon asked. “I don’t go. Somehow they do not hold any meaning for me.”
“I’m not sure. I will have to think about it.” Anna looked up at him.
Retalon nodded. He turned to look at the carved hair combs on the table. “Which ones do you prefer? I see day lilies.”
“Yes those and these other two sets caught my eye.” Anna said as she pointed to the roses and daisies. “Is that too much?”
“No.” Retalon smiled. “We will take all three sets that My Lady was looking at. Day lilies, roses, and daisies.”
“Yes My Lord.” The vender went to get a box for the three sets of combs and wrap it.
Analla took the box when he was finished and gave him some coin in payment.
They all walked back toward the towers and out of the marketplace.
“Retalon, I didn’t get the corset that was on the list.” Anna told him as she walked arm and arm with him towards the North Tower.
“I thought you wouldn’t. Analla sometimes forgets we are not human just because we appear to be. Human women wear corsets to make their waist smaller.” Retalon said with a grin.
“I am a dragon that isn’t possible. My waist is my waist.” Anna said.
“You are a beautiful golden dragon at that.” Retalon gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you didn’t get it. I like putting my arms around you and knowing that you can really feel my embrace.”
“I just wanted to breathe but I like the sound of your reasoning much better.” Anna giggled.
Retalon laughed out loud. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to his side. Anna leaned her head on his shoulder and took a deep breath.
Chapter 7
It was nearly two hours before Lord Caldra came to say goodbye to Anna. Retalon greeted him at the door and showed him into the sitting room.
“Lord Caldra, I have been expecting you.” Retalon nodded to the older man.
“I do not have much time to socialize. I have come to say goodbye to my daughter. Will you permit it?” Lord Caldra asked stiffly.
“Yes but I will stay while you speak to her.” Retalon told him. He turned toward their bedchamber and called out. “Anna, your father is here.”
“You are calling her by name?” Lord Caldra sounded annoyed and impatient.
Retalon looked at the man. He tried not to show his annoyance at the man. He turned back to the door of the bedchamber as Anna came through it.
Anna was wearing the blue day gown and her hair was piled simply on her head with curls streaming down the back. “Hello Father.”
Lord Caldra looked at his daughter then back at Retalon. “What is all of this?”
“I am a Lady of Station. That is what my husband says. I will have a good life, Father. You will not have to be concerned about my welfare any longer. It is now my husband’s concern. He will treat me well and I will be a grateful and attentive wife.” Anna said defiantly.
“If I had known that you were going to ignore the ways of our race I would have never agreed to this bonding.” Lord Caldra said.
“I had intended to follow tradition but my eyes were opened and I realized that I wanted a wife that I could love and could love me back. I know I will have that with your daughter.” Retalon reached out and took Anna’s hand. “Do you not see her beauty or her grace? How could the men of our race do the things they have done when they looked upon the face of their wives and daughters? I can no longer justify the cruelty and I will not be a part of it.”
“I see.” Lord Caldra looked at his daughter. “You may wish to rethink that. She is willful and wild. She needs to be mastered.”
“You are wrong and now that you have seen her you may leave our home.” Retalon said.
Lord Caldra looked at his new son in law. “Good luck to you. You will need it.”
Analla met him at the door and let him out.
Retalon held out his arms to Anna and she stepped into his embrace. “He is gone. We can live our new life without his interference.”
Anna tightened her arms around Retalon. “I promise that I will be a good wife. I promise Husband.”
“I have no doubt of that, my golden beauty.” Retalon held her tighter and looked up at Analla who smiled at him.
-
The next morning Retalon went to meet the Ambassador from the Tir- Nan-Og court. He left instructions for Analla to take Anna to the seamstress then take her along to the market.
Anna and Analla went through the list with the seamstress and picked out designs and materials. Some things such as undergarments and nightdresses would be ready that afternoon and they were to be sent to the Draconis quarters in the North Tower. The rest would be delivered as soon as they were ready.
Anna came out of the seamstress’ shop with a frown. “I wonder if Retalon will be upset with me. I didn’t order everything that was on the list he gave you.”
“I don’t think he will be angry but if I may ask why did you refuse the corset?” Analla asked.
“I am not a game animal to be stuffed with stale bread and spices and trussed up for roasting in a pit.” Anna said. “I am a dragon and I prefer to be able to breathe deeply when it suits me.”
Analla laughed. “Now I see why My Lord fancies you. You are a fiery one. Sorry My Lady. I don’t mean to offend.”
“You didn’t. I spoke my mind to him on the morning we were bonded. I think he was expecting a meek girl and not an opinionated woman.” Anna smiled.
“Lord Draconis likes it when people speak their minds to him. I do it all the time.” Analla said. “Those that speak up are more honest.”
“I agree, Analla.” Anna said. “I was honest about my feelings that morning at the fountain and I believe that is part of the reason he has turned away from those things that are shameful and cruel to the women of our race. I am so proud of him for doing that.”
“I am as well, My Lady. Analla said. “He is a good man you will see that as you spend more time with him.”
“I can already see it. I am fortunate to have him as a husband.” Anna smiled. “Not only is he kind and generous but he is very handsome as well.”
Analla smiled. So her mistress was falling in love with her master. She was sure now that will have a strong marriage.
“Retalon said something about you showing me the marketplace. I have never been to a marketplace. I was never allowed out of my home before.” Anna told her.
“This will be a grand adventure for you, My Lady. The market is over there where all the people are gathered.” Analla pointed to a part of the city towards the docks. “Stay close. I don’t want you to get lost.”
Anna nodded. She followed Analla towards the docks and into a great open space with tables and canopies. Several people were inviting them to look at what they had to sell.
Anna and Analla moved through the rows of venders and made purchases. Soon their shopping baskets were full with fruits vegetables and loaves of bread.
Anna tapped Analla on the shoulder and pointed to a stall where there were carved hair combs. “I want to look at those combs.”
“Good idea, My Lady. You need more than the ones you have for all those dresses.” Analla nodded. “I need to see the butcher about our order. Will you be all right until I come back?”
“See if he has any braum.” Anna told her.
“Braum?” Analla had no idea what she was talking about.
“Yes. It has horns and it gives milk and says moo.” Anna explained.
“That’s a cow.” Analla smiled.
“See if he has a nice cut of cow.” Anna nodded.
“Yes My Lady.” Analla smiled. She started to move off.
Anna put her hand on Analla’s shoulder to stop her. “And some smoked boar.”
“Ah! I know that one. I will ask. Stay right here. I won’t be long.” Analla said as she walked off.
“I will.” Anna said. She started to go towards the venders table but stopped when she was tapped on the shoulder.
“Lady Draconis, I would speak with you. I am Lady Vena from the Holy Temple. We met at your wedding feast.” The blue veiled woman said to her.
Anna bowed slightly. “Mother Vena. I remember. I would be honored to speak with you.”
“I am surprised to see you out and about. I thought that Draconian women never left their homes.” Lady Vena tilted her head.
“That is usually the case but my husband is not one for tradition it would seem.” Anna said. “He has been kind and generous. I have more freedom than other Draconian women. I thought you were part of the Council. Is there not an Ambassador from the Fae here to speak of colonization?”
“You are well informed. The meeting has concluded. We are considering the application from the Fae Court.” Lady Vena told her.
“I have never met a Fae before. Will there be much debate on granting the application?” Anna asked.
“No. They are a kind and gentle race. I am sure we will grant the application. Did you come here alone?” Lady Vena looked around.
“No. Our servant brought me. She is speaking with the butcher. She said to wait for her here.” Anna looked around and smiled. “I think this is a wonderful place. There are so many things here.”
“Atlantis is a port city. We receive goods from all around this world and many others.” Lady Vena said proudly. “Will I see you at the temple?”
“I do not know. I will speak to my husband about it. I do not know if it is something he is accustomed to doing. I am still getting to know him.” Anna said.
“That is understandable. I must be going. It was nice to see you, Lady Draconis. I hope to speak with you again.” Lady Vena said.
“It will be an honor, Mother Vena.” Anna bowed.
The High Priestess moved off and disappeared into the crowd.
Anna watched the blue veiled figure for a few moments before she stepped to the table and started to look at the combs that were displayed.
“Hail My Lady. Is there anything in particular you are looking for? I have many fine wares to choose from.” The vender smiled.
“You have many carved flowers. I was looking for firestars. My husband calls them day lilies. They are the color of the sunset.” Anna said.
“Let me take a look in the boxes under the table. I believe I have something you will like.” The vender reached under the table and pulled out a box with several other flowers including the day lilies.
“Yes. That is what I am looking for. They are my favorite flower. What is this one called?” Anna asked as she pointed to another set.
“Those are roses. You must be Lady Draconis. I heard that Lord Draconis had gotten married.” The vender said. “I also heard that you are not from this world.”
“Yes. I am Lady Draconis.” Anna smiled. “I am from Firestorm. We don’t have the same flowers as this world.”
“I see. I have some carved daisies that would look lovely in your hair too. Let me find those.” The vender looked under the table and found what he was looking for.
Analla came up and watched as the man presented the daises to Anna.
“They are very pretty.” Anna said.
“Which ones do you like, my golden beauty?” Retalon said as he walked up and put his arm around her waist.
“Oh hello. I thought I would look at some combs for my hair. Have you finished all your business for the Council?” Anna asked him. She put her hand over his and caressed it. She was surprised at how affectionate he was in public.
“Yes. I thought I would come home and spend some time with you but you were still out. So I came to look for you.” Retalon kissed her cheek. He looked over at Analla. “Analla, do you have any more shopping to do?”
“No my lord. We have finished it all.” Analla said. “The seamstress and butcher will be making their deliveries later today. He did have some braum and the smoked boar, My Lady.”
Retalon smiled. “I haven’t heard a cow called a braum since I was a child. I see I will have to teach you more common tongue.”
“I did not know it had another name.” Anna said. “I may need to study more than I thought. Retalon, Mother Vena spoke with me while Analla was with the butcher. She asked if I would attend sabbats at the Holy Temple.”
“Do you wish to?” Retalon asked. “I don’t go. Somehow they do not hold any meaning for me.”
“I’m not sure. I will have to think about it.” Anna looked up at him.
Retalon nodded. He turned to look at the carved hair combs on the table. “Which ones do you prefer? I see day lilies.”
“Yes those and these other two sets caught my eye.” Anna said as she pointed to the roses and daisies. “Is that too much?”
“No.” Retalon smiled. “We will take all three sets that My Lady was looking at. Day lilies, roses, and daisies.”
“Yes My Lord.” The vender went to get a box for the three sets of combs and wrap it.
Analla took the box when he was finished and gave him some coin in payment.
They all walked back toward the towers and out of the marketplace.
“Retalon, I didn’t get the corset that was on the list.” Anna told him as she walked arm and arm with him towards the North Tower.
“I thought you wouldn’t. Analla sometimes forgets we are not human just because we appear to be. Human women wear corsets to make their waist smaller.” Retalon said with a grin.
“I am a dragon that isn’t possible. My waist is my waist.” Anna said.
“You are a beautiful golden dragon at that.” Retalon gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you didn’t get it. I like putting my arms around you and knowing that you can really feel my embrace.”
“I just wanted to breathe but I like the sound of your reasoning much better.” Anna giggled.
Retalon laughed out loud. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to his side. Anna leaned her head on his shoulder and took a deep breath.
Chapter 7