Not Exactly Romeo and Juliet...(Closed for Homerun2611)

[scarlettnuit]

Aldith walked down the aisle practically foaming at the mouth. She had no desire to be here, even less desire to marry the monster that stood at the end of the church. While she petite form was dressed prettily in a blue cotehardie, because her innocence and chastity must be displayed at all times, her mind was full of ugly things. Of the things she had heard about her intended, who was of all things, the oldest son of their rival. Did she choose this marriage? When did a woman get to choose anything about her life?

However, this marriage was not something her family, nor the grooms, had particularly wanted. After decades of blood and war, the king was finally fed up with these two families. They were to be joined as one and live harmoniously…or be stripped of title and wealth and exiled. Aldith would have chosen exile.

When she reached the end of the aisle, she kept her eyes on the ground as she had through her entire march through the church. She had no desire to look upon her soon to be husband. If the rumors were true he was a monster, killing and bedding everything he came across, sometimes in that order. She didn’t even want to think upon the other atrocities he had probably committed, she was sure, given his family name, that he was nothing short of a demon.

When the priest began the ceremony, she wanted to cry. How could this be anything but a disaster? How long before this beast raped and murdered her for the sake of his family name? She felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter.

~~

The beginning of the second millennium was a turbulent time in Ireland. King Brian Boru who would prove to be the last King of Ireland was not only concerned with fighting off the seemingly constant raids of the Vikings and their damnable seafaring invaders, but within his own shores he had infighting between the groups that he must transform into a reasonably unified coalition to thwart the wicked Norsemen.

His current problem was the non stop feud between two of his oldest and most powerful clans the Ó Bradáin's, the top farmers and hunters in all of Ireland and the Ó Caoimháin's, the finest fisherman and boatsman. The feud was easily a century old, and best as anyone could tell, was about a gift from the Ó Bradáin's to the Ó Caoimháin's of a prized milking cow in return for a barrel of fish oil to fuel their lamps. Well the long of it was the very night of the gift a wolf found his way into the fields where the cow was grazing and mounted it before killing it. The accusations and counter accusations had lasted ever since and many had died at the hand of the other, including Aidan Ó Bradáin's twin brother Brend, and Aldith's older brother Cael.

The Ó Bradáin clan was proud, perhaps the wealthiest of the clans ruled by King Boru, with some of the best farming and grazing land in all of Ireland, in times of strife they would be leaned on to feed the fighting forces. In turn, it was only the seamanship of the Caoimháin's that gave them any hope of deterring the Vikings from constantly invading from the northeast across the great North Sea.

The King had arrived unannounced at the Ó Bradáin castle and taken an audience with Aidan and his father Brinn. The message was clear, these two families would either find a way to unite or face the wraith of the King, a man whose military capability was unquestioned.

Aidan protested, willing to serve the King in an capacity, but there was no negotiating, so there the proud warrior stood ready to see his bride, the hellcat they called Aldith. He had heard much of her, her fiery temper, her "spirit" that made mere mortals shrink in her presence. Oh they said she was beautiful, hair of fire, and a body designed by the Gods, but a wife, HA, she was about as fit to be a bride as a mountain lion.

As she got closer, Aidan could not help but look in her gorgeous emerald eyes. By the Gods, he had slain big cats, and fierce bears with a single sword, she was just a woman after all, if any man could tame this one, he could...or so, he let himself believe!

 

[scarlettnuit]

Aldith went through the motions of the ceremony refusing to look up at her groom. She made the gesture and drank the wine. It wasn’t until the very last moment that she deigned to raise her emerald gaze to his own blue. She stared at him with a cold silence before she allowed him to walk her back down the aisle and outside to the bailey.

Of course, the peasants were all gathered outside of the chapel door celebrating the new union yes, but perhaps more specifically, the end of war. Aldith wanted to be home. She had always hoped she would be married in the chapel at her father’s castle, by the priest she grew up with, however, a more neutral location was chosen and so they were being hosted by King Boru himself.

The moment she was able she snatched her arm away from Aidan and walked on her own to the great hall. She threw the door open as hard as she could, sending a number of servants scattering into other parts of the hall. She then stormed to the head table stood behind her seat as the rest of the guests filtered into the hall.

They were all to be seated at the head table with King Boru in the center. She waited for the king to arrive and sit, and then followed suit. Her wolf of a husband was seated to the kings left, followed by herself and then her new in-laws. Her own parents were seated to the king’s right. She quickly grabbed a goblet and began to drink. Anything to make this horrible nightmare end more quickly. She had no desire to be conscious when the beast tore into later, even less so to have it witnessed, but custom dictated that there be proof of consummation. She glared at Aidan once more and then filled her plate, doing her best to ignore his presence entirely.

 

[Homerun2611]

Aidan Ó Bradáin stood there stoic. As his bride was guided down the aisle he let his eyes briefly scan to the grooms side, but he was not looking for his mother, father or kin, no his eyes took one last look at Cainnech Kilgarry, his true love. Fiery and feisty, she had tamed him as much as he had tamed her. No words could describe the hurt in her eyes, as she was forced to watch another fire red haired beauty become the Lady Ó Bradáin. She knew his strengths and his skeletons, and long ago they had promised each other their hearts, and he was the only man she had ever allowed to bed her.

It was one thing to have to marry this daughter of the devil, it was quite another to do it in front of the woman who should have been his wife. She never looked at him throughout the ceremony, if she had, she would have noticed he wasn't looking at her either. He was numb, he was doing this for his father, his people and his King, yet it felt a fate worse than death. At least death came with honor, how possibly could consummating marriage vows with this undeniably beautiful whore be honorable?

Dinner was as expected as she was clearly a drunkard like her brother, the brother Aidan himself had killed in self defense. Of course no one knew that, other than the woman he had defended, the woman he would have gladly died for, the woman he had now abandoned. Dinner was a feast, the king sparing no expense and wine ran freely. It was time for their first dance, and he took her hand and guided his reluctant betrothed to the dance floor. He hated how soft and delicate she felt in his strong arms, how his heart beat faster despite himself. The bagpipes played and as they began to move he could finally talk, "Trust, that I am no happier than you, but at least I do not disgrace my family with the inability to control my drink!"

 

[scarlettnuit]

When the time for the couple’s dance approached, Aldith had no intention of participating. She was happily eating a piece of bread when the King gave her a pointed look that inspired her to join the bridegroom in starting off the dancing and festivities.

She approached Aidan with a fake smile. Had it been anyone else, she would have approached them with kindness and understanding, after all, if she had no choice in this, she doubted he did either, however, he just looked so damned smug. If that wasn’t bad enough, he opened his mouth and spoke.

She moved her arms into position as her anger rose. “I do not have a problem with drink,” she hissed through her smiling teeth, “and I am FAR from out of control,” she stated and then finally looked up into his face.

He was handsome, she’d give him that. Perhaps if the situation weren’t as it was, she might have even liked him. The thought that he would be bedding her in an hour or so made her whole body flush hot red. She had no desire to be touched by him or anyone else and to be forced into it, in front of people no less, was mortifying. She hoped everyone got so drunk that they had no idea what was going on. She looked up into Aidan’s face only to notice his attention was on someone that was most definitely not her. She followed his gaze to see another woman batting her eyelashes at him. At her wedding. Given the circumstances, she probably would not have cared that he had a mistress, but having her a their wedding, was an insult she could not bear.

She pinched his arm where her hand was resting until he focused her attention on her once more.

“When the consummation comes, I believe everyone will be too drunk to pay close attention. Just go through the motions under the sheets and I will fake what I needed,” she told him, her face hot from the thought of it, “it’s the least you could do given that you invited a common gutter slut to our wedding,” she told him as she glared over his shoulder.

 

[Homerun2611]

Aidan had also seen the none to subtle summons from the king to get the more joyous part of the evening commence by conducting the couples first dance. They would dance, then she would be joined by her father, he by his mother, then she would dance with his father, while he danced with her mother, and then his mother and her father. Such was tradition, and he wondered if the first and third rounds of the traditional order would end absent bloodshed or acts of war. There was not love lost at any level between these two families, however the king had made his expectations clear, and neither family dared incur his wraith.

And so they took position. He had fired the first shot, more out of frustration than anything. How many times had he discussed tonight, how it would be, the celebration, but each of those conversations had been about the other beautiful red head in the room, his marriage to Cainnech. “I do not have a problem with drink,” she hissed through her smiling teeth, “and I am FAR from out of control.” Aidan could not help but laugh, "Then you just might be able to outdrink most men I know, not exactly an attribute I expected in a wife."

It was then his eyes caught Cainnech's, and without realizing he let them linger on her too long. Those were the attributes he had longed for. Yes, she had a fiery temper, but that also manifested itself in the height of passion where she had made him feel things he had never knew possible. He had quite the reputation as a womanizer, but those were truly his twin brother's conquests not his, but he must have had his name remain pure, and so it was Aidan's name he used as he caroused across the countryside, bedding every slit he could find, and he could take, wanted or not.

Aidan had bedded one woman, often and with great pleasure, but he had done so always believing with every bit of his heart he would make an honest woman of her. They had even discussed how they would fake her deflowering so she would bleed on her wedding bed, as all decent women were expected to. When he felt the hard pinch on his arm he looked back into Aldith's fiery eyes and knew his indiscretion had not gone unnoticed.

“When the consummation comes, I believe everyone will be too drunk to pay close attention. Just go through the motions under the sheets and I will fake what I needed,” she told him, her face hot from the thought of it, “it’s the least you could do given that you invited a common gutter slut to our wedding,”

He knew the first part of her statement was impossible, as he must break her seal, of course that assumed there was a seal to be broken? There were plenty of rumors regarding the hunger of the beautiful princess who was now his wife. Many a stable boy had tried to outdo each other with stories of being beckoned o the Princess' quarters to satisfy her late night lust, each story a bit grander than the last. The second part though, that drew his full ire.

"She is the one who should have been here, not you. It is she who feels most rightly betrayed, not the woman who has had so many boys claiming to own her flower that your sex must be a full bouquet." It rolled out of his mouth so fast, he could not stop it, and this was so unlike him, to be hurtful and spiteful to a woman, but she had dared to malign his Cainnech.

He might have been wrong but he sensed real hurt in is new wife's eyes, and his anger was replaced by guilt. "I should not have dishonored you on your wedding day, it is just that I..." He stopped it did no good to go down that path. "She and I will never be, that is all you need know...but there is no way to fake our way through the consummation and you must know that..." Suddenly the music ended, and his mother and her father were at their sides the next song commencing...tradition must be served...

 

[scarlettnuit]

“I would think any woman able to look at you without vomiting would be woman enough for you,” she said bitterly through falsely smiling lips, “Or, indeed, any woman with a warm borough for you to nestle into. I have no desire to acquire any of the puss filled gifts your numerous whores have given you.”

When he responded with what was an unfounded rumor she had never heard, her eyes flared wide and she clenched her teeth together.

“You say I have no control over myself, however, I have just managed not to whole heartedly break your nose with my fist,” she growled between her smiling teeth, even as her heart hurt. It was easier to get mad than to show one’s pain. To show emotion was to give one’s enemy another stab at your heart.

She didn’t pay much attention to what he said as the pipes had stopped playing and she was more concerned with the consummation. “I have a small vial of chickens blood. If we put that on the sheets, no one will be the wiser,” she paused and then looked up at him, “And given that it is our wedding night, I will make sure to comment on your…dexterity,” she said with a grimace, even as her face paled at the thought of all these people seeing her in any form of disrobement. She wanted to cry, but crying was a weak woman’s escape. She held her anger as a shield and did her best to hold it strong.

She suddenly found herself surrounded by women taking her to the bed chamber to ready her. Her heart raced and she was more terrified than she could say. Her body locked up like ice as they ushered her upstairs.

It all happened so fast that she felt she was dreaming it all. She was undressed, bathed in scented water, dried, and then put into the marriage bed. Her hair was taken down and unbraided and laid across her bare breasts, the only thing shielding them from the audience to come. Her mother stood looking at her coldly. They had had the discussion of what to expect, and Aldith had no desire to feel the pain, but she was promised it wouldn’t last long.

“Do your duty,” was all her mother said before moving aside and nodding to the maid to tell the others she was ready.

 

[Homerun2611]

Aidan was offended, deeply. In his land he was a prize, yet he had never taken advantage despite the fact there were many women who would have gladly spread their legs and risked their purity at a chance of wooing the young warrior. Furthermore, when he had laid first with Cainnech, it had not been done lightly. They were madly in love, and they had both p.edged eternal love, for neither had fathomed ever taking another. Yet here he was.

He did chuckle at her statement of control. She was fiery, and he had little doubt of the satisfaction she would feel with a single slid obliteration of his handsome nose. There was more, he had negotiated with enough men, and learned through Cainnech, the subtleties of a woman, at least her, to know when he had truly offended, and he felt a shame and hurt in his heart, fir that was not the type of man he was!

He was just about to articulate the apology that was formulating in his brain, when she spoiled any chance of that. For this time it was not just his heart, but his princely pride she wounded.

“I have a small vial of chickens blood. If we put that on the sheets, no one will be the wiser,” she paused and then looked up at him, “And given that it is our wedding night, I will make sure to comment on your…dexterity,”

“No one!” He gasped, “ I will be your husband, and like it or not, convenient or not, I am far from no one!” He was indignant. “If you have not treasured yourself enough to save your purity for your husband, I will not allow you to save yourself with some cheap magicians trick!” He took her by the waist and his fingers bound the hidden vile. Stealing it from her he threw it to the ground smashing it to smithereens!

He was furious, “Listen, I have laid with one woman, and I trust the same of her. I regret what I stole from her, but it was not under false premise or pretense. It had been my intent to be faithful, until politics chose otherwise. If you have not saved yourself, then it is your family who will suffer that shame. Likewise, do me no favors, if I am not capable of satisfying a woman I bed, then I should suffer the rightful humiliation of such an unworthy specimen! However, I will not turn this night into a mockery, you will lay with me, and I with you, and that will be it!”

Suddenly Aiden was swept away, not to be seen again until presented to him. He took one last look at his Cainnech, a tear in his eye, as he would soon break his vow. Never again would he lay with her, and he despised the man already who would replace him. But he loved her too much too lay with her falsely, and like it or not, he now had a wife, and like he had been raised he would honor her, at least until she proved to be unworthy of his fidelity. He would also be humiliated if his wife proved not to be pure, but such was his lot, and now only time would tell.

Aidan was also taken away, his body anointed in oils. His body shimmered, which only enhanced his finely sculpted muscular frame. He entered the great room and saw her there. He gasped. As beautiful as she had been in her wedding dress, naked and splayed before him, she was simply spectacular. Her nipples were concealed by her fiery hair, but the up and down breathing of her perfect breasts had him momentarily mesmerized.

He hated himself for his body’s reaction, for despite the betrayal about to play out for Cainnech, his large cock became steely hard and prominently extended as he looked at her. The bed was raised up three steps on a small platform. Aidan walked to the bed, proud and with the posture of a Prince. Two maidens came and helped pull the cloak up and over his head.

There were gasps as he was unveiled, even small titters from ladies caught by surprise of such a site. The Ó Bradáin men were bestowed with bodies from the gods with phallus to match, and young Aidan might just have been the best of his impressive breed.

He saw her eyes take him in, unsure if she was pleased or repulsed? For him that answer was easy, she was truly beautiful, but he was less sure of her heart or chastity. He made sure not to look at Cainnech, that was done, and here laying before him as his future. It was with trepidation, he placed his knee on the silken sheet, and began the progression toward his new wife...

 

[scarlettnuit]

She laid in bed furious that this man, her HUSBAND, Gods how it tasted bitter on her tongue to even think it, seemed dead set on consummating this shipwreck of a marriage. He must not have loved that other woman very much if he refused to take the “out” she had given him. No just refused, was outraged at it.

She did her best to stay mad, anything to cover the fear she felt. She had heard mixed things about being with a man, most of which were horrible. The pain, the degradation, the thought of being used like a privy for his seed…oh it turned her stomach. She shivered, her body getting gooseflesh and her nipples hardening.

Just then, people started to file in, and her heart began to race. Her eyes pricked with tears she refused to shed. She looked at her feet for as long as she could until she heard him walk in. She took a few breaths to steel herself, and then raised her eyes to her husband.

She looked at his face, which was even more handsome in the light of the fire in their room, her eyes wandered down to his muscular frame, and then to his waist. Her eyes shot open in shock at the size of him and quickly turned away as her face turned red enough to match her hair. How was that thing supposed to fit inside of her?

As he stepped into the bed she started to panic. It was bad enough to have to bed a man, especially one’s first time, but to have an audience made it even worse. A tear escaped one of her eyes and she batted it away angrily. She spread her legs, knowing at least to do that much, but when he didn’t move she panicked more.

“Please tell me what to do,” she pleaded in a whisper for his ear only, “I do not know what to do…” she added, her voice tighter as she spoke.

She looked up at this stranger and, despite how much she hated the situation, and his reputation, she begged for a lifeline. Anything to make these people go away. Once he penetrated her once they would leave, but heavens only knew what she was supposed to do to facilitate it!

 

[Homerun2611]

Aidan walked into the great room with significant trepidation. Part of him was exhilerated, this was a momentous occasion in one's life. He was also a man of great pride, a Peacock, ready to plume. Although, he had only bed one woman he was confident in his ability as a lover, and knew that the God's had been most kind to him in bestowing his natural gifts.

Yet he had thought this moment would be with Cainnech, his Cainnech. And if it were, they would have had to do a similar magician's slight of hand, as they had not been able to forgo sharing their passion, as they knew it was simply a wonderful preview of the life they would share. He hoped he had not damaged her too severely, but then, as he went up on stage, all thoughts of her, of anyone were washed away by the vision laid out before him.

How cruel that this vision would be his wife, but could not offer him her purity, and now in this moment all would see the cruel joke of their marriage, for not just she, but he would be the subject of ridicule and endless scorn. She was stunning and her beauty struck such a siren's song that his body could not help but compel itself to willingly hurl itself into the rocks.

The unknow crowd was buzzing as he stood over her, that monster that hung between his legs was about to enjoy the conquest of his virgin bride. He leaned down, they might as well begin the charade, he could not deny his desire to touch her, no matter the circumstance. And then all his anger, all his fear was wiped away with the simplest of comments, requests, whispered vulnerably into his ear.

“Please tell me what to do,” she pleaded in a whisper for his ear only, “I do not know what to do…” she added, her voice tighter as she spoke. These were not the words of a wanton whore, these were the words of a girl, not quite a woman, terrified and needing a knight to rescue her from peril.

She should have seen the softening in his eyes, the sudden tenderness of his gaze, and he slowly turned and looked at her mother. "Thank you...you have given me a daughter who is beyond compare...now I hope you trust me to do what is right by her." He sat back on his heels and gently ran his fingers up and down her milky thighs. She was spread open, but not yet wet, he hoped it was only fear and not something innate in him that repelled her.

He had to know the dagger his words put into the heart of Caennech as she witnessed a treachery beyond belief. Of course this was the man she had fallen in love with, this gallant, strong yet tender soul. But that should have been her, and she hated her, hated him...as her heart turned ice cold.

"Your daughter is unsoiled, a treasure whose flower petals must be delicately opened." He then brushed ever so lightly the back of his fingers along her chaste slit. Now he looked down at her and he whispered so only she could hear. "Just relax, and hopefully enjoy, I am big and for you to enjoy me...I must prepare you."

This time he ran his open hands up and down her inner thighs, from her knees down to the outer lips of her folds. Partially tickling, partially massaging, in an attempt to awaken her body for him. And then slowly, he bent forward and down, and slid his biceps up and under her hips. As his face approached her mound he smiled..."your body will tell me when you are ready, it will know...trust it." And with that the handsome young prince, brought his mouth to her virgin opening and he slipped his tongue just inside her untouched folds, hoping she would soon deliver her nectar....

 

[scarlettnuit]

Aldith froze as she felt his hands on her, her muscles stiffening as more and more of her body was exposed to the audience around the bed. She did her best to make her face remain calm but her mind was rushing with thoughts and feelings, the utmost of which, were embarrassment and anger.

The moment that Aiden pronounced her a virgin, and more specifically, when his mouth moved down to her core, Aldith’s mother, and several of the ladies gasped while the men in the audience raised and eyebrow.

“The sheets will be hung out in the morning,” her mother said stiffly and then ushered the audience out of the bed chamber.

Within moments, the room was emptied and they were left alone, though the look of one particular woman stuck in Aldith’s mind, the look she was given was colder than the most brutal winter, and she feared this would not be the last time they met.

“The room is empty, you can stop now…” Aldith told him, however, as his tongue made contact with her core, she felt her body jump at the new sensation.

“Whatever are you doing? This can’t be Christian!” she said and then gasped as his tongue ran over a particularly sensitive part of her.

She blinked a few times, unfamiliar with pleasure and rather shocked by it. Women weren’t supposed to enjoy this, they were supposed to endure it. She finally pushed his face away.

“You don’t have to keep up the charade, they’ve gone,” she said, her face and body bright red from a combination of embarrassment and something else as she used a pillow to cover the parts of her that he wasn’t hovering over.

 

[Homerun2611]

Aiden could barely suppress the grin as he heard the women gasp as his mouth lowered to taste her flower. He knew that most of the men spent no more time arousing their woman than the average ram did with an ewe. They were animals, and ewes could not orgasm, and while Aidan could certainly be an animal, he had taken great pride in his ability to make a woman quake in joy at his touch. He did not care for the shock or disapproval some may feel, they were ignorant, for those that had found a way to make love making a wonderous adventure rather than a drudgery, no more arousing than milking a cow, which was most of the people, certainly the women in that room's experience.

One knew different, very different, and as steam arouse from Cainnech's low cut collar, warm, wetness also trickled down her thighs. "Look, she doesn't even appreciate it...come here Aidan, I will show you a most appreciative pussy, feel how she purrs longing for her tongue bath!" She thought as she sat their stewing. God this was unfair, that should have been her...she would have given him the accolades he deserved, that feeling that she would kill, maybe would kill, to feel again!

Aidan had known his words would satisfy the crowds, and they would leave them alone, but in no way had he intended it as a ruse, the opening she needed to accomplish her farce with the chicken blood. As they were left alone, he did not relent, he sensed her body about to respond, and when a mare was ready to run, you did not pull back on the reins! “The room is empty, you can stop now…” He simply paid no heed, he was otherwise quite occupied, and very pleased with both the freshness of the bouquet and taste of his new young wife.

“Whatever are you doing? This can’t be Christian!” He slipped his tongue deeper inside the folds of her inner labia having just teased her outer lips and lightly touched the hood of her clitoris as he would venture for it to peak out and enjoy his offering. He ran his tongue up lapping not sure yet if the fluids now appearing were simply his saliva or hopefully her own lubrication. He was not exactly thrilled with her response, although he could not help but find humor.

Aidan was a religious man, but some moments were treated with less reverance than others. "I do intend to help you find God, if that is your question...or at least your need to call out for the deity!" He chuckled at his own play on words, but realized he was playing to an audience of only himself. He had to admit surprise as his face was pushed away. Never, not once, had Cannech treated him so, quite the opposite as he remembered her fingers in his hair as she pulled him deeper while nearly crushing his skull between her thighs.

He looked at her in total shock, which was quickly being exchanged for anger. “You don’t have to keep up the charade, they’ve gone,” and then she tried to conceal herself from him. That was enough! "This is no charade, shall I bring the crowd back in, or perhaps just your parents and discuss how you are unwilling to perform your wifely duties!"

He sat up between her legs, resting back on his heels. His body naturally flexed and naked in front of her, his hardness pronounced, a natural biological reaction to his oral coitus. He was offended. "You are an ungrateful and petulant little fool! Most men have all the finesse of a hound and even less care for a woman's pleasure. Do not make me regret my desire to enjoy your body and provide pleasure! If you will just lay back, stop talking, and let me share my skills with you, open your body to engaging, I believe you will be very pleased with the result. You said earlier, you did not know what to do...that, my wife, is obvious. Unfortunately that means I am very unlikely to have anywhere near as much pleasure as you are as we proceed here!"

He reached down, and grabbed her coverings and pushed them to the side. "The least you can do is avail yourself, stop complaining, and try to enjoy it." He began to lean forward, muttering to himself..."if she only knew, she should be begging for this, instead I am treated with all the appeal of a common stable boy!"

He reached down and again spread her milky, firm thighs. His movements firm, much more command than request. At least she had an undeniably beautiful and tempting flower. "You are my wife...in the morning the sheets will be hung...and there will be no tricks in their display!" And with that he once again lowered his mouth to prepare her, this time his fingers would be teasing her opening...his tongue would be otherwise employed. It was time to fully introduce himself to her clit and convince her to come out from her hood and join their little party...

 

[scarlettnuit]

Part of her wanted to rage against him, to slap him hard across the face and never see it again. The other part of here was completely mortified at being naked in front of a man, much less being spread wide for him to see every bit of her.

Before she had time to think about the matter further, he forced her legs open and was feasting on her again. At first, she could not help but laugh, as the foreign touch tickled, of all things. However, as he continued his work, a decidedly different feeling began to come over her.

She still clutched part of the sheet over her breasts as his tongue explored her core. Then his tongue moved higher and she jumped at but at first, but the more he touched it with his tongue, the more a swirling feeling in her stomach began to form.

She looked down at him, confused at her body’s reaction. Her nipples hardened and pressed against the sheet that covered them. Her body relaxed and her legs fell open of their own accord, as opposed to his demand. She still clutched the sheets with her hands, not knowing what to do with them as a moan escaped her slips.

She turned beet red again. Was it lady like for her to make noises? She was told to lay down and take whatever her husband might mete out. The more he moved his tongue the less she thought and the more her body opened up to him. Her eyes closed as she enjoyed his touch, the sheet slipping off of her breasts in the process.

She moaned softly as her pelvis moved against his face, her body reacting out of it’s own desires instead of the tangle web of emotion that cluttered her mind. She felt like something was building, though she wasn’t aware of what it may be, and it scared her a little.

“Oooohhh…you must stop…” she moaned against her will, “I am afraid something will happen if you don’t…” she gasped, but made no attempt to move away.

She felt her own wetness dripping from her core and wondered if she should be embarrassed. She was about to ask when suddenly she felt herself on the precipice of something and she didn’t want him to stop. Now she moaned more loudly and she started to pant, her breasts rising and falling with each breath. His tongue seemed to have found some magical spot on her body that played her like an instrument. Before she could think to object she felt herself being pushed as her body tensed and she came hard against his face.

She slapped her hands over her mouth to cover her cry of pleasure as her body pulsated against Aiden’s mouth. For several moments she felt as if she could fly, or maybe was flying, until her body relaxed and crashed back down on the bed, panting.

She turned red with embarrassment once more and wanted to hide her face in something. She had never been known to be a coward, she had always faced everything with strength and determination, but at this moment, she felt more self-conscious than ever before. When she looked down at his face, she saw that his chin and lips were wet from what she presumed was her own..whatever had happened.

“I’m s..sorry…” she said sheepishly.

 

[Homerun2611]

Clearly the rumors gossiped and fed to him had been false. No more was this young woman, this beautiful young woman a whore, than his steed able to fly. She was frightened and scared, not necessarily for his touch, but any touch, and in ways indescribable, that endeared her to him. She had no more choice than he had in this arranged marriage, and while he may be angry about the fact he had to forego his true love, or at least whom he had felt with every cell in his body was his true love, she had not even had that.

She had stolen her chance at love's first kiss, or to have already found yourself damp, and needing a man to touch you at that most sacred place, instead have been put on the dining table to be feasted upon, whether your body was wanting or not.

It was only the fact her body was responding, whether or not her mind wanted it to or not, that gave him heart, made him feel not like a fiend but a type of guide, holding her hand and blazing a trail, that if done right, he knew would be glorious. Ah, yes, but that he had this knowledge was also problematic. It was in this moment that Aidan fully realized that not only had he robbed Cainnech of the gift she should have had for her husband, but he had given away the gift he should have been able to give Aidith.

In the long run, he could certainly deliver a far superior experience in the moment, than he could have without his prior knowledge, but he also knew how sacred the experience had been to take that virgin tour together. While his mouth entertained her, and his fingers accentuated his every move, he let his eyes gaze up her beautiful body, at least that which she was willing to display, or more accurately, unable to hide.

Her full breasts, were heaving up and down, hard little pebbles of nipples riding atop each wave. Her mouth was slightly pursed as she cooed in response, while trying to stifle more gutterall moans. "It is okay, relax, my only goal is your enjoyment!" Aidan was soothing but determined, after invading her despite of and ignoring her protestations, he was determined to make sure her body achieved the release it so deserved.

He smiled when it was clear, she had no idea of the destination he was driving toward. “Oooohhh…you must stop…” she moaned against her will, “I am afraid something will happen if you don’t… He gave the soft sweet lip of her labia a kiss, as he briefly retreated., smiling up at her, his gorgeous eyes twinkling, "That is good to hear, I was afraid something wouldn't, and my jaw would be cramped and my tongue spent and you had not yet reached the destination I have pledged to deliver you."

From that point on he was relentless, licking, tickling, twirling and thrusting with his tongue, fingers and tongue working in perfect synchronization. In truth he did not mind at all, his jaws were fine and his tongue was delighted with the steady and increasing flow of her young honey. It was not all that long before her body kicked into a second gear as he felt her thighs tense and squeeze his had, her pelvis arch and thrust and crave, and her deep and loud moan, followed quickly by heavy secretions from her very satisfied sex!

She could not see his smile, but Aidan was a man who enjoyed making his lover climax even more than he did his own. He would have gladly stayed and attempted to induce a second, third and fourth, but he knew, as this was her first time, she needed a moment to process all that had just transpired. To say he was pleased was an understatement, yet there was a sense of guilt that remained.

Apparently, he was not the only one, for as he looked up, she was looking down, blushing. “I’m s..sorry…” He gave her soft young sex one last kiss, thinking to himseld, "don't worry, I plan to be back. And then getting on all fours he began to slowly crawl up the bed. "Sorry? What forever for? Just there, you were perfect, I only hope I came close to delivering what you deserve."

He swung his legs to the right and stood up. "I would like to undress now myself...but for all I said earlier, I am sorry, you are clearly pure...and my comments are unforgiveable. When a woman gives up her flower should be her decision, and some custom or a community's need to be some sort voyeur. If you need to rest, or are not yet prepared to take me inside of you, we will wait until you are, whenever that may be?"

He did however begin to disrobe, and as he was about to pull down his tights when he looked at her, looking at him. "Do you mind if I am naked with you, whether we continue or just lay as husband and wife? Have you ever seen a man naked...if you would like to explore me...you may?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

She blushed even warmer as he spoke of his apologies and his regret. He had been far kinder and far more giving than any woman would wish, much less, deserve. She herself had spoken ill of him and now, as he moved to leave her, she felt it unfair that he had not had the delights she herself had so enjoyed.

“Please don’t leave…” she said very softly, her milky hand reaching out to hold his.

Her eyes looked up at him with interest and a longing. Whether that longing was for touch, love, or the simple desire not to be alone, she could not say.

When he stood up and disrobed, she felt embarrassed, what man would leave without having his own pleasure. She was so ignorant of the dealings between a man and wife that she wanted to gut herself.

When he continued with such words of kindness, she felt her eyes pricking with unshed tears. She herself had been just as cruel and assuming, and now he was wishing for her a love better than what she had received. At that moment, she sniffed and sat up straight in the bed. Now was as good a time to claim her power as was any other.

“These are the times in which we live. We have both of us been brought into this against our will, or I suspect as much, I have not desire to speak for you.”

With that she took the hand she had released when he had begun to disrobe and looked deep into his fathomless eyes.

“I would like you to make me a woman, I have no more need of the pettiness of girls, or their idle gossip,” she responded as he generously offered not to force here into the demands of their vows.

She blushed hotly as he first disrobed, turning her head for a moment and then steeled her courage and looked at all of him. In truth, he was a fine specimen. He was not hairy or fat where most men would be be, but more importantly, the way he treated her sent more warmth to her heart than his looks alone.

“I would be pleased to be…natural with you,” she said shyly at first and then looked down at the hand she held in hers before looking to his face again, “I would like to leave you with the same pleasure you have given me…though I may be in need of some instruction,” she told him, ashamed that she knew so little when he seemed to know so much. With that statement she gently pulled his naked form into the bed next to her, blessedly grateful for the lack of audience.

Once he was seated next to her, she ran her hands over his shoulders and chest, every inch of his beautiful, unblemished skin made her thankful having him as a husband. He was beautiful and for that she knew she was fortunate, and it wasn’t in just his physical appearance that he bore such eloquence. He seemed to have a kindness and beauty that ran deeper than his own skin.

“What may I do to please you?” she asked as fiery charges still bolted through her system.

Meekly, she kissed his left earlobe and neck, as her hand moved to his shoulder and chest. She then moved to the other side, her hand still wandering his chest as she awaited instruction.

 

[Homerun2611]

He smiled, warmly and gently. It was amazing how quickly the beautiful young girl had endeared herself to him, simply by allowing him to see her vulnerability and inexperience. He thought back to how he had been fooled to believe she was some sort of harlot, only to now expect that it was the childish reaction from men who had desired her favor only to be denied. "I have neither intention nor desire to leave, in fact, I could want nothing less."

He resumed disrobing, hoping she would be attracted to and curious to perhaps enjoy the body he unveiled for her. He was not lacking confidence, for in his land he knew he was considered quite striking and very well endowed. However, she was not of his land, and her preferences could well be far different than, well...his former love. It pained him to think of he and Cainnech as former, but he knew he must. He also could not deny feeling guilt on how the beauty and purity of his young wife alleviated much if not all of that sting!

"You are now my wife and there are many times that you will speak for me, and that is fine. However now, I want to be truthful. No, this was not of my choosing, I had thought and given my heart to another. And at that time, I intended that to be true. However, and I want you to know this. That choice was not made knowing you existed or might have been a possibility. For now, given the woman, the beauty here before me, that decision may have been far different. But whether by choice or command, we are here now, and I do not want to leave, nor am I disappointed. If you are my fate, than the God's have been kind and generous, and at this moment my only regret is I cannot give you the same gift of purity that you give me. But I will give you my best and I hope to never make you regret having been forced to take me as your husband, albeit against your free will."

He slowly stripped, and as he did Aldith offered her most precious gift. Aidan had only his final parcel to remove and he would be standing completely naked in front of his virginal new wife. He spoke tenderly, "You grace me my lady, for what better time to introduce you to womanhood than the night of our coupling. Allow me to be patient with you, I hope you are not to in need of slumber, for I would like to take it slow and let our entire bodies peak for the moment when neither of us can no longer deny not only each other, but ourselves as well."

He looked up and down at her beautiful body, "You are truly a spectacular female, and I can only hope you will come to want me as I want you. If you need instruction I will give it, but I want you to trust yourself, your body, your desires...my reactions will tell you what I enjoy, as I hope you will be honest with yours. If there is one thing I may suggest, slow and tender is almost always best before fast and hard, although there will come a time for that. Tickle and tease, but as the fires start to turn into flames, do not resist the temptation to go hard and fast and when our fires need to rage, let them burn high and hot. I want us to be lovers who crave each others touch and fire!"

He slid in beside her and felt her delicate hands begin to explore his body. Even her small and light touches sent delicious chills and shocks through his body.He slid his hand around her waist and pulled her closer as he leaned in, and brushed her lips with his. He kissed her softly and then brought his hand and took hers that was dancing across his chest. As she kissed his ear, he answered her question as he brought her hand down and closed her fingers around his semi hard cock.

"Roll your hand around the mushroom head, and slowly stroke the shaft. You will feel me get hard, like stone covered by the velvety skin. Just keep stroking and playing, my cock and balls will welcome and enjoy your touch. You will hear in my moans and feel in my reaction what I like, I trust you...and next when we kiss, let your lips part, you will feel my tongue search for yours, you will feel my hands and fingers on your body, holding you teasing you...let me know what you enjoy. Tonight dear Aldith, we will explore together..let it be a fun and passionate journey!'

With her hand now introducing his cock to her touch, his mouth again searched for hers, this time with his lips slightly parted, his tongue tickling her bottom lip....

 

[scarlettnuit]

She wanted so much to hate him. To hate this creature that she had been forced to marry, to chain her life to. However, given the amount of understanding and care he seemed to take with her, he was making it quite difficult. Would they end up being happy together? Would they make a partnership? Only time would tell, but thus far, he seemed to be willing to give her a voice, something for which most women of her time could only dream.

Before she could think too long on the subject, he slid into bed next to her and pressed his warm firm body against her own soft one. Her hand drifted further along his planes as he kissed her, his instructions sent a thrill through her as her fingers gently wrapped around him. She moved her hand in the manner in which she had been instructed, each gasp escaping his lips driving her own desires and curiosity.

She pulled away slightly, watching his expression as she moved her hand up and down. She soon found her lips on his collar bone, kissing his flesh, delighting in the sweet saltiness of it’s flavor, before she began kissing her way down his torso, her own curiosity ignited. If he had tasted her, would it not be proper for her to return the favor?

She found her way down his body until he was laying prone against the pillows, his hardened manhood now staring her in the face. She looked up at him with knitted eyebrows before letting her creativity dictate her actions. She kissed the head of his cock, surprised at the drop of salty fluid she found there, and then gently placed the head in her mouth and licked it like a sweet, her eyes moving to his for approval.

As a sigh of delight crossed his lips, she continued, taking him as deep into her mouth as she could, her tongue moving along the hot velvety skin of his cock, doing her best to elicit every moan of pleasure she could from him. Did it feel to him as it had to her when he placed his mouth upon her? If anyone were to see what was happening now, she was sure she would be damned, but in this moment, she had control. It seemed that she could control his very being from where she was right now. Each gasp, each groan, each yelp…it was a heady dram.

She soon forced herself to pull away and sat on her haunches between his legs, his erect cock now laying on his stomach. Would it hurt to become a woman, to consummate their marriage? Would it be as pleasurable as his mouth had been? She was both excited and unsure and she looked to him for reassurance.

 

[Homerun2611]

Never did Aidan dream they might be in this spot now. To say his feelings coming in were negative would be an understatement. He had hoped almost that he would hate her, and early on she had given him reason to, but then...this. She softened and let him in. In certain ways she was an innocent, even more a victim of this than he. He had given up his love, she had never been allowed to have one at all. It was as if a switch clicked in his mind, his heart, his soul. She wasn't the enemy, she was in need of protection, and once he understood that, the knight, the warrior, the champion came out.

Yet...that was just the beginning, that changed the tone and the feel of their situation, but it was her, the girl, that completed the metamorphisis. She was...and he could not deny it...BEAUTIFUL. In fact, even beyond his Kaennech, he had never encountered a more naturally appealing female. And now, unearthed, and naked before him, while his soul wanted to protect her, every other part of his being longed to ravage and enjoy her...and equally let her enjoy him!

Her hand closed around his cock and began stroking, he closed his eyes, moaning in delight and she listened and responded. What he liked she intensified, what he did not respond to, she stopped, and as her kisses moved from his lips to his neck and tentatively but intentionally started to travel down, he had no doubt of her focus and intent to please him.

He felt his body willingly give in and savor her advance, "Mmmm, that feels so good...yes, YES!" He encouraged. She continued down as delicous shock waves rolled through him with each tender kiss and tug. Finally she was all the way down, and he watched as she examined his cock, like some mystic puzzle she was not quite sure how to approach let alone solve. He moaned a deep and needy moan as she carressed and kissed the tip. He watched her tongue taste his precum, sampling it like a sommelier, he could only hope it was to her liking? She next licked it like a candy, and he smiled, nodding. "I like that, you are doing wonderfully!"

He was fighting every impulse to thrust and satisfy, take and enjoy, for he wanted her to feel in control, to know she could stop or start as she chose, but oh he hoped she continued....and she did! Now slowly her lips moved down his shaft, her tongue never dallying, as she teased him, and pleased him up and down. "You are very good....I can hardly believe I am your first....but I am so...so happy I am!"

The combination of her virtue, skill and tenderness was intoxicating and even if he would have tried, he found himself no longer thinking of the woman he had given up, as he was now hers...and he hoped, she equally his! Down, down she went, seemingly opening her throat as there was so much of him now inside her small, beautiful mouth. Her lips latched around, she mimicked the movements he had responded to with her hands, with that tantalizing addition of her curious and meandering tongue. "Oh my lady...you...you....are perfection...I cannot adequately express the pleasur....Mmmmmm......Ahhhhhh!!!!!"

His body moved in reaction to her manipulations, showing both his extreme pleasure and his desire for more and more. He had the most wonderful ache and throb, he felt himself twitching and knew the volume of his precum was no doubt copious, but she hopefully took it as his body's honest reaction to her new found talents.

He heard himself whimper as she stopped and sat up between his legs. He swallowed, almost desperate as he whispered, "Are you stopping?" He did not see reticence or retreat in her eyes, more a need for guidance. He smiled, "Ah...you have prepped me...well thank you...you have done an excellent job!" He reached down and pulled her on top of him, kissing her passionately as he pressed his body and slick hardness into her body as he pulled her closer.

"Are you ready for me to make love to you...." As he spoke he rolled her over and moved on top of her, his body now naturally between her legs, his hardness trapped between their abdomens. "...I want to, more than anything I want to, but once I do, this cannot be undone. You will be mine completely, claimed, and from this point forward I expect no other man will ever be encouraged...and I hope, you will want the same from me?"

He gave her one more deep kiss, tongues playing as he tasted a bit of himself as she likely did herself. He pushed himself up, and sat back on his heels, and then, holding his extremely hard and wanting cock in his hand, he slowly pressed and teased the velvety head, up and down her silken folds. He watched her eyes, her breathing, her everything. His eyes gazed into hers, his voice was soft yet commanding, "Are you ready Aldith, are you ready to be my love?"

 

[scarlettnuit]

She let out a small squeal of delight as Aidan pulled her entire body up from the floor and lifted her on top of him as if she weighed no more than a feather. She had enjoyed pleasuring him, enjoyed the power it seemed to give her over him. In those moments she could have asked for the moon and she was rather convinced he would have gotten it for her.

Being the cause of his pleasure delighted her. When he moaned softly and especially when he groaned low in his throat, she felt herself pulse with excitement. A man and a warrior he indeed was, but in these moments, as her hands and mouth pleased him, she felt more the warrior than he and it brought a smile to her lips, especially when he had whimpered.

When he asked if she was ready to make love, her heart began racing again with nerves. Why something so trivial should cause so much commotion among men, women, the church, and everything in between was beyond her. However, it was in many ways an end of her girlhood and the beginning of her womanhood, a point of no return.

“I became yours the moment the priest pronounced it so. It gives me comfort to know, at least in this, I have the choice to give myself to you and truly become your wife,” she paused for a moment, “there will be no getting rid of me after this, you’ve been fairly warned Sir,” she grinned at him wickedly.

As she chuckled low in her throat, she felt him enter her slowly. While it was a tight fit and there was a momentary pain, he had prepared her well and he was able to slide in with relative ease. She gasped and bit her lip as she felt herself completely filled for the first time. Her clit throbbed with the new sensation and goosebumps rose on her skin. He was kind enough to allow her to adjust to him before he moved again. When he did, she felt the same sensation she had felt for him mouth building again, but deeper inside of her than before.

Her eye opened wider with wonderment and pleasure that she hadn’t expected. The more they were able to move together, the more she moaned and she found her legs moving from their spread position to wrapping around his waist drawing him in deeper.

Her head turned to the side as she whimpered and moaned, her human mind lost to something more animalistic. Her hands fisted the sheets as she felt herself reaching the precipice of pleasure, and then moved to his back as her fingernails dug in slightly.

“Yes, yes! Please don’t stop!” she groaned as she bit onto his earlobe.

 

[Homerun2611]

He knew this had been arranged and not of her choosing, every bit as much as it had not been his. Yet, somehow, after throwing barbs and having a ceremony that had not even hinted of romance, somehow alone, in this bed, it was all changing, and all for the better. Aidan had thought he had promised his heart and although he had no intention to disgrace his wife or his family, he fully expected to lead a life forever regretting the one who he had lost, and instead he now was entirely captivated by the one who had been cast upon him.

He had begun to do what he thought was his duty, but slowly, as he peeled the layers and got to see the facets, one part innocence, one part spirit, one part fierce pride, one part soft and vulnerable, all parts absolutely beautiful. So at this moment, he knew he could have taken, it was his right, but....that was not him, never would be. His question had been for more than permission, it was for desire, that this time had resonated and made her rethink that perhaps an obligation might just be a blessing?

“I became yours the moment the priest pronounced it so. It gives me comfort to know, at least in this, I have the choice to give myself to you and truly become your wife,” she paused for a moment, “there will be no getting rid of me after this, you’ve been fairly warned Sir,” she grinned at him wickedly.

He smiled, right back, "Warning heard, challenge accepted!" Little did he know that their feelings would be the easy part, the part they actually needed to worry about was all the rest, the politics, the jealousies, the enemies, even the friends, but all that could wait.

She had quickly adapted to the pain, and rather than whimper and recede, she adjusted, accepted, and advanced. She was actually incredible, and he found himself in ecstasy as she spread, arched, moaned and then wrapped first her legs around him, and then dug her nails into his back! "Oh Aldith...oh...mmmm.....arrr...mmm....ohhh....gawdddd...yes, claw me, mark me...." As he used his core to grind and thrust, running his shaft up and along her clit, as her tightness gripped and took him as hers. Thrusting harder and harder he was lifting her completely up and off the bed, only to drive her back down ever more passionately.

He knew she was climbing that wonderful mountain with him, he hoped it had many plateaus, one followed by another and another! He reached down and gripped her hips, tilting her so he could go deeper. Her tightness gripped him and took him, but her wetness encouraged him and her vocals...Oh God! He was going to cum, paint her virgin womb, but he needed to get her there first, and so he held and held and held...until....he could hold no more...thankfully, she had let him know he could finally release...and release....and release....as every cell in his body responded to her in explosive perfection!

 

[scarlettnuit]

Aldith grabbed onto Aidan tightly as they both reached their peak. As she clung to him, their bodies joined together in ecstasy, she wondered why women had told her that laying with a man was such a chore. Her body finally relaxed as she panted to catch her breath. In the madness of their love making, she had felt animalistically free. However, as the pleasure receded, she started to feel shy again and wondered if she had been unladylike. She silently cursed her lack of knowledge.

She gave him a shy smile and moved so that he could lay beside her. She rolled onto her side with her back to him as she let her mind catch up with everything that had come to pass. Though her brain wanted to analyze everything, her body was tired from the long day and the immense pleasure she had just received and fell into a deep sleep.

When she awoke the next morning, there was a flurry of activity. She was awoken by her chamber maid and it took her a moment for her remember exactly where she was and why, but it soon came flooding back. A bath was set before the fire and she was happy to sink into it, her body sore from the consummation of their marriage. No sooner was she in the metal tub than the sheets were taken off the bed, bloodied and stained, and taken to be examined by a midwife. As if it all wasn’t embarrassing enough, now the whole world would know what had transpired during the previous night.

She was washed and dressed, her hair was braided down her back and was dressed in a green velvet dress and matching French hood. She made her way down to the great hall where, to her great embarrassment, hung their sheets. She turned almost as red as her hair as she moved towards the table to sit next to her husband.

She looked at him a moment and felt shy again. The last night seemed like a dream, had it not been for the soreness she now felt between her legs, she would question if it even happened. Had she been drunk? Had she responded appropriately? She sifted through these thoughts and feelings as men gave knowing smiles and glances to Aidan which only served to raise her ire.

She angrily grabbed some bread and cheese from the center charger and was given some watered wine. She daintily ate her bread and gave the death stare to anyone who came near her. Just as she thought about how she couldn’t wait to leave their sneering faces behind, it hit her that she would be leaving for a new home where she knew no one and, more than likely, everyone would hate her because of her family. A stone sat in her gut and she pushed her food away.

 

[Homerun2611]

How had this happened, how could he have been so wrong? He had thought he had loved another, Kaennech was firey, hot, hotter than hot. Their exchanges had been more like a fight, bright with passion, but low on intimacy. And it was in that insight he realized, he had not been in love, he had been in lust, reveled and enjoyed, but never, truly one! There were many adjectives to describe Kaennech, but soft, naive, and tender were not amongst them.

But his Aldith, and now, from this point and forever more, she would be his, and he hers and he would make sure no one ever questioned or put that in jeopardy, she was all the fire and passion, the cauldron of combusting gas of the brightest star, but she was also the lamb of the most pure and gentle fields. She was a woman for him to revel and explore the most exciting of lands, but she was also the tender soul who when she was in his arms, made all the world right, made him truly at peace, and ensured he wanted to be no other place, ever!

She was spectacular as she came to him, totally giving, totally free, letting herself go and simply enjoy every aspect of the joy that a man can uniquely give to a woman and she in return can give to him. Yet something changed quickly after they had so magically gone over the edge, and if he had one regret, it was after she had turned away, likely exhausted, and not slid up and let him hold her on top of him, her head on his chest. He would work on that, encourage her, for as much as he wanted to hold her, he wanted her to hold him. Let their bodies keep each other warm, the delicious sweetness of flesh against flesh.

She was almost immediately to sleep, and so he moved to his side and wrapped his strong arm over her, and pressed his naked, spent flesh against her and spooned her, as only the feel of her soft body up and down the length of his, allowed him to slip into peaceful and gentle slumber.

Aidan awoke before Aldith, he had long been trained to sleep little and awake at first dawn, a habit he hoped he might break. She was sleeping so sweetly, he did not have the heart to wake her, no matter how much he might long for morning's first kiss, or even, to rekindle more of the magic of their wedding night. They would have a full two plus days travel back to his castle and farm, and he needed to make sure that his men and travel group would be prepared to leave shortly after breakfast.

When he got up, he was still naked and he glimpsed himself in the mirror. He could easily see the mark of her teeth in his ear, and the claw marks on his neck and shoulder. He found the basin and quickly sponged off what he could, but the marks, he wore with pride. His woman, his wife was part angel, part hell cat, and he would not have wanted it any different. He looked at her once more as he slipped on his trousers and laced them up, and then his boots. He moved as quietly as he could to the bed, and he leaned over and softly kissed her cheek.

Down in the great hall, a hearty breakfast was brought to him, oatmeal, bacon, fresh breads, jam and coffee! He was famished, and again the activities that induced such hunger only made him smile. Apparently Aldith was now up, as it was with great fanfare that his wedding night sheets were unfurled to a great cheer by the primarily men in the room, one of the few exceptions being Kaennech. She sneared at the irony as Aidan's father bellowed out, "That's my boy! I hope that Ó Caoimháin bitch enjoyed the privelige of being claimed by an Ó Bradáin stud!" Suddenly half the room was poundig pewter mugs on tables while the other half was deathly silent.

Aidan tried to make amends, standing, "Thank you for raising and allowing me to enjoy the most beautiful flower in all the aisles!" This time it was the other half of the room who clamored, with only a few of Aidan's countrymen supporting. Kaennech found herself fingering the handle of the dagger she concealed in the waist ribbon of her dress. Aidan had not looked her in the eye, even though hers barely left his. When she did look away, it was to see her lover's bride come in, with a reddened face, full of embarrassment at the unfurled sheets.

Once Aldith had grabbed her food, she had sat down beside Aidan, but he was presently conferring with his top aide who was readying the horses, food and other provisions for their trip hom. Her chambermaid, leaned in and whispered in Aldith's ear, "It is barbaric!" Said her chambermaid, "Did he hurt you? Was it horrible? Are you okay?" She then saw the teeth marks in Aidan's ear, and the scratches on his neck. "Good, at least you gave him something back, tried to fight him off...Oh My Lady, I am so sorry you had to go through that...hopefully he will be done and you won't need to to that often! I can't imagine anything more horrible!"

Aidan couldn't wait to be done with the business, and it was then he turned and kissed his new bride on the cheek. It was his turn to whisper into the other ear, "You were spectacular last night, I do hope you were pleased, I hope this is just the first of a lifetime of moments we get to share like that...and in so many other ways...I have made sure we will have our own tent, and it will be discreetly positioned away from the others...assuming..." He did not finish, as suddenly there began a shoving match between an O' Caoimháin cousin of Aldith's and an Ó Bradáin uncle of Aidan's.

With the speed and agility of the warrior he was, Aidan was hurdling over the table sword drawn, as other soon moved to match him. Fighting was not his intent. "STOP!" He yelled, as he pushed the two apart. "My sword will meet the next to throw a punch, and I do not care, if it is an an O' Caoimháin or an Ó Bradáin!..." He looked toward Aldith, "Please my wife, come join me here..." and he beckoned her to join him in the center of the Hall for all to see!

 

[scarlettnuit]

The storm clouds in Aldith’s soul darkened and crashed as the crowds around her cheered and elbowed Aidan’s “accomplishment” the previous night. Her emerald eyes turned to the canvas of her shame briefly before clenching her jaw. Just as she thought it couldn’t get more insufferable, her maid had to chime in with her comments about the previous night, causing Aldith to give the woman a stare that sent the maid shirking back into the shadows.

She then looked towards Aidan. She could only imagine what he was thinking. The young buck having slayed his enemy’s dragon. She felt angry at herself for giving in so easily, for letting him into her with such reckless abandon. She cursed herself for having let it happen. It must have been the wine that allowed her to lower her defenses so significantly.

Just when she thought she could bare no more, Aidan turned and whispered to her about their night together and their traveling arrangements. Without thought her had slung back slapped him soundly across the face. The sound of her hand hitting his skin seemed to echo across the hall, causing it all to go deadly silent, though it had no effect on the shoving match that had begun between their relatives.

She marched towards the exit of the hall, wanting nothing more than to be relieved of all the bastards that now reveled in state of her now vanquished flower, and only stopped briefly as she heard Aidan call to her to stand next to him. She shot him an icy glare and then left them all to kill each other, for all she cared.

She walked around the inner bailey, past the various carts and horses that were being loaded for their departure, and into the outer bailey. She wished she could have been married at her home, at least then she could visit her horse Buttercup, and Delia, her old nurse, who had often comforted her as a child and beyond. Now she found herself amongst strangers, no familiar sounds or smells or people, save a very few.

She had just passed the granary when a strong hand grabbed her and pulled her behind the building. Before she knew what had happened, a strong slap moved across her face, causing her eyes to water. She looked up to see the angry face of her father glaring down at her.

“What do you think you’re doing girl! You KNOW the king has sanctioned this, and as much as we may not like it, you MUST be a good wife to that bastard!”

She looked up at the man who had ruled her life until now and began to feel the seeds of hatred. This man had cared little about her birth, other than the fact that she had not been a boy. She felt like she had spent her entire life trying to make this man proud of her, even agreed to give her life away, as much as this situation could be construed as an agreement, and here she was getting chastised.

“I have agreed to this, I have done EVERYTHING YOU’VE ASKED. I will be allowed a moment of respite from all the leering eyes and constant comments!” she shouted back before walking briskly away.

In that moment she couldn’t wait to leave. Leave her father, leave the wagging tongues, leave every bit of the whole affair behind. She bit the inside of her cheek to stop the tears that threatened to fall and looked for her maid to finish her packing.

Aldith made herself scarce until it was time to leave. She had been led to a carriage for the ride by one of the groomsmen. She raised her eyebrow and instead moved towards the huge black stallion saddled near the front of the procession. She managed to hike her slight frame up onto the beast and then gave Aidan the slightest of nods to indicate that she was ready to go, and with that, the part moved out of King Boru’s castle and onto the road that led to the Ó Bradáin lands, and indeed, her future.

 

[Homerun2611]

Not once, but TWICE. The first time, the slap. was infuriating and certainly embarrassing as Aiden clearly heard the whispers, gasps and laughter. Unfortunately Aiden's eyes caught his father's who mouth to him, "BITCH!" And as much as he wanted to be able to refute his father, Aldith's behavior made that difficult. Exactly why she had done this, made a spectacle and he look like a fool, he could not imagine? He was about to ask when the ruckus broke loose, was everyone going crazy? Tensions were obviously high, and the bliss that Aiden had awoken with had all but evaporated into the mornings activity.

This had to stop, Aidan had stepped in, drawing his daggar, ready to take action if necessary, but the men had backed down, and he had called to his wife, the woman he had made such sweet and meaningful love to, only hours before to stand by his side and make a statement for unity. Instead, for the SECOND time, she chose to not just ignore his request. She stopped and looked before turning, making it abundantly clear just how little she cared for her husband's request.

The irony of her behavior stung him deeply. For if she had she done as he asked, he was going to honor her publicly in a manner no man honored a woman. He had spontaneously thought of the speech, in front of all, he was prepared to take a knee, "O' Caoimháins I would like to thank you for providing me the sweetest and most beautiful flower, any garden ever grew. It is with honor I bend a knee to the unity of this marriage, and hope this can be the beginning of not just peace but true harmony between the O' Caoimháins and Ó Bradáins." and then he hoped to take her hand and kiss it, honoring his new wife.

HA! What a romantic he was, and now, all he felt was a cold chill where so strong a passion had burned moments before.

So, as she walked out, who was it that came to his aid, swallowing her pride, and putting Aiden's needs first....Cainnech! The woman he had so willingly cast aside to pledge fidelity and love to his bride. Suddenly he felt her by his side, her hand up on his shoulder, "What is the matter with you boys, look at what Aiden is willing to put up with to try to bring peace amongst our tribes..." She turned giving glance to where Aldith had just stormed out. "He is a man who could have had any woman here...." Again she stopped and watched as lass after lass looked down blushing at the handsome warrior who had once been Cainnech's lover and who she hoped would soon again grace her bed, "...if he is willing to put up with this, can't you all just keep peace for a bit."

While Aiden appreciated the gesture, it only highlighted the humiliation that Aldith had just, quite intentionally, administered. So, by the time they were about to leave, and once again he had to watch a most ungracious and unladylike display. Aiden watched out of the corner of his eye as she dismissed the kind manners of his cousin and good friend, Cian, only to walk to the front and choose to ride with the men, choosing the very horse that was Cian's own steed.

He could see the anger in his friend's eyes, and he was tempted to hop off his horse and pull her down, but he thought better of it, unlike his apparently ill bred wife, he would not make a scene in public. This was not the time or place. They traveled some distance, and Aiden decided to move at a good pace. He knew the stallion was far to broad for a woman to ride comfortably, and so at the pace of his movement, he made sure his lady would be regretting, or at least questioning, her choice.

After three hours of riding, the horses were in need of watering and rest, and Aiden pointed to a clearing near a stream, partially protected by a few large clusters of oak, wych elm and wild cherry trees. All through the morning he had occasionally looked over at Aldith, wondering if she would show any remorse or caring. By the time they stopped, Aiden was seriously wondering if last night had happened at all, for this was not the woman he had enjoyed and believed enjoyed him.

As they began to dismount, he watched as one of his men went to assist Aldith from the stallion, but one look from Aiden made the man back away. Aiden was getting off the steed, "The Lady apparently has her own mind as to what she wants, so let her be, she can manage herself!" The look he gave her was not the tender lover of last night, or the excited young groom of the morning, it was of a man who was feeling betrayed, and wondering what exactly he had married?

He had barely dismounted when he felt Caennech's arm loop within his guiding him away from his bride. She had watched the exchange and knew there was no better time than now to try to accelerate the fracture that appeared to be the intent of the foolish girl. Caennech was not stupid, she had seen the look in Aiden's eyes earlier in the great hall as Aldith walked in, the love, the devotion, she had felt it break her heart. But now, for whatever reason, the foolish bride had chosen to bate him, deny him, and that made her smile at new found opportunity.

"Come my Lord, it appears as if your bride would like some time to herself, my ladies are more than capable of providing you and the men the nourishment they need. We have a long trip back home...please come, I will make sure she is provided a good lunch." Aiden turned back toward Aldith, giving her a chance to say something, anything, but after a few moments he walked away. "Yes, please make sure she is provided for, we do have a long trip remaining, I am sure she must be hungry..." As he walked away he did not look back again, he couldn't...no matter how much he wanted to. She had made a fool of him not once, but twice, he would not give her the chance at a third!

 

[scarlettnuit]

The ride was long and hard, especially given that she was not in her riding clothes, as she hadn’t had the time to change between her father’s admonition, a moment she as reminded by as she felt the bruise rising on her jawline.

Despite the difficulty of the ride, she was glad to be away from the prying eyes of the court. She thought she might have missed home, but in these moments, she was glad that she wouldn’t have to see her father again for a very long time, and if she did, she would not be the proverbial Queen of her own castle. In that, she had to give thanks to Aidan for giving her an escape from the bastard’s keep.

Her eyes moved to Aidan who rode ahead of her. He had been kind last night, much kinder than any other man would have been. She wondered if she had overacted that morning, perhaps he had not wished to impose the embarrassment on her that the situation had produced. At any rate, the ride certainly had given her temper time to simmer down and make her rethink her actions. Had she been unfair?

When they stopped to rest and water the horses, she smiled at one of the men who looked to be coming over to help her from her steed. He was then directed to leave Aldith to her own devices. She shot Aidan a look and then closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath. She deserved that given her attitude before they left, however, she had been completely unaware that her mounting the steed had caused offense.

She threw her leg over the saddle, rolled to her stomach and held onto the pommel as she eased herself down with as much grace as the situation allowed, which wasn’t much. When she was finally on the ground, she straightened her dress and turned to look for Aidan, only to see another woman loop an arm through his, and then, incredulously, had the nerve to speak.

Aldith’s face, which she noted she need to learn to control, went from friendly to absolutely venomous as she looked Caennech down. It was so deadly that Aldith was slightly surprised that flaming arrows did not leave her emerald orbs and piece Caennech in the heart. She looked at Aidan once more, wanting to explain, to even apologize, but as he walked away with Caennech, it became clear to her that perhaps he was like all the others. Perhaps she had been too drunk on wine last night, and all the love and softness had been merely her imagination.

She turned and walked into the woods to meet the call of nature and then sat on the riverbank with a portion of bread and cheese and wine and watched Aidan and Caennech from a distance. She now remembered who the woman was and Aldith’s ire rose further. This woman would not be remaining with the household, come hell or high water. Aldith decided that while Aidan may not care for her, she would not have this person disturbing the peace of her household.

Soon everyone was packing up the horses to continue their journey. She knew it would be a good many hours before they stopped again and she was sore from riding, it had done nothing to sooth the ache between her legs from the previous night, a night now that seemed more like a dream. As everyone started to mount, she drew herself up to her full height and walked regally towards Aidan and the bitch on his arm.

“My lord, if it pleases you, I would like to continue the rest of the day’s journey in the carriage. While I wish to ride beside you, as your wife,” she said the last pointedly at Caennech before her gaze returned to Aidan, “I fear that last night has left me,” she started to blush as she looked down at her hands for a moment before looking at him again, “left me a bit tender.”

She waited for his approval and then walked to the carriage where she found her chambermaid happily nestled in. Having no desire for company, she sent the girl out to ride in one of the wagons and climbed in, arranging a few cushions to sit on so that she might be slightly more comfortable. The vehicle then lurched forward as the procession started moving again. She leaned against the side of the carriage and watched the scenery roll by. She felt cold and lonely, but she supposed that it was a feeling she was going to need to get used to.

Aldith woke with a start as the carriage stopped, having drifted off to sleep. She sat up and looked out the windows and noted that it must be late afternoon and that they must be stopping to make camp for the night. She slowly exited the carriage and stretched. The men were unloading the wagons and starting to build the tents. She took this time to walk out into the woods and crouched next to the stream she came upon, splashing water on her face. It was a beautiful spot to camp, she noted. The trees were thick and shady and would protect them against the storm that seemed to be brewing.

She stood and closed her eyes against the wind that gusted by. She had always loved the way the wind felt on her face, the way it blew her hair away from her neck and made her feel free. She smiled to herself and then walked back to the camp. When she returned, she walked into the tent that she presumed was for her and her husband.

Thick rugs covered the ground and bed covered with thick furs graced it’s center. Perhaps she would be able to talk to Aidan when he arrived, presuming that odious creature wasn’t with him.

 

[Homerun2611]

Aidan had allowed Caennech to pull him away, and as soon as he did, he regretted it. But then he remembered how his wife had chosen to deny him not once, but twice, and he decided some separation might be best for both of them. He had watched Aldith's eyes, looking for even the slightest bit of invitation and dare say it, Love, but instead he only saw an icy and cruel stare, which he could only assume was intended for him. By the time she looked back he had averted his gaze as the apparent hatred from the woman he had so recently made love to, was more painful then he could bare.

All through lunch he kept looking over to find his wife, off alone, brooding. He had kept a seat open beside him should she choose to join him, but once it became apparent she would not, he could not prevent Caennech from sitting next to him. "Aidan, I have brought some grapes, they are still your favorite aren't they?" She was smiling at him, knowing him so well, and then teasing him by holding the large, ripe grape out between her thumb and index finger. Twice she put it up by his lips only to pull it away, giggling. "Are you teasing me?" He smiled, enjoying the brief moment of mirth in the day that had turned so awfully wrong. "Me..." She then held the grape up, and fed him one, then another and finally a third. Each was more sweet and succulent than the last. "Oh My Lord, you know that I will play and have fun, but I will never deny you what you need."

Her eyes had the fire he remembered, and the forwardness caught him off guard. My God this was so confusing, the woman he wanted seemed to suddenly hate him, and the one he had so thoroughly betrayed, could not have been more inviting. "Thank you for the lunch and the fruit, I do appreciate it. I am sorry Caennech, you deserved better, so much better." She only smiled back and batted her lashes, "Remember that My Lord!"

Aiden had suffered in silence long enough, he was going to have he and Aldith take the lead and move out of direct earshot. He had to understand what had happened, or if last night was some odd mirage? He went to his mount and was about to get on his horse, but saw his bride walking toward him in a determined gate. He waited, having felt bad for his petulant response earlier, he would help her up onto her horse.

“My lord, if it pleases you, I would like to continue the rest of the day’s journey in the carriage. While I wish to ride beside you, as your wife, I fear that last night has left me, left me a bit tender.” Aiden could hardly believe his ears, he had taken such care, was she truly disparaging his abilities as a lover. Aiden heard Caennech's stifled chuckle. So now, for a third time, his wife had openly chosen to express her displeasure and lack of regard for their union. "Uh, yes, of course..." to the Gods he just wanted this moment to end before she suddenly said something even more disparaging.

As she walked away, Aiden felt Cainnech's hand softly, lovingly, pet his lower back. "My Lord, it is not you...TRUST ME...some women cannot fully appreciate the thrill of a glorious stallion between their legs...then again, you of course know, some women do...in fact they crave it!" With that she turned on her heel to go find her own carriage, but the message was clear, not only would she have never diparaged him, but she longed to feel him once again between her most tender folds!

Aiden started out as soon as he could and through the entire afternoon's ride, he spoke to no one, not a word, and his men, knowing their leader, knew that any attempt at conversation would be a mistake. Finally they reached their campsite. It was an area Aiden had used in the past and had specifically chosen for his new bride. The ride had given him time for his head to clear and he hoped the same for Aldith. A sentry had suddenly come from the East just after they had dismounted and Aiden and two of his top men stepped away to get the briefing. His men would set up he and Aldith's tent in a secluded spot down by the lake. It was a romantic spot and the view of the sunset over the lake was simply breathtaking.

However, when Aldith returned, she did not see the fine tent as it was purposefully secluded by a small grove of trees. The tent she assumed was theirs was in fact Caennech's. She had made sure her father had provided his tent complete with all its furnishings, just in case the Lord, her one and only lover, wanted to make an impromptu visit. Caennech had seen the look of the sentry and knew it was not good news. She kept to herself as the men met, and as soon as it broke she walked with Aiden, "What is it my Lord, isn't that the uniform of Darragh's Army?"

Aiden solemnly nodded. "Yes, Darragh is trapped at the North Sea Castle, supplies are being kept away by siege, I will need to leave in the morning with 50 of our men to help them." This had not been Aiden's plan at all, but he would not be joining his wife back at their home after all, she would need to settle on her own, and he would be back as soon as he could. "50 men and me! Do not think i will not join you, you know I am a better rider and swordsman than all but a small handful of this bunch, frankly only you. You will be undermanned, without your full army, and you will need the very best you can take from here."

She stood before him, forcing him to look her in the eye, knowing every word she spoke was the truth. Aiden was in no mood to fight her too. "Yes, fifty men and you..." Aiden mentioned three other women who could serve as cooks and nurses, and he and Cainnech made their plans for the next days departure. Before he knew it, they were at his tent. "Caennech, thank you...but here we must part...I need to talk to my wife." However, when Aiden went inside Aldith was nowhere to be seen, and before Caennech had even left, for she was in no hurry, he was back out. "She is not here...where is she?"

Cainnech left Aiden, for he was once again in a foul mood, and she could barely hold her delight at the source. "I will find her...but perhaps, you might consider..." She didn't finish, preferring that Aiden contemplate himself, other accommodations than a second night with his wife. Cainnech could not have been happier, and so as she headed for her tent, she almost wanted to thank the girl. Aldith seemed to want to sabotage her new marriage, even more than she did!

As she opened the flap to her tent, imagine her surprise to see young Aldith. "Do you wish to spend the night with me?" Caennech asked in a mocking tone, "I know that is not the choice I would make. However, if you do not want to spend the night with your husband, I'm sure he will arrange other accommodations, that may even be his preference at this point, or perhaps you can have his tent, and he will seek shelter elsewhere." She smiled and bit her lip, raising her brow. "But you cannot stay here, I need a good night's sleep if I am going to head out with he and some of his army tomorrow...but don't worry, I am sure he will arrange to have enough guards to get you and the others home safely....Now...on your way!" She opened the flap and pointed to the far grove of trees, "Aiden's tent is over there...or would you prefer I go there, and you stay here?" She laughed!