The King & His Queen (Pict King Series Book 3) Read online

  Talon laughed, his hands going to her backside and giving it a squeeze. “No. I did not want my personal guards to be embarrassed when you eluded them.”

  Her smile softened while concern grew strong in her eyes. “Talon—”

  He silenced her with a kiss. “The only words I want to hear is that you cannot wait to couple with me.”

  She turned a feigned pout on him. “I have been eager to couple with you since you disappointed me in the High Council Chambers.”

  “Disappointed you?” he asked as if he did not quite believe her remark.

  She tugged playfully at his ear with her teeth before whispering, “You sent me away when I was aching for you.”

  A shudder ran through him and his desire spiraled. “I will never send you away again.”

  “I have your word on that?” she asked.

  Her voice was not only filled with desperation but so were her eyes. “Aye, you have my word. Never will I send you away. Never. Doubt rose in her eyes and it troubled him.

  He went to move away from her and she reached out to stop him, but his arm never left her waist. He reached out to open the door.

  “Tilden, come in here,” he ordered.

  Hemera’s brow puckered, wondering why he would order Tilden inside.

  “My King,” Tilden said with a nod and shut the door.

  Talon’s tone turned solemn. “You are to witness us exchange vows and know this night Hemera became my queen. If anything should happen on the morrow to delay or prevent the ceremony, you will verify that Hemera is already my queen.”

  “I would be honored, my King,” Tilden said, his chest expanding with pride.

  Talon smiled when he saw that Hemera looked too stunned to speak. “You will need your voice for this.”

  His teasing tone and that he would make her his queen this night with only Tilden as witness thrilled her beyond reason. “My voice will ring clear for I am honored to speak my vows with you in this humble dwelling.”

  Talon walked her over by the fire pit.

  Tilden stood on the opposite side and his pride swelled even more as he watched the King take hands with Hemera as the flames danced brightly before them as if joyous to witness this special moment.

  Standing close, their bodies whispering against each other, Talon held her two hands in his. “Hemera, you have my heart. It belongs to you and always will. As King of the Picts, I proclaim you my queen from this moment to forever. Tuahna, my wife, tuahna.”

  Tilden’s gasp was soft, but Hemera heard it along with her own. Never did she expect Talon to speak that word in front of another. It was not something that was done, but then neither was him claiming her queen forever. It meant their vows could never be dissolved. With him doing that, her heart surrendered to him completely.

  “My King, I give you my heart freely and forever. I am honored to be your queen and accept all that is expected of me. I will serve you well and I will always stand by your side, from this moment to forever. Tuahna, my husband, tuahna.”

  Talon lowered his lips to hers, their kiss sealing their vows and binding them together forever.

  Talon turned to Tilden. “You are witness that Hemera is now my queen.”

  “Aye, my King, and I am proud to have witnessed the exchange and I am proud to be the first to say,” —he turned to Hemera—“I am here to serve you, my Queen.” He took a step back. “I will make certain you are not disturbed, my King.” He turned to Hemera again. “My Queen.”

  Hemera continued to stare at the door after Tilden closed it. She was truly queen?

  “You are Queen,” Talon confirmed, knowing her thought. And it will be your last night in this dwelling, our last time here.”

  Sadness had her frowning. “I will miss this place. It was home to me after too long of not having one. I planted my garden and looked forward to seeing it flourish and grow and enjoy harvesting it.” She stared for a moment, then a soft smile surfaced, chasing away her sadness. “You are my home now.” She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. “You have planted a seed that will flourish, grow, and live on.”

  He pressed his hand firmly against her. “I plan on planting many seeds inside you and see them flourish.” He brought his lips to hers and kissed her.

  His lips never felt so good to Hemera. It was as if he kissed her for the first time and he actually did, for this was their first true kiss as husband and wife. It sealed their union, bound them together just as their vows had done, just as their coupling this night would do.

  He scooped her up in his arms. “Now you become my wife and nothing will ever be able to break the bonds we seal here this night.”

  Please. Please let it be so, she silently pleaded.

  When he placed her on her feet next to the sleeping pallet, neither of them wasted time in stripping the other of their garments. Once done, they stood naked in front of each other and Talon’s fingertips began to lightly roam over her like a feather teasing the flesh.

  “Your skin is so smooth and soft, I so enjoy touching you.” When his fingers grazed her middle, he reached for her hand and sat down on the sleeping pallet to ease her between his slightly spread legs. He pressed his face to her stomach and gave it a tender kiss. “I cannot wait to feel him move inside you.”

  Hemera cupped the back of his head with her two hands, cherishing this moment he paid homage to their unborn child.

  “I never thought this day would come,” —he raised his head to look up at her— “then I met you, a woman different from others, a woman who challenged me like no other, and a woman more perfect for me than I ever imagined... my queen and the mother of my child.” He pressed his lips against her stomach, holding them there as if waiting for his kiss to penetrate her flesh and reach his child.

  She seared this moment in her memory, never wanting to forget it and gasped when she felt his fingers make their way between her legs. He stroked her ever so gently and her hands fell off the back of his head to rest on his shoulders—not rest—more grip his strong shoulders. Grip them, she did, especially when his thumb slipped over her thatch of fiery red hair to find the tiny nub that was already sensitive to his touch.

  Her legs lost their strength as he teased it and when his tongue replaced his thumb, her legs almost crumpled, but his firm hands cupping her backside kept her on her feet. She dropped her head back and she moaned, enjoying what his wickedly talented tongue was doing to her.

  She would not last long if he continued on like this. “Talon, please,” she begged and he paid her no mind. “I am going to come.”

  He stopped and glanced up at her. “Aye, many times this night.”

  Hemera dug her fingers into his shoulders so hard, she thought he would yell out in pain, but he uttered not a sound. He continued enjoying her, continued bringing her pleasure until finally she cried out, feeling everything shatter around her in a climax that left her unable to stand.

  Talon scooped her up and laid her on the sleeping pallet. He spread her legs and dropped down over her, his manhood slipping inside her and fitting them together as one. He teased her toward another climax, but held back on his own. He did not want this to go too fast. He wanted this night filled with pleasurable memories for them both.

  He brought his head down near her breast and flicked at her nipple with the tip of his tongue, causing the puckered nub to pucker even more. It also caused Hemera to buck against him, taking him deeper inside her and if he was not careful he would climax sooner than he planned to.

  “Come with me,” she said, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck and forced his lips to meet hers. She fed on him, hungry for his taste, eager to have his tongue delve into her mouth as his manhood continued to delve into her. Instinct took over and she wrapped her legs around him, locking her to him firmly. She wanted to feel his climax and have it feed her own.

  “Not yet,” he warned and tried to break free of her, but her passion had grown her strength and he could not escape her.

&
nbsp; “Please,” she begged.

  Her plea was like a passionate poke that sent an explosive wave rushing through him. He burst in a climax that had him dropping his head back as a lingering moan spewed from his lips, intensifying his climax that seemed to go on forever.

  Hemera joined him, her climax feeling like a mighty wave that descended upon her, engulfing her with pure pleasure, until she shuddered with the last of it.

  Talon eased himself off her, covering them quickly with the blanket and tucked her against him. “The pup kept you away from me too long. We have lost time to make up for.”

  Hemera chuckled. “Then you best get some sleep so you have the stamina to last.”

  “You think you can outlast me?” he asked with a chuckle of his own.

  “We shall see, my King.”

  He took hold of her chin. “I prefer my name on your lips when we are alone.”

  “Is that all you prefer on my lips when we are alone?” she asked with a wickedly innocent smile.

  He squeezed her chin. “We shall see where I want your lips later, for now we rest some.” Her yawn confirmed his wise decision.

  “A short nap, for we must make certain our vows are consummated over and over so that no one can refute our marriage.” His warm body had her snuggling even closer against him and his arms closed tighter around her. She could sleep now. She was finally home where she belonged.

  He wondered over her worry that they would be separated or that somehow she would be taken from him. It was one of the reasons he had exchanged vows with her. Once their vows had been spoken, they were bound to each other, nothing could break their joining. So, what did she fear?

  Haggard’s arrival? Did she think he would come here to demand a slave be returned to him?

  He shook his head. That was foolish and Hemera was far from a fool. What then disturbed her?

  He felt his eyes grow heavy, the comfort of her safe in his arms, lolling him to sleep, and he surrendered to it.

  Hemera woke him, her lips nowhere near his mouth and he quickly took control of the situation. If he had not, it would have been over quickly. Afterwards, they slept again.

  Talon woke Hemera the next time and they took it slow and easy, sleep claiming them fast when they were done.

  They both woke together the third time and they both yawned together as well. They laughed, settled in each other’s arms and went back to sleep.

  A rap at the door woke them next. “My King, dawn is about to break,” Tilden called out.

  Talon hurried off the sleeping pallet and into his garments, worried if he lingered he would not take his leave until well after dawn.

  He leaned over the sleeping pallet and kissed her quickly. “From tonight on it is our sleeping pallet we share.” He kissed her again. “I look forward to exchanging our vows again. Until later... tuahna.”

  She whispered the same in return and watched him leave the dwelling. Her heart soared with such joy that she thought it would burst. She was happy, truly happy, and it frightened her.

  Talon could not keep his mind off his wife. He had stopped himself from smiling several times after making his way out of his sleeping chamber, as if he had been there all night, and down to the feasting hall. Not that many paid him heed. They were too busy preparing the hall for the celebration.

  He was about to slip off to his High Council Chambers to escape the chaos when the doors opened and in strode his uncle Egot. He was a good-sized man, thick and solid in body. He kept his hair shorn so that the drawings that marked the top of his head and ran down the sides of his face could be seen clearly. His features were good even with wrinkles that dug deep at the corners of his eyes.

  Egot’s boisterous voice echoed in the room. “You will take a queen today and I was not informed about it?” He stopped in front of Talon and bowed his head. “My King.”

  “For good reason,” Talon said and stepped forward, his arms going around the man. “It is good to see you, Uncle, and I am pleased you will be here for the ceremony.”

  Egot gave his nephew a tight hug, then stepped back and resumed his show of respect. “As am I. Who is this fine woman who will be your queen?”

  “Hemera, Verity’s sister.”

  “She is the one Minn told me about. By the way, Minn tagged along with us, having been on her way here. This woman, is she not slow-minded? Or so says wagging tongues.” Egot said, concern in his tone and his eyes turning wide with surprise when the King smiled. Egot could not remember when last he saw his nephew smile.

  “Believe me when I say she is far from slow-minded,” Talon said.

  Egot grinned, hearing the pride in Talon’s voice. “I cannot wait to meet her.”

  The doors burst open again and Gelhard entered, shaking his head and hurrying over to Talon. “Dalmeny and his warriors are not far off. He will arrive here just before the ceremony. That means more people than expected.”

  “That is good, more people to help celebrate this happy occasion,” Egot said.

  The door burst open again and a warrior rushed in and over to Talon. He gave a hasty nod of his head and hurried to say, “The troop of Northmen draw near..”

  Chapter 31

  Hemera was relieved that she and Talon had exchanged vows last night. No matter what this day brought, nothing could change that they were bound together as husband and wife. She stretched herself off her sleeping pallet, having slept far later than she had intended. She was surprised Verity or Anin had not woken her by now. They were to help her get ready for the ceremony.

  A shudder ran through her along with a pinch of fear when she stood. She snatched up her garment and slipped into it just as the door opened and Verity entered, more than a pinch of fear on her face.

  “Haggard and his men arrive this day.” Verity took a breath. “The King has ordered the ceremony to take place earlier than planned. His uncle Egot and his wife Ethra arrived unexpectedly as well as Dalmeny Chieftain of the Imray Tribe with several of his warriors. I have met them before when Wrath and I had gone in search of you. They appear to be good people and loyal to the King.”

  “Is Minn with them?” Hemera liked Minn when they had met. She was a skilled warrior, though more importantly she was from the Alpin Tribe, the last of the Alpin, or so she had thought until she met Hemera and Verity.

  “Minn came with Egot, having been on her way here. It will be good to see her again,” Verity said. “Her warrior skills would prove beneficial if necessary.”

  “If Haggard intended to attack the Picts he would have attacked as soon as he landed on Pict soil. His intention is not war. His intention is—”

  The door opened and a swirl of wind hurried Anin in, rushing past her to embrace Hemera.

  Be watchful.

  The soft whispered warning shivered Hemera.

  “That wind came out of nowhere,” Anin said, settling her cloak around her and shaking her head when she looked at Hemera. “You must hurry and get ready. The villagers already begin to gather outside the feasting hall. Meats are cooking on the spits and brews are flowing freely. And the heavens smile down with sunshine.”

  Hemera wanted to believe all was good, but the wind had told her differently.

  Verity and Anin helped her wash and get ready, fussing over her like two loving sisters and when they stepped back away from her to have a look, tears pooled in their eyes.

  “You are beautiful,” Verity said, wiping away the tear that had escaped.

  Hemera ran her hand over the soft green tunic that draped gently over the long, pale yellow shift. They were lovely garments even her foot-coverings were newly crafted, all fit for a queen.

  Verity had fashioned a forest crown for her, the kind she and her sister had once made when they had been no more than wee lassies. It nestled comfortably in her wild red curls atop her head.

  “Are you ready?” Verity asked.

  Was she? Was she truly ready to face not only her future but her past? She had to or she would lose Talon
and that terrified her more than anything.

  Hemera smiled, courage taking hold of her. “I am ready.”

  Stay strong. This is your destiny.

  Hemera had never heard the voice so strong in her head and it gave her more courage to face the task ahead.

  “I was thinking,” Anin said as she draped a cloak over Hemera’s shoulders. “I could touch some of the unfamiliar people in attendance and see what I learn.”

  “No!” Hemera snapped, startling the two women and herself, for she sounded like a queen issuing an order. She shook her head and softened her tone. “You could put yourself and your bairn in danger if you do that. Do not take such a chance.”

  “Hemera is right,” Verity agreed. “It is much too dangerous.”

  “Talon is a wise King and one who will not take chances with his people. I would not be surprised if he has plans no one knows about, except perhaps Paine and Wrath,” Hemera said. “Besides, you had seen what was to be between me and Talon. You must know other future events as well. Does peace not prevail?”

  “I have not seen that far beyond. I see the immediate present and perhaps a bit more, and I feel what others feel, but the future is not mine to see.”

  Hemera smiled. “That can mean only one thing... the future is ours to make.”

  The three women laughed as they walked off, it soon turning to talk as several of the King’s warriors followed their every step.

  “It is wonderful news that greets me, my King,” Dalmeny said with a nod to King Talon. “And glad I am to be here to witness it.”

  “I am pleased to have you here, Dalmeny. You fought bravely during our struggles to unite the tribes and you continue to serve me well,” Talon praised the large warrior. He was a hulk of a man more in width than height and the few scars marring his fine features told the tale of his courage. His long dark hair was braided thickly at the sides of his head.

  “I would give my life for the Picts.” Dalmeny lowered his deep voice that sounded as if it rumbled in his chest. “I have yet to have any success in discovering who leads your opposition and aligns himself with the Northmen.”