Kros Voyeh Ch. 26

Notes: 1) If you see this anywhere but Literotica, it isn't supposed to be there!

*****

Lislora tried to keep a pleasant expression on her face but it was difficult not to grit her teeth. Draeseth pressed her hand to his thigh under the table.

"Isonei has been kinder to me than I have deserved at times, your Majesty. The wording wasn't intended as a slight to her. She suggested it. We spoke of the-"

He waved his hand with annoyance.

"She suggested a proper marriage if one of these Arrangements is dissolved?" Kamrus Olauth sounded dubious.

Before she could answer, Draeseth did, "Yes. It was also her suggestion that Arrangements only be allowed to those marrying Arans to preserve Torgan traditions but that is something only my father could decide."

"Was she not the one who insisted on this imitation of marriage in the first place? She brought this perversion into Torga. Now she suggests proper marriage?" The sour look on the gaunt man's face made her feel unsettled.

"She was made to promise not to marry in the year between their festivals. She tried to think of a way around it because she loves me. That was why she first suggested the Arrangement."

"Why was it you had to press her into it?" King Orgath asked with a slightly snide tone. "If she was trying to find a way to offer you something like marriage? And why won't she give you another?"

It was Lislora's turn to press his hand reassuringly as his face darkened with embarrassment and his jaw clenched.

Kamrus Rimathe spoke up almost cheerfully, "Duchess Isonei is baffled that you would ask it of her at this time, your Majesty. A woman in mourning wouldn't marry, it would be pushed back. I was told that this Arrangement should have been postponed but she didn't feel it would be fair to his Highness and Duchess Lislora.

"Aran ways are peculiar and they should be shown better more wholesome ways to live but if the silver Duchess is any indication they are well worth the effort."

"She sees the value in Torgan ways. I credit young Hodrim for that." Gillaugrim spoke up with a faint smile.

"She has only praise for Halloc Aurim and the priests she's met as well." Rimathe looked deeply amused, "Duchess Isonei-"

"The rest of us should have been permitted to speak to the woman." Kamrus Olauth laid his fork next to his nearly untouched plate. "I suspect the woman of deception and of choosing who she speaks to carefully. All of the Kamruses should have been permitted to judge her character for themselves."

"Do you find her deceptive, Duchess Lislora?" King Orgath eyed her with a sharp smile. "You had some difficulty with the woman as I recall?"

She glanced up at Draeseth and saw the grim look on his face. He'd been willing to degrade himself and the Aran woman to regain his father's good graces but... She found she couldn't do the same. Isonei's kind, earnest words came to mind and she inclined her head.

"The difficulty was all on my part. I can be thoughtless and I've been sour in my condition. My husband's silver Duchess is unfailingly kind and I've never known her to lie." The memory of Isonei's odd behavior concerning the carcanet sprang to mind but she pushed it from her mind.

"She's incapable of it." Draeseth smiled faintly before adding, "But she'll hold her tongue on some matters."

"She has an expressive face," Adareth spoke up quickly. "Even in her grief, I could see she was truly pleased to see me looking well."

Burgath sipped his wine, "I'm not surprised. She worried over you as if she were our sister."

"She's a gentle and generous woman," her Majesty offered warmly, "without compromising her pride, and a welcome addition to my retinue. I would have expected you to bring home a woman of her quality, Burgath."

"I may still, Mother, most of her sisters are also in impressive Houses and all are reputed to be exquisite beauties according to her brother. Her sisters in House Iarmaris are Princess Daeira's cousins. Rogath might also look for a wife among them."

The eldest Prince inclined his head and smiled, "I may look. I was impressed by the way they view the adoption of children. An Aran woman would see no difference between my girls and the children she would give me."

"The father's House is most important to them." Draeseth relaxed next to her. "And they enjoy large families. It matters little who bore the child."

"A child is a joy." Burgath lifted his cup and his voice and many followed suit toasting the sentiment.

"What a pity she felt unable to join us." His Majesty leaned back in his seat and glanced toward a waiting servant. "I'm certain that as much as the generous little Duchess adores her family she wouldn't mind sharing more of her father's wine with us and our esteemed guests. Have it brought out."

"How much did he send?" Kamrus Gillaugrim looked as if he wished to argue but Draeseth lifted his hand and summoned a servant.

"Be certain a glass is sent to Duchess Isonei. She shares gladly but I would have her enjoy some of the wine."

The nervous man looked to the King and then quietly murmured, "Your Highness, it has already been poured. There was not enough. His Majesty ordered a glass sent to the Aran Lord instead."

"Send her mine." Lislora hissed to them both. "I don't need a glass of it."

"What is all of this whispering?" King Orgath sounded almost cheerful.

"My Torgan Duchess has ordered her glass of wine sent to Isonei. It seems when the wine was poured there was not enough to send my silver Duchess a glass." Draeseth spoke grimly.

The other Princes looked surprised but pleased and Burgath inclined his head slightly in approval.

"Nonsense. The little Duchess is in mourning and Burgath said she was so exhausted she's probably already asleep. You'll enjoy your glass, Duchess Lislora, and be able to tell her how pleasant it was in the morning." The sharp look his Majesty was giving her paired with his viciously cheerful smile was unnerving and all she could do was incline her head. "Good. I expect everyone to enjoy their glass."

Draeseth had returned to his sword straight posture and looked as though he could sour milk with a glance. Lislora tentatively placed her hand on his arm and gave it a squeeze.

"She will be pleased that we made the attempt." He put his hand over hers. "And I will find more of her father's wine for her."

Trays filled with the glasses were brought around with the desserts and most took theirs eagerly. She noticed, however, that Kamrus Rimathe refused his until Kamrus Gillaugrim spoke to him in a voice so quiet she could hear none of his words. After that, he took the glass grudgingly.

"It's sweeter than I usually prefer but pleasant." The King sipped his glass and eyed his sons who were dutifully sipping it as well.

Lislora took a sip as well and had to press the back of her hand to her mouth. The wine was sweet and had such a pronounced floral taste it was almost perfumed.

"It isn't to your taste, Duchess Lislora?" His Majesty's delight was clear in his tone.

"Rich wine doesn't always agree with women in her condition." Kamrus Gillaugrim offered carefully, "Duchess Isonei struggled with everything before her loss, I doubt any fault lies with the wine."

"It's undrinkable." Kamrus Olauth set his glass down with a look of distaste. "What grapes does the man use?"

"None. This wine is made solely of honey." Rimathe sipped his with a faint smile. "She pours smaller glasses and sips it slowly. I was told it pairs best with light hearts and good conversation."

"It shouldn't be called wine if no grapes are involved." Olauth eyed the glass as if it had offended him and it struck Lislora as amusing despite the roiling of her stomach.

"Let the woman leave the table," her Majesty spoke firmly but in a voice that barely carried down to them.

King Orgath waved his hand dismissively and Draeseth rose to help her stand, escorting her to the doorway where a baffled servant stood. "She's feeling ill."

In a rush, the man took her into the kitchen where she was no longer able to hold it in, grabbing for the closest basin like thing at hand, a tureen that had the remnants of soup still in it. It was a small miracle that she only got some of the vomit on the sleeve of her gown. Gharol was called for and her face was wiped with cold water, her mouth rinsed, and her sleeve cleaned as best as the woman could.

As she made her way back out Krouth was standing in front of the King bowing deeply, "Her Grace was feeling poorly and I believe Ximesra put the gifts in her bedchamber to make her-"

"Why were they not fetched from the chamber?" King Orgath scowled and leaned forward slightly.

"Her Grace is asleep." An expression Lislora couldn't place passed quickly across the man's face. "The men that were sent struck Ximesra on discovering she'd been drinking her Grace's wine. I did not want the Duchess to wake to such news. She was grieving when she was left in her chamber."

"No one is to strike my servants but me," Draeseth spoke in a low tone, his scowl rivaling his father's. "Nor do men enter my wife's chamber while she's in a state of undress."

"The Duchess sent for her father's wine?" King Orgath eyed the slim servant as if he were going to catch him in a lie.

"No, your Majesty. A glass was sent to Yornaith and he asked Ximesra to take it to her Grace. The Duchess had requested solitude for her meal and bath and for Ximesra to attend him. I observed them for propriety's sake."

"Ximesra drank the wine intended for my wife?" Draeseth's hand curled into a fist.

"Her Grace was asleep and allows her such freedoms." Krouth bowed again.

The King began to smile viciously. "Have the men I sent summoned. If we can't enjoy the sight of Isonei's charming Aran gifts, perhaps we can have a small bout. To allow you to punish the men who struck your servant, of course."

Lislora resumed her seat and started rubbing his arm, partly to help him calm and partly to ease her own nervousness. Her husband placed his hand over hers and stilled it.

"As it pleases you, Father."

The Kamruses had been silent until Kamrus Olauth spoke up curiously, "She encourages the servants to drink rich wine?"

"My wife shares food and drink with them on occasion. The Munian especially." Draeseth inclined his head. "I disapprove but if I'm not present her generosity goes unchecked."

"She may be sour with the woman on hearing it was the last of the wine," King Orgath sounded smug. "Sour enough to learn a lesson about sharing expensive wine with servants, I hope."

"She was rarely sour that I saw," Kamrus Rimathe spoke up cheerfully.

"She was sour with me," Gillaugrim's tone was dry but not displeased. "She is a woman who insists on respect."

"For herself and others." Rimathe inclined his head.

Lislora felt the flush creeping up her cheeks. Isonei had pointed out gently several times that the man was Torgan and not Lerian but she'd been disrespectful. The man had been posing as a servant and, unlike Isonei, she didn't make it a point to treat them with the same good manners she reserved for members of the nobility. She nearly opened her mouth to protest, but she swallowed the words that Isonei treated Kings and cooks very nearly the same.

"You wish to argue?" The King had noticed and gestured for her to speak.

"No, your Majesty I..." Taking a breath she inclined her head to Kamrus Rimathe, "I was taught never to apologize but perhaps there are times I should. I'm less comfortable with those who are not Torgan than Duchess Isonei." She hesitated and saw the part-Lerian's face darken, "She could see how Torgan you look because she'd seen Lerians. I had never seen one. I should have tried to be more respectful despite that, but I'd never heard good things about Lerians."

His expression softened slightly, "I understand. I hope you've come away from the experience with-"

His Majesty scoffed and made a dismissive gesture, "Will you all be remaining for the after-dinner bout? It may be best to move the table aside."

"I think we can retire for the evening." Kamrus Gillaugrim rose from his seat and most of the other Kamruses did as well. "There is no sport in discipline."

Olauth remained seated. When the other priests had left he rose and inclined his head to the King before moving to stand behind the nobles at the other table. As the table was being cleared in preparation for its relocation Krouth returned with three guards.

The slim servant remained by the doors and the trio approached with some trepidation. All bowed deeply before one spoke in a rush.

"Your Majesty, we meant no offense. The mouthy little harlot-"

"Ximesra is a respected maid now." The King leaned forward with a smug smile. "If only by her Master and Mistress. Which of you struck her?"

The one who'd been speaking looked ill as his comrades stepped back leaving him standing alone. "Abilim held her in place."

The one who must have been Abilim hissed something indistinct that involved Mezaldir's cock and then addressed the King, "I wasn't holding her to be struck, your Majesty. I took hold of her when she called for more servants. Her drinking the wine wasn't a concern to me. Kevelough struck her before I realized he intended to."

"No one strikes Prince Draeseth's servants but Prince Draeseth. I believe they still use the tsethartdet in the Kroscur. It hasn't been used here in years, but since your discipline has been given over to his Highness..." King Orgath paused as the ill-looking guard turned to offer a low bow to Draeseth and added smugly, "We will all enjoy a small bout to end the meal."

Lislora hadn't realized she was gripping her husband's arm until he gently pried her hand away and stood. The servants who were beginning to move the table shrank back as the dour Prince stalked passed them.

"No one is to intervene-"

The King had barely begun giving the rules for the bout when the guard drew a dagger and lunged toward Draeseth. Catching his arm and wrenching it back with a sharp movement, the man didn't have time to scream out before Draeseth's rain of blows fell on him. He crumpled to the ground and his arm fell awkwardly as it was released.

For a moment the only sound was the wet, pitiful groaning from the beaten guard.

"That was hardly a bout. Perhaps you should have begun with 'no weapons are to be drawn', Father? I would have drawn it out if he hadn't waved a dagger at me." Draeseth rolled his shoulders back and his brothers broke into laughter.

"You could have thrashed him with your hands tied, brother." Rogath grinned as he rose and came around the table to clasp his brother's arm. "We'd have to have a melee of our own to give you a challenge."

"He's lucky his head is still attached." Ougath leaned back in his chair and finished his glass of wine. "I remember watching that bout years ago."

"Everyone who saw it remembers watching it." Burgath was smiling coolly but Lislora noticed the way his eyes strayed to Kamrus Olauth and then to the King.

"Let us hope that this disappointing end to our evening doesn't bode the same for my son and his new wife." His Majesty rose with a sly smile as the nobles laughed at his jest.

She tried to will her face not to flush but was certain she was failing miserably. Burgath rose from his seat and came to escort her to where Draeseth still stood speaking to Rogath. As the elder brother stepped away, the younger Prince put on an insincere smile and clasped Draeseth's arm.

"Make certain that the servants don't leave Isonei alone again. I'm concerned about why Olauth is lingering." His tone was low and the smile didn't move from his face, anyone at a distance might have thought he was wishing them well.

Her husband smiled grimly, "I will keep your words in mind."

°°°°°°°°°°

Finally safe inside their rooms once more, Lislora felt absolutely exhausted. This was supposed to be her wedding night and all she wanted to do was crawl into bed and hold onto her husband until morning. The feeling that she would be disappointing him if she did, made her want to hide under the covers without even getting undressed.

"Is something wrong, your Grace?" Gharol peered at her in the mirror as the Kroscur carcanet was removed.

"I feel tired. It feels as if this has been a wretchedly long day."

"You've been unwell today, your Grace, and it-" the maid fell silent as Draeseth entered the room.

"I will help my wife undress. Krouth wishes to speak to you."

"As your Highness pleases." The Karisian dropped into a curtsy and hurried out.

He placed a small round container on the vanity and began unpinning her hair. "I know you desire a wedding night, my Kros Voyeh, but I worry you may not enjoy it as tired and sour as we both are."

"It feels as if it's been such a long day." She turned in her seat to look up at him, "You aren't disappointed? I wanted my wedding night but I'm..."

His face broke into an almost shy smile that pulled at his split lip. "I understand. I intended to give you a wedding night that would send you into a blissful sleep and make you wake joyful and eager for more... I would prefer to wait than to give you a less perfect night."

"The bruises on your face are already looking better."

"They'll look better still when you apply the salve as you promised Isonei." He smiled again and pulled her out of her seat. "I tease her for making me soft but I do enjoy the coddling. I know that she loves me and worries for me when she aches to kiss every bruise and see them covered in salve."

Taking his face in her hands she studied it with a small smile, "I don't want you to feel that I doubt your skill or your strength, but I do worry over you the same way. You won't be upset with me if I do the same?"

He made a soft amused sound in his throat. "I noticed you were clinging to my arm as if you thought I would get a bruise in the bout Father arranged."

"You weren't wearing armor and he was a guard. I expected him to have some skill-" She stopped and couldn't help but smile as Draeseth broke into laughter.

"My flower, I've been thrashing better men since I was a boy."

"And I prayed to Ganas that you would be safe and your father wouldn't let you come to harm every time you were sent to the Thoncur."

Draeseth pressed his forehead to hers, "He has blessed me more than I could have ever imagined or ever deserved."

"Help me undress and then I can kiss all of your bruises and apply the salve. Even if we aren't in the mood for more I want to do that, my joy."

"All of them?" He'd begun to flush faintly, tugging at the fasteners of her overdress. "You make me wish that Adareth had landed a few good blows lower than he did."

"Husband, there won't be any more Aran kisses for either of us until I'm certain we won't be interrupted. Safe at home seems wisest."

The annoyed sound he made as he helped her out of her overdress and began unfastening her underlayers made her arch a brow. "I will block the door, next time, woman. We will not be interrupted." He stripped her to her chemise and then strode purposefully from the bedroom, returning with two heavy chairs that barely fit through the door. "If my Kros Voyeh wishes to kiss me in our bedchamber she may do so, no matter where she wishes to put her lips."

She tried not to laugh as Draeseth closed the door and barricaded it before he finished undressing himself and sat on the edge of the bed with his legs spread wide. He pointed to the small round container on the vanity as she glanced around for the salve. Standing in front of him in her long chemise, Lislora tried to ignore the way his cock had begun to stiffen.

"What happened to not being in the mood?" She gave him a pointed look but she was amused despite herself.

He flushed slightly, "I'm always in the mood for an Aran kiss with my wife."