She was almost ready to close her eyes and try to take a nap when Draeseth entered the bedroom. He was completely naked and it took a moment for her to lift her eyes enough to see the grin on his freshly shaven face and to notice that his hair had been trimmed as well.

"The barber is gone, I have moved chairs in front of the door, my flower and I'll do the same to our bedroom door if it means you'll let me apologize properly for leaving while you were injured."

With both of the doors blocked... she blushed as she contemplated it with more eagerness than a decent woman should.

He closed the door firmly and moved the room's heavy chair in front of it. "We will not be interrupted. I will kiss every curve of your body and revel in the joyful sounds of your pleasure. " Draeseth tugged the belt of her robe open as she stood to offer him a one-armed embrace. "My wife, my Kros Voyeh..."

Kissing her deeply, he ran his hands over her skin and the bindings keeping her injured arm in place. He laid her carefully back onto the bed and trailed gentle kisses down her neck and across her good shoulder down to her breasts.

Her face flushed as she brought her hand to his cheek and drew him back up into a kiss, murmuring as she broke it, "My Prince, I've been dreaming of your biting kisses-"

Draeseth broke into laughter and began again, kissing her hungrily and making his way down with the rough kisses that made her toes curl, using them as punctuation for his teasing words, "Woman, I was told to be gentle with you but I'll give you anything you desire even if they scold me for my roughness."

"My joy," she curled the fingers of her hand in his hair as he made his way back to her breasts and began to nip and suckle, "I won't let them scold you."

Lislora couldn't help but wrap her legs around him as he settled on top of her making sounds of delight as he held her breasts and pressed his face into them. When he began to kiss his way lower she didn't protest. The Aran kiss he enjoyed giving was lewd but... the horrible feeling of needing to move in his grip as he held her hips in place and groaned into her folds, his teasing tongue moving slowly as if he were savoring the taste.

"My joy! Husband!" She tried to grip him with her thighs as he slipped his fingers inside her. The unbearable sensations made her thighs tense and tremble until the wonderful, horrible, increasing pressure broke and made her wail at the relief and release of it, her body going limp and the peculiar feeling of warmth and coolness washed over her.

He lifted his head with a grin, "Woman, you're so ready for me I could think you were practicing with your hands."

Her mouth dropped open as she gave him an incredulous look. "You-" she gave him a light kick and he broke into laughter pulling her less than gently to the edge of the bed.

"Don't kick your husband, even if he teases you." Draeseth bent and kissed her deeply letting her taste herself on his lips as he pushed inside.

The feeling of him entering, as she gazed up at his almost wicked smile left her unable to speak. Sounds of pleasure from them both filled the room and she tried to remember to squeeze him inside but it was all she could do to remember how to breathe as he thrust so deeply.

His fingers moved to the wretchedly sensitive spot he seemed to find with ease and pressed as he groaned, "Woman, give your husband..."

She didn't hear the rest, blood was rushing in her ears and the sound he drew out of her as what felt like every muscle in her body tensed before the release drowned him out. Lislora panted as he stilled, pressing deeply and massaging her hips.

"My Kros Voyeh... you are perfection. I have been aching to be between your thighs since you defended my nieces."

"Thank Ganas you've finally stopped worrying so much." Lislora laughed as he pulled out of her and dragged her up onto the pillows like a large doll. "I was worried I would have to scold you to get a wedding night."

The flatly annoyed look on his face might have made someone else flinch but she noticed the way his dark eyes were glittering with amusement. He climbed onto the bed and pulled her close.

"You'll get your wedding night, woman. I'll give you one that will please you so well you'll never think of scolding me again."

She laughed as he kissed and nipped at her neck. Stopping in surprise as he pressed more gentle kisses to her wrapped shoulder.

"Ganas has blessed me with a wife better than I could deserve. Everything I have ever wanted or needed, in one woman."

Her face flushed at the look of pride and desire on his face as he gently turned her to put himself over her.

"You are all I want, husband. All I could ever want."

°°°°°°°°°

The small wedding ceremony had been followed by the traditional prayers and Hodrim's official adoption. Draeseth's brothers were in attendance, and his nieces, but not the Queen. Lord Krouth and a handful of newly raised Lords her husband had spoken for, including the newly raised Duke Gwaed were present as well.

As Gharol helped her to change from the gown she'd worn for the wedding, a fine, modest, dark green gown with black and gold embellishments that had belonged to Draeseth's mother, into one of her own lighter, less elaborate but more in fashion green gowns for the dinner, she felt almost giddy.

"My Duchess?" Draeseth grinned at her as he entered to change into a tunic with green embroidered vines. "You look as flushed and joyful as you do after you've found your release on my cock."

Feeling her cheeks heating as Gharol hurried out, she narrowed her eyes and gave him a stern look. He broke into loud laughter.

"That is lewd! I'm happy, husband. I don't think I've ever been so happy and you're being lewd!"

He rounded the bed and still grinning gave her a deep, breathtaking kiss. "I enjoy teasing you, my flower. Never in my life have I felt so light or so joyful."

The words made her melt and her belly flutter. She caressed his face with her good hand. "My joy..."

"I have plans for our wedding night, woman. Krouth agreed to take Hodrim for the night and watch over him. He will arrange our return to the Kroscur for the coming week as well." Pulling her close he began to cover her face in gentle kisses.

"Change your tunic, husband. I want to go to dinner and come back to our rooms." She smiled up at him, laughing as he flushed and grinned again.

"As it pleases my Duchess." He gave her another lingering kiss and made a peculiar sound. "I want you to wear the Kroscur carcanet to dinner, my flower. You are the Duchess of Kroscur and I want you to have it."

"I'll wear it proudly, my Prince." She kissed him sweetly and then gave him a pointed look, "Now get dressed!"

A wicked grin broke over his face and he lifted her up depositing her on the bed as he began unfastening his pants, "Woman, I give the commands-"

A knock on the door frame made him turn with a sour look. Burgath was leaning in the doorway with a sly smile so much like his father's it made her shiver.

"I wanted to speak to you before dinner, brother. I know I won't have the chance afterward and probably not for another day at least."

Scowling, Draeseth closed his pants and moved to where his tunic had been laid out. "Speak."

"Forgive me for the interruption, Duchess." The look the younger Prince gave her made her flush as she stood and smoothed her gown as best she could with one arm.

"Brother," her husband's low almost threatening tone made her belly flutter.

Burgath cleared his throat. "I was told you intend to go back to the Kroscur as soon as possible. I was hoping you would wait. I've been trading letters with the Dagas already and any aid or agreement will involve some form of restitution on your part."

"They want to be paid?" Lislora gave him a hard look. "We sent-"

"They don't want gold. I think they want a period of service. Lothlaerith and Liadith are still discussing who it should be offered to."

"Out of the question." She stepped forward, drawing herself up and her husband wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"This is a matter to be discussed another time, brother. I will abide by what my King decides is fair and I intend to take my wife home. We will see you at dinner."

The firmness of his tone was comforting and Burgath inclined his head with an annoyed look before leaving.

"Your brother wouldn't send you."

Draeseth frowned at the empty doorway. "If there is no other choice he may. Liadith seemed to be a good man-"

"They're demons!"

"I'm no longer certain of that, my flower." He guided her to the vanity seat and caressed her neck as she sat. "I spoke to Gwaed of the occurrences. He pointed out that if they were demons they would have turned the Phaethians back at the gate when the invasion occurred or we would have tales of demonic battles from our quarrels with them. We have nothing of the kind.

"He told me of the Phaethian charlatans performing their rites, casting out ill spirits and speaking to the dead. There are tricks they use to strike fear in those who believe. I suspect the priests of Ganas have begun learning them."

"Kamrus Olauth was rumored to have spoken with some of them." She looked in the mirror at her arm bound to her side, feeling a little guilty about thinking ill of the priesthood.

He snorted, "Olauth was rumored to have done far more than that but I will spare you the details, my flower. I believe Ganas has blessed me, and I believe he will not allow me to be sent to my death in Leria if I should be called on to go, but I no longer believe the priesthood is as pure as it should be, and I do not think the Dagas are demons."

Her husband disappeared in their closet for a moment and returned with a wooden jewelry box. "I would not have you think on such things tonight, my Duchess. Burgath broached the topic out of sourness, I have no doubt. Rogath listened to my advice over his and he's been sulking." Draeseth grinned at her in the mirror. "Tonight we celebrate."

She watched as he opened the box holding the Kroscur carcanet and lifted it out.

"This belongs to you, my Duchess. I would have you wear it as my wife for all of our lives."

The weight of it was reassuring and it fell perfectly with the lines of her gown. Lislora touched it lightly with her fingertips and realized she was beaming.

"I never gave you your knife properly, husband."

Draeseth laughed in his throat. "After dinner, woman, so that I can show you my appreciation for a blade so rich and well-made with thoroughness. I had concerns my grip would slip if I used it to spill blood, it looks like jewelry, but that knife is perfect in every way. As is my Duchess." He helped her stand and pulled her close running his hands over her back and down her arms. "I intend to kiss every perfect inch of you, my Kros Voyeh. As soon as we return to our rooms I'm blocking our doors."

Her face flushed and she considered suggesting she feign a headache to have them both excused from dinner. Before she could she heard voices in the main room.

"Aunt Lislora?" Kas came bounding into the bedroom in a silvery gown. "Look!" The girl twirled delightedly, showing how the thin layers fluttered, and Draeseth made a pleased sound in his throat. "Look what the Aran King sent! The starlight fabric Aunt Isonei wore!"

"They couldn't wait until dinner." Rogath grinned as he came into the doorway with Ror, the elder girl's gown looked elegant and she carried herself proudly.

"You both look lovely. I'm envious of your beautiful dresses." Lislora smiled at them warmly.

King Rogath flushed slightly as he cleared his throat and switched to Aran. "There was a little of the fabric left over and I ordered something made for you. It is as thin as Isonei said it was and it took layers to make dresses that were not indecent, but... for a wedding night..." The brothers grinned at each other. "It should be waiting for you when you return from dinner."

"What did you say?" Kas turned to give her father a dubious look.

"Pay more attention to your Aran studies, my red torgandine!" Rogath laughed as the younger girl sulked but Ror looked smug.

"He had a gift made for Aunt Lislora with some of the fabric from our gowns."

The King winced, "I had forgotten you were doing so well with your Aran studies, my fiery topazarite."

"You should wear it, Aunt Lislora!" Kas turned with a giddy smile and Lislora began to stutter.

Draeseth made a loud sound of amusement. "She hasn't tried it yet, perhaps tomorrow if it fits."

She gave him a scathing look as the Princess came to grab hold of her good hand.

"Yes! I'll wear mine again tomorrow too!"

"It may not fit, my red torgandine." Rogath rubbed his face trying to hide his grin, "And Uncle has asked not to be disturbed tomorrow. We can look at the dresses you want to take to the Kroscur again. Perhaps you can take some jewelry, Aunt Lislora may have a party to celebrate the two of you visiting her."

"We will." Draeseth offered her his arm as Kas released her hand. "There will be a party to celebrate your Aunt becoming my Duchess, much like the one tonight, and then we will have one to celebrate the two of you visiting us. Everyone in the Kroscur will want to come see the beautiful Princesses of Torga."

"I have to take my starlight dress, Father." Kas nodded and twirled again, "So does Ror. None of our other dresses are this beautiful."

Rogath gave her a doting smile, "I will have to change that." He glanced at someone in the main room, "Walk ahead with them, I want to walk with my brother. The guards are outside the door."

After the girls had gone, King Rogath gave them both an apologetic smile, "I forget how clever Ror is at times."

"Aran is an easy language to learn compared to some." Draeseth led her toward the door where his brother stood. "Isonei kept her word about sending the fabric."

"She did. At her suggestion, fine, thin, Aran fabrics were sent as a coronation gift to me as well as a puzzle box the size of a small chest for the girls to play with. The note King Tamnaeuth sent with it said that there are a pair of rubinas inside it. I had Adareth write a thank you note for the gifts."

They made their way into the hall and Rogath smiled at the sight Princesses walking with their carer ahead of them. "Where is your adopted son?"

"Hodrim is with Lord Krouth for the evening."

"Encourage him to become a diplomat instead of a priest, even Burgath says the boy has promise."

Draeseth snorted, "My Duchess wants him to become a Kamrus. He calls her 'Mother' and I think he would do anything he could to make her proud. He's going to be a priest."

"It's a waste."

Her husband made a sound of agreement, "Send him to visit Isonei if you can. He may change his mind."

"Burgath suggested that. He said Lord Eliorith may change the boy's mind. He's an ambitious man and a Torgan grandson as a diplomat would be of benefit to his House." He came to a stop a short distance from the dining room doors where the Princesses were waiting. "I'm envious, brother. Duchesses of the Kroscur are known for beauty and you've had two..."

"Ganas puts things on their proper path if you allow him to, brother." Draeseth reached out and clasped arms with him before giving her a doting smile. "I'm no longer certain about the priests but I'm certain I've been blessed."

Grinning, Rogath punched his brother's shoulder, "Some kind of bastard's luck, more likely. Ougath said that must be why Ara is filled with beautiful women, all the men are bastards."

"Ganas has to give the blue bastards something. I doubt they even know who their mothers are in Ara, much less their fathers."

They laughed and Lislora tried not to show her annoyance with both of them. King Rogath seemed to notice and his grin widened.

"Let's go to dinner. If your Duchess doesn't get a meal soon you may be sleeping on the floor for your wedding night."

He stepped away to join his daughters and Draeseth made a thoughtful sound.

Dropping his voice, he lifted her hand to kiss. "I don't think I've tried the floor-"

Lislora gave him an incredulous look and jerked her hand away, hissing, "We are not doing that," she made a rolling gesture, "on the floor! We have a perfectly good bed!"

Laughing in his throat, he pulled her close for a kiss, "We have a sofa, chairs, and a table too, woman, and I'm going to show you that a bed isn't the only place we can enjoy ourselves."

She gave him a scathing look and he grinned, "You need to eat, my flower. I'll have someone tell Gharol to have food waiting in our rooms as well. I want you in a good mood tonight."

Shaking her head she tried not to let her face flush, knowing it was probably impossible, "I'm not in a sour mood and I can't help it if your son-"

He pulled her into another kiss and made a pleased sound before wrapping her hand around his arm, "Dinner, woman, do not argue with your husband."

Arching her eyebrow, Lislora set her shoulders proudly and lifted her chin, "Then perhaps my husband should make more of an effort to be right. If he did I wouldn't need to argue."

The flat look he gave her was spoiled by the glittering of his eyes and she squeezed his arm with a smile, letting him lead her toward the dining room door.