Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen

Further into the morning, Elaine woke slowly, stretching her arms above her head. Gavin lay on his side towards her, his bandaged hand resting on her belly. More happy than ever could be possible, she smiled while drinking in her husband’s features.

Tousled golden hair had fallen across his brow while he slept. Pale lashes brushed tanned cheeks, veins creating a blue riverbed upon his eyelids. A soft snore rumbled from his deep chest, no doubt what had woken her up. The bruises on his chest and arms were fading from dark purple to a sickly yellowish green.

She frowned, brushing a finger along a two-inch jagged scar cut across his left pectoral. Her mind retrieved the memory of cleaning the wound and spreading salve onto his raw skin. He had groaned as she had worked over him, sweat pouring from his body. A shiver coursed through her and she shook her head to fade the mental image.

Gavin stirred next to her, a cute snort ending his snoring. She kissed the scar before pressing her lips to the corner of his mouth. A smile spread to his cheeks as he opened emerald eyes to twinkle down at her. Their mouths came together in a slow greeting. Strong hands slipped around her waist as she pressed closer to his delicious warmth.

When his fingers dipped southward, she giggled, squirming in his grasp. “Now, my dear, we can’t linger too long in bed.”

“And why not? You look simply edible this morning.”

“Someone will be arriving soon to announce breakfast, that's why. Surely your appetites have been sated after last night. I’m sore from what you did to me already.”

Grasping her small wrists in one hand, he grinned. “Haven’t I told you? The serum gives me extra stamina. I can satisfy a woman all night long and be ready for more in the morning. As much as you can take, I can give.”

“Any woman or just me?”

Love softened his playful grip on her. “Only my wife will ever benefit from my...um...shall we say, abilities?”

“In that case, have your way, husband, but be gentle. I break a lot easier than you.”

She melted into his renewed ardor, never able to resist him. A gentleness surrounded her. He took extra care not to push her past reasonable limits. Before long, pleasure outweighed her sore, aching joints. The newlyweds lingered in bed, exploring one another to their hearts’ content. Only when a knock echoed through the room did they break apart.

A man’s voice drifted through the door. “Your Majesty, Your Grace, breakfast is served in the dining room.”

“Thank you, we will be right there,” Elaine called, stifling giggles as her husband kissed her neck. “My darling, we have to make an appearance or the staff will know exactly what we’ve been doing.”

He growled playfully, caressing her shoulder. “We weren’t exactly being quiet last night. I’m sure the guards heard us at least.”

“I didn’t think about that!” she gasped. “Why didn't you stop me? You don’t really think they heard…everything, do you?”

Cackling, he fell back into the rumpled sheets as she slipped out of his seductive clutches. While searching for her gown, she couldn't stay cross with him. This winged, merry angel lying naked in her bed was enough to weaken her knees.

Pretending to be upset, she rolled her eyes while slipping the gown over her head. “Are you going to keep laughing at me or will you get dressed so we can have breakfast?”

Chuckling merrily, he got out of bed and pulled her into his arms. “I apologize, little minx. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“Yes, you did,” she insisted, handing over a lounging tunic. “Here, put this on so we can go eat.”

“Yes, ma’am. As always, I obey your wishes.”

“Yeah, right. You seldom if ever listen to me.”

Once they were decent enough, they exited the bedroom arm in arm. Elaine blushed as the guards stood to attention. She wondered if they had heard her cries that night before. Gavin chuckled again next to her, still enjoying her crimson embarrassment. She pinched his forearm to shush him but it didn’t work. He was still smirking when they entered the dining room.

Elegant footmen, dressed in red tunics, held out their chairs. Once they were seated, extravagant trays of food were brought to festoon the table with deliciousness. While Elaine wasn’t all that hungry, Gavin heaped a spoonful of each dish on his plate. He dug in heartily. She was thrilled to see his appetite so much improved.

“So what is the plan for today?” she asked, buttering a piece of wheat toast.

He paused in shoveling a meat dish into his mouth. “Well, I need to have the daily meeting with my uncle, Antonius and my other advisors. After that, we are free to spend the day together if there is no pressing business.”

She sighed, pouting like a child. “We haven’t been married for even twenty-four hours yet and I have to share you already. I'm sorry, I’m not complaining exactly. Just wishing we could be alone for awhile longer.”

He smiled, taking her hand. “I know, my love, but I promise that I’ll make time for us, no matter how busy life may get. Your happiness comes first before any of my new duties. Once Darius’ threat has been squelched, we will take a few weeks off.”

She smiled then, at ease for now. He kept eating through his plateful and polished it off. Their spirited lovemaking seemed to have ignited his appetite. Her body tingling at the memory, she nibbled on a powdered donut to distract herself. No matter how long they were married, she would burn for his touch.

When the meal was nearly over, Lucas swept into the room, flanked by three winged soldiers.

Gavin frowned, wiping his mouth. “Can’t this wait until after we have finished eating?”

Those present bowed low before the couple then Lucas stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Your Grace, I apologize for interrupting but Darius has been located. Could we have a private word with you, my lord?”

Color drained from Gavin’s face and flooded back into his cheeks. Angry memories thinned his lips. Elaine watched him, sensing the tension in his body. He took a deep breath and glanced over at her. Apologies radiated out from his green gaze.

“I need to handle this. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Take your time eating. I’ll meet you in our rooms.”

She nodded. “I’ll be fine. Go and do what needs doing. I’ll be waiting.”

Standing up, he leaned down to kiss her forehead. The four soldiers bowed to her and followed him out. The morning after her wedding, she found herself quite alone. Worry destroyed what was left of her appetite. Leaving the table, she asked a footman to locate her handmaidens and send them to the Emperor’s quarters.

Walking back to the bedroom, she wrapped her arms around herself. Uncertainty left her feeling vulnerable and scared. When Gavin was with her, she felt courageous but doubt set in when he was absent.

Gloria came in a few minutes later and found her pacing to and fro. “My lady, what is troubling you so soon after such a glorious wedding?”

Elaine stopped, holding shaky fingers to her mouth. “Gavin has gone to speak with his advisors. I’m not sure that I’m allowed to talk about it.”

“If I may, does your consternation have anything to do with Darius’ location being found?”

“Yes, Lucas and several other officers are talking with Gavin right now. I’m scared that he will be hurt further. Darius won’t go down easily.”

“He is a traitor and will be dealt with appropriately. Nothing to worry about. His Majesty is surrounded by competent officers and military personnel.”

“But I do worry and can’t help it. First, he was betrayed, mutilated and exiled from his planet. Then he was dragged away and tortured for three days! I’m not strong enough to see him in further pain.”

“Come, sit down with me, my lady.”

Tears trembling behind her eyes, Elaine allowed herself to be guided to a chaise lounge before the fireplace. A blanket was draped around her shoulders. Gradually, her heart rate settled down. Gloria sat next to her, rubbing her back.

“We’ve only been married a few hours and he is in danger already. How will I handle the decades ahead? Being emperor and queen could rip us apart, one way or another. His family was executed. The same could happen to us. Or the stress will cool the passion between us.”

“My lady, life can be short and love rare to find. On Novus, we are taught that death isn’t an ending but a beginning. Love is for eternity, not just this lifetime.”

Elaine had listened but the comforting words didn't really help. “And when he gets hurt or puts himself in danger time after time?”

“Trust him. You didn’t meet His Majesty until after his exile. I’ve known of him for years. He was a decorated war hero, a tribune in Emperor Hadrian’s Praetorian Guard and was engaged to a noblewoman from the Anatolia continent state. He had to be wise to stay alive this long.”

“I didn’t know. He doesn’t talk about his past very much.”

“I apologize if it wasn’t my place to speak of these events before he was ready to tell you. They don’t matter at any rate. My point being, my lady, is that he can take care of himself. In addition, the serum strengthens his body. Without it, he wouldn't have survived the last several days.”

She smiled, wiping at her cheeks. “Thank you, Gloria. I’m sorry that you have to constantly listen to my problems.”

“That’s not only my job but a pleasure. I would lay down my life for either of my sovereign rulers. You will be the queen which Novus has been waiting for.”

“You have gone out of your way to make me feel welcome on this planet. I can never repay your kindness, dear friend. One day, I’ll find a way.”

Gloria blushed prettily. “Shall I dress you now, my lady? I laid out the aqua stola and silver accessories. Is it a satisfactory choice?”

Soon, Elaine was dressed for the day to come but still waiting for her husband to return. Minutes trickled into a hour than two. Literature was brought so she could continue learning about Novian customs. She fingered the volumes and chose a study in the social graces. After a few pages, she couldn't concentrate.

Finally, the door opened and Gavin stepped into the room, looking pensive.

“Well, my love? How did it go?” she asked, tossing the book aside with a thankful flourish.

In silence, he leaned against the fireplace mantle, staring into the blue flames. Muscles flexed along his jaw. She sat with her back straight, hands clasped in her lap. Questions burned on her tongue but those had to wait until he was ready to speak.

At last, he smiled at her though a serious problem radiated from his troubled eyes.

“What is happening out there, sweetheart?” she asked once more.

“The compound is abuzz with activity. Darius has been found on the northern Atlas continent, encased in weaponry and two hundred thousand of his supporters. My advisors want to hit him hard and fast. Cut off supply chains, introduce bio poison into water sources and then send in the Guard to wipe them out.”

Her head spinning, Elaine kept a calm exterior. “And do you agree with them? What do you think should be done?”

“Growing up, my brother was a master at covering his true motives. He is a sly operator. He could convince anyone with a foolproof scenario which locked one into a single option. Once the lie was accepted, the trap would be sprung.”

“Do you think that this is a trap to draw your troops away from this compound?”

He nodded. “You met him. What was your first impression?”

She thought back to the traumatic encounter with the shifty, little man. “He is too much of a coward and too weak to confront you directly. He threatened me because he knew that would cut you to the quick. He is intelligent if nothing else.”

“Exactly. Most of my officers out there know strategy and troop movements but they don’t know how Darius operates like I do. With him, the most obvious course of action is usually a trap.”

“Then your decision has been made for you.”

His eyebrows drew together. “The decision isn’t that straightforward. When I was in The Guard, I followed orders without question. Now, the fate of the planet rests on my shoulders alone. If I am wrong and defy my advisors, I could be signing our death warrants. Darius won’t hesitate to exploit a failure on my part.”

“My darling, come to me. Sit here,” she coaxed, patting the empty cushion next to herself. Once he had sat, she took his hand. “Now, take a deep breath.”

He inhaled, letting his head fall backward. “As a Praetorian tribune, I sent men under my command to their deaths. This time, I could be destroying the Roman Empire instead. I wish my father was here to tell me what to do.”

Standing between his knees, she guided his head against her waist. With a heavy sigh, he leaned into the motherly embrace. Golden curls tickled her nose. They remained like this until she tipped his chin upward. Such trust and love shimmered in those green eyes.

“I believe in you, my husband. Your father’s blood surges through your veins. Royal blood which stretches back through hundreds of your ancestors. I’ve been reminded recently to trust in your strength. Now is the time for you to trust in yourself.”

He gazed up at her, decisiveness sweeping over his face. “I have more reasons than anyone to want vengeance. I want Darius dead for my family's murder and treason against the Empire. But if millions of my troops are thrown against his few supporters, his propaganda about me will be proven correct. The people will think I'm a tyrant who refuses to make allowances to protect Novus.”

“What will you do instead?”

“Flatter his excessive ego. Show him the respect which he craves so desperately. A meeting between him and myself on equal terms.”

Lowering herself onto his right knee, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Now that sounds more like the emperor I married.”

She kissed him, conveying the tenderness in her heart. His strong jaws devoured and tasted her surrender. A moan came up from her lungs, muffled by his passion. Her fingers gripped soft hair at his neck. When the kiss broke apart, she had to catch her breath.

“I fear that you will wear me out by the time we are elderly.”

“Mmmm, that is a distinct possibility.” He chuckled. “Your intoxicating scent...your body...your voice speaking wisdom into my ears. You drive me crazy.”

“This crushed flower is flattered.”

“You are my rare blossom I found blooming in a barren wasteland.” He exhaled against her throat. “But I fear that I must take my leave from your feminine wiles. There is much to prepare before Darius’ arrival.”

“Are you sure that he will accept the invitation?”

A harsh, dry laugh was his reply. “His ego is endless, only surpassed by his cruel self-interest. He should fall over himself in his haste to attend this meeting.”

“How will you speak to him?”

“By virtual screen call.”

“What's that?”

Amusement danced in his eyes. “You’ll see. I would like you to be there with me.”

“But won’t my presence give the two of you another bone to fight over? He’ll use me to anger you.”

“Yes, he would. Which is why you will sit out of his sight but within mine. I need your support in this but I have no intention of putting you in harm’s way again.”

“That wasn't your fault. Our capture was beyond your control.”

“This is within my control. Please?”

“I'll be there with you. My place is where you need me the most.”

He kissed her softly. “Let’s get ready to finish this final chapter, shall we?”

“It’s been quite the journey, hasn’t it?” she asked, her forehead touching his.

“It has just begun. There is much left for us to experience.” He placed a warm hand over her empty womb. “Like having a child.”

She smiled, covering his fingers with her own. “I want to have your baby so much. I hope Doctor Galenius can do what he promised.”

“If not, there are other solutions. We could adopt a child to raise as our own. It couldn't inherit the throne but that wouldn't matter.”

“No, I want your baby, not someone else’s.” She smiled, envisioning her precious infant. “A baby boy with green eyes and golden curls to match yours. I want to watch him grow and imagine what you were like at each stage.”

Lust flashed through his eyes. “Let’s leave that delicious challenge for later, dear girl. Darius will take all of our energy today.”

With a giggle, she slipped off his knee and headed for the bathroom. “I’ll draw your bath. Coming?”

With a grin, he followed obediently. She ran the hot water and added bubbles. Shedding his loose tunic, he climbed into the huge tub, sinking below the waves. Intent on his task, he began soaping up his broad chest. Biting her lip, she fled the bathroom before he caught her lusting over him.

Going into their walk-in closet, she looked through his armor and the colorful tunics designed to be worn underneath. Darius needed to see a strong, unmovable opponent so she chose a black tunic, silver armor and a red cape. She laid the heavy uniform across the bed, straightening the baltea straps so that they laid evenly.

Damp hands slipped around her waist, soapy freshness filling her nose.

She jumped, finding herself pressed against a dripping Gavin. “Darling, don’t do that! You’ll get me wet.”

“That’s what I was trying to do, wife,” he growled in her ear. “You look so scrumptious today. I want to lay you down right here. Curse my moronic brother and this war...”

She wiggled out of his arms, laughing. “Get dressed before you ruin my clothes. Your uniform is laid out on the bed.”

Gavin did as he was told. Once the polished armor had been buckled around his torso, she tied the cape to his shoulders with golden cords. The red fabric hung in thick folds down his back, draping underneath his wings. A gold scabbard was buckled around his hips and filled with a jeweled sword.

She stepped back, looking him over. “Darius should be properly intimidated. You look magnificent.”

“He isn’t intimidated by anyone,” he said, pulling on silver, thigh-high boots to protect his legs. “Thank you though for the good opinion.”

“Aren't I allowed to be proud of my husband?”

“Of course, you may.” He straightened, towering a foot and a half over her. “I hope you never stop being proud of me.”

“Not so long as you keep wearing these sexy outfits.”

With a chuckle, he offered his arm. “Shall we go and give my advisors a bad day? They won’t be happy with me.”

“No matter. You are the emperor, right? They have to do whatever you say.”

“I wish I was as confident about that.”

Six guards snapped to attention outside the doors, their black wings rustling in the artificial light. They surrounded the couple, protecting from all angles. Elaine caught her breath, clinging to Gavin’s arm. She was nervous suddenly and wondered if he felt the same. Still, she was confident that together, they could conquer any trials up ahead.