The Duke and The Duchess (19 page)

The week had been more than William had expected. He was put through the paces of highland life. All the work that came with it was something he was not used to. He had never sheered a sheep before that week, nor milked a cow. There was not much talking while he was there. There were moments between him and Moire that led him to believe she wanted more with him. The day before he was set to leave for his ship, Moire joined him in the barn while he put up equipment that had been used for the day.

“You seem at home here English Lord.” Moire said as she helped him put up things up. Her hand brushed along his shoulders. “Tis a pity you must leave tomorrow.”

“I don’t think your family has your beliefs.” He said as he looked at her. She had placed a blanket in a stall and was standing in the doorway.

“Tis true what you say.” She sighed. “I have gotten used to you and will miss you when you leave.” He walked over to where she was and placed his hand in her hair. She did not pull back. Her hands went around his waist pulling him with her in the stall. His hands fumbled with her top as it opened and fell to the ground around her ankles. He looked and saw her firm breast as she stood there. His mouth lowered and he nuzzled against the flesh.

She cooed as she felt his lips and her hands went through his blonde hair as she pushed into his touch. William lowered his hands and removed the skirt she wore as he pushed her to the ground. She felt the blanket beneath them and traced her hands down his back. Pulling his shirt up over his head, when she looked at his chest, she saw he was well built. More so than she expected. His arms went around her as his mouth found hers. She kissed him back, her tongue dancing against his as she searched to take off his pants. The hunger between them had built up through the week and there was no holding back at this time.

Even though they had not spoken words, they were not needed as they teased each other through the week. As she removed his pants, she looked at his harness and placed her small hands around it. Pulling up and down as his hips moved back and forth to her touch. Soon she rolled him over and was on top of him as her kisses became more passionate with ever caress of her hand on his member. He had not expected this. She was ravenous. As her hair fell down her back, she straddled him. Her netherworld near his manhood. He was aching to be inside her as she teased him more.

She began to move up and down on top of him. Her hands moved to his sides and then firmly on his chest. He grabbed her wrist and rolled her back over. Spreading her legs with his knees, he slowly began to dip into her. He found her moisture inviting as she gasped. He knew she had never been with anyone. He did not care at that point.

Kissing her face, he began to manipulate her breast. Making her nubs hard as she writhed under him. Her hips thrusting up to allow him inside her. He felt his head go in as she held his back and then dug her nails in. He lowered his mouth to her neck and began to go further inside her. She was so tight, he wanted to release right then. The tension had been building up since they had met and that first touch. She wrapped one leg around his waist and slowly drew him inside her.

Her body arched into his as he gave a final push, breaking whatever boundaries were there. She gasped loudly as he moved back and forth, her legs wrapping around his waist. He moaned into her ear. She lowered her hand down his body to his cheeks and squeezed as her whimpers turned into moans and gasp. Her body arched as he lifted her hips. He kissed her fully as she matched his rhythm. He could tell by her gasping she was close to releasing. He felt himself explode inside her as she cried out one last time, her nails digging at his skin.

He rolled over and laid beside her on the blanket and traced his fingers across her bare skin. Her nipples reacted immediately and she leaned over to kiss him again, her hand tracing down his belly. She moved her fingertips along his pelvic bone and kissed his neck. He became hard again and she laughed as she stood and started to get dressed. He looked at her questioning.

“Supper will be soon and Father will send the boys to find me.” She said simply. “We have all night after your nightcap.” He watched her put on her skirt and walk out. Sitting up, he was not sure what to do about the situation, he figured he would know more tonight after the night cap. He dressed and headed into the house, sitting at the table with Domongart, Eoghan and Íomhar. Domongart looked at him.

“So I guess you will be staying with us.” He said simply.

“And why would that be?” William asked.

“Moire has taken an interest in your English blood and I want to know where to find you if she is with child so you may take responsibility.” Domongart stated plainly as he enjoyed the stew placed before him.

William glanced at Moire as she smiled and winked. He knew that it would be a long and interesting winter in the Eoin Duibh home.

Royalty Romance

Royal Wedding

By Lady Aingealicia

Regina had waited for the ball for over a year. The announcement of her engagement to Marcel. The man she had been promised to since birth. She had never met him, she only knew that the marriage was to take place in the spring after the ball. She was finally going to meet the man she would spend the rest of her life with. She was nervous and excited all at the same time. She knew there was no choice in the matter, the marriage would link Mercanlie and Velesia as allies; she only hoped that she would find love as well.

Regina stretched in the bed as Belle opened the curtains. Looking around the room, she smiled as she saw the tea sitting on the dresser. She waited for Belle to bring her some tea as she sat up and thought about the day ahead. The Mercanlie’s were due to arrive today for the ball that was coming to announce her marriage to Marcel. She wondered what Marcel looked like and if she would care for him the way a wife should.

She knew that as long as she could produce an heir, both families would be happy. For them, that was all that seemed to matter. They just wanted the bloodline to continue. Her mother had already told her love is just a bonus for people in their station. Belle moved over to Regina and handed her a tea cup.

“Good morning miss.” She said brightly.

“Good morning Bella.” Regina responded as she took the cup. “Please get my clothing ready for the day.”

“Yes miss.” Bella nodded and lifted her skirts as she curtsied.

Regina sipped on the tea as she watched Bella move to the closets and find her dress for the day. Bella brought out a blue dress and held it up. Regina nodded. It was a powder blue silk dress with white bows on the sleeves. The dress was one of her favorites and showed her bounty well. It would be a good dress to meet Marcel in to see his reaction to her. Belle moved around the room collecting stockings, hoops, a corset and undergarments to dress Regina.

Regina was not sure of Belle yet, she had been a gift sent prior to the Mercanlie’s to show good faith. Belle was to be Regina’s maid alone was the instructions of the note sent with her last year. Belle had taken good care of her and made sure that all her needs were met. There was just something about her that made Regina wonder what else was behind the gift that was sent to her.

She finished her tea and pulled back the covers to get out of bed. Belle ran over and placed the slippers on Regina’s feet and then proceeded to lay out the clothing to dress her. Regina stood up and placed on her robe and went to the balcony in her room. She saw the sun coming up over the mountains. As she watched, she sighed knowing that her whole life was going to change in a very short time.

Going back in her room, she waited for Belle to begin to dress her. She felt the robe removed and then her nightgown. She felt the chemise go over her body and then the corset around her ribs. Belle started to tighten it as she held onto the bedpost. She breathed in as Belle gave one final pull and tied the ribbons. Regina breathed out as Belle heled her get her stockings on and hoops. Finally the dress went over her head and she was ready to have her hair done.

As she sat at the vanity, Belle brushed out her long chestnut locks and placed them in a bun with tendrils framing her face. Turning to face Belle, Regina smiled and stood up and spun around. She looked around for her shoes and pointed to them. Belle retrieved them for her and placed them on her feet.

“Well, do I look presentable?” Regina asked.

“Yes miss.” Belle responded.

Regina nodded and headed downstairs to have some breakfast. All the servants were bustling about the grand castle to get things ready for the Mercanlie’s. She went out to the garden area and sat at the table outside waiting for Belle to get her something to eat. As she waited, her mother Rose joined her and sat across from her.

“It is a beautiful day Regina.” She commented as she sipped on her tea. “I am sure you will like Marcel.”

“I am sure I will as well.” Regina responded, “I am looking forward to it. How are the plans for the ball proceeding?”

“They are proceeding well my dear Regina.” Rose smiled at her daughter. “I will miss you when you go to Mercanlie.”

“I have always wondered how the town and the last name of Marcel is the same mother.” Regina questioned.

“The town was built by the Mercanlie’s is why dear.” Rose responded as Belle brought out breakfast for both of them. “Now don’t over eat, we will be having a big dinner.”

“Yes mother.” Regina sighed.

She knew that there was a large welcoming dinner planned for the Mercanlie’s. Her mother had been working with the cook all week on the menu for the evening. She wanted everything perfect. Regina understood this well. For Rose, impressions were very important.

“When are they due?” Regina asked.

“Today sometime, unless they run into any trouble along the way.” Rose responded.

Regina sighed. She wanted to go to the village and meet up with her friends before the ball, however she knew that she would not be able to leave for the day. She knew that Elzbeth and Martinita would be at the ball. They were coming to meet her betrothed. Though they were not happy about the fact that Regina would be moving away after the spring, they were excited for her marriage.

Regina finished her breakfast and excused herself to walk around the gardens. As she walked around the gardens, she headed to the labyrinth that was in the middle. It had many hiding places and was a wonderful place to get lost in when you did not want to be found. She began to walk the labyrinth and daydream about what it would be like when she met Marcel. She had no idea what he even looked like.

Soon she heard her name being called by Belle and began to find her way out of the maze. When she came out, she saw that her mother was on the balcony with people. She was sure that it was the Mercanlie’s and guest. She felt her heart begin to beat faster with every step she took back to the castle. Her mother waved her forth from the balcony.

She headed up the grand stairs once inside to join her mother and headed down the hall. With every step her heart beat faster. She was finally going to meet Marcel. She was not sure which of the men were him that stood with her mother on the balcony, she would know him after they were introduced. As she approached the party, her breath caught in her throat when she looked at the men present.

They were all very tall and handsome in her mind. As she joined her mother, introductions were made. The Duke of Mercanlie, Marcel’s father, was very distinguished in his looks. His greying hair showed his age, however he was still very handsome. He had an air of opulence in his demeanor when he kissed her hand and bowed to her. They had come with Arron whose dark eyes pierced through her as he ran his hands though his black hair. There was Markus who rocked back and forth as if he were uncomfortable.

Buford was Marcel’s brother and they could have been twins if she did not know better. Both Marcel and Buford had blonde hair, crystal blue eyes and stood 6’1” shoulder to shoulder. Each man greeted her warmly and there was a great deal of banter as they gathered on the balcony. Regina’s father had gone to the village for some supplies with the house servant Adam and would return soon.

“I am pleased to meet you Regina.” Marcel smiled at her. “I am sure we will get along very well.”

“Well I am sure you are hungry after your long journey, let me see what the cook can prepare.” Rose spoke up as she led everyone down the grand staircase.

“That would be very nice Lady Rose.” The Duke commented as he followed her.

Regina was not expecting so many people as she walked behind her mother beside Marcel. He continued to look her up and down and smiled a great deal as he undressed her with his eyes. Regina was very surprised at how well they were getting along as the day passed. Soon her father joined them and dinner was served early to feed the travelers after their long journey.

Rose noticed that Marcel and Regina were flirting with each other. She was very happy to see that their banter carried them though the evening. She knew in her heart that it would be a happy union. Regina would be the last of the children to leave the castle making it very empty. As she proposed a toast, the room was filled with joy and gladness. Rose knew that the ball would be grand and full of joy.