Chapter 10

The day after Gerard's return was difficult. It was difficult because it took half the estate to keep him in bed so he could recover. Gerard was a full grown man but when it came to being a patient he acted like and insolent child.

"Why won't you let me out of bed? I feel fine!" he argued.

Finally when it came time for the evening meal I caved and let him out of bed. After the meal he talked me into to letting him take a walk around the estate. The stars were already out and sparkled against the night sky. We walked hand in hand in silence for a long time. Gerard was the first to speak. "When I was away all I could think about was coming home to you. It surprised me how much my heart ached by being deprived of your presence. We have been married for more than a month and I feel like I've just gotten to know you. I wish our parents had not arranged our marriage." I looked at him puzzled. "Do not mistake me. When I say that I only imply that had we met on our own, we could have fallen in love more freely. I do not doubt that if I met you under different circumstances I would have fallen for you the moment my eyes rested on you. Would you marry me?"

I laughed, "I am married to you!"

"When you married me you married the prince of the kingdom. I'm asking you not as a prince but just as a man."

"Yes, with all my heart." I smiled at him and he leaned down and kissed me.

"Now we are truly sealed. As a man and a woman. Not just a prince and a princess. Tonight is our true wedding night."

I slowly took his meaning and my heart sped at the thought. "You are injured, won't it beā€¦painful for you?"

"I would endure a thousand wounds if it meant spending one moment with you."

I looked into his eyes and saw the passion that burned there. Still looking at one another we made our way back into the estate. We made it to his room and he shut the door behind us. I stood in the center and a memory came back to me.

"What are you smiling at?" he asked.

"I only just remembered our first wedding night."

"I almost had to cut you out of that dress." He laughed.

"I am no longer afraid."

"Good." He whispered in my ear. He kissed my neck and my knees went weak at the sensation. Having been gone a week he had not shaved in a while and the whiskers on his face made it all the more enticing. He rested his hands on my waist and pulled me to him. He kissed me on the lips and I wrapped my arms around his neck and put my fingers in his hair. I could feel his bodies reaction to me and it made me pull him closer to me. He let out a soft groan as I did so. He pulled away and I could see the hunger in his eyes. He led me to the bed then turned and gently undid the lacing of my dress and slipped it off of me and we both kicked our shoes off as he did so. I took off his shirt before he could remove my under dress and he removed his trousers and under clothes. The fire in me burned more fiercely at seeing him unclothed.

He stepped to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. He slowly pulled the material of my under dress over the shoulder, the touch of his hand on my bare skin made me shiver. He slipped the material off my other shoulder and the dress fell to the floor. I was mildly embarrassed at being looked at unclothed but Gerard lifted my chin and kissed me while pulling my body to his. The only thing between us now was skin.

He picked me up in his arms and placed me in the middle of the bed. He climbed on top of me and looked me in the eyes. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"I know." I reached up and pulled him to me and for the first time I was the one to kiss him resulting in a moan on his part. He pulled away for a moment to join our bodies together. I gasped as I felt him enter me. My first time with a man was with one I loved and he loved me in return and it was bliss.

It was nearly midday when we exited his room, our room. It was hunger for food that brought us out. How could I have not seen this coming? I had been so afraid of loving Gerard but it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. I was married to a great man who would one day be king and he loved me. Whatever the future held we would see it through, together.

As we ate the serving of food before us Martha walked up. "I haven't seen you two all morning I trust everything is well."

"Yes it is." Gerard smiled at me.

"Is there anything I can get for the two of you?"

"No, but thank you." He replied.

As she turned to leave I thought of something and a smiled crept up on my lips. "Actually, I know of something."

"Yes." She asked, her eyes twinkling.

"I believe the Prince's room is in need of a new set of sheets."

Gerard let out a bark of laughter.

"Certainly my lady." Martha winked as she walked out.

I was in love and wanted everyone to know it. I daresay that most of them heard it last night!

~ The End