Tribal Queen Book 1

Chapter 9

The queen returned to her chambers, she had requested that the servants bring in hot water for a bath. She waited for them to fill the metal tub with hot water before she added a scoop of healing salts and flower petals that Vai gave her. The smell was strong but soothing. She waved the serving girls to her, and they untied her top and skirt. She let the material fall to the floor before she stepped into the tub.

She closed her eyes and sank down in the water. Hunter was drawn to her. He slowly walked to the tub and sank to his knees.

"I was wondering how long it was going to take you." She said softly.

"I still can't believe you picked me. Why did you pick me?" He started to reach his hand out to touch her, but he had not asked for permission to. So instead he held his fingers above her skin, and he moved them over her. Though her eyes remained closed, her skin had goosebumps.

"I picked you because though you are not touching me, I can feel you. We have a connection. I am drawn to you."

Hunter continued to move his hand just above her skin, the aroma from the healing salts in the water was making him feel even more connected to her. With each deep breath he took, he could feel the bond between them growing.

He saw some soap next to the tub, "Can I touch you?" He asked.

"Yes, you may." Reyn said, not opening her eyes. Under the soap was a soft cloth, he wet the cloth and rubbed the soap on it. Then softly touched her just above her collar bone. He slowly slid down to her breasts. A slight moan came from deep in her chest. Hunter continued to work his way lower, he remembered how much that pleased her before.

Her eyes fluttered open as he caressed the soft skin of her thigh, "I think you missed an area... oh..." She stopped talking when his fingers brushed the sensitive skin they both wanted him to touch. Her eyes closed again and she licked her lips. "You know exactly what I need...." A moan escaped her as he slid two fingers into her womanly folds. She leaned up and found his mouth, crushing it with a kiss. He deepened the kiss and continued to press further inside her.

Reyn pulled her mouth away from his for just a moment, panting she said to him, "Get me out of this tub... I need you."

He lifted her from the tub with little effort and laid her on the plush rug that was next to the tub. He knelt between her legs, undid his belt, and then touched the tip of himself to her. He was hard the moment he had seen her in the tub. He grabbed her hips and with one thrust found himself buried completely inside her once more. Their moans and cries of passion could be heard echoing out in the hall where Zu stood keeping watch. He sighed and pulled himself up straighter. He would seek out Willow in his bedchamber when his relief guard came for the middle of the night shift.

The next morning riders from all the tribes started to arrive. Each one holding the letter inviting them to the capital city. Reyn began pacing the length of her room in the tall tower. Hunter was still asleep, and she didn't want to wake him. For fear that he would not understand.

Tonight was to be the big celebration feast for Reyn returning from her trip, and she planned on presenting him as her future real husband. Along with the group of men who would become her new council. The only two members of the council who will not be married to her are Willow and Zu.

Speaking of Zu, he knocked on her door and asked for permission to come in. When Zu stood staring at Reyn, she became aware that she was dressed in only a skimpy skirt and low cut top. With the weather getting cooler, she needed a few items at night to sleep comfortably. Though she preferred to sleep with nothing on, the winter months do not really allow for this. Zu averted his eyes, well trying to inform Reyn of the arriving guests.

"Your Grace, the men you have invited to the capital are arriving, I had them taken to their rooms. When you are ready for your meeting with the current council, let me know and I will walk with you over there.

Ren smiled, Zu was nervous about her safety with so many villagers here. Some of those Tribes had become angry with her for taking a long time in choosing her mates. But she was Queen and would do things when she was ready. Reyn would do what she feels is the best move for her people, and also what is the best move for her. She could not be the ruler she wanted to be if she was angry and miserable all of the time.

Hunter was proving to be caring, loving, and willing to pitch in where needed. And he was completely devoted to Reyn, so she felt that he was going to be the best choice for her to make King. Who best to rule the people than someone who had lived among them, at the lowest rank there was.

Reyn changed into a soft sleeveless top and followed that by a metal chest plate. It was encrusted with a few beautiful stones, the skirt she then put on was soft leather on the inside, and the outside facing portion had thin metal pieces that were attached to thicker leather strips. She then put on a pair of thin sandals that a serving girl then helped her lace-up.

Hunter rolled over and when he didn't feel her in bed he looked up. "Are we going into battle?"

Reyn smiled at him, "No my darling one, I am going to meet the council one last time, then hold a small court to greet our visitors. Then tonight we will present you before the council members, and the leaders of the tribes who have brought with them the members of our new council. Hunter, I must ask you something... and I hope you will understand. But, are you aware of the customs that are in place in this realm regarding who a Royal must take as a mate?"

Hunter's eyes looked panic-stricken for a moment, "Am I not able to be..."

"No, not what I meant, my darling one. I mean the others from each tribe. As Queen, I am required to take a male from each tribe and bring them here to the capital. I am able to choose who I want as my true husband, that man will be king. The others I can do as I see fit. Either use them to secure an heir... or as I have chosen to do, make them my new Council."

Hunter watched her as she spoke, his eyes still full of hurt. "Does this mean I have to share you?"

Reyn smiled at him, "I don't see that being an issue at this time. But if we are unable to conceive a child, then I might have to seek another... but only for an heir. You.... my sweet Hunter will be my true husband and rule by my side. How does that sound?"

His eyes went wide, "Really?"

Reyn went to him and kissed him, "Yes, now if you are ok with that I will let everyone know today that you are my to be my true husband. We will have the bonding ceremony done soon so that we can bind ourselves to one another."

Hunter kissed her back, "I will follow your lead. I just hope that I can live up to what you want me to be."

Reyn stood and the serving girl who had been waiting for her helped her with her crown. The antlers made it difficult to wear all of the time, so she only wore it when not in her personal chambers. "Please help Hunter dress." She said to the girl. "And my darling one, I look forward to seeing you later tonight." With that, she left the room and headed to the council meeting room.