The Viking Alpha

Festival-part 3

~WARNING! Mature audiences only! Hello! Hope you enjoy it! Please, as always, help ya girl out and drop a friendly critique/comment. Next up date will be next sunday if not sooner.~

(Cassi POV)

The slight brush on the shell of her ear made her eyes crack open.
'Wake up, love.'
She was on her side with James curled around her from behind.
This felt so good. A nice way to start the day. If someone had told a couple months ago that she'd be this deliriously happy now, she'd have looked at them as if they were crazy. But she was. She had it all.
Sighing softly she turned her head and met his lips with hers.
'Good morning.' His voice, now husky. She knew what that husk meant.
'Good morning.' They continued to kiss. He got on all fours and gently rolled her until she was flat on her back. He started to inch down her panties when she remembered Lana. Breaking this kiss she looked over to the bassinet.
'Where's the baby?'
James's lips glided down the side of her face and down her neck.
'One of the maids came and took her. She's being fed and bathed as we speak.'
He ripped the sides of her underwear and tossed them aside.
'No one here to save you from me now, Cassandra.'
His lips now on her stomach and going down.
'Good. Because I don't want to be saved.' She managed to whisper before his mouth ignited her body's trip to pure ecstasy.

(A few hours later)
She stared at her tutor as he blabbed on and on about the history of the clans of all surrounding factions. How they united, how some severed ties, how some became mended, blah, blah, blah. She loved learning. But she was so excited about tonight. Madga and Natalie gushed with animation when she managed to squeeze some tea time with them between "classes".
'I'm so excited!' Natalie squealed as cut up a pastry.
'Me too! It's the one night a year where everything and everyone is so full of glee. It's contagious. Even with…' She cleared her throat uncomfortably. 'With Elijah, this night was always calm. But I think the supply of alcohol and other women kept him distracted.'
'How are you doing by the way?' Cassi asked.
'I'm happy. I haven't had such peaceful rest at night in so long. I'm not afraid anymore. Best part, I think even Dahlia is feeling it.'
The little girl in question was toddling around with Jeremy. Her little hand in his as he helped her pick flowers around the garden.
'That's very good to hear.'
'It's all because of you, you know?' Madga pointed out.
'What is?' Cassi asked.
'If it wasn't for you I'd still be with him. Beaten and in constant fear for Dahlia.'
Cassi gripped her friend's hand lightly.
'I can't take all the credit but I truly think you would have left him. Eventually. You are strong. I know how hard it can be out there for women. It's no different in the human world for some. Except in the human world there are various support groups that help with those situations.'
Madga sat back in her chair.
'I have a confession. I feel ashamed.'
Cassis' brow furrowed.
'Why?'
Madga dropped her eyes to the table top.
'I heard stories about the human world. Most of it was bad. Some things sounded fascinating. I was happy our king chose a mate. But when I heard you were human I was disappointed. I was led to believe humans were greedy, self absorbed, and not very bright. But meeting you and hearing your stories...were not so different after all.'
Natalie spoke next.
'I admit, my thoughts were similar at first. But it's true. You are different from what I was taught.'
Smiling Cassi leaned back.
'From my first impression from your kind, I was expecting wild barbarians. I think all three of us judged the book by its cover.'
'Not so different.' Madga repeated now, smiling.
'Look at us now.'
Natalie raised her tea cup in the air.
'To new friends and lessons to be learned.' She toasted.
They clinked cups.
'Well, I'd love to stay but I actually have literal lessons to learn.' Cassi rose and stretched. 'I'll see you in the kitchen later. I believe you promised to teach me how to make Kransekage.' She reminded Madga.
'Looking forward to it.' Madga beamed.
'I can teach you how to make mutton stew, next.' Natalie offered.
'More knowledge the better.'
They hugged and went their separate ways.
After her lessons were done she checked on Lana who was being looked after by Hildi. One of the many maids she had become acquainted with while working In the kitchen. She was old enough to be Cassi's grandmother and was very sweet. But she was tough and old school. She refused to call her Cassi and showed absolute respect.
When the baby saw her she cooed and squealed at her. Smiling, she gently took her.
'How is she?'
'She's wonderful, milady. Such a sweet little lass.'
'Thank you for watching her.'
'It's no trouble at all.'
'Has she already been fed?'
'Aye. Just a moment ago she finished every drop from her bottle.'
'Very good.' Cassi nuzzled the baby's nose with hers. In return Lana grasped Cassi's hair and giggled.
'Ah, love. Don't be pullin'. It's not ladylike.' She tutted as she gently unlatched Lana's tiny fists from Cassi's hair.
'I so badly want to stay and play with her but I have things I have to get back to.' She handed her back to Hildi. If her small howl was any indication, very much to Lana's disappointment.
'I'll be back later.' She soothed the baby while patting her back.
She knew she shouldn't get too attached. It was only a matter of time before she was given to either Julietta or to someone else in the village.
'Cassandra.'
She turned to find Rexton in the doorway.
'Morning Rex. What's up?'
'His highness has asked me to get you.'
'Alright. Here I come.'
Lana was still crying. The sound was heartbreaking. Rexton gently smiled and walked forward.
'How are you doing, little one?' He asked as he reached out a finger. Lana seized it quickly and squeezed.
'She's upset that I'm leaving. I think she's become fond of me. We'll be taking care of her until other arrangements are made.'
'Where are her parents?'
'Both are gone, from what I understand.'
'Well she's a beautiful little thing. So pretty.' He cooed.
Cassi couldn't help but laugh at seeing her six foot, big muscled, friend just making a fool out of himself over the little girl.
'We'll play with her later. Don't worry, Rexton.'
Grinning, he stroked her tiny head and turned to leave.
Cassi walked beside him outside.
'How are you and Vincent doing?'
She whispered.
Rexton smiled then it dimmed.
'What's wrong?'
"Things are great. But we're both so terrified of what may happen if we reveal who we are to each other. We've kept this secret for so long and it's suffocating us both.'
'I'll protect you both. I swear it.'
Rexton stopped and looked at Cassi. 'Thank you, Cassi. We've talked about it. Vincent and I. With the stories you've told, well the human world sounds like they would accept us for the most part. We could start over if things didn't go well here.'
Cassi nudged Rexon playfully.
'Sounds like a plan. But don't think for a moment you're getting rid of me that easily.'
Rexton's hug took Cassi off guard. She stilled before squeezing him back.
'Ah-em.' A loud cough was heard.
They both broke apart to see James with his arms crossed and looking a bit angry.
'I tell you to fetch my mate and I see you pawing at her.'
Rexton looked down.
'James! It was just a hug. We are friends. Friends do that.'
James scowled at her.
'Rexton, you may go.' James gripped Cassandra's arm and led her around the corner. He pinned her to a stone wall by the shoulders. They were hidden by hydrangea bushes flanking them on each side.
'Don't ever correct me in front of any of my men again, Cassandra!'
'Back off my friend, then!'
'It is unbecoming of a queen to be seen with friends like that.'
'Like what?'
'With men! He's also a guard. My gamma.'
'Oh I see. I can be friends with him just not out in the open because of what people think, am I right? Or is it because of what you're thinking now?'
'What do you mean?' He gruffed.
'I still see the suspicion in your eyes. Do you honestly think I'd do that? After all I've done. I've given you everything James. What more assurance can I give you?'
'You are queen now. You are higher status then the rest. Being seen with him is dangerous in many ways.'
Do you not want me to have friends? If you remember correctly, Madga is labeled as a maid now. She is my friend. Natalie is the mate of one of our blacksmiths. She is a cook in the kitchen. That's lower than my status, technically.'
'They are women. It's not half as bad as being seen with another man in lower rank.'
'He's a higher rank then Madga and Natalie! Admit it. It's because he's a man and you're jealous. Get over it!'
'You will do as I say, Cassandra!'
'No! You brought me here. I accepted it. You changed my life completely around, I adjusted. Like hell are you taking my friends from me now too.'
He shoved away from her.
'Talking with you is impossible right now. Go get ready for tonight's events.'
'You know what, James? Fuck you.'
She stormed past him and started back inside. She ran straight into Johnathan. It looked like he was about to speak when she cut him off.
'Not now!'
She continued up to her room. The dress she was supposed to wear was again laid out on the bed. She began to strip angrily. Realizing what she was doing she caught her reflection in the mirror. What the hell was happening to her? She had grown tough. She was raised tough. To not put up with any shit. She turned and just lay on the bed. Fuming. He wanted to give her a hard time because it was "unbecoming" of her to have a male friend? Sure James didn't know Rexton was gay but still! It was unbecoming of James to act like a jackass. Which is what he was being right now. Getting up she ripped through her closet. Pulling back hangers and skimming through. It was then an idea formed. Rebellion rearing its head inside her. She found two items of clothes that were perfect. Taking the clothes she threw them on the bed. She quickly put on sweatpants and a loose shirt and hurried out of the room. She had to find Eva. She could help. Not that she would if she knew what Cassandra was thinking of doing. Ignorance is bliss.
She found her putting away towels in one of the hall closets.
'Eva!'
Eva turned surprised.
'Yes, your ma-...um Cassi.'
'I need your help.'
'Happy to. With what?'
'Can you alter clothing?'
'Yes.'
'Good. Please come with me.'
Taking her hand Cassi practically ran back to the room with Eva speed walking behind her.
'Okay.' She shut the door and locked it behind them. 'Do you see this?'
She held up the scarlet red dress.
'Yes.'
'I just need the skirt of it. Do you see this top?' She put the dress down and picked up the black lace halter evening dress.
'Yes.'
'I need you to cut out the slip underneath and just leave the lace. But I want you to cut it like this.' She demonstrated an upside down V. 'I want the edges sewn with red satin to match the skirt. Do you think this can be done in three hours?'
Eva's eyes grew wide.
'Perhaps. I'm going to need help.'
Cassi smirked. 'No problem. You get started, please. I'll be right back.'
She zoomed out of the room and found Madga and Natalie in the kitchen. People looked at her in surprise as she ran past them. No doubt taking in her very casual attire and bare feet.
'Nat. Magda. I need your guy's help. Please?'
'Okay. Let me put this in the oven.' Natalie agreed before sliding a pie in.
Madga put down the peeler she was using for potatoes and wiped her hands with a towel. They all three scurried out.
"What's wrong?' Natalie looked worried. As they ran to her room.
'Nothing. I just want something desperately. I'll make it up to you all. I promise.'
She threw the door open to the room and explained quickly.
After she was done they began to work. Madga left quickly to get her sewing kit from her room. As they stripped Cassi's plan was coming together nicely. Smiling mischievously, Cassi was so ready for tonight.
He wanted unbecoming? She'd show him unbecoming.