Wings of Grace

Chapter 16

       Looking into Lara's upturned face, amazement written all over it, he could hardly believe it himself. There was no denying Lara was Tiana's daughter. He picked Lara up and twirled her around in the air, letting her body slide very slowly down his own, building up a high fever tension between them until she touched the ground.

     Staring into each other's eyes, the intense emotions, that emanated from them, was enough to make all the surrounding bodies feel uncomfortable, so they quickly made excuses about departing, allowing the couple time alone to discuss what to do next, if that's what they chose to do, without having an audience.

     All except for John, he honestly believed that the king needed his expertise when it came to romance and was ready to give some pointers when called upon, and saw no reason to leave, until he was elbowed by Alexis.

     "He looks like he's doing fine by himself, Romeo. Move it."

     It took Lyon several minutes to digest that the woman that he loved more than life itself was the one destined, by Zanaltra Law, to be his soulmate and his Queen.

     He didn't have to hide his feelings anymore. She was his. No one could take her away from him.

     Sensing they were alone, not having taken his eyes from Lara's, Lyon, pushed back a silver strand behind her ear, placing a soft long kiss on her forehead than lightly running his right-hand fingers over each eye, closing them before he gently kissed both eyelids. Following his index finger's light movements down one cheek, then the other with feather kisses, until he reached her mouth. Applying a little more pressure, he watched her tongue dart out to wet her dry lips, as though directing his finger to follow in its movement, which he obliged, over the bow shape, as his left hand gently cupped the back of her head, playfully touching the silver strands of hair between his fingers and thumb before directing it towards his own.

     Just an inch away he halted all movement, drawing the tension out, as he could feel her heartbeat rapidly increasing, mirroring his own. Lara lifted her face towards him wanting the teasing to stop, and still he waited another second, their passion heightened by the delay, demanding its release, until she let out a little cry in which he answered, as he gave all he had and more into the union of their lips, finally dousing the fire that inflamed them both. The experience was so intense during that magical moment, the kiss, leaving her in no doubt how much she meant to him.

                                                                              *****

     When they joined Alexis, who had been waiting patiently with the horses, after sending John and Strauss to accompany the Elders, Flarego and Doris back to the castle, Alexis, made no comment on the flushed look on both their faces or the wild state of their hair. Lara accompanied Lyon on his horse, sitting astride, in front, with his arms around her, while Alexis rode beside them. All three, remained quiet, lost in their own thoughts, during the whole trip home.

     Lara's mind whirl-winded over everything that had happened in the last several weeks, not to mention the last half hour.

     Alexis knew what was to come and wasn't sure if Lara would be sitting so contently in King Lyon's arms if she had any idea what was expected of her.

     Lyon enjoyed having Lara in his arms, but his elation somewhat dampened when he remembered the Zanaltra Trials still had to be faced. He had never witnessed the test in his lifetime and knew only what the history manuscripts had said. The Elders had always been secretive on the details of the trials and, up until now, Lyon really hadn't given them any serious thought.