Validus (Book Two Part One Of The White Witch Of A Stór Series)

Féasta (Feast)

Anna

I sat between my father and brother as victory was celebrated.  I understand my duty as Queen but it's my duties as his wife that lay heavily on my mind.  He is struggling with everything, he tried to hide it but I fear his mind will travel to a dark place. 

I kept the fake smile on my face as everyone was joyous around me.  I looked around and noticed this palace is everything Liam ever wanted.  The men and women have manners, dressed appropriately and I've yet to have found a secret sex room.  That still bothers me, he was so young when his father encouraged him.  I have to wonder if he was playful at that age or felt the burden of his position as Alexander does today.

Colum was always so quiet about such things and I have no idea what kind of things he has done with women.  What is normal for young men?

The hardships he faced before I even knew him pierces my heart.  My love has deepened for him and I can feel my eyes start to water.  I have become emotional over the last day since he woke.  I pulled myself together and joined into the festivities.  I drank wine, laughed to horrible jokes and even danced but my mind wasn't far from Liam.

I motioned to Callie that I am ready to retire for the evening.  I thanked everyone for attending and my father actually kissed my cheek in front of everyone.  They are all so happy but I am only half a woman.  Colum warned me of the stain on your soul after you take a life.  He was evil but he also once walked in these shoes. 

My ladies followed me to my Quarters and undressed me.  "Callie, how long were you married?" I asked.

"Three months, Your Majesty." She answered.

"Did you marry for love or duty?" I asked as she brushed my hair.

"I knew my Malcolm since childhood but we were arranged." She said.

"Did you love him?" I asked and she paused.

"I still love him as I am carrying his child." She said and my heart broke for her.  She would have no means and would depend on the charity of her family if I had not invited her to court. 

"You have your place with us now.  We will find you a suitable husband when the time comes." I said but I am sure that gave her nearly no comfort. 

"Thank you, Callie.  I will take my robe and retire in the Kings quarters."   I said and she helped me with my robe then all three followed me to his quarters followed by my guards. 

I stopped and turned to them before the guards at his door moved.

"My ladies may retire for the evening," I said and they curtsied before the doors were opened.

I stepped inside and the light from the fire flickered as Liam still slept.  I tiptoed over and hung my robe before climbing into his bed.

I propped my head up and watched him sleep.  How is it possible to love him so much more than before?  Is what my mother said true, am I graced by God and it was written I would give this man everything?  My grace, my love, and his children?"

He started to stir but I didn't react.  He is so handsome, even with his weight loss and the lesions all over his face.  No matter how weak he feels, he is still the strongest man I have ever known. 

"Is my wife visiting in her shift?" He asked.

"Of course," I said and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

"Have you eaten?" I asked.

"Yes, and they keep shoving that bloody tea of heather down my throat thanks to a certain white witch." He hasn't opened his eyes.

"You need your rest," I said.

"I need my strength back." He said.

"Solid food tomorrow?" I asked.

"Please, I have wilted to nothing." He said.

"Yes, and a bath to compliment." He smells bad again.

"Not everyone bathes daily." He said.

"That will be one condition of our marital bed." I laughed.

"Once a week like most." He said.

"Then I will keep my Queens quarters." I teased.

"Alright, daily." He changed his attitude. 

"Did you wake much while I was gone?" I asked.

"Yes but again, tea of heather." He groaned.

"Alright, if your pain is manageable we will cut back."

"Bossy." He muttered.

"You're one to speak." I laughed.

"I am the King, it is my job."

"You are my King." I leaned in and kissed his cheek.  He turned his head and pecked my lips but I pulled away.  "The King needs peppermint." I scrunched my nose.

"Your King needs to touch his wife." He groaned when he turned his body. 

"I think you need to rest more before you have your way with your wife."

He reached over anyway and found my breast.  "I can touch, it will cause no harm." He squeezed it and I yelped. 

"You're inappropriate." I laughed.

"A man cannot be inappropriate enough with his wife." He educated me.

"Kiss me, Anna." He whispered. 

"Not without peppermint." I reminded him.

He groaned.  "I need your kiss."

"I need yours too but for now we sleep." I laid down and his hand is still on my breast. 

"Your Majesty?"

"Yes?" He answered.

"Your hand."

"Yes"

I laughed.  "It's still there."

"It will move when I fall asleep since you refuse to get closer."

"Tomorrow you bathe and get peppermint."

He is healing!