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

Grámhara (Lovers)

Liam

I could tell my wife is struggling and her mood hasn't changed.  She needs to feel love and strength before she falls into the darkness herself.  She had the weight of the world thrown onto her shoulders and now the pressure of carrying who could be the next King has added to her burden.

I had one night to fully show her my love but that must change tonight.  I may not be back to my full strength but I want her to feel loved and adored.  She is beautiful, intelligent and a born leader, she deserves more.

Her ladies followed is back to the queen's quarters and I relieved them at the door.  "The Queen will not be needing your services when I am present in the evenings," I said and all three curtsied then walked away before the double doors were opened by the guards.

"I thought we agreed to shared Quarters," I said as we walked inside.

"You need to decide which quarters you would like to occupy.  Mine has the Spanish bath with warm water, which I do prefer." She said.

"Then I will move from the King's chambers," I said as I removed my belt and sporran and she reached back to remove the pins from her hair.

"You should keep the chambers for my confinement." She said.

"I may not be at your side?" I asked.

"It's many months from now so we must wait and see." She said.

"I will never understand the strict rules of confinement before and after childbirth," I said as I unbuttoned my shirt.

"A King, such as yourself, should not be bothered by a crying infant." She sat at her vanity and I approached her then took the brush from her hand.

"That infant will be my child," I said as I ran the brush through her silky hair.

"The privacy of a new mother that refuses a wet nurse is to be honored." She said.

"No wet nurse?  You're a Queen, that isn't within tradition."

"I will nurse our children." She is serious.

"As the Queen desires but you will have a midwife," I said and she nodded.  "You have duties as Queen," I added.

"I am aware, Liam." She sounds frustrated.

"We have many months to plan." I leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Anna, I understand you had previously hoped that we had not yet created life but it is happening.  Our child will be perfect and you may rest as much as you like.  I would like to keep the pressures off you as much as possible." I said and she reached up and placed her hand on mine.  I stopped brushing her hair and she looked up at me through the mirror.

"I am sorry, Liam.  You're right, our child is a blessing and I will try to have better spirits." She said and I realize tonight she just needs to feel loved. 

"Come, let's prepare you for sleep." I set the brush down and held out my hand before she took it and stood.

"Have I told you today how beautiful my queen is?" I asked and she just looked me in the eyes.

"I love you, Anna." I lifted her hand and kissed it. 

"I am more than just your Queen." She said and I dipped my head down and brushed my lips against hers. 

"You are my love, my life, and my wife." I cupped her face and kissed her the way only a husband could kiss his wife. 

I rested my forehead on hers and she opened her eyes.  "I love you, Liam."

"Behind these doors, we are no longer king and queen but husband and wife.  My friend, my lover and the mother of my children." I whispered. 

She took the initiative and kissed me so deeply that I can feel her love. 

"Undress me, Liam." She pulled back and whispered.

I was more than glad to relieve my wife of her layers, first her dress piled around her feet then each layer until I held my hand out and she stepped out of the pile. 

She then relieved me of my threads and her soft gentle fingers roamed my body before she took my hand and walked to the bed.  She is still in her shift and stockings but helped me to bed then crawled on top of me.  I watched as she lifted her shift over her head and exposed herself to me then looked down at me with that fire in her eyes I love so much. 

I pulled her head down to kiss me just as she lifted herself and eased me inside her.  I am finally home, the woman whose memory kept me alive has taken the lead as she kissed me and moved her hips up and down.

"I've missed you, my love," I whispered as she sent shivers up my spine. 

When she sat up and threw her head back as she moved her hips, I thought I could die a happy man.  She is so natural and somehow knows exactly how to move her body.  Every moment became more intense as she cried out my name. I needed her close so I tried to sit up a little but her hands slammed down on the headboard and she moved her hips faster. 

"Christ!" I cried out as she is taking me somewhere I've never known. 

"Liam!"

She moved quicker and I am right on the edge.  My injured body won't allow me to take control as she won't stop for me to catch my breath, it will not be a slow night of making love. 

I looked up at her, the most beautiful woman in the world as she comes apart on top of me. 

"Ahh, God!" My stomach tightened and I'm in heaven, her moans alone are enough to take me here.  Once again my toes curled and my whole body went stiff which was painful but there was no stopping it, everything I have shot into her just as she let go of the bed to cup my face and kiss me.   I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed tightly like I was holding on for dear life. 

My body shook once it was over and I couldn't let go of her.  I need her, she is my everything. I am no longer that young prince that wanted all the power.  I am more than happy to hand it over to my bride.