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

Dualgas (Duty)

Anna

I woke alone in bed this morning as my kind husband allowed me to sleep.  He left a note pinned to his pillow inviting me to council if I would like but my schedule would be my own today.  I missed him, his scent still lingers, the good one, the one that reminds me of my husband.  He somewhat smells like myself with the rosemary and lavender baths I force him to take but he has his own scent, one that makes me feel safe and warm. 

I stretched, feeling better today than I did last night.  I ran my hand over my bare stomach and was reminded of the gift the King left me before he was taken away.  A prince or princess that can carry forth our love of the people, the hard work it will take to save these countries and the sacrifices we both have made for each other and the crown. 

Before we fell asleep last night he reminded me that we are husband and wife behind closed doors.  We are equals and I am not to curtsy him or treat him as king.  We will be a family, a mother and father that will shine our love on our children although our duty to the throne will always come first. 

I crawled out of bed and fought some nausea and dizziness but my ladies forced bread upon me before my bath.  I wanted to be dressed quickly so I could make council. 

My ladies couldn't work quickly enough as I wore my hair down to save time.  "Quickly ladies."

I feel like a new woman today, I needed his love and he showed it to me in the best possible way last night. 

My ladies followed me down the halls as I quickly approached the doors that my husband, father, and brother sits behind, making decisions that could make history.  I am one of the few women allowed to sit in on council, even as Queen such affairs are usually left to the King and his council.  I can pick and choose when I do and do not want to attend. 

The doors open and suddenly everyone stands, including the one man that looks so handsome with the wounds on his face healing.

"My Queen," he says and bows just like everyone else.  I curtsied my King and walked over to the table. 

"I hope my lack of presence does not mean I have missed anything," I said as I sat and all the men sat after me.

"We were just discussing the supposed heir to the throne.  He wishes to visit and we are discussing whether or not we should allow that to happen." Liam said.

"What have we decided?" I asked.

"I feel he should come, let me size up the man." He said.

"I would agree.  Let's get it over so we can start making productive plans." I said.

It was agreed the man would visit. 

"My second order of business is a letter forwarded from Cogadh.  It is from an old comrade I was corresponding with before our nuptials.  He lives in the new world and talks about cotton." He said.

"Would cotton grow on such rocky soil?" I asked and he shook his head.

"There is a new age coming, the industrial age where we could purchase the cotton and have textile factories.  It will give futures to the people, trade with other lands and independence to the people." He said.

"Where do we find the capital for such an adventure?  If this is for Cogadh, you won't spend the fortune of this country." Lord Sheridan said.

"I will do as I please, as it will benefit all three countries.  Cruálacht is no longer its own entity and will benefit everyone." Liam said. 

I stared at my husband as he showed his power to these men.  A shiver ran up my spine and through my heart as images from last night flash before my eyes.  I heard Liam clear his throat and it snapped me out of my dirty thoughts.  He uncomfortably moved in his chair as he looked at me and it was easy to see he was hiding a smirk.  He must have seen right through me. 

I supported my husband in the cotton investment.  It will be small compared to the vast fortune of Cruálacht and could help the people tremendously. 

He ordered a special Mass of the bishop to honor all the fallen soldiers and my father announced he would be leaving soon.  My brother will stay and assist Liam for some time but will return home after I give birth. 

"I do think we are making great strides and will see you all tomorrow morning.  You are all excused, except for the Queen." Liam said and looked at his private secretary.  "Please arrange for lunch."

The men bowed then each left the room and the doors shut behind them. 

"My dear Queen, what had your thoughts causing such a blush?" He asked from the other end of the table.

"Nothing, in particular, your majesty," I replied.

"You had that fire in your eyes and your cheeks were rosy red." He smirked.

"My thoughts are privately my own," I said and he smiled. 

"You may think such things but I would know that look anywhere." He sat back and propped his head up with his forefinger and thumb.  "Come." He said, so I stood and slowly made my way over to him.  He grasped my waist and had me sit on the table in front of him. 

"Behind these doors, I am not just your wife but your Queen.  Do not think inappropriately in such a public place." I said and he smirked as his hands slid under my dress and up my thighs. 

"I deem this room private, as your King.  I deem every room in this palace as private the moment I am blessed to have you alone." His head disappeared under my dress.

"Liam!"

Okay, this is new.  Whatever he is doing I love it and never want him to stop.