Reluctant Hearts (accepting different titles)

Chapter Four - Interesting Developments

Later that morning the six of them were just leaving the training area when a carriage and a dozen horsemen rode into the main courtyard. The carriage was very fine, most likely that of a nobleman. Oriana moved towards it on instinct, used to the various nobles visiting her own home. Damon also hurried forward to the carriage, grinning happily. It must have been a friend of his, which wasn’t so strange, considering this was his home.

A lovely young woman, perhaps only fifteen or sixteen threw the door open and launched herself out at a startled Damon, laughing and gripping him fiercely. Damon laughed, “Hello little one. Did you miss me so much then?” He swung her around and then tried to set her down on the ground.

The dark-haired girl pouted slightly and turned lovely blue eyes on the man in her grip, “It’s been nearly a month Damon, of course I missed you. Didn’t you miss me? Ungrateful man that you are, I doubt it,” she grunted and pulled away, crossing her arms. Oriana watched the whole scene in amusement. Whoever the girl was, she very likely Damon wrapped around her little finger.

“Of course he missed you Poppet,” said another female voice. “I’m sure he missed us all.” Another woman, about Oriana’s own age, and strikingly beautiful stepped down from the carriage. Her long black hair was loosely bound behind her and her eyes were the same startling blue of the younger girl. Oriana guessed that the two were sisters, the older being far too young to have given birth to the younger. She was dressed all in black; the lack of coloring startling on such a lovely woman.

She felt a jealous pang as Damon swept the rather frail looking woman into his arms and kissed her forehead gently. “I don’t know about the little runt here, but I certainly missed you,” he said with a gently smile. “How are you Kate?” Oriana suddenly felt a bit guilty for her brief flash of jealousy. Of course, these must be his sisters, Katherine and Georgiana. It certainly explained why the woman in his arms wore all black. She was still in mourning for her recently lost husband. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there for you,” he murmured to Katherine, making Oriana feel like she was intruding upon a very private moment.

Katherine gave him a brittle smile, “I will miss Brach very much, but I am doing better. You had duties to attend to so don’t feel guilty Damon. Besides I’m here now and very grateful for it.”

“Of course you are darling. Come now, move out of the way, so an old woman can get out of the carriage,” said yet another female voice. Katherine and Georgiana smiled and moved aside so Damon could help his mother down from the carriage. Oriana blinked, expecting an old woman after the demand, but seeing a rather youthful looking queen step from the carriage instead. She couldn’t be much over fifty and still retained much of what had once been radiant beauty. Oriana could almost imagine what the woman had looked like growing up just from the younger copies of her self standing by the carriage.

Oriana cleared her throat, reminding Damon that he wasn’t alone with his family. He started and turned, then grinned at her, “I apologize darling, I got distracted. Mother, Kate, Anna, this is my fiancée Oriana of Alberia. Mother I’m sure you already knew she was coming,” he finished with a raise eyebrow at the smiling older woman. He pulled Oriana forward to greet the women of his family.

Georgiana grinned at her and curtsied low, “Hello, I’m Georgiana, Anna for short. I’m very pleased to meet the woman who may finally teach this insufferable brute some manners.”

Katherine laughed and swatted her sister lightly, “Georgiana, don’t say such things to the princess. What will she think about her future husband?”

“I’d probably have to agree,” Oriana said with a small smile and a wink at Georgiana. Damon just snorted and crossed his arms, though his smile remained in place.

Katherine curtsied and Oriana returned it as best she could in breeches. “I’m very pleased that Damon has finally chosen a bride. I’m afraid we had all despaired of it ever happening.”

Oriana laughed lightly, “Yes well I was chosen for Damon, and Damon for me. We weren’t fully aware of the situation until yesterday.” She shrugged, “I can’t say that I was cheated though. Your brother seems like a very fine man.”

Isabella, Damon’s mother, chuckled, “We’ve tried to make him one, but now it’s in your hands.” Damon threw his hands up in disgust and walked away from the group. Isabella laughed again and took Oriana’s hands, “I’m so happy to finally meet you. I exchange letters with your mother frequently and she has told me of your education and skills. I look forward to hearing more from you on the matter.”

“Yes of course. I’m at your disposal,” Oriana said with a delighted smile. She’d heard that mother-in-laws could be quite insufferable, but Isabella seemed absolutely delightful and well grounded. She reminded Oriana of her own mother actually.

Isabella smiled and released her hands. She frowned suddenly and glanced around, “Georgiana where on earth is Benjamin? Wasn’t he riding right behind the carriage?”

Georgiana shrugged, “I don’t know, I don’t think he’s far.” She glanced around and pointed to the group of soldiers dismounting. “I think he’s there.”

Sure enough a young man with messy black hair and a familiar grin separated from the crowd and hurried to Damon and Samuel, arms waving. “Damon!” Damon caught the young man in a hug and ruffled his hair, laughing. “I’m so glad to be back. The trip was dreadful. We got attacked twice on the way by bandits!”

Damon quirked an eyebrow at his mother, who simply waved away his concern. “Just a couple of hungry men looking for food and gold. We fed them and sent them on their way,” Isabella said mildly. “Our men had no problem handling them.”

“Ah yes, very exciting I’m sure.” He was relieved it hadn’t been Hillmen. The Hillmen had been getting more aggressive in the past few months and Damon had wanted to send an army with his family to protect them. Isabella had refused and left to retrieve her grieving daughter with only a few men. “Benjamin, come and meet my future wife, Princess Oriana of Alberia.”

“Wife?” Benjamin gasped. “Whatever for?”

Samuel grunted, “That’s what I said.”

Damon rolled his eyes and sighed, “Like I said before to Sam, I have a duty to this kingdom to provide a solid heir to the thrown. You don’t want to be king do you Benny?” Benjamin made a face and shook his head. “Then it’s settled, I’ll marry and you can live off of my hard work and sacrifice.”

Benjamin grinned and moved forward to bow over Oriana’s hand. “Thank you for relieving me of the threat of responsibility,” he said in amusement. “I am eternally in your debt.”

Oriana laughed, “You’re very welcome, but first I must bear a son for your bother. Don’t get your hopes up yet.” She could see the beginnings of a fine man in Benjamin, who seemed to be very much like his elder brother. She looked forward to seeing both of the teenagers grow into adulthood, having no siblings of her own.

Benjamin straitened and regarded her a moment, “Would it be rude if I asked why you are in breeches? Were you riding?”

Oriana shook her head and patted the hilt of her sword, “No, we were sparring,” she said waving her hand towards the rest of her group. “Let me introduce you all.” She beckoned Indra, Isaac and Aria forward. She turned to the family and smiled, “This is Aria, Indra and Isaac,” pointing to each in turn. “Aria and Indra are my handmaidens and friends. Isaac is also a dear friend and a soldier in Alberia. He is the son of Lord Jeston, a common border lord.” Isabella nodded, recognizing the name. “Indra and Aria have also joined me in my training with the sword and other weapons and in receiving an education.”

Benjamin bit his lip and flushed lightly, “I hope this doesn’t sound terribly rude, but why?”

Oriana laughed, “That isn’t rude, just honest. I know that women are typically expected to take on duties in the household, which are quite extensive, so why would they want to also take on a man’s duties? The truth is I had to for the sake of the country, in the beginning. My mother could only bear one child, me, so no male children were available to inherit. As a result I was educated like any male noble, which included warfare. What good is a ruler if they can’t lead an army or read maps and documents?”

Benjamin mulled over that, “I suppose that makes sense.”

Oriana grinned, “I’m glad you think so. You’re very forward minded Benjamin, I admire that.”

He grinned ruefully, “When you have a twin sister like mine, you learn to appreciate just how determined and strong a girl can be.” He ignored his sister’s snort and looked at Oriana hopefully, “Maybe I could join you tomorrow? I could bring Anna too. Maybe she can learn something?”

Oriana nodded, smiling at Georgiana’s delighted gasp, “Of course, if your parents have no objections. You can train with Isaac and Georgiana may join Indra and Aria. They are all very good and may be able to teach you a few new things.”

Isabella smiled and shrugged, “I see no problem with that. It might do them some good to get out a bit more. Perhaps Katherine may also join you when she’s ready.” Isabella smiled at her fragile older daughter, who simply nodded quietly. “Now if you don’t mind I have a husband to go greet.” The group watched at the lovely older woman hurried into the castle to find her husband.

“Oh!” Georgiana groaned, “Now we won’t get to greet Father for hours!”

Oriana sent Damon a curious look. Damon grinned and shrugged, “Mother and Father have quite the love affair with each other. Georgiana is right. They’ll be locked up until dinner.” Oriana laughed and shook her head. She hoped her own marriage turned out so well.

***
-three weeks later-

Oriana sighed and regarded her father for a moment before speaking up, “You were right of course.”

He sat back in his chair grinning, “I’m glad you think so. He’s a nice young man isn’t he?” Henry was exceedingly pleased with how well the two seemed to be getting along. Watching all of them spar in the morning from his room had been rather gratifying.

She leaned back into her cushioned chair and sipped some hot chocolate. Sighing a little she flicked her gaze to her father then to the window. “Yes, he is very sweet and charming. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed the company of another person quite so much in a long time. He doesn’t play games with me like some noblemen. He accepts that I’m comfortable with a sword in my hand and the fact that I can hold my own on most topics. It’s rather refreshing to talk to a man and not feel like I have to defend my life choices to him,” she finished with a small smile.

“Will you marry him for sure then?” Henry asked curiously.

“No doubt,” she replied, “But I do wish to stay and develop at least some sort of relationship with him prior to our marriage.”

“I think that would be wise, considering the importance of this union. If this marriage is doomed from the beginning I’d rather it not occur at all. We can find a different method of uniting the countries if need be,” Henry said seriously, leaning forward in his chair.

Oriana looked out of the window of her father’s room for a moment then shook her head. “The marriage is the best way, perhaps the only way. You and King Edward may set a date if Damon is agreeable.”

Henry nodded, “Yes of course. I’ll speak with Edward about it before I leave this afternoon. We were thinking that August would be best, before winter sets in and nobles are unable to travel. That gives you about a month and a half to get better acquainted.”

Oriana stood and paced to the window. Outside, a little way down, Damon and Sam were inspecting some new horses for the soldiers. Damon looked so handsome down there, laughing and talking with his strange friend. “Is that too much time or too little?” she muttered, mostly to herself.

Henry came to stand next to his daughter, “What troubles you Oriana?”

She sighed, “He does, or rather my feelings for him. I am in very great danger of falling for him and I don’t know that he is in the same situation. He’s so very charming and sweet and funny, I adore his company. I haven’t felt this way about any man before and it is a bit confusing.”

Henry sighed, “Love is crazy at first. It is very confusing and frustrating at times but, in the end, trust me when I say that it is worth it.”

“If he loves me in return it will be worth it,” she murmured watching Damon lead a brown mare around the yard below. He looked up at the castle and saw her in the window. He grinned and waved. She waved then turned to walk back to her chair.

Henry smiled when Damon’s gaze lingered on the window for a moment longer. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about love,” Henry murmured.

***

Damon lay back on the grass in the middle the castle gardens, sighing softly. The past few weeks had been very strange for him. He’d started the month out as a single young man who mainly worried about the daily needs of his kingdom; not that it was anything to scoff at. Now he was a young man in serious danger of losing his heart and he didn’t mind in the least. Oriana was quite unlike any other woman he’d met. He gazed up and the stars and sighed again. She was lovely and intelligent and fiery. On more than one occasion they’d gotten into debates about the policies of their countries and she had surprised him with her knowledge and determination. He didn’t look forward to more mundane arguments with her. He grinned to himself.

His father had informed him a short while ago that the wedding was set for August, only six weeks away. The time frame was shorter than the one that Damon and Oriana had originally intended, but not wholly disagreeable. If anything it was a little too long to have to wait. He was enjoying getting to know her on a more casual basis, but he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to know her a bit more intimately.

She had a glorious body, full and slim in all of the right places, lightly muscled from her hard work with the sword. And when she wore her hair down, she looked absolutely breathtaking. Once again he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to see that hair spread across his pillow.

Damon snorted at his own thoughts. Serves him right for swearing off any other women the day he’d become engaged to Oriana. No wonder he was starting to have such thoughts. He had always had a rather healthy appetite when it came to women, though perhaps not that of Samuel’s. He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest.

“For someone who is all alone, you make a lot of noise,” an amused female voice said from somewhere behind his head. He craned his head back and saw Oriana smiling down at him. “Good evening,” she said before coming around him and settling down on the grass.

“Good evening,” he murmured with a welcoming smile. She looked beautiful, as always. She’d changed into a gown once again and had brushed out her wavy red locks so they curled gently around her waist. Glorious. “What brings you out here?” he asked putting his hands behind his head and crossing his legs at the ankles.

Oriana smiled as he settled into comfortable position. She liked the fact that he was so comfortable around her and didn’t insist on all of the formalities typically used in the noble class. “I came out here to find you. Samuel said this is where you can usually be found.” She leaned back and looked up at the stars, “I can see why. It’s beautiful out here.”

“Mm, yes it is,” he murmured, looking at her, rather than the stars. “Why were you looking for me Princess?”

Oriana sighed and slid her gaze down from the stars to find him watching her through hooded lids. She blushed lightly under his casual regard, feeling her heart skip a little. How did he do that, how did he affect her so, without even touching her? Did he do it on purpose? She frowned softly, “Did your father tell you about the wedding plans? I believe Father talked to him about it before he left today.”

“He told me. That’s basically what I was thinking about when you found me out here,” he said sitting up, resting back on his elbows. “I can’t decide if it’s too soon or too far away,” he said with a small smile.

She flushed brighter, “Oh? Why would it be too far away?”

He sighed, “For a couple of reasons. First the Hillmen have been spotted more and more frequently, making this alliance vital to a strong offensive against them if need be. The people will be more willing to fight together after we marry then they would now.” He leaned over and tugged her towards him so she was sprawled half across his chest. Her cheeks flared red and she gasped at the sudden contact of their bodies. “The other reason is more and more all I can think about is taking you to my bed. Six weeks will make for a very long wait.”

She swallowed and choked out, “Truly?” Never had she felt more aware of her body then at this moment. She was braced on one elbow on the grass, but the other arm had been flung over his belly, leaving her breasts pressed into his chest and side. Usually she didn’t pay much attention to them; her breasts mostly got in the way in battle or gave men something to ogle while she tried to speak with them. At this moment, however, she had to admit that she rather enjoyed the hard wall of his chest pressed against them. Even her hip, pressed against his, was a curious point of heat for the confused young woman.

He smiled, slowly and confidently, up at her. She swallowed against as a dull, throbbing ache flared between her thighs. “Truly.” He rolled and pinned the young woman partially beneath his body. “I think about how your skin would feel against my own, the smell of your hair, the soft gasps you might make…it’s torture,” he murmured against her ear. He nipped gently at the tender flesh at the back of her jaw, drawing a started gasp from her. “I wonder how it might feel to sink into you and run my hands over your body. It must be absolutely glorious,” he said huskily, almost groaning as desire flared hard in his groin.

She gasped at his words. No man had ever said such things to her and especially not while pinning her into the grass, below the stars. Would he kiss her tonight or would he doing even more than that? Part of her demanded that she stop him immediately, but another clamored at the possibility of finally making love with a man. He would be her husband soon anyway….

He released one of the wrists he’d been lightly grasping and slid his fingers up her arm, grinning as goose bumps sprang up at his touch. Without bothering to ask he leaned down to kiss her gently. His lips moved softly over hers, barely touching them at all. She shuddered delicately below him and leaned up into the kiss as she began to understand the movements he was making. With a soft groan he deepened the kiss and slid his wandering fingers lightly over her neck and down to stroke her breast.

Oriana would have gasped when he touched her breast, but his lips prevented any such reaction. She had thought such a touch would make her angry, but instead she felt her nipple tighten under the light, pleasurable pressure of his hand. “Perfect,” he murmured against her mouth, sending a delighted shiver down her spine. She felt a brief thrill knowing that she would finally know what it was like to be with a man, with her husband. The insistent prod of his length into her hip told her what his body intended, in no uncertain terms.

He groaned and ground his body slowly against her own, wondering how a simple evening chat had turned it this so quickly. He couldn’t seem to form a coherent thought on the answer to that though. His mind and body were primarily concerned with sinking between her thighs and sending them both into pleasurable oblivion. Still kissing her deeply, he blindly slid his hand into the low neck of her gown and shuddered as soft warm flesh filled his hand. “Oh gods you feel good,” he groaned roughly.

Oriana gasped then moaned softly as his hand moved to cup naked flesh. She couldn’t believe the sensations that were rippling through her body. As he ground into her, her body responded instinctively, arching into his. She shivered at the low groan that her movement tore from him, rumbling into her mouth and against her chest. “Please,” she whimpered against his mouth, not entirely sure what she was asking for, but sure he’d know.

With a rough curse Damon rose to his knees between her ankles and began pressing her gown up her legs, scooting forward slowly. “Oh gods Oriana I want you…I can’t believe the way you make me feel,” he rasped, knowing he’d lost control. She simply whimpered below him and arched her hips up in universal invitation. “Fuck,” he groaned, reaching for the buttons of his breeches with one hand and spreading her legs wide with his thighs. It would be a simple matter to slip through the slit in her undergarments and into her warm body. He silently thanked the creator of women’s undergarments for their convenient design. Cool air washed over his burning length as he finally managed to free himself.

“Hurry Damon,” Oriana gasped, not caring that she was about to lose her maidenhead in the middle of a garden without even the benefit of a wedding; not caring that this was going far too fast All she could think about was having him inside her and quenching the ache between her legs. She gasped when the head of his cock slipped through her undergarments and came to rest against her warm, wet flesh. “Yes!” she gasped, clutching at his shirt to pull him forward. He began to push, a curious sensation indeed, stretching and filling her slowly until he came to rest at her frail maidenhead. She bit her lip and looked up into his face. “Just do it. I don’t care if it hurts a little,” she whispered. He nodded, mouth set in a tense line of concentration. He pulled out slightly and prepared to thrust hard into his little princess, claiming her for his own.

A sudden, slightly embarrassed cough from a few feet away, froze both. Damon’s head flew up, eyes wide, “Who’s there?” He pulled away from Oriana, leaving her body and pulling her skirts down.

Sam stepped forward, eyes averted, “I apologize Damon…Princess. I wouldn’t have interrupted if it weren’t important.”

Damon growled and pulled his clothing back together, wishing he could strangle his long-time friend. Oriana righted her own clothing and clamored to her feet, eyes cast down in embarrassment. “This had better be very important Sam,” he growled angrily.

Sam dared to look at them finally and nodded, “The Hillmen have been spotted just before sundown heading this way.”

Oriana gasped, instantly forgetting her embarrassment, “We must prepare immediately then. They could be here at any moment.” She turned to hurry back into the castle, but was caught short when Damon grabbed her arm. “A moment Oriana?” he murmured. She blushed and nodded, waiting for Samuel to move away from them.

When Damon was sure that Samuel was well enough away he pulled Oriana against his chest in a gentle hug, “This isn’t exactly how I intended for this night to end Princess.” He tilted her chin up gently and kissed her. “I know this wasn’t part of our plans and it went far to fast…but I don’t regret it,” he murmured softly.

“I don’t regret it either Damon, but I am a little embarrassed,” she admitted softly. “I’ve never behaved quite so recklessly…and then Samuel saw us...” she whispered. “I can’t believe what we were about to do! One minute we’re talking and the next we…we were…,” she faded out shaking her head.

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about darling,” he whispered, stroking her hair. “You will be my wife very soon. Do not be ashamed of what we did.”

She smiled shyly and nodded, “I will try.” She pulled away gently, “I must go get ready and prepare my servants as well. Where can I find you later?” she asked.

He reached out and caressed her cheek, “I may have to ride out with the men. I need you to help lead the men here. It’s time to show them what their future queen can do. Be careful and don’t let those Hillmen get in.”

She smiled sadly, “Come back to me alive.” He smiled and nodded as she pulled away and hurried from the garden.

Samuel came forward and patted Damon’s shoulder, “I’m sorry Damon, but the messenger had just brought the news. I knew Oriana came looking for you but I didn’t know you were intimate with her already.”

Damon shook his head and sighed, “We haven’t been yet. Tonight was the first time we acted on any thoughts we’d had on the matter. I was very seriously trying to build a decent friendship with her, but now things are much more complicated.”

Sam groaned and rubbed the back of his head, realizing he’d interrupted one of the most important moments for a new couple. “Man, I’m sorry. Is she okay? I mean is she hurting or anything…”

“She’s fine, just embarrassed,” Damon assured his friend. He sighed, “Don’t worry yourself over it. It wasn’t the best choice of location after all. I don’t know what got into me. I don’t lose control like that Sam, at least not when it comes to the fairer sex. I had her on her back within five minutes at most.” He shook his head at his behavior and patted Sam on the shoulder, “I’ll make it up to her later. Let’s get going. The men need to be gathered and castle closed up.”

Samuel nodded and followed his friend from the garden, smiling slightly. He had a feeling that his Prince had fallen hard for the strange little Princess, and from what he had seen in her, Samuel couldn’t really blame the man. She was an amazing woman indeed.