MorningStar's Kitten

It seemed like she had only just closed her eyes when Cade woke her, but she smiled and quickly rose and dressed. When she finished Keira started to fold the furs while Cade pulled on his boots and cloak. He glanced over at her then left the tent, returning as she placed the last folded fur upon a neat stack. Cade handed her bread, cheese and dried meat tied up in a cloth, and put his arm around her to guided her to sit beside the river and eat. Several soldiers came over and packed up the tent and furs. They were still eating and chatting quietly when the army mounted up and started to move out.
A small group of about twenty-five soldiers remained, still eating and resting around Keira and Cade. She watched curiously, but didn’t ask him what was going on. Cade watched her out of the corner of his eye and was amused to see her curiosity become more and more obvious. She fidgeted and squirmed like a small child, glancing around her then back at him. When Keira finally looked as if she’d burst, Cade laughed before he explained.

“A solution to our problem come to me while you slept.”
“Oh, and what’s that?”
“A small group of my men will accompany us and we’ll ride fast and hard for home, while the main army follows. We should reach home in another three days or so, the army in about a week.”
“I’m guessing with only short rests for the horses and riding from dawn until dusk.”
“Yes, my pet. Do you think you’ll be able to handle travelling like that?”
Keira thought for a moment before she spoke.
“I’ll be fine. I feel safe in your arms and can sleep if I need to, I just worry about you.”
“I’ve travelled harder and further in the past. We should head out. We’ll travel till dusk since the horses had such a long rest now.”

Keira nodded and rose, she washed her face and hands, then dried them on her cloak. She walked over to Cade, who had already mounted his horse and he lifted her up in front of him. He motioned his men to move out and they rode out at a full gallop. In a short while they overtook and passed the main body of Cade's army. Cade held Keira tight and she’d settled against him, her head resting on his shoulder. They rode in silence for some time when Keira looked up at him.

“Cade...”
“Yes, my pet?” He answered looking at her.
“Will we go through any towns or villages?”
“Well, we pass near a few, and past the capital city of Dareth. Do you need something?”
“No. I’ve just never seen any village but my own and was curious.”
“If you like we can spend tomorrow night in Dareth. The delay of one day won’t matter, and we can get you started on a proper wardrobe.” Cade said, and then added. “And some pretty baubles you women seem so fond of.”
“Cade, you don’t need to buy me things. I’m content with what I have and being your wife.”

Cade reined in his horse and brought him to a stop, with the soldiers that rode with them coming to a halt and surrounding them. He turned Keira to face him and tipped her face up to look into her eyes. Her green and gold cats eyes looked up at him with the innocence he forgot she had in her eagerness for him.

“My sweet innocent pet.” Cade murmured. “You truly don’t understand how your life has changed, do you?”
“My father said you were the most powerful of the Warlords, and the wealthiest. But I’m not really sure what that means for me.”
“It means fancy gowns, jewels, and servants. It means formal balls, parties, and banquets with politicians and business associates. It also means you’ll have to learn to run my stronghold.”

Keira looked worried and upset as she digested Cade’s words. She was a simple girl from a small village at the edge of the Northern Territories. Their closest neighbor had been half a day’s ride away. Her mother’s only jewelry was a simple silver bracelet, a silver ring her father had given her mother when they married and the ornate silver combs Keira had been given on her wedding day. Keira felt overwhelmed and frightened at the thought of the new life before her. Cade saw the fear in her eyes and held her close, kissing her forehead.

“Don’t worry so, my pet. You’ll have me to help you, as well as others. You’ll also have to accept that you can no longer just wander off when you like. If you choose to leave the stronghold you’ll be escorted by myself or guards at all times.”
“Guards? Why?”
“I do have enemies that would try to hurt me by taking you, and there are always fools who might think to ransom you.”
“You're scaring me, Cade.” Keira said trembling.
“Don’t worry, M’lady.” The Captain of the soldiers said from next to them, he hesitated as Cade looked over at him.
“Go on, Donell.” Cade said.
“There are few men in the Territories that stupid or greedy that they’d risk Lord MorningStar’s wrath.”
“I think perhaps that frightens me the most.” Keira said.
“I would never hurt you, Keira.” Cade reassured her, stroking her hair.
“My father never did when he was sober either.” Keira said softly as she looked down.

Cade put his hand under her chin and made her look up at him. Her lashes were wet and a lone tear slid down one cheek. Her eyes were filled with the tears that threatened to follow. In that instant Cade realized that Keira had been hiding her fear that he would treat her as her father had, even if only when he’d been drinking. He kissed her wet cheek and dried her eyes with the edge of his cloak.

“Kia, I rarely drink to excess, and when I do I’ve been told I’m more the fool than anything else, however if it makes you feel better I promise to never get drunk unless I’m away from you.”
“You’d do that for me?” Keira asked, a look of surprise and disbelief coming over her.
“I never want you to be afraid of me, my pet.”
“I’m not... and I don’t see how I ever could be.”
“Good, now we’re wasting time if we’re going to keep to our schedule and stop in Dareth.”

Keira settled herself back in Cade’s arms as they started off again. She felt safe and secure for the first time in her life and said a silent pleading to the Goddess that the visions she’d had of the future would not come to pass. They travelled until the sun started to fall below the horizon, and then made camp near the river in a small clearing. After the horses were settled for the night and they’d eaten, Keira and Cade settled themselves on the sleeping furs that had been laid out behind a large bush on the far side of the clearing away from the men. Cade made love to her slowly and Keira was amazed that her Warlord husband was capable of such tenderness. Afterward Keira lay in his arms, she draped an arm over his chest and nestled against his shoulder.

“Sleep, my pet.” Cade whispered against her hair, “We leave at first light.”
“Will you actually sleep tonight?” Keira asked, concerned.
“Yes, my pet. The men have set up watch.”
“Night, my love.”
“Night, Kia.”

Keira awoke with a start shortly before dawn, the last remnants of a nightmare slipping from her memory. She only recalled feeling alone and afraid, in a huge and strange place. She’d called for Cade repeatedly with no answer, and the more she searched and called with no sign of him the more afraid she became. As Keira became more aware, she realized Cade was no longer holding her and she sat up and looked around to find herself alone. The dream and the feelings it had stirred came back in full force and she trembled with fear as she was overcome with panic.

“Cade!” She screamed.

A moment later, he appeared around the large shrub, his hand on the hilt of his sword and his eyes scanning the surrounding area for the threat he assumed had Keira calling for him in a panic. Seeing nothing, he looked down at her puzzled, but when he saw the tears running down her face, her body trembling with fear he dropped to his knees next to her and gathered her in his arms, holding her tight against him. Keira’s arms wrapped tight around his neck and she buried her face in his neck, sobbing.

“M’lord?” Donell asked rushing over, “Is there something wrong?”
“I’m not sure,” Cade replied, “Give a quick search then prepare to break camp.”
“Aye, M’lord.”

Cade’s concern grew when he realized Keira hadn’t given any response to Donell seeing her naked and he leaned back and moved her so she sat in his lap. Her sobs had lessened to small hiccups and he wiped her face. She looked like a small frightened child and Cade swore he would never allow her to be afraid of anything again.

“Kia, you’re safe.” Cade reassured her, “What happened, my pet.”
“Oh, Cade...” Keira said. “I dreamed I was in the huge, strange place and I couldn’t find you no matter how much I searched or called. I was scared and alone, then I awoke and you were gone and I thought you’d left me.”
“My beautiful Kia, why would I leave you when I’ve only just found you?”
“I don’t know.” Keira mumbled. “The past few days have seemed like a dream, too good to be true.”
“My sweet pet,” Cade said holding her close. “I promise I will never leave you. You will always be mine.”
“I’m sorry, Cade.”
“For what, Kia?”
“Behaving like a frightened child and scaring you.”
“Lord MorningStar doesn’t get scared.” Donell stated as he stepped from behind the bush. “We found nothing and are breaking camp, M’lord.”

Keira squealed and pulled Cade’s cloak around to cover herself and Cade laughed. He looked up at Donell and nodded then waved him off. As Donell turned and left, Cade tipped Keira’s face up to his and kissed her deeply. She dropped the cloak and let it fall from around her. Cade turned with Kia still in his lap and laid her down, covering her body with his. A moment later he’d released his stiffening cock from his breeches and with one hard thrust buried himself deep inside her. Keira arched up towards him to bring him deeper, and whimpered softly. Cade took her fast and hard with Keira moaning and writhing beneath him. He held her by the wrists with one hand, pinning them over her head, while he sucked and nibbled on her breast. As they both reached their climax, Keira first with the first spasms of her body sending Cade over the edge, he kissed her deeply, his tongue invading her mouth as his cock throbbed inside her. He released her wrists and kissed her again, gently. She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. As Cade looked deep into Keira’s green and gold cat eyes he saw startled at the sudden knowledge that the look he’d seen in them was her love for him. He found it both comforting and disconcerting.

“Feeling better now, my pet?” he asked.
“Much better, my love.” Keira answered.
“We’re already a bit behind schedule, we need to leave if we’re to reach Dareth before nightfall.”
“I’ll dress quickly.”
“Yes, I know... as amazing as that is.”

Keira laughed as Cade got up and fastened his breeches back in place, he turned back towards Keira to find her once again dressed but for her boots, which she slipped on as he shook his head with disbelief. She grinned up at him and laughed at the look on his face, then stood and stepped over to him and kissed him on the cheek. He put his arm around her and called to one of his soldiers who rushed over and started to gather the furs when Cade gestured towards them. Keira went to move to help him, but Cade tightened his arm around her waist and lead her away. She looked up at him curiously and he smiled down at her.

“You have to get used to having others do things for you, my pet. When we get home you’ll even have maids to help you bath, dress and fix your hair.”
“But I don’t mind doing things.”
“That’s not the point, Kia. You’re my wife, a Lady of the Court now, and there are certain ways of doing things, certain things that a Lady doesn’t do. And you’ll be expected to behave a certain way.”
“I’ll try to learn it all, Cade. I’m just so scared I’ll disappoint or embarrass you.”
“You won’t, my pet. You’re sweet, gently, polite, and the most beautiful girl in the Territories. Just be yourself, and everyone will love you as much as I do.”
“Do you?” Keira asked her voice barely loud enough for him to hear.
“Do I what?”
“Love me?”
“Yes, Kia.” He answered, “Very much. I don’t understand it but I loved you from the first moment I saw you up on the cliffs.”
“I love you too.” Keira said, “From that first night when I looked into your eyes as you asked me if I’d come with you. I knew I couldn’t say no, even if you hadn’t wanted to marry me. I knew I belonged with you.”
“I’m glad, because you were coming with me whether you wanted to or not. I knew I couldn’t leave you behind. Now, come eat something quickly so we can leave.”
“Of course, my love. Will you tell me about Dareth while we ride?”
“If you like. Let me speak with Donell while you eat, then we’ll go.”

Keira nodded and sat on a fallen tree to eat while Cade went to speak to Donell. She smiled to herself as she watched him talk and gesture. After a few moments, Donell nodded and walked away, while Cade went over to his horse. He spoke softly to it as he rubbed his nose, then checked to make sure everything was secure. He looked over at Keira and smiled when he saw her watching him. She finished her last bit of bread and walked over. She looked up at the large stallion, stroked his nose, and held out her palm, which held the apple she hadn’t eaten. The horse gently took it and nuzzled her face.

“Spoiling my horse, are you?” Cade asked laughing as he swung onto the horse’s back, and then lifted Kia in front of him.
“He’s a beauty.” Keira said with a laugh. “What’s his name?”
“Donovan.” Cade replied as they rode out, “It means ‘dark warrior’.”
“Does your name have a meaning?” Keira asked after thinking a moment.
“Actually it does, and my father named me well, although my mother would have preferred different.”
“What does Cade mean?”
“It means ‘battle king’, my pet.” Cade chuckled.
“Hmmm, that does seem to be fitting, doesn’t it?”
“My mother always felt I became a Warlord because I wanted to fit the name.”
“She didn’t want you to be a warrior?”
“No, she’d have been much happier if I’d chosen a less violent career. Although she’s enjoyed the benefits, especially the servants and those baubles I mentioned.”
“Does she live at your stronghold?”
“Yes, she’s lived there since my father’s death five winters ago. She’ll be very happy to meet you, too. She’s been trying to find me a bride for years, and I don’t doubt her new complaint will be that she has no grandchild to spoil.”
“You don’t have any brothers or sisters?”
“No, my mother almost died when I was born and as much as she wanted another child my father refused to risk her life.”
“He must have loved her very much.”
“Mmhmm. At least as much as I love you, my beloved pet.”
“Just how old are you, anyway?”
“Does it really matter?”
“No, I’m just curious.”
“I’m a bit old to not be married, but young to have the power and wealth that I do.”
“You didn’t actually answer my question.”
“True. I’ll be thirty on the Winter Solstice.”
“I was sixteen on the Summer Solstice.” Keira mused, “Odd coincidence.”
“Somehow it seems fitting, my pet. A kind of balance, Summer and Winter, young and old.”
“You are not old, but it’s still odd.” Keira stated, and then added, “You were going to tell me about Dareth.”
“So I was. What would you like to know?”