MorningStar's Kitten

They spent the morning ride with Keira asking questions and Cade answering, and very often, those answers caused even more questions. They stopped very briefly at noon to water the horses and eat. Cade assured Keira they were making good time and should reach Dareth before nightfall. Keira started the second part of their travels with more questions, which Cade patiently answered. She’d only asked half dozen or so when she fell silent, and Cade glanced down to see she’d fallen asleep. She dozed for several hours before she woke and they rode with her asking occasional questions. When the walls of Dareth came into view Cade sent Donell ahead to secure lodgings for the men, and notify the owner of Dareth’s finest inn of his and Keira’s impending arrival.
Keira’s eyes grew wide at the site of the city before her and Cade’s descriptions had in no way prepared her for the sight of the twenty-foot high walls that seemed to go on forever in either direction, and with the spires and towers of the buildings behind them rising high into the sky. The gate they approached was easily wide enough for five horses to pass through side-by-side. Cade rode slightly ahead of his men and stopped at the gate. A guard in brown leather armor approached and saluted Cade.

“Lord MorningStar, Captain Donell told us you would be arriving with your wife.” He said, glancing up at Keira, and then stood staring.
“I assume there’s room in the barracks for my men and the horses, Commander Iain.”
“Aye, M’lord, and the cook has been told to prepare them a meal as well.”

Keira shifted in his arms and pulled Cade’s cloak around her, all but hiding herself beneath it. Cade, looked down at her with a frown, and then noticed the unhappy glances she gave Iain and quickly realized the problem.

“Commander, I do not appreciate you making my wife uncomfortable.” He said the tone in his voice almost violent.
“My apologies, M’lady.” Iain stammered, “T’was only curious about the lass his Lordship thought worthy to marry, and seeing your beauty I forgot my manners.”
“It’s alright.” Keira said softly, blushing as she lowered the cloak.
“No, it is not.” Cade snapped. “You were upset.”
“Cade, please.” Keira said as she gently laid her hand on his cheek. “He meant no harm. Can we please go? I’m tired and sore from riding.”
“Very well, my pet.” Cade said, and then turned to Iain. “Be thankful my wife is so forgiving, Commander.”
“Thank you, M’lady. Donell said he was going to alert the owner of The Rising Sun of your arrival, and would then head to the barracks, M’lord.”

Cade nodded to him and urged his horse forward, his men following behind him. Keira was dumbstruck by the size of the buildings and tried to see everything as they passed. It was early evening and the streets were still busy with people and vendors who all stopped to stare as they rode past. Many called out a greeting to Cade or waved. Cade gave no verbal response but nodded to several, his expression serious and he held Keira tight in his arms. She knew there must be curiosity and questions about who she was and wondered how long it would take for news that Lord MorningStar had taken a wife to spread.
They stopped in front of a huge cream-colored building with bright blue and gold awnings over the windows and entrance. There was an elaborately carved sign hanging over the entrance that displayed the name of the inn, The Rising Sun, with an intricately carved sunrise depicted below the words. Cade dismounted and lifted Keira down from the horse. One of the men took the reins from Cade and after he told them they had the following day to themselves and they would leave the morning after they thanked him and rode off. Cade put his arm around Keira and guided her into the inn.
Keira looked all around her in amazement at the luxurious environment. The ornate tapestries and carpets were like nothing she’d ever seen before. The stuffed furniture with its bright upholstery and delicately carved arms and legs made her stare. Cade looked down at her and laughed at the look on her face as a large older man came through a doorway to their right.

“Lord MorningStar, my establishment is honored by your presence.” He bellowed. “And even more that you chose to bring your new bride.”
“But of course, old man.” Cade said. “Nowhere else is good enough for my Kia.”
“Welcome to The Rising Sun, M’lady.” The man said bowing slightly to Keira. “Anything you require you need only ask, my name’s Kelly.”
“Thank you, sir.” Keira said with a shy smile.
“You found yourself quite a beauty there, lad, and sweet to boot.”
“She’s a treasure for sure. Is our room ready?”
“Of course, the girls are preparing the bath now, and I had a tray sent up with a bit of everything. Donell said your bride had never been to the city and everything was new to her.”
“Perfect as usual, would you have one of the girls take Keira upstairs so she can start her bath? I need to speak with you for a few minutes.”
“My pleasure.”

Kelly motioned to the girl who was behind the counter and she hurried over. She glanced at Keira then gave Cade a big smile. Kelly instructed the girl to escort Keira to her room and assist with her bath along with the other girls. When Kelly referred to Keira as Lady MorningStar, the smile faded and the girl gave Keira a nasty look, but nodded to Kelly and turned towards the stairs.

“Danae…” Cade said a hard edge to his voice. “I trust you will take very good care of my wife. She’s never been outside the small village she was raised in and everything is very new and a bit overwhelming for her. I’ll be very unhappy if she’s upset in any way.”
“As you wish, M’lord.” Danae said.

She thought for a moment of when she’d been brought to Dareth from her own small village and how frightened she’d been. She looked at Keira, knew that she’d been about the same age, and wished she’d had someone to make her feel more comfortable.

“You’ll love Dareth once you get used to it, M’lady. It’s very beautiful and the people are very nice.”
“Thank you.” Keira said nervously as she looked up at Cade. “Will you be long?”
“No, my pet.” Cade said and kissed her gently. “I’ll be there before you finish your bath.”
“Alright.”
“This way, M’lady.” Danae said starting up the stairs.
“Keira …” Cade called.
“Yes, Cade?”
“Let the girls help you with your bath.”
“I will, my love.”
“Good girl.”
Cade watched Keira follow Danae up the stairs, and then turned to Kelly. He thought a moment before he spoke.

“I need something.”
“Anything, M’lord.” Kelly said, “Why don’t we have a drink while we talk.”
“Fine by me,” Cade said heading for the bar, “and you can drop the formalities now.”
“Good,” Kelly chuckled. “Donell said you wanted it to help get the lass adjusted a bit. And just who were you calling an old man?”
“Well you are old, Uncle.” Cade laughed.

Kelly went behind the bar took out two glasses and poured them each a whiskey. They both downed the shots and he poured again before coming back around the bar and placing the bottle between them.

“She’s an exceptional beauty, Cade. But I’m surprised you married her.”
“She’s not like any other girl, Uncle. She’s meant to give me sons, not be a passing amusement.” Cade explained, “Besides, I love her.”
“Love her?” Kelly asked as he choked on the whiskey he’d been swallowing, “You? The coldest and most ruthless Warlord in the realm, in love?”
“It would seem so.” Cade laughed.
“Well my sister will be pleased.”
“Without a doubt, although I’m sure she’ll quickly expect a grandchild. Now the business I spoke of…”
“Of course, what do you need?”
“Several girls, preferably with training as a Lady’s maid.”
“Any other requirements?”
“Younger is better, I have a feeling they’ll serve as Kia’s companions as well.” Cade thought a moment then continued “And perhaps an older woman with a gentle way to help Kia learn how to interact with the Court and run the stronghold.”
“How soon?”
“After the noon meal? I’m taking Kia shopping after breakfast, she can meet the girls after we eat lunch and choose, and we’ll leave in the morning.”
“Donell only said one night, not that it matters to me.”
“I changed my mind. Travelling after an all day shopping excursion will be too much for Kia.”
“Very well.”
“Thanks Uncle.”

Cade downed the last shot and went up to the room. He quietly closed the door and heard giggles and the soft voices of Keira and the girls attending to her. He moved through the small entranceway and smiled as he watched Keira being pampered by the girls. She sat waist deep at one of the large sunken bath, the smile on her face was that of a delighted child. She was more animated and outgoing than Cade had ever seen her and he quickly decided that the girls he’d requested his Uncle to find would be well worth the gold they would cost him. Danae had finished lathering Keira’s hair and she and another girl started to rinse it. As they finished Cade stepped closer and his movement caught Keira’s eye. She grinned happily at him, and then laughed as Danae poured the last pitcher of water over her head.

“Having fun, my beloved?” Cade asked laughing.
“Yes, my love. You didn’t tell me how nice it is to have someone wash you.”
“Well some things are best if they’re a surprise.”
“I suppose I’ll forgive you then.” Keira said as she stood and stepped out of the bath.
“Lucky me.” Cade said walking over to kiss her.
“Will you bathe now, M’lord?” Danae asked.
“Yes, Danae. You and the girls help my wife, and then she can start to eat while I bathe.”

Danae smiled broadly and turned to help Keira dry off and put on a dark blue and silver silk robe. Keira noticed that Danae and the other girls kept stealing glances as Cade undressed and stepped into the bath. Keira sat on the stool at the dressing table and when Danae turned and walked towards Cade, Keira felt a sudden rush of jealousy. One of the younger girls had started to brush the tangles from Keira’s hair and when the brush snagged and pulled Keira snatched it out of the girl’s hands.

“Danae.” Keira snapped.
“Yes, M’lady?” Danae asked turning back towards Keira.
“Come finish with my hair, Leah is too rough.”

Danae scowled but quickly brushed out Keira’s hair and braided it. When she’d finished securing it with a green silk ribbon Keira stood and turned to look at the Cade. The girls seemed to be quite enjoying themselves and Cade was smiling and speaking quietly to them. Keira was disturbed by the jealousy she felt, her temper took over, and she ordered Danae and the other girls out of the room. They looked at her startled, and then looked at Cade.

“My wife gave you a command.” He snapped at them “unless you wish to be punished I suggest you obey.”
“But your bath, M’lord.” Danae protested.
“I’ll take care of my husband.” Keira growled at her.

The girls hurried out of the room and Danae glanced back at Keira as she closed the door. The dark look she gave Keira left little doubt she’d made an enemy of the girl. Keira dropped the robe she’d been wearing to the floor, walked over to the bath, and sat next to Cade, her legs dangling into the water.

“I’m sorry if I was out of place, Cade.”
“You weren’t, my pet. But I’m a bit confused as to why.”
“I couldn’t stand to watch them touching you.” Keira admitted, looking down at her hands.
“Jealous? Of what, Kia? They ‘re only slaves, you’re my wife.”
“Danae acted as if she belonged to you… like she had a right to touch you.”
“Well, usually when I’m here it is Danae who attends me.” Cade hesitated then added, “And shares my bed as well.”

Keira looked at him, the shock and hurt in her eyes obvious. Cade reached over and pulled Keira into the tub and onto his lap, holding her close. He kissed her gently and thought before he spoke.

“That was before, Kia. Now that I have you I’m not alone anymore.”
“I’m sorry, should I call them back?”
“No, you said you’d take care of me, and I expect you’ll do quite well.

Keira looked up at him, her face still showing her worry. Cade kissed her and slipped his hand between Keira’s thighs. She moaned softly as he slid several fingers inside her and started moving them slowly in and out of her. Cade kissed her neck and lifted her to set her on the edge of the bath. He knelt between her legs and kissed her stomach, her breasts and as he covered her mouth with his he slowly pushed his hard shaft inside her. Keira wrapped her arms around Cade’s neck as he lowered his head to suckle one of her breasts, then kissed and nibbled along her neck and shoulders. Keira moaned and moved beneath him, running her hands along his arms and shoulders with a butterfly touch. Cade thrust deeper and faster as he felt Keira’s body tremble and shudder around him. Keira cried out Cade’s name as she climaxed with him following. He kissed her deeply, gathered her up in his arms, and carried her over to the bed, sitting on the edge with Keira in his lap.

“There is no woman I want in my bed but you, Kia.”
“I’m just afraid I won’t make you happy, Cade.”
“You make me very happy, my pet.”
“But there’s so much I don’t know…”
“So you’ll learn… and that’s part of what I love about you. You’re innocence is sweet and refreshing, it makes me look at things with a new perspective.”
“You’re just trying to make me feel better.”
“No, my pet. I would never lie to you or tell you something just because I think you want to hear it.”
“Promise?”
“I do, now let’s get you fed and some sleep. It’s been a rough couple of days travel.”

Keira scooted off Cade’s lap and pulled back on the robe she’d been wearing as Cade put on a matching one. She turned to Cade as he tied the sash and asked if they could eat on the balcony. He nodded and picked up the bottle of wine and glasses as she took the tray and carried it out. They set the tray and glasses onto the table and Cade poured them each a glass of wine and set the bottle on the table. Keira had sat down on the bench along the railing and was looking out at the city below. Cade touched her shoulder and she turned to look at the tray of food curiously. Cade laughed as she tasted and nibbled at things, and then made a funny face at one of the things she didn’t like.

“Caviar is an acquired taste, my pet.”
“Why would anyone WANT to eat that?”
“Good question. Try some of this instead.” Cade chuckled and offered her a bite of a chocolate truffle.
“Mmmhhmmm, now that I think I love best of all. What is it?”
“Chocolate. I’ll have to make sure there’s an ample stock of it at home for you.”
“Definitely.” Keira stifled a yawn then asked, “What are the red things?”
“Strawberries, my sleepy pet. Try one, then off to bed.”

Keira took a small bite of the large strawberry, and then popped the entire thing into her mouth. Cade laughed and wiped the juice that ran down her chin with a napkin. He drank the last of his wine as she ate another one, then picked her up and carried her back inside. He put her down next to the bed and they both slipped off their robes and climbed into the bed. Cade took her in his arms and Keira laid her head on his shoulder and draped an arm over his chest. She was asleep moments later with Cade stroking her hair. He lay there holding Keira and marveled at how his life had changed in a few short days. Cade had always done as he pleased, caring about nothing and no one, except for the little family he had. Now his only thoughts were how to please one very beautiful, innocent, and unusual young woman that he couldn’t imagine spending even one day without. He was slightly disturbed by how quickly she’d overwhelmed his heart, but he fell into a contented sleep before he could think on it too much.