Paganus had then brought smaller pieces of wood closer to the fire so she could ‘feed’ it during the night.
It was only after the last meal she had ordered had been brought, that Abby was able to convince him that he could leave. She had needed some time alone to process everything that had happened that day and she had needed to cleanse, it had been a long day.
Now that she had done that she moved towards the fire and took in the makeshift bed that had been built in front of it. Paganus had convinced her that not all the furnishings needed to go and she was grateful for his practical thoughts that balanced out her knee jerk reaction to everything that had once been Bertos’.
So after they had returned to the Wing, Abby had taken a second look at what she was sending into storage and tried not to blatantly watch the reunion between Korin and Mabon but she couldn’t help herself.
It had started out stiff, the way it sometimes was among males when others are watching and they didn’t want to show their emotions. They just stood before one another, their eyes taking in the other’s condition for several moments. Surprisingly, it was Korin, who broke the stalemate when he reached out and grabbed Mabon behind the neck, pulling him into his arms for a bone crushing hug even lifting the younger male off his feet. Smiling Abby had turned away.
With her second glance Abby had discovered that Paganus was right, especially on the first level. While a great deal of the furnishings were hideous, once the room had been opened up with fresh air and light filling it Bertos’ presence was barely felt. She had decided that several of the couches and chairs that had been deeper in the room could be kept. They had a simpler style and seemed to have some age to them, making Abby think they had come from a much earlier time.
On the second level though, the Lord’s level, she still wanted most of it to go… here it was as if Bertos’ ego had exploded, along with his madness. It dripped off the shiny, highly polished surfaces that were everywhere, he seemed to like seeing his reflection in ‘everything’. Abby found it creepy.
There had also been the multitude of items that filled the tables, covered the walls and overflowed on floors. The walls had surprised her since she thought the mianraí dubh was supposed to be impregnable. Paganus had patiently explained to her that it was but that a small piece of mianraí dubh could be inserted into a larger piece to hold something and the larger piece would seal around it and they basically became one. He had taken down the large painting of Bertos, knowing they all wanted it gone, to show her. He had also shown her that when the smaller piece was removed that the larger one would then ‘heal’.
It was very cool.
Paganus had gone on to explain what items in the room had great value and which ones did not. It had amazed Abby… at the value some of the pieces had that for her were gaudy. Paganus explained that it wasn’t that the ‘item’ was valuable, but that what it was made of was. Some items were solid silver, others solid gold and there were large lumps that she had no idea of what they were.
Trusting Paganus, she had them pack the items and had them placed in one of the empty bedrooms. She would let Ynyr decide what to do with them. It had been that way with most of the things in their resting chamber too. The furnishing were removed, well, except for the bed frame. The absurd amount of portraits of Bertos were taken down and the other ‘things’ that had been laying around were boxed up for Ynyr to look at.
When they had finally gotten to the closet… Bertos closet… to know that he had worn these things, that they had touched his body. Abby had shuddered in revulsion. Paganus had tried to talk her into letting him clean out the large walk in closet, that would have been the envy of any woman on Earth, but she refused. This was something she needed to do, she didn’t know why but she did. It would give her an idea of what a Lord’s wardrobe should be… and shouldn’t be… because she really had no clue.
It had taken some time, but slowly she had gone through each and every jacket, carefully slipping her hands into pockets, shocked when she found diamonds, jewels and gold in nearly every one. Paganus had quickly explained that it was what Tornians used to purchase things and Abby realized that for Bertos this had been ‘pocket change’ and she had placed what she had found in a bowl Paganus had brought her. She then did the same with his hanging pants.
Soon the closet had been cleared and all that remained as an overflowing bowl of ‘pocket change’ and empty hangers. That’s when Paganus dropped his bombshell and asked if she wished to start on the Lady’s level.
“What?” She had asked in shock. She had forgotten that there was one more level… Risa’s level.
“The Lady’s level my Lady. Would you like to see all that is now yours?” It was something any other female would have demanded to see immediately upon their arrival, but Lady Abby appeared to have forgotten about it.
“Mine?”
“Yes. You are now the Lady of the House so what is there is yours.”
“I had forgotten about that...” Abby had whispered, her eyes looking up at the ceiling. Goddess if Bertos’ level was this bad what would be waiting for her up there? “I think I will wait until tomorrow Paganus.” Paganus had just stared at her. “It’s getting late and I think once these clothes are hauled out we should be done for the day.”
“If that is what you wish my Lady.”
“It is.”
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
So now she sat before the fire, on the cushions that had been brought up from the couches on the first level, that she had made into an impromptu bed and waited for Ynyr to return.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Ynyr couldn’t believe how late it was or how exhausted he felt. It was a testament to his fatigue that it took him a moment to realize that it was Navon and Morio that opened the doors to his Wing for him.
“Why have you not been relieved?” Ynyr demanded shortly and saw the males look at each other before answering.
“No relief was sent Lord Ynyr.” Navon finally told him.
Ynyr cursed as he reached for his comm. This was one of the many things he should have taken care of that day.
“Dai!” He growled into his comm. He was still angry at the Captain for his treatment of Mabon, but he could find no fault with how he had secured the grounds.
“Yes, Lord Ynyr.” The Captain responded stiffly.
“Send Tocho and Safi to guard my Wing.”
“Two of my warriors?” Dai’s shock was evident for all to hear. His males were warriors! They didn’t guard doors!
“Yes, Captain Dai! Warriors Navon and Morio have been on duty for over twenty hours with no relief! Until I am able to personally choose the Warriors for my Lady’s Guard yours will have to do double duty.”
“Yes, Lord Ynyr, I will send them immediately.”
Ynyr looked at the two Warriors he had known for years. Both had always shown him respect even though he had only been a third male. They had never tried to humiliate him. Had never challenged him just to best a Lord’s male or delivered any unnecessary blows as others had. They were both fit and worthy males. Trusting his instincts, he made his decision.
“You both have the next twenty four hours off once your replacements arrive. Rest, then acquaint yourself with the layout of this House. As of right now you are the first two warriors of my Lady’s Elite Guard. You will report to no one but me. Is that understood?”
Both males looked at him, shocked for a moment before replying in unison. “Yes, my Lord!” Their fatigue instantly falling away at Ynyr’s words. They had been sent to Etruria by the order of Lord Oryon. Lord Oryon was a fit and worthy male, despite what many thought. He was a stern taskmaster and had always demanded their best, but he was also a fair and generous Lord. They both had hoped to serve him until they met the Goddess. They had never expected to be offered such an important position within Ynyr’s new House.
The status of any warrior that served within Etruria was raised because of its importance to the Empire, but to be named to
an Elite Guard… even a female’s… In times past it would not have been such a great honor as females rarely left their rooms. That had changed when all had seen how Queen Lisa had shown her appreciation for her Guard and now there wasn’t a male in the Empire that did not now want to be a member of an Earth female’s guard.
Nodding, Ynyr went in search of his Abby, not noticing the change in how Navon and Morio addressed him. Before they addressed him as Lord Ynyr as they would any other Lord, they came into contact with. Now they addressed him as my Lord, meaning they were members of his House not his manno’s.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Ynyr found Abby asleep in front of a low burning fire in the Lord’s resting chamber... their resting chamber. Why wasn’t she in the bed as she should be? Why was she lying on the stone floor? No, she wasn’t laying directly on the floor, he could see the cushions beneath her that had been wrapped with a white sheet.
But it still didn’t explain what his Lady was doing on the floor!
Heads were going to roll for this.
He must have made a sound because Abby’s eyes slowly fluttered open, at first they were filled with sleepy confusion then they focused and when they saw him the confusion gave way to a warmth that made his heart catch.
“You're finally back…” she whispered, her happiness evident in her voice and on her face as she sat up. The blanket that had been covering her fell away and the glow from the fire revealed her lush form through the sheerness of her gown.
“I’m sorry I was gone for so long.” Ynyr told her dropping to his knees next to the cushions. Without conscious thought, his fingers sunk into her hair as his lips lowered to hers. “I meant to be back hours ago.”
“Shhhh…” she whispered against his lips. “You got back when you could.” She gave him a kiss before pulling away. “Are you hungry?” Turning, she gestured to the low table on the other side of the cushions and frowned. She had asked the kitchen to send up several platters of meats, cheeses and fruits that because of their talks through the hedge, she knew were his favorites. Yet now some of it seemed to be missing.
Ynyr forced his eyes from the beauty of her face to where she had gestured and couldn’t believe what he was seeing…. she had remembered what he liked… from those talks that now seemed so long ago and she had made sure they were waiting for him when he arrived. No one had ever done something like that for him before… no one had cared enough.
“No,” he told her gruffly leaning over to give her another kiss, “but thank you.” That she would do this for him when he had done nothing for her…
“That’s not true.” Abby denied and he realized he had spoken that last part out loud. “You sent Mabon and the others to help me. You listened to me when I stormed into your command center unannounced. You even contacted me several times during the day just to see if I was okay.”
“It was not enough, not after you did all this for me.” He gestured to the food.
“It’s just food Ynyr,” she told him quietly. “It’s not like I actually made it or anything. I just contacted someone in the kitchen and they brought it up.”
“But you thought of it,” he told her. “Thought of me and my needs. You even remembered my favorites.” His voice caught a little at that. “No one has ever done something like that for me before Abby.”
Abby looked at him, shocked… no one had ever remembered what his favorite foods were? Had made sure he had them? Not even on special occasions? Her mom had always made Abby her favorite cake for her birthday… angel food… sliced into layers, then filled with strawberries and fresh whipped cream. Her mouth started to water just thinking about it. It had always made Abby feel so special that her mom would take the time to do that for her. That no one had taken the time to do that for Ynyr angered her. He was too good… too special… she knew he doubted it because he was a third male, but he was hers now and she was going to make sure he knew just how special he was… starting right now.
“Come on,” her hands went to his shirt and started unbuttoning it. “If you’re not going to eat, then you are going to rest. It’s been a long day.”
“It has.” He agreed tiredly shrugging out of his shirt, then tossing it behind him. Twisting, he sat down heavily on the cushions, toeing off his boots as his hands went to his pants.
Abby forgot that she was supposed to be helping him as she watched the muscles of Ynyr’s back bunch and flex as he moved. Goddess he was so beautiful… slowly reaching out her fingers trailed along his back, learning the shape and contour of each perfect muscle. He was so warm… and strong… and he was all hers.
“Abby…” Ynyr’s gruff whisper had her raising heavy-lidded eyes to him.
“Yes?” She asked then suddenly realized how tense he had become beneath her touch. Goddess what was she doing? He was exhausted and here she was feeling him up. Blushing, she ducked her head and reached for the bottom of one pant leg. “Here, let me help you with that,” she said pulling.
“Abby…” One of Ynyr’s hand stilled hers as the other tipped her face up to his. “What is wrong, Abby? Why did you stop touching me? Do you no longer wish to? Is it something you no longer like to do?”
“Oh, I like to.” She looked into his eyes and saw his doubt, doubt that she enjoyed touching him put there by her. She couldn’t allow that. “I really like too Ynyr.” Reaching out she ran a hand over his chest. “You are so beautiful….” She whispered.
“Beautiful?” Now it was Ynyr’s turn to blush. “I’m not beautiful… females are beautiful not males.”
“Oh, you are so wrong.” She gave him a small smile. “Should I tell you what I think makes you so beautiful?”
Finding he could not speak as Abby continued to run her hand over his chest, he just nodded.
“Well, first there is the fact that your body is beautifully built,” she added a second hand to his chest, knowing she would never be able to adequately appreciate such a massive area with just one hand. “I have never seen anything as perfect as you. Only the Goddess herself could have created something this magnificent. I wonder who her inspiration was…” Abby’s voice trailed off as she leaned forward, pressing a kiss to his chest.
“Abby…” Ynyr choked out. Never had he thought of his body like this before, as something that would please her to touch. It was just a tool to him, one that he has honed so it would best serve his future Lord. Now he was glad he had trained so hard if it made him appealing to his Abby.
Rising to her knees Abby gently pressed him back onto the pillows that she had piled along the top of the cushions. “Lay back Ynyr and I will tell you more about what I think is beautiful about you.”
Releasing a heavy sigh Ynyr allowed her to press him back and swung his legs up onto the makeshift bed, surprised at how wonderful it felt just to lay down.
Abby wasn’t surprised. She could see the fatigue around his eyes, there were little lines around them that hadn’t been there when he had woken that morning. He had been going strong for nearly twenty-four hours by her estimate, what with the flight and time change and hadn’t faltered. She was tired and she had gotten in a nap before he returned.
“You are so strong Ynyr,” she whispered, reaching down to finish freeing his other leg from his pants.
As she did Ynyr bent the leg closest to her and moved it so she was now between his naked limbs. “Take off your covering Abby,” he ordered softly.
“I will,” she said, tossing his pants aside not caring where they landed, “in a minute, but first, do you know how it makes me feel to know that you are strong? So strong that I know you can always protect me.” She allowed her fingers to run up each leg, starting at his ankles enjoying the feel of his hair roughened skin of his calves before moving up to his thick muscular thighs that quivered ever so slightly under her touch. “But I also know you would never use that strength to hurt me.”
“I would end my own life first,” he vowed, gasping as her fingers slid along inside his thighs causing him
to widen them further.
Abby lifted his heavy balls carefully fondling them. “I know that, but I would never want you to do that,” she gazed at him with serious eyes while she squeezed the sensitive body part in her hands, just enough for his eyes to widened slightly. Knowing she had made her point she relaxed her hold. “It would destroy me to lose you Ynyr.”
Looking down, she saw that even though he was exhausted, his shaft was thickening and starting to rise with her touch. “Even now you are showing your strength.” Her fingers slowly abandoned his balls to flutter along his thickening shaft. “Your body should not be able to do this Ynyr. You are exhausted.”
“That matters not,” he told her, “not when you are near. You are my Lady. My Abby. Even after I have drawn my last breath and I have met the Goddess, I will respond to you Abby, for I am yours and can do nothing else.”
Abby’s eyes filled at Ynyr’s heartfelt words. Never had anyone, with such simple words told her that she mattered to them. Yes her family had always told her that they loved her and they had shown it to her, but this… this was completely different… this was Ynyr telling her he would love her forever… that he would love her beyond the grave… that he would never abandon her… not as her family had done with their dying. Abby knew it was illogical, but it had been the way she had felt when she woke up in that hospital bed. They had all left her… and they hadn’t even said goodbye… deep inside that little girl she had once been had wondered if they just hadn’t cared enough to say goodbye… What Ynyr had just said was that he would never tell her goodbye either… but that was because he would never leave her… not even in death.