After he'd cursed them all and ordered them out, Roarke approached him.
"You have a burr up your ass this morning?"
He would only allow Roarke, his life protector, to speak to him that way. "I slept very little last eve."
"Difficult to sleep when your cock's hard?"
Garick glared at his friend, who only smirked. Unfortunately, Roarke was right. He'd not slept at all, his shaft pulsing with need for the faerie who was to become his bride today. Many times throughout the wakeful hours he'd wanted to stroke himself to release. Instead, he forced himself to wait, knowing what pleasures he would have today with Noele.
It had taken great will to pull himself away from her and walk out of the room yesterday. What he had wanted to do was sink his shaft deep inside her and make her his own. Possess her, mark her in some way, so that no one could ever claim her.
He shook his head at his wayward thoughts. Those were emotions unlike anything Garick had experienced before. Other than fucking for release, he'd never truly wanted a woman before.
To desire the faerie who was to be his mate, whom he'd sworn to protect...by all that was magical in the heavens, it was too much for him. He had to focus on his duty, not on his emotions. This mating between he and Noele had been ordained to unite their kingdoms, to strengthen their hold on the northern territories.
It was not for love or emotion or passion. Those ideals were beyond him...he was incapable.
Roarke's snort brought him out of his reverie.
"What?"
"You keep trying to convince yourself you're not falling in love with the faerie princess. It isn't working.
You'll be drooling at her feet by nightfall."
His protector's smirk only heightened his irritation. "Don't you have some duties to attend to, Roarke?"
"Yes. I must stand by my king for the entire day and evening." It was times like these that Garick wished for one moment alone both in thought and in presence. With a sigh, he allowed himself to be readied for the ceremony.
*
Noele conjured a magical calming chant to drown out the constant chattering of her sisters and Isolde as they prepared her. Her mind wandered to grey eyes and dark hair, firm muscles and a cock that would... "Noele! You are not paying attention!"
She looked up at the sound of Solara's voice. "Did you say something?" Solara fluttered her wings rapidly and stamped her foot. "Your mind wanders, Noele. We must finish if we are to arrive at the meadow on time."
The meadow. Shortly she'd be married there, and still have no idea what her future held. Insecurity surrounded her, making her wish for her old life where she knew what each day held. Now, a mystery unfolded with every passing second.
Would Garick accept her? Would he cast her aside in favor of another? And why was it only his choice to make? Why did she have no voice?
"Because it is the way of faerie," Trista responded to her thoughts.
"I know the customs and rituals, Tris. Which does not mean I have to like them."
"He will not cast you aside," Mina said, her copper eyes warm as the sun. "How could he not love you as we do?"
Tears welled in Noele's eyes as Mina gently caressed her hair. She pushed aside the aching sense of loss. Soon her sisters would be leaving her. "You are right. It is time to prepare." Focusing on her duty instead of her emotions, she allowed herself to be dressed in the stark white colors of her bridal gown. The buttery soft garment fit her snugly at the breasts and waist, flowing to the floor and behind her in a narrow train. Long sleeves curved out into a bell shape at her fingertips. Small slits had been created in the back to fit her wings, allowing them to spread out wide.
A wreath of sterling silver roses was placed on her head, her hair curling in streams down to her waist.
"A man would have to be a fool not to be enraptured by your magical beauty, my queen." Isolde bowed, her eyes glistening with tears.
Noele reached for the young girl and smiled. "Thank you, Isolde."
"Tis true," Solara said, her own eyes welling with moisture. "You are so beautiful, my adored sister. I wish you happiness on this your marriage day."
Her sisters surrounded her, gifting her with spells of love, fertility, passion and happiness. If only those spells would work on Garick, then perhaps she would not be cast aside.
Oh, what did it matter? She had no more feelings for him than he had for her. She wanted only to get past this ceremony, past tonight, and then live the life she would be given.
The life she could not choose for herself.
Sighing deeply, she affected a smile for her sisters. "Please, accompany me to the meadow." Choking back the fear and longing for her former freedom, Noele trailed behind her sisters as they left the hall and headed outside.
The gods smiled on her today, gifting her with a warm, sunny morning. A large crowd assembled before them. Fluttering her wings nervously, she smiled tentatively, hoping they would welcome her into their community.
She breathed a sigh of relief when wide grins and applause greeted her entrance.
The meadow was huge and overlooked the northern sea. The view was breathtaking, and lifted her spirits for the first time today.
The crowds parted to reveal a long, white carpet leading to an elaborately carved arch. Rose s, jonquils, tuliberries and dolaflowers weaved their colors through the lattice over the arch. Silver and lavender streamers blew lazily in the slight wind. The sun glinted off the waters, lending the whitecaps a silvery shimmer.
It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Had this been a love match, she would be giddy with happiness at the breathtaking surroundings. This was a perfect place, a perfect day, to marry one she loved.
And one who loved her.
But this marriage was not a love match. She feared Garick did not have the slightest idea what love was.
She slowed her wings to keep from flying away. Her fear, at least momentarily, had dissipated. How could she not love the freedom of the outdoors? The beauty of Castle Winterland's meadow was nearly as lovely as the forest glen of D'Naath.
More importantly, how could she not be awestruck at her soon-to-be husband waiting underneath the arches? Dressed in black breeches and a longcoat of a matching color, his dark hair blew away from his face in the slight wind, revealing his handsome features.
His eyes darkened at her approach. Despite Noele's determination to feel nothing today, trepidation filled her mind at his straight-faced visage. She swallowed past the dryness in her throat and wished for a cooling drink of D'Naathian spring water.
The high priest, tall and reed-thin in flowing black robes, motioned her forward. He inclined his head, smiled at her, then directed Garick to take her hands in his.
Garick turned to her. Noele fought for control as his gaze burned hotly into hers. What thoughts lay behind his scowling face, she did not know. Fearing the worst, she refused to speculate what her fate might be.
The high priest started, the ceremony steeped in elvin ritual. "Yea, let it be known in all the forests and castles of the northern kingdoms, that today, the first day of the Winter Solstice, Garick, King of Winterland, marries Noele, Princess of D'Naath."
A huge round of applause went up, the cacophony of cheers roaring through Noele's ears. The priest raised his hand and when all was once again silent, he continued.
"Garick, thou must pledge to honor thy wife, protect her against all enemies, and bring forth children to seal thy union and further the continuation of the two kingdoms. Thou will retain right of castoff if the faerie princess fails to please thee at the consummation this eve. If thou so choose, Noele of D'Naath will be given to thy Protector, Roarke. Their children will be thy children and fall under thy protecting hand for the remainder of their lives. If thou so agree to this, reply with 'aye'."
"Aye."
Noele let her eyes close for the briefest of seconds at the thought she could so thoughtlessly be given away. She felt no better than one of the horses the e
lvin warriors rode.
Before the high priest's words could sink in, he turned to her.
"Princess Noele of D'Naath, thou must pledge eternal loyalty to King Garick of Winterland. Thou agree to abide by the wishes of thy husband, and willingly accept the elvin customs described here today. If thou so agrees to this, reply with 'aye'."
It occurred to her for the briefest of moments to refuse to put her future in the hands of one man, without her thoughts, her desires, even considered. Yet duty pulled at her and she gave the only response she was honor bound to give.
"Aye."
"Let it be known throughout the kingdoms of Winterland and D'Naath, that King Garick has wed the Princess, Noele. By all the powers that are holy and revered, I bestow a marriage upon thee both. May blessings of magic, prosperity and children grace the rest of thy days." Garick lifted her hand and slid a heavy silver band on her index finger, then brought it to his lips, sealing the settling of the ring with a kiss that flamed her skin.
The ring weighed heavily on her hand, a reminder that she was now bound to Garick. Her very future lay in his hands.
Before she could ponder any further, he pulled her against him, his eyes searching her face, then gently brushed his lips against hers. She held her breath, struck by the tenderness in his kiss.
Without thinking, she reached up and caressed his cheek with her trembling hand. Tears came, unbidden, and pooled in her eyes.
Garick frowned, taking her wrist in his hand and pulling it down to her side. Then he gathered her hard against his chest and seared her mouth in a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs. Hard and punishing, his tongue plunged inside and wrestled with hers. 'Twas not a kiss of emotion or tenderness...but annoyance, irritation, anger.
Noele reached up and placed her palms on Garick's chest, pushing gently to break the kiss. He pulled away and gazed down at her, his dark eyes pinning her.
What had changed? When he first kissed her it had been gentle, dare she say emotional. She'd felt his tenderness. Then when she touched him, his face had changed to one of irritation.
But why? Was he unhappy? Had she done something wrong? His expression gave her no clarity.
What could she possibly have done to anger him?
The question plagued her throughout the day's festivities. After the joining ceremony, they'd moved into the courtyard. Food, drink and merriment of all sorts ensued.
She and Garick walked arm and arm through the crowds, accepting well wishes and talking to the people. Noele enjoyed meeting so many of the Winterland people, and bade her sisters to accompany her so that they, too, could be introduced.
Solara spent most of her time near Roarke. Noele noticed on many occasions the two of them exchanging glances.
Worry for her sister occupied her mind. Noele felt the attraction between Solara and Roarke, and knew no good could come from it. She decided she would have to speak with her later, before the consummation.
Their celebration meal was held at a large table decorated with wildflowers and garland. Ale and bread were given in the age-old toast to prosperity and joy. Noele wondered if she'd ever feel joy again, wishing upon every star in the night sky that this marriage had been a more happy and love-filled event.
While they ate, minstrels played bawdy songs and serenaded the crowds. Dancing broke out in various forms, from the quick-stepping rodanda to the seductive talar. When it came time for Garick to dance with his bride, the music slowed and a sultry j'nada filled her ears.
Faerie waltz. Her favorite dance. Memories of her father sailing around the forest floor with her in his arms flew through her mind, making her ache for the simple days of her childhood.
But now, it wouldn't be her father's arms around her. Now it was her husband's. Her husband, and yet a stranger. A stranger who made her feel things she'd never felt before, a stranger who'd claim her virginity tonight and then decide whether or not to keep her.
Garick stood and held out his hand for her. Warily, she slipped her fingers into his palm and he led her to the dancing circle. Which man would dance with her now? The one who had kissed her tenderly after their union had been officiated, or the one who'd ravaged her mouth in a kiss meant to punish for some unknown transgression?
She was certain Garick could feel her tension when he wound his arms around her and pulled her against him. She tried to relax, but couldn't, her mind awhirl with uncertainties. When her back stiffened at his touch and her wings arched away from his hand, he raised a brow. Aware he scanned her thoughts, she held tight to her strength, forbidding him admittance.
"Do not hide your feelings and thoughts from me, my queen," he said, his voice tight.
Irritation from his earlier treatment of her remained. "I will give you what I am duty bound to, and nothing more, my king." Her jaw ached from clenching her teeth. Her annoyance at his attitude grew with every turn around the makeshift dancing arena.
"You will give me all of you, Noele." His brows knit together, his glare fierce. His fingers bit into her hand hard enough to draw her attention.
She should have been afraid, but she wasn't. Anger at her so-called duty and Garick's ambivalence forced her normally independent spirit to surface. "I will do what is required of me. That is all you can expect, that is all I will give you."
"What if I want more?"
What did he mean, more? Despite her bravado, she wanted nothing more than to be accepted by Garick and his people. Living out the rest of her life unhappily would crush her. Was it too much to ask for a little kindness?
"Answer me, my beautiful faerie."
She looked up and met his eyes. His face had changed. Gone was the angry Elvin King, replaced instead by a man with a handsome face and warm eyes that seemed to touch her soul. "You confuse me, Garick."
He sighed. "Aye, I realize that. I cannot help who I am or the way I am. I will take some getting used to.
But I will never harm you, Noele. You have my pledge that you will be well taken care of in Winterland." She already knew that. He was duty bound to protect her. What she didn't know was whether he would keep her.
And what of love? Would she ever find it, or was she doomed by her obligations to the faerie to live out her life miserably unhappy?
"It is time."
Roarke's voice over her shoulder made her shiver with an equal amount of dread and anticipation.
Garick nodded and stepped away from her, leaving her to her sisters and Isolde to prepare her for the consummation.
In a few short hours, she would no longer be a virgin. By morning, she would know her future.
She and her sisters were led to Garick's chambers by one of the guard. A huge room filled with a heavy oak bed that took up an ample amount of space. The hearth was twice the size of the one in her room, and there was a balcony through glass doors that overlooked D'Naath.
The room was lovely, and yet Noele was cold, her very bones turned to ice.
Oh, why couldn't she enjoy this special night, forget thoughts of what would happen after?
She vaguely listened to her sisters as they giggled about tonight's activities. Her body trembled in anticipation. No fear coursed through her, mainly curiosity and dread.
Isolde removed her wedding gown and carefully folded it. Noele spread her wings to the sides to stretch. Considering the activities of the evening, she'd need to retract her wings.
She was naked, as was custom. They brushed her body with soft cloths to bring out the silver flecks nestled just under her skin. With the firelight shimmering off the hearth, her skin appeared like pinpoints of moonlight shot out from her body.
"You are most beautiful, my queen," Isolde said in a hushed whisper.
"I wish you much happiness, Noele. We will see you at the morning meal," Solara said, pain evident in her golden green eyes.
As her sisters made to leave, Noele said, "Solara, wait. I wish to speak with you alone for a brief moment."
She nodded and waited while the rest of her sist
ers kissed and hugged Noele, then left. "What is it?"
"Roarke."
"What of him?"
"You feel something for him."
Solara lifted her chin. "I do not."
Noele laid her hand over her sister's heart. "As you told me before, you lie. I can feel it. You mustn't, Solara. You know you are betrothed to another."
"I feel nothing for Roarke, I assure you."
In her heart, Noele knew Solara was not telling her the truth. And what would happen this eve between her and Roarke was bound to cause Solara pain.
"What happens at the consummation, Solara, I want you to know that I--" Solara raised her hand. "I do not wish to discuss it, Noele. You do your duty, as we all do. I realize where your heart lies, and it is not with Roarke. Nor is mine. Please, enjoy your wedding night and do not worry of me."
Solara kissed her quickly and fluttered from the room before Noele could say anything more.
Noele ran to the closed door, wanting to go after Solara and offer comfort.
Her sister could deny her feelings all she wanted, but Noele knew how she felt about Roarke.
At least Solara knew who she wanted, even if she couldn't have him.
Did Noele know what she wanted?
If Garick accepted her, kept her, then what? Did it mean he loved her? How did she even feel about him? Was it love she wanted from him, or merely acceptance?
Desperately wishing for her sisters' counsel, she stared at the door for a few minutes, then moved back to the hearth to warm the chill that had settled over her body.
Chapter Six
Nearly an hour passed and Noele was still alone in Garick's chambers.
Alone, and thinking entirely too much about things she should not think about.
Solara's predicament was one thing. She trusted her sister to know that some things could not be changed, and to accept her fate.
But acceptance was not easy. Noele knew that to be a fact. For twenty-five years she had done as she pleased, knowing her boundaries but having plenty of freedom to enjoy life as she chose.
Now, she had no choices. Garick held all the answers.
And yet, try as she might to blame him, she could not. He, too, was saddled with his fate as much as she was.