by Jenny Frame
“What? Why?” Holly asked.
“Just follow one order in your whole life, Ms. Weaver.”
Holly reached into her pocket and pulled out a ring box. Her eyes went wide.
Quincy opened the box and said, “If I’m living with you, I want you to be my wife. No half measures.”
Holly just stared at the ring with a stunned look on her face. “When? When did you get this?”
“Remember the day before we left America? I had a security briefing to go to? I decided I wanted to ask you to marry me the day I woke up in the hospital. My friend Jacob told me to make a life, and I finally want to do it with you.”
Quincy took the ring out of the box and held it to Holly’s finger. “Will you marry me and make a home with me, Ms. Weaver?”
“Yes!” Holly shouted.
Quincy pushed on the ring and Holly gave her kisses all over her face. Quincy kissed her lips and deepened it, slipping her tongue into Holly’s mouth and tasting her. She pushed underneath Holly’s top and caressed her sides.
Holly pulled away and rested her forehead against Quincy’s. “Don’t touch me like that when we can’t do anything about it.”
“Do you realize how long it’s been since I’ve touched you like this?” Quincy said.
“Two months, six days, and eight hours, give or take,” Holly joked.
“I’m sick of waiting. I want you.” Quincy stood up with Holly in her arms. She felt a sharp pain in her side but said nothing.
“Put me down.” Holly struggled in her arms. “The doctor said you’re not to carry anything heavy—you’re on medical leave.”
“I don’t care. I’m carrying you to bed, and I’m going to make love to you,” Quincy said.
Holly gave in, wrapped her arms around Quincy’s neck, and kissed her. Quincy carried her into the hall and said, “Which door?”
“The one at the end,” Holly replied through her kisses.
Quincy carried her to the door and pushed it open with her foot. Once they were through, Quincy put Holly down and shrugged off her suit jacket. Holly busily pulled at her tie.
“I’ve missed this so much with you,” Holly said.
Quincy looked around the bedroom. It was beautifully decorated, as she would have expected from Holly. Then something on the wall caught her eye. It was a moving poster image of Story St. John.
Holly followed her gaze and said, “Uh…that’s just a silly thing. I’ll take it down. I’ve got a real action hero now. You’re my hero and all I need.”
Quincy just smiled. “I know. Don’t worry, we’ll move her later. You love me and that’s all that matters.”
Holly pulled off Quincy’s shirt and eased the compression vest up her body. Holly must have seen the grimace on her face because after Quincy was naked from the waist up, Holly said, “Are you sure this is a good idea, Quin?”
Quincy caressed Holly’s face. “I lay in that hospital bed praying for the day I was well enough to touch you again. You stayed by my bed and my side when others would have run.”
Holly ran her hand over the new scars that joined her burns, caused by the bullets meant for Queen Beatrice. “Of course I did, I love you. You’re the bravest, most noble person I’ve ever met.”
“I love you, Holly, and I need to show you how much,” Quincy said.
Holly slowly took off her top and her bra, and kicked off her jeans, all while keeping her gaze on Quincy.
“Show me then, Captain,” Holly said.
Quincy’s mouth watered at the sight of Holly’s plump breasts, and the fire that had been lit in the kitchen roared into life. She stepped forward and traced the back of her hand between Holly’s breasts.
Holly gasped and her nipples hardened. Quincy’s confidence was buoyed by the fact that she could have this effect on her lover. She cupped one of Holly’s breasts and kissed her. They both walked back as they kissed until Holly’s legs hit the bed.
Holly sat down and immediately started undoing Quincy’s belt buckle. “Take these off.”
Quincy helped her and shrugged off her trousers and jockey shorts. Holly put her hands on Quincy’s hips and leaned her head against her stomach.
“I thought I had lost you, Stompy. I’ve never been so scared,” Holly said.
Quincy lifted her head. “I’m not leaving you now I’ve got you. I’ve got a life to live.”
Holly lay back on the bed and extended her hand to Quincy. “Show me.”
Quincy lay on top of Holly and started kissing her. Her thigh slipped between Holly’s legs and found her sex hot and wet.
Holly moaned and Quincy felt better than she had in months. Giving Holly all of her gave Quincy strength, mentally and physically. She pulled her lips away and ran the tip of her tongue around Holly’s, making her moan.
Quincy’s sex was pulsing and she wanted to come so badly, but more than that, she wanted to watch Holly come. She had dreamt about that all the time she was laid up in the hospital. The thought of Holly’s love and what they had together kept her going.
Quincy moved her hand down and cupped her lover’s hot sex. She looked deeply into Holly’s eyes and spoke from her heart, showing the emotions that she never thought she’d be brave enough to show. “I never knew touching someone could feel like this.”
Holly traced her fingers across Quincy’s face as if taking in every part of her. “No one has ever touched me like you.”
Quincy slipped her fingers onto Holly’s clit and circled around it, teasing and making her lover’s hips buck.
“Inside, Quin. I want to come with you inside me,” Holly moaned.
Quincy didn’t hesitate. She eased two fingers inside Holly, loving the feeling of the warmth she found there.
“You’re so wet.” Quincy groaned. Her own sex was pounding, demanding she thrust into Holly and seek the release she’d been craving, but she concentrated on the pleasure on Holly’s face.
Quincy’s slow thrust was punctuated by her thumb grazing Holly’s clit, making Holly grasp at her hair.
“Faster, baby,” Holly pleaded.
Quincy thrust deeper and harder and couldn’t help but kiss and suck Holly’s breasts as she did. She heard Holly’s moans become louder and felt the walls of her sex start to flutter, so she raised herself up so she could watch every moment of Holly’s pleasure.
“Come for me, Holls. I want to watch you.”
Holly put her hands around Quincy’s neck and, as she came, dug her nails into her neck. Quincy didn’t care. She kept her eyes on Holly as her orgasm waved over her, locking Quincy’s fingers tightly inside her.
“Jesus!” Holly said as she tried to get her breath back.
Quincy’s heart was so full that she felt it might burst. “You are so beautiful.”
Holly pulled her head down and kissed her repeatedly. “I love you, baby. That was so worth waiting two months, six days, and eight hours.”
“It was worth waiting a lifetime. I love you.”
Holly rolled Quincy over so she was on top, then placed her hand on Quincy’s scarred heart. “Thank you for trusting me with your heart. You never need to worry about showing me what’s in here. You’ll always be safe with me.”
Quincy reached up and gently touched Holly’s chest. “You are the first woman in my heart, and the first to touch me, and there’ll be no other.”
“I’m glad you waited on me to show you the ways of love.” Holly smiled at her and winked. “We’ve got so much to explore.”
“I can’t wait.” Quincy chuckled.
Holly gave her a saucy smile. “I bet you’d love to use intelliflesh.”
Quincy’s eyes went wide, and her heart and sex started to thud. “You mean the—”
“Oh yes, I do, baby. Let me show you what I’d do if you had one on.” Holly crawled down her body.
The feel of Holly’s hair brushing between her legs was almost enough to make her come. Holly opened her up then met her eyes with a grin.
“Imagine
you’ve got it on.”
The moment Holly sucked Quincy’s clit into her mouth, Quincy thought she would come immediately. She raised herself up on her elbows and imagined what Holly had said, while enjoying every moment of the sensation and watching her head bob up and down.
She knew she wouldn’t last long, and she didn’t. Quincy put her hand on Holly’s head and threaded her fingers through her hair. She felt her orgasm surge over her body and her heart, washing away any last darkness, scars, and doubts from her soul.
“Fuck. Holly, Holly.”
Holly climbed up her body and held her as she shook, cooing and reassuring her. “It’s okay, baby. I love you.”
Quincy opened her eyes and took Holly’s hand. She kissed the engagement ring on her finger that looked like it was always meant to be there. “You are the dazzling light that led me out of the darkness, Holls. I will never stop loving and worshiping you.”
Holly smiled and lowered her lips to inches from hers. “And I’m never going to let the darkness take hold of you again. It’s got no chance against me. I love you, Stompy.”
Epilogue
Windsor Castle was packed with crowds which lined the route from Windsor to St. George’s Chapel and the streets beyond. The royal bands played, and the Household Cavalry lined the streets, waiting for the spectacle of the Order of the Garter ceremony.
Two TV presenters stood in front of the camera and spoke to the people watching at home.
What a fabulous atmosphere we have on this warm August day at Windsor for this year’s Order of the Garter. The normally large crowd has swelled this year, because we are to watch the investiture of a special new member. A hero who bravely saved our beloved Queen Consort from certain death. Captain Quincy, a winner of the Victoria Cross for gallantry, will be only the second person in history to be honoured with a VC and be made a Knight of the Garter, and the first woman, of course. Steven, can you tell us about the Order and what will happen today?
A cheer went up from the crowds as some cars processed into Windsor Castle, carrying some of the royal family.
Yes, of course, Crispin. The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, given to those who have given extraordinary service to the nation, and is the gift of the monarch. It was founded by King Edward III who was inspired by the tales of King Arthur and the round table to create his own in 1348. It had always been a way for the monarch to honour politicians and aristocrats at the top of society, until Queen Georgina’s grandfather took the throne.
He modernized the Order and made it an honour for every part of society, for people who have bravely helped their nation in time of need. It is normally celebrated in June, but the Queen postponed it, so the hero of the hour, Captain Adelaide Quincy, VC, would be recovered enough from her injuries. Buckingham Palace has said that the Queen wishes the nation to give thanks to the bravest woman she has ever met, and Captain Quincy will be taking part in the carriage procession afterwards, normally reserved for the royal members of the Order. It will give the crowds attending this historic ceremony a chance to thank the woman whose name has not been off the front pages and everyone’s lips since the shooting. I understand Captain Quincy is not someone who seeks the limelight, but she is a hero. Back to you, Crispin.
***
Holly watched with amusement as Quincy fidgeted with her green and yellow Royal Marine Commando tie. No more grey for Captain Quincy.
Quin was well used to ceremony, but being at the centre of it didn’t sit well with her.
They were standing outside the door of the Windsor throne room, waiting for the Garter investiture to begin. Holly batted Quincy’s hands away and straightened the tie herself.
“It’s sitting perfectly. Calm down, okay? Everything will be fine.”
Quincy sighed. “This isn’t me, Holly. I hate being the centre of attention. It would be bad enough going through this ceremony normally, but George has made it all about me, this hero’s parade. The world is watching.”
Holly knew full well how anxious Quincy had been, so tense that she’d spent much of last night trying to keep her mind off it.
“George wants to thank you on behalf of the nation. She was so scared after the shooting. While you were unconscious in the hospital, she went through a difficult time, and Bea had to help her through it. The thought of Bea being taken away from her really terrified her, and she has you to thank for saving her. Let her honour you in the spirit it’s intended.”
Quincy let out a breath. “You’re right. I just can’t wait to get this over and done with, and then we can go home and paint some soldiers and set up our battlefield.”
Since buying a new home and moving in together, Holly had surprised Quincy by having a whole room decorated and set up for her model building. She was forever disappearing into her battle room, as she called it. Quincy was so happy with them living together. Holly was pleased to have given Quincy her first real home.
Holly leaned in and whispered in Quincy’s ear, “Or I could paint a marine with body paint and lick it off?”
Quincy shivered. “I like that idea.”
“Well then, no more Captain Stompy,” Holly said then looked over Quincy’s shoulder. “Heads-up, Admiral on deck.”
Quincy turned around and saw her mother walking towards her in full dress uniform. She saluted immediately. “Thank you for coming, Admiral,” Quincy said.
Ophelia gave Quincy a peck on each cheek. “Well done, Addie. I have never been prouder of you. A Quincy has never been made Knight of the Garter, and a VC too. You’ve exceeded all expectations. Keep up the good work.”
That was as emotional as her mother could be. It was her way, and she was happy that she had made her mother proud, despite all their problems.
Admiral Quincy turned to Holly and offered her hand. “Miss Weaver, I hear you are to become a Quincy soon.” She held Holly’s hand and looked at the diamond engagement ring there.
“Yes, that’s right,” Holly said.
The admiral and Holly had met quite a few times now, as Quincy recovered in the hospital. They would never be best of friends, but Ophelia had gained a grudging respect for how much Holly loved her daughter.
Captain Cameron, Lali, and Clay appeared at their side. Cammy said, “We’re on parade, Quincy. Their Majesties are here.”
Clay shook Quincy’s hand. “It’s an honour to be your friend, ma’am. Good luck.”
“Thank you. I’ll need it,” Quincy replied.
All the guests filed in to take their seats at the back of the room. Holly hung back for one last kiss. She framed Quincy’s face in her hands and said, “I love you.”
She kissed her and Quincy replied in panic, “I love you, but there are cameras in there. I’m going to be on every news channel.”
“Just think of me painting a marine commando in body paint,” Holly said teasingly.
“You promise?”
***
The throne room in Windsor Castle was a long ornate chamber, with portraits of great kings and queens of the past looking down upon it. At the front was a raised platform with a throne on top. The knights and ladies sat along each side of the room, in their rich navy cloaks embossed in gold, the garter badge embroidered on the right side.
At the back of the room, next to the doors, were seats for guests, and that was where Holly and her friends were. Next to Holly sat the admiral. She leaned over and said, “Addie is as content and calm as I have ever known her. I think I have you to thank for that.”
“I try my best. I love her.” That was as good a compliment as she would ever get from the admiral.
“I hope she finds happiness like I never could,” Admiral Quincy said.
Holly imagined the admiral never looked for happiness.
The doors of the throne room opened, and everyone stood as Queen Georgina and Queen Beatrice walked in procession behind the Black Rod and the Garter King of Arms.
George and Bea wore t
he same navy cloak and navy velvet caps with white feathers as the others. Two young pages, one boy and one girl, wearing gold medieval livery, held their trains as they walked. As George passed she glanced at Holly and winked.
This honour was a gift from George personally, and not the government. Bo Dixon was not part of the day, although she would have loved the publicity.
George was proud that she could give this to her friend. There was no greater thing than to sacrifice yourself for your Queen, and George understood the bravery that took. Twice in Quincy’s life she had run into danger, rather than run away, and she deserved more honour than George could ever give her.
George had planned out the day herself, with the help of her private secretary, Bastian, and made changes to make it a more personal affair. She’d postponed the traditional luncheon to the end of the day, so they could get right out there amongst the people and have a longer procession. George wanted the country to praise Captain Quincy the hero.
When George reached the throne platform, she helped Bea into a chair at the side and ascended to the throne. Then she stood and said, “Garter and Black Rod, pray summon the Companion Elect.”
The doors opened and the Black Rod and the Garter King of Arms led Captain Quincy in, flanked by one other knight, Prince Theo, and Lady Musgrove, a lady of the Order. It was tradition that the new knight be helped by two members of their choice.
As they approached, the Queen said, “Pray be seated.”
Everyone sat except Quincy and her helpers. George smiled at Quincy, whom she could see was tense.
The girl page brought over the black garter with gold lettering and attached it around Quincy’s leg. This was the beginning of dressing the new knight, while the bishop read the historical passage that went with the ceremony.
Then the Queen took the blue sash of the garter and placed it over Quincy’s left shoulder, and it was fastened by Theo. Next the page brought her a silver badge on a red velvet cushion, the Garter Star. She took it and pinned it onto Quincy’s jacket.
