Altered Destinies- Earth Reborn

by Yvonne Hertzberger

  Though the day was still young, exhaustion must have robbed her of any strength Phaera had left. She fell almost immediately into to a deep sleep and knew nothing more until she felt a gentle shaking of her shoulder and opened her eyes to a smiling Lady Flor.

  “Good. I feared you would not sleep.” She drew the blanket off Phaera and helped her up. “Will you wear this gown again or is there another you prefer?”

  As Phaera lifted her shift over her head she replied, “It is the best one I brought. As you know, I am not fond of pageantry, so this one will be fine.” With one arm already into her gown she gestured with her free hand. “You will find some jewelry in the case on the table beside my hair brush.”

  “Good, if you will permit me I can assist you with your hair.”

  “I would be grateful, Milady. Riya is skilled but at this time your company is more welcome.”

  “Then I shall not leave your side until we enter the hall.” Lady Flor gave her a reassuring squeeze around her shoulders.

  A short time later Bain and Phaera were seated side by side at the far end of the long table, across from Lady Flor and Lord Makin. As Lady Flor had seated her she had bent and whispered in Phaera’s ear. “Be strong. I cannot stay here with you,” before joining Lord Makin.

  Bain, already seated, patted her leg secretly under the table and gave her an encouraging smile. She wasn’t sure how she felt about the familiarity. Neither of them said much during the banquet, both doing their best to nod, smile, and accept congratulations. When they had eaten, and the musicians began to play dance music, Phaera let Bain lead her onto the floor for the obligatory dance, to the cheers of all present. It was hard for her to treat the traditional bawdy remarks and sexual jibes with good humour. Must I endure that, yet, ere this night is over? Will they demand stained sheets in the morning? If so they may be disappointed. I have ridden across my mount, instead of side-saddle, too often. She went cold at the next thought. Will he believe I am a maid? Can I convince him?

  But Bain surprised her. When they were finally led into their marriage chamber, and left alone in their night shifts, he pulled a small blade from his boot and drew it across his palm, drawing blood. Pulling back the top blanket he smeared the blood in the middle of the bottom sheet.

  “You have endured too much this day, my love. This is not the time to expect even more from you. I can wait.”

  Phaera felt her knees grow weak with relief and gratitude. Before she realized it, Bain’s arm was around her waist, steadying her. He helped her onto the bed and lay down beside her, watching her face.

  It was more than she could bear. Overwhelmed with the events of the day, and now this unexpected kindness, the dam opened and silent tears streamed down her cheeks, into her hair, and onto the pillow.

  Bain tenderly lifted her head to put his arm under it and drew her to him until her head rested on his chest under his chin. Once settled he stroked her hair and repeatedly kissed the top of her head until she slept. They were still in that position when light crept through the window and woke her.

  She only realized where she was when she heard the beating of Bain’s heart under her ear. When she tried to rise the weight of his arm, slack and heavy, told her he still slept. Taking care not to wake him she slid out from under his arm and raised herself up enough to study him in sleep.

  You are a strange man. Would any other have done what you did for me last night? Was it because he was a healer’s son? Yet, at court, he acted very much a lord’s son. When Bain gave a deep sigh and found a more comfortable position she could not help but admire the ripple of his shoulder muscles. A tuft of curls sprouted between the opening in the neck of his nightshirt. Gingerly, Phaera reached out and touched one, then turned her attention to the sleeping face. Will war remove the peace I see?

  A distant rumble she recognized as the sound of many horses jolted her out of her musings. Papa! You promised not to leave without saying goodbye! She flew to the window, reaching it just as a knock came to the door. By the time she turned around to answer it Bain had sprung out of bed, instantly awake, and had his breeches half-way on. He reached the door first.

  Riya stood there, eyes lowered, a dressing robe over her arm. She held it up, still averting her eyes. “Here Milady. Lord Danza waits in the next chamber.”

  Relief flooded Phaera as she grabbed the robe and pulled it on, tying the sash as she hurried next door. “Papa. I feared you had gone.” She ran into his waiting embrace.

  “Did I not promise?” The words, though chiding, sounded more like a caress. They stood like that for a few short moments before he took her shoulders and made her face him. “I must away. I can delay no longer.”

  “Those horses I saw out the window. I feared you were with them.”

  “A decoy. We sent a troop ahead and I will follow with another.”

  That was when Phaera noticed the tunic he wore. “Oh, you wear the colours of Marston.”

  “Yes, another ruse. The troop that left wears both colours.” He took both Phaera’s hands in his. “We are at war. I must reach Kinterron safely and see to our people and our land. Pray that this conflict is over quickly and that we may all return to peace.”

  The words fell on Phaera like a cold wind. “Be safe, Papa.”

  “And you, daughter of my heart.” He drew her close again, then, just as abruptly released her. “Bain is a good man, as is Lord Makin.” He looked like he wanted to say more but did not. Instead he squared his shoulders. “I must go. Know that I am proud of you.” He strode to the door, opened it, and marched down the hall and away. At the last second before turning out of sight he turned and called back, “Be well, both of you.”

  That was when Phaera realized Bain had come to stand behind her.

  “We will see him again.” The worry in the smile Bain gave her belied his faith in his words. In a firmer voice he said, “Come, let us dress and break our fast. Then I have something to show you.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  A SURPRISE

  As Bain led her outside, flanked just out of earshot by four guards, he said, “My lord father is preparing troops. It is likely I will be sent out with them very soon, perhaps as soon as tomorrow.” When they reached an old section of stone wall he pulled out a large iron key and pulled back some ivy to reveal a heavy wooden door.

  Once inside Bain took an old torch off the wall and lit it, then told the guards, “Remain here, we may be some time.” Once inside he closed the door firmly behind him. “There, now we are alone and can speak freely.”

  Bain moved along one wall and lit two more torches, in sconces there, before turning to Phaera and spreading his hands wide to take in the space. “Will this suit, do you think? It was Kort’s idea, really, to find a place. I told him he was mad but…” When Phaera looked around without saying anything he explained. “It was used for storage, hence the bags and barrels against the walls. But those can be removed and a table and shelves put in. The torches will be replaced with proper lamps. I know my mother would be pleased to help you stock it and set it up.”

  “What?… How?...”

  “It was Lady Flor who showed this to me when I mentioned Kort’s idea to her. She did not think it so mad as I imagined. She told me that she is still able to carry on many of the duties of the court and castle, as she has been, and that she would be happy to spare you time to establish as a healer here.” When Phaera finally turned, astonished, to face him he opened his hands out in apology, “I had hoped to woo you with this. Circumstances intervened.”

  He cleared his throat. “But I cannot promise this will be yet. We have not approached my lord father. It will require his approval, though with Lady Flor’s support I think he will be persuaded.” The thought struck him that the changes of the last days might make it less safe for Phaera to act as healer. I won’t mention it yet. Let her hope this is possible.

  Phaera looked at him, eyes wide. “I do not know what to say. This… this is wonderful … you … can th
is be ...?”

  Bain thought he saw a glitter of tears threaten to spill from Phaera’s eyes but they did not fall. “I hope so. Perhaps not immediately …”

  To his great surprise Phaera suddenly wrapped her arms around his chest and hugged him fiercely. She lifted her face to him. “Thank you … oh, thank you.”

  His mouth was on hers and he found himself pressing her against a sack of grain. When she showed no resistance his desire became almost unbearable. He lifted his head to look at her face, then withdrew abruptly, taking her hand and lifting her back to standing. “No!” His voice was hoarse. “This is wrong. This is not how it must be.”

  When Phaera looked confused he shook his head. “I am not a rutting stag. You deserve better.” He clenched his fists to stop them from trembling. “I will wait.” He looked away and took a few deep breaths to regain his composure.

  They spent some time planning how to turn the huge storage chamber into a working apothecary, then returned to the castle.

  Lady Flor met them as they arrived. “I have gained you this one day as a reprieve.” She smiled broadly at Bain. “Your father has agreed to suspend your duties until tomorrow, due to your newlywed status.”

  “But we need to prepare.”

  “Indeed, but he has already sent orders to gather provisions and troops and says he can spare you this one day.” She turned to Phaera. “I told him it is the least he can do. He concurred.”

  Bain met her eyes, a look of understanding passing between them. By this time tomorrow I will likely be on my way to the border. When he looked at Phaera he could tell she had the same thought.

  Chapter Eighteen

  NIGHT

  After a meeting with Lord Makin and his advisors Bain confirmed to Phaera that he would, indeed, leave with a cadre of soldiers in the morning.

  “I will be leading a band to the left border and Father another, larger one to the right side. A unit has already set out ahead this morning on Father’s route and scouts and informers have been dispatched. ” Bain looked worried. “We have sent a messenger ahead to Kinterron with our plans – two actually – using separate routes in case one is intercepted. It is hoped we can coordinate with him to protect our borders. Messengers have also been sent to Krellin, Parth, and Neck asking for support. But, as they do not share borders with Belthorn or Exalon they will not feel the urgency we do. Even if they send troops their arrivals will be delayed. This will be our fight, at least for now.”

  “Mathune must be stopped. We have no choice. He will not hold back as long as he thinks he can win.”

  “Indeed. And Mathune has declared you to be the prize he seeks. I doubt our marriage will prevent him.” Bain took both of Phaera’s hands in his. Phaera thought she felt a tremor in them before he squeezed harder. “I will protect you with my life.”

  “I know it. But it is more important to protect our people. You must take care - to return, to rule. Do not let sentiment sway you from your duty.” As an afterthought she added, “And I will do the same.” She withdrew one hand to touch his cheek. “Now, husband, we must to dinner so Lord Makin can tell the people we are at war.” The smile he bestowed on her at the word ‘husband’ made the deliberate choice worthwhile. It is all I have to add strength to this fight. “And I swear not to do anything that will put me in danger. I will not ride out alone or go anywhere unescorted.”

  “Good.”

  The dinner was a sombre affair. While many had not heard of Mathune’s actions the few who had added their words of support to the plans, which included how many soldiers would remain to guard the castle.

  When the speeches ended and Bain was no longer needed he reached under the table, put a hand on Phaera’s thigh, and leaned in to murmur, “We are no longer needed. Let us retire.” As she followed him to their chamber he reached back to draw her beside him. “We have only this night. I wish to spend it alone with you.”

  Phaera felt a prickle go up her spine. Of course I will give him what he wants. But is it what I want, too? Apprehension turned to relief when Bain did not reach for her the moment the door closed. Instead he strode to the table and poured two goblets of wine from the flagon waiting there and handed her one.

  “To a long and prosperous future. To success in the campaign.” Bain took a breath then gave her a look full of hope and intent. “And to a happy and fruitful union.”

  “May it be so.” Phaera lifted her goblet to his, gave him what she hoped was a confident smile, and took a sip. She noticed that Bain did not drink his down either. Instead he set his back on the table, and seeing that she drank no more, gently took hers and set it down as well. There could be no doubt as to his intent when he reached for her and drew her into his embrace.

  So this is it… She did not have time to finish the thought. His lips were on hers and his arms drew her tight, his desire pressing against her gown.

  “My love.” His voice was hoarse in her ear as he reached to untie the sash at her waist, then gently pull the ribbon from her braid and run his fingers through her hair until it cascaded down her back. Then he pushed himself away from her, tugged his tunic off over his head and dropped in on the floor.

  The sight of his muscled torso brought back the image of him at sparring practice. Only short weeks ago? What is that scar on his shoulder?

  His voice brought her back.

  “I would see you entire, my love. Will you permit me to remove your gown?”

  Permit? It is his right. The gesture gave Phaera a lump in her throat. Unable to speak she gave a small nod and held her arms up so Bain could lift the gown over her head. He dropped it beside his tunic and with feather touches stroked her shoulders before drawing her into a tender embrace.

  The contact of her skin against his sent a strange feeling deep into her womb, a heat, a pain even, and she trembled with the force of it.

  Bain must have misread the reaction because he loosened his arms enough to look into her eyes, though he did not release her. “I will be gentle my love.”

  Still speechless Phaera nodded her head and wrapped her arms around him, placed her cheek against his chest and heard the mad thumping of his heart. When she found her voice she said, “I am not afraid.” Then she pulled back just enough that she could see the scar on his shoulder. Running a finger along it she asked, “How did you come by this?”

  He chuckled. “Nothing brave or noble I fear. A fall, head first, off a horse. I landed in a creek and my shoulder hit a branch stuck between some rocks.”

  Her hands searched and found another scar, lower down. She felt him shiver. “And this?”

  “Weapons practice.”

  She barely heard the whisper. He had lifted her up and laid her on the bed where he began to kiss her everywhere, beginning with the hollow under her ear, then the one in her throat, his touch so light she almost had to beg him to stop. Instead she closed her eyes and felt that deep ache rise.

  When a tiny moan escaped her he kissed her mouth again, rose and removed his breeches before sitting beside her and resuming his explorations with lips, tongue, and fingers. When he finally opened her knees and lay between her thighs, she found her hips rising of their own accord to take him in as she clutched him close. The heat inside her burst and spread over her entire body just as he spasmed, shuddered, and went still, arms still holding her tight.

  When he left her and rolled off before pulling her to lie on top of him, she felt a languid peace unlike anything she had experienced before. They lay like that for some time, he stroking her hair and back, kissing the top of her head, she exploring his chest, fingering the moles and small scars as she found there. Neither spoke.

  When she was able to think again she found she could not remember parts of what had happened. But the sense of peace persisted. The last thought, before she fell asleep, still lying on top of Bain, was, “Is this love?”

  Chapter Nineteen

  FAREWELL

  Phaera still slept peacefully beside Bain as the first light
of dawn woke him. He slid off the bed and dressed silently. Then, knowing she’d never forgive him if he left without saying goodbye, he sat on the bed and gave her shoulder a gentle shake. At first she only squirmed and with a soft moan settled back down. But at the second shake her eyes flew open and she sat up, instantly aware and awake.

  “Is it time already?”

  “Yes, my love. Will you break fast with me and see me off? We meet in the small dining chamber with Father and Lady Flor.”

  Bain didn’t even have time to finish the request. Phaera was up and pulling her gown on. He admired her lithe body and the smooth movement with which she slid her healer gown over her head before he handed her the sash. She slipped bare feet into slippers, tied her hair into an untidy knot, and stood ready. When he gave her a smile she quipped, “It is good enough for a healer; it must be good enough for a family repast.”

  Bain chuckled. “And so it must. Come.” He tucked her hand in his and drew her out the door into the corridor, stopping briefly for a deep kiss. “What will you do while I am away?”

  “I will clean out my new apothecary and begin to set it up.”

  Bain raised one eyebrow. “Without Father’s approval?”

  “Lady Flor approves. I will not begin to attend to anyone until you have returned safely. But I need to work or I shall go mad. Lord Makin’s permission will come when he sees I am determined.”

  “Hmmm. I hope so. He is not your father.” Bain stopped and turned Phaera to face him. “Promise me one thing.” When she said nothing he added, “Tell me you will not go foraging for plants and herbs until this war is won and we have returned. I cannot fight well if I must worry for your safety.”