by Wend Petzler
Nicolas stood in shocked silence as his men gasped at the unheard idea of a woman training to become a warrior. Michael smiled arrogantly at Tara, a calculating glint in his eyes.
"I do believe I just might take the little hellion on,” Michael growled as he grinned conceitedly at the dazed girl beside him.
Tara gathered her wits and retorted, “Bring it on! I can be as tough as you any day!"
Crossing his massive arms, a lazy smile curved the hard lines of his mouth. Michael silently accepted her challenge, certain of his skill in subduing the little vixen.
Laughing at the exchange, Isabella met her husband's disapproving gaze, disturbed by his fierce frown. She placed a hand on his chest, gazing up at him. “What is wrong?"
His hard visage softened as Isabella looked up at him with trust and love in her eyes. Nicolas knew he was mainly to fault for William taking Isabella, and it was her skill with the sword that had helped fight their way out of the bastard's castle. Nicolas decided Isabella had earned the right to be who she was. He would not change her, not even for his own men.
"Nothing is wrong, my love. Let us go inside.” His mouth brushed hers with barely restrained ardor.
Relief flooded Isabella. Throwing her arms around his neck, she eagerly kissed him, ecstatic when he gathered her close, lifting her feet clear off the floor. They were unaware of the clapping and cheers from the people of Blood Keep gathered to welcome their lady and her lord home.
Reluctant, he set her down when Isabella told him, “I must go and see to Alison. I fear for her."
He pressed a warm kiss on her soft lips before Isabella left him. Pride filled him for his strong willed wife, feeling lucky Isabella was all his. He joined the merriment, laughing at the robust toasts made until he noticed his men were being excluded. Alarmed by the resentment toward his knights, it was cause for great concern. He sought out Otto, pulling the Viking aside.
"How long has this gone on?” Nicolas asked, scanning the hall, not liking what he saw.
"Since you were attacked, and Isabella was taken hostage,” Otto replied before drinking his ale in a single gulp.
The Viking was obviously nervous. The situation quickly escalated as his men seethed at the sneers cast their way by the entire Black Army.
Frowning, Nicolas’ mind whirled with the dilemma of heading off the inevitable conflict between his men and Isabella's. Nicolas glanced at Ahmed who wore a worried expression on his dark features at the open hostility amongst the knights.
"How is Alison faring?” Nicolas asked.
"She will recover and is in far better condition than the men before us. Fights will break out if things are not dealt with soon."
He agreed. Lifting his cup high above his head, Nicolas shouted over the chatter, “Knights of Blood Keep, I know the last few days have been hell for you as it was for me. I salute you all for your help. To the Demons and their courage in rescuing my wife.” Fixing a fierce gaze upon his men who reluctantly raised their cups to the men clad in black.
Unexpectedly, Michael stepped from the crowd, raising his own cup, fixing upon his own men with a brutal fierceness. “To Drago and his men for defending Isabella the best they could under the circumstances. Remember your sworn oath to Isabella!” His eyes burned into the fighting men of the Black Army as they hesitantly did as he ordered, saluting Drago's men.
In a small chamber, Gabriel knelt beside the resting woman on the bed. Grasping her frail hand in his much larger one, his blue eyes shone bright from unshed tears, trying to be brave for Alison. Isabella slipped in the chamber and laid her hand on his wide shoulder. He met her inquiring gaze with a helpless shrug of his broad shoulders. On the ride home, he had faced his feelings for the pale woman resting in the bed and found he loved with every fiber of his being.
Isabella asked, “Is there anything we can do for Alison?"
A thoughtful frown puckered Aggie's brow. “The power of healing lies in sleep and the love of a good man. It will see the lass through the worst of her ordeal.” She could not help grinning at the flush spreading up Gabriel's open features.
Isabella crossed her arms, gazing down at the knight speculatively, directing her question to Aggie. “Do you suppose Gabe is up to the task of caring for Alison? He does have a reputation for being a ladies’ man, not committing to a single woman that I know of."
Glaring at her, he jumped to his feet and declared, “When Alison recovers, I intend to marry her!"
Alison sleepily opened her eyes to better see the man whose hand she held as a lifeline. Her voice was thin, reedy from exhaustion. “Is it not customary for the man to ask the woman if she feels the same way?"
Smiling in immense relief, he noted the way her large eyes searched his with hope. Alison's spunk was returning. “Would it help matters if I told you I loved you?” Gabriel whispered hoarsely.
A beautiful smile curved her bruised mouth. “It might, if you truly meant it.” Alison's sight blurred from the rush of tears, helpless to stop the torrent.
He gently gathered her close, burying his face in the delicate curve of her neck. Alison's thin arms held him weakly.
Aggie and Isabella quietly left the chamber, giving the couple some privacy. Isabella was suddenly pulled in a rib crushing hug as Aggie wrapped her pudgy arms around her. “Ye're gonna be the death of me!” She released the young woman, shaking a threatening finger at her. Isabella laughed, knowing Aggie relieved to have her home.
She held up her hands up in surrender. Isabella smiled warmly at her dear friend. “I promise to try my best to stay out of trouble.” She gasped as strong arms lifted her high in the air, crushing her against a solid wall of muscle.
Nicolas grinned broadly as he winked at a beaming Aggie. “I fully intend to keep my wife under my constant attention.” He promised, carrying Isabella to their chambers.
Aggie ambled happily back to the busy hall, hoping life around the Keep would settle down. She prayed babies would be the subject instead of war.
He ran up the stairs, his body on fire as Isabella nuzzled his neck, tracing a tormenting path with her tongue, teasing his earlobe with her sharp teeth. He kicked the door open and strode inside. Standing her on her feet by the bed, they quickly washed the black soot from their faces and in a passionate frenzy they tore each other's clothes off, falling into bed naked. Nicolas wrapped her in his embrace, vowing to never let Isabella go.
His hungry mouth covered hers, kissing her until she was breathless. Nicolas's hot gaze swept her supple body, shifting to cover her with his large frame. He stared down at her with a mixture of desire and awe.
"I love you.” Nicolas whispered hoarsely as he tenderly held her face in his large hands, telling her how he felt, not giving a damn anymore about who ruled or who followed.
Tears of joy glistened in her eyes as she nearly strangled him. The uncertainty of where his feelings lay was made clear. She knew peace and happiness as never before. “Nicolas, I love you, too! Promise me, you will never, ever leave me?” Isabella begged as he positioned his body more intimately to hers.
"I promise, I will never allow anyone to take you from me again.” Nicolas swore as he bent his dark head to her bright one, capturing her mouth as he staked his claim, branding her as his forever.
His hot mouth moved over the slender column of her throat, his long black hair spilling along her sensitive skin. His velvety tongue paved a wet path, sampling the satiny skin, inflaming her even more as his mouth lowered to capture a hard, rosy nipple. Sharp teeth scraping the tender flesh, Nicolas grinned in delight as she moaned, arching for him to suckle harder. He accommodated her needs as he tortured one hard bud then lazily moving to the other.
Lean fingers tailed his roving mouth, traveling to the curve of her flat stomach, his tongue swirled erotically in the dip of her navel. Isabella tossed restlessly under him as he claimed the womanly center of her as his tongue plundered and tormented her as his hands wandered her body, bringing her senses to an ov
erload. Gasping, she nearly came off the bed, but his strong hands easily laid her flat on the bed as his mouth and tongue ravished her. Her long hair tangled around them as she thrashed restlessly about by the sweet torment as he spread her legs further apart by the incredible broad width of his immense shoulders.
"Nicolas. please end my pain!” Isabella sobbed, desperate to feel him thrusting deep in her.
Rising above her and in one smooth, fluid motion, Nicolas slid his, hard shaft deep in her hot, tight sheath. His body heavy with a desperate need as she gasped in triumph as he drove inside her, sweeping her along the tide of pleasure, desperate to be closer. Isabella moaned as Nicolas adjusted his body, his shaft, slick from her wetness, continued to thrust deep in her as her body wrapped around him tighter, holding him captive inside her. Long, sharp nails clawed his broad back, shapely legs wrapped tight around him as she gasped in the sheer beauty of the waves of pleasure sweeping, engulfing her as Nicolas shouted her name.
The lovers lay exhausted, unable to move, entangled and shattered from their love exploding. Nicolas laid his head on the satiny cushion of her small breasts as he held her in his embrace, unable to release Isabella. She held onto him as her anchor in a world spinning out of control. Isabella wrapped her arms around his sturdy neck, resting her cheek against the silky smoothness of his long hair.
With a tired groan, he knew he was far heavier than she could bear, Nicolas rolled to his back, taking her with him. Wrapping her close to his body, swearing he would never let her go, he laid content, listening to her steady, even breathing as Isabella slept in the safety of his arms. With determination, he vowed the secret intrigues of Blood Keep would come to an end. He would battle Alden at the Tournament of the Demons and end the man's continuous threat to Isabella once and for all. Sleep came to him, but not without a price. Nicolas finally knew what fear and love could do to him and his peace of mind, leaving him apprehensive about their future together.
* * * *
Rising at sun break, Isabella eased from her sleeping husband's side. Slipping from bed, she admired Nicolas, still in awe.
He loved her!
Distracted by the savage hunger now attacking her, she dressed in the customary black leathers, strapping the Demon's sword to her back. Danger still a real threat, Isabella was damned tired of being caught vulnerable. Isabella quietly left the room, letting Nicolas sleep. Down in the hall, men gathered for breakfast, most hung over from drinking and celebrating into the wee hours. Isabella sat in her chair, smiling in a warm greeting as Michael took a seat next to hers.
"Greetings, how was your night?” Michael asked with a broad grin, a knowing look in his dark eyes.
Blushing, Isabella was saved as Aggie hurried over with fresh porridge, scooping heaps in the wooden bowls for them. Ignoring Michael's soft laughter, she asked Aggie, “Is Gabriel with Alison?"
The cherub, older woman smiled as she broke bread. “Gabriel brought Allen in to see his mother, and they are having breakfast together.” Aggie hustled to the kitchens for more food.
Relieved Alison was better, Isabella concentrated on her meal until she felt the prickly sensations of being watched. Lifting her gaze to seek the cause, startled when she met the open glares of Drago's men, seeing their bitter resentment toward her. Could the knights still hold the belief women were not allowed to bear arms?
Her eyes narrowed menacingly, emerald fire of unsuppressed rage burned deep in the depths. She was ready to fight. The look alarming Drago's men, many lowered their eyes, uncertain. Looking at one another, confused, for the woman did not back down as Isabella had done before. A frightening change had come over Lady Isabella. As if she shed a disguise, they were given a glimpse of the real Mistress of Blood Keep. Her men watched, snarls on their intent faces, hands on the hilts of their swords, ready to defend Isabella.
Nicolas walked down the stairs in time to see the open hostility sizzling amongst his knights and those of Blood Keep, his own wife looked as if she about to start smashing faces. He sat next to Isabella arching an eyebrow in question at the events unfolding.
She lowered her seething gaze, avoiding his silent question as rage coursed red hot through her veins. Isabella was furious at his men for forcing her hand in revealing her true identity. Why could she not be left alone to be herself?
His frown intensified as his hard gaze pinned his knights as they appeared guilty while the men in black were clearly hostile. In a soft voice, he asked, “Isabella, what is going on?” Subsequently, Otto and Brandon entered the hall, pausing in alarm. They hurried over to Nicolas and Isabella.
She refused to answer him, instead concentrating on her breakfast as did Michael. When the meal was over, the knights scattered, leaving the hall nearly empty. “Nicolas, I must ride to Serenity. I won't be long.” She rose from the table without looking at her husband. Michael followed close behind, his eyes burning with hot rage.
Ahmed sat down beside Nicolas as confused as his master. Nicolas was frustrated as he demanded of the men beside him. “What the hell just happened?"
The Arab was upset by the continued unrest in Blood Keep. “Our men will not accept Lady Isabella as a warrior, and her men resent our knights who refuse to relinquish the ridiculous notion a woman is not allowed to bear arms."
Frustrated, Nicolas shoved away from the table, heading for the study. He looked out the window in time to see his wife thunder out the gate followed by ten knights.
Her knights.
Running an impatient hand through his thick hair, Nicolas sat down, lost on how to handle the division of their home. A small part of him wished the Demon Lord would return to Blood Keep, ending this stand off. The man could easily order the Black Army to swear their allegiance to him, and this business over Isabella wearing men's clothes and wielding the Demon's sword would end.
Isabella urged Lucifer onward, her heart breaking. Michael rode beside her, ever watchful. The warhorses covered the distance to Serenity in short time, riding hard for the river stoned church. Drawing Lucifer to a halt, Isabella dismounted, handing the reins over to a younger knight.
"Michael, come with me. Demons, be on alert!” She ordered as she drew her gloves off, the black cloak flowing behind her as she strode inside the church seeking Father Abraham.
The kind priest smiled in greeting as she approached. “Father, may I have a moment of your time?” Isabella asked the balding priest, winning a startled look from the kind man at the brisk authority in her voice. Father Abraham took her hands in his, concerned by the bitter emotion in her rich voice.
"It is good to have you home! My child, what is wrong?” He asked, concerned by her flushed features.
"Privately please.” Isabella indicated for him to lead, following Father Abraham to a small chamber used as an office. Michael closed the door behind them. “I need to send a message to Edward. I want my nephew brought home to Blood Keep. I wish Xander to be with me where I can protect him.” Her eyes blurred as she fought the waves of tears desperate to be shed.
"What has happened?” Father Abraham asked, alarmed as Isabella paced the chamber. He could not help comparing the young woman to a wild animal seeking escape from its cage.
A resolve as strong as the iron will she developed over the long, hard years enabled Isabella to push back the tears. “At the Tournament of the Demons, Blood Keep's fate and mine will be determined when Drago jousts with Alden. I wish you to send a message to Edward of my desire to bring Xander to Blood Keep for his protection. In light of Alden's treachery, I want my nephew close to me where no one can use him against me."
The elderly priest sat down heavily in his chair, having a difficult time in absorbing the disturbing news. “I will send word to Edward. My child, please be careful. Lord Alden will not be satisfied until you are his. Michael, protect her!” The kind man glared up at the swarthy man.
The dark knight smiled warmly at the attempt to be fierce by the gentle priest. “I will stand by Isabella's side in life or d
eath, whichever God wills.” Michael bowed respectfully to Father Abraham, winking at Isabella who tried not to smile.
"Forgive me, Father, but we must take our leave. The Demon Lord is returning to Blood Keep, and I must make preparations."
She hugged the priest before leaving the church. Taking a deep breath, Isabella lifted her face to the bright blue sky, feeling the warmth from the bright sun above. Her knights watched, awaiting her decision. “Tonight, I want a challenge issued to Darwin. I will personally handle this fight for our honor. Find a reason to anger him enough to demand satisfaction, understood?” The knights wore looks of concern, worried what Isabella intended to do.
One of the older knights expressed his doubts. “My lady, are sure you wish to fight Darwin? He is a monster of a man!"
Amusement lifted the corner of her mouth as Isabella wondered the same thing. Could she bring the giant of a knight down? Michael answered for her.
"Remember, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. Besides, what better way to get the message through to Drago's men when a mere Demon can take down his strongest? Worry not, if David could bring down Goliath, so will our little Demon. Let us be about patrolling.” Michael ordered as he swung up in the saddle as did Isabella who rolled her eyes at his statement. Michael laughed heartily at her, following as she urged her horse into a canter.
Her sense of humor returned, Isabella realized she looked forward to ending the charade. “Let us ride. I want to feel the wind in my face.” Isabella headed out of town, her faithful knights ever following.
* * * *
Nicolas paced the ramparts, angry at his absent wife, growing more worried by the minute. The sun was setting when Isabella and her knights rode in. She met his glare with hard emerald eyes, her mouth flattened with determination. Nicolas scowled as he walked down the stairs to meet her.
Miles waited, holding Lucifer's reins as Isabella dismounted. She spoke to the boy in a low tone and the boy nodded, leading the tired horse to the barn. Isabella affectionately slapped the muscular neck as the stallion snorted in response. She waited for her husband as Michael and the knights left the couple alone, making their way to the stables.
