by Wend Petzler
Isabella lifted her eyes to meet his, smiling as she pressed a warm kiss on his beautiful mouth. “I love you.” She sighed, content with the moment, sparing a thought that time was slipping from them while matters still needed to be attended to-,Alden. “We must return to the Keep, we have only one week left before the tournament.” She grimly reminded Nicolas as she parted from his warm body, her slender limbs gracefully slicing through the water.
Scowling fiercely at her, “I could have gone the rest of the day without hearing about anymore problems.” He splashed water at her as she giggled, sticking her tongue out at him. A determined gleam shadowed his amber eyes as he dove under the glassy surface, disappearing from sight.
When he did not reappear, Isabella became frantic, casting around for Nicolas. Water exploded as he burst through the glassy surface, capturing her sleek body to his massive frame. Nicolas swung her in his arms as he strode purposefully through the water to the far bank. He laid her gently on the sweet grass, covering her body with his, pinning Isabella with his far heavier frame. With a savage intent, Nicolas kissed her over and over, stealing her breath as he claimed possession of her body, driving his long, thick length deep inside her, branding Isabella as his forever.
In a mind shattering climax, Isabella sobbed his name as Nicolas swept her over the edge of intense pleasure as he shouted hers, emptying his hot seed deep in her womb. She prayed as she held his body tight to hers, hoping one day to have his child growing inside her belly. Nicolas’ baby! Tears burned in her throat as she prayed, hoping to live a normal life. Holding her husband's heavily muscled body close, his dark head resting on her breasts, his long, thick black hair felt like silk on her heated skin, Isabella was reassured by the solace of his arms wrapped around her. Her life was complete, normal be damned!
The sun shone brightly above the couple, the heat drying their bodies as they talked, making plans for their future. The sun was entering shadows as they prepared to ride home to Blood Keep. Silent, Isabella and Nicolas swung up on the warhorses, riding home.
Blood Keep rose majestically in the distance, Nicolas felt peace restored in his soul as he reined his horse beside Isabella, running his hand through her hair, bringing her mouth to meet his in a kiss filled with love and reassurance. He broke from her, laughing as she did, racing toward the castle. The gates were raised and roars of cheers resounded as they neared the castle, the knights lined the ramparts, shouting and clapping as they rode through the gates.
The entire occupants of Blood Keep celebrated as the Baron led his Baroness to the steps where Otto and Brandon waited as squires led the tired horses to the stables. The old warriors motioned for them to follow as the enormous doors of the castle swung open with Michael and Gabriel waiting on the other side. The tall knights bowed to the couple, sweeping their arms to enter the hall transformed with color and joy.
Gabriel grinned at Isabella's questioning gaze. “We figured your wedding day began rocky, so we, of Blood Keep, decided to give you and Nicolas a fresh start-,one filled with promises, not secrets.” He smiled fondly as tears fell, tracing her elfish features as Isabella hugged her golden knight.
Michael grinned, arching a dark eyebrow at Nicolas's astonishment of the celebration. “What the man is trying to say is we are damned glad of not being in danger of your wrath now we don't have to sneak around anymore."
Nicolas laughed heartily as Isabella rolled her eyes at Michael's wit. Tucking his wife close to his side, his arm curved around her neck as Isabella wrapped her arms around his lean waist. “You will never know the depths of torture I suffered when I thought my beautiful wife preferred spending time with the two of you and not me!” Nicolas bent to kiss her soft lips, drowning in deep pools of emerald as Isabella smiled up at him.
"Never worry about us, we are her faithful servants and friends nothing more has ever been shared.” Michael assured the tall knight. “In fact, we are quite glad Isabella is now your responsibility. She's quite a pain in the ass, especially in the last year.” He laughed heartily as Isabella raised an eyebrow at his statement.
Deciding she had heard enough from her so-called friends, Isabella led her husband towards the food laden tables. “I have borne the brunt of your dark humor for far to long, Michael. As you know full well, I will get even with you when you aren't looking!” Isabella tossed a confident smile filled with dark promises of revenge as she walked away, her stomach growling, reminding her that she had not eaten today.
The swarthy man laughed, bowing mockingly to Isabella as he left to seek out the infatuating Tara.
Gabriel laughed at his friends’ antics when he noticed Alison slowly making her way toward him. Her son held her hand tightly as he glared at anyone who got to close to his mother. The boy's blue eyes brightened when he saw Gabriel. The golden-haired knight's heart swelled with the love he felt for the boy and Alison. The fragile, beautiful woman took his offered hand as her gray eyes shyly met his as Gabriel wrapped her in a loving embrace.
Father Abraham rose, signaling for all to quiet, his kind eyes settled on the happy couple. “I wish to say a special prayer for our Baroness and her Baron. May you be blessed with wisdom and the knowledge God's perfect love will grant peace to Blood Keep and England.” The kind priest continued to bless the wonderful feast and with a loud ‘amen', they hungrily dug into the delicious meal.
Isabella drank her wine feeling happiness settle over her as her men joked and drank with Drago's in friendship, and peace. Another wedding was to be planned soon, she thought smugly as she watched Gabriel and Alison. An odd sense of completion swept over Isabella as she thought of her friends marrying and having families of their own. Her eyes sought out Michael, a wicked grin spread as she noticed he was debating with Tara again. Maybe, she thought with hope, Tara would be the one to bring Michael into the golden light of true love.
Otto poured more wine in her cup, needing to speak with Isabella. “We are ready for the tournament and the King's arrival. How are you feeling?” He asked as he leaned forward on his powerful forearms.
"All will depend on Alden, if he shows,” she replied darkly.
Frowning, he wondered what the coward planned next. “I will have the guards alerted. Brandon and I will keep an eye out for any mischief.” Otto assured the young woman who had been in his care the minute she had taken her first breath.
She absently nodded, watching Nicolas joke with two of her Demons. Pride welled inside her as Nicolas walked amongst the knights clad in black, welcomed in their circle as an equal. Suddenly his intense gaze locked on her, sending her pulse racing as his eyes burned into her with the savage heat of his desire. Fire leapt through her body as desire slammed her as he watched her from across the room. Helpless to stop him, Nicolas strode to her with a single-minded purpose. Claim her.
Nicolas assisted her from her chair, leading her away from the celebrating people of Blood Keep. They spent the entire night making love, exploring, becoming more intimate of wants and desires. In the deep, dark of night, Nicolas held Isabella in the shelter of his powerful body, protecting the fierce she-demon he called wife.
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Chapter Eighteen
Dread blended into smoke and screams of terror echoed in her mind. Isabella sat up gasping for air as she wildly looked about for her husband. Overwhelming fear choked her. Nicolas wasn't in the chamber. A soft rapping on the door alerted Isabella as Aggie walked in carrying fresh towels. The look of torment etched on Isabella's face caused the older woman to rush to her side.
"What's wrong?” Aggie asked softly, knowing that look on Isabella's face only to well. It boded an evil warning of bad events to come.
Isabella swallowed hard as she wrapped a blanket around her, walking to the lit fire. “It was nothing. I wish to bathe and forget.” She sat in a chair facing the fire as Aggie prepared the sunken tub.
Aggie knew the girl lied, and by the way Isabella's emerald eyes remained haunted, it was bad news. Th
e housekeeper helped Isabella in the tub and washed her hair. She urged Isabella to go under the water and rinse out. Aggie was frightened to see tears welling in Isabella's eyes when she turned around.
"What is wrong, lass?” Aggie asked again as Isabella held her hand out for a towel as she stepped out of the tub.
"Where is Nicolas?” She asked, changing the subject, walking to her closet, withdrawing a simple gown of royal blue.
"He is overseeing the construction of the lists. Drago wishes to make sure all is ready when he competes for you and Blood Keep.” Aggie frowned as she laced up Isabella's gown.
Looking even more troubled, she left her chambers, needing to speak with Gabriel or Michael. When she was unable to find either knight in the hall, Isabella ducked outside to seek them, becoming more frantic as she sought her archangels.
Michael was watching his men practice when he spotted Isabella rushing to him. The dark knight straightened as he recognized the haunted expression on her ethereal features, his heart sinking, assured trouble was on its way. Isabella's premonitions had saved them many times from ambushes and attacks.
"What's wrong?” Michael demanded as she stopped in front of him, clearly upset.
Scanning the field below, relief flooded her as she located Nicolas standing by Brandon. He was safe! Her voice quaked with the fear of the dream. “Evil is about to strike the heart of Blood Keep. I fear for Nicolas. Alden will make his final move to eliminate him before the tournament thus ending his chance of having to face him in open combat."
Fear nearly brought Isabella to her knees as she veered from the thought of losing the man she loved. She watched Nicolas stride confidently across the field being prepared for guests and the participants for jousting and sword fights. The wind lifted, ruffling his long black hair. Nicolas absently ran a hand through the unruly mane. The sight of his proud and handsome features took her breath away.
Frowning speculatively at her, Michael glanced at her worried expression. “We should be telling this to Drago, he needs to know about your premonitions."
Folding her arms protectively about her, she felt a chill sweep through her soul. Saddened by the uneasy feeling of trouble heading their way, all she wanted was to live quietly, but her life unable to go forward until Alden was taken care of.
"I will inform Drago when I am able to have a private moment with him. Have the Demons and the Black Knights keep alert. Eyes and ears open. I am convinced we have a rat in our mists. I want the traitor found.” Isabella ordered with a predatory gleam in her eyes as she felt pure rage sweep through her, feeling betrayed by someone close to her. She left Michael, returning to the Keep to attend the business of the upcoming tournament.
Heartened when he saw the deadly look on her beautiful face, Michael knew Isabella was going hunting. A traitor was close at hand. How else could Alden be so lucky at hurting Isabella so many times? Pondering the question, Michael hailed Drago as the tall knight approached, followed ever faithfully by Ahmed.
Nicolas frowned ominously, watching his wife as she walked back to the castle. “What is wrong with Isabella?” He asked as Michael sighed heavily at the question.
"Do you remember when we fought in Scotland and Edward would suddenly change tactics, and we would approach the fight differently?” Michael asked, leaning his weight on the fence, facing Nicolas.
Frowning, he thought of the fights they engaged in. “I remember it odd, but we were always victorious.” Nicolas replied as he studied the Demons practice, deadly and precise.
"Isabella has a gift for knowing when evil is about. She is convinced we are about to encounter trouble. Isabella fears you are the next target.” Michael watched Drago, gauging the man's reaction, relieved he took the news rather well.
Anger seethed inside Nicolas as his eyes observed the dark, imposing castle. Blood Keep was his home and he would protect the castle and all who lived under his care until his very last breath. “Double the patrols, report anyone suspicious. I want both gates closed at night with guards patrolling at all times. The king comes in four days, and I want all to go smoothly at the tournament."
Michael bowed to Nicolas. “I will personally handle the protection of our home and to yours, and Isabella's safety.” He left to attend to the orders.
Ahmed glanced at Nicolas. “We are not the only ones to suspect a traitor in our midst. I speculate who could be so confident to walk boldly in such deadly company?"
"I know not, but I agree with what you say. The traitor feels not guilt or even fear of being caught. He hides in the open.” Nicolas growled as fury burned, watching men and women hustled to accomplish the preparations for the feasts, and competitions being held.
"I will watch, Master,” Ahmed promised as he followed Nicolas back to the construction of the private seats for the Lord and Lady next to the King's chair.
Isabella worked with Aggie for the rest of the day and was immensely relieved as evening approached, and she would be close to Nicolas again. The feeling of dread was choking her as she sat beside her husband and tried to eat, her stomach rolling at the ugly sensations of evil near those she loved.
Casting a glance at Isabella, Nicolas grew increasingly worried. Dark circles formed under her beautiful eyes, she appeared haunted as if she was being stalked by an unseen predator. When the meal was finished, he took her hand, leading her away to their chamber. Closing the door firmly behind him, he leaned against the oak door and folded his arms across his broad chest, scowling down at her. A sinking feeling filled him as Isabella's elfish features were drawn and a shadow of fear clouded her usually vibrant emerald eyes.
"Out with it!” Nicolas ordered as he watched Isabella flush with guilt.
Staring helplessly at her husband, she knew they were in mortal danger. “How can I explain something evil is about to befall us when all I want is for us to live happily ever after?” She whispered dejectedly as tears spilled down her high cheekbones.
Groaning with frustration, he yanked her into a rough embrace, his heart constricting as he felt her pain and weariness of battle. “This will be over soon and we will live happily ever after. I promise.” Nicolas’ voice was rough with emotion as his mouth swooped down to claim her sweet mouth, banishing all doubts and fears.
Drowning in pleasure, helplessly she clung to his solid bulk for support as Nicolas slanted his mouth over hers, deepening the fiery kiss. Her world spun out of control as his mouth left hers, sweeping down the slender column of her throat. Isabella shuddered as his teeth scraped the sensitive skin, his raspy, velvet tongue followed, soothing her as her body ignited in flames.
Sweeping her into his powerful arms, holding Isabella close to his raging body, he made his way unerring to the awaiting bed, taking his time in relieving Isabella of her clothes, then his own. His mouth followed the path of his hands as he explored her supple body, chuckling as she arched her back as his hot, satiny mouth sampled a ripe nipple, her fingers crushed the silken strands of his thick. Lean fingers soothed her frantic movements as he caressed the line of her ribs, lowering to her narrow waist, his mouth followed, tormenting, setting her on fire.
She couldn't breathe as his mouth and wonderful tongue paved a wet path along her flat stomach, working his way to the tight curls at the apex of her thighs. Tossing her head, spilling her long hair around them, she bit her lower lip from screaming from the insurmountable pleasure as his fingers opened the soft petals as his velvet-rough tongue dipped in to taste the sweet honey of the very essence of Isabella. She gasped as he worked his magic with his long fingers and devilish tongue.
Nicolas breathed deep of her erotic scent as she thrashed her head as he held her hips captive as he built the fire hotter, stroking her, tormenting her until Isabella screamed her triumph as she shattered as pleasure surged through her young body. Rising above Isabella, he arched, impaling her with his hard shaft, her sheath slick from her release. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms held him tight as he moved inside her. He
gritted his teeth from ending their pleasure too soon as he drove his engorged member slow and hard. Isabella's fingers gripped his taunt buttocks urging him deeper. His body was heavy with the mounting need, his hands gripped the mattress as Nicolas exploded inside her heat as he felt her muscle tighten as she climaxed once more, screaming his name sending him over the edge, joining the lovers as one.
His breathing was harsh as he rested his sweaty forehead on her soft breasts. Isabella's arms held him tenderly, resting her cheek on his head. Weary, he lifted his eyes to meet hers shining with the love they felt for each other.
"I love you!” Nicolas whispered hoarsely.
"Forever,” Isabella replied, rising to meet his tender kisses as tears fell unchecked as she held the man she would gladly give her life for. She remained in his strong embrace as the last thought she had before she fell asleep was how wonderful it was to listen to the strong, steady beat of Nicolas's heart.
Bells.
A moment passed when Isabella realized the tower bells were ringing, warning the castle of an attack! She leapt out of bed and flung back the heavy drapes, shocked to see a reddish-orange haze rising above Serenity. A pounding on the door had them scrambling for their clothes as Ahmed burst inside.
"Master, a large force has attacked Serenity! The men are gathering below.” Ahmed helped Nicolas into his armor as Isabella hurriedly dressed before running downstairs, meeting up with Gabriel and Michael who were in the act of donning their armor.
All the Demons and Black Knights were preparing for battle as Miles raced to her with her own armor. The young man was finishing up by fastening on her leg guards when Nicolas raced down the stairs holding his hand out to halt the squire. Nicolas took Isabella by the hand, dragging her along to have a private word. The men clad in black looked at each other, confused by Drago's actions.
Isabella glared at her husband, hissing, “What are you doing?"
