Portals Of Time

by Coulter, J. Lee

  Arianna shuddered. Those were the eyes from her dream. Deciding that it would be prudent to keep her request until later, she attempted to match his countenance.

  Lucian was pleased with her response to the change in him. It was necessary to behave this way before his clan. He could not show weakness nor preference toward his new bride. No one must think they would have power over him by harming her.

  They dismounted and he led her up the stone steps to the massive oak doors before turning to address the people gathering below.

  “People of Dunbar! I have recovered me betrothed, Arianna MacGregor!”

  A loud cheer echoed about the inner bailey as the people celebrated his good fortune.

  “We were wed this very morn so I present ta ye your new mistress! Treat her well and ye will please me. This eve we shall have our wedding feast and ye are all invited ta join in the festivities!” As another loud cheer arose, they turned and entered the castle.

  While Arianna’s eyes adjusted to the dim light, Lucian called out to one of his guards. Handing him a parchment that he had prepared the night before, he sent him off to the stables. He faced her with a questioning look.

  “Do ye wish sustenance, my lady? Or rest?”

  She was hungry but the grime won out.

  “I am hungry but I need a bath more. Would that be possible?”

  A smile teased the corner of his mouth.

  “Aye. I believe we can accomplish both.” He surveyed the corridor. “Agnes! Prepare a bath for your lady and deliver some food as well.”

  An older woman bobbed at him. “In the lady’s solar, m’laird?”

  “Nay...in the master’s chambers.”

  Arianna shivered in trepidation. She understood the mechanics of sex but she had always avoided it. The men she had dated never tempted her to go that far...until now. Lucian definitely tempted her! It suddenly hit her that she was married. She had a husband. Glancing quickly up at him, she found his emerald eyes boring into her.

  “Is something amiss, my lady?”

  She shook her head.

  “No. It just sunk in that I’m married now. I guess you’d call it shock. Yesterday I didn’t even know you and now I’m supposed to sleep with you.”

  A wide grin escaped him before he quickly masked it.

  “Sleeping is not what I had in mind, Arianna,” he rumbled quietly in her ear. She blushed beet red. “Now go with Agnes. I will join ye shortly.”

  Chapter Five

  The warm water felt heavenly as a light scent of honeysuckle teased her nose. The pleasing fragrance wrapped her in a cocoon of safety. Having a maid attend her had felt odd and uncomfortable at first. But the no-nonsense way that Agnes handled her duties had put Arianna at ease. Once her flaming hair had been washed she lay her head back, closing her eyes. Yep! Definitely heaven.

  Lucian eyed his bride from the doorway to their chambers. She was beautiful, there was no doubt...her body housing a fearless spirit beneath those exotic eyes. His cock stirred beneath his kilt.

  He had just come from a meeting with Mavis about his new wife. She had confirmed that Arianna carried knowledge that Malcolm sought and that he should consumate their vows quickly. Once they were truly joined, she would be bound to him completely and her memories would begin to fade. When he had pressed the old witch about how Arianna had ended up in the future she became evasive and uncooperative...making him even more suspicious about her involvement.

  At least she has returned ta me. I should nae complain. He entered the room, closing the heavy oak door quietly behind him.

  Without stirring Arianna asked, “What year is it Lucian?”

  Stunned, he was speechless for a moment. How had she known he was there? The answer came quickly as he rubbed his neck. She learns fast. Good! She will need a firm wit ta survive.

  “Tis the Year of Our Lord, eleven-hundred eighty and one. Why do ye ask?”

  “No reason, really. I was just curious.” Damn! I hope he isn’t one of those pious Crusaders! It was a hopeless cause and never successful. She turned suddenly, peering at him over the edge of the tub.

  “Before this wedding is consummated I would have a vow from you.”

  His black brow arched in question.

  “Making demands already wife? I need nae make any vows afore or after we are joined...tis me husbandly right ta enjoy your body.”

  “I don’t ask for much and I didn’t mean to sound like I was demanding it. It’s just a worry that I would have your reassurance on.”

  Peering intently at her he mulled over Arianna’s request. She has the ‘sight’...if she asks for something then it must be for a good purpose. He gave a curt nod.

  “Ye may ask.”

  “I would like your oath that you and any sons that we may have never go on a Crusade.” His startled expression confirmed her worst fears...he had considered it at the very least. She was treading tenuous ground here and she knew it. To grant her request could jeopardize his honor in the future. Arianna held her breath as she waited for his response.

  Lucian was startled by her entreaty but not for the reasons she thought. He had already been asked to join in the latest Crusade and he had turned them down. He needed no glory or honors from the king. These battles with the infidels were fruitless...a waste of lives and time. A chill shot through him. Had she known of the request?

  “Why do ye ask this of me? And I will have the truth!”

  Licking her dry lips, she tried to gauge his response. He did not seem angry, just stern. All righty, you want the truth then that’s what you’ll get. This marriage won’t work if we keep secrets.

  “The third Crusade ended about seven years ago...am I right?” He nodded. “Then I suspect that the church is gearing up for Crusade number four, which will begin in twelve-aught-two.”

  His eyes narrowed suspiciously. No one knew of these plans as of yet.

  “I happen to know that altogether there will be nine Crusades and still the Muslims will not be defeated. Twelve hundred and seventy-two is the end of the last one.”

  Her cerulean eyes filled with tears as she glanced up at him. Immense sorrow overtaking her.

  “It is a fruitless waste of life, Lucian. The world I just left was utterly destroyed with weapons of a massive scale. They are so powerful that it takes only one to wipe out an entire city and poison the land for a hundred years! There is nothing and no one left because of these weapons. It was caused by these same Muslims with the same values. They are evil and apparently God wishes to be the one to prevail over them. Man’s efforts are futile.” Tears began to spill over as she pleaded with him.

  “I don’t want you or our children to waste your lives fighting something that you can’t possibly defeat. Can you understand what I’m saying? Damn it! I promised myself that I wouldn’t cry! That world was not worth it!”

  He strode quickly to her side and lifted her from the chilling water. Placing her on her feet before the hearth, he dried her body brusquely then wrapped her in his plaid as he considered her words.

  Her tears had disturbed him...her tale more so. She has witnessed the end of time! What folly our lives are that we waste it with mundane matters. He bent over as he kissed away her tears.

  “Ye have me oath, wife. Ye must never repeat your tale ta anyone though. They will call ye witch. Do ye understand me?” A smile cracked her face as she nodded. She knew the dangers that she faced.

  “Good! Now dress quickly! We have a wedding ta celebrate and the clan grows restless. I will send Agnes ta attend ye.”

  Placing her hand on his arm she replied, “Thank you, Lucian, for understanding...and your oath.” With a brusque nod, he left.

  The silence in the great hall was deafening when she entered on Lucian’s arm. All eyes were turned to them causing her to wonder if perhaps her gown was askew or her hair mussed. Arianna was certain that it wasn’t true so she decided to mimic her husband’s comportment. Straightening her spine she raised her head a notch, n
ever breaking stride with Lucian as she looked straight ahead of her.

  He observed her reaction to his clan from his peripheral vision. Placing his hand over hers, he felt her trembling, but no one would note it to look at her. Her regal bearing befit a queen.

  Me countess is stunning! Me clan is in awe of her beauty. Pride swelled in his chest as he led her to the dais. Once she was seated, he turned toward his people.

  “Good people of Dunbar Castle! I and me wife, Arianna, welcome ye, one and all, ta celebrate our nuptials with us this eve. Eat, drink and rejoice our good fortune!”

  An explosion of noise erupted as the people cheered and hollered good wishes to them. Music from a piper joined in to add it’s merry sound. Maids rushed about with platters over-flowing with assorted foods, as others carried pitchers of ale, assuring that no mug remained empty.

  Arianna leaned toward her husband to be heard. “Lucian, I will need your help with all the food. I don’t recognize most of it.”

  He peered at her. “Naught will reach your lips that I do nae serve ye. Have ye any preferences, my lady?”

  She cleared her throat. “I don’t care for spicy foods...or ale. Just salt and pepper if you have it. Everything looks wonderful but I don’t know if I’ll like the taste.”

  He nodded at a maid standing nearby and spoke a few words to her before she hurried off. Turning to Arianna, he spoke close to her ear to be heard over the din.

  “If ye wish ta try something just tell me. I will tell ye the names of it and if ye do nae care for the taste...let me ken. Is that acceptable?”

  A wide grin spread across her face. What a thoughtful man I have married! She nodded as the lass returned to fill her goblet.

  “What’s this?”

  “Honeyed wine. I believe ye may prefer it ta ale.” His green eyes sparkled with humor as a smile teased his full lips.

  Tasting it, her eyes widened in surprise. “This is delicious! What else have you got?”

  Lucian proceeded to point out all the delicacies as they were observed from the shadowy side of the hall.

  So they have wed. It does nae matter. Naught will keep me from my goal. Her being virgin was nae a requirement for payment. The man chuckled as he left the chamber.

  As the evening drew on, Agnes and some womenfolk appeared to claim his bride, whisking her away to prepare her for the wedding night.

  Anxious for that portion of the night to begin, it took all of Lucian’s willpower to allow them enough time to ready his wife. He was not going to allow the big fanfare that usually accompanies the bedding...just the priest blessing the bed. Things were difficult enough for Arianna already.

  Almost an hour had passed before he stood and retreated to his chambers.

  Chapter Six

  The priest had wasted no time leaving once he performed his duties. Lucian had followed him to the door bolting it behind him. He would stand for no interruptions this eve.

  His emerald eyes studied his new wife appreciatively. She lay in his massive bed, sheets pulled up to her chin as her eyes darted nervously about the chamber. Candlelight danced playfully over her fiery hair, shooting sparks of gold and red across the pool of locks spread about her quivering body.

  He removed his weapons casually as he drew nearer, placing them on a table next to the bed.

  “Do ye wish for more wine, lass?”

  Arianna shook her head. “No thank you. I’m not sure it would stay down.”

  “There is naught ta fear, wife. I would nae hurt ye.”

  A nervous giggle escaped. “I know...but I can’t help but be a bit frightened. I have always feared the unknown.”

  He grunted then pulled off his tunic. Arianna gasped at the many scars criss-crossing his torso.

  “You have been injured countless times. How horrible for you.”

  Lucian gave her a startled glance. His scars were a fact of life for a warrior. No one had ever felt empathy for them...they were a badge of honor.

  “Twould be difficult ta find any man without at least one battle scar in this age if he be worth calling a man. Tis naught.” He shrugged his muscular shoulders indifferently.

  “Where I came from, most scars were caused by accidents...unless they were soldiers.”

  “I am surprised that there were so few men in your time. How were the women protected then?” He stretched out on the bed beside her toying with her hair. She is relaxing...tis good.

  Arianna settled her head on his large bicep as she pondered the question. How do you explain to a twelfth century man about a police force?

  Sighing, she tried.

  “We had what was called ‘policemen’...sheriffs, I think you would call them. They arrested people after they committed a crime.”

  “After? The damage has been done by then! Who protected ye, Arianna?” he growled.

  “I...I never thought about it before but...I guess I just learned how to protect myself. I was careful to avoid danger whenever possible. I used my head I guess.”

  Lucian’s ire was up! What manner of world has she been struggling through? Nae one ta protect her at all? For the first time since she had arrived he was glad that her world had been destroyed! That world had no honor, no values, no integrity in it. What would be the point of living if these things did not exist? He shook his head in disgust.

  “It sounds as if there were nae real men in that world.”

  She peered at him thoughtfully. “I never considered that before but looking back...I guess that’s a pretty accurate assessment of the times.” A tear rolled down her cheek. “Everyone was so shallow. It was difficult to find anyone with real character although there were a few.”

  “Och, lass. I didnae mean ta dampen your spirits. Tis our wedding night. Tis a joyful time. Let us forget about your past...for now.” Wiping away the tear, he kissed her brow.

  “Don’t worry, Lucian, I’m not going to get all maudlin on you. It just makes me sad to think of the waste. Centuries of advancement simply thrown away in a split second.”

  He nodded thoughtfully. “Aye. Tis truly wasteful.”

  Reaching up, she stroked his jaw.

  “Thank you, Lucian.”

  “Why? What for?”

  “Believing me...letting me speak honestly with you...and protecting me. No one’s ever done that for me before.”

  Her sultry voice rippled through his senses as desire stirred his shaft.

  “Och, Arianna. I would have ye speak truth ta me always but on this subject...tis best nae ta do so...even in private. This eve I allow it but beware, even the walls have ears in this castle. I would nae have ye come ta harm, so we will nae speak of it again. I can and will protect ye from all harm always but ken that we would both die if this truth be known.”

  “Your right, of course. I learned that in school. Fear of the unknown is a powerful motivator.”

  “Aye. Although there is a cure for some unknowns.” His eyes darkened with the heat building in his body. He nibbled his way from her ear to her delicate chin.

  “What is the cure...and for what ‘unknowns’?” Her body grew restless beside him as he ran his fingers down her side with a feathery touch.

  “For instance...the mystery of the bedding. That fear can be conquered by making the ‘unknown’ known.” He captured her moist lips with his own. His calloused hand held her head in place as his passion grew. Slanting his mouth, he gently pried her lips open and gained entrance for his hot tongue.

  Moist heat gathered in her lower body as she responded to his caresses.

  “Ahh lass, ye make me blood boil!” He murmured in her ear. She gasped, then moaned as his rough thumb stroked her breast causing it to harden. Lucian latched onto it, suckling deeply, his fingers moving further down her body to entangle themselves in the hair between her legs.

  Arianna wimpered, the assault on her senses almost too much to bear. The lioness tattoo grew warmer the more that she responded to his touch, glowing ever brighter with every stroke of his fin
gers betwixt her thighs.

  He glanced up at her for a moment, a bit stunned at her glowing tat. His burned as well, he realized in that moment of clarity. She truly is my mate! There can be nae doubt now.

  “Open to me wife!” he growled.

  Instinctively she knew what he meant and spread her thighs in response. She wanted him. The need to be joined with him...possessed by him was overwhelming! Arianna clawed at his back, pulling him closer as he covered her with his powerful body.

  Prodding gently, he entered her expanding sheath until he reached the barrier. His neck was on fire as he commanded her to open her eyes.

  “Look at me, Anna! I would have ye see who ye belong ta as I claim ye ta be mine!” Submitting, she fell into the vivid green stare, mesmerized by his eyes as he thrust deeply into her body.

  Fused as one, he lowered his frame till their tattoos touched while he waited for her body to adjust to his invasion.

  There was an explosion of light as electricity shot through both of them at that instant. Emotions surged through them that neither had ever felt before! There was caring, tenderness...a feeling of rightness that engulfed them at that moment.

  Arianna knew that this was where she was meant to be...in this place...in his arms. It was her destiny.

  Lucian had felt it as well. He did not understand it but he didn’t question the Fates. As he moved his hips, relishing the silkiness of her sheath encompassing his swollen shaft, his neck cooled to a normal temperature.

  An inferno began to build in her body at the same time her tattoo cooled. She thrust her hips harder and faster, losing all control over it as she climaxed. She cried out in ecstasy and was soon joined by her husband.

  They were speechless as they peered into each other’s eyes. Something had changed between them. They both felt it.