All That Glistens

by Pelaam

Chapter Twenty-Eight

  The small container held carefully in the center of his hand, Hanne stomped toward his suite of rooms. He hoped Taima would understand the meaning behind the gift. Their most recent, and worse, argument was all his fault.

  Even knowing that Taima’s pregnancy was in part to blame for his mood swings and strange cravings, Hanne was struggling to cope. Hanne was a man of action, not words. Saying what he thought and felt didn’t come naturally. Now Taima believed that because he was carrying their child, Hanne no longer desired him.

  He’s wrong, so very wrong.

  It was far from the truth. While Hanne desired Taima every waking moment, he feared hurting him, or damaging their unborn. It had taken every ounce of his courage as a warrior to present himself to Helki, the physician, to haltingly and stumblingly explain his fears.

  To his relief, Helki was both understanding and compassionate, and he waited for, or prompted, to get the truth of Hanne concerns. Stopping in the hallway, Hanne took a deep breath and brought Helki’s words to mind one more time.

  If I’m careful, there are no concerns over making love until Taima gets too uncomfortable. Making love won’t harm our baby, but if Taima is distressed, the child will be agitated.

  Resolved to clear the misunderstanding between them, Hanne strode on. He gave a curt nod to the Duende guard that sat outside their quarters. No chances were being taken with Taima’s health. Someone was always close by on whom Taima could call if he felt the need.

  Tapping perfunctorily on the door, Hanne entered. His beloved stood at the window, his expression so forlorn that Hanne’s heart ached.

  “Forgive me.” Hanne held out his gift.

  With shaking hands, Taima took it, removed its cover, and then his tears began to fall.

  Hanne helped him set the pot containing a small, yellow flower aside and drew him into a carefully controlled hug.

  “It’s me who should ask for forgiveness.” Taima sobbed against Hanne’s chest. “I’m going to drive you away. I’m fat and ugly—”

  With a disgruntled growl, Hanne kissed Taima—hard, thrusting his tongue deep, tasting his beloved’s unique sweetness. Then he eased Taima back slightly. Grumbling wordlessly, Hanne grasped the front of the baggy, ugly jerkin Taima had taken to wearing.

  He’s hiding his pregnancy.

  “No more,” Hanne said. “You will never wear this again.”

  With economy of movement, Hanne tore the jerkin apart, pulling it carefully from Taima’s arms and throwing it aside.

  That’s better.

  Beneath the loose top was a delicate, almost transparent tunic. Taima’s nipples were large, peaked, and darkened. Hanne thumbed them to a gasp and moan from his husband.

  “You are beautiful.” Hanne’s voice cracked, hoarse with suppressed emotion. “This is beautiful.” He stroked the modest swell of Taima’s stomach. “I never want to see you hiding what we have made together out of love. I am a fool. I find words hard so I run and hide. You are everything that is precious in this world to me, and I would be lost without you. I beg you to have patience with me, Taima.”

  A choked sob tore free of Taima’s throat and he clutched at Hanne. “Make love with me? I yearn to feel you, Hanne. It’s been so long.”

  While Hanne had also felt the lack of intimacy, he’d usually taken out his frustrations on the forges, or had gone to help Citlali’s blacksmith. He groaned to realize it had never occurred to him that Taima would be equally frustrated.

  Without even waiting to remove the flimsy tunic from Taima’s body, Hanne bent forward to suck on Taima’s pebbled nubs while he rapidly unfastened the ties of Taima’s leggings. Hanne denuded Taima with rapidity, his own arousal straining urgently at the leather pants he wore.

  With a gentle movement, Hanne lay Taima onto the bed, leaving him to remove the delicate tunic while he attacked his own pants. Hanne tore at them impatiently before kneeling over Taima and claiming his beloved’s mouth in a deep kiss.

  Their tongues slid sinuously together as Hanne thumbed one taut nipple then the other, and Taima clung to Hanne’s shoulders. There wouldn’t be much in the way of foreplay. Not with Taima writhing and whining impatiently beneath him. Hanne’s control was already at its limit.

  When Taima slithered onto his side, Hanne spooned close behind him. He sought his beloved’s opening and couldn’t suppress a deep groan to find Taima relaxed and wet. He eased two fingers into the tight heat and spread them eagerly. His arousal increased as Taima’s body reacted instantly, opening to his touch.

  “Please, Hanne, please.”

  The urgent plea almost undid Hanne. Despite his urgency, he still took time to reach for their oil and anoint his flesh before snuggling its head against Taima’s opening. Holding Taima’s hip with one hand, he eased forward, and joint sounds of pleasure rose into the air as their bodies united.

  Wrapping his arms around Taima, Hanne barely needed to move. Taima rocked rhythmically, and Hanne simply fell into a natural counterpoint. Taima’s body pulsed tightly around him, just as Hanne remembered from their earlier love-making.

  With one arm still around Taima, Hanne reached to stroke him, keeping to an unhurried pace while he used his tail to rub along Taima’s perineum or tease his sac.

  Although Hanne wanted to keep their love-making at a gentle pace, he quickly recognized that Taima needed release quickly. We can make love more slowly next time. Hanne began to snap his hips in short, sharp jabs each time Taima rocked back, earning soft, sweet sounds of pleasure.

  This time Hanne was ready for his husband’s inner muscles to milk his cock when Taima began to peak. Hanne increased the speed of his strokes, wanting his beloved to release first. He nipped at Taima’s earlobe and thrust his tongue deep into the tiny shell to an impassioned cry of his name. Hanne groaned as Taima’s flesh swelled in his hand, and his release pulsed free.

  Unable to resist the urge to find his own completion, Hanne pressed deeper still, his lover’s body still spasming around his cock. He moaned Taima’s name, letting Taima take him over the edge. Wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over Hanne as his seed filled his beloved, leaving him damp, satiated, and exhausted in its wake.

  For a moment, Hanne lay in the afterglow, still holding a sated, warm, and relaxed Taima in his arms. Hanne licked his hand clean before running it over Taima’s swell. Then he stroked his tail along Taima’s thigh as he whispered of his love.

  As hard as it would be for one unused to finding words, Hanne silently vowed he would learn and never leave Taima in doubt of his devotion again.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  His nerves almost at breaking point, Taima looked up at Muraco, who smiled at him. “Relax, Taima. Citlali will be here in a moment.” He chuckled softly. “According to Namid, the twins changed and re-changed her dress and accessories until Ada finally organized Lutz and Myghal to literally take the girls elsewhere. That way she could finish off Citlali’s dress. Ah, here she comes.”

  “Where?” Peering around Muraco, Taima saw Citlali on Ada’s arm and took his first look at his sister in her wedding gown.

  Like him, she’d chosen an outfit in a mix of silver and white, and her dress was as beautiful as Citlali herself. Long and flowing, it had a bodice decorated in flowers of the same shades as the headdress she wore.

  Taima had a mix of flowers and leaves interwoven into his braids, along with blue lapis and gold to represent Hanne. Although it was impossible for him to wear his nipple chain, Muraco suggested Taima wear it as he had done, clipped to his tunic.

  Muraco had wanted Kai to see the chain, but also to dress more in keeping with a traditional Fey wedding. Taima glanced at the chain that glinted in the sunlight. It was a wonderful idea.

  With a quick bobbed curtsey, Ada held Citlali’s hand out to Muraco. “Won’t be long now, my Lady. I’ll go join the other guests.”

  “Thank you, Ada. I don’t know how I would have managed without you. Taima, you look amazing, and such a marve
lous idea for your chains. Both of you.” Citlali came to stand on Muraco’s right.

  “I don’t think I’ve seen you look more beautiful, Citlali.” Taima felt another spike of excitement and shivered. He inhaled deeply. The circle of flowers and herbs in which they stood had been chosen with great care. Its scent both helped to calm Taima and ward off the nausea that still intermittently plagued him.

  A table stood outside of the circle, also decorated with flowers, as well as tokens to represent the four elements: a feather for air, candle for fire, a chalice for water, and crystal for earth.

  The ringing of bells accompanied a priestess leaving the palace and walking toward where they stood in Citlali’s garden. Behind her came the guests, headed by Myghal; Fey, Duende, and humans all filed silently through the garden to sit in an ever-growing circle to watch the ceremony. Myghal didn’t stay.

  As soon as the guests were seated, he trotted back toward the palace. Drums sounded, and everyone looked toward the sound. Myghal strode out first, lifting his forelegs high. Behind him came Amand and Hanne.

  The sight of Hanne, chest oiled and gleaming, nipple chain glistening, and the same lapis and gold beads in his hair, was almost too much for Taima. He inhaled deeply, again, letting the medicinal herbs and flowers work their magic. Amand looked no less glorious, and Taima hadn’t missed his sister’s gasp of appreciation.

  When the small procession reached the priestess, they stopped.

  She held out her arms and turned slowly in a circle.

  “The guests arise. Our souls are linked to all things divine, and the four elements give us virtues with which we align ourselves. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the east and the element of air, for openness and breath, communication of the heart, and purity of the mind and body. From the east, you receive the gift of a new beginning with the rising of each sun, and the understanding that each day is a new opportunity for growth. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the south and the element of fire, for energy, passion, creativity and the warmth of a loving home. From the fire within you generate light, which you will share with one another in even the darkest of times. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the west, the element of water, for your capacity to feel emotion. In marriage, you offer absolute trust to one another, and vow to keep your hearts open in sorrow as well as joy. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the north, the element of earth, which provides sustenance, fertility, and security. The earth will feed and enrich you, and help you to build a stable home to which you may always return. Guests may now sit. Amand and Hanne, take your places within the circle. Muraco, please come and stand beside Myghal.”

  The priestess picked up cords of red, blue, green, and gold. She led Hanne and Amand into the circle. Taima took hold of Hanne’s hand, and waited for the priestess to speak once more. She smiled at each of them in turn.

  “Citlali and Amand, Taima and Hanne, I bid you gaze into each other’s eyes. Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor?”

  “We will.” Taima and Hanne answered in unison and Taima stared deeply into Hanne’s eyes, not looking away even when the first cord was draped over their joined hands.

  “And so, the first binding is made. Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?”

  “We will.” Taima’s heart thrilled as the second cord joined the first.

  “And so, the binding is made. Will you share the burdens of each other so that your spirits may grow in this union?”

  “We will.”

  “And so, the binding is made. Will you share each other’s laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?”

  “We will.”

  “And so, the binding is made.” The priestess tied the different colored cords loosely, first between Citlali and Amand and then Taima and Hanne. “As your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the sun by day and the stars by night. Below you is the earth. Like the sun and stars, your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow. May the gods and goddesses look upon you and bless you as you take your first steps together as married couples.”

  Taima and Hanne hesitated, letting Citlali and Amand leave the circle first. As they stepped out of the circle, the priestess, cut their cords, giving them to each couple as a permanent reminds of their vows.

  His heart almost bursting with joy, Taima pulled Hanne into a deep kiss as the guests surrounding them applauded loudly.

  “You’ve been my husband since the day you accepted my proposal. Now it’s official, and everyone can see how fortunate I am.” Hanne smiled at Taima, and the look of love in his husband’s eyes almost took Taima’s breath away.

  “I couldn’t love you any more if I tried.” Taima stoked his fingertips along Hanne’s cheek. “We endured much to be here today.”

  “We have been forged together through adversity.” Hanne nodded. “Nothing and no one will break our bonds of love.”

  Tear blurred Taima’s vision. “And you said words weren’t your strength.” Now it was time to look to the future. Taima was ready to spend the rest of his life with Hanne.

  Chapter Thirty

  From his comfortable position on Hanne’s lap out in the garden, Taima looked up at his sister’s windows and mused on how different things had been just five short months ago. Now he, like Citlali, was married … and much more besides. He fingered his swollen stomach and smiled. In the next couple of weeks, the baby would be born.

  Since it was now so difficult for Taima to move around comfortably, he stayed at the palace. Those who now regarded Amand’s citadel as their home regularly visited him.

  “Taima! Hanne! Good to see you looking so well. Not long now, my friend.” Muraco called out to them as he and Kai came into view. Muraco looked almost no different, but Kai walked with a swagger that nearly made Taima laugh out loud.

  “Thank you.” Taima grinned as Muraco sat beside him, his friend’s contented smile warming Taima’s heart. Hanne greeted Kai with a warrior’s handshake and then a hug, each man robustly slapping the back of the other.

  “Look at them.” Muraco nodded in Hanne and Kai’s direction. “Strutting like peacocks. But it’s good to see them so happy. You’d think we played no part in things, though.” Muraco nudged Taima. “I’d like to see them deal with what we have to cope with.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say so. Things were so difficult for me to start with.” Taima thought back to how ill he’d felt. “So much has happened, so quickly, it’s dizzying. Yet through it all Hanne has been my rock. I’m so happy. Now, we get told our love shines like a beacon.”

  “Indeed, it does.” Muraco nodded. “A thing of beauty to behold, my friend.”

  With a snicker, Taima leaned in close to Muraco, dropping his voice. “I heard Myghal boast that his child with Rayen will be the next born. That is why Rayen and Naira want their joint wedding arranged so quickly.”

  “Oh, he’s going to be very disappointed then.” Muraco winked, then he and Taima laughed out loud.

  All their close friends and family were gathering that afternoon. A table had been set in the main garden for a picnic lunch. Taima found it much easier to graze, eating small amounts of food over a longer time than actual set meals. He looked up as Citlali and Amand strolled toward them. A servant at their side carried a tray with a large jug and several glasses.

  Amand left her side to join Hanne and Kai, who still stood some distance away from where Taima remained seated with Muraco.

  “What’s amusing you two?” Citlali asked. “Leave the tray here, thank you.” She addressed the servant, who nodded and set the tray on a tree stump before leaving. “It’s a warm day. I thought a cold drink would be welcome.” She poured herself a goblet of water. “It’s good to see you and Kai so happy together, Muraco.” She raised the goblet to her lips.

  “You know, Ka
i told Hanne that his and Muraco’s child will be the first playmate of my child.” Taima kept his tone casual, but watched Citlali closely. “Since Muraco is also a bearer.”

  As Citlali choked on her drink, Taima and Muraco roared with laughter.

  “That is nothing to joke about, Taima.” Citlali glared at him once she stopped coughing. Then she frowned as she looked from Taima to Muraco, and back again.

  “You are right, my Lady.” Muraco brought his laughter under control. “I revealed my status to no one, as I wanted to be a soldier and had no special lover in my life. Kai is like a dog with two tails since he, like Hanne, has fathered a child. He no longer fears that my head will turn at the sight of an attractive Fey.”

  “So that’s why you both look so much more contented.” Citlali scowled at Taima. “You might have told me.”

  “Muraco swore me to secrecy, until he was certain.” Taima held up his hands, then he smiled as Hanne came over and joined him once more. While Amand stood beside Citlali, Kai sat next to Muraco.

  With a sigh of contentment, Taima settled back on Hanne’s lap, and Hanne nuzzled at his ear affectionately.

  “It seems to me that the dangers and hardships shared and endured have forged bonds of unbreakable strength amongst us, as well as our peoples.” Amand drew Citlali close to him and Taima nodded, looking at their small group.

  The twins would be joining them for lunch, along with Myghal and Lutz, and Namid and Menno. Taima was certain there would be more pregnancies announced over the forthcoming months.

  “Our united kingdoms will grow stronger, just as we have.” Taima kissed Hanne’s cheek. “As we all have.” Taima glanced sideways at his sister, suddenly certain his child would have a cousin soon. “To new beginnings, my love,” Taima murmured against Hanne’s cheek.

  “New beginnings.” Hanne echoed Taima’s words, and they kissed.

  The End

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