Hope and Devotion chapter 3
Author’s notes: I’d like to thank you all for reading and reviewing this. You’re reviews have really encouraged me. This was a really fun chapter to write, and I hope you enjoy as much as I did. While writing this, I was listening to serenades, waltzes, and other classical music, it really helped me with writing this chapter. I love receiving constructive criticism and reviews.
Hope and Devotion
Chapter 2
She took his hand smiling, “Yes.” She then followed him to the ballroom, which was as splendidly decorated as the dining hall. It was their first dance together as a married couple; they were to dance in front of the court and their families. They practiced the dance under the supervision of their dance instructor, many times over the past week until Ashe was sure she could complete most of the steps blind. They stood in the center of the ballroom, with all the guests and their family members looking on. Ashe gave a curtsy Rasler gave a bow, and then the music began. The song chosen was from an opera, and came from one of her favorite scenes, when the two lovers share a clandestine meeting in the garden and profess their love and intent to marry, despite their prior betrothals arraigned by their families. The two later learn, that their families intended to marry them. The song was fitting to their situation, for despite their parents arraigning their marriage; they were still happy and shared a mutual fondness for each other.
She looked into his eyes and placed a hand on his hip, and rested to other on his shoulder, feeling to cool metal of his armor. He always wore his armor during formal events, it was some sort of tradition that dated back centuries, and it showed his role as protector of his people and his family’s command over their armies. She felt one his hands rest on her hip, and the other brushing her veil out of the way and then resting on her shoulder.
Thus, the dance began; it began at a slow tempo, reflecting the lovers’ nervousness and secretive escape to see each other. Slow and gentle, like falling in love. Ashe leaned in closer to her husband and let him lead. It reached its crescendo, moving from is very soft and slow beat into a medium pace. Now the two lovers stood in the middle of the moonlit garden surrounded by flowers, declaring their feelings for one another. Rasler increased his pace, and she followed his lead. The music now slowed down, and became softer, as the young man asked for the girl’s hand in marriage. In turn, their dance slows down, and he holds her closer. She accepts, and the orchestra plays louder before fading into nothing. Their dance ended, Ashe gave a curtsey, and Rasler a bow, signaling the end of their first dance.
They walked off the ballroom floor holding hands, while all the onlookers applauded them. Once the orchestra began to play another song, and couples filed in on the dance floor.
“You dance well.” Ashe said, while she followed her husband to the side of the room.
“Only because we practiced.” Rasler said, leaning on a nearby chair.
“Oh, is that so?” She titled her head, and smiled. She never had much experience dancing with him despite their long courtship, he always found some excuse to get out, or he would take her outside on a walk, to enjoy the sunset or stars.
“Unless it’s a simple dance or something like that, then I’ll be fine, otherwise, I fear that I may make a fool of myself.” He laced his fingers into hers, and shook his head.
“If I request one that is slower, will you dance with me the?” she asked.
“Perhaps, especially if you take the lead.” He said taking a seat, on the chair he leaned on.
“I will.” She walked off into the crowd, her dress trailing behind her, leaving Rasler to his own devices.
Ashe wove through the crowd and dancers. The ballroom was a flurry of bright colored silk gowns, tailored waistcoats, and the light that reflected off the beaded gowns and chandeliers. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulders. “I’ve been looking for you all evening.”
She turned around, to see her cousin Lilah, youngest daughter of her uncle Halim. “Is that so?”
Lilah smiled, and straightened out her aqua gown, “Well, I was trying to talk to you earlier but…” She trailed off and looked around the room, “Rasler’s mother was around.”
“And?” Ashe cocked an eyebrow at her cousin, before she could finish her sentence.
She leaned in closer. “She’s scary, the way she talks and all.” Lilah said with a thick Bhujerban accent.
“I don’t think scary is the right word.” Ashe crossed her arms.
“Whatever.” She paused for a moment and twirled a loose red curl with her finger, “what was I here for anyway? Oh, yes I would like to congratulate you for getting married and wish you happiness with you new spouse-or something like that. I think.”
“That’s it?”Ashe said, wondering if Lilah was told to say that by her father. She and Lilah were rather close as children despite the three-year age difference between them.
She shook her head, “Next time you visit, I want you to tell me everything that happened, even down to the juicy details, although not too detailed, I’d like some of my innocence preserved. Cousins don’t keep secrets.” She stopped playing with her hair, “I hope that when I get married, it’s as romantic and perfect as this, with all the lights, and the flowers, and the food and the music. My husband will be perfect too, we’ll be in love and, he’ll be a nobleman, or a knight that saved me, or perhaps even a pirate. Oh Ashe, doesn’t it sound grand?” Her eyes lit up.
“Oh, it does.” She said agreeing with Lilah in hopes that it would quiet her; else, she would not hear the end of it. v
“I’ve got my whole wedding planned out. Well, I guess I’ll see you later.” She wandered off into the crowds.
Ashe made her way through the ballroom, weaving through dancers, and guests. The conductor of the orchestra continued to work, but he made a motion showing that he was listening to her. After a quick exchange, she chose the song that was to be played later. She gave her thanks and left to meet up with her husband.
Upon returning, Ashe saw what seemed to be Rasler and Lilah arguing. The two faced each other. Lilah’s shoulders drooped and her bottom lip stuck out in a pout, while Rasler crossed his arms, and rolled his eyes. One of the palace servants scurried from behind the pair carrying an armful of cloth, while another fervently cleaned the floor. “May I ask what has happened here?” Ashe asked.
“Ask your cousin what happened.” Rasler gestured to Lilah, who hung her head.
“I didn’t mean to… it was an accident.” Lilah said more quietly than usual. “I’m sorry.”
He let out a sigh, “That doesn’t fix anything. Do you know how close I was to losing the ability to have children, due to your carelessness?” His gaze shifted to his groin area.
“But you’re fine now. So we can pretend it never happened.”
“That’s not the point--” He was cut off by Ashe.
“Please, are you two going to carry one like this?”
“Yes.” They replied simultaneously.
Ashe shook her head, “Lilah, I think I see Tatiana over there. Why don’t you go talk to her?” She then turned her attention to Rasler, as her cousin ran off. “And you promised me a dance, did you not?”
“Yes, but…”
She pressed a finger on his lips, “Hush, what’s done is done. You shouldn’t let her stop you from enjoying your wedding night.” Her lips curled into a smile.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, “I know, but…” he trailed off, as Ashe shook her head. Her smile was one of the few things that could leave him speechless.
“Come, you can tell me later.” She grabbed his hand and then led him back to the dance floor, near the outer edges was there were fewer dancers. Her hands sat on his hips, and she rested her head against his metal breastplate. With a few tentative steps, she began to lead him in the dance. The beat was soft and slow, the violins becoming more prominent. Ashe felt the weight of Rasler’s chin upon her head. She inhaled deeply, he smelled of the forest trees of his homeland, such as pine, cedarwood, and oakmoss, of the herbal soap he used, and of his own natural muskiness. His scent carried her through so many memories, their first meeting, first kiss, and now their first evening as husband and wife. His hand slipped under her veil, as he ran his fingers though her hair. She placed her hand on his shoulder, and swayed with the rhythm of the music. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been so close.”
“It has hasn’t it? With all the planning for the wedding, and the threat of war, I was beginning to miss this.”
“Really think that longing and anticipation to be together would only make it sweeter.” She could feel her heart beating in her chest.
“It does.” He held on to her tighter. For the past several weeks, they had been only able to see each other at meals, and public functions due to the wedding preparations taking up most of their time. “But I like to hold you, and not just see you from afar.” He swayed with his wife. “Although it doesn’t matter now, that we’ve been wedded. No need to worry about getting caught or keeping up appearances.”
“We still have to keep up appearances, for our peoples. They expect much from us.”
“That they do. To them we are nothing more than a symbol of the alliance. To the average Dalmascan, I am probably nothing more that the foreign price who married their beloved Princess Ashelia.”
“And, I’m nothing more than foreign princess consort, who has had the ‘misfortune’ of marrying the younger prince, to your people.”
“Personally, being the second heir is not as unfortunate as others perceive, we get our own private chambers, and give advice, and input when asked. We may not wield power, but we are free to pursue our interests without the pressure of ruling.”
Ashe gave a nod, her head still resting on Rasler’s breastplate, now it was warm with her body heat. “Exactly, sounds like we shall have a nice quiet pleasant life.” She said.
He played with her hair, as they danced together, to the slow beat of the music. “Your taste in music is impeccable.”
She blushed, “You think so?”
“Yes. The beat and rhythm are good, and the dance itself is easy.”
“We’ve hardly moved.” She pointed out with a smile.
“I know I can’t make a fool of myself now.” He chuckled.
“Don’t want to repeat the fiasco from our engagement ball?” Ashe said recalling the celebration. They decided to share a dance together, it was a traditional Dalmascan dance with a fast pace, and a distinct set of moves. Rasler, who was quite awkward and gangly at the time, insisted he could follow along with the others, so they began to dance. By the end, he had torn and tripped on her gown, landing on top of her in front of the whole court. It was silent. Her face was hot, and she could scarcely breathe with his whole weight upon her. They burst into a fit of laughter breaking the still silence of the room. He then regained his composure, and offered his hand to help her off the ground. In the aftermath, they had decided to refrain from dancing, at least for the rest of the night.
“Yes. The slower, and the less spinning and turning involved, the better.”
“Then this must be perfect for you.”
“It is.”
She closed her eyes and swayed with her husband. His calloused hand brushed against the bare skin on her back. Over the years, his touch had only become more gentle and caring. When his hands caressed her cheek or their lips met, there was always a sense of tenderness, and yearning. If the gods were to freeze, time and force them to spend eternity this way, she most certainly would not mind, as foolish as it probably sounded. She could stay like this, and forget about the impending war, the threat of invasion, and her intrusive mother-in-law.
The song slowly faded out, the orchestra paused, and then began playing another. This time it was faster with an element of complexity. Rasler’s pulled his hand from underneath her veil, and caressed her cheek. His touch lingered upon Ashe’s skin, as he titled her chin and planted a kiss on her lips. Her lips parted allowing him to deepen this kiss, as she longed for more. He tasted of the wine, and the rose flavored candies, from their dessert earlier. It had been some time since the last time he had kissed her with such passion. They pulled back from each other. “We should stop, before we make a spectacle of ourselves.” She whispered into his ear, realizing that they were still in the middle of the ballroom, and that there were already several onlookers.
He nodded, “I guess we’ll save it for later.” He brushed his lips against her cheek, and held her hand.
“Well it’s almost over.” She said looking up at the clock. About an hour or so left before they would thank the guests for attending, and send them off with favors. Then she and Rasler would go to their chambers and spend the rest wedding night together to consummate the marriage. There was a shared passion and fondness between them; something that most couples in their position would only dream of having, and that, according to her ladies-in-waiting that would ease most of the nervousness and tension that would come later that night. Still she only had a vague notion of what to do, and there was the fear that she would make a fool of herself in front of her husband.
“Really? I didn’t notice.” He replied, leading her off the dance floor, to a plush bench that sat against the wall.
She sat down on the velvet cushion, “Enjoying the evening too much?”
He took a seat next to her, “Not as much as I will in few hours.” His gaze focused on her hips, before quickly returning to her eyes.
Ashe felt the heat rush to her cheeks, which were now a bright crimson. She hung her head, and traced the gold embroidery of the cushion, hoping that no one overheard his comment. Rasler seemed eager, which only managed to make her nervousness and slight apprehension worse. He was usually gentle in his treatment of her, but still she worried. If she appeared clueless or forget what little she knew, or if he threw caution to the wind in the heat of passion and harmed her, or if he were to criticize her. Some men changed after they marry, and Ashe prayed that such things would not happen to her.
“Oh sorry,” He brought his hand to her chin and tilted it up, while rubbing his thumb across her knuckles, “I didn’t mean it that way.” He leaned in closer to avoid being overheard, “It shall be mutually pleasurable, and I will do my best to make sure that you feel no pain.”
She felt his lips brush against her cheek, and gave a nod in reply. Whether or not sex was pleasurable mattered not, it was her duty to her husband, to bear any discomfort or pain, so that it would satisfy him and bring forth children. When morning came, her mother-in-law and ladies-in-waiting would examine the blood stained bed sheets, proof that she has begun to fulfill her duties as a wife, and of her former status as a maiden. “But…” she trailed off.
“Let me guess, you were told that when I enter you, you’ll be in pain, and to close your eyes and think of Dalmasca.” He cupped her cheek.
“Not exactly,” She smiled slightly, “I was told about the pain, but they certainly didn’t tell me to think of Dalmasca.”
“Don’t worry about it; I’ll take care of you.” He clasped her hand, “It’s good to know, that they aren’t teaching you to be frigid.” He rose from his seat, still holding her hand, “Come, and let’s get some sweets before the night comes to a close.”
“Sure,” She breathed a sigh of relief knowing that her husband would be gentle once he deflowered her later that evening. Several servant carried trays of various sweets, from soft gummy rose flavored lokum, to sculpted marzipan made to resemble flowers. She picked a small gold-rimmed plate, with candies and pastries artfully arranged, off the tray. Together they walked off to the balcony overlooking the palace grounds. With a small clink, she set her plate on the stone rail, and picked up a piece of lokum and ate it. She chewed on the candy thoughtfully, while looking up at the few stars that began to shine through the night sky.
Rasler looked up at the night sky, “Pity, the city lights drown out all but the brightest of stars. For even the smallest stars contribute to the beauty of the night.”
She swallowed, “They most certainly do, and the tales behind those stars are lost.”
He nodded and placed his hand on her waist. “That too, and the stars indicating the fortune or our wedding day, lost to lights of the city.”
“I was hoping to see them when they crossed paths.”
He gazed into Ashe’s eyes, “When the threat of war is over and it’s safe to, how about I take you out of the city, to a private chalet or something. There we can set our bed in the middle of the field, and watch the stars just us two.”
“That sounds, nice actually.” She smiled and brought a piece of candy to his lips. He bit, the sweet almond confection. They spent the next half hour or so, discussing the details of the trip, feeding each other candies, and kissing.
The sound of bells rung through the palace, it was time for them to personally thank all those who attended the wedding. Rasler grabbed his wife’s hand, and then lead her through the ballroom to the grand doors. The room became quiet as all the attention focused on them. “I would like to thank all of you for attending, tonight has been wonderful. Even though I’ve spent a month here, I’m still not used to Dalmascan hospitality; I came to form an alliance, but I leave with a bride,” He smiled, “but all jokes aside, Ashelia is quite lovely, and all I could ever ask for in a wife.” He glanced at who was blushing profusely. “This alliance will bring in an era of peace and security, in which we will resist Archadia’s advancing threats and keep our independence. Thank you and good night.” The room erupted into cheers and applause, congratulating the newlywed couple.
Before she even knew it Rasler swept her off the ground and carried her through the halls.
Author’s notes: Thank you for reading this. I’m more than half way done with the next chapter, so expect to see that come out in the next few weeks. Please review.
Hope and Devotion
Chapter 2
She took his hand smiling, “Yes.” She then followed him to the ballroom, which was as splendidly decorated as the dining hall. It was their first dance together as a married couple; they were to dance in front of the court and their families. They practiced the dance under the supervision of their dance instructor, many times over the past week until Ashe was sure she could complete most of the steps blind. They stood in the center of the ballroom, with all the guests and their family members looking on. Ashe gave a curtsy Rasler gave a bow, and then the music began. The song chosen was from an opera, and came from one of her favorite scenes, when the two lovers share a clandestine meeting in the garden and profess their love and intent to marry, despite their prior betrothals arraigned by their families. The two later learn, that their families intended to marry them. The song was fitting to their situation, for despite their parents arraigning their marriage; they were still happy and shared a mutual fondness for each other.
She looked into his eyes and placed a hand on his hip, and rested to other on his shoulder, feeling to cool metal of his armor. He always wore his armor during formal events, it was some sort of tradition that dated back centuries, and it showed his role as protector of his people and his family’s command over their armies. She felt one his hands rest on her hip, and the other brushing her veil out of the way and then resting on her shoulder.
Thus, the dance began; it began at a slow tempo, reflecting the lovers’ nervousness and secretive escape to see each other. Slow and gentle, like falling in love. Ashe leaned in closer to her husband and let him lead. It reached its crescendo, moving from is very soft and slow beat into a medium pace. Now the two lovers stood in the middle of the moonlit garden surrounded by flowers, declaring their feelings for one another. Rasler increased his pace, and she followed his lead. The music now slowed down, and became softer, as the young man asked for the girl’s hand in marriage. In turn, their dance slows down, and he holds her closer. She accepts, and the orchestra plays louder before fading into nothing. Their dance ended, Ashe gave a curtsey, and Rasler a bow, signaling the end of their first dance.
They walked off the ballroom floor holding hands, while all the onlookers applauded them. Once the orchestra began to play another song, and couples filed in on the dance floor.
“You dance well.” Ashe said, while she followed her husband to the side of the room.
“Only because we practiced.” Rasler said, leaning on a nearby chair.
“Oh, is that so?” She titled her head, and smiled. She never had much experience dancing with him despite their long courtship, he always found some excuse to get out, or he would take her outside on a walk, to enjoy the sunset or stars.
“Unless it’s a simple dance or something like that, then I’ll be fine, otherwise, I fear that I may make a fool of myself.” He laced his fingers into hers, and shook his head.
“If I request one that is slower, will you dance with me the?” she asked.
“Perhaps, especially if you take the lead.” He said taking a seat, on the chair he leaned on.
“I will.” She walked off into the crowd, her dress trailing behind her, leaving Rasler to his own devices.
Ashe wove through the crowd and dancers. The ballroom was a flurry of bright colored silk gowns, tailored waistcoats, and the light that reflected off the beaded gowns and chandeliers. Suddenly she felt a tap on her shoulders. “I’ve been looking for you all evening.”
She turned around, to see her cousin Lilah, youngest daughter of her uncle Halim. “Is that so?”
Lilah smiled, and straightened out her aqua gown, “Well, I was trying to talk to you earlier but…” She trailed off and looked around the room, “Rasler’s mother was around.”
“And?” Ashe cocked an eyebrow at her cousin, before she could finish her sentence.
She leaned in closer. “She’s scary, the way she talks and all.” Lilah said with a thick Bhujerban accent.
“I don’t think scary is the right word.” Ashe crossed her arms.
“Whatever.” She paused for a moment and twirled a loose red curl with her finger, “what was I here for anyway? Oh, yes I would like to congratulate you for getting married and wish you happiness with you new spouse-or something like that. I think.”
“That’s it?”Ashe said, wondering if Lilah was told to say that by her father. She and Lilah were rather close as children despite the three-year age difference between them.
She shook her head, “Next time you visit, I want you to tell me everything that happened, even down to the juicy details, although not too detailed, I’d like some of my innocence preserved. Cousins don’t keep secrets.” She stopped playing with her hair, “I hope that when I get married, it’s as romantic and perfect as this, with all the lights, and the flowers, and the food and the music. My husband will be perfect too, we’ll be in love and, he’ll be a nobleman, or a knight that saved me, or perhaps even a pirate. Oh Ashe, doesn’t it sound grand?” Her eyes lit up.
“Oh, it does.” She said agreeing with Lilah in hopes that it would quiet her; else, she would not hear the end of it. v
“I’ve got my whole wedding planned out. Well, I guess I’ll see you later.” She wandered off into the crowds.
Ashe made her way through the ballroom, weaving through dancers, and guests. The conductor of the orchestra continued to work, but he made a motion showing that he was listening to her. After a quick exchange, she chose the song that was to be played later. She gave her thanks and left to meet up with her husband.
Upon returning, Ashe saw what seemed to be Rasler and Lilah arguing. The two faced each other. Lilah’s shoulders drooped and her bottom lip stuck out in a pout, while Rasler crossed his arms, and rolled his eyes. One of the palace servants scurried from behind the pair carrying an armful of cloth, while another fervently cleaned the floor. “May I ask what has happened here?” Ashe asked.
“Ask your cousin what happened.” Rasler gestured to Lilah, who hung her head.
“I didn’t mean to… it was an accident.” Lilah said more quietly than usual. “I’m sorry.”
He let out a sigh, “That doesn’t fix anything. Do you know how close I was to losing the ability to have children, due to your carelessness?” His gaze shifted to his groin area.
“But you’re fine now. So we can pretend it never happened.”
“That’s not the point--” He was cut off by Ashe.
“Please, are you two going to carry one like this?”
“Yes.” They replied simultaneously.
Ashe shook her head, “Lilah, I think I see Tatiana over there. Why don’t you go talk to her?” She then turned her attention to Rasler, as her cousin ran off. “And you promised me a dance, did you not?”
“Yes, but…”
She pressed a finger on his lips, “Hush, what’s done is done. You shouldn’t let her stop you from enjoying your wedding night.” Her lips curled into a smile.
He wrapped his arm around her waist, “I know, but…” he trailed off, as Ashe shook her head. Her smile was one of the few things that could leave him speechless.
“Come, you can tell me later.” She grabbed his hand and then led him back to the dance floor, near the outer edges was there were fewer dancers. Her hands sat on his hips, and she rested her head against his metal breastplate. With a few tentative steps, she began to lead him in the dance. The beat was soft and slow, the violins becoming more prominent. Ashe felt the weight of Rasler’s chin upon her head. She inhaled deeply, he smelled of the forest trees of his homeland, such as pine, cedarwood, and oakmoss, of the herbal soap he used, and of his own natural muskiness. His scent carried her through so many memories, their first meeting, first kiss, and now their first evening as husband and wife. His hand slipped under her veil, as he ran his fingers though her hair. She placed her hand on his shoulder, and swayed with the rhythm of the music. “It’s been a long time since we’ve been so close.”
“It has hasn’t it? With all the planning for the wedding, and the threat of war, I was beginning to miss this.”
“Really think that longing and anticipation to be together would only make it sweeter.” She could feel her heart beating in her chest.
“It does.” He held on to her tighter. For the past several weeks, they had been only able to see each other at meals, and public functions due to the wedding preparations taking up most of their time. “But I like to hold you, and not just see you from afar.” He swayed with his wife. “Although it doesn’t matter now, that we’ve been wedded. No need to worry about getting caught or keeping up appearances.”
“We still have to keep up appearances, for our peoples. They expect much from us.”
“That they do. To them we are nothing more than a symbol of the alliance. To the average Dalmascan, I am probably nothing more that the foreign price who married their beloved Princess Ashelia.”
“And, I’m nothing more than foreign princess consort, who has had the ‘misfortune’ of marrying the younger prince, to your people.”
“Personally, being the second heir is not as unfortunate as others perceive, we get our own private chambers, and give advice, and input when asked. We may not wield power, but we are free to pursue our interests without the pressure of ruling.”
Ashe gave a nod, her head still resting on Rasler’s breastplate, now it was warm with her body heat. “Exactly, sounds like we shall have a nice quiet pleasant life.” She said.
He played with her hair, as they danced together, to the slow beat of the music. “Your taste in music is impeccable.”
She blushed, “You think so?”
“Yes. The beat and rhythm are good, and the dance itself is easy.”
“We’ve hardly moved.” She pointed out with a smile.
“I know I can’t make a fool of myself now.” He chuckled.
“Don’t want to repeat the fiasco from our engagement ball?” Ashe said recalling the celebration. They decided to share a dance together, it was a traditional Dalmascan dance with a fast pace, and a distinct set of moves. Rasler, who was quite awkward and gangly at the time, insisted he could follow along with the others, so they began to dance. By the end, he had torn and tripped on her gown, landing on top of her in front of the whole court. It was silent. Her face was hot, and she could scarcely breathe with his whole weight upon her. They burst into a fit of laughter breaking the still silence of the room. He then regained his composure, and offered his hand to help her off the ground. In the aftermath, they had decided to refrain from dancing, at least for the rest of the night.
“Yes. The slower, and the less spinning and turning involved, the better.”
“Then this must be perfect for you.”
“It is.”
She closed her eyes and swayed with her husband. His calloused hand brushed against the bare skin on her back. Over the years, his touch had only become more gentle and caring. When his hands caressed her cheek or their lips met, there was always a sense of tenderness, and yearning. If the gods were to freeze, time and force them to spend eternity this way, she most certainly would not mind, as foolish as it probably sounded. She could stay like this, and forget about the impending war, the threat of invasion, and her intrusive mother-in-law.
The song slowly faded out, the orchestra paused, and then began playing another. This time it was faster with an element of complexity. Rasler’s pulled his hand from underneath her veil, and caressed her cheek. His touch lingered upon Ashe’s skin, as he titled her chin and planted a kiss on her lips. Her lips parted allowing him to deepen this kiss, as she longed for more. He tasted of the wine, and the rose flavored candies, from their dessert earlier. It had been some time since the last time he had kissed her with such passion. They pulled back from each other. “We should stop, before we make a spectacle of ourselves.” She whispered into his ear, realizing that they were still in the middle of the ballroom, and that there were already several onlookers.
He nodded, “I guess we’ll save it for later.” He brushed his lips against her cheek, and held her hand.
“Well it’s almost over.” She said looking up at the clock. About an hour or so left before they would thank the guests for attending, and send them off with favors. Then she and Rasler would go to their chambers and spend the rest wedding night together to consummate the marriage. There was a shared passion and fondness between them; something that most couples in their position would only dream of having, and that, according to her ladies-in-waiting that would ease most of the nervousness and tension that would come later that night. Still she only had a vague notion of what to do, and there was the fear that she would make a fool of herself in front of her husband.
“Really? I didn’t notice.” He replied, leading her off the dance floor, to a plush bench that sat against the wall.
She sat down on the velvet cushion, “Enjoying the evening too much?”
He took a seat next to her, “Not as much as I will in few hours.” His gaze focused on her hips, before quickly returning to her eyes.
Ashe felt the heat rush to her cheeks, which were now a bright crimson. She hung her head, and traced the gold embroidery of the cushion, hoping that no one overheard his comment. Rasler seemed eager, which only managed to make her nervousness and slight apprehension worse. He was usually gentle in his treatment of her, but still she worried. If she appeared clueless or forget what little she knew, or if he threw caution to the wind in the heat of passion and harmed her, or if he were to criticize her. Some men changed after they marry, and Ashe prayed that such things would not happen to her.
“Oh sorry,” He brought his hand to her chin and tilted it up, while rubbing his thumb across her knuckles, “I didn’t mean it that way.” He leaned in closer to avoid being overheard, “It shall be mutually pleasurable, and I will do my best to make sure that you feel no pain.”
She felt his lips brush against her cheek, and gave a nod in reply. Whether or not sex was pleasurable mattered not, it was her duty to her husband, to bear any discomfort or pain, so that it would satisfy him and bring forth children. When morning came, her mother-in-law and ladies-in-waiting would examine the blood stained bed sheets, proof that she has begun to fulfill her duties as a wife, and of her former status as a maiden. “But…” she trailed off.
“Let me guess, you were told that when I enter you, you’ll be in pain, and to close your eyes and think of Dalmasca.” He cupped her cheek.
“Not exactly,” She smiled slightly, “I was told about the pain, but they certainly didn’t tell me to think of Dalmasca.”
“Don’t worry about it; I’ll take care of you.” He clasped her hand, “It’s good to know, that they aren’t teaching you to be frigid.” He rose from his seat, still holding her hand, “Come, and let’s get some sweets before the night comes to a close.”
“Sure,” She breathed a sigh of relief knowing that her husband would be gentle once he deflowered her later that evening. Several servant carried trays of various sweets, from soft gummy rose flavored lokum, to sculpted marzipan made to resemble flowers. She picked a small gold-rimmed plate, with candies and pastries artfully arranged, off the tray. Together they walked off to the balcony overlooking the palace grounds. With a small clink, she set her plate on the stone rail, and picked up a piece of lokum and ate it. She chewed on the candy thoughtfully, while looking up at the few stars that began to shine through the night sky.
Rasler looked up at the night sky, “Pity, the city lights drown out all but the brightest of stars. For even the smallest stars contribute to the beauty of the night.”
She swallowed, “They most certainly do, and the tales behind those stars are lost.”
He nodded and placed his hand on her waist. “That too, and the stars indicating the fortune or our wedding day, lost to lights of the city.”
“I was hoping to see them when they crossed paths.”
He gazed into Ashe’s eyes, “When the threat of war is over and it’s safe to, how about I take you out of the city, to a private chalet or something. There we can set our bed in the middle of the field, and watch the stars just us two.”
“That sounds, nice actually.” She smiled and brought a piece of candy to his lips. He bit, the sweet almond confection. They spent the next half hour or so, discussing the details of the trip, feeding each other candies, and kissing.
The sound of bells rung through the palace, it was time for them to personally thank all those who attended the wedding. Rasler grabbed his wife’s hand, and then lead her through the ballroom to the grand doors. The room became quiet as all the attention focused on them. “I would like to thank all of you for attending, tonight has been wonderful. Even though I’ve spent a month here, I’m still not used to Dalmascan hospitality; I came to form an alliance, but I leave with a bride,” He smiled, “but all jokes aside, Ashelia is quite lovely, and all I could ever ask for in a wife.” He glanced at who was blushing profusely. “This alliance will bring in an era of peace and security, in which we will resist Archadia’s advancing threats and keep our independence. Thank you and good night.” The room erupted into cheers and applause, congratulating the newlywed couple.
Before she even knew it Rasler swept her off the ground and carried her through the halls.
Author’s notes: Thank you for reading this. I’m more than half way done with the next chapter, so expect to see that come out in the next few weeks. Please review.