Royal Tribute (Ursus Peregrinus & Alexandria94

[Ursus Peregrinus]

The warriors rode up the long narrow road towards the palace, double lines of men clad in steel and fur and bearing arms. Their banner, a dark blue field with a grey wolf's head, fluttered from a lance borne at the vanguard of their numbers. One hundred men, as was agreed by the King's courier. Brand Aelfricsson, the Wolfsbane, was coming to claim his bride.

The gates stood open for them, and as they filed into the courtyard the tension in the King's Guard mounted. Hard northern men on their smaller mountain horses, naked steel in their hands, faces hidden behind their conical helms and thick beards. They moved in silence, and as the man at the head of the column reached the inner keep his right hand rose and clenched into a fist, stopping his men in nearly perfect unison. Not a word from any of them as the rear of the colum fanned out until they formed a square in the center of the courtyard, spearpoints gleaming in the morning sun.

Their leader swung down from his steed and stripped off his helmet, hanging it from his dappled grey stallion's saddle. Unlike the southern knights in their fine plate, he wore a chain shirt and thick boiled leather, but the shield slung across his back and the sword and axe hanging from his belt showed signs of heavy use.

He was fair haired, his face harsh but not unhandsome. Tall and strong in the prime of his life, with bright blue eyes like chips of ice and a confident bearing that showed no fear at being within his enemy's domain. Several days growth of beard did little to conceal the mocking smile he directed at the soldiers watching them, their fine tabards and armour. Their finery hadn't won them victory, nor did it grant them any special protection. His own men might not be so pretty, but they had seized the fortress of Whitecliff the previous spring in a daring escalade, and defeated every force sent against them in the months since.

How arrogant were these raiders from across the icy Sea of Tears. Once they had been content merely to raid the kingdom's shores, but now they seemed bent on conquest. Duke Colwyn, Lord Warden of the North, lay dead. His head decorated the gates of Whitecliff, once his own ancestral seat. His son sent south to inform the King that Whitecliff was now the property of the northmen, of Brand son of Aelfric. Of Brand the Bastard, younger son of a Nyorden warlord.

The latest defeat he and his men had inflicted had been less than a hundred miles from this palace. A daring raid that burned grain stores set aside for the summer campaigns. No one had expected them to strike in the dead of winter, but they had come, crossing a frozen moat and scaling walls in the dead of night before setting the King's own grain stores aflame and then melting back into the winter night like wraiths.

Then the messenger had come, offering peace. Offering fealty, even. But only on condition. Brand Wolfsbane was to be created a Duke, enfeoffed with Castle Whitecliff, named Lord Warden of the North... and to seal the pact, he was to marry the King's only daughter.

It was a daring gambit, and Brand's men had advised him not to travel to the capital himself but he had ignored their advice this once. It was important that everyone see that he was not afraid of the King. That the King be seen to bend his head to HIM, and not the reverse. He came not as a supplicant, but as an equal.

"Halfstan, to me. Aethelred, wait here and let none come too closely." His voice was sharp in spite of the rolling vowels of his northern accent. A burly, red-haired bear of a man with a thick beard braided with shining copper beads leapt down from his horse and hefted a wooden chest over one shoulder.

The two men approached the guard captain.
"Stand aside, I have business with your king." The cold words had hands reaching for weapons but the Chamberlain hurried up and raised his hands.
"Peace, all of you. Lord Wolfsbane, I am pleased to welcome you. His majesty awaits you in the Great Hall."

"Then take us there." Brand snapped back, pushing one of the guardsmen aside and smiling as he backed down. "I wish to meet my bride." He smiled a wolfish smile, taking pleasure in cowing the guards. To come here, under arms, to dictate terms to the King... it was delicious. Brand intended to savour it. To think his Father had chosen his brother over him.

Before he was done, Brand intended to show Father that he had chosen the wrong son.

 

[Alexandria94]

Isobel sighed as she looked out the window of her castle room. Today was the day she was to meet the ruthless man who was to be her husband. She had heard so many things about him, none of which were all to kind and they made her worry. She was the only daughter to the king and knew that she needed to go through with this, for everyone's sake. She was given two hours to get ready, but she didn't do anything until she was told to quickly get a move on it.

The maids offered her help, but she declined each one. She needed to try and do something on her own. Being the only child caused her to be spoiled and constantly looked after. Her dad never spent much time with her and her mother had died long before she really got the chance to know her so when the king told her of the marriage to be it hurt. She had only turned twenty a couple weeks ago and wondered how her father could just let her go like that.

Walking away from her place next to the window she looked at the dress on the bed. She didn't want to put it on and address some guy she didn't know. She worried that he might be too old for her, she wondered if he was ugly. The only thing she did know was the one thing she didn't want to meet him, her stomach was already hurting enough from being nervous, and knew around him it would only get worse.

Sighing as she picked up the dress, she studied it. It wasn't as medieval as most others were, it was green,and floor length. The top was long-sleeved and form fitting, not tight enough to be uncomfortable, just enough to show off curves and she hated that. Once it got to her waist it flared a little to allow for easy movement and was held up by simple buttons in the back. She slid on black slippers as she heard a knock at the door.

"Sir Aelfricsson is arriving and you should be in the Great Hall once he gets here." The house keep told her and she only nodded and she followed her to their destination. Once there she stood with her father at the front and gave him the easiest smile she could knowing she was about to be gone from his life for most likely forever. She watched as the doors opened and they started to pile in.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

Brand stood in the great hall, his cousin Halfstan behind him like a shaggy, tame bear. Looking up at the King on his throne, he fought back a smirk.
"Your Majesty," he said finally, bowing slightly. "Greetings from Whitecliff. The North sends you welcome. And tribute." Halfstan set the chest on his shoulder down and kicked it open, revealing bars of silver that must weigh hundreds of pounds.

"Now where is MY tribute, sire?" Brand asked softly and King William almost flinched. Almost, but he controlled himself.
"My daughter is preparing herself to meet you. Be patient, northman. We have a compact: your allegiance in return for my daughter's hand." The King said the words slowly, as though they had a sour taste. Brand didn't care.

He stood with his muscled arms folded across his chest, blue eyes narrowed to slits. Impatient. He was not a man used to waiting for what he wanted, he was a man used to taking it.

But when the doors opened and the Princess entered with her escorts, he actually looked surprised. Her beauty took him aback, but he caught himself before he began to gape, setting his face in an iron scowl once more.

Walking towards her, he reached into a pouch at his belt and removed something. A package wrapped in black felt. Holding it before her in one scarred, callused hand, Brand Aelfricsson watched her eyes carefully.
"My Lady," he said softly. "You honour me with your beauty. I have brought you a gift, from my lands to the north. A bauble suitable for my bride."

Unwrapping the velvet, he revealed an armband of gold and bronze so pure and polished it gleamed like zilver. It was in the form of two entwining serpents, and their eyes were chips of emerald and sapphire. The workmanship was beautiful, each scale of their bodies carefully carved.

 

[Alexandria94]

When Isobel saw the man she was equally frightened as she was intrigued. She could easily tell by the scowl he wore that he had seen things, things that a normal man shouldn't. He was a handsome man, and that she was thankful for, but the way he carried himself and she walked up to him made her stomach nervous, more so than it was already. Never in her lifetime did she think she would marry someone as fierce looking as he.

She was a kind person, one who gave more than she took and when he complimented her it took her back slightly. Her cheeks blushed and she watched him unwrap her gift. It was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever given her, and it made her smile, some of the nervousness washing away. "This is beautiful, thank you Sir Aelfricsson."

Slowly she took it from his hand, which she noticed were almost twice as big as hers, and slid it up her arm so show her acceptance since everyone in the Great Hall was watching them with caution. She liked how it looked against the snug green sleeve of her dress, and once finished she looked up to him.

Inside she wanted to run. Something about this man scared her, she just didn't know what, and the nervousness was back from earlier. She didn't know what to do, she had never been with a man, had never even kissed one, and here she was about to marry one in a few moments in front of hundreds of people.

Glancing over to the priest with nervous eyes she then looked back at Brand, and waited for him to make the first move toward their marriage.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

The warrior smiled at her reaction. She obviously expected him to be some savage northman, and he was tempted to show her just how savage he could be... but no. Their meeting served a purpose, and their marriage would bind the King to him by ties of blood.

As she took the armband and slid it into place, he took her hand and raised it to his lips. Bending his head, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles, then looked up and smiled at her.
"I will never bend my head to your father, Princess. Only to you." There was a wicked, knowing light in his cool blue eyes as he said the words, pitched low so that only she would hear.

Then he stood back and turned to her Father.
"I accept your gracious offer of your daughter's hand, Majesty." He smiled. "And when we are wed I pledge to take up the mantle of Lord Warden." His hand fell to the well-worn hilt of his sword, the sword that had cleft so many of the King's men from this life. "I will be your shield arm and your strong right hand, and all thy foes shall be mine. I swear it, by the hilt and haft of my Father's sword, by the spear's point and the axe's blade, by the shield's rim and the four winds. So says Brand Wolfsbane, son of Jarl Aelfric Iron-Braid."

Looking sidelong at the princess, he smiled. Her beauty was great, but he would have taken her even if she were homely as a stunted pine. This marriage would cement his position, legitimize his conquests and place him close to the throne.

His son would inherit the kingdom. Nothing he did was going to jeopardize that.

 

[Alexandria94]

Isobel's breath hitched slightly when he kissed her knuckles. It was such a kind gesture, one that made her stomach want to leap out of her. He was doing nothing to help with her nervousness but she knew he wasn't doing it on purpose. The way he said the words to her about bowing to her made her questions his motives but hope that he meant it.

She looked up as he pledged his allegiance to her father, and knew that even though they hated each other they would have to get along, especially for her sake. She hoped that one day they could actually love each other, and not just be together for the sake of pure marriage and contracts.

Deciding that since he took the first step to the marriage she would take the next. Since she was the child of the king she had to take him to the priest, where they would sign a single paper, and get two identical rings. Placing her hand on his arm, she started to pull him lightly to where the priest was. She was very hesitant about it since he was a brute and through the armor and chain mail she could feel the muscles and it made her shiver.

After pulling him to the priest they were presented with the paper on a small podium. Since they could both write it was no problem, so she signed her name and was handed her ring for him after he signed and took her ring.

Looking up at Brand she studied him, and his scowling expression, wondering if he was going to wear that all the time. Those thoughts made her think of tonight, something she hadn't really thought of and she knew it was close, making her face turn a shade redder.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

When Isobel touched his arm, Brand tensed but then his expression softened somewhat. Looking down at her, he smiled briefly, hungrily. Such a sweet morsel, he was pleasantly surprised by that. Taking her to wife would be a pleasure.

Standing before the priest, Brand failed to hide a sneer. His hand fell on the amulet about his neck, a piece of soapstone carved into the shape of a raven. The northern gods would witness this binding as well, but the King's messenger had been adamant that only the 'true' God would be represented here. Signing his name in the sharp, runic letters of his people, Brand drew a ring of gold set with a large, polished opal. The dark stone seemed to burn with inner fire as he placed it on her finger and allowed her to do the same with the ring she gifted him.

"Why do you blush, lady mine?" He asked her in a low, soft voice. "Perhaps you're thinking of tonight?" Those lips curled into a wicked smile and he leaned down to murmur into her ear. "Such a pity we are not in MY homeland," Brand chuckled. "Where a wedding night can last until spring is on us."

Turning to look at the king, he slipped his arms around his new bride and lifted her up to kiss her. It began slow and gentle, but soon enough he bent her back in his arms and deepened it, teeth nipping at her bottom lip and his tongue dipping into her mouth to taste her. When he finally set her back on her feet, Brand kissed her once again, lightly.
"Wait here for me, beloved," he told her, "I will return for you soon enough."

His arms released her and he stepped up the dais to where her father sat watching. Hand on his sword, Brand drew it and flipped it, offering it to King William the Just, Ninth of his line. Then the northman knelt, glancing sidelong at Isobel and smirking wickedly. Her father tapped Brand on both shoulders with the flat of the scarred and worn steel.
"Brand Aelfricsson, I name thee Knight of the Realm and Duke of Whitecliff. Rise now, and take up this sword in my name, Lord Warden of the North." There was a quaver in her father's voice as he spoke the words, but Brand rose and took the sword, kissing the hilt and sliding it home into his sheath.

"On this day I have two fathers." Brand announced, clapping his hands onto the king's shoulders and embracing him. "I shall serve you well, my King." There was a glint in his blue eyes as he spoke. "Better than my predecessor, who fought so bravely but so poorly."

Releasing the King, Brand turned and moved back to Isobel's side. One arm slipped about her waist and snugged her against him.
"Now, wife," he fairly growled the words. "Your man is hungry. Show me to the bath house." Turning to his cousin, he grinned. "Halfstan, tell the men to stand down and make preparations. Tonight we feast!"

 

[Alexandria94]

After he kissed her, Isobel didn't calm down any. If anything she got worse. Her blushing continued to worsen after he teased her about what the night held for them. She thought that by the way he carried himself, the way he was so cocky and so sure of everything he did that he had lain with women. There was no way he hadn't. She remembered the way his muscle had tensed under her hand and barely softened, she worried that tonight would be no different and she would be in pain.

With her fingertips on her lips to try and lessen the pulsing there she watched her husband go to her father, now his father in law. Glad that the attention was on them now instead of her. Taking a deep breath she moved her fingertips to her heart and flattened her hand. The pounding of her heart, she feared, could be heard throughout the Great Hall even though she knew that was impossible.

When Brand turned back around to her to walk she moved her hand away from her heart, not wanting him to know the exact degree of the effect he had on her.

As his hand slid around her waist she quickly noticed that it covered her side and easily a third of her front. It made her sad that he didn't seem to be happy, but she thought maybe it might just go away as the night passed, and she hoped it would before night actually got here. Sighing, she led him, while still against his side, to the bath house. They had to go through a few corridors and past the regular bath house to the one the King's family used.

Walking in she saw that someone had recently made the water hotter, and thus caused the room to become a little steamy. Squirming out of his grip a little she put slight distance between them, not liking how much she enjoyed the feeling of his muscles next to her.
"If, uhm, that is all. I'll leave you to bathe." She was glad it was darker in here so this time he wouldn't be able to see the remaining blush on her face.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

His eyes glittered, ice blue but no longer cold as his arm drew her against his side. He smelled of sweat and leather, dust and rust and unmistakably of that raw, male scent. The walk to the bath house was long enough for him to relax somewhat and Brand was beginning to savour her proximity.

When they entered, the steam in the air brought a smile to his lips. Isobel squirmed from his grip and he let her, but when she withdrew from him he shook his head and followed.
"So quick to leave?" He asked her with a sly look. "No, my love, that is not all. Tarry a while... I am yours, in all. You deserve to see what you have bought."

Stepping to the door, he slid the bar across and smiled, leaning against it for a moment. Letting her come to terms with being trapped alone in the bathhouse with her husband. Reaching up, Brand unclasped the wolfskin cloak about his shoulders and shucked his shield and baldric, leaning them against the wall by the door. His belt went next, long knife and axe clattering to the floor as he let them fall. Shrugging out of his mail hauberk was a struggle, but a brief one, and then he doffed the linen and leather jack that padded his heavy mail.

Standing before her in a sweat-stained woolen shirt and striped woolen trousers, he smiled wolfishly and spread his hands.
"I hope I please you, princess." Brand looked her slowly up and down, then peeled his thin wool shirt up over his head. Bare-chested now, his skin was tanned and his body hardened by hard labour. Many scars marked his skin, and on his left shoulder was a brand, a snarling wolf's head.

Brand watched her as he undid his belt and kicked off his boots.
"Will you join me, princess? It would please me, if you would." His eyes hooded as he moved towards her, staying at arm's length. "You have nothing to fear from me, pet." Brand assured her, smile widening slightly.

 

[Alexandria94]

Isobel watched as he locked the door and her stomach hurt so badly she thought she might throw up from it. She knew she was a timid person, and also knew that he had probably figured that out by now. She watched him take off all of his objects, surprised at how much a man could truly carry on his body, when just this mere dress and chemise was causing her trouble. His scarred chest worried her and she found herself wanting to kiss each one, but also knew that from those scars came bravery and that bravery would keep her safe from harm.

Her eyes traveled across his chest and down his abdomen slowly, taking in every curve and valley, the 'V' at his waist intrigued her and so did the little strip of hair below his navel that disappeared under the top of trousers. When she realized he was watching her look at him she quickly looked up to his face, surprised that she had allowed herself to stare at his that long.

Isobel's face was so red now that she knew the dim light wouldn't help her, and she wished she could stop blushing around this man.
When he moved closer to her and asked if she would join him at first she wanted to tell him no, that being naked in front of someone else was barbaric but she kept reminding herself that he was now her husband, and man and wife did things like this. Taking a deep breath she turned around in front of him, giving him access to the buttons on the back of her dress as she pulled her hair over her shoulder. She was unable to undo them herself, and was glad she could face away from him, if even for a moment and try to compose herself.

"Please, you can call me Isobel, or Is." She told him as she did not like being called pet, it made her feel like a bag of flesh that he was merely using and she didn't want their relationship to be like that, hard and unforgiving. In the mere seconds of her wait it seemed like forever and she hoped he didn't want her to take off the small chemise underneath, even though it didn't really cover much of her anyway.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

He saw the fear in her eyes, but as he stripped away his weapons and armour Brand also read the interest in her expression. That was enough for him and as she turned he moved up behind her and placed his hands upon her shoulders.
"Isobel," he murmured, bending his head to purr into her ear. "No. Not yet. Not like this, lady mine." Those strong arms wrapped around her and he laughed softly, without malice. Brand hugged her tightly, treating her as he would a horse in need of calming.

"I know the trail does me no favours, princess," he told her, his voice low and deep, breath warm on her neck as he embraced her. "You deserved a chance to see me as I am, without my wrapping of iron and grim determination. I hope I please you, Isobel, my princess. You may not have chosen me to wed, but no man will keep you safer."

He chuckled and released her, turning her in his arms and drawing her in for a long, lingering kiss.
"I will be your loyal hound, Isobel. Harrying your foes and guarding your family as my own."

Stepping back, he unbarred toe door and opened it, offering her a slight bow.
"Now,princess mine, you may go, if you wish. I can be patient... and when you come to my arms it will be by your choice." His eyes gleamed, as though he relished that particular challenge.

Brand turned away, already undoing the buckle of his belt and the drawstrings of his trousers as he moved towards the baths.
"I pray you, love, send a servant to Halfstan and tell him to bring my clothes?"

 

[Alexandria94]

After Isobel was told she could leave a part of her didn't want to, but knew she should for the betterment of herself. With her back still turned toward him as she heard him moving toward the hot water she walked out and lightly shut the door, making sure the bar couldn't accidentally slide into place and lock her out.

When she saw no one in the corridor she leaned up against the wall for a moment, once again trying to get rid of the effect of her husband before she entered the Great Hall and everyone would once again see her. With her head back against the wall she took deep breaths and subconsciously licked her lips from where he had kissed them. She liked the way his lips felt on her, and how strong his arms were when they wrapped around her, but mostly she liked how masculine he was and knew his promise to keep her safe would always hold true.

Feeling better about her appearance she flipped her hair back where it originally was and walked her way to the Hall. Once inside she walked to the man that her husband had addressed as Halfstan, noting how everyone stared at her as she walked toward him but once there she told him of his request, not worrying about the servant at the moment. "My husband would like for you to bring him a change of clothing and if you do not mind please set them outside of the bath door, we will get them when need be." When he nodded to her she nodded back and before she could tell herself any differently she headed back to the bath.

Her heart was pounding slightly when she made it back to the door, and one part of her didn't want to enter but another did. She knew that the water would be so hot it would be white color and for that she was thankful for because she could see nothing of his.

Slowly opening the door she slipped herself inside and closed it before turning around. She saw her husband there, and he looked so different with his hair back from being wet. "Brand, I would like to join you, I need to become used to you after all, but I will do so in my chemise. Also, you still need to undo the buttons on my back." She hoped that this time he would actually do it and turned around to wait for him to come from the water, so she wouldn't see anything.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

Brand sensed the conflict in her and he smiled more widely. When she left him, he stripped and stepped into the bath, scrubbing himself with a coarse pumice stone before making use of the soap. The bath was waist deep on him when he stood, and long enough for him to lay back and soak, and he did so, luxuriating in the hot, steamy water.

He heard Isobel return before she touched the door, his senses keen and his smile returned as she entered. Dipping his head, he slicked back his dark blonde hair and stood. Water dripped down his body, and Isobel heard him step from the bath utterly unashamed as she asked him to unbutton her gown.

Growling softly in her ear, he moved her hair aside gently and began to undo the buttons. As the first opened, he pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck. With each button, his kisses moved lower until she felt his tongue in the hollow between her shoulderblades.
"Keep your chemise, Isobel," he told her, his voice low and soft. "But know that someone of your beauty has nothing to be ashamed of."

The last button released, Brand moved back into the bath, standing in the waist deep water, drops gleaming on his skin. When Isobel turned he would be standing and watching her, droplets rolling down his hard body along the trails of his muscles. Holding his arms open, he beckoned to her, the water swirling at his hips as he took a step towards her.
"If you do not come to me, perhaps I should come to you?" His smile turned wicked and he looked down. the hair on his chest narrowed and lightened down to a thin line that began to widen once more before disappearing beneath the water. The offer of masculine sensuality hung in the air between them, but Brand seemed content to watch her for the moment.

Content to savour each new gambit in his campaign. Utterly confident that it would end in lascivious conquest.

 

[Alexandria94]

When he undid her buttons and kissed between her shoulder blades it caused her to gasp and goosebumps appear everywhere. But they gracefully went away when he complimented her. Of course she had been complimented before but never by someone so handsome and so hers. Slipping the dress off of her easily now with it looser, it fell to the ground, but she picked up his gift and put it back on her now bare arm. She turned to find him looking at her, still standing in the water.

She bit her bottom lip and quickly glanced over his now glistening body, trying not to make her staring to obvious as her gaze made it's way back to his face. She held his gaze because as she grabbed the leather tie she kept on her wrist to tie up her hair she knew, the already short chemise, would rise to very high places on her thighs and she didn't want him to stare but knew he would still see most of her legs through his peripherals.

With her heart still pumping from the kissing on her back she finished tying up her hair and walked slowly to the bath. Wanting to make it there on her own time, and not have him come and get her like he teasingly threatened.

When she first stepped in she closed her eyes for a brief second, enjoying just how hot it was when it ran over her feet, but quickly opened them, remembering that he was so close to her. She walked in until the water came to above her belly button, since she was shorter than Brand.
She didn't know what to do or where to go, until she noticed a speck of dirt almost on his jawline that he had obviously missed. Moving closer to him, until they were about a foot apart she reached up and wiped away the dirt with her thumb, this being when she realized how naked he was, and maybe he wanted a little distance.

"Sorry, uhm, you were dirty." She told him, but even when she put her arm down she couldn't get herself to move away, it was as if someone had glued her feet to the floor.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

Watching her slip from her dress, the thin chemise hiding her from his eyes, Brand growled out loud. Watching Isobel tie back her hair, exposing the creamy pale skin of her thighs to his hungry gaze. He watched her unabashedly, eagerly taking in every little motion she made as she moved towards him and stepped into the bath.

When her eyes fluttered closed at the first touch of hot water, he took a step towards her, the water sloshing about his hips. Isobel saw his fists clench and unclench, the tension in his arms and shoulders building and relaxing each time he did. Brand wanted to hold her again, but he held back.

Patience. Any hunter knew the virtue of patience, and he was hunting such delicious game.

Brand smiled as she rubbed away a speck of dirt on his jaw. His beard was short and surprisingly soft. No more than two or three days of growth.
"What do you have to be sorry for?" He asked her, lowering himself in the water, his hands reaching out to lightly hold her hips and draw her in. "You're my wife, Isobel. My woman. You can touch me, if you like." Leaning in, he kissed the corner of her mouth, then began to nuzzle her neck. "You can touch me anywhere you like, lady mine." The invitation was murmured against her heartbeat, his tongue following the tendons in her throat down to her collarbone.

At the same time his hands moved up her back and down again, strong fingers following the curve of her spine and the soft swell of her hips. Teasingly, he caught her chemise and raised it just an inch or two, then let it go.
"I know you find me pleasing," he told her as his lips reached her ear. "I can be gentle... or rough, if that would thrill you more. You need only tell me what you wish." His lips caught her earlobe and sucked on it, and then Isobel felt his teeth catch and bite gently, tugging on her lobe as his arms drew her against him and the hardness of his manhood pressed against her belly.

~tag~

 

[Alexandria94]

Isobel felt like she was swimming and that she might drown. Everything her husband was making her feel wasn't anything she was used to. She had never been touched by a man, had been on her own a couple of hours ago and now she was in a bath house, with a hot man who was fondling her for everything she was worth. As much as she knew it was distasteful for this to be happening right now she couldn't stop herself from leaning into his embrace when he pulled her slightly closer to him.

"I know that you are my husband Brand, but this is just something I've never d-done and, a-and." Her words were cut off when he started to kiss his way down her throat. She felt like his tongue was fire and it was ready to take her for all she was worth.

She thought she could handle it, told herself that she was to try and be brave no matter what he did to her, and when he lightly slid up her chemise she wanted to tell him it was wrong, but it didn't happen that way. When his teeth made contact with her earlobe and he began to suckle on it, she gasped a small "Oh,", and it was barely audible but it was there. It caused little ripples of something she wasn't familiar with to strike her in her lower stomach, and when he pulled her against his body her legs felt so weak that she wrapped her arms around his neck from instinct.

That was when she felt his manhood and she hoped her fear of it made it seem larger than it really was.

~tag~

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

The warm, welcoming softness of her body seemed designed to yield to him. Brand craved that warmth, but not at the cost of this girl's trust. He needed more than just her body. He WANTED more than just her compliant submission.
"Isobel," she could feel Brand's smile against her neck as he nipped at her skin, "if you wish me to stop, simply say the words." His laughter was low and hot and just a little cruel.

Then he felt her arms around his neck and he simply sat down. In a moment she was engulfed in the steamy water to the neck, her thin chemise clinging to her as Brand set her on his lap.
"You mustn't fear me, dear heart." He took her hand in his, pressed it to his chest and held it over his heart to let her hear the slow, steady beat. His teeth gleamed in his smile. "I won't bite, love. Not unless you ask, anyways."

Chuckling, he bent her gently back in his arms and kissed her.
"In the morning," he told her softly, arms around her, cradling her against his chest, "we ride north once again, to Whitecliff. The road is long, love, and my newly won seat is a cold and hard place. I am not accustomed to a soft life but if there is anything you desire, to make your life with me more comfortable..." Brand trailed off and he slid his hand slowly up and down her thigh.

"It will not be an easy life, Isobel," he warned her, lips brushing hers. "I am not an easy man. I did all but steal you from your Father's hand, as I stole the lands he now gives to me. Everything I have, I won with steel or wits." He bared his teeth and nipped her lower lip playfully. "My only virtues are those of the north: the strength of the bear, the cunning of the wolf, the hardness of granite and the cold of ice."

The northman kissed her then, the heat of his embrace giving the lie of his words. His body moved against hers eagerly and he growled low as his hand slid between her legs and gently squeezed her inner thigh, fingernails scraping her skin.
"But I can learn, Isobel." He told her. "If you have patience to teach me."

 

[Alexandria94]

The entire time he talked to her, Isobel only heard bits and pieces of what he told her. She did hear most of the important stuff, like how he wanted her to feel comfortable in their relationship and that he wanted patience with her. While she did want to to be comfortable, and be slow with him, something almost didn't want herself to be.

She had a feeling he had never been like this with anyone. Of course he had been with other women, she could tell by the words he whispered to her, and the way his fingers teasingly slid over her. But she knew that had been rough sex and he had most likely never been gentle with anyone, and she was glad he was willing to learn to be patient with her because she was virgin and all of this scared her, but yet his touch also calmed her.

After her husband told her of how his life was, she was intrigued at why his life wasn't soft at times. She thought that surely when he was younger there would be moments, but she didn't know what life was like where he came from and wouldn't judge him based off what she didn't know.
Isobel leaned back away from him a little, and reached down to grab his hand, placing it at her hip instead. While she liked how he felt, she didn't trust herself with his already tantalizing touch. With her hands behind his head she leaned in and kissed him, lightly, with care, and then leaned back away once more.

"Brand, my dear husband," She told him while she looked over his face, she liked it so much better when there was no scowl upon it. "I can teach you to be patient, loving and maybe keep that scowl off of your face when you are around others. I am a kind person, and I don't think I have ever been mean, so maybe I should learn how, just a little, I don't think I want to change much."
She realized then that she wanted to love this man, and she wanted him to love her as well. She decided to give him a fair chance, while this marriage was forced, their love didn't have to be.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

His kisses and caresses remained gentle, and when Isobel moved his hand he let her. But he did smile and growl against her kiss, his tongue tracing her teeth.
"I can be patient and loving, if that is what you desire," he smiled. "But only with you, Isobel. I can allow myself that much tenderness. To all others, I must remain the cold, hard warrior from the north. The barbarian and killer." His smile turned predatory, hungry and he chuckled. "Fear is a tool and a weapon, Pet. I cultivate it, because fear can make a foe think twice before he strikes. They might not dare, for fear of me. Fear of me will keep you safe, Isobel. And it will protect your Father's lands from my people's raids, once I teach them to fear me as well."

Laughing softly as she curled against him, his lust for her tempered by the simple warm comfort of her body against his.
"If you wish, heart, I can teach you to be cruel. Would you like to begin your lessons now?" His fingers twined with hers and he raised them to his lips, kissing her fingertips one by one. "Your claws are sharp, little kitten. You should let me feel them." He raised her hand and nuzzled against her nails, pricking them against his jaw. "I could learn to savour your cruelty, Isobel. Your claws and teeth."

Leaning in to kiss her, he nipped her upper lip, then her lower one in turn.
"I could bear those scars proudly, remembering that each one was born from my heart's passion." Brand grinned wickedly and then leaned back against the edge of the bath, eyes closing.

"The first lesson, Isobel my pet," he murmured, "is not to fear power, but to revel in it."

 

[Alexandria94]

Isobel liked the way her husband worded things. She knew he couldn't get rid of the scowl on his face forever but at least he had said he would try with her. She had heard many stories, and knew he could be man of cruelty and wrath, she hoped she would never see it but she feared that one day it would be inevitable, she just hoped he wouldn't let it snap and come back on her.

She smiled lightly at him, her heart still pounding and her stomach fluttering from both nervousness and fear of him. She wondered how long it would take for that feeling to go away. Just being this close to him was making her body do things; things she didn't understand.
She squirmed against him slightly, her blush still there as she felt his manhood underneath her small chemise, one that she prayed would stay where it was and not move up any further.

She leaned back against him, her body shuddering slightly at the feeling of his hard chest against her. From here she could feel his heart beat on her shoulder and it was calm. She wondered how he was so calm and could flirt with her, but she was the entire opposite. Before she asked the question she was wondering she looked over his face while his eyes were closed, took in the small laugh lines, that she wished were bigger. The long eyelashes that nearly touched his cheeks and the stubble that she actually liked. She liked the way it felt and the way it looked on the square jaw of his.

"Brand, how can you stay so calm? When I-I" She asked him, but stopped because she started to stutter from her nervousness. The blush on her face was still there, as it had been since he had arrived and she wondered if it was starting to become permanent.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

As she squirmed, Brand's body responded and his manhood shifted against her bottom, pressing harder against the thin chemise that separated them. His low grunt surprised him, and he grinned wickedly as his hand stilled her movements.
"How can I stay so calm, beloved?" He asked her with a low, soft laugh. "Because boys in my land are taught to be as cold as ice and as hard as the mountains. Because you are my bride and it pleases me to be bold with you, as well as gentle. Because, Isobel mine, if I let myself grow excited, I could not hold such beauty so close and still be gentle."

Brand's smile widened and he bent her back in his arms, kissing down her chest, his lips brushing the curves of her breasts through her chemise. He let Isobel feel his teeth, not biting but just allowing her to sense them against the sensitive peak. Looking up at her, he smiled and moved back up to kiss her lips.
"I am calm because I care for you, and for your good opinion of me." Brand murmured the words against her skin, and his hand caught her chemise and tensed, ripping the wet fabric at the neckline. Just a little. Just enough to show her how easily he could tear the garment away. "But I am still a barbarian, still an animal. Merely tame... for now."

The wicked light in his blue eyes as he straightened her garment and brushed his fingers against her lips.
"Your loyal hound, Isobel. Waiting to be bidden to sleep at your feet." His eyes flashed dangerously as he slipped her from his lap and stood, walking away towards the edge of the bath. Looking back over his shoulder, he smiled again, a wolf's smile. "But don't wait too long, my love. Even the most loyal dog can bite, betimes." Those teeth gleamed and he climbed from the tub, muscles bunching and moving beneath his skin. His manhood stood out proudly before him, glimpsed briefly before he turned completely away from her.

Naked and unashamed, he walked to where towels were folded and wrapped one about his waist, using another to dry his hair and strip the water from his skin. Glancing sidelong at her, he winked.
"Shall I call for more hot water for you, love? Or for a servant to bring you clothing?"

 

[Alexandria94]

Isobel didn't quite know what to do about her husband. She wasn't raised in the same manner as he and feared she was never going to be bold as he was being, because a part of her wanted to be. When he had ripped her chemise, she gasped, when she felt the way her back arched when his teeth scraped against sensitive skin she gasped. She was glad that he cared so much for her opinion of him, because she also wanted the opinion he had of her, and she thought that now it was a good one.

When he had moved her off of his lap she liked the way his hands felt on her, how hot and strong they were and how she could focus on nothing else.
Except when he stood up her eyes went straight to his manhood, and audibly gasped, shocked. It was huge and she thought to herself in the brief moment she saw it that there was no way it would fit inside her when they had sex, but a part of her knew that he would work her up so well that the pain would be over in mere seconds. As he wrapped the towel around himself she watched, awed at how his back muscles moved and the way the veins were so prominent in his arms. She liked that, she knew she did and it was probably more than she should.

After he asked her about the situation she simply replied "Neither" and waited for him to turn around so she could get out. The chemise clung to her skin, showing off everything she had and as she walked to get a towel she was aware of him out of the corner of her eye and knew he could silently see the side of her if he was wanted.

She was glad that he stayed turned while she stripped off the chemise and dried off her skin, keeping her backside to him so he couldn't see the blush that refused to leave her face. Smiling a little she slipped her dress back on, feeling wanton with nothing underneath.
She moved over to him and turned her back to him, revealing her creamy back all the way to the top of the swell of her ass. It wasn't visible, but she still felt so naked under what she knew was his gaze.
"Please husband, button me up, then you can dress and we shall join everyone else in the Great Hall for the feast that is probably ready to begin." She whispered to him, keeping her arms crossed over her front so the dress wouldn't fall.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

As he dried himself, Brand watched her sidelong move across the room. Pulling on a clean pair of woolen trousers and tugging the drawstring tight was enough to satisfy him for now, and then he simply stood and watched her.
"I could watch you move forever," he murmured, and Isobel could hear a low groan as she slipped off her chemise and his eyes just roved over her back.

When she approached and turned away from him, he leaned down and brushed her hair aside to kiss her neck and then nibble along her jawline to her lips.
"Such a shame," Brand said with a sigh. "I much prefer you like this. Ready for my touch." His hands slid up and down her back and then wrapped around, caressing her belly, his hands on her skin and his bare chest pressing against her back.

But only for a moment, and then his hands withdrew. Brand took a half step backwards and began to do up the buttons on her dress. One by one he fastened them, and then kissed the crown of her head.
"You should go and have your maids see if they can repair the tangle I've made of your hair, love." He grinned, utterly unrepentant. "I rather fear that my rough hands have not been kind to your tresses."

He chuckled and turned to pull on the tunic and leather jack that had been brought for him, dark brown and green leather set with brightly polished bronze studs. Slipping on his half dozen arm rings of gold and silver, he left his mail but buckled on his weapons and the studded leather vambraces he had worn before.

 

[Alexandria94]

When he touched her soft back Isobel could feel each callous, and scar on his hands and she knew that she liked the way they almost scratched lovingly over her skin. But when they moved to her front it made her gasp again and she leaned back into him without realizing she had. Then she discovered two things about herself, one, that she wanted him to touch her everywhere, and two, when he pulled away she almost whimpered because she wanted his hand back.

Although mixed feelings were ripping through her she knew that it was better for her, at least until after the feast that their skin touch as less as possible. She almost didn't trust herself because of how he made her feel when he was nice. She knew it would change when they got into the Hall but she told herself that that was necessary and for show, something that had to be done, but also knew that later he would turn back into her charming husband and that was the man she looked forward to being with.

Reaching a hand up to her hair when he turned around she frowned because even though she had had it up, it was now a mess and knew that finding the maids would probably be the best thing, not trusting herself to try and fix it.
She moved close to him and turned him, feeling the muscle tense, and kissed him on her tip toes. Compared to the rest of him his lips were the softest part on him, and so full that she enjoyed kissing him.

She pulled back and looked up at him. "I'll go get this fixed, and meet you back in the Great Hall for the feast when I am done. Feel free to start without me." She told him and then turned to walk out the door in search of her maids.

 

[Ursus Peregrinus]

The way she responded to his touch gave him hope. Brand's doubts were melting away, and he knew that she was growing to desire his touch already. That revelation stole a growl, and his teeth showed in his smile.
"Woman, you don't know how much I would rather take you to your bed and show you all the pleasures a man shares with his bride." The words came out soft and low and husky.

Letting her pull away from the kiss, he looked down into her eyes and a lopsided smirk lit his face, those blue eyes of his cool and wicked.
"See that you hurry, Isobel. Or I will come find you, and show you what happens to a wench when they keep their man waiting." Playfully, he smacked her on the bottom and then gathered the rest of his things and left, headed in the other direction, looking for Halfstan and his men.

* * *

A great table had been set up in the hall, with another set up perpendicular on a dais, for the King and his closest courtiers. Along one side of the table members of the court were arrayed. On the other, Brand's men were laughing and drinking.

Among the gifts they had brought with them were casks of ale and mead, that honey-liquor so beloved in the north. Both flowed liberally, and the drinking horns and cups were being steadily filled. Brand stood waiting, arms folded, speaking to Halfstan and two of his men. The King sat, surrounded by his closest advisers but with two seats to his right set aside for Brand and his daughter.

"See that you keep a tight rein on the men. They can drink and carouse if they like but if one of them lays a hand on steel I'll have his head." Brand bared his teeth and Halfstan laughed.
"Wine but no women and no blades. They know, war brother."
"Be glad I don't have you bowing and calling me 'my lord Duke,' cousin." Brand said to him with a laugh. "Now where is my blushing bride? I'm ravenous but I'll not go to table without her on my arm."
"Were I you, m'lord," Halfstan smirked through his bushy red beard, "I'd not let the beauty out of my sight. There's not a man here who doesn't envy you your woman."

The words earned Halfstan a glare and he laughed and raised his drinking horn, draining it at a draught.
"Come now, Wolfsbane. You've won. Don't turn moody on us now."