30
Katja awoke in the morning to kisses and Adrick’s hands caressing her body. She couldn’t imagine a more pleasant wakening. His kisses quickly followed. “I must be dreaming,” she said softly.
“If so, I never wish either of us to wake up, because I am sharing in this wonderful dream,” Adrick answered climbing onto her again.
“Could one ever tire of this?” Katja asked as they lay together, still embraced.
“Only if one can tire of love,” he said kissing her. “Please marry me. I want you to be with me forever.”
“I must be responsible. I really must go back to my life. People will be worried about me… my family.”
“What of them? You spoke only of your discontent. Stay with me in Velantia. Raise children for me rather than children of strangers,” he persuaded stroking her still-naked body. “Even now you could be pregnant.”
“All night I dreamt of babies. Maybe it is true. It is a frightening prospect.”
“Why is it frightening? Is it dangerous in your world?” he asked.
“No. It’s just considered irresponsible to get pregnant before you want a baby.”
“I love you – I think you love me too...”
“I do love you!” Katja declared.
“Then where is the problem?” Adrick asked. “My offer of marriage still stands.”
Katja felt her heart being persuaded. She couldn’t trust herself to speak. Her heart wanted her to accept his offer, while her mind told her to resist so that she could go home.
“I will always be there for you,” he promised. “After breakfast, I will show you the things I didn’t before.”
“Let’s go eat,” she said, smelling the food cooking.
“Good idea,” he replied.
A few minutes later, they went downstairs.
Stella had set the table for them and was putting a small pan of scrambled eggs with bacon on it. There were also small bowls of things they might like to add to it, onions, cheese and other things.
“Thank you, Stella,” Adrick was quick to say.
She smiled. “The least I could do, Adrick,” the woman replied. “What are your plans today?”
“I felt that it was time to take her into the village,” Adrick said meaningfully.
“If you think that’s the wisest course of action now, then that’s a good idea,” she replied non-committally.
“I’ve thought very carefully about it – I think it’s time that Katja is allowed to know – everything.”
Stella sighed and nodded. “If you think it’s best.” She was quiet for a moment, as if considering everything again. “Yes, I think you are right. I think she will settle a bit if she knows the truth that was hidden.”
Katja felt fury building again. “I’m sitting right here! And you talk about me as if I’m not!”
“In time, you will understand all, child,” Stella said gently, putting her hand calmly on Katja’s shoulder. “It has not been meant as an insult – but to protect your best interests.”
“I am no child!” she said angrily, standing in protest. “Do not treat me as one!”
Adrick stood next to her, smoothing her hair and kissing her. “No more secrets, okay? Come with me – I will share everything with you from now on. Okay?”
She allowed him to calm her, looking up into his eyes and accepting his lips again. He took her hand and led her outside.
“What is this horse’s name?” she asked as he lifted her to the saddle.
“In truth, I do not know!” he said.
“How could you not know the name of your mount?” she asked, incredulous as he joined her.
“My sister may have named him, but I do not know it. You could give him a name if you like,” Adrick replied as they moved off down the road to the village.
“Good morning, Sir!” said one villager bowing slightly as they came through the entry arch.
Katja was slightly surprised as more villagers did the same.
“Why do they bow?” Katja asked.
“There is a reason I have not ridden with you through the village before now.”
“What is your secret?!” Katja said more emphatically.
“Good day, Your Highness!” a stall-holder called.
“Good morning!” Adrick replied cheerfully.
“Your Highness?” Katja whispered her question.
“I am the Prince,” he whispered.
Katja nearly fell off the horse in shock. Adrick’s arm came around her to steady her.
“I’m not sure I want any more surprises! What next?” Katja wondered, thinking of the mind-numbing fact that she’d slept with a prince last night!
“I am Adrick, Crown Prince of Velantia. I will be King one day,” he explained. “You want to know more? Breyind is my cousin and a Prince in his own right. Rachel has already taken a room at the castle.”
Katja didn’t know what to say. “I...I...had no idea!”
“Do you think I wanted you to fall in love with me so you could be Queen?”
“No,” Katja said, the little things falling into place. “But I wouldn’t have!”
“Wouldn’t you?” he asked. “No. I think you are right, but I didn’t know that when I met you.”
“But why do you tell me now? I have said ‘no’ to you. You don’t wish to persuade me because you are the Prince, so why tell me now?”
“You also shared your bed with me,” he reminded. “Before you knew I was the Prince. I love you so much that if my royalty could help persuade you now it will be enough for me.”
“I will not be so easily persuaded,” Katja said stubbornly as they entered the castle grounds.
“Maybe not, but you could stay with me in luxury for the rest of your stay in Velantia anyway,” Adrick said. “Would that work for you?”
“Okay,” Katja consented.
“Would you, at least, consider staying? Consider marrying me?” he asked her again.
“I will think about it,” she promised. “Could we visit my flat in England? Let me check on things?”
“We will have to check with Stella, but I think it will be okay.”
Supplemental Materials
Prologue, map, character list
The Legend of the Sacred Trio
Links to Buy the ebooks
(Note: If anyone knows how to make this table look better in markdown, please comment!)
| Please catch up! | Links to buy |
|---|---|
 |  |
| Birth of the Neví – 829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. | Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who through the mysterious “Curator” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva, a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death; Marc’la, a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past; Zukie, an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness; Jenna, an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara; and Kami, a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara. |
| Coming | Soon! |
| Rise of the Neví - 830 T.C.E. The Neví begin their rise in power with the completion of several large housing projects that seem totally charitable, but also hide a great evil within. The draconian measures brought in the previous year has caused major distress throughout the world, perfect for giving the Neví a further foothold on the Terrenden stage. Will the A’mara, now removed from the Council of Peers, be able to shut down the Neví? | Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance - The Neví continue to make a nuisance of themselves, infiltrating the Terrenden Freedom Party who have been winning most elections around the world. Dr. Jarly is still on the run and the Curator still dominates a larger part of the Terrenden stage than most would like to know. What’s more, famous actor, Derick Aiden has decided to release his Neví expose film, causing them to issue a Death Edict on him, forcing him into hiding. In this collection, we meet more interesting women (and revisit some we’ve already got to know.) Kauri, a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; Tirry, an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; Zara, a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; Dzani, who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; Soala, the daughter and heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; and Moxara, one whose past griefs have locked away her heart. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
Don’t forget!
I’m still offering 1 Steem Basic Income share for any minnow who asks me a question which prompts an “Ask the Author” post! I’m thinking about putting these into a Dbooks ebook all its own, actually.
Image Credits:
Brighid's Blood cover art based on:
- Mountain background shot (on the border of Slovakia and Poland) – PublicDomainPictures.
All three images were under the creative commons licensing, (no attribution required.)
- Shaze picture developed from PXhere
Shaze divider based on:
- Sword image from Wikipedia Commons
All maps/editing by myself on GIMP and Photoscape, both free programs.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any names or characters, businesses or places, events or incidents, are fictitious. Although the penalty of knowing me in real life is that you will influence the creation of my characters; any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Writing and artwork copyright myself 2005-2018 – all rights reserved.
If you are interested in helping me publish these works, please contact me on Facebook or Discord, viking-ventures#2883.
Lori Svensen – A'mara Books & Viking Visual
