Chapter 41: Bound by Blood

Rieka stirred, and the first light of morning diffused through the curtain to fill the room with a soft golden light. The air was thick with night scents, with remnants of passion, with power, a trace aridity of wood from the hearth. Blinking, she slowly crept into focus, and the reality weighed down with heavy force upon her like ice-cold water. She shifted, the stain of dried blood on her inner thighs a harsh reminder of what had passed. Her hand instinctively strayed to her abdomen, her mind racing in turmoil, caught between satisfaction and doubt. Was this not what she wanted-to consummate the marriage, to better wrap her hold around Alpha Lleus? Yet, the vulnerable state of the moment unsettled her. Silently she slipped from the bed, being very careful not to jolt Lleus in the process-he was sleeping so soundly still. His face was composed; even in sleep, the strong bones of his face were soft. She stood a moment, gazing on him, the unintended stab of a guilty feeling clawing at her bosom before she wrenched herself away. Padding across the room, Rieka grabbed her robe and wrapped it tightly around herself, concealing the crimson stains. She needed to compose herself-to wash away the evidence and prepare for whatever came next. She spotted the door to the adjoining bathing chamber and made her way toward it. But when she reached for the handle, it wouldn't budge. She frowned and tried again, twisting it firmly. Still locked. Her heart quickened, not from fear but frustration. She was about to call for a servant when from behind her a low, rich unmistakable voice spoke. "I don't believe it," Lleus said, a low teasing warmth in his tone. "You were a virgin." Rieka froze, her hand still on the door. Her breath caught in her throat as she turned slowly to face him. He stood there, shirtless, his powerful frame bathed in the morning light. His dark eyes were suspicious, but there was no mistaking the softness in them, the mixture of awe and affection. Her cheeks flushed despite herself, a small moment of vulnerability creeping onto her face. "I…," she began, but the words died in her throat. What was she to say? Lleus closed the distance between them in a few strides. His presence was commanding and yet gentle. He reached out, his fingers grazing her cheek. "Why are you afraid, Rieka?" "I'm not afraid," she said quickly, a little steadier than she felt. His lips curled into a faint smile. "You're lying." Before she could say another word, he dragged her close against his chest. The arms around her were warm. For a moment, she let go and leaned against him. "There's nothing to be ashamed of," Lleus whispered, so softly. "You're my wife. I am proud that you chose to gift yourself to me." Rieka swallowed hard, her well-placed walls threatening to cave in. Part of the plan, she reminded herself. All going to a T. Yet, sincerity laced his voice, and a hold caught her like she was some sort of precious thing in this world; it shook her on everything. He drew back a little, enough to see into her eyes; his hands were on her shoulders, firm and reassuring. "You're mine now, Rieka," he said, firm yet soft. "And I'll protect you with everything I have." And before she could utter a word, he was kissing her again, his lips claiming hers in a fervor that left her gasping. Not the fiery passion of the night before, but something deeper, something that ached her chest in ways she didn't understand. When he pulled away, he dropped to his knees, his hands gently resting on her abdomen. The gesture was so unexpected that Rieka's breath hitched. "So," he said, quiet conviction lacing his tone, "you will be carrying my child soon." Rieka's heart thundered in her chest. It was the moment she'd had in mind, what would seal her hold over him, but something in his words, in the gravity with which he spoke those words, made her catch her breath on the threshold of a door she herself had opened. "You are sure of that?" she whispered. Lleus looked up at her, his dark eyes filled with determination. "I've never been more sure of anything. Our bond is strong, Rieka. And soon, we'll have a family to solidify it." Her throat tightened, but she managed a small nod. "Then let's see what fate has in store for us." --- Lleus stood, taking her hand in his and leading her back toward the bed. He pressed a gentle kiss to the knuckles before turning toward the door. "Servants," he called, his commanding voice rumbling through the hall. In but a moment, two servants appeared, hunching low over their genuflecting legs and bowing their heads upon entering the room. "My King," one of them said, her head still bent. "Prepare the matrimony suite," Lleus ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm moving in with my wife. Ensure everything is ready within the hour." The servants exchanged quick glances, their surprise evident, but they nodded and hurried off without question. Rieka watched them go, her head reeling. The matrimony suite was the most elaborate room in the entire palace, reserved for moments of extreme joy. For Lleus to claim it as their room was a big gesture, engraving her status as queen within the mind of every person in the palace. "You don't have to do this," she whispered, her voice caught on his broad back. Lleus turned into her, his face softening. "Aye, I do. You are my wife, Rieka. I want all to see it-to know it. There is no going back now." Her lips parted-to protest-but the words couldn't come. Instead, a nod came, a wee smile playing at the edges of her mouth. "Then I suppose we should make it official." He chuckled, pulling her into his arms once more. "You've already done that, my queen."