Blood and Guts in Leopard Skin

She loved her Gavilean so very much and never more than when he was showing her so much care as he did at times like this. He had ended the threat then used vast amounts of his own energy to heal her on top of carrying her to their home and then was seeing to her comfort by getting them a meal since she hadn't yet had anything to eat at the party before the unpleasantness had begun.

Her husband always noticed little things like that which never ceased to amaze her and always caused her love for him to grow that much stronger and deeper in ways that she hadn't experienced with anyone before. She lifted a hand to caress his cheek lovingly as he stepped though the door to their room. "I'll never be able to tell ya just how much the things you do for me mean to me. Our little one is going to be so very lucky to have you for a father Babe."

He smiled at her statement of love, but didn't respond as the servants were busy around them getting proper fires established to bring warmth to the bedroom of the mountain castle which had at one time been a hunting retreat for Elfin kings and lords and visiting dignitaries. Gavilean could see the curiosity on the servants' faces, knowing that they must have been wondering what their queen was doing in a skimpy leopard costume with cute little ears and a tail. Of course none of them would dare to say a thing.

Gavilean set Des upon the bed and put a blanket over her for a few minutes until the fireplaces were blazing and the servants gone. He brushed her hair with his hand, "How are you feeling, Des? How are your arms? Do you have much pain?"

Des rested on the bed beneath the blanket inquisitively glancing around at the people in the room going about their tasks then glanced back to her beloved husband as he spoke with a smile for him as she lifted both arms to show him they were okay now. "They don't hurt a bit now Babe. Ya fixed 'em up just fine for me. I don't even remember hurtin' now, love mine, so ya don't have to be worrying a bit. I feel good as new. I must look a fright though even for it being Halloween and all. I'm pretty sure I need a shower Babe."

He took her hand in his and kissed it. "Yes love, you really do need a shower. You've got blood and guts and glory all over you, babe." He pulled down the blanket and looked at her. "You know, I never really got to mention to you how much I like your costume. You looked spectacular tonight. I couldn't keep my eyes off of you." Her body never ceased to turn him on, and even with the filth of battle upon her, seeing her in that costume built up such desire within him. "I'll go start the water so that it warms up for you," he said to take his mind off of her body.

"Thank ya Babe. I'll be right behind ya!" Des called after him with a sassy grin as she watched him walking away from her while nibbling on her lower lip at the delicious view she had of his backside. Fast as could be she was off the bed, yanking off the ears that were perched askew on her head, tugging at the boots that had come with the costume, then shimmying out of the two measly scraps of material that had passed for making up a leopard suit. She grimaced as she glanced at herself covered in what she normally was yelling for in The Arena and The Outback then hurried toward the bathroom. "Blech! Blech! Blech! Is the water ready Babe? I'm filthy and icky and want me a bath. Eeewww I'm blechy!"

He had the water running into the tub and he was off to the side removing his armor and then his shirt. "The water is ready for you, my love. I'll be in there with you in just a minute or two." He grinned, "After you get that mess off your body." He loved the way she looked, the shape of her legs, the little bulge of her tummy from the baby. All of her was very sexy to him.

She smiled to him then dipped a toe in the water cautiously but only for the briefest of tests before slipping her foot then her entire body into the heated welcome of the bath with a soft sigh. "This is heaven," Des said as she dunked her head then came back up with another sigh of bliss as the blood and grime began to float away into the water. "Hmm but we are gonna need clean water after I get this all off of me looks like Babe." She announced while sneaking a lingering glance at her sexy husband as he undressed to join her.

He walked up to her, naked, and looked at the water and the color it was turning. "Baby, no way am I getting in that water. You clean up and I'll be over here at the sink shaving." He walked to the sink. Actually it was more of a strut. He drew water into the sink and covered his face in shaving soap, then took the razor from the medicine cabinet and began to shave his face.

Tera craned her neck and leaned to the side to get a better view as he walked away from her while huffing loudly at his declaration then wolf whistled at him as he stood there shaving before picking up her washcloth and quickly bathing with the lightly floral scented soap she favored. "Men!"

He had half his face shaved and then walked to her, his razor in hand. He sat on the side of the tub and rinsed the blade in the water and continued shaving. "What about men? What's wrong with men that we don't want to get into dirty water." He tried not to smile.

He just had to do that didn't he! Come sit like that on the side of the tub right beside her when she just couldn't resist him and he knew it! So much for washing her hair it was going to have to just wait. Des tossed the washcloth into the water and turned sideways in the tub while coming up on her knees with a sultry smile gracing lush lips to go with the deep navy blue of desire that lit the gaze traveling over his well defined muscular chest in the wake of exploring hands. "Hmmm? Were ya saying something about the music room?"

A Fall Morning

The new day came and it promised to be a good one. A light frost had settled on the ground during the night and a fog lingered over the ground, but it would soon burn off and the day would warm to the lower 50's. In another week or two this would seem an unusually warm day in Westridge. The bedroom was cool but Gavilean and Tera were sleeping with their naked bodies cuddled together beneath the sheets and quilt. Gavilean still slept, his long, thick, dark brown hair hiding most of his face from the glow of the early morning sun.

Not a bit of her was visible outside of the covers. Des was completely snuggled down beneath them in her beloved husband's arms with her cheek nestled against his chest where she could hear the steady beat of his heart as slowly sleep gave way to wakefulness and dreams to a reality that was just as pleasant.

She rubbed her cheek against the warm skin of the sculpted muscles then pressed a kiss over his heart before squirming her upwards so she could peek out from under the covers with her eyes slightly squinted against light just barely coming into their room. "Morning. Bah." She wormed back down and wrapped both arms back around Gav.

One eye opened as he heard his beloved wife so pleasantly greet the new day. He chuckled and held her more tightly, but then the smile faded as reality settled in. His voice was soft, "Darlin', I had some bad dreams last night. I think they were birthed out of seeing you hurt in the alley. I can't tell you how frightened I was. I can't lose you, baby. I don't want to live without you in my life. I need you so much and I'm so afraid of losing you."

Her heart immediately melted at his concern and admission of his fear. She shifted around until she too was holding him tightly then brushed his hair back from his handsome face then drew the backs of the fingers of one hand along his cheek softly with a tender, loving smile on her face as she sought out his gaze with her own gently.

Her voice quiet in the early morning and filled with reassurance and love. "Ya ain't gonna lose me Babe. I ain't goin' no where but where ya go. I love you and that means somethin' to me. I ain't gonna leave ya. Last night was a fluke, an accident, and it won't happen again."

He smiled and looked into her eyes; loving the way she touched him and the way her ample breasts felt against his chest muscles. "I know it was a fluke sweetheart, but it still concerned me. When we get to Arda Palace, I'm having Thulin Nel make a torque for you that offers more protection for you. But it's more than that. I think it's time that we really took steps to see the Fae regarding your mortality. We're in Westridge now and there's till time to meet them at their Saturnalia celebration. It's the night which is the longest night of the year and the shortest day. We need to be there. We have to try."

"Okay Babe. We will go to see the Fae together. I haven't yet seen the rest of Westridge and would love to see more of this place that has been your home anyway. Ya can show me all the places that ya used to hide out in the Palace when ya were little and your Mother was lookin' for ya." Des grinned to him and stretched to place a kiss to his lips then hopped out of the bed. "The day is wastin' what are ya doin' still lying about without a bit of clothin' on? We'll be late to see the Fae King and Queen Babe!"

Oh how he just adored his wife. She was like no one he had ever seen before. She was literally his dream come true. He got out of bed, got washed in water that was much too cold for his taste, and put on clean clothes and his armor.

Clothes had been delivered from their mansion in Rhy'Din, along with the coat that he gave Des for her birthday - the coat that was made with magic integrated within the threads that would keep the rain off her and adjust it's warmth to the temperature outside, to keep her comfortable. Their horses were readied as they ate breakfast, and the air was still crisp and refreshing when they mounted their horses. "I love it here, baby. Just us and nature all around. Let's go see that picnic area."

Intermission at a Special Place

Gavilean was very familiar with the area. When he was young he had roamed the forests whenever his father brought him here during the hunting trips. He knew which side path to take to bring them to the picnic area from the opposite side from the deer path that led to the river bank. Once they were in their favorite place it became obvious that they had reached their first destination - the only difference is that now the deciduous trees had for the most part dropped their leaves, and instead of a hot, summer day it was a cool fall morning. "We're here, my love. Do you recognize it?"

Des pulled back on the reins and twisted in the saddle to the left and right while standing slightly in her stirrups taking in the view all around her as her smile slowly grew and a sparkle came to navy blue eyes that eventually returned to rest upon Gav once more.

"I do! This is our place. Right over there is where we always put out our blanket and take our naps. And over there is where all those pretty flowers were that I made that crown out of that one time. This is it Babe!" She was pointing out the places as she talked rapidly her excitement and pleasure at having arrived in this place full of special memories obvious in the tone of her voice as well as in her eyes for him to see plainly written.

Gav grinned and swung his right leg over the rump of Nasrullah, supported himself on the saddle, removed his left foot from the stirrup and gently slipped to the ground. He allowed Nasrullah to range and walked up to Des, and looked up at her, his hands on his hips. "We can walk around for about a half hour if you'd like. Maybe we can walk down to the stream and back. It sure brings back good memories."

She smiled radiantly and brought her legs around together then reached her arms out to him before sliding down from her saddle, knowing that he would assist her as soon as she moved to dismount, and allowing her mare to graze on what remained of the grasses.

"I definitely want to walk a bit Babe especially down to the stream. I don't want to miss seeing it since we are here. I remember the dunking we both had on them slippery rocks all because of the lack of good training of gentleman these here days. Do ya remember that love mine?"

She slanted a grin up to him while linking her arm through his and turning toward where the stream lay the sun shining now overhead yet the air still pleasantly crisp and the scenery around them alive with the sights and sounds of small animals scurrying about making their preparations for the winter to come.

He eased her to the ground and then took her hand in his. He had to blush at the mention of their dunking in the water. "Hmmm...I do seem to recall and unscheduled bath. Of course, I meant to do that." He couldn't hide the embarrassed grin at the obvious attempt to cover up his less-than-spectacular gentlemanly training.

They first walked to where they had laid down the blanket and had their picnic. He turned and faced her, "I'm getting such good memories, my darlin'." He brushed back his long hair and brought his mouth to Des'; a soft, lingering, sensual kiss was placed upon her lip. "I love creating new memories," he whispered.

She lifted both arms twining them around his neck as her lashes lowered while her wit were delightfully scattered by the kiss they shared. Each giving as well as taking in the cool Autumn day just as they had in heat of Summer. Passion laced navy blue opened to regard cobalt as she chuckled quietly to his whisper and replied in a whisper of her own, "I think ya make the most spectacular memories Babe."

Gavilean smiled and touched her cheek with the back of his hand as he gazed into her beautiful eyes, "We make them together, love." He took her hand in his once more and walked toward the stream, following the deer path from the small clearing. A gentle breeze blew at his hair and his cheeks had a slight red glow from the cool air.

As they walked to the stream a muskrat crossed the path and went scurrying away into hiding. Soon they were standing on the bank of the stream. "Let's go sit on that boulder, honey." There were several large boulders on the edge of the bank, and they made for an excellent place to sit and gaze upon the water.

Des smiled softly at the caress to her cheek then strolled along the path at his side their steps matching of their own accord without conscious thought needed to make them. Her fingers threaded through his as she swung their hands between them taking pleasure in this time alone together in one their special places.

"Look there is them rocks that look like the troll Babe." She pointed out the group of rocks that if one looked hard enough and had enough imagination they did sort of look like a troll as she hopped up to perch on the boulder he had indicated and smiled radiantly to her beloved husband.

Gav sat down behind Des and wrapped his legs on each side of her, holding her against his chest, his cheek against her hair. He looked at the rocks she was pointing out to him. He couldn't quite see the resemblance to a troll but if he squinted and let his imagination run wild he could at least approximate the troll-like formation.

"I see that, love," he said against her ear. "It will not be too long before those rocks are covered with snow and ice. It's beautiful here in the winter if you can survive the cold. The late fall and winter months were often the best hunting here." His arms wrapped around her and just held her tightly, enjoying the sharing of their warmth.

They dismounted at the stable and gave instructions and money to the stable owner. Gav took their supplies in hand, swung it over his shoulder, then took Des' hand in his. "I'm tired and hungry, babe. That Inn is going to look really good."

She dismounted and gasped. "Oh lordy be I can't walk!" Des moaned as she placed her hand in her beloved Gavilean's and took small steps that were at first halting then more steady as her thighs rebeled at all the exercise they had had this day. "I want a bath and supper and you please. Not necessarily in that order Babe."

He grinned and walked her slowly to the Inn. Elmwood was like most of the small towns in Westridge, in that the Inn was often the center of entertainment. Gav pulled his hood up as they walked inside and went directly to the Innkeeper. He had no desire to be recognized as their king and ruin the spontaneity of the night.

In no time he had a room key and had reserved a table for later, a table that would be near the entertainment. Gav walked Des up the stair to the second floor, went down the hall toward the front of the building, and opened the door of their room. "Here we are, babe. It's humble but will keep us warm and dry tonight."

She managed every step but it was a chore that she did her best to hide with much grimacing on delicate features and inward swearing but up the stairs she went at his side. Des smiled as she glanced around the room they had been given as it was clean and had a bed and that was the most important thing to her. "It is perfect Babe. I never did need nothing fancy nor want it. As long as we are together I am happy." She turned and wrapped her arms around him to give him a hug.

He had set down their belongings and just wanted his wife in his arms. As she hugged him he began to place little kisses over her face, soft kisses, delicate kisses that lightly landed upon her face. It was then that the rain began to pour. It beat against the roof and window and wasn't about to let up soon. Gav's attention turned back to Des and he helped her remove her coat.

She smiled lovingly as the kisses began to rain upon her face and chuckled quietly when the rain outside began to pour down upon the world beyond their room which had ceased to matter now that her arms were around the man she loved with all her heart and soul.

Des took her arms out of her coat with his help then tugged at the ties to his cloak that covered his armor. "There is no way that ya can be comfortable in that monstrosity love mine. Let us get ya out of that stuff now that we are inside for the night."

He did not argue that at all. Piece by piece the armor came off then his shirt was discarded, follow by his boots. "It's been a long day, babe; but you sure do look good to me. Like I could just eat you up and have my dessert before we go down for our dinner." He smiled and looked her over. She looked better than any woman had a right to look and he was so glad she was his and he was hers. He loved her more than he could ever express in words.

She eyed him up from the tips of his toes to the top of his head. Her gaze lingering and taking plenty of detours over the very interesting terrain of his sexy body that she knew so very well and enjoyed so very much. "I sure enough don't see a thing that I don't like from where I'm standin' love mine. Why don't ya come a little closer and let me show ya just how much I like this here view." She grinned to him charmingly while crooking a finger to him that was held up close in front of her face.

The king arose from where he had sat while taking off his boots and walked to her slowly, never taking his eyes off of her as he approached. He gave her a very sexy look and he came very close to her. "I'm here, my queen. So, how do I look very close up and personal?" He raised and lowered his eyebrows.

She had to pause to catch the breath she had lost at his approach before she could answer as her hungry gaze closely followed his every movement across the room. The tip of her tongue darted out to moisten her lips while her passion darkened navy blue gaze slowly tracked upwards over the sculpted muscles of his broad chest then along his throat and over his chin to those sinfully talented lips until at last they met cobalt blue eyes that she could drown in if given the chance.

The Queen certainly did love the King with every breath she took. "Better than good enough to eat and definitely to-die-for scrumptious love mine. I'm not so sure we are going to make it downstairs for dinner. Maybe we should order something sent up!"

My Turn In Front Of The Mirror!

They made love in the morning to the sound of rain on the window panes. Then they fell asleep once more and awoke mid-morning. The rain had stopped but the sky was still overcast. Gav looked down on Des. "We better get on our way, my love. We've still got a long ride."

Des warily poked her head out from under the rumpled covers and squinted at the window then darted a look to her beloved husband. A small hand idly roaming the expanse of his back as she so loved the feel of those muscles gained from hours of sword play beneath her touch. "Mornin' again Babe. Much as it looks like a nasty day for ridin' I can't wait to see the city for the first time so if we can find us some coffee I'll be ready fast as can be."

He smiled and watched her awaken to the day. He loved the way she looked when she woke. "We can get some coffee and a little breakfast while I have the horses brought to the tavern, darlin'. So, arise and shine!" He laughed and tickled her, then jumped out of bed before she could get him back.

She squirmed at the unexpected tickling and laughed. I'll get ya for that She hollered between her laughter, navy blue eyes sparkling with delight as she hurled a pillow at his retreating form although her gaze was upon that sexy backside of his.

She threw the covers off so she could hop out of bed herself then moved to wash her face and get dressed for the day to come in warm clothes and the jacket he had given her for her birthday this year. "Are we going to picnic for lunch today or will there be an Inn or something?"

He was washing and dressing along with her, two people trying to share a small bathroom. A common marriage scenario, only this one was happening with the king and queen of the land in which they wre traveling. "We'll have to just have some cheese and jerky on the way. As we get closer to Westridge, the city, we are more likely to be recognized."

Des hipchecked Gav and did a little wiggle so that she could see in the mirror to brush her hair with a little sassy grin as he had spent more than his allotted time she felt even though he had barely been in front of it as she spoke.

"Can't we get some fruit instead and have cheese, bread and fruit for lunch today Babe? My stomach is saying no to the thought of jerky this morning. But maybe you should get enough of it for both of us just in case by then my stomach is saying yes." She wasn't really sure what her stomach was going to tolerate these days it was a toss up when meats were concerned and depended on how they were prepared.

He smiled, "Des, the cheese and jerky was for lunch. For breakfast we'll have eggs and ham wrapped in bread...nice and hot." He hipchecked her back and got in front of the mirror to brush his hair.

"Hey!" She huffed as she put her hands on shapely hips and eyed him up after he in turn moved her out from in front of the mirror. Wicked, wicked, thoughts ran through her mind as her gaze roamed slowly over the man who held her heart in the palm of his strong hand from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head while he brushed his long dark hair.

A slightly breathless sigh of purely female appreciation escaped on her next breath as a shoulder met the wall. Des decided life was very good as Gavilean's wife and she might as well just relax and enjoy the scenery while waiting her turn in front of the mirror for now.

She propped a gently rounded shoulder against the wall, crossed her arms beneath her breasts, and with a cat that ate the canary smile on her face proceeded to outright leer at her husband as he went about his morning routine.

"Okay, okay! I'm ready!" He grinned and gave her a kiss on the lips. "Don't just stand there, let's go!", he teased as he opened the door. "Ahhh...I smell coffee! We didn't miss breakfast!"

There was less than an hour of daylight left when Gavilean and Tera rode beneath the iron gates of the double portcullis to the sound of trumpets and in the escort of 120 knights and guards. At the sound of the trumpets people quickly gathered to Prince's Street to see what was happening. People came from back streets and shops, restaurants and places of business to stand on the side of the street and watch the procession.

Prince's Street was the main thoroughfare through the city of Westridge. It was wide enough that four large wagons could ride side by side and have room left over. It began at the entrance of the walled city and wound its way north, ending at the palace gates. Prince's Street was prime realty, lined on both sides with the finest shops, restaurants, inns, taverns, banks, and every form of high-end shop.

The street was cobblestone and every corner had a lamp post with more lamp posts evenly spaced along each block. Since it was nearing the yule celebration, every one of those lamp posts were decorated with pine and holly and red bows. Similar decorations and those even more elaborate were found on every shop. All this was made even more festive by the accumulating falling snow.

They had entered the East Gate - the main gate to the city - and traveled west. The people lining the streets greeted the royalty in various ways - most bowed in respect, some waved, little children danced, and others just watched.

Gavilean felt so proud to be riding into the city along side his beautiful wife, the Queen of Westridge. This was one time when he didn't get all the stares. In fact, most of the attention was being given to Des, and he was very pleased by that. He leaned over on his horse and said, "I think our people like their Queen, my love."

He looked up at second and third story windows and saw men, women and children at many of those windows looking down on the procession. The City Guards kept a protective watch over their king and queen as they slowly rode down the street.

Des took a deep breath as she exchanged her winter jacket for the royal robes along with her informal attitude. It was time to become what she truly was now that they were nearing the city and an escort was obviously approaching them at a rapid pace if that column of dust was any indication. She smiled softly to Gav, "I'm ready love mine. Our people will see a Queen."

Her posture in the saddle became regal yet still graceful and easy with her mare's strides. An inviting smile curved into place on her delicate features yet one that held just a hint of the knowledge of her rank in society, nothing that would be off putting but more reassuring to those that saw it. She nodded in greeting to the escort as they paid homage to them as though she had been doing so all her life.

At first she was confused by the looks she was getting from all the women along the way but she continued to smile warmly and nod or wave in greeting to their subjects, each time following her beloved husband's lead. At last she realized they were all focused on her stomach and it hit her why so she rearranged her robes and posture just a enough to make her tummy more easily seen with a little grin snuck over to Gav and whisper, "Gah, you'd think they never seen a pregnant woman before Babe!"

The city had her wanting to gape in open mouthed astonishment and wonder at the beauty of it not to mention the size. It was huge and there were people everywhere smiling and waving and dancing. She couldn't believe how many of them had shown up on such short notice to welcome them. Des' smile was beginning to feel glued to her face but she refused to disappoint a single solitary one of them and so she continued to smile warmly and wave as she rode down the snow covered main street of the city side by side with the love of her life.

Gavilean nearly laughed, but he kept his expression to a smile. "Yes, my Queen, it's got rooms for however many children we should want to have." He gave her a teasing smile. "Actually, all the affairs of state are conducted there also, so the first floor becomes quite public during the daylight hours. The second floor begins to have more of the private areas plus rooms for visitors, dignitaries, ambassadors, etc. Our private quarters are on the third floor, servants have the fouth; then there are the towers."

As they rode north the once again passed more high-class shops, the best restaurants and inns, then came the financial district and the embassies and homes of the elite of Westridge society. At last they came to the inner double portcullis Palace Gate. Here the road was about half as wide as it had been. It was well protected by the Palace Guard. The sun had now set and the long driveway up to the front of the palace was lit by little oil lamps in special containers on the ground. The light was reflected by the snow on the ground, and blowing snow could be seen in their glow.

Des somehow regained her composure enough to nod and smile in Queenly fashion in return to Gav as he explained about the size of their home here. This was going to be an adjustment for certain sure she thought to herself as they rode beneath the portcullis Palace Gate into what looked to her like a fairyland come to life. None of her friends back in RhyDin would ever believe that this was really her home and her real life and she just might keep it that way, maybe, perhaps, she thought as on that thought she attempted to sneak a little grin over to her beloved husband before putting back on her regal exterior for the guards that were surrounding them literally everywhere she looked. "The grounds are quite beautiful in the snow. I can't wait to see them in all the seasons."

Gav nodded and smiled, "Just wait until the spring and summer when all the palace gardens are in bloom. We have a magnificent rose garden." They came at last to the palace steps and squires took the horse?s bridals as the king and queen dismouted. The horses were then led off to the stables. Guards and palace staff greeted them on nearly every one of the great marble steps leading to the front door.

The double front door was so huge that this evening there was open only a smaller door set into one of the two great doors. Once inside, they were greeted by at least twenty staff members. The inside was warm and brightly lit and adorned with yule decorations. Gavilean looked to the head matron and said, "We'll have dinner in our private chambers this eve, in one hour would be fine." "Of course, Your Majesty," she replied with a bow. Gav looked to Des, "Let me show you our private floor and our chambers." He held out his arm for her to take.

Des gracefully moved at Gav's side taking note of faces and names, when they were offered. Her smile was genuine as was her delight in the decorations that were all around the entrance as they stepped inside to be greeted by the upper class servants. Her attention returned to the man at her side as he spoke and she very correctly placed her hand upon his arm and inclined her head to him with a smile. "I would greatly enjoy that. Thank you, Your Majesty."

She shivered as tingles raced the length of her spine and back again at his caresses. Her thoughts whirling this way and that as he asked the question that she had been wrestling with herself off and on for the last couple of weeks.

Des tipped her head back to catch his gaze with her own and hold it fast as her voice lowered and became quiet and slightly uncertain. "I'm not sure Babe. A part of me really does want to know so we can buy things specifically for the right sex. Another part of me wants to be surprised but that part of me that wants to be surprised is getting smaller I must admit as the time has gone by. We still don't even have any names that we have talked about and I'm thinking it would be really nice to have something to call the little one for sure. You really want to know?"

He grinned and placed a soft kiss upon her full lips, "Okay, let's compromise until we're both sure. We'll shop for those things that are fine for either boy or girl, and we'll select a boy's name and then a girl's name. Then we can be both surprised and prepared. How does that sound?"

Des chuckled quietly and kissed Gav lovingly. "That sounds good to me Babe. I can't wait to see the nursery here. I bet it is a treasure trove in there!"

"Well, it's been empty for a very long time, but we'll make it a treasure trove, my love. There is a door in the antechamber that connects directly with the nursery, so we'll never be far from our child. Trinalee will show you all the in's and out's of the castle, if she doesn't talk your ear off first. And don't listen to all the stories that she'll tell you about me." He had to grin at that, "I know you don't want to hear what I was like when I was just a boy."

He gave Des another kiss and started helping her out of the heavy garments of the road. It was warm in the room and chill had disappeared from their bodies. ?How about we have a hot bath, get dressed in some lounging clothes, and then eat? I'm starving but I'm also in need of a bath and to get into something more comfortable than armor."

"Perfect plan love mine. All of this can wait until tomorrow. Oh! I had wanted to ask ya. Are them there guards always gonna be outside our door here instead of footmen like we used to have?" She was worming and squirming to aid him in getting her traveling clothes off while at the same time working on the buckles and closures of his armor so they could have that mentioned bath now that visions of steaming hot clean water and one extremely delectable husband were dancing through her head.

"Yes, love. There are always two guards there in the hallway." He showed her two tassels against the wall, one red and one blue. "If you need the guards, pull the red one. If you need a maid, then the blue one. There are staff stationed just across the hall and they will be here very quickly. It takes a bit of getting used to the guards, but since they are two thick doors away, we usually don't even know they're there except when we enter and leave."

He brought Des into the bath with the large brown-swirl marble tiles. There were duplicate tassels in there and he pulled the blue one without saying anything. He filled the large, two-person tub with hot water and added some fine scented soap. He pulled over the towel rack and stepped into the tub and held out a hand to help Des. "Be careful, my love. I'll help you." He looked at her belly and smiled. She looked so beautiful and sexy being seven months pregnant.

She looked at the tassels and made a note of which one did what with a nod to her beloved then moved into the bathroom with him. Her eyes widened in awe at the magnificent chamber and luxurious appointments. "Good grief I could get lost in here!" Thankful for his assistance she placed her hand in his to step carefully down into the tub. "Okay now this is decadent and maybe even a little sinful love mine." She grinned to Gav as she sank down and relaxed back into the scented steaming water.

He descended into the water facing her with a mischievous smirk on his face, his legs outside of hers. He took her foot in his hand and began to massage and wash it as she laid back in the water. He caresses went up her calf to her knee, washing her with the scented soap and a cloth. Then he did the same with the other foot and leg. "Mmhmmm...it's decadent alright. On the other hand, the people of Westridge certainly don't want a smelly king and queen." He continued to rub her feet as they lay in the hot sudsy water.

Navy blue eyes began to close and her head lolled back against the side of the tub as he massaged her feet by turns. Her voice was hushed in the quiet of the room that was broken only by the occasional lapping of the water as he changed feet or shifted position. "Mmmm... I've done died and gone to heaven for certain sure Babe. We ain't never gettin' out of this here bathtub no more. Them there servants can just bring us our food right on in here cause they gotta be good for somethin? and I have just now decided as Queen that is what they is good for and since you are King ya get to tell 'em so Babe. Handle it. Handle it."