Final Chapter

Kattegat

Fresh water in a bowl, a sharp razor to clean his face. He stared at himself in the mirror. He thought about the night he shared with Emma and smiled. There was a knock. He reached for a cloth and wiped his face before going to the door. When it opened, there was the Lady Freya. She held a tray of food, “Are you hungry Warrick?”

He nodded, “I can eat. Thank you, Lady Freya.”

She stepped inside; the door shut. She placed the tray on a small round table. There was a single chair. Freya pulled out the seat, “Come, sit, eat. I’ve already had my fill.”

He sat. There was fresh bread, some ale, meat, and some greens. She watched him and smiled, “Are you enjoying your stay thus far?”

He nodded, “Yes, I am.”

“Good. I am happy to hear it. We treat our guests kindly. Our enemies we deal with accordingly.”

He nodded, “Understood.”

She smiled, “Emma told me that you two had quite the night.”

His cheeks flushed red, “Um.”

“Relax, Warrick. We are not so stringent here. I understand back where you’re from things are a bit different. So many rules under this God you worship.”

He kissed the cross that dangled from his neck. She nodded, “Our gods are not so restrictive. We enjoy life.”

“Without rules, there would be chaos.”

“True. But rules should not be so restrictive that it takes away from the joys of experiencing life. Emma and I experienced life every day while our husband was away. I’m sure your people would find that appalling.”

He sucked his teeth, “The word says that a man should be with a woman. Everything else is an abomination.”

She struck a stance. She was older than him by several years, yet she was still lovely. Her body was fit. He knew some of the women were skilled fighters and she appeared to be one of those he had learned of…a shield maiden.

He stood and looked at her. She took a breath, “Do you find me to be an abomination?”

He smirked as his feet took him closer. He grabbed her by the waist and kissed her wildly. She stepped back and stared at him. “Sit on your chair,” she demanded.

He did as she commanded. She stepped to him, hiked up her dress, pulled his rod out, and sat on it. She humped aggressively as she gripped his face. She grunted and moaned loudly and when she climaxed, she melted into him.

He stood and carried her to the wall and pressed her against it as he drilled hard and fast, he spilled his nutrient inside her with a gasp. Slowly he pulled out. She smiled, “I’ll see you at dinner in the hall.”

These women are something, he thought as he looked at his rod still covered in her juices.

***

She found him in their bedroom. He sat on the edge sharpening his blade, “I trust you had a good time?” he asked.

She leaned against the wall, “I did. And how long do you plan to have Emma and I entertain him?”

“Just until I determine if he’s up to something.”

“Very well then.”

He stood, put his knife away, and walked to her. His hand cupped her face and they kissed sweetly.

****

Mercia

The day was cold and crisp. She stood outside on the balcony watching as Lord James and his men prepared to leave. She saw how his face glowed. She shook her head. If only he knew the real reason he was being sent away, she thought as a smile emerged. She placed one hand on her belly. It was an amazing feeling. The life grew inside her. And for a split second, she thought about Prince Oswald. She shook her head, “It’s for the best,” she said.

Her servant entered, “M’lady are you ready?”

“I am. Thank you.”

It was time for her journey to the north to see Prince Liam married. After her servants helped her get dressed, she left the castle and went outdoors to find a carriage waiting for her. The driver opened the door and helped her inside.

He smiled, “Hello, my dear.”

“King Edwin.”

Soon, the carriage was on its way. He stared at her full breasts exploding from the top of her gown. “You look exquisite.”

She blushed, “Really? Even in my motherly state.”

“Even more so.”

She chuckled, “And where have you left your Queen and daughter?”

“Agnes wasn’t feeling up to it.”

“Is she ill?”

He kissed his teeth, “She is slightly deranged. The girl has her eyes on Prince Liam.”

She chuckled, “Oh my.”

He shook his head in aggravation, “I have to find her a match soon or I feel she may do something foolish.”

“Such as?”

He huffed, “She asked me to get rid of Yande.”

Her eyebrows lifted, “Did she.”

“Well, it was a threat of sorts. She knows about us.”

“Oh my. Should I be worried?”

“Not at all,” he said as he dusted off his fine clothes, “She knows her place. I made sure of that.”

Godgifu nodded, “Good.”

***

Wessex

She was supposed to be resting but she found herself in the woods. She wore a hooded cape. She stood in the location where she informed the men to meet her. David appeared. He was not happy. She had a purse of coins in hand. She tossed it to him, and he caught it.

He looked inside and then put the small bag in his pocket, “Thanks for the payment but she is not dead.”

“What?!”

He was at a loss, "I found my men in the forest; they were both dead. I do not know how or what she did, but it was not normal."

She huffed and paced, “I paid you to do a job, and you couldn’t even get it right.”

He gulped, “Look, girl, it’s obvious you have no idea what you’re up against.”

She made a face, “Who is she? She is no one.”.

He stared at her as if he wanted to say more but wasn’t sure if he should.

“Well, what is it?”

He whistled. She heard twigs snapping and leaves rustling. One of his men stepped out with a woman. She looked ragged and odd. Her clothes were dusty, and she wore tattered gloves on her hands.

“What’s the meaning of this, why would you bring this heathen before me.”

The woman trembled. “The winch saw something. I know she had to," insisted David.

She shook her head wildly, “I swear I did not. I only saw the men lying there. I checked to see if they had anything.”

“So, you’re a thief?” he asked.

“I am not a thief. It was not like they needed the coin anyway. They were dead.”

He shoved the woman to the ground. Princess Agness stepped in front, “There’s no need to be so rude. She is still a woman.”

“Oh,” he rolled his eyes, “now you care about women.”

She looked at the woman, “Be on your way.”

She looked around in dismay, “On my way? It would be a long trip on foot by myself.”

“Then you should get going before I change my mind,” grumbled David.

They watched as the woman ran through the woods. He sighed, “What now?”

She shrugged, “You can either return the payment or finish the job.”

He nodded. She smiled and left.

*****

North Umbria

The brothers went for a walk on the beach. Liam told Oswald about what happened the previous night. Oswald stopped in his tracks. He stared at his brother and chuckled. Liam made a face, “What is so funny? I thought we were going to die.”

“You are a great storyteller my brother. I just didn’t know you were into fiction.”

Liam kissed his teeth, “I tell no lies, brother. I was hit over the head. Yande was out there—”

“And yet you have no scars or bruises. Just be honest. What were you and Yande really doing all night…alone.”

He chuckled. It was odd that his scar was completely gone. He didn’t know what to make of it. Yet the grin on his face was more than enough evidence for Oswald to deduce that he had already popped Yande’s cherry.”

“Please say nothing.”

Oswald zipped his lips and smiled, “I take it all those lessons you got while on the Aisle of Man came in handy.”

He nodded and gulped, “Lady Fiona.”

“Yes, she was amazing my first time.”

“She’s here.”

“Here? As in North Umbria.”

Liam nodded, “I saw her last night.”

He punched his shoulder, “You didn’t?”

“Of course not. Believe me. I enjoyed my time with her but my life is with Yande now.”

He patted his shoulder, “Good. I am learning to be happy with one woman myself. It’s not as terrible as I thought it would be.”

Liam chuckled, “Oh brother.”

“Baby steps, little brother I am learning.”

“Good for you.”

****

They were out in the garden. Yande planted seeds in a row and later stood. She removed her gloves and took the glass of water that Winfred handed her. “What are you planting?” she asked Yande.

“I brought some seeds from Ife. Some healing herbs and some spices for cooking.”

“Do you think they will allow us to cook?”

Yande chuckled. It had been a challenge for her to do what she enjoyed in Portugal. Even though they had servants, they weren’t as stringent. Yande and her mother still preferred to cook many of their meals, and they grew their vegetables and herbs.

“I was thinking that Laim and I may move. One day you will be a Queen with many children here—”

“Nonsense, you can’t. We said we’d raise our children together. Here," said Winfred as she touched Yande's face.

Yande touched her hand, and Winfred felt her baby move and thump. She giggled, “Please, don’t leave. At least not for a while.”

Yande nodded, “I’ll wait until after you have your second child.”

Winfred smiled, “Another child? When?”

Yande pinched her lips and then laughed, “I will not say.”

“Come on, please. Tell me.”

“Well, it will be soon.”

“And you?”

Yande touched her belly. Winfred’s eyes widened. They hugged tightly. Winfred stepped back. Something was calming about being in Yande’s presence, the way they spoke freely, how Yande’s touch sent peaceful energy surging through her body. Winfred looked into Yande’s eyes, “Is it mad that I love you as much as I love my husband?’

Yande shook her head, “It is not. I love you too.”

Winfred smiled, “It won’t be long, your parents will arrive soon.”

“Yes. They are near.”

*****

Her long black hair was braided back into a single braid. Her dark brown eyes were steadfast. She had tattoos on her neck and wrist. Her markings indicated that she was into dark magic. She was strong in spirit. She had hundreds of men marching behind her.

Her right-hand man marched alongside her, “He can help us.”

“No Varg, we will help him,” she replied with a grin.

****

North Umbria

Liam saw the entourage as they funneled through the gates. His stomach fluttered and he smiled, “They are here.”

Oswald nodded, “Let’s go meet your soon-to-be-inlaws.”

They made haste. They were inside the royal court greeting the King and Queen. Laim saw Yande embrace her mother. Her mother looked upon Yande, “Look at you, eh" she said to her in Yoruba.

Yande touched her mother's belly, “how is my little brother?”

“Just fine. And where is my new son-in-law?” she asked eagerly. She had heard a few stories about him from both Joaquin and Samba.

Yande pointed to Liam. Liam hurried over, “Lady Aminata, It’s a pleasure.”

“He’s handsome,” she said to Yande before replying to Liam.

His cheeks flushed red. Later they went to have a light lunch in the dining room.

They spoke of the journey. Samba told his new position in King Tomas’ court. He was studying to be on the financial committee. After pleasant conversations, Yande and her mother went for a quiet walk. Her mother reached for her hands, “Yande.”

She nodded, “Yes mother.”

“Twins.”

“Yes. that is what I saw too.”

She kissed her forehead, “Good thing the wedding is tomorrow.”

She chuckled, “I could not wait any longer. I love him so.”

“I know. And he loves you equally. It is beautiful.”

“He’s so much like my father.”

“He is.”

“Are they treating you nicely? I had a most horrific dream about you last night. It made me sick to my stomach.”

Yande sighed, “I fear that someone here wants me dead.”

“In this castle?” her mother asked with nostrils flared.

“No mother. Not here. Liam and his family have been kind and accepting. There is a girl. I am not worried about her. She will not stop me from marrying Liam. It is destined.”

“It is. Those babies will have your gifts.”

Yande’s face saddened, “I do not want them to live in fear. I want them to have a normal life.”

“What do you mean?”

“I had a vision not long ago. It was of you and Aunty Adefolake talking about power binding. She told you that she did that to Oluwa and Sade.”

Aminata crossed her arms.

“Why did you not do that for Samba and me?”

She shook her head, “Our gifts are part of us. Hiding them is like hiding part of ourselves.”

“We do it anyway. No one can know what we are or,” She motioned with her hand to slice her neck.

“Well, I am sorry.”

She took her mother’s hands, “I am not angry and it’s in the past but I just want you to know…it’s what I want for my children. I will not allow them to be this.”

Her mother nodded, “I understand.”

“So, you are not angry?”

She huffed, “I am not happy but I love you. And I will respect your wishes.”

“Good. Then you will teach me the spell.”

Aminata hesitated and then nodded.

*****

The moon shined brilliantly. Their clothes lay on the floor in a pile. Her hand rested on his chest. They stared at the portrait. “I love it,” she admitted. She had not had a portrait done in years. “Darcy is brilliant. I had no idea he saw me that way.”

King Edwin smirked, “He is brilliant. He has a way of bringing out your flaws and turning them into intricate perfect imperfections. The one he did of the Lady Yande was quite something.”

She smiled, “Does she even have imperfections? She is perfectly perfect.”

“Is she?”

She sat up inquisitively, “You say that as if you know something about her.”

He played it off, “I know no more than you do. Besides, we all have imperfections. Do we not?”

She touched him below, “I am starting to think that you don’t have any.”

She mounted him and hummed. He reached for her bottom. She went up and down. He bit his lips and groaned. “Oh my god, you are magnificent, my dear.”

Her fingers interlocked with his. Her eyes watered as she realized that she was slowly falling. He felt it too. She gasped and trembled. After she relaxed her muscles on his rod, he thrust upward rapidly until he erupted.

*****

North Umbria

Night came and it left. Her stomach was in knots. It was time. She was dressed in a white gown with a gold belt. On her head a traditional African headpiece, a gold choker on her neck, gold cuffs on her biceps and forearms.

Her mother couldn’t stop crying. Winfred was amazed at the gown that was brought to England from Ife for Yande to wear. It was beyond words and nothing like she had ever seen. Yande’s skin glowed and her eyes sparkled.

Queen Margaret placed a pair of turquoise earrings in her ears, “My gift to you, daughter.”

Yande almost cried, she held it in, “Thank you, Mother.”

“Now, come marry your future husband. He is a nervous wreck.”

They chuckled.

*****

The room was filled with guests. Everyone was eager to see the bride and groom make a lifetime commitment. Jarl Sigurd was there with Astrid and others. The Lady of Mercia was there alone, or at least, she pretended to be as she and King Edwin stole glances at each other from across the room.

There was Arlegde with his fiancé. They stood next to Lord Delacroix who had his eyes fast on Sade. She intrigued him from a distance and suddenly, he wanted to know more about this mocha-colored goddess.

Elanor arrived just in time with Henry. They stood amongst the crowd. When Queen Margaret looked out and saw Elanor, her head tilted. She had not seen the girl before, but she looked a lot like a woman she knew Oswald had relations with in his hay day.

Immediately, she excused herself and went to a private area. She had her men bring Elanor to her. They shoved Elanor into the room and waited. Elanor bowed, “Your Majesty.”

“Oh cut the foolishness. I know who you are. What are you doing here?” she asked.

Ealnor moved her shoulder back, “My brother invited me.”

Queen Margaret scoffed, “Don’t dare refer to my son as your brother.”

“But that is how it works, Queen Margaret. Your husband had sex with my mother and I am his first child. Your sons are my brothers."

She rolled her eyes, “Your mother was a whore. You could be anyone’s bastard.”

“My mother was not a whore. She is a Lady. And you know it. She could very well be standing where you are right now if—”

Queen Margaret got in her face and asked, “What? If what?”

Elanor gulped, “I am not afraid of you. I know what your father did. He spread lies about my mother. And ruined her chances of being wed to King Oswald. You know it.”

“All I know is that you are not welcome here. Now, I do not care what Liam told you. Leave. And take your little friend with you.”

“Please,” she begged, “I will leave after the ceremony. I promised Liam. He will wonder why I didn’t come. He sent Henry a suit and me this beautiful dress.”

“Guards!”

The men grabbed Elanor, “Take her. See that she and her friend are given provisions for their trouble and lead them back to whatever little hole they emerged.”

“You can’t do this!” she pleaded as the men dragged her away.

*****

It was quiet. They watched. The bishop presided over the ceremony. This was it. The moment they had been waiting for. The prayers were said. The papers were signed. It was final. Liam stood before the crowd, “I know this is not custom but I want to say that I never knew that I wanted this until Yande first appeared in my dreams. And now, here we are. I pledge my complete love and dedicate my life to protecting her always.”

He kissed her mouth and the crowd cheered. People went up to them and offered gifts, congratulated them, and offered them services. They danced and drank plenty of wine.

Joaquin and Aminata stood in the corner of the room looking. She told him that Yande was carrying twins. He smiled, “I will be a grandfather.”

King Tomas walked up and asked to dance with Aminata. Joaquin stepped back and watched as they went to cut a rug. It was a hard pill to swallow. His wife was carrying his uncle’s child. His stomach ached. He slipped away to a quiet spot. When he went to relieve himself, he saw blood. He shook his head, “Lord just let me live to see my grandchildren. I beg of you.”

*****

She danced with all who requested. They spoke kind words and congratulated her. Then he asked for a dance. She obliged him. His eyes scanned the room. He saw Darcy watching most likely waiting for another opportunity to dance with Yande.

He shifted his eyes to her, “You are truly remarkable.”

Her head tilted, “How so?”

He smiled, “I love how you play coy.”

“I have no reason to play coy. I only ask you to speak plainly so that I may understand your intentions.”

He smirked, “Very well then Princess Yande. I know that an attempt was made on your life last night.”

She was about to break away but he held her close, “Don’t make a scene, dear. I can assure you it will not go in your favor.”

“What do you want?”

“Now that I have your attention, it was not I who attempted to have you killed. I know you who did.”

“There were men. They could have been rebels or thieves.”

He smirked, “You know they were hired by my daughter.”

“How would I know that?”

“I have eyes and ears everywhere. There are things I know. Things I wish I didn’t. Like why my son spends a considerable amount of time at Darcy’s studio.”

She sighed.

“I had my daughter followed. Then I had the men she hired followed. One reported to me some interesting things. Things I struggle with still. Unbelievable things. Yet, I am wise enough to know that I should not dismiss such claims.”

A tear fell from her eye.

“Oh no,” he said as he reached for his handkerchief and handed it to her, “my intentions are not to have you harmed. I find your special set of gifts intriguing and quite useful. I only ask that you work for me and I will end this little tiff my daughter has with you. I will marry her off and send her away.”

She nodded. He smiled.

*****

It was time. The guests were gone. Liam and Yande were prepped for the moment. It was an intimate gathering of family and friends who watched. It was not the first time but they sure pretended it was. They each tried to control their enthusiasm. It was hard. She wanted to moan loudly. Liam had that long stroke and his hip action made her tremble. Her eyes rolled when he hit that spot. They witnessed her shaking.

King Oswald smirked. Prince Oswald smiled. Winfred watched intensely. She gulped. She did understand why watching Ynade with Liam stirred up feelings inside her. She looked away and thought of other things.

Liam made sure to enjoy every moment of his consummation. He worked up a sweat until finally, his mother ordered everyone out of the room. It was clear Liam was not interested in fishing soon. He aimed to take his time.

Only the queen and the priest remained in the room to witness Liam release his nutrients inside her.

After he grunted and jerked his mother nodded to the priest and they both left. The servants entered to help the couple get washed up.

*****

With the first light shining through the window, his internal clock woke him. He caressed her naked body until she came alive. She was moist and ready. He felt it with his fingers. She eased on top and they shared a long sweet kiss. His hands cupped her firm ass as he drilled beneath her and her hips moved slowly.

In a few hours, they'd be on the road to spend time at a property gifted to them by King Oswald several miles away. Liam had dreams of planting a child inside her, little did he know he had already done so.

His fingers gripped her soft curls and they kissed slowly. He sat up and touched her supple breasts. So full. Nipples perfect. He kissed and sucked as he squeezed. She giggled when he flipped her and pressed deep causing a squeal.

He pushed, rolled, thrust, and thrust until he felt her vibrating. That was the sweetest feeling. He melted into it. Not moving until she relaxed and hummed sweetly. Then he humped rapidly causing enough friction for her to quake and he erupted with a loud grunt.

There was a knock, “For God’s sake man, there will be plenty of time for that on your honeymoon, get dressed Mother wants to speak to us before you leave.”

“Fine. I’ll be right out.”

He kissed her mouth a few moments longer and then pulled out. She watched him walk over to his cabinet, He found a nice pair of pants and a shirt. “I’ll see you in a little while.”

Yande sat up. She smiled. She still had a nice high going. Yet it faded when she remembered King Edwin’s words. “Remember, never use your gifts for evil. You are not that kind of witch,” her great-grandmother’s voice sounded.

She nodded, “I won’t.”

Just as he left her grand bed, Winfred entered. “Princess. I mean Winfred.”

Winfred walked up to where Yande stood naked. Their eyes were fast on each other. Winfred touched her face. Yande’s hand touched hers. “I can’t help that I was jealous watching last night," admitted Winfred.

Yande smiled, “Winfred, you and I are friends.”

She shook her head, “There’s more between us. I feel it every time you touch me.”

“Yande nodded, “Let us not cross lines we will not be able to untangle.”

Winfred nodded, “You’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking. Friends?”

Yande hugged her, “Friends forever.”

*****

Happiness. She had not felt it in a long time. She had dreams of one day becoming a princess to a man who vowed to love her. A man who stirred life in her belly and then turned on her. She was now a Queen. Queen Abigale. It has a nice ring to it. She smiled as she sat high and mighty next to King Knud.

Einar approached the thrones, “King Knud, our spies have spotted a great army approaching.”

He sat at attention. Abigale became frightened, “Is it Oswald?”

He shook his head, “No. Our sources say that the folks in the north have been busy marrying off their youngest son. Prince Liam.”

King Knud grunted, “Yes. I almost forgot about that. So, Einar. Who is in charge of this army and who are they?”

“A woman.”

“Woman? Hum, then it’s not a Saxon army.”

“They are Danes. The woman, it’s Haldora.”

He rolled his eyes, “That witch.”

Einar nodded…