Finding a Match

Lisbon, Portugal

Queen Marie rarely let a morning catch her lazy. There was always work to be done. Her servants had just finished helping her into a pretty peach dress. Her dark hair was done in a high bun. She sent her servants away and looked at herself in the mirror. She adjusted her crown. Satisfied with her look, she headed out to meet her nephew.

She walked swiftly. She ended up in court. She spotted him. He smiled, “Tia, or should I say, your grace?” he asked as he bowed.

“Cristian,” she replied. He turned into a handsome young man finally growing into his head. His blonde hair was wispy, and his blue eyes shined, “I am so happy to see you," she said happily.

He hugged her, “It’s been some time.”

“It certainly has. And look at you,” she stated as she surveyed him, “You are a handsome young man ready to find a wife.”

He nodded, “Yes. I am ready. Do you think I will find a match here in Portugal?”

“I have sent out invitations to the eligible nobles in the town. There will be a dinner tonight in your honor. I am sure that you’ll find someone to your liking.”

He nodded.

King Tomas was nearby with Joaquin and Maximus. They heard him wishing them a safe trip. Cristian looked at his aunt, “Isn’t that Lord Joaquin, your nephew.”

She rolled her eyes, “He’s Tomas’s nephew.”

Cristian nodded, “I remember he had a daughter. She must be of age by now.”

She chuckled, “You can’t be serious.”

But he was. He saw her once when they were younger, and even though his parents told him to stay away from both Yande and Samba, he couldn’t help but be intrigued by her. “I was just—”

“Your father nor your mother would approve. I suggest you get it out of your mind. There will be plenty of Noble women for you to choose from tonight. No need to concern yourself with that girl with African blood. What if one of your children were to be born brown?”

He shrugged, “I like brown. I’m wearing it now.”

She shook her head, “Go say hello to the King.”

He nodded and walked away.

She sighed and shook her head before stepping away.

*****

Yande wore a purple halter embellished with gold. Around her neck was a gold choker. Her biceps had gold decorative cuffs, as did her forearms. She wore a red and purple skirt. Her hair was braided back in several braids with a headband made from cowry shells.

She stood in front of her ancestor’s altar. The candle burned as she spoke, “I, Yande, daughter of Aminata and Joaquin, light this candle for my benevolent ancestors. I light this candle so you can find your way to me. To guide me and protect me.”

She looked at the glasses of water on her altar and saw the bubbles form. She smiled. It was a sign that someone was there with her. “Great-grandmother, are you here?” she asked softly.

“I am always here,” the voice responded.

Her heart smiled. She took a deep breath, “Are you alone?”

“I am not. There are others here. They are proud of you. We all are. Your gifts are precious. We want to ensure that you use them wisely. Never for evil.”

“I promise that I will use my gifts wisely. To help those in need and to protect myself and others.”

“Ase.”

“Ase.”

“Yande,” she heard her mother speak.

She turned and smiled. She saw her belly. It intrigued her. She walked to her, kissed her cheek, and later touched her belly, “He is growing fast.”

Aminata placed her hand on Yande's, “He is.” She looked at her daughter, who looked so exquisite in her attire. “Your father has received several inquiries asking for your hand.”

Yande made a face.

“I know you said that you weren’t interested in marriage but—”

Yande’s head tilted, “What is it, Mother?”

“I heard you last night. You were dreaming.”

“Mother!”

“It’s normal. You’re a young woman. Your body will begin to crave a man.”

Yande gulped, “I am embarrassed.”

She chuckled, “Don't be. It’s normal. I've had dreams many times. And when your father is away—”

“Mother”

“It’s true.”

Yande smiled, “I want a man that loves me as my father loves you. If I can’t have that kind of love, I do not want it.”

“Understood.”

“When Father returns, I’ll take this one last voyage with him. Then I’ll consider matches.”

Her mother touched her face, “This is a good idea.”

******

Isle of Man

“That’s it, Prince, place your hand gently on my neck,” Lady Fiona instructed. Liam was behind her. Their bodies were pressed together. He thrust slightly. “Um,” she hummed, “Yes, that is perfect. She will love this.”

She turned and looked into his bright blue eyes. He was focused. She was pleased. He was the best student she ever had. He had a clear understanding of how to please and he wanted to please. He listened carefully and followed directions diligently.

He gasped and grunted. His cock throbbed as his DNA released into her cunt. They panted. She touched his face, “Careful Prince Liam or we may fall in love.”

He pulled his cock from her drenched center. He watched as she walked over to a tub of water that was ready. She stepped into it. He watched her sit down. He walked over and stood at the foot of the tub. She smiled as she washed her body.

“What is it, Prince Liam?”

“How will I leave here?”

“A more experienced man than before you arrived.”

He scoffed, “You know what I mean. Can you honestly say that these days we have spent together like this have not changed something inside you?”

“I am fond of you. Yet we cannot become anything more than what we already are.”

He stepped into the bath and sat. They stared into each other's eyes. He knew that they could not ever be anything more. He had to be content with what they were.

*****

Lisbon, Portugal

The castle was busy. The servants had a grand arrangement of flowers. There was a huge spread of food for the guests. Prince Cristian of Spain was dressed in his finest blue suit. His Aunt stepped into his bed chambers, “The guests will be here within the hour are you ready?”

“As ready as I can be.”

She smiled, “Great.” She left the room and headed down the hall. She saw Tomas walking with his advisor toward the exit. She followed and found him outside by his horse with a few of his men, “And just where are you headed, we have guests arriving.”

He turned to her, “This is no business of mine. Your brother asked you to find his son a match...not me. I have other things to attend to.”

She folded her arms, “Other things,” she scoffed, “do they involve your nephew’s wife?”

“Whatever they are...you can rest assured that I will take great care.”

“Um, I’m sure you will. Try not to die on your way to your nephew’s estate. I heard the roads can be tricky.” She strutted away.

King Tomas mounted his horse and rode off with his men.

******

By the night, Queen Marie was seated at the head of the table. Her nephew Prince Cristian was seated next to her on the right. The room was filled with young women all eager to marry a Prince. “I can’t believe Uncle Tomas couldn’t stay.”

She reached for his hand, “The King often has to take care of things unexpectedly. You need not worry about his absence. Now, look around the room. There are plenty of beautiful girls here. All you have to do is choose.”

He looked around the room. Lady Julia had a nose that didn’t fit her face. He imagined himself kissing her and shuddered.

Lady Rosa had eyes that seemed to look in different directions. That weirded him out.

Lady Celeste had an eyebrow that traveled from one side of her face over her nose to the other side. He sighed. His aunt nudged him, “You should ask Lady Francine to dance. She is lovely.”

He looked to his right. She was prettier. The prettiest in the room. She had brown hair. It was long and wavy. Her eyes were soft brown. Her skin had a pretty tint to it as if she bathed in the sun. He agreed, “She is quite lovely.”

Later that night, Prince Cristian asked Lady Celeste to dance. Her parents watched along with Queen Marie and others in the court. “I think my brother would be pleased. I will send word to him in the morning,” she said to Lady Celeste's mother and father.

Lord Marco nodded as he watched the Queen walk off. His wife stared into his eyes. He reached for her hands, “All of our worries can cease.”

“How will we cover the bride price?”

“Once the papers are signed, I’ll have the lands to cover the bride price.”

She was relieved. Their lands had not produced as many crops. They took a loss and owed the bank money. They knew if they secured a great match for their daughter that the bank would give them more time to repay the debt. Since Celeste was possibly securing a Prince it would be favorable to many and open up doors for new business.

*****

Getting to Joaquin’s estate was only tricky to those who weren’t familiar with the paths that led to his waterfront property. It was land that he gifted his nephew. Land away from the noise. Land away from the hustle and bustle. He was filled with joy when he arrived.

He ordered his men to stay at the guest's property while he continued to the main house. He secured his horse and went to the door. He instructed the servant to discretely notify Aminata that he was there.

Moments later, she found him in the sitting room where they would talk. He gazed upon her. Her belly. He smiled.

“King Tomas.”

He walked over to her, “Aminata, I am your Tomas.”

She shook her head, “Tomas, you can’t be here.”

“I know Joaquin is on his way to Rome. I just had to see you. To see how you were. I heard about everything.” He touched her face.

“I am all right. We are all right.”

“The baby?”

“He is fine.”

“A son,” he smiled.

“Yes.”

“You saw it?”

She nodded, “And so did Yande.”

“Does she know?”

She shook her head, “No. She would be devastated if she knew. She adores her father. That’s why we have decided to simply raise him as our own. And you and I—”

He kissed her mouth. She melted. It was hard to tell the King "no"...especially when he had done so much to protect their family. She appreciated him. She undid his pants. He lifted her skirt and squeezed her ass.

He sat on the chair and she sat on his cock. She moaned sweetly. She ran her fingers through his hair. He sucked her pert mahogany nipples. He was in love with her skin. How rich it was. She humped slowly savoring every inch. He stood. They kissed wildly. She turned. He pressed his way inside once more. The days of making love to the Queen were long gone. He lived for his secret visits at his nephew's estate where he could enjoy himself. He held her hips and fired rapidly until he exploded.

She turned to him, “How long will you stay?”

“I wish I could stay forever.”