Yande Wants to Marry

Lisbon, Portugal

Traveling brought joy to his heart. It was intriguing to see new places. To hear different languages spoken. To eat foods. As much as he loved to travel, he loved when he arrived home. Home. A place where love was abundant.

It was still dark out. He knew no one would be awake. He left the carriage and entered his home quietly. He made haste to his room. There he found his wife sleeping peacefully. He undressed quickly and slipped into bed.

Her skin was warm next to his. His cock pointed straight. He showered kisses down her spine. She hummed, “You’re home,” she said softly.

He pressed his way inside. There it was. The feeling he had missed, “Yes, my love, I am home.”

*****

Her mornings began with prayer. She spoke in Yoruba. Then she called upon her ancestors. After veneration, she sat with her eyes closed. Her heart was filled with happiness. She saw her father’s face. She smiled, “He is home,” she said as she stood and left her bed chambers.

She found him sitting in his office writing, “Father,” she said as she approached him.

“Yande, how is my daughter?”

She hugged him from behind as he sat, “I am well and happy to see you.”

She walked to the front of his desk and sat on the chair. He looked at her sweetly, “Your mother tells me that you are eager to find a husband after our return.”

She chuckled, “Eager? I am considering it.”

“Do you have someone in mind?”

Her mind flashed to Prince Cristian, but she responded, “No.”

He sat back and clasped his hands, “Samba said that you spoke about Prince Cristian.”

She shook her head, “I only said that he was handsome. But I’m sure your sweet aunt has another in mind for her nephew.”

“I am sure.”

“I do have to visit the castle today. I promised Lorenzo that I’d visit Charlotte before I left for England. Will you come?”

She nodded, “I’d be delighted.”

*****

Ustka, Poland

Despite being held prisoner, the living arrangement was seemingly pleasing. It was a small room that had one door. Outside the door was a guard. Yana lay in bed. The door opened, and Sif walked in. The door shut. She sat up, “Any word on my husband?” she said with desperation.

He shook his head, “Lord Jacek must think you are my wife. These men will try to have you. As you are a beautiful woman.”

“How then will Sigurd know to pay the ransom?”

“I have sent word to Kattegat. I’m sure once Sigurd returns, they will deliver the news. They will come here to rescue you.”

She shook her head, “I can’t stop thinking about Revena. Ida. I wonder—”

He touched her hand, “Don’t upset yourself; you must take it easy. For your child’s sake.”

She touched her growing belly, “You’re right.”

“They will bring food in a little while. How do you feel?”

She smiled, “I am well.” She looked around, “Considering. I am well. I miss my husband.”

He touched her face. Her skin was soft. She wanted to give in, but she moved away. They heard a knock. The door opened. A servant placed a tray of food on the table and left.

******

Kattegat

Since their husband was away, Freya and Emma found ways to entertain one another. The morning started with sweet kisses. They giggled and touched each other below. Their soft sweet moans filled the room.

Freya rolled on top of Emma. Her tongue circled the areolas. She later sucked. Her fingers penetrated below. She felt Emma’s juices building up. They leaked on her fingers. She went down and slurped her wine. It was sweet.

Emma played in her hair and bit her bottom lip, “Freya, my love,” she moaned. Freya continued to lick, slurp, and flick Emma’s swollen clitoris until she shuddered, “Ahhhhhh!”

The horn blew alerting them that a ship was approaching. Freya paused. Her lips were still wet with Emma’s nectar. Emma sat up, “Who do you think it is?”

“We should get dressed and find out.”

****

Freya and Emma walked to the docks to witness the men and some ladies helping to secure the small vessel. Freya saw a familiar face, she smiled, “Ida?”

Ida stepped off the boat with her people, “Yes, sorry to visit without notice but—”

“No, it’s fine. Is everything okay?”

Ida shook her head, “I am afraid not. Our lands were attacked. We barely escaped with our lives.”

A man was standing nearby. He listened as Ida gave Freya and Emma the details. He walked away suspiciously after the women started for the great hall.

Once they entered the hall, the servants brought them food and ale. They sat and spoke. Ida was determined to board a ship for England to tell her brother Sigurd, but Freya suggested that she stay at Kattegat until the warriors returned.

“You are safe here. Stay with us,” Freya encouraged Ida.

“Yes, you can stay with us," confirmed Emma.

“I appreciate it, but I need to tell my brother. I must find him.”

Freya knew once Ida had her mind set...there was not much chance she would change it. “Very well then, at least rest a few days before your journey.”

Ida nodded.

*****

Lisbon, Portugal

King Ferdinand and his lovely wife, Queen Francesca, arrived at court. His sister Queen Marie greeted them, “Welcome, come inside; everyone is waiting.”

They followed her into the castle. The family was there. Cristian saw his mother and hurried to her, “I heard you were here,” he reached for her hands. She kissed his cheek.

“Son,” his father said.

He nodded, “Father, it is nice to see you.”

“So, we heard you selected a fine Portuguese wife.”

He made a face. Queen Marie rubbed his shoulder, “He sure has. She’s a lovely girl. Nice hips. She should provide him plenty of children.”

His mother nodded, but she knew his demeanor. He didn’t look excited.

“You will meet her later. We will sign the betrothal papers.”

King Ferdinand smiled, “This is good to hear. All of my sons, married and providing heirs to continue our bloodline on the throne.”

As they talked, King Tomas entered with his brother Juan and his sister-in-law Carolina. They greeted each other and spoke a little longer.

A servant entered and announced, “Lord Joaquin is here with his family.”

He smiled from ear to ear. Queen Marie's lips were pinched tightly.

“It’s a beautiful day when my nephew and his family pay us a visit," said King Tomas.

Juan rolled his eyes. His wife smiled, “I can’t wait to see our grandchildren.”

“I must excuse myself,” said Lord Juan.

“Juan?” she called to him. She shook her head. It had been too many years for him to still be upset. She was happy.

They entered. The room froze. The dress Yande wore was white with gold embellishment. It was off-the-shoulders. She wore a gold choker in the shape of the letter V with a round piece at the end. A small amount of her belly showed. The skirt sat low on her waist. Her hair was an array of beautiful curls.

Aminata wore a purple gown. On her head was a yellow head wrap. Queen Marie whispered, “Do they always have to show so much skin? It’s so unladylike.”

“I think the dresses are beautiful,” King Tomas replied.

Queen Francesca saw how her son’s eyes caressed Yande. It had been years since she had seen Yande or Samba. She remembered how much Marie urged her not to let her sons play with Joaquin’s children. But Francesca only went along with it because Marie was her husband’s sister.

She didn’t mind the children who had African blood. She was friends with The Moors in Spain. Her caregiver was a Moor.

Yande spoke in Spanish to the King and Queen. King Ferdinand smiled, “You have kind manners, young lady.”

Lady Carolina hugged her grandchildren, “Samba, look at you. You are a handsome young man. And, Yande...my,” she almost cried, “you two should come to see me more often.”

“I would love to grandmother, but we try not to go where our presence upsets the people,” Yande replied as she side-eyed Queen Marie.

Queen Marie rolled her eyes, “It’s good that you all have visited. We are having a festive occasion. We are celebrating my nephew Cristian's betrothal.”

Yande looked at Cristian, “Congratulations. I did not know.”

“It was all very sudden. The papers haven’t been signed. It’s—”

“Enough, Cristian. Lady Celeste is perfect. Her mother is a Spaniard, and her father is Portuguese. You will have the most beautiful children," boasted Queen Marie.

Just then, Lorenzo and his darling pregnant wife appeared, “Yande is here,” she said excitedly.

They hugged, “Look at you,” Yande said as he touched her belly. She smiled.

“Charlotte's eyes widened, “What am I having?”

“You can tell what she’s having?” asked Cristian.

“Yande has guessed the sex of all of the other babies in the castle,” said Lorenzo.

Marie huffed, “It’s nonsense...anyone can guess.”

“And yet, you have not guessed correctly once, Mother,” replied Lorenzo.

Yande chuckled, “I should keep it a secret.”

“You should dare not, tell me now, is it a boy?” Lorenzo asked eagerly.

“Would you be upset if it were a girl?”

“Of course not.”

“It is a boy.”

He hugged his wife.

******

Queen Francesca wanted to speak to her son privately away from the ears and watchful eye of Marie. She looked at her youngest child. She smiled, “Your brothers are all married to women your aunt found and none of them are happy.”

Cristian remained silent. He listened to his mother.

“They run around having affairs. They have so many bastard sons and daughters in Spain...it’s hard to keep up. I want you to be happy Cristian. Is this woman, Lady Celeste your choice?”

Before he could answer, Queen Marie arrived with Lady Celeste, “This is Queen Francesca, your soon-to-be mother-in-law.”

Celeste bowed, “Your grace, I am pleased.”

Queen Francesca smiled, “You are quite lovely.” She looked at her son; she didn’t see that spark in his eyes.

“Come. The men are outside showing us their archer skills.”

Queen Francesca nodded; they left the room.

*****

The women sat and watched as the men displayed their skills. Each fired arrows at targets placed 200, 300, and 400 meters away.

The women watched and sipped on wine. Yande watched her brother. She smiled to see him doing well. He was growing into a fine young man with great character. Cristian fired his arrow. He hit the center target. He looked back to see if Yande noticed. She smiled.

Lady Celeste saw how he looked upon Yande. She looked at Queen Marie. She whispered, “It seems your nephew is more interested in that girl.”

“Men often tend to wander, but they always come home sooner or later. You will be home. Let him wander.”

Lady Celeste didn’t like that answer. She burned within as she watched Cristian put on a display for Yande.

The men paused for a drink. They laughed and joked. Yande walked over to her father and brother. She spoke to them.

As she spoke to them, Lady Celeste’s mother spoke to Queen Marie, “When can we sign the papers?” she asked with a sense of urgency.

Queen Francesca overheard, “It will be before dinner. Unless you need them right at this moment.”

She smiled, “No, your grace. Before dinner is just fine.”

But there was a sense of urgency. The bank was holding off on taking two of their properties. The betrothal paperwork would be enough to convince the bank that they were marrying into a family with good standing. They only had a few days to take care of everything.

“That girl, shouldn’t she be over here with the women before she gets hurt?”

“My daughter is a skilled fighter,” Aminata replied.

“Fighting. A woman. Such barbaric tasks should be left for the men.”

“I was a warrior back in my country. I have fought and killed many men.”

The woman gulped as she watched Aminata strut over to where her daughter stood with the men.

Marie scoffed inside, “Such arrogance as she parades around my castle with my husband’s seed growing inside her belly.”

“What was that?” Queen Francesca asked.

“Nothing.”

The men were about to start again. Lorenzo patted Samba’s back, “I always thought I was the best archer in Portugal. It seems you are dear cousin.”

“I learned from the best,” Samba replied as he looked at his parents.

“We learned from the best,” Yande added.

“You’re an archer as well?” Cristian asked.

“I can do many things,” she replied as she took the bow and arrow and fired off an arrow that landed right next to the arrow he put in the center of the target moments earlier.

He smiled, “That is impressive.”

As Cristian spoke with Yande. His mother took notice. Her heart she smiled. Later after things settled down, she spoke with Queen Marie, “I think Cristian favors Lady Yande.”

Marie’s face didn’t budge, “We already gave our word to Lady Celeste. I’m sure this little infatuation will dissipate over time. Trust me, Francesca—”

“Nothing has been signed. I want my son to be happy. Look at how happy Lorenzo is with Charlotte. I want that for Cristian. I want one of my sons to have a good marriage.”

“What constitutes a good marriage?” she asked and before the queen could respond, “It requires two people dedicated to making the marriage good. Cristian just has to do his part.” She walked off.

Queen Francesca was left there staring at the back of her head as she walked away.

*****

Samba witnessed Yande alone with Cristian. He saw Cristian hand his sister a rose. Then he saw him kiss his sister. He sighed. Later when he found Yande, he pulled to the side, “Yande, I see you are about to make a huge mistake.”

“Mistake?”

“Cristian is betrothed.”

She sighed, “Nothing has been finalized.”

“He is not the one.”

“How do you know? He is kind. He reminds me of our father. I would love him. He would love me.” She marched off.

But his vision of them together only showed turmoil. He didn’t feel good in his spirit about it.

******

Lady Celeste conversed with Cristian about her feelings, “Tell me the truth, do you love her?”

He was silent.

She shook her head, “I don’t want to be in a loveless marriage. I’m willing to do my part, but only if I have a partner who is willing to do his.”

“You deserve to be with someone that will love you. I am sorry.”

She marched away. She found her mother and father. She spoke to them about what happened. Her father was outraged. He needed that marriage. Everything was in an uproar. Queen Marie pulled the father aside to calm him, “I will take care of this.”

He nodded, “You better. Or your little secret can be made public and we all know what happens to Queens who are unfaithful to their husbands.”

“Well, I wouldn’t be the only one losing my head now would I?”

He scoffed, “Fix this.”

She watched as he left with his wife and daughter. She hurried over to her brother who was already speaking to Joaquin on behalf of his son. “Now, just wait—” she attempted to stop the transaction.

“Marie, I’ve listened to your advice for years. I rather enjoy Lady Yande and think she would be a great match for my son. She meets all the requirements.”

“And what about—”

They all waited for her to say it but she didn’t dare.

King Ferdinand smiled, “So, it’s settled. She and Cristian will be married. The sooner. The better.”

*****

The contract was signed. Cristian was overjoyed. He reached for Yande’s hands, “Soon you will be my wife. I can’t wait. I want to have as many children as we can. I have a property in Spain near the water. I know how much you love being by the water. And—”

She chuckled and hugged him, “I am happy.”

Samba congratulated them even though he felt odd. She looked at him, “Don’t be angry, Samba, this is what I want.”

“I am not angry. I just wish that you would trust my visions as much as I trust yours.” He walked away.

****

Queen Marie stood outside of the castle; she spoke to several men, “I don’t care how you do it...just make her disappear.”

“Kill her?”

“I am not paying you to kill her but if she ends up dead...I won’t lose any sleep over it.” She smirked. “you have your orders, now go.”

They scurried off into the night.

*****

The night was quiet. Perfect for two young people to take a stroll. They were in the forest. He stopped by a tree. His hand touched the right side of her face just before he kissed her. His fingers were in her hair. He pressed his forehead to hers, “I want you so badly.”

She smiled, “We will have plenty of time for that after we’re married.”

“You’re right.”

I have a surprise for you. He walked her around to the other side of the tree where he had a blanket on the ground with a basket of wine, cheese, and fruit. He helped her to sit. He poured her a glass of wine, “Your father gifted it to me. He said he got it when he was in Rome.”

She smiled, “It’s delicious.”

After a few glasses, they both began to yawn. We should get back to the castle,” she suggested.

He attempted to stand and fell back. She hurried to him, “Cristian,” she said as she touched his face.

“Yande,” she heard a whisper. She looked around and saw that she was surrounded by men. She placed Cristian down. He rested in the grass. She stood and faced the three men. Her heartbeat quickened.

They grinned. “Looks like the pretty girl wants to fight.”

Her eyes were heavy. She pulled out a blade that she kept on her. One man leaped at her. She slashed his arm. He cried out as he grabbed his arm.

The other man reached for her. She swung but he avoided being cut. She was losing her balance. She held up her hand. One man froze in his spot.

The other asked, “What are you doing?”

“I can’t move,” he replied with worry. “that bitch is some kind of a witch.”

Her right hand remained up, The man stayed frozen in his place. But the other two were closing in on her. Her eyes closed...

******

When morning arrived, Queen Marie was in her study. One of the men stood before her, “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed such things were possible.”

She eyed him in disbelief. His story seemed wild. Then again, he was wild. Plus, she didn't care. She only wanted the issue resolved. “Thank you. That will be all,” she said as she motioned him off with a wave of her hand.

He nodded and left. She turned to her guard and gave him a head nod. He followed the man out of her office.

*****

Cristian woke up in his bed chambers. His head was heavy. He looked around the room. His clothes were off. He touched his head as he sat up. Slowly, he dressed. He went to the court where he heard a lot of ruckus.

Aminata was visibly upset. He walked over and asked, “What has happened?”

Aminata passed out in Joaquin’s arms. Cristian looked at Samba, “What?”

Everyone was crying. His heart became heavy, “Where is Yande?”

“We think someone may have killed her. There was a man found dead in the forest. He had Yande’s things. Two other men were found. They said that they threw her body into the ocean after they—”

Samba couldn’t finish his statement. His heart fell into his gut. Cristian shook his head. His mother rubbed his arm, “No, this can’t be.”

“If she is no longer a viable option, there is still Lady Celeste,” Queen Marie mentioned.

King Tomas eyed her with contempt, “Seriously, Marie?”

“I was only trying to find the bright side. Sure he’ll need some time.” She nodded with fake concern and later walked off with a grin.