Spirits of the Earth

[ @Spicyspice ]

Adalia stared up at the sky and heaved out the sigh that had been stuck in her throat. The tears had long since dried up but still, there heavy feeling in her chest wasn't going to be going away anytime soon. It sort of came out of no where.

A man with a wide range a deep pocket, Adalia was forcibly brought home. Her horse was tucked away in his stable and she'd barely gotten to say good bye to... Adalia let her head drop forward, squeezing her eyes shut in the process. They were going to part ways anyway, lives too different, grown to far apart. There was still something there but it wasn't... Enough. Adalia pressed the back of her gloved hand to her cheek and cleared her throat while she fixed her seating.

Brought home and less than a month later, told her she was going to marry a potential Duke in Connlaoth.

It felt like a slap to the face. Her, a mage, being sent to Connlaoth. Fear and misery were heavy in her chest and Adalia could have sworn her eyelids were chapped from the crying she'd been doing on and off since she'd left her home in Kia's Court. This was just what she wanted for her life - to live the rest of it in misery in a country that would hate her.  Adalia wasn't sure if she felt complimented or alarmed that the Grand Duke himself arranged this - though she'd heard from her father that it was originally the Grade Duke she was supposed to wed.

The idea of that made her sick.

Neck deep in it.

Adalia pressed her fingers to the silver clips in her hair opal hair, tied up in a multitude of braids. They'd been married already through a proxy to move things along - The duchy needed money and her father had wanted his ties, there was no time to wait for a proper marriage. Adalia took another deep breath, unable to stall any longer. Atras had been wandering after the carriage, looking a little thinner after the journey. Hopefully he could fatten up here.

Finally, she opened the carriage door and stepped out and she was quite the vision.

First impressions were everything and she was done up to the tens. Green eyes were a stark contrast to her pale skin and opal hair, done up with silver clips with chips of jade and other precious gems. The dress was extravagant, the neck closed off and part of a shrug that went to her wrists, hands covered by gloves. The dress was strapless and was tight around her bust, the fabric to the ground covering her feet and a few feet of iridescent fabric trailing behind her, high heels making clicking noises against the ground. Obviously too dressed up and Adalia felt, well, stupid.

This was a silent challenge. A quiet confirmation of just who she was. The wealth she came from. The status she had as... Well, she was just a Serenian noble. Adalia made sure her arms were covered, careful not to show the burns, careful not to not look beyond amazing.

A delivered wife. Bride. Whatever.

Shifting her stance, she looked over her shoulder to the guards and footmen, Connlaothian all of them. All... So... The same looking. Adalia felt like a fish out of water here and she stayed by the carriage while someone went in to announce her. Deep breath. Supposedly her new husbands name was Edward. He'd been married before. Had a daughter. Her gloved hands smoothed over her dress and she stood up, shoulders back, and tried to look... Ethereal.

Tried to look Serenian.

And also tried not to puke because she was sure that was going to happen pretty soon if her nerves got anymore raw.

This marriage nearly came out of the blue. But with Duke Harold of Highheart on his death bed and he, the fully pronounced next 'heir'; he knew he had duties and obligations, and with the Grand Duke being heirless, he knew he, being a new and upcoming duke, couldn't fail the same. But a marriage to a foreigner was a strange proposal indeed! And who was he to deny the demands of the crown? He followed blindly behind Grand Duke Allarrick and only questioned innocently once that 'Oh, she's Serenian?'

He had been briefed for weeks all about her. Her families standing, her wealth, what she looked like and all of that. The thing that struck him the most odd of all was that she was openly a mage.

Although he never outwardly challenged Grand Duke Allarrick's war, he wasn't a man truly fit for it. Rage just wasn't him, nor anger, and it took a lot to get him riled up so. In fact, he was a man of many virtues and never once stumbled from the path of his own chosing morals...

Except that one time he fell in love and had bedded a woman he thought loved him. It had been a mistake, and he still felt the guilt for it. Would his wife to be ever forgive him? He would confess to her, certainly, of this, but he had so many other things he'd have to do for her to ensure her transition here in Connlaothian society went smoothly.

Their meeting would be a wedding, she to come to his keep, and then escorted together to the church to confirm the paper work wedding in person. So he was decked out in the colors of Highheart; a strange mixture of blues and golds with white embroidery. He couldn't wear the Dukes full colors, but at least had to pay his respects, especially on his wedding day.

And he was nervous, his hands clammy with sweat as he readjusted his buttons ten times over. There were too many of them, lining him from neck to thigh, but such were the attire of the occasion. He even wore a ribbon in his hair to match, that of which he had Britta tie in herself for him as he was finishing up getting ready. The bow was white, and she was happy she got to pin little blue and gold pearls into it.

"Daddy looks pretty!" she told him, beaming. She was old enough to understand what was going on, and also well enough to question, "I still wish you were marrying Dahlia." And the way she pronounced it, it sounded more like DUH YEE UH.

There was a painful touch present in his eyes as he got to his knees and patted his daughter's shoulders.

"Lady Gray doesn't wish to marry me," he reminded her. "And the Grand Duke himself chose my new wife. We should consider ourselves lucky!"

Britta made a face as her father went on to tell her this. she was so stubborn sometimes and only beginning to learn about the laws revolving around the nobility. He leaned forward to kiss her forehead.

"Your dress makes you look like an angel."

"I'm a princess."

Her father laughed.

"That too. You truly are." he told her, scooping her up and kissing her cheek again.

Off in the distance, he heard some commotion through the window and there was a knock at the door.

"Lord Draven. Your wife's caravan is on the way."


The stairs were too long as he made his way from his tower room. Even Britta grew impatient of the walk and rushed on ahead, despite his protests. And he tried to catch up to her, and a stubbed toe later, she was already rushing out across the lawn at the site of the pretty lady dolled up in white.

"She has white hair!" she cried gleefully, seemingly unphased by any propriety that her cries might elicit. Her father never disciplined her that way. He never had to. And she was rushign straight through the mud.

"Britta!" Edward called after her, doing the same, and grimacing as he felt his boots splatter across the muddy lawn. He hoped it didn't get into his pants or the tails of his shirt. Changing into something else would be off putting at best.
But as he chased after his daughter he began to slow at the sight of his wife to be-

And she was certainly something, a raw of opulence standing at the end of the cobblestone path with a gushing fountain alight behind her. Britta was already before her long before Edward could even see the woman's face-
and he already knew she was beautiful, and he couldn't help himself but gawk.

Britta was all questions to the woman, seeming not to hold back.

"You're pretty! Your hair shines like diamonds. Is it made of diamonds? Can I see your diamond hair? Did your mother make your dress? My grandma didn't make my dad's. He was sad she didn't. He got his suit from Duke Harold. Do you know Duke Harold? Did he send him? Do you know the Grand Duke? I never met him. Just once. Your dress is pretty. It's prettier than mine. Does your marriage mean I'll bea princess? Are you a queen?"

The questions were unending and finally Edward jogged over to Adalia's side, trying to catch his breath, hsi cheeks pink.

"Please, do forgive my daughter, my Lady." He bowed most regally before her. "I am Lord Edward Draven, your intended." He was still huffing as he gestured his hand towards Britta whom he took her hand and pulled to his side. "This little talkative princess is my daughter, Lady Britta Draven. Say hello, Britta."

Britta made a face.
"Hello."

Edward's face was aglow. His daughter was the world to him and just chasing after her made him forget the strange butterflies in his belly...
That was, until he got a good look at Adalia's face.


And she was beautiful.

Well.

At least one good thing would come of this. The little girl caught her off guard. Not a shy little thing at all! The look of shock on her face while she prattled off a hundred questions and then was pulled... deep breaths. Adalia looked at Edward, watched him bow. Introduced his daughter.

"It's lovely to meet you," she said softly before taking a few steps towards the pair, crouching down in front of the little girl. Like the rest of Adalia, her hair was even just the littest bit strange. As she crouched and angles changed it would appear her hair changed colours. Soft blue, pink. Yellow. A little bit of green.

"My name is Adalia," she smiled brightly, glancing up at Edward before she looked at Britta again. Slowly, she reached to her hair, pulling one of the silver clips from her strange tumble of braids and curls. Removing it, causing her hair to fall over her shoulder in an opalescent waterfall of hair.

"A gift," she said, reaching to clip it into Britta's hair before she stood up and stepped back, removing the second clip so her hair just hung to her waist. The second clip was held out to Edward. The intricate design, the gemstones. "For you as well, i don't imagine you would want to wear it though." She smiled slightly, glancing over her shoulder to Atras who was waiting impatiently to either go somewhere or to eat.

A look to Edward and she took a breath. "Your daughter is lovely," she finished awkwardly.

Britta's eyes were the size of the grand duke's palace.
"Really?" she squealed. "I can keep it!? It's all mine!?"
She looked to her father who was all smiles as he nodded.

"Of course. Be sure to thank her, Britta."

Britta was positively jumping.
"Thank you, thank you!" And she nearly dropped the thing out of enthusiasm, and when one was offered to Edward, he stared at it awkwardly before giving Adalia a sheepish look.

"If it would make you feel more at home and more comfortable, I'd gladly wear it for you, milady," he went on with a bow, but kept the delicate jewelry tucked inside his hand.

Adalia just stared, lifting an eyebrow.

"Its quite the feminine hairclip," she teased, "but I won't judge if you want to wear it." Adalia smiled to Britta,  pleased by the girls enthusiam. "More of an heirloom, I imagine," she said softly.

This was awkward. This man was her husband now. A pang of diappointment at the way her life had gone.

At least she still had Atras.

"What now? Are we off for the... ceremony? Is Britta going to hand you to me?" She teased, looking down at the little girl.

Edward's eyes danced.
"I wouldn't wish to offend my wife," he told her properly, with a bow in acknowledgement of the gift.

And at her last query, Britta perked up, "I'm too small! I don't think I could hand my daddy to anyone!"

My wife.

Adalia tried not to wince at the words.

"I'm hard to offend," she teased head tilted

This man in front of her was nothing like she imagined who she'd spend the rest of her life with. Much less... Wild. Adalia smiled all the same and returned the bow with a nod of her head, and she turned to Britta with a smile before she crouched down.

"Well, I'm going to be part of your family now," Adalia said, feeling her chest tighten. A nervous glance to Edward and she smiled at Britta, not wanting to expose a child to any awkward nervous tension she felt. Did her new... Husband feel that way? Was he fine with this? Did he have a choice? "I'd like us to get along," Adalia smoothed her hands down her front and tossed her opal hair over her shoulder before letting out a breath.

"Shall we? The sooner we get the ceremony over with the sooner I can get out of this dress," She looked down at it and then at Britta, "We can keep it for when you get married." In twenty years or so, that is.

Britta made a face. She understood the complexity of the situation at least a little bit, and by that, not much at all. But then the woman went on to talk about her wedding dress an dBritta grew defensive.

"No! I'm wearing my mom's!"
And then she further went on to ask, a little huffy, "Why don't you like your dress?" Her little lip jutted out as she looked the beautiful woman over. "It's pretty." Like her hair.

Awww, Shit. Already put her foot in her mouth and it's been barely twenty minutes.

Adalia was careful to keep her words inside her head. Of course the girl had a mother. Of course the girl had a dead mother. And of course the girl was going to cherish that mother. Logical. Adalia chewed on her lip and looked nervously to Edward, feeling terribly awkward now.  "Of course, I didn't... I'm sorry, how about... I just keep it for you and... You can wear it to a ball someday. It might be a little flashy - "Adalia couldn't think of any dresses she brought that weren't flashy, " But you'll catch everyone's eye." Swallowing carefully she closed her eyes for a moment and took a breath.

"I don't really like wearing dresses," She shifted to stand up, smoothing her hands over her hips.  "I'm a... Loose shirts and pants person. You'll see once I've made myself at home," She smiled and turned around, if he wasn't going to get the day rolling, she might as well. Adalia looked towards the carriage, "Shall we?" A heavy hint, because she waved her arms at it in an effort of saying 'let's go'.

Edward felt guilty Adalia had to be reminded, and so early on, that she was not his daughters mother, and in fact, he had been married before. But before he had a chance to apologize, the woman was gesturing them to move onward and oh! They had been dawdling over their acquaintances, hadn't they?

"Ah, yes. We shouldn't keep anyone waiting." He moved to kneel before Britta, fixing her hair and asked her, "Would you like to wear Lady Adalia's gift?"

His daughter nodded and looked over at Adalia while her father fixed it in her hair and turned with a smile towards his bride.

"I think that about does it," An dhe moved to offer out his arm. "Let us go then." ANd he guided her into the carriage where the ride was fairly quiet and fairly short. The church was not far from where he dwelled and as the carriage approached, the church bells were ringing.

The moment the carriage stopped, Britta was eager and jumping out of the thing and her father had to call after her to remind her, "Stay close! This is not a day for play, Britta." But the young girl pouted, and a servant nearby rounded her up as Edward sighed and once again offered his arm to Adalia.

"When we have children of our own, I promise you, they're all handfuls."

That stopped her dead.

Adalia took Edwards arm, green eyes on him for a moment after his comment.

"Children,"  Adalia repeated, "of our own." She moved her hand to Britta, "But... you already have Britta." A look to the side and then back to Edward, cheeks bright pink compared to her opal hair. "You... You intend to have more?" Adalia cleared her throat, "with me?"

Edward hadn't thought much into it except it was his duty, after all, as her husband. And as the Duke of High heart. It was assumed of him to try for an heir.

He gave her a smile, but even he felt awkward by her question.

"Well, yes. As.. as a Duke, it is assumed I'd try for an heir. Connlaoth.. is a patriarchal society. So unlike Serendipity, Britta has no claims to the lands I rule." That and well...
"Besides I... I always wanted a lot of kids," he admitted, his own cheeks going pink as he cleared his throat and lead the way, avoiding her gaze because well..
He hadn't thought TOO much into what that entailed.

The poor thing might not have considered what was to come on their wedding night!

The blushing was mutual.

While Adalia was no virgin, having sex with a near perfect stranger was something she never intended to do. A glance down and her back was straight. Right. Adalia deflated a little, looking away before she pushed ringlettes of opal over her shoulder again.

"I... See," Adalia let him guide her along, heart picking up as her panic mounted. The urge to flee and run away was overwhelming but she swallowed and closed her eyes while she tried to calm herself. "How many is a lot?" She asked softly, "do you plan on keeping me barefoot and pregnant, Lord Edward?"

"Barefoot and pregnant?" he blinked, not getting what she meant. But at her query, he wouldn't make her wait.
"Oh... I.. I don't know. I.. I never thought of a number. I.. well, my first wife and I always had planned to just keep trying..."

Adalia smiled.

"Too busy being pregnant to do anything?" She gave him a wry smile and glanced away, nodding a little. Adalia licked her lips and looked at the nearing church, "I guess we'll see, My Lord." A moment to close her eyes and she stopped for a moment to let Britta get out of ear shot.

"Are we having sex tonight?" She asked him, voice low, giving him a curious look.

And that's when Edward stumbled, clean into his bride.
Did she honestly just ....

His eyes were wide, curious and confused as he stumbled over his apologies. But then he looked at her, seriously, worriedly.

"I... it is presumed we consummate.. the marriage. On the wedding night."

Did things have to get more awkward by bringing it up now? Sure in Connloath it was presumed but.. oh! Was it truly not expected in Serendipity? Now he felt foolish for simply presuming it. His cheeks were pink

"B-But I.. I wouldn't force you, of course."

But he was a Duke. It was to be expected.


But he was also still... Edward. And he wasn't a man to just force himself on a woman if they were so repulsed at the idea. He just.. hoped she wouldn't always be repulsed and well..
A part of him had the silly notion she could be another perfect woman, in a perfect world he had always envisioned with a loving wife and many kids.. happy and loving forever.

At least he was honest.

Adalia gave him a small smile, head tilted to the side.  The small smile turned into a wide grin when she noticed his blush. "Are you shy?" She said softly, leaning in to look at him.

"You're actually kind of cute when you blush," Adalia decided, curling her arm around his again. "I am in Connlaoth, my... Husband is Connlaothian. My children will be," compromise, "And I suppose I'll have to get used to it." She walked with him and took a deep breath, "let's see what the night brings," Adalia glanced at him, "maybe I can be seduced."

It was an interesting position she found herself. Around such a blushy man.

Never did a single thought cross his mind that his wife would be openly curious or forward with sex. But here they were, having met just nearly half an hour ago, and his 'wife' was now mentioning seduction.


By now the pink crept all the way to his ears. He gave her a bashful smile and subtle shake of his head.
"I would never desire to make you unhappy."
Yes, they'd see what the night would bring indeed!

When a member of the clergy waved them down, he was brought back to his senses and forced to swallow the forming knot in his throat.

"Ah! Duke Draven! What a lovely day for a wedding! See how the sun shines on us? clearly it is shining for you!"


Edward faltered in his smile but replied in kind as he ushered his bride into the church.

"One can only surmise Ansgar is with us on this day." An dhe nodded to Adalia. "It seems even our God is shining for us." He gestured forward. "Come, let us go inside the church." And he guided her along with him, the hum from the organ inside the church consumed the entire place, and so many guests were held within Edward nearly faltered at the end of the aisles of pews they still needed to walk.

A large turn out.

Adalia went quiet and looked around. No doubt a good number of them would hate her simply because she was... Herself. Adalia pressed a hand to her stomach and let out a calming breath. If she didn't look perfect.

Lifting her head and squaring her shoulders, she kept her face neautral and she glanced to Edward. "May your God smile on us and our union," and may Kia bless her. Another deep breath and she turned away, "I look forward to our life together, Edward."

The ceremony went as beautiful as the day. Though the priest's reading was long winded (as to be expected), and the Grand Duke himself surprised them with a personal gift (a white horse to the bride and new armor, fitting of a Duke who was soon to join the army on behalf of hte Grand Duke, and supporting of the new draft).

But him joining the army was the furthest thing from his mind. First, it was duty to his wife, this marriage, and his country on this day, and as they were presented as man and wife; he blushed deeply as he leaned in to kiss his bride.

The dress was getting more heavy and itchy as the day went on. Finally, with minimal fidgiting, they came to end. Adalia flushed at the idea of kissing him and she looked at him. Their lips touching was.. Well, as was to be expected of kissing a strange.

Still, she pushed into it, her hands on his elbows. Pulling away, she looked at Edward. She could have done worse. Slowly she looked to Britta. She was officially-officially the girls step-mom. Did Britta want siblings? Adalia gave a small smile to Edward, "I'm a little nervous now," she whispered to him.

"Why are you nervous?" he whispered back, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "We haven't even had our dinner yet."

A quick glance around and she smiled at his attempt to reassure her.

"I don't think I've had so many eyes on me in my life," she admitted, glancing around. Thenn, for her own benefit, she leaned in, lips close to edward's ear, "and you aren't too bad of a kisser." Leaning back, she smiled and waited for the reaction  - also to be led away. She had no idea where she was going.

It took too many moments for him to get what was going on, his face completely red from his comment, but he stumbled on out, new wife on his arm as all of the guests cheered. He couldn't wait to get out of the prying eyes of all of their guests, but he knew the day would be long with a lot of entertaining. After all, he naturally had to host a wedding celebration within his own castle-
But now all he was thinking about was what the night would bring.

It was a strange whirlwind of similar but... Different.

In Adalia's opinion, everything was perfectly modest.

As was Serenian tradition or tradition for her family, after they arrived back at Edwards home - her home now, she supposed - Adalia excused herself. Asking a maid where her belongings had been taken, Adalia was pleased to find them put away and ... Deep breaths. Just a moment to herself. Closing her eyes, she took a breath and pressed her hands to her stomach.

Jade green eyes were casting around the room in search of her other dress. Deep breaths. Adalia stared down at her gloves, pressing her fingers together while she undid the sides of the extravagant wedding gown. She'd forgotten to request that specific dress be left out. There were impressions to be made. Opinions to be formed.

Adalia's back was exposed in the dress as she wandered around her new bedroom, pushing things aside in the closet. A look to various cases and containers and she pried one open. Nothing. Where was it? All her anxieties were made apparent while she searched frantically for the dress. They'd think she was just... Gone. The aloof serenian. The mage... Did they know? Surely they knew.

No. Her father could have lied about it.

Adalia stared at the various other articles of clothing in the closet. Her pants and shirts had been folded and tucked away in the ornate dresser. Deep breaths. Any dress here would be fine. They were fancy enough on their own. It would be fine. Angrily she wiped at the frustrated tears, head ducked down while she gathered herself and simply picked a vibrant blue dress, all slink and drape. Maybe she took too long, but she was still frustrated while she pulled it on, making sure it fell just right. Making sure the gloves were on high enough to cover the burns.

Had her father lied about those too?

She supposed, she should ask her new... Edward... What he knew about her.

Then maybe she could tell him the truth. Start off on a ... At least... Truthful foot.

Adalia fixed her hair, pinched her cheeks to add a flush to them that wasn't caused by the salt of her angry tears and finally descended to this... Party of his. The end of the dress was hooked to her wrist to keep most of it off the floor and watching his guests... Adalia felt like an intruder. Who of these people were family? Friends?

At least she could make Edward blush. Silver lining. Was that him over there?

Well, shit.

Nervously she chewed on her lower lip, looking around. Couldn't even tell her own husband from the crowd.

That's when a little hand grabbed at her own. Britta's eyes were large as she looked up at her.
"Come on! You're making Daddy nervous! He's been looking for you!"

Saved by the daughter.

Adalia smiled at Britta, curling her hand around the little girls before giving a little hesitant nod.  "I'm sorry, Honey, can you lead me to him? I'm afraid I'm not used to seeing so many... Common hair colours."

Britta made a face at her. She had no idea what she meant.

"There are a lot of people here. My dad doesn't normally like that. He says too many people means too many can be thinking about you." Though she never fully grasped the reason nor logic behind it, but she had heard her father say it on more than one occasion, though never to her.

She continued to tug on Adalia's hand.

"He's over here. Out on the balcony."

so many eyes were upon them as the child guided the 'new mother by marriage' along, and out through the open set of double doors to where a man in equal fancy attire from earlier (but obviously not the same garb) had his back to the pair. He was the only one out there, and he was staring off towards the gardens.

"Daddy!"

Turning, she'd note it was Edward, who's smile warmed at the sight of his daughter.

"There you are!" He bent down to hug his daughter tightly, keeping her to him for a great long time before finally letting her go and peering over at Adalia sheepishly as his daughter huffed,
"I found her. She was over there." And she pointed, acting like her father might know what direction she had meant.

He smiled at her.

"Thank you for bringing her to me, Britta." And as he rose, his eyes took Adalia in with a small smile.
"You look radiant in that color," he told her. "Would you care for a drink?"

Paranoid fellow then?

Adalia let Britta lead her away, smiling all the while and letting the girl tug her along. Finally there he was. Her cheat-sheet of remembering most people by the weird hair colours serenians were blessed with wasn't going to work here. She supposed she could start by remembering his face. It was sweet how much he loved his daughter.

"I..." Adalia hadn't been expecting the compliment but she smiled all the same, "Thank you." She moved towards him, moving to stand beside him, "I would love a drink," An easy smile to him and she turned to look at the gardens. "I'm sorry for disappearing, It seems the day caught up with me when I couldn't find the original dress I wanted I... Kind of lost my head." A tight lipped smile and she motioned to the blue one, "But I made do and I feel a little better now. Still nervous. Do you know all these people?"

"Well, this dress suits you well." He paused a moment, to really admire her hair. It was truly unique. He never saw anyone with such hair. Then again, he rarely left Connlaoth.

At her comment about all of the guests, he shrugged and blushed a little.
"I do. I know each and everyone of them by name." He sighed and looked past her towards the crowded castle halls.

But now wasn't the time to be socially anxious. He turned a smile to her. "What's your preferred drink?" he asked, moving over towards a small bar left private out on the balcony.

Adalia wasn't used to attention to her hair colour. It was... Well. 'Known' by the bloodline. Not too many serenians had it and if they did - they were probably related to her. Adalia tilted her head, catching a curl of it in her palm and looking down at it. Sure enough, it changed colour in the light and she sighed softly before she looked back at him and then towards the castle.

"That's a lot of names," she said softly, looking to him. Would she have to remember all those names? Hopefully not. Adalia sighed and smiled back to him, following him to the bar. "One of everything?" She teased softly, and then pursed her lips, "I will have whatever is your favourite."

Edward looked at her and sighed.
"I hope you don't mind your spirits mixed with something sweet."
he tended to prefer it that way. He was never fond of how bitter alcohol was. The burn well.. burned his belly as well. At least with something sweet to go with it, it made part of the process easier.

He poured some sweet juice into two drinks and then the alcohol over top. A dry wine.

He handed one glass to her.

"It's just wine and simple juice." He held the glass up. "Shall we toast? I realize this is our first drink as man and wife."

Adalia grinned widely.

A man who admitted to not enjoying how bitter alcohol was. A little tilt of her head and she just watched him ready the drinks, carefully, politely, she took the one offered to her and brought it to her nose to smell. Far better smelling than anything she'd drank before!

A nice surprise, at least.

Adalia held her own glass up. The ache set in when he said man and wife. All those she left behind. Tears collected in her eyes but she quickly blinked them away and smiled through them, reaching her glass to his and pressing the sides together with a clink. "To a... Long and happy marriage," she said softly. That's what he wanted, right?

That's what she was supposed to want. Right?

"And ..." What else, "Many... Uh.... Many children." Adalia tried not to wince at the mention of many children. It may have come out as a grimace, but she quickly took the glass back and brought it to her mouth, taking a sip and giving a delighted hum. "I like your concoction."

He couldn't help it. When she mentioned children, his mind went to how to make children and he was choking on his drink.

Adalia's eyes widened.

"Edward!" She moved her glass away and put her hand on his back, "what did I say this time!"

He held up his hand and waited until he was finished coughing, and once he more or less had his voice back, he gave her a sheepish smile.
"Please don't blame yourself. I simply mis-swallowed my drink."

Adalia pulled a face but nodded. That was fair. Another sip of her drink as she turned and stared at the garden and then her glass was empty and she just frowned at it. Huh. So, holding the empty glass she just stared.

Slowly she turned look at the people inside and she smiled to Edward. "I don't think i'm ever going to fit in here," she admitted, holding out the empty glass, "but i look forward to at least making one new friend."

"One new friend?" he asked, moving to refill her glass.

"Well," she took the new glass and sipped, "two." Another sip and she closed her eyes for a moment, "You and Britta." Sighing, she tucked her chin down for a moment. "We can get along, right? I'd hate to be miserable in my marriage."

"Oh." He smiled a bit sheepishly for not getting that at first.
"I'm sure you'll make lots of friends here," he assured her. "I can take you out, let you meet my family, other nobility..."

Adalia smiled to Edward and looked away for a moment.

"I... Don't know," she answered honestly, "This is a lot to take in in one day." Swallowing she sighed and looked away, "But... I've already come this far." She knocked back the rest of her drink and rolled her shoulders, putting a polite face on, though there was a flush on her cheeks from the alcohol. 

"Introduce me. So that the next time this happens I can awkwardly ask you their names again. Everyone here has the same hair colour," She said softly, looking back at the crowd of people, "Doesn't that confuse you?"

"Confuse?" he blinked. "No, though I suppose i'm just used to it?"
Colorful hair was indeed a rarity up north, and if him still admiring her opal hair wasn't attest to that, everyone else oogling her, surely was.

"But you won't have you remember everyone. I've lived here most of my life and have interacted with just about everyone you see here in this room," he went on, gesturing towards the mass of guests. "But to know them all in one night would never be expected of you."

Right.

Adalia looked away for a moment.

"Do you think they'll like me? I won't have food thrown at me, will I?"

"Like you? Oh,but of course!" What was not to like, her serenian ancestry aside? As far as he could tell, he was lucky to have such a beautiful wife, and as far as he could tell during their brief time together, she seemed like quite a lovely person!

He made a face at her last question.
"Food? Why would they ever throw food at you?" Had someone thrown food at her before? How strange. Maybe he wasn't all well educated on serenian customs as he had thought.

Adalia cleared her throat.

"Well. Its easilt on hand and its either food, drinks or furniture," she smiled all the same and took a deep calming breath. "Alright Edward," she held out a hand for him to take, "lets go meet your people. If you let go of my hand i may run away, just warning you."

He gave her hand a squeeze.
"I'd never abandon my wife. Never."

It was true. Edward wore his heart on his sleeve, and was to kind for his own good- a fact she'd come to know by the way he acted- and also among the people she'd begin to meet. It was a tiring affair, going from one set of guests to the next, and by the time they were in the ballroom, and hadn't shared but one dance, even Edward himself, as exhausted.

"I wish I was as young as I used to be. I don't recall ever becoming so tired and so early in the occasion. We havne't even gotten a chance to dance as man and wife and I'm already..." He yawned and looked at her sheepishly. "Well.. doing a bad job at fighting off a yawn."

Needless to say, Adalia was surprised and pleased when he didn't leave her behind. There was a lot of people and pleasantries but... Adalia took a breath and let it out slowly once there was a break. Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

"Well," Adalia tilted her head, looking at Edward, taling in his features so she didn't mistake him for some other Connlaothian man. "We can do one dance, and then sneak away and we can put you to bed." Adalia herself was too nervous and too overwhelmed to be tired, but she knew that as soon as her head hit a pillow and she was verticle she'd pass right out.

Edward nodded, blushing subtly at the implications that still plagued him on what a shared bed entailed...

But perhaps she had not meant to make it seem she desired to rush to his bed in that manner? It seemed they were both quite tired, after all. And now the music was changing. He offered her his hand.

"Then would you like to have this dance with me?" THe music was sweet, partially serenian influenced. He rather liked the song.

Adalia smiled, red on her cheeks from the hear of the room and the people. "I'd like that," her voice was soft and she placed a gloved hand in his. It was a slower dance and Adalia did her best to follow Edwards lead,  it was the same but different. Sort of like her new life.

Adalia closed her eyes for a moment, a wave of sadness crawling up her throat. Unshed tears for what will never be for her.  She could run away and go on adventures, sure but... Here. Would she want to?

When the song ended, Adalia had her head rested on Edwards shoulder and she sighed before pulling away.  "Can we go now?"

Edward nodded. It was a sweet way to end the dance and...
He couldn't deny he was beginning to awaken something within himself that had long remained dormant since...


The one night with Dahlia Gray.

But tonight, he was just glad, his body was a light with a growing fire for his new wife. At least it was a sure sign it would be enjoyed. Hopefully for her as well. He didn't think much on it, perhaps it was instinct, as he kissed her cheek and moved to take her arm.

"Yes. We can retire for the night now if you wish."

Thank Kia.

Adalia couldn't wait to get out of this dress. It was sweaty and clingy and she gave Edward a pleased little smile and started to tug him along. She ignored the one voice that rang out about her being eager. "Has Britta gone to bed?" She frowned slightly, "I never said good night."

"Yes." he blushed, feeling awful for it. "When we were talking with the Constances, one of my servants let me know she had falling asleep on the Veranda and they had taken her to bed."

Adalia flushed and looked away.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't even notice." A quick look back to edward and she sighed before offering her gloved hand again, "Shall we then? You can walk me to my room," and then they can part ways. And she can sleep.

Edward gave a nod.
"Just follow me."


She wasn't expected to know the layout of his home, and, in fact, he was still only learning it as the castle was only his home within the past year. IN fact, as they were making their way back, he had to apologize for taking her down the wrong hall at first!

"Highheart's castle is.. really quite large," he said, laughing lightly as he continued until they made it to the Duke's hall.

"Now tonight.. err.. a marital bed has been prepared." His cheeks went pink at the idea, but he tried to present it civilly. "And I.. I can assure you I'll be as gentle with you as I can."
After all, consummating was the whole purpose of this evening, schmoozing aside.

A confused little tilt of her head. The walk had been entertaining to say the least and she'd just grinned when he'd taken her down the wrong hallway.

"Gentle...?"

Adalia curled her arm around his, "I suppose we'll have to nic my thigh on the marriage bed. At least give them the illusion you just... Battering rammed down my virginal door," a glance to his face, "Though, i suppose gentle should be fine. We should get to know one another before you have my screams of your names echoing down the halls."

The little glances to his face was Adalia checking for blushes.

The blushes were there.
"Do.. do you not wish to.. to .. consummate tonight? We.. I... If you need more time to prepare.."

Adalia was pleased with the reaction.

"Do you?" She whispered, a moment to smile, "you're like a blushing bride, Edward."  Adalia placed her hand on his arm and gave it a squeeze, "its okay if you're not comfortable. We can just sleep in the same bed and I can cut my thigh. No one has to know."

He turned to her, and touched her arm carefully as he looked into her face.
"I'd never let you hurt yourself on my account."
But he shook his head.
"No.. I.." he was still blushing. "I do desire you. You are a beautiful woman but... I'd never force myself upon you, or anyone. Honor comes before duty."

A small smile and Adalia just shook her head slightly.

"I'd like to get it over with, I suppose," Adalia held her hand on his arm, drawing her fingers down his arm. "Besides, the sooner you see me naked the sooner you'll maybe stop blushing."

Edward stumbled a bit as he walked.
"I... apologize if my blushes offend you," he went on, face guilty, but there was still a smile. "But I'm being honest," he went on, pausing and stepping before her so she could look directly at his face.
"As your husband, I honor you. I'll cherish you, and will treat you as a treasure. If... sex on our first night offends you, I can wait." He had a daughter after all. But that being said, he was no stranger to sex.. in that right.

This was... different. The pair were still practically strangers.

"Not at all, I like the blushes," she said simply, reaching up to touch his cheek, stroking her thumb under his eye. Adalia smiled all the same, moving her hands into his and bringing him closer. "I'm not opposed to it," her voice was low when she put his hands on her waist, "we're going to do it eventually, Edward. I'm hardly prudish. This is your choice."

His entire face was positively pink.
"W.. would you like to come to my room... or shall we go to yours?"

Adalia smiled again.

The flush was adorable.

Would he blush forever though?

"Well. I don't know where my room is," she admitted softly, waiting to be guided along, "So if you dont plan for us to be lost in hallways and sleeping on chairs, I'd suggest yours."

His blush was stable. He tucked back his smile.
"Er.. your room is just right there," he gestured towards a grand door just ahead of them. "But if you wish to share my bed, we must walk further." It would be more appropriate.. but the idea of doing this.. elsewhere and end up on chairs...

Was this woman an adventurous lover? He swallowed a knot in his throat and pulled her gently forward.

"Come. We shall go to my room." Why leave all the decisions to her? They may as well go with tradition.

"Is it?" Her eyebrows rose and she tilted her head, blinking at him before she smiled. So it was. Not that she recognized it still. Adalia let herself be lead away and she watched him.

There could have been worse men, she supposed, lips pursed.  On impulse, she took his arm and stopped him for a moment, pulling him down to her for a lingering kiss. "There. Now the evening can begin."

The kiss in the hall was unexpected, and made him dizzy as he looked at her, eyes half lidded.
A hand gently stroked her face as he looked at her curiously, and the eagerness that had began from earlier returned as a new fire as he moved to step closer to her, and leaned in for another, longer, indulgent kiss, as hands smoothed up and down the small of her back, reveling in the softness of her skin and dress, and letting some of his fingers tangle into her hair.

Adalia leaned into the kiss, her own hands moving to his elbows and she pressed into it. Pulling away flushed with a little surprise in her eyes. "Have you indulged since your wife passed away?" She breathed against his lips, looking up at him worried.

Surely he had. He was a man!

What a question! His face fell with guilt at it before he had to look away, hands still on her arms.
"Yes." he admitted quietly. "But it had been a mistake."

Oh no.

Adalia blinked at him before she reached out a hand and smoothed it over his bicep. "I'm so sorry. That must have..." Adalia gave him a small smile, "not been the best," she ended lamely, looking away wifh a small smile. Licking her lips she pressed her cheek to his shoulder and sighed.

"Do you have a lover I have to compete with?" Might as well clear out any potential skeletons while they were still getting to know one another! Honesty was key afterall.

He shook his head, feeling guilty.
"No... she.. " he swallowed thickly. "She rejected me. And I would never force her to love me. We're just..." he paused, feeling a stone fill his belly. "Friends."

Adalia could see the hurt plain on his face. Her gloved hand moved to his cheek and she smoothed her fingers over his jaw. "I'm sorry," she whispered to him, "but having you for a friend sounds wonderful and even if your night was a mistake, she's a lucky woman to have so kind a man cherish her." Adalia leaned in to kiss his cheek before she pulled back.

A deep breath, "I'd like to be your friend someday," she said quietly.

He looked at her, lips trembling in a shamed attempt to keep himself from a cry.
"I'd like that too."
But as a wife...
Naturally, he'd wish for more.

Adalia gave him a gentle smile.

What in the heavens was this man doing playing the political game? Still so hurt, here he was married to a complete stranger. Adalia had made her peace - or her sham of it - before she came here. Cupping his face in her hands, she kissed his trembling lips.

"Let's go to bed, Husband," she tugged him along in the direction they were headed, "we can collaps in a tangled heap of half torn off clothing and sheets."

He whimpered at her kiss, and a tear escaped down his cheek. But he paused her as they moved.
"And you still want me?" he asked, genuinely guilt laden as he looked at her with his large eyes that threatened more tears.

Adalia brushes away the tears, smiling all the while.

"They didn't ask me if I wanted you before we got married," she said simply, "I can be angry and bitter about the life you had before I got here, or we can accept our pasts as they are and... Grow together." Adalia smiled at him again, trying to fix the suddenly solemn mood.

"I'm yours now and you're mine."

Edward looked into her eyes, really looked into them. Because he knew she was right and this was their future. He blinked away any tears that threatened to fall, and cupped her face and kissed her soft and sweet, then it quickly began to grow with need.

Adalia let him kiss her, hands moving up to his arms.

"It's okay to be sad," she whispered against his lips, "We can figure out... what we can be together. Whether its friends or lovers."

He whimpered at the idea, looking at her through half lids.
"I'd like my wife to be my lover."
Was that asking too much?

Adalia chuckled at his whimper and smoothed her hands over his cheeks. "Let's work on being friends first," she smiled, taking his hands, "then everything will fall into place. More children. A happy marriage. Love." Adalia pulled him along, "let's sleep, hm?"

He nodded her way, and grew quiet as his hand met to her's, fingers lacing. Once they got in his room, he quietly closed the door, but couldn't look at her. He felt too ashamed.

It was obvious when he wouldn't look at her.

Adalia frowned softly, "Is something wrong?" She asked, leaning to try and look at him. "Was it the crying? We can just sleep - I mean. Ill be naked, but you'll have to get used to the sight of me naked anyway."

Edward shook his head.
"No, it's not that. We're all human." We all cry...
He finally looked at her.
"I just hoped I didn't ruin our wedding day."
And he truly felt guilty for it.

Adalia tilted her head again before she moved her hands to her hair and pushed her fingerd through it. "Hardly ruined if it ends well," she took his hand and held it to her, tracing her fingers over the knuckles. Then she paused, gave Edward a worried look.

"I... There's something you need to see," Adalia took a step away and looked down at her hands, "I dont know how much my father told you about me, but... I... Have scars."

He looked at her curiously now, generally concerned.
"He... I... I've gotten only a briefing on you, to be honest."
But what worried him the most was...
"Scars... How... where?" A lady so fair.. it would not due for her to have suffered! Perhaps it that is true and she had, maybe it was for the best she be sent here and be given to him.He'd treat her like the jewel she was.

he moved nearer to her.
"Do you mind if I ask... how..?" And where?

There were very few things that Adalia was ashamed of. All of them below her elbows. A brief glance to Edward and she peeled the gloves off,  as they went down, pale skin turned to red and finally, gloves on the ground she held her arms to her sides.

"I'm a noble ladyborn, but i wanted to do more," her voice was soft and she held up her scarred hands. The burns were old but it was clear she'd never have delicate looking pale hands. "I did this to myself," she said simply.

His eyes went wide, breath catching in his throat. And in a breath he was at her side, hands delicately, holding onto her arms.
"Why would you blame yourself for this?" he asked her softly, eyes seeking hers. "What happened?"
He wanted the truth. There was no way this was a sign of her putting her arms into a burning fire. No.. these were.. something else.

His concern was warming and Adalia just tilted her head, reaching up and hesitantly hovering her scarred hand over his cheek before she dropped it down.

"I'm a mage," She said simply, "As a young adult, I was a mageknight. I know how to use a sword. I was part of the military. I've been... All around Serendipity," She said, a distant look in her eyes while she simply remembered when her life had been her own. "My magic ... Manifests its self in a more physical form. If I want to make fire, I make heat." A pause and she looked down at her hands, "They built up over time. The scars shamed my mother, so... I wear gloves." She looked down at them, taking a deep breath.

"The heat burns me. The wind breaks my fingers. I need to touch earth to move it..." Adalia trailed off before she reeled it back in, "I won't... Do that here though. I'm just... Letting you know. So you didn't see them by accident. I don't want to start off the rest of my life in a different country full of lies and deceit. If I'm forced to be here I'm going to make it my own."

Edward remained quiet and said nothing. There was, of course, a natural fear to be reminded of her magical ancestry. Surely he knew this going in, but he knew well enough there were enough mordecai stationed he ought to be safe. Even still, hearing it from her own lips was far different than the diplomatic version that watered down just what she was.

She'd have to wear the mark of the mage, and for all to see, presenting it along with her crest of a duchy she'd never truly own. She was technically his, and knowing now,  a bit more about where she came from, and jsut what she was...

He reached out and took her hand, holding it gently, loosely as he turned her hands over to look at the palms carefully, then he lifted her hand toward shis lips and kissed each charred finger delicately before bringing her hands, curled within his own, to his cheek.

The cool acceptance made tears fill her eyes and Adalia just watched Edward as he kissed her fingers. A small watery smile and she nodded to him, looking away after a moment. Her thumb brushed against his cheek and she took a deep breath, "Do I frighten you now? Now that you've heard it out loud and not from a piece of parchment?" A little tilt of her head and her lips turned into a very slight smile, "Do I intimidate you?"

He was no good at lieing. But he wasn't here to lie.
"I am," he whispered. "But only for you, not for me. I can't imagine how it felt to sustain all of these.." he went on, fingers lightly tracing over the marred flesh. An dhe leaned down, kissing the top of her hand now, then down to her wrist.

Adalia shivered. There had been a man in her past. Said her scars were a show of her character. Now more than ever she missed him and Adalia sucked in a breath when the kiss was pressed to her skin.

"It was a price to pay for my abilites. For my country," Adalia sighed and looked away. "I... I'm sorry if you were misled by my father."

He shook his head.
"Never apologize for who you are." And he moved to embrace her, holding her to him because he needed it, and so did she.

The embrace was a sort of surprise but Adalia fell into it anyway. Her arms curled around his torso and she hugged this stranger, her husband, to her. It felt nice, how easily her head could rest against his shoulder and she turned her face towards his neck and closed her eyes while she soaked in the warmth of the hug.

"Thank you," She whispered, a pang of homesickness crawling up the inside of her spine. "I'll do my best here," she said softly, "I'll... Try to be someone you want to be with," Sort of. Adalia wouldn't be anyone but herself but she at least hoped that, perhaps someday, this man who wore his heart on his sleeve would... Want her? Did that matter to her?

"That being said, you must be tired," She pulled away from the hug and tucked a stray chunk of hair from his face, " Want me to return to my room so you can sleep? I think I remember what my door looks like."

But he didn't answer her and instead, pulled her into a much needed kiss.

Apparently it didn't matter if she remembered what her door looked like.

Adalia closed her eyes into his kiss, heat on her pale cheeks before she pulled away and looked up at him curiously, "Would you like me to stay then?"

He kissed her again, lips nursing hers.
"Yes." And kept kissing her, only breaking to ask, "Do you?"

Adalia kept her eyes closed, contemplating her choices.

At the end of the day, she would be expected to have a child. No matter her choice in being here. They would eventually become parents together. Britta would have a younger sibling from her. Tears prickled at her eyes and she finally opened them, moving her hands to his cheeks, "I guess we can get the most awkward part over with," she whispered against his lips. "I mean, once you see someone cry and naked there isn't really much left, right?"

He laughed breathily through a kiss.
"You've never had children.." Or watched a loved one die, or had she? He whimpered, his kisses deepening.

Adalia closed her eyes into the kisses. "No,"  she admitted, "never." Then she leaned back to look at him, "but we won't have to worry about that for a while." Then her voice dipped down, "Unless you want some right away."

He trembled at her words.
"And if I'd want to try for some tonight?"

"Some!" Adalia whispered smiling, leaning back to give him a look, "I guess you'd have to try really, really hard."

Edward blushed.
"I.. what.. What I meant was.. well.. I.."
His face was so hot his ears hurt.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try for many."
And he captured her beneath his lips again, his time his hands getting more bold as they moved up her silken dress.

The blush again.

Adalia smiled, cheeks pink and eyes bright. How did this sort of man survive in the political world? Clearly as a decent tool. Adalia brought her scarred hand to his cheek and moved her fingers over his ear while he stuttered and blushed.

"Besides," She said softly, feeling his hands move along her dress and she whispered against his lips before she broke away from him slightly to tug him towards his bed, "Practice makes perfect."

The sooner she got having sex with her new husband over with the sooner she could... What. Go on with her regular routine. Which she'd have to figure out now. Adalia would worry about that later. For now, she had a blushy husband to seduce.

Blind steps brought them to the bed as his hands worked at the long line of buttons of his jacket. He was fumbling, a large hand against her side to feel her, to touch her as lips moved to taste her more deeply.

Was he seducing her?

Adalia had never really... Planned... Doing the sideways dance of life before. It had been heated moments of need and passion. A way to express herself with someone she'd trusted and probably also found attractive.

Still, she pressed into the kiss and helped with the buttons of his coat, pushing that off of his shoulders. "Edward," she breathed, eyes falling closed for a moment, "Do you know what you're doing?" She teased, voice soft against his lips.

He paused to look at her, blonde hair a slight mess.
"Yes." He blushed. Catching his breath. ."I've been married once before.."

Adalia grinned, fingers going to his hair to mess it up further. While she'd never been married before, she knew how this worked! Adalia's fingers fumbled with the ties along her side on the dress, shifting and moving until she slipped it down. Should she? Considering part of her life was going to be set aside to making this stranger babies...

Adalia removed the dress. It slipped to the floor in a stiff heap and she smoothed her hands over her flesh. Naked now, she smirked to Edward. Completely forgetting about the rather terrifying scar on her thigh. "There. Better. Much less warm." Maybe hed even blush.

It was almost too unfair that Edward had on so many frivolous layers, yet there his new wife was- without an ounce of clothing to shield herself. he was still working on the next layer of buttons of his undershirt, but the bulge in his pants was more than apparent, and he fumbled to hastily finish and removed his shirt, revealing subtle muscles, but a nice body behind all that clothes. Connlaothians, after all, were known for their broad shoulders and he was every ounce a man.

And as he reached for his pants-
he fumbled forward, catching himself on the bed with his pants half down as he blushed.

"I think this is remarkably unfair." His blush deepened. "You.. you're already all.. all undressed."

Having seated herself on the bed, a leg crossed over the other and leaning backwards on her hands. She watched him fumble with his clothing and smiled when he had to catch himself on his bed. She shifted slightly, moving to settle herself on her back in the middle of the bed. It was comfortable enough, she supposed. Then again, this was his bed, not hers.

Was it common for married couples to share beds here? Then again, Adalia couldn't really recall if her parents shared a bed. A thoughtful look away and around the room, goosebumps rising on her skin from the half chill of naked skin in big room. Lifting her arms above her head, she leaned back against them and just smiled. "Well yes," She said simply, "The other dress had quite a number of layers. That was... Just a dress," She rubbed her knees together and grinned at him, looking him up and down.

"Now you can just think back and remember, the whole night, that sheet of fabric is all that kept me from being naked around all those people." Adalia winked and resumed watching him, sitting quite comfortably completely naked on his bed. Probably  she should help him push down his pants or something. Get the mood going but... She was enjoying his fumbling. It was cute.

He laughed breathily as he worked at his pants, finally letting them drop, his erection bobbing at finally being free. And one might expect the man, who was so prim and proper and very prudish to be, perhaps, average in what he had, Edward was actually quite well endowed, as his dick exceeded ten inches easily as it continued to bob about beneath him as he crawled onto the bed.

"Those are very cruel words, Duchess Draven," he told her, eyes taking in her body before his lips moved down to kiss at the soft skin of her belly, hands moving to feel across it and loving her scent. She smelled so good. And he kissed upwards, lips warm as he met to her breasts, kissing underneath them, then cupping them with his hands, his own body mounting over her's as he began to kiss across the tops of her mounds, then continued to move north. Lips were meeting to her neck, his dick, now lightly touching against her sex as she shivered and felt her heat and the soft skin of her folds.

he rubbed his sex against hers, grinding just against her clit and sliding his dick just against the entrance of her and stroking it to elicit more moist want and heat.

The simple words sent a zing of terror through her.

Duchess Draven.

Would she ever be Adalia again? Duchess this Duchess that. Another shiver ran over her skin because she knew things would never be the same again. She wouldn't be allowed to run away with her horse to be found by her father's hired men to be dragged back home kicking and screaming. The first kiss caught her by surprise, but a faint flush was on her cheeks and she looked down at him, green eyes wide.

"You're not going to put that in me are you?" She teased softly, leaning slightly to look at his dick. What was that! Was he serious? "They really do make men differently in Connlaoth, huh," She whispered, watching him kiss up her body. Her nipples were hard and soft pink to her pale skin and she felt her blush reach her whole body. This was happening. Everything after this would be immediately less tense because they've been naked together. As he moved up, her knees parted and his hips fit between them with ease.

The first rub against her got a little breath from her and her hands moved to his ribs to hold his sides and Adalia was at a loss for words. While she was no virgin, this man was a stranger and she gave him a hesitant look. "Edward," She breathed, looking up at him, shifting her hips slightly so his cock pressed against her clit more. Adalia let her eyes flutter closed while she grew more aroused and a hand moved down between them, pushing him to her entrance. "Not going to try for an heir on the first night, are you?" She teased, smoothing her hand over his member, breath hitching, cheeks and breasts red from her blush.

He hesitated at her entry, eyes hooded as he looked at her.
"Yes.." he licked his dry lips. "Actually.. I am." He cupped her face, leaning in, pushing ather entry,but not letting himself fully sink in. "I want you, Adalia," he told her, kissing her softly, sweetly. "I want to take this night to make it official, to have you as my woman.. as my wife." And before he could think anything better of it- his sex pushed and...
easily he slid all the way, deep inside her.

His body shivered at the feeling of such heat and sweet soft wetness gripping all around him. By Ansgar name.. how long had it mean since he's taken a woman in his bed? Dahlia was the only other aside from Britta's mother...

and now he was working on his second official wife as he moaned.

The tension in her body had her spread thin. Adalia listened to Edward speak and she let him move. Let him touch her. Official. As his woman. As his wife. Adalia bit her lip and trembled, gasping softly under him. Mostly she was all talk and no action.

Her fingers dug into the flesh of his back and she nuzzled against his temple and rolled her hips as a good wife ought to. Adalia wasn't expecting any grand fireworks over the evening and did her best to keep their first time together sweet.

He wasn't sure if he was doing wrong when she went quiet- or doing well. But as she moved, so did he. And it felt heavenly. He couldn't stop his moans, or the way his body moved with hurried need to have her, but he knew he also didn't want this to be a bad first time.

His hands were sweaty, from nerves and from warmth, and his lips returned to hers after being far too distracted with sounds of his pleasure.

"I hope it's not out of place for me to say but... you really are beautiful," he remarked, a hand moving through her hair. "And.. and you feel really good, too." And there was his blush, and a sheepish smile so grand it was hard to tuck back.

Adalia chuckled, shifting slightly under him.

It amazed her on a few levels how sweet he was. How had that happened? Her fingers pushed through his hair as his moved through hers and she shifted slightly to get the majority of it from behind her shoulders to shimmer over the pillow. Adalia tilted her head up, lips parting in a breathless cry. A red flush to her cheeks and her nails dragged down Edward's back gently.

"You're okay," She teased with a little smile, shifting under him and letting her eyes fall closed before she let out a little gasping moan. Her hands rested on his hips and she trailed her fingers up and down his back, fingers digging in for a moment with a hiss. "Are you talking because you're nervous?" She breathed, voice trembling.

How was it she made him flush when they were making love? He released a breathy laugh and kissed her lips softly.
"Unfortunately, the answer is Yes." He kept undulating his hips, however, for she felt so warm and soft all aroun dhim and he- he was in desperate need of the pleasure her body could give to him, and by her noises, he unto her. "It has truly been sometime and... I hope I'm not too rusty," he went on, bashful but still moving because Gods, she felt so good...