AN: Short and sweet. And by sweet, I mean pure anadulterated fluff. This story is about to get so sweet it's going to make your teeth hurt. Enjoy!

Chapter Four – Waiting

The evening passed quickly for Quil and Claire, once they were able to get their guests to leave them alone. This was not an easy task by any means, but once Quil had brought his beautiful new wife onto the dance floor, people seemed to recognize their desire for privacy, and gave it to them. Everyone looked at the obviously happy couple with knowing smiles, especially the two royal families. King Ferdinand couldn't be happier for his beloved daughter, and Queen Emily was ecstatic for her brother-in-law. She knew how happy Sam made her, and how making her happy made him. She was sure the same would be the case for Quil and his new wife.

The only person who didn't seem absolutely thrilled about the match was Claire's sister, Virginie. Claire could tell just by looking at her sister that the girl was terribly jealous. After all, Claire had on a more beautiful dress than she did, and was getting more attention. The newly married young woman was proven correct when her husband went to fetch them some drinks, and the dark haired girl approached the blonde.

"It's not fair," the girl, who was Claire's twin in everything except hair color, whined. "You didn't have to do anything and you got the most handsome husband in the whole world. As if it wasn't bad enough that you're younger than me and now married before me."

Claire shot a glare at her rude sister, pursing her lips, but not saying anything.

"I mean, look at him," Virginie continued, her voice filling with something that sounded oddly like desire to Claire. "He's so tall and dark and handsome. And huge. I bet he's got a giant-"

"VIRGIE!" Claire exclaimed, cutting her sister off. "That's my husband you're talking about!"

Virginie just shrugged, as if it meant nothing to her. Knowing the girl, it probably didn't.

"Oh please, Claire, I was just saying," the girl responded flippantly.

Quil returned at that moment, and Claire turned thankfully to her husband. Virginie removed herself from their presence, obviously unhappy that she could no longer be the center of attention. Claire accepted the glass of champagne, which was offered to her and although she didn't know it, her husband had overheard the entire conversation.

"You have an interesting sister," Quil remarked after his wife murmured her thanks for the drink, his free arm automatically going around her waist.

Claire bristled at the thought, but at the same time, she was pleased by his easy display of affection. "She's disgraceful," the girl responded harshly. "I can't believe the things she says. You're my husband."

Her last sentence was practically a growl, and a huge smile spread across Quil's face. "Is that jealousy I detect in your voice, Madame?" he teased as red spread across Claire's pretty face.

"Well, I – I mean, she – you're my husband!" she exclaimed, as if that answered the question.

Quil's grin grew even more, and he moved so that his wife was in his arms in front of him. "You have nothing to worry about," he whispered to her, his face kind and loving. "No one in the world will ever take me away from you. I promise." He took her free hand with his own, bringing it up to his lips to press a soft kiss to her glove covered skin. "Especially not your sister," he added as an afterthought.

Claire smiled brilliantly up at her husband. "Good," she replied with satisfaction.

Quil couldn't resist the look on her face, and leaned down to press a quick, soft kiss to her adorable red mouth. Although he desperately wanted to deepen the kiss, he forced himself to pull away.

Claire was only sixteen, after all. He didn't want to push her if she wasn't ready. But the way she looked up at him, with her eyes dark and lustful, her lips red and swollen, made it very difficult to convince himself to wait. It would be more special for her, he reminded himself, if they waited to get to know one another before anything else happened.

Claire, for her part, was thrilled by every little touch her husband gave to her. The feeling of his huge, warm hand pressed against her back, or his arm wrapped around her waist, sent shivers running down her spine. She wanted nothing more than to melt into his arms and never ever leave them. He made her feel so peaceful and loves. She couldn't have asked for more in a husband.

Finally the evening faded into night, and Quil and Claire were excused from the remainder of the festivities. A servant led them back to a private chamber, helping Claire to undress and slip into her nightgown behind a screen. Quil sat on the bed waiting, having already stripped off the outer layers of his clothing.

Claire stepped shyly out from behind the screen, as the servant left them. They were alone, she realized with a shiver. Completely alone.

"Are you cold?" Quil asked in concern, noticing the shiver.

Claire bit her lip, smiling, and shook her head. "I'm a little nervous," she explained, not meeting her husband's glance. True, she was very comfortable with her new husband, but the thought of her wedding night still made her scared. Would it hurt much?

That did it for Quil. He knew without a doubt, watching her, as she stood there looking so young and innocent, that they would wait. His face softened. "Come here, sweetheart," he called, his voice warm and loving.

Claire complied, moving to the side of the bed and into her husbands waiting arms. His embrace was warm, both from his unusually high body temperature, but also from the tenderness with which he held her. It made her feel precious, sacred even, and very, very loved.

"If you don't mind," Quil began, his hands smoothing over her pale blonde hair, which had been released from its elaborate up-do. "I'd rather wait to make love until we know one another a bit more. I think it would make the experience more enjoyable for both of us."

Claire let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Quil," she remarked, nuzzling the side of his neck.

"Of course," he responded gently, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"Now why don't you climb in, so we can get some sleep? I'm taking you home tomorrow, and I want you to be well rested for our journey."

Claire pulled away to smile at her husband, before climbing into the bed with him. She slipped under the covers, and he soon joined her. Without saying anything, Claire curled up against his warm side. He put his arms around her and pulled her close, so that she was nearly on top of him. Sighing with contentment, she snuggled happily against him, her head resting comfortably on his chest.

"Goodnight, Quil," she murmured happily, sleep already calling to her.

"Goodnight, Claire," he replied, holding her tight and watching with great satisfaction as the woman he loved fell asleep curled up atop him.