Thanks as always to those of you that left your reviews, and my apologies for taking awhile to get this chapter done.
In regards to your concern, Josie, about their conversations at dinner - to my mind it would be a loud group, and they would be able to have their own discussion without too much chance of anyone hearing.
I realize I have raised several questions with the story so far, and I hope you are along for the rest of the ride.
Chapter Eight
I Branded You
Later in the evening, Derek watched as Rhys excused himself from the group of noblemen he was talking to and walk towards the exit of the grand salon. The music was still playing and the conversations were still going strong, so it seemed odd that Rhys would take his leave so early. After Meredith's suggestion at dinner that Rhys might be capable of sabotaging the race, or worse, doing harm to Midnight, Derek wasn't about to let the other man too far out of his sight. At least until he could speak to William about the dangers, that was.
"I will be right back, love," he murmured to Meredith, giving her arm a slight caress.
"Where are you going?"
"Just checking on something."
She nodded a little uncertainly, letting her fingers stray over the pearl and amethyst necklace at her throat. "Hurry back then, Derek."
"As if anything would keep me away from you for long," he assured her, then leaving her to follow after Rhys before the other man disappeared too far into the labyrinth of corridors. He could still hear the faint sound of Rhys' footsteps ahead of him, and he quickened his pace to catch up. The other man seemed to pay little attention to whether anyone was following; still, Derek managed to keep his footsteps quiet to avoid giving away his presence just yet.
Before long, Rhys took the turn towards the living quarters, not where Derek expected. The anxious feeling in his body dissipated somewhat, realizing it was more likely a romantic assignation instead. At that point, Rhys did pause to glance over his shoulder and Derek ducked quickly behind a pillar. Then he heard someone else approach, the soft tap of a woman's delicate shoes this time, and he relaxed further. Indeed, this was just a case of Rhys meeting for a lusty encounter. Still, he lingered, listening to the soft murmur of voices, unable to make out any words.
As he waited, he heard the door to the suite swing open and he risked a look to see who the object of Rhys' interest was. The woman was petite, and her silvery silk skirts were all Derek could see with Rhys' arm at her back. He tried to remember which lady was wearing that color at dinner, but he hadn't paid that much attention. They all tended to fade into the background next to Meredith.
He smiled to himself at that thought, and decided there was no need to linger here. Obviously Rhys was occupied for the moment, and he should just return to claim his wife again. Still, just to be on the safe side, he made a slight detour to the stables to speak with William while he had the chance.
"So Rhys was just meeting a lady friend, and nothing sinister?" Meredith commented as they lay together in bed much later. The sheets were in a tangle around them, and he gently stroked her damp skin with his fingertips before answering.
"Yes, love, he is keeping his rakish reputation in good stead."
"Who was it?" Her breathing quickened and she was slightly distracted as Derek continued to caress her. Even though he just had taken his time to ensure her pleasure, her body was responding all over again.
"Hmmm..." he murmured, leaning over her to place a delicate kiss at her throat. "I did not see the lady's face, just her gown..." He kissed the delicate line of her collarbone next, so that she sighed blissfully. One hand slid lower, across her abdomen, and settled at her hip as he rose over her again.
"Oh...what was she wearing then...?" she managed to breath, looking up into his face, now close to hers. "Can you describe it?"
"Ah, damnation Meredith..." he sighed, before pressing more kisses along her cheek and then her lips, while his hand drifted over lower, seeking the damp skin of her thighs. "I do not pay attention to the fashions of other women you know, however, all I can say is that it was silvery, probably silk...?"
"That is not overly helpful," Meredith murmured, smiling at him. "Except for Queen Adelaide, it could be any of the assorted noblewomen here..." As she spoke, her hand splayed on his chest, as her eyes locked on his. Her other hand skated lower, over the hard plane of his abdomen and lower, to find him hard, hot and aroused with desire for her.
"Damn, vixen...you know you deprive me of all ability to think when you do that?" he groaned, as she stroked and squeezed. "Can we postpone our talk..." His voice was thick with need as she pushed him back against the bedding, and her sultry chuckle in response was pure feminine heat. She pressed a kiss at the center of his chest, her fingers still playing along his erection before looking up at him again.
"We can certainly finish talking later, m'lord..." She slid slowly down, her lips tracing a warm path over his skin, following the line of dark hair lower. He pulled in a sharp breath at her caress that was gentle, yet possessive, claiming him as hers alone. As he watched her with his eyes full of love and utter trust, she put her hands to the base of his shaft, and then touched her lips to it. Inhaling his scent, her tongue stroking the warm, smooth skin, up and down and then swirling around. She could taste the sweet drops forming, and glistening at the tip, and she licked them up with a soft moan. Urged on by the shudder that wracked him, she parted her lips, and gently, smoothly took him into her mouth completely.
His fingers slid through her hair, then clenched as she lightly stroked and licked, feeling his muscles tighten under her touch. It was exquisite torture, and she took him almost to the edge of no return. With a strangled groan, he finally held her still against him, so that she released him slowly.
"Enough of that, vixen..." he muttered, pulling her up against him again. "My turn..."
He positioned her with the pillows under her hips, and eased her legs apart. He knelt inbetween her legs, and licked his way up the inside of her leg. Then he was between her thighs, and he plunged his mouth onto her, kissing her pussy, exploring it with his lips, tongue and teeth. Her hips rolled up to his mouth, her thighs against his face, and her legs wrapped around him. She cried out, head back, eyes closed. He sucked on her clit, harder and faster. She could feel a heavy, delicious warmth beginning to build between her legs, and Derek kept on drawing it out with every movement of his lips, every caress of his tongue, until with one last flick he brought her to the peak. The weight burst over her in a rush of warm pleasure that pulsed through her, over and over, as long as he kept sucking on her. It left her gasping, eyes shut, feeling helpless and drowning in the pleasure of it.
He pulled her off the pillows and put his fingers into her, the sensation making her writhe and cry out for more. "Derek, please...I need you inside of me...I'm still having little spasms and I'm so wet, just take me, I'm begging you..."
"You never need to beg me, love..." he grinned seductively, pulling her forward into his lap as he reclined against the mound of pillows. Her legs went around him, her body poised for the moment he filled her. As he claimed her mouth, she slid lower, engulfing him into her slick, hot wetness. His tongue delved into her mouth, just as his cock filled her, hard and demanding. Meredith cried out, stifling her scream against his shoulder, biting down involuntarily. He could feel her tightening around him, and he let himself go as she swayed back and forth. Her head went back as the orgasm shuddered through her, leaving her shaking from the aftershocks.
Falling forward against Derek, Meredith soothed the bite marks she'd left on his shoulder, using her tongue and lips. "There...I've branded you, darling..." she laughed softly.
"Anytime, love...I accept it willingly..." he chuckled, holding her tightly, as they rocked together slowly, just content to be together as always in their own intimate cocoon.
All was dim and quiet in the stables, as William paced around the perimeter of the building after midnight. While he was sure that nothing would be amiss, he was willing to watch out for anything just the same. If Lord Shepherd was concerned, then that was enough for him. The guards had been alerted as well, and extra men stood at the entrance, poised for action if need be. As he passed by Midnight's stall, the big horse looked up in curiousity, but recognized the scent of the groom and merely huffed in greeting. "No worries, my boy, you're safe here," William assured him. "You need to be on your best for the big race, after all."
Outside in the shadows, a dark cloaked figure paused, spotting the increased guards at the doors and the lanterns lit where it was usually dark. Stifling a curse, before slipping away again unnoticed, one thing was clear...something had alerted Shepherd, and the plan would have to change...
In the last days before the ball, the castle was immersed into a state of dizzying preparation. The immense ballroom had been cleaned till it sparkled, from the cut crystal points of the massive chandeliers to the hidden corners of the alcoves. There was little left to do until the event, which Meredith was thankful for. She could concentrate on the costumes for the event; while she knew what Derek would wear, she was still undecided on her own attire. To this end, she had planned an outing to Miss Hanover's shop, and the Queen had granted the use of her personal driver and carriage for the day. Derek was still caught up in preparing for the race, and being vigilant over Midnight, and she was happy she could take some time for herself.
As she was perusing the fabrics and patterns that had been prepared for her, Meredith heard a familiar voice at the front of the shop. She looked out from behind the curtains screening the private area where Miss Hanover had laid out tea and biscuits. "Izzie?" she called out.
"Meredith, is that you?" Izzie squealed in delight, pushing past the other salesgirl, recognizing her friend's voice. There was a flurry of skirts and the quick tap of heels across the floor, before Izzie flung herself into Meredith's embrace. For a second, they were hugging and laughing, while trying to talk at the same time.
"I'm so happy to see you, Iz..." Meredith smiled warmly.
"I just popped in to look for some gloves. I have my costume ready for the ball, I'm just so excited about it, aren't you?"
"Yes, of course, but I will be happy when it goes off without any problem," Meredith sighed.
"It will, you'll see," Izzie soothed her. "How is everything at the castle? I want to hear everything in detail!" She settled on the padded chaise, looking at Meredith with wide eyes. "It is so exciting to know that you're there, and so close to the Queen! Is she nice?"
"I do not believe I have enough time right now to go into detail," Meredith laughed. "I am picking out a costume, last minute madness, I know..."
"I'm sure you will be stunning, no matter what," Izzie commented, helping herself to a cup of tea and a small cake.
"How are your children, and Marcus?"
"Everyone is fine. Marcus is looking forward to seeing Derek again – it's been far too long since we got together."
"It has." Meredith glanced at Izzie, realizing that her old friend's gown looked suspiciously tight around the waistline. "Are you expecting again?"
Izzie beamed. "Yes, I have to admit, this one took me by surprise, but little Eliza is a year old now after all."
Meredith leaned down to envelop Izzie in another hug. "That's wonderful then – I am sure Marcus is quite proud."
"Proud and happy. He is so good with the children, Meredith, I'm so lucky to have married him," Izzie sighed blissfully. "I rather thought you would be expecting again by now too."
"I would have thought so as well, but Derek is not sure about it. He is quite protective of me in that regard," Meredith reminded her, with a little smile.
"Men should realize we are much more resilient than they are," Izzie laughed. "Marcus was a wreck after Eliza's birth as well, but I feel fine and you do forget about the worst of it once you hold the baby."
"I agree, and I'm sure I will convince Derek soon enough." Meredith returned to her perusal of the materials. "Now, what sort of costume would you suggest?"
"What is Derek going as?"
"I decided on a pirate for him."
"Ooh...that sounds perfect. What if you could be a pirate's wench?"
"A wench?" Meredith laughed. "I think that would be a little improper!"
"Or you could be a female pirate!" Izzie countered. "It could work...you know with a ruffly white shirt with tons of lace at the wrists, and a brocade waistcoat, maybe with a black skirt and hat with a big feather! And lots of big jewellery!"
"That sounds interesting," Meredith agreed, picturing that quite well. Then Miss Hanover bustled in and caught the last of their conversation.
"Oh, oui, m'lady...but perhaps a lovely jewel color waistcoat!" She pulled out some brocade material in a deep burgundy, patterned with fleur-di-lis. "And a long coat with gold accents, I know just the thing!"
"Do you really think so?"
"Madame will look dazzling," Miss Hanover assured her. She pulled out her tape measure and called for her assistant to bring more materials. Meredith smiled, caught up in their enthusiasm, and stood patiently while the women fluttered around her. The rest of the afternoon passed quickly, and she left the shop with Izzie much later, feeling happy with her choices.
"I can't wait to see you at the ball, there are still many things to tell you," she said to Izzie as they waited for their carriages to be brought to the front of the shop. "It will be good to see everyone again. And hopefully once that is over and done with, we can take our leave of the castle. Much as I enjoy the experience, I am ready to go home."
Izzie hugged her quickly. "Well, if you could stay in town for awhile at least we could get together before Christmas."
"Of course...the children would love that too. Hug them all for me."
"Yes, and you as well. And say hello to Derek."
Their carriages pulled up and they left each other, with promises of sharing more tales when they were next together at the ball. Meredith settled back against the sumptuous cushions and relaxed. Her costume would be delivered to the castle well in time for the ball, so that was the last detail she had to worry about. As the carriage rattled along the cobblestones, she rested her hand on her abdomen, and thought about Izzie's impending baby. It would be wonderful to have another little one as well, but she was able to see Derek's concern in the matter. While he was strong in many ways, he was completely the opposite when it came to her, she mused. It would just take a little womanly persusian to bring him around to seeing it would be all right...
