A/N Ooo... check it out... I managed an update in less than a month... :-) A tad short, but that's okay, right? I've taken some creative license and made some changes to the royal floor... I'm going to assume it's been redecorated a bit in the past 2 centuries... ;-) The bathroom is actually very similar to one my Dad built for some crazy rich people that I fell in love with so I can't take credit for its design... I'm in love with that bathroom... don't tell my husband...
XXX
Chapter 9
"Here, drink this." Marak instructed, laughing at the irate look on his bride's face.
"You could have warned me about the snake." Jadyn grumbled, setting the goblet on the nearby table.
"Oh trust me, my dear, the look on your face was well worth risking your ire."
"I'll bet." Jadyn remarked, dryly. She craned her head downward to get a look at the snake "painted" on her neck. "What is it?"
"It's the King's Wife Charm." Marak answered, reaching forward to gently trace the pattern. "It's a protection charm, the most powerful piece of magic we work. If someone or something threatens you, the "snake" will reanimate and deliver a paralyzing bite to the offender. It will then alert me and I will deal with the problem as I see fit." Marak shot Jadyn an amused look. "The charm will also bite you, if you don't behave, so there'll be no more free-climbing, young lady."
"You're no fun." Jadyn teased.
"I'll show you fun." Marak growled, glancing at her meaningfully.
Jadyn smirked. "Ha! I'd like to see you try."
"Don't try my patience, woman." He retorted as he took her hand and led her from the room, explaining about the layout of the palace as they walked. Several flights of stairs and long hallways later they came to a wide hallway. A row of large elaborately detailed arches lined the right side, leading out onto another wide balcony overlooking the valley. To the left was a massive set of doors. "This is our floor, the royal quarters." Marak explained as Jadyn walked quietly out on the balcony.
"It's so beautiful." She breathed, looking up at the deep purple expanse suspended over the valley of twinkling lights.
"Oh, I've seen things much more beautiful." He mused, captivated by every curve, every line of his wife.
"Maybe. Why is the sky purple like that?" Jadyn asked, his comment going completely over her head.
"The 'sky' is the bottom of the lake." He chuckled at the startled glance she shot him. Settling onto an oversized couch and beckoning her to join him, he explained. "Magic holds the water up; you're not going to drown." He assured her, pulling her against him and wrapping his strong arms around her.
"Weird." She murmured sleepily, observing as the sky lightened, shifting from the deep violet to cobalt, and then to a clear dark blue.
"Sunrise." Marak answered her unspoken question. "Time for bed, you've been awake nearly twenty-four hours now." He stood, reaching down to help her up.
Jadyn yawned. "So have you."
"Why do you think I'm insisting on bed?" He teased, pulling open the ornate doors and ushering her inside. The large sitting room was beautifully decorated, the deep green carpet thick and incredibly soft beneath her bare feet. Large cream-colored couches and comfortable looking chairs were arranged around a long mahogany coffee table bearing a centerpiece of fresh flowers and greenery. Several colorful mosaics graced the walls and sconces provided just the right amount of light; working together to create a welcoming environment.
Marak paused at the French double doors on the far side of the room, watching Jadyn take in her surroundings. Finding the room to her satisfaction, she followed him into the biggest, most ornate and richly appointed bedroom she'd seen in her life.
A fountain drew her immediate attention, the water cascading into a black marble-rimmed pool filled with colorful fish and water flowers. The carpeting here was a dark cream with gray undertones that contrasted beautifully with the marble flooring surrounding the pool.
Two sets of marble trimmed doors were flush with the right wall, a large landscape painting centered between them. Jadyn opened one set to reveal a closet unlike any other. "It's as big as my bedroom at the Lodge!" She exclaimed wonderingly to the amused Marak. She walked in. The far end was made up entirely of mirrors, two overstuffed chairs and a table sat to one side, Jadyn lifted her eyebrows at this. "What do I need chairs in my closet for?" She asked, amused. Marak just shrugged, chuckling as she continued her explorations. Shelves and drawers lined the left wall. Jadyn pulled one open to reveal every kind of undergarment imaginable. She lifted a bra out, checking the size. A puzzled look came over her face and she reached for another one. "This is creepy." She muttered. "They're all my size."
"Of course they're all your size, whose size do you think I'd have had stocked?"
"How do you know what size I am?" She asked, glancing at him suspiciously.
"I had good intel." At her warning look, he smirked. "Okay, so I had Rein go through your stuff to find out your sizes. Yes, shoes too." He added as she started pulling shoes off the shelves.
Jadyn laughed. "It's still creepy." She turned to examine the rack of clothing that comprised the entire right side of the room, a considerable distance. She found dresses and skirts of every color and style. A wide selection of jeans, shorts, and capris as well as a dizzying array of blouses, both formal and casual, tee-shirts as well as long sleeved and mid-length. Sweaters and hoodies hung on the far end next to an assortment of coats and jackets.
She noticed there was a great deal of space left over. "For your own things from the Lodge." Marak said, answering her question before she even realized she had a question.
"Wow."
"Yes, well if you are ready to come out of the closet, there's a great deal of room left to explore." He teased.
Jadyn grinned, allowing herself to be led back out into the main room where she found her eyes drawn toward the massive bed that lay on a raised platform against the back wall of the room. A thick goose-down comforter encased in a silk duvet beckoned to her, black and cream-colored pillows arrayed over the matching comforter. Wall sconces framed the bed and bedside tables sat on either side, their marble tops gleaming in the candlelight. Several books sat on the left hand table; she assumed that was Marak's side. Flopping wearily onto the bed, she glanced up at the vaulted cobalt colored ceiling. It looked to be painted with the constellations, but they were so realistic they seemed to be twinkling, the silvery moon so detailed. Jadyn gasped. The clouds were moving slowly.
"It's magic." Marak explained, lying down next to her. "About a hundred years ago, the King had this ceiling created for his wife, a very homesick elf. It mimics the sky exactly how it would look if we were lying outside."
"Wow."
"I fear your vocabulary has become permanently diminished."
Jadyn laughed, shoving him and pushing herself off the bed to check out the bathroom. Black marble arched over an open doorway, leading into the enormous room. The floor and back splashes were made up of sandstone and earth toned tiles hung on the camel colored walls. A long neutral colored marble counter top ran along the right side of the wall, two large sandstone basins sat atop them with brushed nickel faucets protruding from the wall. Sconces of the same finish flanked mirrors on the wall above them. Cabinets hung underneath, painted to match the walls and linen closets on the left wall. Another arched doorway, this one trimmed in sandstone and sealed with a door opened up into another vaulted room.
The natural theme continued here in the octagonal shaped washroom. Stone pillars held up a tall planter filled with ivy with steps leading up to the massive Jacuzzi style bathtub underneath, lit candles flickering on the ledge surrounding the tub. A walk-in shower made up of the same textured stone was big enough for several people and sported an assortment of massaging showerheads and a small waterfall. "Wow." Jadyn commented, winking at Marak who laughed sleepily.
"The rooms are to your liking, then?"
"Oh I don't know…" She teased.
Marak scowled playfully and scooped her up, depositing her in the closet. "I doubt you'll want to sleep in that dress. I know there aren't that many night things to choose from, but you'll just have to make do." He teased, exiting her closet and moving toward his to change.
Jadyn opened several drawers before she found one containing pajamas. She started to pull out a pair of boxers then decided that something a little sexier would probably be more appropriate for their wedding night. She turned toward the hanging garments, locating the nightgowns near the front. She selected one and dressed, pausing to evaluate herself in the mirror. As she removed the hundreds of bobby pins from her hair, chocolate curls cascaded down her back.
Marak, reclining on the bed, gasped audibly when she walked out of the closet. Jadyn blushed as his eyes slowly traveled the length of her form. The sapphire silk clung to her curves, one side nearly brushing the floor, the asymmetrical hemline revealing her perfectly toned legs. The neck made a deep V, accentuating her slender neck, the golden snake shimmering against her tanned skin. She turned to close the door, her muscular back bare except for the thin straps crisscrossing it.
Marak stood as she made her way over, reaching out to touch the silky hair glimmering in the candlelight. Cradling the back of her neck in his large hand, he leaned down to brush his lips on the satin skin of her collarbone. He smiled, pleased at her sharp intake of breath as his lips traveled up her neck, tracing her jaw line before brushing hesitantly against her lips. She responded, her mouth parting slightly as she kissed him back. Marak tightened his hand on her neck and settled his other hand on the small of her back as her fingers left trails of goose bumps on his bare chest until he finally broke the kiss, pulling her gently, but insistently toward the bed.
XXX
Marak awoke before Jadyn, studying her sleeping face before turning his attention to her flat stomach, gently tracing the King's Wife Charm. The tail of the golden serpent began around her belly button before curving its way across and up her right side. Jadyn moaned and turned on her side, allowing him to continue his tracing of the snake as it journeyed gracefully up her back and around her neck, its head sitting in the hollow of her left collarbone. "Good morning." She mumbled, rolling back over to face him, eyes still shut.
Marak grinned. "Good afternoon, beautiful." He kissed her eyelids as he smoothed her hair, tucking several stray strands behind her ear.
"Mmm… whatever. This is a nice way to wake up." Jadyn's eyes fluttered open, her dual toned gaze content.
"Married life has its perks, it seems." He whispered huskily, leaning forward to kiss her.
"No!" Jadyn quickly covered her mouth with her hand. "Morning breath." She mumbled around her hand. "I'll be right back." Before Marak could stop her, she rolled out of bed, slipped into her nightgown and dashed to the bathroom.
He shook his head ruefully and followed her. "Might as well brush my teeth too." He growled.
XXX
Jadyn returned to the Lodge that evening, accompanied by Koal, to start packing up her and Bailey's things. She unlocked the back door and stepped into the kitchen. "Koal, would you start boxing up my books in the study? I'm going to work on my bedroom."
"I'd be glad to, ma'am." The large dark goblin obeyed immediately.
Jadyn was about to leave the kitchen herself when the compost bucket caught her eye. "Ugh. That's probably stinking by now." She muttered, picking it up and securing the lid. Her compost pile was just inside the tree line to the side of the house. As she was shaking the bucket to loosen the stuck coffee grounds, she heard a twig snap and froze, a wave of fear tingling up her spine. It's just an animal, Jada, you're not afraid of the dark so stop acting like a six year old. She forced her muscles to relax and walked quickly back to the house. Feeling foolish, she headed upstairs to begin packing up.
XXX
Jadyn groaned, yawning as she deposited the heavy box near the back door. "Koal?"
"In here, ma'am." The deep voice answered from the foyer. "I'm nearly finished with this closet."
"Looks good." She observed, peering into the nearly empty closet. "I'm going to pack up my tools in the garden shed, then I think we can call it a night. If you finish this closet before I'm done, can you start on the dining room? There's not much in there, just my grandmother's dishes, but they need to be packaged carefully. It shouldn't take too long."
Koal nodded. "Of course, ma'am. I suggest we leave everything here tonight and take it all out together tomorrow."
"Good idea. See you in a bit."
It was nearly two in the morning as Jadyn walked quietly out to the shed, the full moon lighting the area well, lessening her sense of uneasiness. She unlocked it, pulling the squeaky doors open. She reached in to turn on the light and felt a hand snake around her wrist. Startled, she jerked away, stumbling back into the lawn mower with a shriek. Chilling laughter brought her nightmares to life as she righted herself, glancing around for a weapon.
"Well look who's back, Jason." Kyle sneered, his twisted features visible in the moonlight.
"You should have stayed in America, witch." Jason spat, stepping forward to block her path to the door.
She tuned out their words, thinking through her options. Would Koal hear me if I screamed? Of course, that would probably move them to act faster. Her gaze settled on a sickle hanging on the wall, a little more than arms length away. Jadyn forced her attention back to what they were saying as she tried to gauge the distance.
"--sleeping with the devil." Jason was saying, grinning maliciously.
"Why should the devil have all the fun?" Kyle asked, eyeing her lecherously.
She shivered. I'm out of time. With that realization, she acted, screaming and lunging for the sharp sickle. She felt a strong grip on her forearm but before she had time to swing the implement at her attacker, she heard a metallic zing and, moving impossibly fast, the golden snake bit both men, sending them crashing to the ground. Seconds later Koal was at her side, checking her frantically for injuries.
"Are you alright, my lady?" He asked, worriedly.
Jadyn didn't hear his question as she yelled at the snake returning to her shoulders. "What were you waiting for? You're supposed to protect me!"
"You were adequately protected, King's Wife." The snake hissed, its voice coldly indignant.
"Why didn't you bite them sooner?" Jadyn took several shuddering breaths, trying to regain control of her emotions.
"Though I hardly feel the need to explain myself, I had to be sure of their intentions before incapacitating them. I can hardly go around biting every being that looks at you funny, the King hasn't the time for that." The snake said haughtily.
"Their intentions were clear to me, Goldie." Jadyn retorted.
"I have guarded five hundred four King's Wives; you are the five hundred fifth. Four hundred twenty-six King's Wives have called me 'Snake'. Two hundred eleven have also called me 'Charm'. You are the first to call me 'Goldie'." Koal snickered, earning a glare from 'Goldie' and a grin from Jadyn. "We must inform the King." Goldie hissed, sulkily.
XXX
Marak stood in the small garden shed, glaring at the immobile pair of bodies. "What would you have me do with them, Jadyn?" He asked, his voice taking on a dangerous edge.
Jadyn shuddered; she had never seen this side of him before, it was both terrifying and strangely attractive. "I just want them to forget about me." She said quietly.
Marak glanced at her sharply. "After all they have done to you, you just want to make them forget?" His voice was incredulous.
Jadyn leaned back against him, her voice weary. "Yes. Hurting them will not undo what they've done, and it certainly won't make me feel any better."
"They don't deserve your compassion or your mercy, Jade, but I will do as you request." He knelt beside the prone forms, mixing a powder and a few drops of pale green liquid to make a thick paste, which he spread on their foreheads with two fingers. Closing his eyes, brows knit in concentration, he mumbled a few Goblin words. Their eyes fluttered shut, their breathing evening out as they drifted to sleep. Marak stood wearily and turned to Koal, Rivent, and Brand waiting nearby. "Take them back to the village, leave them just outside the woods, and return to the kingdom immediately. They'll wake at sunrise." The three goblins moved immediately to obey. Koal and Brand slinging the two humans none too gently over their shoulders, Rivent leading the silent trio toward town.
"Thank you." Jadyn murmured, wrapping her slender arms around her husband's waist and resting her head against his chest. "Thank you." She felt her eyes sting with tears of relief, tears of sorrow, and tears of hope.
Marak smoothed her hair, holding his exhausted wife as she cried. "It's okay, Jade, it's over."
