This Chapter is like one of those episodes with the flashbacks only I had to write them all from scratch, it also happens to be the longest chapter I've written, so I hope you appreciate my work ... Appreciate! :Þ
Chapter 10: Demons of the Past.
His bed never felt so good, but the pirate Balthier was tormented with dreams. His day at Basch home was interesting and his Aunt Ingra was fun. Nevertheless, his mind still fell back to Ashe.
He walked towards her tent; he knew she would not be asleep, not yet. He heard the conversation she had with Vaan; they both sounded a little crazy, seeing the dead Prince Rasler, he was glad they weren't in Archades, she would have been locked up in one of those mental care facilities, which did everything but care. He could hear her weeping inside, into the pillow if he was not mistaken. "Ashe?" he called quietly, not wanting to alert the others of his proximity to the solitary princess.
"What do you want?" she snapped, trying to compose herself.
Balthier's hand pulled back the flap of the tent; "You are in distress, I came to offer comfort." He expected her to refuse him, yell and scream for him to leave.
"Thank you, Balthier," her words surprised him. She patted her cot beside her, "Come in and stay awhile."
He obeyed, the pirate could see why Basch could follow her words so easily now, authoritative and caring, a dangerous combination for a scallywag like himself, it could lead to the gallows if he was not careful. "Thank you Princess."
She chuckled at his show of respect, "I'm not your princess; I don't have that title right now,"
He liked the way that sounded, "Equal footing then?" he asked more than he said.
"Educated rogues with no home and our family are each other," she finished his statement.
"Exactly," he acknowledged her accuracy. "You should dry those tears; they are most unbecoming of royalty." He dabbed his handkerchief around her dazzling blue eyes, her lips puckered slightly from his attentions but fought the urge to kiss them. "All better."
Ashe gave a dry smile, a vein attempt to look strong, "Why are you here?"
"I needed to know you were alright," he said truthfully, "you keep seeing images of your deceased husband, and it can't be helping you." He placed his arm around her, "if you need to talk, I'm here."
She returned the gesture, resting her head on his shoulder, "It's been two years since a man has touched me," she said without warning.
This shocked him, "Not even the turn coat, Vossler who stayed by your side?"
"No, he knew his place and was not going to over step the bounds," she drew her gaze to him, locking with his liquid amber eyes, "you have no such restriction."
"An invitation?" he asked mockingly, feigning shock, "I don't know if I'm that kind of man."
"Cut the Chocobo shit and kiss me!"
Balthier's eyes flew open, his heart racing and his body dripped with cold sweat. He was alone, not only physically, but emotionally too.
Ingra loved seeing the house bustling with life, all the young people felt like family now, but finding rooms for them all was proving to be a problem.
The girls will have to bunk in their old room, with the young Filo and Kestra, Penelo can have a room to herself as can Lady Ashe, and Fran can share with the General. Kytes can share with B.J., Vaan can share with Larsa, and Basch can have his room.
The kindly older woman began to take the younger members off to bed, leaving the older ones to wait for Lady Ashe and Basch to return from their walk.
"Why are they out so late?" Penelo asked no on in particular.
"They are enjoying the extensive grounds," Fran reached for Tal's hand, "I suspect they will not be allowed to sleep together tonight."
"That's really old fashioned," Vaan scoffed, fighting a yawn, "Nothings gonna stop me from holding Penny tonight."
"Not while I'm there you're not," Larsa informed him in a less than imperial way.
"Awh what?" the thief was not pleased, "Where's Penelo sleeping, tonight?"
The blond giggled, "I get a room to my self," she dodged a playful swipe from Vaan, "so does Ashe."
"I think we'll retire for the night," Tal pulled Fran's hand to his lips.
"Why do they get to sleep together?" Vaan cried, watch the couple rising from their seat.
Fran grinned, "I believe Her Majesty and His Honour will be asking the same thing," they watched the happy couple enter through the door. They said their good nights and left.
Ingra came back down the stairs, "I think it's late and everyone should head to bed," she looked at Basch as she said this. She noticed the ring on Ashe's finger and smiled, "Good lad." Vaan, Penelo and Larsa made their way up the stairs, followed by Ingra, Ashe and Basch. "You can have this room my dear," Ingra opened the door to a room across from Basch's.
"Not that room," he said abruptly, "You know that room is off limits."
"Oh Basch, it's been over twenty years, I'm sure Meike won't mind," Ingra protested, not bothering to hide her annoyance.
"Ashe, you sleep with me in my room tonight," Basch ordered her; he was not acting his usual self.
"You're not sleeping together before you're married," Ingra was just as stern. Ashe suspected she had Basch's stubbornness; this could be a long evening.
"Fine, I'll sleep in there," with that Basch finished the conversation; Ingra was not happy with the out come.
"When will you let the poor girl go?" Ingra asked, "Just like your brother, why must you hold onto the past when your future is so bright?"
"This discussion is over, Aunt," he turned away from her towards Ashe, "I'm sorry my love, I will explain every thing to you in due course." He kissed her good night and disappeared into the forbidden room.
"Don't take it too personally, Lady Ashe," Ingra assured her, "Tragedy surrounds this family, and we all have our own way to deal with it."
Basch closed the door behind him, the bedroom. "Hello Meike," he whispered to the dark room. He sat fully clothed on the bed she had used many times, including the night before her death.
A painting of the three of them, Basch, Noah and Meike hung on the wall, laughing at a long forgotten joke on a summer's day a lifetime ago.
"Noah!" Meike screamed as Basch grasped her around the waist, hoisting her up onto his shoulder and ran, "Noah! Help!" her uncontrollable giggling infecting the twins.
Noah gave chase, following his brother and Meike to the thermal spring at the foot of the hills, "Unhand her you fiend!" Noah called playfully, waving a stick like a sword above his head.
"You're never gonna rescue me with that technique," she remarked as Basch flung her off his shoulder.
"He'll never rescue you," Basch cried, picking up a stick to defend her, "you will be mine! Ha Ha!"
In mock battle, Basch and Noah swung their sticks at each other with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Un hand her, you …Cad!"
Basch feigned horror at the insult, "How dare you!"
Meike watched, laughing herself into hysterics, their theatrical fight becoming more absurd by the minute. Finally, Noah 'defeated' Basch who hammed up his 'death'.
"Now my dear," Noah dropped his 'weapon' and approached her, "I believe a kiss is owed for your rescue, as reward for my heroics." He dropped to his knees before her as she sat on a log.
"You'll get more than that, Noah," she wrapped her arms around his neck and sucked on his lip, her knees opening for him to move closer.
"Hay!" Basch yelled, sitting up to find the two of them in a rather compromising position; "What about me?"
"You're gonna miss out if you stay over there," Meike giggled as Noah removed her bodice, tossing it aside.
Noah chuckled, "Basch, grab her feet."
"What?" she squealed, fighting off the twins as they began to swing her over on of the pools of warm water. "Let me go!"
"Okay," Noah agreed, both he and Basch let go of her, she fell into the pool with a splash and a scream. The twins laughed and jumped in after her.
"I swear I'm going to kill the both of you!" she cried, flicking her wet hair out of her eyes and glaring at them.
The glare was short lived as Basch kissed her without warning, her defences torn down in an instant. "Allow us to make it up to you," Noah uttered in her ear, cupping her round, soft breast, pulling her back away from Basch's lips, so she floated on the water's surface. He now kissed her as Basch got to work on the rest of her garments, removing them at a slow pace. "I hope you can handle this."
Basch laid back, the large spacious bed feeling so empty, guilt rose in his stomach, Ashe was just across the hall and he was thinking a girl who died before she was born.
The cool autumn morning breeze tingled Basch's face as he watched his brother by his mother's side, his face distorted with anger and sadness. Their father had had words with Noah, what about Basch did not know. He, his father Ulrich and Meike in her full armour and weapons all readied for their long ride to the Capital.
Noah would have joined them if he had not fought with their father the night before. Noah envied his brother, neither of them had ever been to the Capital before but this year was the year they had been looking forward to, they were now seventeen and old enough to work in the Senate as clerks. The brothers' had aspirations of following in their father's footsteps. They had graduated from the military academy only six week earlier in the city of Hahndorf, half a days journey south from Ronsenburg, but a disagreement between Noah and Ulrich erupted into a physical confrontation between father and son, leaving Noah a little worse for wear.
With his arm in a sling and nursing a black eye, Ulrich kissed his wife good-bye and mounted his Chocobo; "I expect you to be on your best behaviour Noah," he bellowed into the silent morning, "I hope your injuries heal well." He left with a haste that was unexpected.
Noah leaned on his crutches saying his good-byes to Basch and Meike, both wore the same sad expressions as he did, "Bah, I'll be there next year, think of it as giving you both a chance to explore the locals without me to out do you," he grinned through swollen lips. "Write to me, I can do nothing else until this leg heals anyway, not that I will be interested in your action packed adventures in the Landian Senate."
"Why won't you tell me what you and dad fought about?" Basch asked quickly as he and Meike mounted their rides.
"I'll tell you when your get back!" Noah called out as they turned to leave.
Valdar placed a hand on her son's shoulder, "How would you like to spend the next few weeks in Archades?" she asked warmly.
"See, Mum knows how to cheer you up," Basch grinned as the two of them kicked their Chocobos into a run to catch up with the Senator.
"What did you two fight about?" Meike asked Ulrich boldly after a few hours of silence in the dark forest; her voice already falling back into the authority of the Valkyrie Guard.
"You will be marrying Basch; Noah believed he should be the one to marry you," Ulrich explained calmly.
"I believe I should be the one who determines who I should marry, Senator," She argued, "No offence to Basch, but I and I alone will determine if and when I will wed."
Ulrich shot her a disapproving glance, but his argument died in his throat as Archadian war ships roared overhead, towards the Capital, "What in blazes?" Ulrich mumbled.
"Dad!" Basch called out as judges marched towards them, "What's going on?"
The senator could not respond, as the battle engulfed the trio. When the last soldier fell, Ulrich turned to Basch, "Son, take this," he handed him his Golden Axe, the one he never parted with since his famed fight with Keln Margrace, "You and Meike return to the estate and get your mother and brother out of there," Meike agreed, but Basch argued, "Do it! And get to Dalmasca, Malger will look after you until I get there."
Ulrich rode off, armed only with a sword; Basch never saw his father again.
Night quickly approached; the township they grew up in glowed with hell-fire. In silent agreement to two ran into what could very well be their deaths without hesitation.
Most of the village was destroyed and the villagers massacred, including Uncle Günter and Meike's sister. All this done by five judges, who arrogantly attacked the young warriors, Meike felling the first easily with her lethal double blade. The two battled bravely until a judge armed with a spear impaled Meike from behind, the pointed tip erupting from her chest; Basch decapitated him before dropping to pick his love up. "Meike, talk to me!"
She coughed, spraying blood into his face, "I'm done, get to Noah!"
"No," Basch shook his head, "you can't die; I won't let you!"
"Damnit Basch! Don't argue with me!" she coughed, "I love you but I'm not recovering from this, If you see Noah before I do, Tell him I wouldn't have married either of you, because I love the both of you and I can't decide between you. You will promise."
Basch nodded, his eyes welling with tears, "Don't go," he wept, but it was too late, she died in his arms.
Ashe entered Basch's bedroom, his scent permeated every inch of the room, portraits of Noah, who she guessed was his parents and an attractive and athletic red headed girl with an unusual set of armour and holding two very familiar blades. Meike Hjördís Bloodbeard 671 ~ 687, Ashe read on the name plaque, Painted by Basch Fon Ronsenburg 707 O.V.
Basch had created each of the paintings, with loving detail and care. She noticed in the corner, by the window, another painting on an easel with a cloth over it, with her curiosity stirred, she uncovered it; her own eyes stared back at her, her half-painted portrait in her wedding dress was larger than the other pictures in the room. She almost cried when she read the plaque, What can never be.
"You'll be renaming that painting my brave knight."
Ashe was all of six years old when she first moved out of the nursery. She was a big girl now, having her own room where her nanny would not sleep near her any more. It was bigger than she expected, large silken curtains obscuring the view east and the balcony.
"What's out here?" she asked, throwing the curtains back and exploring the area.
"Princess!" her nanny shrieked, racing after her, "You must be careful; it's a long way down!"
Not caring what her nanny had to say, she gazed, wide eyed, out over the grounds below her room; the barracks for the Order. "What's that down there?"
"That's the training grounds for your father's army, princess," the nanny explained, trying to usher the young girl back into her room.
"Can I go down there?" she asked, looking over her shoulder to continue looking at a young knight who stood out from the others, "Why does he look different?"
The nanny threw her arms down, "Now you may not go down there and I have no idea who you speak of, now my royal Darling, you need to ready yourself for tonight, we have guests from the kingdom of Nebradia."
"Why would I want to meet people from Nebradia?" she pouted, crossing her arms defiantly.
"We hope to form an alliance with them, your highness," the young woman clarified, "One day, we hope, you will marry one of the Nebradian Princes."
"Yuck! I don't want to do that!" Ashe pulled a disgusted face, sticking her tongue out as though tasting something disagreeable.
"You have no choice, Princess," she said as she gathered Ashe's clothing together.
"Why?"
"Because that is how peace is kept," she brought over a pretty pink party dress, complete with fabric flowers and ribbons.
Ashe groaned, "Do I have to wear that?"
"It is a beautiful dress," the young woman said with a hint of patronisation, "It looks wonderful on you."
Ashe walked back out to the balcony, leaning against the rail, peering between the supports, "Who is that blond guy down there? Will he be there tonight?"
The nanny directed Ashe back in, "How about the blue one? You like blue?"
Ashe chuckled at the frivolous memory, hugging one of the pillows on Basch's bed.
Every day, the blond knight sparred with his comrades in the barracks, Ashe could not make out his face from her height, but she could tell that he was better than the others were. He would swing his weapon around, hitting it against his opponents, before knocking them down. He could do that with any weapon he used, sometimes it was an axe, or a sword, or a hammer; he was a good shot with the bow, the way the others would cheer when he loosed a volley of arrows perfectly at the target. Ashe sighed, "Who are you?"
He would look up at her and wave occasionally, before returning to his training. She could not explain why her stomach felt funny when this faceless soldier did this.
Basch rolled onto his side, the darkness stripping away his defences.
Basch hated not being at the barracks, this forced leave will drive him insane. "Barkeep," he called to the gentle old Seeq on the other side of the bar, "Another Ale please."
"Coming right up sir," the jolly old man replied, pouring a frothy mug for the Lieutenant, "fifteen gil, sir."
Basch dropped the coins into his hand, and began to drink. He wished he had time and money to buy some civilian clothes, he did not feel comfortable in his armour at the tavern.
"A knight of the Order of Dalmasca should be able to handle a stronger beverage than ale," a bitingly sharp tongue of a woman chided from further down the bar, "or can't Dalmascans handle their liquor?"
Basch looked up to see a woman in the attire of not only the Nebradian guard, but of the Order of the Golden Feather; the royal guardians. The polished white armour, highlighted with gold scrollwork over the revealing garb. Her silvery-white hair pulled tight into a topknot. "I cannot vouch for the others of my adopted nation, but I personally find the local liquor to be too sweet."
The woman laughed, her lyrical voice singing out, "It is made from honey!"
Basch downed his drink, "so, why is a high ranking knight of Nebradia here in Bhujerba alone?"
"Probably for the same reason a low ranking knight of Dalmasca is," she retorted coyly.
"And what would that be?" he asked, equally coy.
"Forced leave, why else would a soldier holiday in their armour," her sly grin joined with a cheeky glint in her eye.
"So you are here to drown your leave away so you may forget the unpleasant experience of nothing to do?" he enquired, ordering another beverage.
"Much more efficiently than you, it appears," she took a swig from the bottle of madhu.
"I happen to like ale," he retaliated, defensively.
"And I tire of this conversation," she turned away from him, "I hope you are much better company on the battle field."
"Why don't you find out?" he challenged her, "Join me on a hunt this afternoon, the Amphisbaena it's a rank VI, so it should be a bit of fun."
"Are you asking me out on a date?" she asked demurely, fluttering her eyelashes at him.
"Don't expect dinner out of this," he cut her down, downing another brew.
"I may not want it."
"So," Basch conversed with the woman as they explored the Lhusu mines, "If we are to be killing a beast together, would it be alright if I knew your name?"
She smiled at him, "I am General Illandra Rottnest."
"General?" he was surprised, she looked younger than he did and had already achieved the heights of success in the military.
"Is there a problem with my rank?" she questioned him, her blade flashing dangerously in the dim light.
"Not at all," he slashed at a vampyr, "A woman as young as you achieving such a grand rank so soon," he whistled playfully, "You must be something special."
"You speak with a quicksilver tongue, sir," she grinned, "what is your name so when I tell the Order of Dalmasca that they lost one of their soldiers in a silly little hunt, I will identify you accurately."
"Lieutenant Basch Fon Ronsenburg," he told her, waiting for some form of teasing to his inferior rank.
"The surviving son of the Hero of Landis? I'm honoured," her humbled response throwing Basch off, he was geared up for more verbal sparring, but her respect for his late father quenched the fire he felt burning inside him.
They had slain their mark; Basch dealing the fatal blow, their reward being a pristine ribbon which Basch offered to Illandra, "It would look far better on you than it would on me."
"You fought bravely today, Sir Basch, where are you staying?" her question innocent.
"I have not decided yet," He admitted, "I was planning to drink myself into unconsciousness."
"No your not," she told him, "You're staying at the Cloudborne, with me."
After a week of being blindfolded, bound, gagged, poked, prodded, tortured and humiliated in the most exquisite way, Basch stood in the aerodrome with Illandra. "I had fun, Fon Ronsenburg," she said in the same authoritative tone she used all week, "I hope we can do it again sometime." Basch could only grin at her; the announcement for her flight was called. "I must go," she kissed him, in an unexpected way; "I will miss your company, Basch." She left without waiting for his good-bye.
Once she was out of earshot, he uttered his response, "Not too soon, I hope." He rubbed his wrists unconsciously and limped off to his own flight.
Ashe thought about Basch's reluctance to let go of the past, her own past also hard to let go.
"Are you sure we won't be caught?" Ashe whispered anxiously; Rasler's cheeky grin was her only reply. "Our fathers' will kill us!" they hid behind a large shrub in one of the many palace gardens.
The young prince pulled her closer, "does it really matter? We are to be married one day and you are so beautiful."
Damn him! He always knew what to say. Ashe's heart pounded in her chest as he came closer.
"Can I touch you?" He asked, sounding as nervous as her. Ashe nodded shyly. Rasler brought his hand up and touched her breast.
She pushed him back, "I didn't mean there!" she shrieked.
"I'm sorry," he begged, his face scarlet and not meeting her eyes.
Ashe giggled, "It was nice," she admitted, "It would be nicer if you actually kissed me when you do that again." Ashe could not believe she had just said that.
Rasler smiled, and leaned in for another take for their first kiss, his hand finding its way back to her breast. Their lips met, Rasler's arm clumsily snaking around her waist, their tongues wrestling in sloppy competition.
Their 'perfect' moment was brought to a sudden end when the towering and imposing figures of two of Dalmasca's finest pulled the branch back to see what all the moaning was about.
"Lady Ashe, Lord Rasler," Major Tal acknowledged to two young royals, Rasler's hand still squeezing the princess's breast. The young prince was frozen to the spot, his eyes filled with dread as the two knights glared at him.
"Lord Rasler," Captain Vossler chided, "Will you please unhand our princess."
The poor boy now horrified at the fact his own fear kept his hand exactly where it should not have been. "I ..." was all he could utter.
"I will escort his lordship back to his quarters," Tal volunteered, "My Lord, by my side if you may."
The frightened boy obeyed without question, giving Ashe one last glance before being ushered away.
"Lady Ashe," Vossler now addressed her, "I must confess; I did not expect you to be out so late and in such a compromising situation." His eyes filled with concern, "He didn't force you into this, did he?"
"What?" She panicked, "No!"
"You didn't ..." the knight now blushed, "do anything else did you?"
"I don't know what you mean, Vossler," she replied innocently.
The Captain sighed with relief; "Let's get you back to your room before you are missed, young lady."
They walked silently back to the princess's room, her nanny fast asleep by the door, her knitting hanging from her lap. Careful not wake her, Vossler guided her into her room. "Captain?" She asked quietly, the tall knight turning to face her again, "What did you mean when you asked if anything else 'happened'?"
He blushed again, "If you are unaware of what I eluded to, then it is for the best," His voice sounding weak.
"Can you explain it to me?" Ashe's naivety was not helping the situation.
"It is not my responsibility to explain such things to you, your highness," he replied curtly, "I would advise that you get your sleep, good night, Princess."
Ashe giggled; she could still feel her first kiss like it was yesterday.
Basch still could not sleep, yet still his memories flooded into his mind.
"Captain?" a young boy called from the side of the training grounds, "Captain Basch? Captain Vossler requests your presence in the office."
Basch bowed to his opponent and placed his mace on the near-by bench, "Is it important?"
"I'm just relaying the message, sir," the boy left, back to his station.
The newly promoted Captain made his way to Vossler, who stood next to a woman he had not seen in weeks, General Illandra Rottnest, but she was in civilian clothes, and her hair neatly braided.
"Ah, Basch!" Vossler chuckled, "You never told me you met the former General Rottnest when you were in Bhujerba!"
"Former?" Basch was perplexed, "Illandra, you resigned?"
She turned to face him, a subtly bulging belly graced her once trim figure; "I did, for personal reasons."
"I'll leave the two of you to talk," Vossler made his way to the parade ground.
"Are you … Is it …" he could not finish his questions.
She placed his hand on her belly, "yes," she smiled.
Guilt and shame; Basch felt these emotions growing inside him, what would his parents think?
"Say something, Basch," she demanded, her smile fading rapidly.
But he could not, she had made it clear that their week of indulgence in Bhujerba was to stay in Bhujerba; Basch never expected this at all. He finally found his voice, "I can not let my actions dishonour you, Illandra."
"I believe I was the one who initiated that week," she scoffed, trying to put him at ease, "you had a gag in your mouth for most of it and had little chance taking control."
"Still, I wish to make an honest woman of you," he held her hand, "By weeks end … if you accept … you will be my wife."
Illandra swayed on the spot, her hormones playing havoc with her senses, Basch steadied her, helping her to a near by chair, "we hardly know each other," she argued, "my wish was only to inform you of your progeny, so you could be apart of their life, if you wanted to."
"Give me a chance," he begged, kissing her hand, "to prove that I can both loving father and husband."
She agreed and at weeks end, with Vossler as witness, Basch took Illandra as his wife in a private ceremony late at night, the couple were happier than either of them would admit to.
Only seven short months later, Illandra went into labour. Vossler had been visiting when her waters broke. He offered to retrieve the midwife and hastily left for his older sister, Kamala.
They arrived quickly; Kamala instantly assessed the situation. Basch held Illandra's hand awaiting the midwife's diagnosis. "Vossler, could you stay with the Lady Illandra?" she said suddenly, "I need to speak privately with Basch."
Illandra shot a confused glance at her husband, "It's alright, pet," he reassured her as he left the room to speak with Kamala.
"I'm just going to get straight to the point," she said seriously, "your wife will not survive this birth; the child is too large for her hips."
"Can you not remove the child through an incision through her abdomen?" he asked.
"This is not Archades, Basch. Even if it were, I doubt it would make much difference," she sighed, "Go to your wife and say your good-byes, Captain, it will be your last day with her."
Basch held his wife's hand, she could see his distress and she knew the news was not good. "I'm dying aren't I?" she asked.
He did not answer her, he could not answer her; the pain that grew in his heart stole his voice.
"By the Gods!" she embraced her husband and wept. Neither of them spoke as the delivery continued, Basch trembled at the thought of the woman he had begun to love would so cruelly be torn away. Like his home fourteen years earlier. "Promise me you will care for our child, Basch," Illandra cried, "Promise!"
As the child was ripped from the former General's stomach, Basch held her, "She's beautiful, just like her mother."
Illandra held on, fighting death with every ounce of her being, "Can I hold her?" Kamala laid the infant in her mother's arms, she stared at the squirming child, "It's all been worth it," she told her newborn daughter, "I just wish I could be there for you as you grow up, however, you are fortunate to have such an honourable man as your father."
Basch held his wife long after she passed away and continued until her body had grown cold.
"Basch," Vossler crouched by his side, "Come on, we must ready her body for burial. Go to your daughter, she still needs a name."
Numb, Basch listen to his friend, taking his child in his arms, "Kestra," he whispered to her, nuzzling his nose to hers and let his woe surface fully.
Basch wiped away his tears, "I will not allow that to happen to you, Ashe; never."
Ashe awoke, startled by her surroundings, before she remembered where she was. She pulled a pillow to her face and breathed in deeply, "I wish you were with me tonight."
"Happy Birthday, My Little Desert Rose," Raminas greeted his daughter, hugging her, "I feel old; sixteen already."
Ashe smiled brightly, "My nanny believes it," she laughed, "I think she's been counting down the days."
"I dare say she has," the king chuckled, "you weren't the most agreeable child."
"That, I believe, is a matter of opinion," She shot back, "My tutors believed me to be the model student."
"You're their only student," Raminas reclined in his throne, "Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, we must discuss your protection." The king pulled the silken rope and an array of Knights marched in, joining the guards of the throne room. "I will choose the best for you, my dear."
Ashe looked over the Knights, her eyes connecting with a face she had longed to see up close since she was a small child; the blond knight. He broke his focus, momentarily following her gaze; her heart leapt into her throat and her legs began to loose their stance.
"These are my best men," Raminas explained, "I will assign two for your personal protection and the others will be stationed around the Palace. Archades is rattling their sabres and I fear for your safety, so the two will follow your every move."
"Fair enough," she agreed, "I want him." She pointed to the blond knight.
"Basch?" Raminas argued, "you were apart of the throne room guard, why are you standing with the others?"
"I was late this morning, Sire," he replied directly, "I asked another to fill in for me. I apologise for my tardiness."
The king grumbled, "I'm sorry my dear, he already has a position in this Palace, You must be content with Vossler and …"
"I will not back down father," she sternly argued, "I promise you that."
"I would be quite happy to protect the Princess," Basch offered, "Providing she is willing to listen to my advice."
"A mutiny from my best soldier and my own daughter," the king threw up his arms in defeat, "Alright, Vossler and Basch, I here by appoint you as her majesty's protectors. I am so sorry."
Basch sat up, looking toward the door, she was only a few metres away and yet Ashe felt further away than ever before.
The last eighteen months had been interesting, Ashe pushed in every way to see what she could get away with, but Basch stood firm. Now that the princess would be getting married soon, he felt a sense of relief and sadness. The girl was half his age; she had fire in her veins and reminded him of a love long dead, but the Princess was not for the picking.
"Captain Basch," A polite and calm question from the, soon to be, prince consort for the Lady Ashe, "I need your help."
Basch put down his boot and polish, "You have my full attention, Lord Rasler, What may I help you with?"
The young Prince took a deep breath, "I am afraid of my wedding night," he said finally.
Basch frowned, "You were never taught about reproduction?"
"I know what to do," the prince hastily replied, "But I also know that it can be pleasurable for Ashe."
"You wish to know about foreplay," Basch felt his stomach tighten, his mind flooding with images of Ashe writhing with pleasure, naked and moaning from his touch. He quickly squashed these thoughts.
"I figured you were the best," the young lord praised him, "You managed to steal Illandra Rottnest away from Nebradia, so I figured you had to be talented."
The Captain blushed, "It was more complicated than that, but I …uh …thank you for your compliment." Basch explained everything he knew, some techniques causing Rasler to gasp yet all recorded mentally for the special date. "I hope that can help you," Basch finished, after an hour or so of suggestions and descriptions.
Rasler, bright red in the face, thanked the captain and returned to his room; Basch picked up his boot again and continued polishing.
Ashe slipped out her bedroom door, Basch was sound asleep in the hall. She paused for a moment, looking down at the slumbering Knight, kissing his cheek, "I'm sorry, Basch," she whispered, "But I need to do this."
Basch's eyes flew open, grasping her wrist in a flash, "What are you doing Princess?"
"Basch," she said calmly, "You must let me go."
He hesitated, and then complied, "You must return to your room, Ashe."
"I can't Basch, I must do this," She did not want to explain it in detail.
"You are on your way to see Lord Rasler?"
"Yes, I need to ensure the succession of Raithwall's line."
"That is what your wedding night is for, Ashe. Return to your room."
"It's going to hurt, Basch! I will not soil my perfect night with unwanted agony!" she slapped her hand over her mouth, distressed of what Basch's reaction will be.
"Go," he rested back against the wall, "Before I change my mind."
"Thank you, Basch," she gave him another kiss on his cheek and disappeared down the hall.
Basch rolled onto his back, sleep still eluding him.
The hangover from the celebration thankfully missed him, the princess however, had never consumed alcohol before and she was now paying for it.
"Princess you must get up, it is your wedding day," the handmaiden begged, "You must rise!"
"Can I be of assistance?" Basch asked, he had been standing silently through the last hour of attempts to wake the princess.
"Be my guest," the handmaiden stepped back, "If she is not up soon, she will miss her wedding."
The Knight kneeled by her side, "Ashe, you must get up." She did not move, so Basch stood up and picked her up, slinging her over his shoulder, "I said up!" he boomed.
Ashe screamed from shock as she was carried through to her En Suite and dumped her, fully clothed into the bath that had been waiting for her, "Basch? What is the meaning of this?"
"You are late for your own wedding, Ashe!" He was not happy, "If you do not get down there soon, you will cause a diplomatic incident!" Basch left, turning to the handmaiden, "She's all yours."
He could not take it any longer, Basch rose from his bed, and opened the door; in a few short steps, he would be at her door.
Basch's method of waking her did not keep her angry for long, but remorse for making him act in such an extreme way, she decided that she would apologise to him when she sees him next.
The procession with her new husband wound its way through the streets. "I hope this is over soon," Rasler told his bride, "I have been planning something very special for you, tonight."
"I too have something special planned for you," Ashe tried hard to hold back her excitement, keeping her serine composure for the crowds that waved and threw confetti. She looked down towards the Palace, and saw General Tal with Basch and Vossler discussing something important. Basch's face drained of its colour before her two loyal guardians disappeared into the masses.
The door opened and Ashe's heart leapt as she saw Basch enter, the glow of the fire enhancing his features. He brought his finger to his lips, indicating her to be silent; she nods, waiting for his next move. He glided to her side; Ashe was sitting upright as he joined her. Without a sound, he kissed her lovingly, cupping her head in his hand. Ashe gently stroked his face, his beard tickling her fingertips.
Basch leaned over her, softly pushing her back against the mountain of pillows. Ashe surrendered all control, letting Basch take the lead as he unbuttoned the nightshirt she borrowed from his draw. Without removing his lips from hers, he discarded her coverings and tore his own off, buttons flying off in all direction. His toned body felt hotter than ever before, she desperately pulled him closer, begging his caress.
He broke their intimate embrace, lifting her further onto the bed where he proceeded with a series of love-bites down her neck, trailing down her body. A gasp escaped her lips as he indulged her feminine oyster, the sensuality amplified by his attentiveness. Ashe fought the urge to cry out, she was not use to staying quiet, but something told her that if she made a sound, it would all stop.
Ashe bit her tongue as her hips thrashed about, but Basch's strong arm held her down, she felt him chuckle against her before he stopped. "Basch …" he silenced her with a hungered kiss and with primal desire, he took her hard. Her moans resonated from her throat invigorated his thrusts, dragging her to the very edge of rapture.
Fran heard gasps and groans from the neighbouring room. She laughed quietly to herself, pulling Tal's slumbering form closer. A part of her envied Ashe, not about marrying Basch, but the knowledge she would not live forever without her love, the two of them could raise a family and grow old together, something Fran could never have.
Okay, there it is, nearly 7,000 words and done in record time with the help of Clio, Erato, Melpomene and Thalia of whom without their inspiration I would still be stuck on the first paragraph.