Chapter 26.

Sandor sent for Lucian, Jaxell, Kolenee, and OnIeese. Shalene had had supper brought up and they all sat down, at first it was strained but as the others observed Sandor, Shalene and Lucian enjoying themselves they slowly joined the conversation, just happy to have their Lord back and seemingly back to normal.

After a bit, Sandor looked at Kolenee and said," Lady Shalene tells me that you wish to have a child, is this true?" Kolenee looked immediately nervous and wouldn't look at him. This hurt him as he cared about her. He hadn't realized that they still felt fear around him. He didn't want that. He moved his chair back and beckoned her to him, he then sat her on his lap, he thought again about how beautiful she was. He said, " Kolenee, my woman, don't be afraid of me. After all of these months, do you honestly fear me? Have I done anything to you to make you think I mean you harm or that I don't care for you? You are free to talk to me as you will. You are not my servant, woman. Talk to me, please."

His voice was gentle, but his usual raspy, deep rumbling. It soothed something inside her and she said, " Yes, My Lord. I do want a child. I don't want to be with any other man, I only want you. I just would like to have something of my own, that is part of you. Shalene is so loving and giving. I never want to interfere in the love that you two share, I only want someone to share my love with. I would never ask again if you decide that you do not wish me to be the mother of one of your children. You are so good to me. You love young Lord Lucian so well, I know my child wouldn't be your heir as yours and Shalene's children would be such. I know that you would love my child just as much."

She was looking down, twisting her hands on her lap. Sandor leaned his head against her shoulder and held her before kissing her forehead. He glanced at Shalene and she had tears in her loving, knowing eyes. He knew she had said no because he had not ever voiced a want to have children, not because she didn't want Kolenee to have a baby of his. She winked that devilish wink at him and he had to roll his eyes. He tilted Kolenee's chin up to him and kissed her and said," If this is what you want, I would be very happy to have a child with you." Lucian let out a yell of happiness, he thought it was the greatest thing, a little brother or sister!

Sandor patted Kolenee on the behind as she headed towards her chair, causing everyone to laugh. He then turned to Jaxell and OnIeese, looking at them both. He felt slightly guilty for making them squirm, then he felt Shalene step on his foot and knew he'd had enough fun at their expense. He looked at Jaxell and said," I understand you need to ask me something but before we get there, I will say this one last time, Jaxell. You are a free man. You are no a slave. You have the right to live as you chose. No one, and I mean no one will sell you or beat you. If they ever try, I will kill them. You are free to stay in my service or you may leave anytime you chose. I have grown to have much respect for you and your knowledge. I honor you as one of my few friends and confidants. I'm new at this, I feel so lost at times, if I didn't have My Lady, I would drown. Now,
man, what is on your mind?"

Jaxell looked Sandor in the eyes and held his gaze for the first time since he had come into Sandor's service. He said," My Lord, this One is grateful and deeply touched by your words. This One has never had a friend or known respect. This One does not wish to leave you or wish to disappoint, My Lord. This One had asked to spend time with a sweet woman. This One has never known love, this One feels he has betrayed his Master's trust because this One has desired to love and have a wife. This One loves a woman that belongs to his Master and this One does not know how to proceed."

Sandor watched Jaxell, his eyes never left Sandor's, he could see sweat beading on Jaxell's forehead. Sandor let him sweat a moment and then said," So, I take it that OnIeese is the woman you love?" Jaxell nodded.

Sandor looked at OnIeese, she was the calm, composed beauty that he had grown fond of. Though he had spent time with her, they had not developed the closeness that he and Kolenee and Jonete' had. She had always loved him with passion and welcomed him without hesitation, but he knew she held part of herself back. Now he knew why. He reached out and touched her face, she smiled at him with such honesty and caring, he could never deny her. He asked her, "Is this true, do you love Jaxell also?"

She took his hand and kissed his rough, calloused palm and said," Yes, Sandor. I love him very much. You have shown me such kindness and love. You have never asked anything of me I didn't want to give. I know you have always told us we were free to do as we chose, but I am your lover. My body has been no one else's. Jaxell and I have only shared kisses and touching. He would not do anymore even though I asked him and wanted to teach him other ways to please a woman. He would not betray your trust. I care very much about you and if you decide this is not satisfactory to you, my feelings for you would never change."

Sandor was very touched by her words. He looked at both of them and said," Neither one of have betrayed me. You have followed your heart. OnIeese, if you want to be with Jaxell, you are free to do so. You are not mine to keep. I care about you. Jaxell, you love this woman, hear me? You two are free people. As long as you wish to remain with me and Shalene, you are welcome. You will be provided for and never be afraid to come to me. I have also been told that you, Jaxell, want me to father your child. Is this true?"

Jaxell replied," This One wishes to know what it is like to watch his wife grow large with child and to hold
the babe in his arms. This One wants to be a father very deeply, this One will never father a child as you know. This One knows no man more honorable than My Lord."

Sandor shook his head and laughed. He looked at Lucian who just shrugged and said, "Well, Father, you do have a palace now, maybe we could stud you out like Stranger." Sandor threw the loaf of bread at him and the said," Alright, Jaxell, OnIeese. If this is what you want. Are you wishing to marry? I don't even know what religion you follow."

Jaxell said," My Lord, this One would ask permission to marry tomorrow. The healer that arrived with Prince Oberyn is a holy man from my homelands. He can perform the rights, if it please, My Lord." Sandor looked at Shalene and she nodded. He replied," Your an eager man! You have my leave, my friend." The rest of the night was full of laughter, wine, and love.