Rayden peered around the corner. Good. All clear. He pulled the dark cloak around his shoulders as he made his way down the back hall toward the stable. From there he could easily slip out. Tomorrow he was getting married, so he had sent a message to Eislyn for them to meet one last time at night the way they used to. One last night of freedom before she became his empress and joined him in his birdcage.
"Where do you think you are going?" Damn. Rayden turned to face Patrick.
"Nowhere?"
"Liar."
"Getting a drink."
"Kitchens are the other way, but I think you know that already. Be straight with me, Rayden. You are sneaking out at night dressed all in black. What are you really up to?" Rayden sighed at Patrick's stern face.
"I'm meeting Eislyn. We used to do this all the time. If she was caught with me during the day, she was not allowed out without an escort. Just one last night with no one watching. That's all I ask." Rayden squirmed inside as Patrick stood watching him. Though the man before him was his subordinate, he was a friend and Rayden wanted his approval.
"I'll be waiting up." He said.
"Thanks." Rayden said with a grin. Once out on the streets he could breathe easy. The moon was bright and that made the shadows seems so much darker. Slipping from shadow to shadow he made his way to the rear of the bakery, Eislyn's favorite place to meet. She always said she could still smell the bread baked that day.
"You're late." Eislyn said as she slid up behind him.
"No, you're early. As the Emperor, I am never late." He joked. Pulling her into his arms he kissed her slowly, thinking about everything he would be doing to her this time tomorrow.
"Mmmm…daydreaming, are you?" She teased, feeling his body tense.
"You have no idea…" He stepped back and took her hand. "Come on, let's enjoy our last night without someone trailing after us." They headed for the woods, walking hand in hand through the dappled moonlight. Creatures of the night scampered through the underbrush and an owl hooted in the distance. They hid behind a large tree and watched an amorous couple make their way to an abandoned shack. Eventually the small pond they sought came into view. Rayden climbed up a familiar tree to a large, low hanging branch. Eislyn followed, sitting in front of him and leaning back into his chest. Wrapping his arms around her, he sighed into her hair. All the nights they spent just like this were about to end and a whole new world would be opening up to them. No more sneaking around. They would belong to each other openly like he never thought would be possible and he couldn't wait.
"So, is being Emperor really that restricting?" she asked softly, not wanting to disturb the quiet.
"It can be. Patrick follows me everywhere I go. There are usually three or four others as well. You'll have your own guard, ya know."
"Really? Someone to follow me everywhere? Can't imagine what that's like." She rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what it felt like.
"Now you know why I wanted to see you tonight. Just one last night to be out in the open. Alone." Rayden kissed her neck and caught sight of a dagger strapped to her thigh. It looked elven. He reached out and tapped it.
"What's this?"
"Oh, he didn't tell you? I ran into Eskel one night…"
"Say what?"
"You didn't think I stopped sneaking out just because you weren't around, did you?" She laughed. "I still came out here. I like the quiet. Your father caught me repelling down the wall. Scared me half to death, too. Told me I shouldn't be out like that but since I wasn't likely to listen, he offered to teach me a few things. He gave me this dagger. Between this and my bow, I've gotten pretty good at defending myself should the need arise." Rayden squeezed her tighter and made a pleased sound.
"That's good because you are likely to need those skills where you are going. Palaces are dangerous places."
"Oh? Well, I can take care of myself in the day if you'll take care of me at night." She said seductively. Rayden felt his body stir at the suggestion and he kissed her neck again.
"All night. Every night. For the rest of our lives." The lovers fell silent and watched the moon reach its zenith before making their way back. It wouldn't do for the bride to have bags under her eyes.
Rayden was halfway across the square when movement caught his eye. He stopped and scanned around him. Not seeing anything he continued only to find an unexpected figure blocking his path.
"Magnus? What are you doing out here this late?"
"The same could be asked of you, young Emperor."
"You know, huh?"
"More than you could possibly grasp." The old mage replied cryptically.
"So…were you looking for me?" The whole encounter was starting to unsettle him. He had grown up around magic and mages and Magnus had always been very grandfatherly to him but tonight he seemed a bit off. Rayden couldn't quite put his finger on what was different about him.
"I have a gift for you." Magnus held out a strange amulet with leather straps attached to either side creating a wide bracer.
"Gift?"
"For you alone. In time you will understand. Wear it always next to your skin." Magnus extended his arm encouraging Rayden to take it. It was so unexpected and strange, but Rayden accepted the gift. It seemed very important to Magnus.
"Thank you."
"On the eve of your wedding I could think of no better gift than the opportunity to secure the safety of humanity. Use it well, young Rayden, Emperor of Nilfgaard." Magnus turned to leave.
"Magnus…how did you know I was going to be out tonight?" The mage turned and gave him a knowing smile then disappeared leaving Rayden standing in the square. He might have thought it all a dream if not for the feel of the warm metal in his hand.
The following afternoon was bright and warm with a mild breeze blowing through the temple gardens. Rayden waited in a side alcove between the temple and garden.
"Stop fidgeting," Izzy said as she adjusted his clothes again. For this occasion, he wore ivory pants and shirt with knee high brown boots. His light cape was also ivory lined in gold silk and hung over one shoulder, the emblem of the Emperor on the clasp. On his hip he wore a shorter sword than his usual preferred weapon. He reached up to pull at the neck of his shirt only to have his hand slapped away.
"I said stop fidgeting. There. You are the essence of imperial elegance." Izzy stated. He smiled at her.
"Thank you, Izzy, for everything."
"It's my pleasure. After all, it's not every day that my baby brother gets married." Rayden laughed and relaxed a little.
"Well, you've certainly clamed my nerves."
"Are you sure it's just your nerves that need calming?"
"Just what are you getting at?" He asked with a smile. She made a noncommittal sound and left him as the willowy priestess approached.
"We are ready to begin, Your Eminence."
"Okay. But you can skip the 'Your Eminence'. I'm just Rayden today."
"As you wish," she said in her light breezy voice. "Follow me." He followed her into the lush gardens where the small group of family and close friends waited to see him marry his beloved. The men of his personal guard stood across the rear. Lady Krol was present as was King Tancred. His parents, Izzy, Jarek as well as Dandelion and Zoltan. Pricilla began to play on her lute as Eislyn walked toward him on her father's arm. Seeing her took his breathe away. She was also dressed in simple ivory, the cut of her gown being all the embellishment she needed.
Lord Krol placed her hand in his and the Priestess placed her slim hand over their combined ones. Rayden was lost in the woman before him and barely heard what was being said. Fortunately, he responded correctly when required and eagerly pressed his lips to Eislyn's as the priestess announced them as man and wife. The small group cheered the newly wedded couple and as they exited the temple, the throng that had gathered erupted. Knowledge of his Imperial status had finally spread, and he had become Kovir's favorite son overnight.
The King's entourage also waited outside the temple, blocking the overzealous crowd. He stopped and shook Rayden's hand in congratulations.
"You won't join us then?" Rayden asked, referring to the feasting and drinking soon to commence at the tavern. Tancred just chuckled.
"No, sorry. I am an old man now and such gatherings are something I actively avoid. Tonight, my dinner and a book await me." He nodded and then allowed himself to be ushered back to the castle.
"Well, my mother would die of apoplexy if she knew you had such a casual relationship with the king." Eislyn observed.
"We go way back," Rayden said with a laugh. "It really began when the watch captain drug me before him when I was ten years old."
"For what?" she asked, eyes wide.
"Running amok. That's a quote. My poor mother was so embarrassed, but Tancred just laughed and said that is what ten-year-old boys do. So, you see my dear, you have your hands full." He squeezed her hand and led her toward the tavern. Tables had been moved outside to accommodate the anticipated crowd. Musicians were already set up and playing. There would be eating, drinking and dancing well into the night. Zoltan was already two tankards in as he laughed with Eskel, no doubt over a story about Rayden.
The couple circulated together and separately among their friends and acquaintances, and ate their fill, but Rayden avoided over imbibing. He would not be a rutting drunk tonight.
As the evening turned to night, Rayden found himself at an outer table, sitting with Eskel, Zoltan and Dandelion as they watched the women engage in a group dance. Eislyn and Izzy were holding hands in the inner circle and laughing. It seems that had become fast friends in his absence.
"So, lad, why are you sitting out here with us old men?" Zoltan asked.
"Speak for yourself," Dandelion huffed. Rayden chuckled.
"I tried talking with some of the guys I used to run with, but it's gotten a little awkward. No one knows what to say to an Emperor and Lady Krol has made damn sure everybody knows. I was thinking about slipping out soon anyway."
"Probably a good move." Dandelion said. "Unless you really want a bawdy send off to the bedchamber. I'm sure I can give you some cover. Afterall, it's not often that the great Bard Dandelion travels outside of Novigrad anymore."
"Oh boy, here we go," Zoltan muttered, shaking his head. The women finished their fast-paced dance with much fanfare after which people began to mill around, eating and drinking some more.
"Looks like my cue, gentlemen." Dandelion pushed up from his seat and swaggered through the crowd, whispers of is that the Bard Dandelion? swirling in his wake. He picked up a lute and strummed it languidly as he adjusted the strings and walked toward a group of women. He guided Pricilla away from the group and handed her the lute as he whispered in her ear. She smiled. Taking up a prominent position on a stool, she began to play. The haunting tune that floated through the air quieted the area almost immediately and each pair of eyes turned her way.
When Geralt had been alive, Pricilla had been attacked by a madman who poured acid down her throat. At the time they wondered if she would even live much less talk or sing again. But over time, she did manage to regain her voice and the only lasting reminder of that horrific night was a scar that ran from the corner of her mouth to her chin.
When she began to sing, the crowd was completely enraptured. Even passersby began to gather to hear her song.
These scars long have yearned for your tender caress
To bind our fortunes, damn what the stars own
Rend my heart open, then your love profess
A winding, weaving fate to which we both atone
Rayden made his way to Eislyn as she stood, like everyone else, riveted by the sweet, sad melody. Gently taking her hand, he pulled her slowly out of the crowd.
You flee my dream come the morning
Your scent- berries tart, lilac sweet
To dream of raven locks entwisted, stormy
Of violet eyes, glistening while you weep
No one paid any attention to the retreating lovers as they slipped away into the dark and narrow alley beside the tavern.
"Are you ready to go?" Rayden asked but gave her no time to answer as he kissed her hungrily, pressing her back against the stone wall, hands gripping her waist. Her arms came around his neck and when he released her lips, she gave a breathy yes. They took a back-alley path to the castle and entered through the servant's door in the kitchens. Sweeping her up in his arms he carried her up the back stairs to his waiting room.
He set her on her feet and closed the door. Eislyn stood looking through the double doors into the bedroom at the huge bed. Rayden wrapped his arms around her from behind and laid light kisses up her neck. Turning in his arms, she raised her hand to stroke his cheek and he noticed her tremble. He took her hand and gave her a reassuring smile. She looked like she wanted to ask him something but kept quiet.
"What is it?" he asked. She furrowed her brow, trying to decide what to say.
"Aren't…aren't you nervous?" She finally asked, her voice small and embarrassed. All her brashness and teasing had vanished.
"I'm not a virgin if that's what you're asking." Her eyes looked up to his, and she seemed a bit disappointed. Even a little jealous. He cupped her face and kissed her. "But you are the only one I've ever truly wanted. Trust me on that." She nodded.
Rayden led her closer to the huge and bed and turned her, easing the hooks of her dress apart and letting it fall to the floor. Beneath the fine fabric she was completely naked. Rayden suspected his sister's hand. He pulled his shirt off before turning her around and gazing at her beautiful body. He was fully aroused as he pulled her to him and kissed her, her breasts against his bare chest. She began to relax and became more responsive to his kiss, returning it with fervor. Breaking from her, her pulled off his boots and hastily removed the rest of his clothing, giving her a full view of him naked. Eislyn blushed and climbed into bed, slipping beneath the light sheet.
Rayden followed her and let his hand run over her flat belly and he kissed her neck and lay her back against the pillows. She was still so tense. He had never known her to be so unsure of herself, but he supposed it was to be expected. He captured her mouth again as his hand moved down her body, caressing her full breast, gently rolling the taught nipple between his fingers. She moaned into his mouth. Rayden kissed the base of her throat, the top of each breast and the space between. A gasp escaped her when he took her nipple in his mouth, sucking gently as his hand moved between her legs. She twitched as he began to rub between her folds, eliciting a much louder moan and after a few minutes of his ministrations, she cried out as she gripped his arm.
"Much better," he murmured as he felt her body relax completely and she gave him a small yet somewhat embarrassed smile. Now it was his turn, but he was determined to be careful. Izzy had beat that into his head earlier in the day when she lectured him on deflowering a virgin.
Moving over her, he pulled her thighs up around his hips and finding her slick center, he pushed slowly into her. He kept going steadily forward, not stopping, even when he felt the tearing inside her and she whimpered against his shoulder. A tear slid from the corner of her eye and he kissed it away before starting to pump slowly. Rayden savored the tension in his body and her heat as he picked up a little more speed while still endeavoring to not be too rough but being celibate for so long was making him short on patience. He began to grunt and groan as his head became cloudy with need and euphoric with the fact that it was his Eislyn that lay under him. He pushed up on one forearm and grabbed her thigh with the other hand and gazed down between their bodies and his thrust became more erratic at the erotic sight. The way he slipped in and out of her body drove him insane but not so insane that he didn't notice the streak of blood on her thigh.
"Ungh…" he dropped back over her as his body stiffened and his hips gave an involuntary push forward. Panting, he stayed curled over her until he caught his breath.
"Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" he whispered. Eislyn released her death grip on his biceps.
"Yes, but it'll pass." She said, not wanting to lie to him. He stroked her cheek and gave her a light kiss before throwing back the sheet. He washed himself at the vanity table across the room and brought back a damp cloth and pressed it between her legs, cleaning away the blood.
"You don't ha…" Eislyn began to protest.
"Hush. Let me take care of you." He returned the cloth to the vanity then lifted her up from the bed. "Now, I do believe my mother left a little something for you." He carried her to the bathing chamber where a hot steaming bath waited. Setting her on her feet he emptied a small jar of salts into the water then guided her into the bath.
Eislyn sunk down, letting her knees fall slightly apart. Whatever Rayden had dumped in was already soothing her bruised flesh.
"I'm going to find something to eat. All that fun made me hungry." He teased and left her to soak. Snatching up a pair of pants, he stepped outside his room to find Patrick leaning back in a chair across from the door, the front legs hovering in the air as he read a book.
"What are you doing here?" Rayden asked him.
"What's it look like?" Patrick replied without looking up.
"There is a castle guard, you know."
"Yes, but I don't know them."
"Stickler."
"I take my job seriously."
"Apparently."
"What are you doing out here? Didn't expect to see you for a while." Patrick finally looked up from his book to scrutinize Rayden.
"Hungry."
"Figured." Patrick gestured to a tray laying on the floor beside the door. Rayden laughed quietly in appreciation then took the tray inside. He dropped his pants and carried a bowl of grapes back to the bath chamber. Rayden knelt beside the tub, head and arms resting on the edge.
"So, are you glad I came along when I did?" He reached over and fed his wife a grape.
"Yes. Very." She turned her head to look at him, her confident personality having resurfaced. "I can't imagine Andre kneeling naked beside my bath feeding me grapes."
"A magical bath no less." Rayden emphasized as he fed her another. As she chewed, he let his gaze wander over the clear water and the enticing form beneath. He felt his body stir at the sight. "How do you feel now?"
"Good as new actually."
"Good." Rayden took her hand and pulled her up. He watched lustfully as the water ran over her body. Eislyn lowered her eyes then blushed, seeing how aroused he was. She stepped out of the tub and Rayden wrapped a towel around her, drying her off then he led her back to the bedroom.
Rayden sat bolt upright in the bed, sweating, running his hand through his hair. It was just a dream. More like a nightmare. He felt a warmth at his wrist and looked down at the gift from Magnus. He had spent enough time around magic to know that something was happening. Was it a warning? A premonition of the future? Looking over his shoulder he saw Eislyn sleeping peacefully and lay down beside her, letting her presence sooth him. She shifted and muttered in her sleep then was quiet again. He'd think about it later and drifted back to sleep.
Rayden leaned on the sill of the open window breathing in the warm sea air. The room faced west, and he could see down the coastline, sparkling water to the left, mountains to the far right. He rubbed over the amulet at his wrist. The dreams he had last night were unsettling. Women were weeping, blood spattered and even his sister's voice could be heard screaming 'no!'. Everything had been very indistinct, so it was hard to say whether it was just a nightmare or something else entirely.
Eislyn padded up behind him dressed in his shirt, the sleeves covering her hands, and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rest her head on his back and sighed.
"Good morning, sleepy head." He teased.
"More like good afternoon." She said as she poked lightly at his shoulders. "I didn't realize you were so…muscly."
"Well, you don't stay weak swinging the sword I do."
"Makes sense," she said, leaning on the sill next to him. She gazed out over the familiar land knowing that she would be leaving it soon and didn't know when she would see her homeland again. It made her a little sad but at the same time excited for what lay ahead. "So, what is Nifgaard City like?" Rayden mulled over his answer.
"It's beautiful, no doubt. They call it the City of Golden Towers. If we come into port early enough, you'll get to see it on the ride back to the palace. It is quite a sight. You can find every kind of shop imaginable. Overall, the people seem pleasant. The nobility…not so much. There has been so much corruption in the past that it's ingrained in them somehow. Their arrogance knows no bounds."
"You're supposed to be making me feel better about going." Eislyn stated matter-of-factly.
"You'll be fine. There are a few who aren't complete bastards." There was a knock on the open bedroom door and Eislyn jumped in front of Rayden, hiding herself from view. Rayden turned and saw no one.
"Yes?" he inquired. Patrick answered.
"Triss needs to speak with you. It's important."
"I'll be right out." He waited until the main door closed. "Sorry my dear, but I need my shirt," He pulled it quickly off over her head and Eislyn made an eep noise and glared at him. "Don't be that way…you look very attractive without it." He winked and pulled on his shirt and boots, ran a hand through his hair and joined his attendant and mother in the hall.
"I'm sorry, Rayden. It couldn't be helped." Triss said right off and opened a portal. "Come." She walked through and Rayden followed, pulling Patrick along with him. On the other side, Patrick leaned over, hands on his knees panting as his head spun.
"Takes some getting used to," Said Eskel, sitting on the edge of a bed. He looked around and saw they were in Triss and Eskel's bedroom. Rayden gave him a firm pat on the back and laughed then moved to an ornate mirror in the corner. The image wavered and Yen stood before them.
"Rayden, I think I found who is trying to kill you."