Disclaimer:
I do not own any of the original characters, the rest in the story are mine.
10th Kingdom Fanfic – "A Brother's Wish"
Chapter 25
Reilly and Virginia dressed for the ball in the guest room of the main house. Channon dressed in Reilly's suite at the Inn and Wolf dressed in his own room. The four of them went down stairs together and entered their separate carriages. Reilly noticed that Channon was very quiet. He was gazing out the window and smiling. Reilly touched his hand. "Silver Wendell for your thoughts"
"What?" Channon replied, "Oh sorry beloved, I was just thinking about tonight."
"Anything in particular?" She asked smiling at him.
"No, I just can not get over how delicious you look in your new gown."
"And you look tasty too, in your new suit."
"Oh really," Channon lifted Reilly's chin so she was looking him in the eyes. He kissed her quickly on the lips. "I could eat you up right here."
"And I would not stop you…" Reilly whispered, "this time…" She returned his gentle kiss.
"We will have time later…for eating." He pulled himself back, afraid that if he continued to kiss her he could not stop. "We are almost to the castle."
When the carriage rolled to a stop, Wendell's footmen lowered the steps and Channon stepped out. He lifted Reilly out of the carriage and placed her gently on the red carpet. They followed the rest of the guests into the main ballroom. Rupert announced them.
"Master Channon and Mistress Reilly of the Fourth Kingdom. Our guests of honor."
Reilly looked at Channon and raised her eyebrow. "What does he mean by that?"
"I do not know." Channon replied sheepishly. "Shall we mingle?"
"Yes. We shall." They walked hand in hand into the ballroom. Channon and Reilly spoke to everyone it seemed. After about an hour Reilly asked Channon if they could sit down, her leg was not quite healed and it was beginning to throb. They sat on a bench near the throne. They had only been seated there a few moments when Wendell signaled for everyone's attention. Everyone turned toward the front and stood.
"Lords and Ladies, Kings and Queens, Friends. We have gathered her today for a celebration. A celebration of family restored. The trolls had kidnapped Antony and his daughter Reilly on their way to visit my Grandmother Cinderella. Lord Wolf's brother, Master Channon rescued them. Channon would you please come to the front?" Channon walked to the podium. "Because of your bravery in the face of such danger, and for returning Antony and Reilly to us I award you this medal." He took the medal and pinned it to the front of Channon's jacket.
"That's Wolfies for ya, good guys," Wolf piped up.
"Thank you, your majesty," Channon replied bowing.
"You are so very welcome. As I know you will be staying in the Fourth Kingdom, and there is no need for two cooks at the 'Faire, I would ask you if you would join my personal staff. We will be entering into tense negotiations with the Trolls and they have great respect for you as you did not kill Burly, though you had every reason to."
"I would be honored. Though I would ask for a short vacation, to settle into my new life."
"Of course. Now I would call Antony, Virginia and Wolf to the podium." Wendell said. Antony, Wolf and Virginia all stepped up to the podium. "As you are Reilly's family, and, as people can live happily ever after…Channon has one request for the three of you."
"Yes," they replied in unison.
Channon sunk to one knee, "I Channon, a humble wolf, ask for Reilly's hand in marriage."
"Cripes," Wolf explained.
"I don't kn…"Tony began before Virginia interrupted.
"I think it is a wonderful idea. You have returned my father and sister. I know that Reilly loves you. You have proven to be loyal, faithful and brave. What more could one ask for in a brother-in-law." Virginia looked at her father. "Dad, I know you are not sure, but you have always trusted me."
"Yes," He turned to Channon, "I give you permission to marry Reilly. Welcome to the family."
Channon smiled and looked toward Reilly, still on bended knee. "Beloved would you please join me?" All eyes turned as Reilly walked slowly up to the podium. She took Channon's hand and smiled down at him. Channon pulled a ring case out of his pocket. He opened it up revealing a beautiful sapphire ring. "Will you be my life mate?"
"Yes, I will." Reilly replied as Channon slipped the ring on her finger.
Everyone began cheering. Wendell motioned everyone to be silent.
"As ruler of the 4th Kingdom, I can marry you right here, right now." He smiled as Channon stood up. "If you would like?"
Channon and Reilly looked at each other, they could leave tonight as a married couple, no more separate bedrooms, no more stolen kisses and caresses. They could wake each morning in each other's arms, Channon's tail wrapped around both of them.
"Yes," they replied together.
"Lord Rupert", Wendell called.
"Coming sire", Rupert appeared with a group of footmen. They carried flowers, jewelry and a veil for Reilly.
Virginia helped Reilly move to the back of the room, and then fastened the veil on Reilly's head below her tiara. She handed Reilly the bridal bouquet and returned to the podium. Tony extended his arm. Reilly smiled and put her hand on his arm. Channon was waiting at the front with Wolf, Virginia and Wendell. The Snow White bridal march began and Reilly and Tony began moving toward the front. When Reilly and Tony reached the front Channon bowed to them extending his hand for Reilly, she took his hand and stood next to him. Wendell clapped his hands.
"Lords and Ladies, we are gathered here today to join this woman, with this wolf. I remember just a short time ago when wolves were not welcome in this kingdom. Twice now, a wolf has proven himself brave, loyal and willing to serve this kingdom no matter the cost. Today I join another daughter of Antony the Valiant, to a hero, Channon the Fearless." He tipped his head at the couple, "Should I say Lord Channon the Fearless." The crowd erupted in cheers and clapping. Reilly and Channon had eyes only for each other. Wendell gestured to quiet the crowd. "Lord Channon, do you take this woman to be your life mate? To be the alpha female in the pack?"
"I do," Channon replied smiling.
"Reilly, do you take this wolf to be your life mate? To be the alpha male in the pack?"
"I will," Reilly whispered.
"Who gives these two to each other?" Wendell asked.
"We do", answered Wolf, Virginia and Tony.
"As family do you promise to guide them and protect them and any cubs that shall come along?"
"Yes", they answered again.
"Does anyone here have any reason why these two should not share this bond forever?" Channon and Reilly looked around the room. No one spoke up. "As King of the Fourth Kingdom, I now pronounce you life mates. Husband and wife, Lord Channon, you may now kiss the bride."
"Gladly," he growled. Channon wrapped his powerful arms around Reilly, picked her up and kissed her. Reilly melted in his grasp and returned the kiss. Channon put her down, though he did not release her. They turned to the crowd.
"I introduce to you, Lord Channon and Lady Reilly." Wendell announced loudly, the crowd erupted in cheers again.
Wolf bounded up the podium, Virginia followed behind him. Channon released Reilly and Wolf wrapped them both in a bear hug. "Huff Puff, well now you really are my little sister." Wolf smiled at Reilly. "I suppose you will not be working with us at the restaurant anymore."
"Yes I will," she smiled at Wolf and Virginia, "after a short vacation."
"Of course," Virginia replied. "I think we all need a short vacation, I have a cub to prepare for and I am sure you will be looking for a new residence."
"Yes after a while. My suite at the Inn will be fine for now. I would like to convince Channon to build a home for us near yours in the forest."
Wendell stepped closer, "I have a suite of rooms here for you if you wish or I could grant you a parcel of land".
"I believe we will take the land, Sire" Channon spoke up, "I wish to build a large home, and fill it with children. Virginia and Wolf's cub will need playmates." He smiled coyly at Reilly, "many playmates."
"I think right now we need to celebrate." Tony spoke up.
"I agree," Wendell replied. He clapped his hands to signal the celebration to begin.
Channon and Reilly stepped down to the main floor. Channon wrapped his arms around Reilly's waist and pulled her as close as he could, lifting her slightly to relieve the pressure on her foot. "I shall love you until the end of time, and no one will ever take you from me again."
"And I shall love you until the end of time and will never go from you again." Reilly replied. The music began and they danced, throughout the night they danced only with each other. They shared in a grand meal and danced more.
Chapter 26
Shortly before midnight, they made their escape. No one was at the Inn when they returned and Channon had arranged for Virginia and Wolf to stay at the castle for the evening. Channon helped Reilly down from the carriage and sent the driver on his way. He took the lantern he had stashed by the door and lit it; he handed the lantern to Reilly and picked her up. He carried her into the Inn and to their suite. Channon open the door and carried Reilly through the door, he placed her on the small settee and took the lantern from her hand.
"Do not move beloved." Channon lit the candles he had spread around the room and opened the window to let in the cool summer night breezes. Channon knelt in front of Reilly and began removing her shoes, after placing her shoes on the floor, he removed her stockings gently. When he had finished with her stockings, he stood up and held his hand out. Reilly took his hand, stood up and began to follow him to the bed, her ankle gave way and she tripped. Channon grabbed her quickly and carried her to the bed. He moved to the table and picked up the bandage she had taken off earlier in the day. He wrapped her ankle quickly and smiled at her. Reilly marveled at his gentleness and caring. She reached up to pull the ribbon from his hair. She pulled her own tiara off and pulled the pins from her hair. She heard his sharp intake of breath as her auburn hair fell to her shoulders in waves; her blue gray eyes sparkled in the soft candlelight. Channon growled softly as he moved closer to her. He nipped playfully at her nose, to his surprise Reilly growled quietly in response. Channon moved to the chair to remove his own boots, he wanted to take this first night slowly and savor every moment of it. Reilly stood beside the bed and began to unlace the side of her gown, she let it fall to the floor leaving her standing there in only a chemise, she stepped away from her gown carefully and stood in front of Channon. Channon removed his jacket and tossed it on the floor beside him, he stood up and grabbed Reilly, crushing her to his chest, he covered her face with kisses. He moved toward the bed as Reilly began unfastening his cravat, after removing the cravat and tossing it to the floor she began to unbutton his shirt. She could hear the growls of passion growing in Channon's chest. He pulled the shirt off and threw her on the bed. His green eyes began to glow, Reilly drew in a sharp breath as he slid his trousers off and shook out his tail. She marveled at the definition of his body and the animal like way he trembled. Reilly pulled the chemise over her head. Channon leapt onto the bed, he began kissing Reilly's neck, moving slowly down her collar bone where he nibbled lightly. Reilly responded by running her hands through his hair pulling him closer until they were locked together. Channon made love to her slowly and deliberately until they were so exhausted, they fell asleep wrapped in each others arms.
Chapter 27
The following morning Reilly awoke, Channon was wrapped around her, still asleep. His tail was across her hips and thumping lightly. Reilly slowly extricated herself from her sleeping husband and tiptoed into the bathroom. She tiptoed back the bed to find Channon awake and smiling at her. She smiled back and dropped down next to him. Channon quickly sprung up, raced to the bathroom, and returned quickly.
"Good morning beloved," he said, wrapping his naked body around her once more like two spoons in a drawer.
"Good morning to you," she turned in his arms to face him. Reilly reached up and kissed Channon, she growled softly. Channon could feel the passion burning in his soul once again. When they finished Channon noticed something seemed different about Reilly but still it was Reilly.
They lay in each others arms resting quietly when they heard Virginia and Wolf arguing as they exited their carriage. "Wolf, leave them alone." Virginia said firmly. "Let them have this time. Soon enough they will join us."
"Huff Puff, Channon may be hungry." Wolf replied. Virginia just smiled and rolled her eyes.
"Yes but not for food," Virginia whispered to Wolf winking. She kissed him softly on the lips. "And I bet you aren't either." She let her hand trail down his shoulder and chest before stepping away into the house. Wolf growled seductively when he realized what Virginia meant. He bounded into the house behind her, swept her up and carried her up the stairs to their bedroom.
Channon closed the window of their suite. "Beloved. Please follow me." Channon said quietly as he returned to the side of the bed. He took Reilly's hand and led her to the bathroom. He filled the tub with steaming water and rose petals. Channon unwrapped Reilly's ankle, he picked her up and stepped into the tub. He carefully sat in the water with Reilly still in his arms. Channon released Reilly and grabbed the sponge and soap that were on the edge of the tub. He washed Reilly from head to toe, running fresh warm water as needed. When he was finished, he washed himself while Reilly soaked in the warm water. He filled the tub once more for a final rinse, when they were finished he stood up and exited the tub. He grabbed some warm towels from the shelf and wrapped Reilly in one and himself in another. He carried her back into the bedroom and placed her on the bed. He returned for an extra towel, which he dried Reilly's hair with when he returned. When he was finished drying her hair Reilly helped him dry his tail. They dressed in comfortable clothing, Channon re-wrapped Reilly's ankle and they went down to the restaurant. Channon began preparing a meal for them while Reilly sat at the counter quietly pondering her life. Wolf and Virginia came in shortly after them, both Virginia and Wolf were beaming. Wolf joined Channon at the stove and Virginia motioned to Reilly to follow her into the dining room, Virginia and Reilly sat at the family booth talking quietly of small things. In the kitchen the discussion was different.
"Well brother, how do you feel this morning?" Wolf asked Channon.
"Like a new wolf, and you?" Channon replied.
"Hungry," Wolf grabbed a pan down and went to the pantry for some bacon. "Nothing sets my nostrils twitching like bacon."
"Reilly, doesn't really like bacon." Channon said quietly not wanting to offend his brother.
"But, the cub needs its bacon." Wolf replied, startling Channon.
"I was talking about Reilly," Channon replied.
"Huff Puff, so am I brother." He slapped the older wolf's shoulder. "She's got a little wolf cub growing inside her, I could tell by her scent when we came in." Wolf started hopping around. "Didn't you notice or is your head still in the clouds."
"I noticed something was different but I was not sure what," Channon began to stare towards the door to the dining room. "Should I tell her yet?" he asked.
"Cripes, of course, or I could." Wolf replied.
"No, I will tell her." Channon said as he stepped into the dining room. He dashed over to the table where Reilly and Virginia were sitting. He pulled Reilly from the booth and kissed her squarely on the mouth. She pushed him away.
"What has gotten into you," Reilly asked as he put her down.
"It is what has gotten into you," Channon smiled.
"What?" Reilly raised one eyebrow at Channon. "What in the Nine Kingdoms are you talking about?"
"You are with cub. I knew something was different about you this morning, Wolf told me, he picked it up in your scent." Channon picked Reilly up again and spun her around. "Guess we will need that big house after all. Sooner than we expected." Reilly laughed and looked at Virginia.
"Trust me sis, they know." Virginia replied. "I don't know how they know but they do."
The End.