A/N - This is offically the last chapter. A prologue will come probably Thursday, and then we will move on to the next story.
I've written out how I want to reveal certain information to you. A lot of your questions will be, at least partially, answered in the Prologue. A lot of it will not flesh itself out, however, until we start the new story. :)
Also, be warned. This is a particularly fluffy chapter. Okay, it's purely fluffy. But it's the last chapter, and after writing so much angsty stuff I wanted everyone to be happy! Hah!
One last thought. I hope you don't mind the semi-aggressive behavior Nicholas exhibits. I think that the two lovebirds will have found quite a niche for themselves, and be comfortable in each other's presence. Also, I think the playfulness and banter in their relationship is one of my favorite aspects. Plus! It makes him more like daddy. Mm.
Thanks for the reviews, please continue.
By any standard the reception had been marvelous. All of those in attendance had sipped the most expensive wines and feasted upon an exquisite meal. The only thing that seemed out of sorts was that the bride and groom seemed to disappear again and again, missing most of the spectacle save for those events which specifically required their presence. As the evening finally waned, Elizabeth and Nicholas were ushered off into a carriage that was decorated in honor of their recent nuptials. Once the familiar clod of horses' hooves sounded, and the din behind them was gone – they were finally alone.
"Nicholas, you must explain all of this to me. I fear that I am dreaming and any moment it will all be snatched away. Where have you been? Not a single note did I receive! And who is the Marquis Morel? And where are we going?"
Nicholas laughed lightly, shifting to encircle her shoulders with his arm. The gesture was not uncomfortable nor unfamiliar to the two, only now it seemed a bit different. There was no unspoken rule between them, preventing any small touch from escalating into more. Both felt the tension, and Elizabeth's lips parted in something similar to a gasp. She glanced upwards at her new husband, and smiled. For all the world she looked shy. Nicholas simply pressed her more closely to his side, and tipped his head to brush a kiss to her temple.
"It's a long story, my love. But I must know one thing from you, first. Why?"
"Why?" Elizabeth echoed in confusion.
"Why did you marry me? Simply because I am less detestable than William, or because we are good friends?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Both of those things, yes." She could feel Nicholas stiffen, and he averted his gaze. His jaw tightened, and she lifted her fingers to brush that flexed muscle. "And so much more," she continued in a whisper. He turned quickly to gaze at her once more, and she smiled upwards at him.
"Do you remember when we used to picnic in our secret marsh? I would nestle into your side and recount all of my dreams, and you'd simply laugh and tell me that I could own the world?"
"Of course," Nicholas' deep voice resounded quietly.
"And then I would complain endlessly about marrying William, and beg you to sweep me away, to make me your wife?"
"Yes, but.."
Elizabeth interrupted him and continued.
"I meant all of those things. You thought I was only teasing, but I love you, Nicholas. You mirror my soul, you complete me. You…"
Elizabeth realized how bluntly she was speaking and was silenced by the recognition. Blush stained her fair cheeks and she looked away. A finger crooked beneath her chin, however, forcing it upwards. Within Nicholas' gaze she found only love and acceptance, and it warmed her. His lips claimed hers, and with a soft moan of surprise she responded. Nicholas lifted a hand to tangle in her luscious curls, the other stroking the length of her side where it rested. Her small hands lifted to his chest, and then to his own neck where her fingers curled against the warmth of his flesh. Both were gasping for air by the time they broke the kiss. Elizabeth laughed lightly.
"Something amusing, wife?" Nicholas queried, with mock displeasure.
"No, husband," she replied, assuming the same tone of voice comically.
"Then why were you laughing?" He probed, even as his fingertips trailed the smooth column of her throat and began to stroke the pale flesh at her collarbone. Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, undoubtedly a witty reply to continue the game, but his touch gazed her to shiver and she squirmed within the seat. When she could find no words to reply, it was his turn to laugh.
"I will please you," he murmured brusquely against her ear as he nipped at her earlobe.
"No doubt," she replied almost breathlessly. Nicholas ceased his teasing then, and simply embraced her.
"In all ways, Elizabeth. I love you as well."
Elizabeth smiled, somewhat relieved that Nicholas had stopped his ministrations. She felt desire strongly for him, that much was certain, but she was also quite nervous. Besides, her mind had reasoned, a carriage is hardly the place. His words broke her reverie, and she simply mewed in response as they continued out of the city.
Two Months Later
"E-liz-a-beth.." the voice resounded again, in a singsong manner. Elizabeth groaned and pulled the pillow over her head.
"No," she cried softly against it, though the sound was muffled.
At the silence that followed, she thought she had won and simply allowed herself to drift back to sleep. The tickle of lips upon her thigh roused her once more, however, and she quickly tossed the pillow aside. Propping up on her elbows, she glanced down at the intrusion to find her husband smiling mischievously upwards at her. He was, just as she, completely naked. Even his mask had been discarded in their lovemaking the night before.
"You have the grin of a Cheshire cat, my love.." she teased. He only smirked, and dipped his head to taste of her flesh again, nipping at her shapely thigh.
Elizabeth issued a soft moan and reached to tousle his hair.
"I'm up," she complained softly. "You incessant tease. We hardly have time!"
Nicholas laughed.
"Italy will be there whenever we arrive," he replied, fingertips stroking the curve of her hip.
Being reminded of the plans for the day, Elizabeth tossed her leg over his head, effectively disentangling herself from him. She jumped from the bed excitedly, her face simply beaming.
"Oh! I had forgotten! Rome, at last!"
Nicholas rolled to his side and watched his young wife as she scurried about their lavish room, muttering about which dress she would wear for the journey. The shape of her body was appealing, and suddenly he had little desire to do any exploration outside the doors of their bedroom. Thoughts of her slender arms wrapped around him, those shapely legs fastened about his hips, and those dark curls within his fingers caused him to growl lightly. Elizabeth halted in her current quest at the familiar sound, gaze tossed over a bare shoulder towards him. The fire in his eyes was one she recognized immediately, and with a squeal of delight she turned from the wardrobe and attempted an escape. He was upon her within a breath, however, sending them both to the carpeted floor with a thump. She groaned at the impact, and he rolled her effortlessly beneath him. Glancing up into his face, desire written across the perfect and marred flesh, she pursed her lips in a pout. He grasped her wrists and forced them above her, then began nipping roughly at her throat.
"We'll miss the train! You beast!" Elizabeth attempted to sound angry, though his touch upon her was forcing a hint of desire into the timbre of her sweet voice as well.
Nicholas only grumbled against her flesh and continued, and Elizabeth struggled against his hands, trying to free her own.
"You're mine," he stated, as he lifted his gaze to sear into her own.
With all of the love she felt in her heart for this playful man atop her, she smiled.
"Yes," she replied.
Nicholas smiled, and bit at her lip. Elizabeth conceded to his plans, and he released her arms. Just as she welcomed him into her embrace, he suddenly lifted himself from her and began to saunter rather arrogantly toward their bed.
"Really, Elizabeth.." he began, and even after two months she was surprised at how much control he had over his voice. Not a drop of the passion they had shared in the moment before was obvious. Instead it almost sounded like he were chiding her. "We must not miss the train!"
Elizabeth grumbled in defeat, and stood, face flushed.
"Marquis Morel", she stated sarcastically as she walked toward him. "You will be the death of me!"
"No, my sweet.." he retorted, drawing her into his arms. "I will make all of your dreams come true."