DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN MK.
Once I was fully fed, the group split up to rest after our long night. I made my way to Raiden's rooms alone, somewhat missing the company in these vast stone walls. Once I was in the quarters, I simply walked to the bedroom. There, I removed my jewelry, my make-up (what little I wore), and then undressed, hopping into a warm bath. There, I let the water soothe away the stress of the day, closing my eyes as I leaned on the edge. Today was a lot to absorb... almost too much for my mind. After a while, I heard someone knock on the door. My eyes opened to look back and see a young woman.
"I am Misa, my Lady," she said. "I am to see to your every need while you are here."
I frowned, but then smiled softly, realizing my frown frightened the girl.
"I was lucky to find the tub," I admitted. "Could you get me some soap and a washcloth?"
She obeyed with a small, shaky smile of her own. After she handed it to me, she stood off to the side. To be honest, I was grateful for the company.
"Misa, have you lived here all your life?" I asked her. "And just call me Frost, no title needed."
She nodded, seeming to slowly relax as she told me about herself. So, while I bathed, I listened. Kung Lao had saved the girl from slavery to the Emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn. She then went on to explain there were other rhelms and, due to this being the home of Earthrhelm's protector and champion, they were under attack almost daily from Outworld's forces. Shao Kahn dearly wanted Earthrhelm under his control, but Raiden and Liu Kang stood in his way. Misa then told me that, once she'd come here, she had asked to repay her debt through services to the temple. Kung Lao had objected, but Raiden had accepted, telling her that she was to see to the guests that came through. Misa had slowly learned that she was aloud to joke around and speak her mind through the kindness of the other monks and the guests. I, however, had now become her permanant master (for lack of a better word).
"Well, I'm grateful for that," I admitted to her, stepping out and taking the towel she handed me gratefully. "I do enjoy company."
She smiled, now fully relaxed with me.
"Here," she said, handing me my travel bag. "Lord Raiden dropped by your motel to get your things."
I nodded, grateful yet again. I pulled out a pair of silk shorts and a bra, putting both on. After all, that was what I often slept in.
"Will you be needing anything else?" she asked. I shook my head.
"I'm probably going to sleep all afternoon," I admitted. She giggled and nodded, leaving me, taking my dirty clothes with her. I smiled at her, then crawled into the bed, taking the right side. There, I let sleep wisk me away.
I walked next to Liu as we headed to bed that morning. When we reached the room, both of us tensed just a bit.
"Well... how do you want to do this?" he asked, leaving the decision up to me. I frowned, looking over the bed. It was a twin bed which meant if we both slept there, we'd have a hard time fitting comfortably, let alone putting any space between us... but... then again... he was my husband now...
"If you don't object, I have no issues sharing the bed," I told him. His eyes tried to read mine. "I am your wife now, remember? Makes no sense for either of us to act otherwise."
Slowly, he nodded, understanding my reasoning. I turned around and faced the door as someone knocked. I opened it slightly to see a servant woman.
"Here," she said, handing me my bags from the motel. "Lord Raiden retrieved them for you."
"Remind me to thank him," I told her. She nodded with a smile and I shut the door. Then I looked through my bag for my PJs. I pulled out a pair of booty-shorts and one of my corsets. I heard Liu swallow and chuckled, looking over my shoulder at him.
"Relax, Liu," I teased. "It's just my PJs..."
"You sleep in... lingerie?" he asked, barely getting it out. I shot him a devilish smile.
"Would you rather I sleep naked?"
Immediately, he went bright red and shook his head.
"No, definately not," he answered. I laughed and set my clothes on his dresser. Then, not caring that he was watching, transfixed, I pulled off my pants and my shirt, leaving me in my bra and underwear. Both were very, very lacy, and very, very naughty. I heard him swallow and smirked, reaching up and undoing my bra, letting it fall to the floor. Then I reached for my corset and pulled it on. I looked over at Liu.
"If you'll be a dear and fasten the back?" I asked. He shook himself out of his stupor and approached, his body shaking a bit. His fingers shook just as bad as he fastened all the hooks in back. "If you shake any harder, you won't be able to get anything done, Liu."
In response to my teasing statement, he rested his hands on my hips.
"Then stop teasing me," he whispered in my ear, his arousal in his voice. "I'm barely keeping my hands to myself..."
I chuckled and grabbed my shorts, pulling them on. Then I looked at Liu.
"Do you intend to sleep in your uniform?" I asked. He blushed a bit.
"I usually don't sleep in anything," he admitted. I blushed bright red.
"Uh... kay," I said, steeling myself for what was gonna be a very long night. "If that's how you're comfortable, go for it."
He seemed surprised.
"You don't mind?" he asked. I shifted uncomfortably.
"It's not that I won't mind... it's more..." I paused and swallowed, my eyes looking anywhere but at him, the blush on my cheeks darkening. "I've led an extremely sheltered life... The male physic is... completely foreign to me... But I will grin and bear it if that's what it takes for you to sleep comfortably."
Slowly, he tilted my face up to look at him.
"Are you sure?" he repeated, his eyes locking onto mine.
"Yes," I answered breathlessly at his proximity... and at the idea of him naked next to me all night... Slowly, he reached for his pants and began to remove them. Try as I may, I couldn't tear my eyes away from his rippling muscles. Then his hands removed his boxers as well, setting both articles of clothing aside in a hamper I just now saw. I put mine in there, too, much to his obvious pleasure. I desperately tried to ignore the naked muscular man in the room as I then went to the bed. I took the side closest to the wall and felt him crawl in behind me, pulling the blanket over us both. Against my better judgement, I rolled to face him and he laid down comfortably on his back. So, with the wall to my back, I scooted over to him. He lifted his arm up, allowing me to mold to his side, my leg resting over his own, my head on his shoulder. His arm then rested around my form, his hand on my waist.
"Are you comfortable?" I asked him. In response, I felt his flesh twitch against my thigh, slightly hardening. He swallowed before he answered.
"I will be," he finally said. I smiled, then thought of something.
"Liu?" I asked softly.
"Yes?"
"Um... exactly what are you expecting out of this... marriage of ours?"
His hand lightly rubbed my arm as he thought about it.
"No more than what you're willing to give me," he answered simply. "Remember, this is only a temporary knot... unless you decide otherwise. I will not force you to do something you don't want to do."
"Including..." I paused and swallowed hard. "... the consumation?"
This time, he gave me a soft smile.
"Not until you choose it," he answered. That comforted me a great deal.
"Thank you."
He gave me a soft squeeze in reply and the two of us fell silent, lost in our own thoughts.
Perhaps marriage to this man wasn't going to be so bad...
I woke the next morning alone. No surprise there. The room, it appeared, hadn't even been touched. I yawned quietly, stretching slowly. I was surprised that I'd slept all day and all night. I must have been more tired than I thought. Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.
"Enter," I called. Misa stepped into the room, locking the door behind her. She then ran my bath as I got out of bed. Once I was stripped and in the tub, she turned around and made the bed. Then she returned to me.
"Was I the only one that slept so long?" I asked. Misa nodded.
"Honey was up with the boys around one yesterday afternoon," she answered. "When asked if they should wake you, she told everyone to let you sleep. So, you were left alone. Raiden wants to make sure it's okay that he comes in while you bathe."
"He's my husband," I said, my voice sort of like a grumble. "What rights to I have?"
Misa giggled.
"Honey explained the whole thing to me," she explained at my questioning look. I nodded. "I'll go get him, then."
I nodded and relaxed in the rose-scented bubbles. Personally, I hated roses... but beggars couldn't be choosers. Soon, I heard the door open and shut, but didn't open my eyes, grateful that the bubbles covered the entire bath, making it impossible to see anything.
"Are you rested?" Raiden asked. I nodded, slowly opening my eyes to look at him as he walked over to a chair nearby and sat down in it, his gaze studying me. I kinda felt... like an item on display.
"You know, if you take a picture, it lasts longer," I finally said, closing my eyes and relaxing once more. If he was surprised or taken back, he said nothing.
"Were you aware that your family and Kenai and his family are all waiting for you downstairs?" he asked suddenly. My eyes snapped open, my relaxed mood completely gone. My eyes flew to his.
"You jest," I said, hoping he was. He shook his head. I closed my eyes, a worried look crossing my face.
Would my acting skills be enough? Could Raiden and I pull this off? Would my father buy it? How was Kenai going to act?
I was pulled out of my thoughts by Raiden's hand on my shoulder.
"Relax," he said. "You'll be fine."
I just let myself sink into the water until I was fully submerged. I half-hoped he'd let me drown, but his hands gently pulling me back up told me that wasn't going to happen.
"You can't avoid them forever," he commented. I sighed and nodded, then pulled the plug. Raiden didn't seem to know what to do, he just stood there looking uncomfortable.
"Can you grab me that towel over there?" I asked, gesturing to it. While he turned to get it, I stood and stepped out of the tub, out onto the rug. When he turned back around, he froze, his eyes fixing on my naked form. Slowly, I walked towards him, not letting him know how much his reaction pleased me. When I was less than two inches away, I looked up into his gaze and watched him swallow.
"Earth to Raiden," I said abruptly, snapping him out of it. "Kinda hard to dry off with no towel."
He shook his head and I took the towel, drying off every inch of me. After a short amount of time, I hung the towel up, then walked to my bag in the bedroom and pulled out a pair of form-fitting black pants like I'd worn to the club. Then I pulled out a simple, form-fitting silver wife-beater. Raiden made a small noise that sounded suspiciously like a whimper when I pulled on my lacy bra and underwear. I found it fully amusing.
Once dressed, I then walked back into the bathroom and spiked my hair again, knowing it would irritate Kenai who said a woman should have long, flowing hair. I then did my make-up like last night (minus the glitter) and put back in my hoops. Only then did I turn to face Raiden.
"Time to test our acting skills," I said. He nodded, offering his arm. I chuckled and took it. However, he was far too tense so I leaned up and stole a kiss, shocking him.
"That's better," I teased. "Raiden, you have to relax. You're not meeting the Grim Reaper."
He sighed and nodded, forcing his body to calm. Only after he was well pieced together did we venture down to the dining hall. Sure enough, just as he said, the entire family was there, two places right next to eachother open for Raiden and I. Raiden leaned over as we walked towards the table.
"What do you want to eat?" he whispered, not wanting to be heard.
"French Toast," I answered, just as quietly. "Scrambled eggs... glass of juice."
He nodded then sat me down at the table, leaving to get my food, considering he didn't need to eat. When he returned, he sat next to me, handing me my food. I immediately slid over to where I was literally cupped to his side. I was willing to bet that only he noticed my trembling as my father's gaze zeroed in on us.
"Hello father," I said finally, my nervousness in my voice. Fortunately, my father mis-understood in a good way.
"Relax, child," he told me. "I'm not here berate you for your choices."
I relaxed immediately. His voice always had that effect on me. No matter what was happening, my father's voice was all it took to calm me.
"Then why are you here?" I asked, putting some of my usual cheek in my voice as I slowly ate. Father smiled.
"I need you to sign a document legalizing the treaty of our clans," he answered, sliding it over to me. "You are free from binding to Kenai (who has refused to sign) unless something happens to where you are no longer at Lord Raiden's side. Until that time, you are free to do as you please, but must also take over the running of our clan should anything happen to our clan leaders."
I nodded and signed it, trusting my father completely. He then tried to get Kenai to sign it. Kenai looked at it like it would burn him.
"Surely you aren't afraid of a paper, Kenai," I couldn't help but say in a condencending tone. He shot me a venomous look. However, I ignored it as my mother spoke to me.
"Cilandra, are you... content, now?" she asked. I immediately nodded. Unlike my father, my mother had known what that bastard had been doing to me.
"More than content, mother," I assured her. "More than you know."
She nodded with a small smile.
"Lord Raiden, what brought on the decision to marry my sister?" asked my seven-year-old sister, Daytalia. She was still at that age where guys had cooties. She got a disgusted face. "Do you really want her cooties?"
Almost immediately, there were snorts of laughter at the innocence of my sister. I was shaking in laughter, my face in my hand.
"I think I can handle your sister's cooties," he answered her warmly, though highly amused.
"Why did you want to marry her though?" Daytalia pressed, truly curious. "I mean... she's my sister!"
It was like that title explained it all. However, it only encouraged our laughter. Raiden couldn't keep the smile of amusement off his face.
"You'll understand when you're older," he told her simply. In response, my twelve-year-old brother, Micah, leaned over to her.
"I'm older and don't think I want to understand," he told her. I giggled, unable to help it at this point. Raiden merely smiled at the two of them and I finished eating, Misa taking my plate when I was done. Now, Kenai's family said their congratulations, then took their leave, dragging an extremely pissed Kenai after them. As if to add insult to injury, Raiden stole a kiss just as he looked back. I was surprised.
"I thought you were supposed to be the one that plays clean," I whispered, amused. All I got was a small smile in response before father walked up.
"If I may steal my daughter, I'd like a word," he said. Raiden nodded and let me leave with my father, leaving him with my siblings and my mother. Father walked me away from them, far enough to not be heard, then he slowed down and just talked while walking leisurely.
"Cilandra... I don't understand," he said. "You had a husband prepared for you, yet you continued to fight marriage, saying you would never marry, yet here you are, married to Raiden. What have I missed, my child?"
I sighed heavily and showed him the buise on my hip. His eyes widened.
"That is only one of several Kenai gave me over the years," I told him. "Father, he didn't love me. He just wanted to be the man that broke my spirit, turned me into a mindless drone of a housewife. Raiden... Raiden doesn't want that for me. He freed me from that hell. He treats me right and never presses for more than I'm willing to give. He's a good man, Father."
My father sighed.
"I'm sure he is," he agreed. "But have you thought about how he is immortal and you are not?"
I sighed heavily.
"Father, I may not be immortal, but I know that I will love him until the day I die," I told him, lying through my teeth. I didn't love Raiden. I didn't know him! "He was there when no one else would listen. He offered me the world and I chose to take it."
Father then nodded.
"Well then... have you thought about whether I can expect any grandchildren or not?" he asked. I froze, my face going bright red.
"FATHER!" I cried, shocked and embarrassed. I lowered my voice, noting the looks I was getting from every direction. "It's a little early to be thinking about that, don't you think?"
He chuckled at my embarrassment.
"I'll take that as you haven't talked about it yet," he said smoothly. I could not believe he just asked me that. So, we turned back around and walked back to Raiden and Mother. She just shook her head with amusement and then I said my farewells to my family. As soon as they left, Raiden turned his gaze to me.
"Why are you blushing?" he asked. My blush darkened. This was not something I wanted to talk to him about, but I had a feeling he'd learn it soon enough.
"Father wanted to know if he could expect any grandchildren," I answered. Raiden's eyes widened, surprised, then he just smiled.
"That would explain your blush," he commented. I nodded, then spotted a spy in the trees, none other than Kenai. So, with a pointed glance with my eyes, I pulled Raiden down into the first real kiss I'd ever given him, full of passion, full of heat. His body was quick to return it, his hands gripping my waist as he pulled me up against him. The kiss quickly turned hot, desperate, as our hands sought to touch one another's flesh. His hands slowly slid up under my shirt, his thumbs sliding under my bra to lightly brush over my hardening nipples. My own hands slid under his robe, pushing it lightly off his shoulders, baring his entire upper-body. Then my hands slid arousingly lower, lower to the edge of his pants.
Raiden quickly pulled away, breaking the spell of arousal that had overcome us. Slowly, he forced his mind to clear, forced his reactions to go down... before he took ahold of me and teleported us to his chambers. Once there, he released me entirely, both of us breathless and shaken. His eyes caught and held my gaze.
"How much of that... was false?" he asked. I smiled.
"90% of it," I answered. Something flashed through his gaze far too quickly for me to catch it. "You see, I take pride in my ability to manipulate men through sexual means. Kisses are only the tip of the iceberg."
His eyes looked like he wanted to ask something, but thought better of it.
"Was that kiss to eliminate all Kenai's doubts and infuriate him more... or-"
"Or was it to seduce you?" I finished. He nodded. I gave him an amused look over my shoulder as I turned my body to face the bedroom. "A little of both, actually. I didn't think it would actually work on you."
He swallowed hard, realizing I was toying with him.
"Normally, it wouldn't," he answered. "But my guard was down. My mind was on the part I was supposed to play."
I chuckled and nodded, then walked to the bathroom and checked the mirror. Sure enough, my lips were slightly swollen from the power of that kiss. So, I slowly walked out onto our balcony, looking at the sea over the edge.
"You know, it's hard to know what's acceptable and what isn't in this complicated marriage of ours," I stated. "Am I supposed to act like a real, dutiful wife, or like a woman that's merely wearing a ring?"
In response, he walked towards me and placed his hands on either side of my form, on the railing.
"I suppose it's somewhere in the middle," he answered finally. "But when I took those vows, I took them at full value. You are my wife."
I gave him an amused smile as I turned around.
"And as my husband... shouldn't you simply take what you want?" I teased. In response, he kissed me again, this kiss nearly overpowering my ability to think. He broke away, only to kiss me again, destroying all coherent thought.
"I intend to do just that, my wife," he whispered. I smiled and kissed him again, pressing my body against his. His hands took my own and he pulled away. "But only when it will mean something."
Then he led me back inside our room, kissed my cheek softly, and left me standing there, looking after him in surprise.
He really is unlike any man I've ever met...
I growled as I paced in front of the fireplace.
There must be something I haven't thought of, something I can do to dispose of that... Raiden. I will have Cilandra! I vowed to take her as my wife and I fully intend to!
Rage poured into me.
"Lord Kenai," said a servant, walking into the room. He was my most faithful servant, doing whatever I requested of him. "You sent for me?"
"Yes, Micah," I answered, looking at him. "I am in need of a powerful spell, one that will help me obtain the one I desire."
"My Lord?" Micah asked, confused. "Is she not all ready married?"
I slammed my fist into the mantle.
"I will have her!" I shouted. "She belongs to me!"
Micah winced, then sighed.
"It will be as you wish, my Lord. I will have all my sources look into it. You will have your wife soon, my Lord."
My lips curled into an unpleasant smile.
"Yes," I agreed. "She will be mine."
"My Emperor," said the Earthrhelm spy, kneeling before the large throne of bones.
"Have you successfully integrated into the Special Forces?" Shao Kahn asked. The spy nodded.
"Sonya and Jax trust me completely, Emperor," he answered. "I have recently gone with them to meet with Raiden and the Earthrhelm warriors, Liu Kang and Kung Lao."
"What news of Earthrhelm's chosen warriors?" asked Shao Kahn.
"They remain as studious and powerful as ever, my Emperor," he answered. "However, there is something that may interest you."
With that, he spread an image before Shao Kahn. It was the temple of the monks, though he wasn't close to what had happened. It had been at least a tower away. A young woman stood there with short, spikey black hair, white tips. Her clothes were form-fitting and black and silver in color. Her body was curvy, yes, but you could also see the well toned muscles her body supported. She was looking out across the ocean.
"Why would this interest me?" Shao Kahn asked. The spy gave him a small smile.
"Just watch," he answered. "It will become clear."
No sooner had he said that did his reasoning become clear. Raiden stepped up behind her, placing his hands on either side of her form on the railing. They spoke about something, something amusing, then she turned to face the God. To the shock of those watching, Raiden kissed the woman, closing the gap between them. One kiss became two... Then he pulled away and said something else. She smiled at him, stealing another kiss and he took her hands in his own. After a few more words, he led her back into the tower.
The vision stopped and the spy kept his head lowered, not certain of what this would mean to the Emperor.
"So... Raiden finally has a weak link," Shao Kahn mused. "Who is she?"
"The name she goes by is Frost, though it's been made clear that isn't her true identity," he answered. "She isn't that impressive to me, but she's managed to claim Raiden. Throughout my visit, wherever she went, he was sure to follow. He's quite taken with the human girl. She is his wife before the Elder Gods."
Shao Kahn seemed to mull that over.
"I will need you to keep close watch on this woman of his," Shao Kahn stated. "She may be the key to Raiden's undoing."
"Liu Kang is also married, my Emperor," the spy continued. Kahn looked at him contemplatingly.
"Keep a close watch on Frost only," he instructed. "Liu Kang will be of little consequence when Raiden is out of the way."
"As you command, my Emperor."