Chapter 13 Marmoreal

The week had passed quicker than either Stayne or Alannah expected, and the day arrived for them to appear before the White Queen at Marmoreal. Stayne nearly balked at going.

"Alannah, what happens if I stand before her and discover that she has changed her mind? What if she lifts my banishment only to imprison me? Or worse, what if she imprisons you for harboring me?"

Alannah smiled gently at him, and touched his face. "Ilosivic, calm down. We will not know what will happen until we arrive at Marmoreal. But whatever the decision of the Queen, I will never regret harboring you, or falling in love with you. There is no force in this world that can make me regret that."

Stayne smiled softly, and pulled her into a deep kiss. "I will never regret that either love. You gave me back my soul."

Alannah sighed and rested her head against his chest, gazing out the window. Her eyes widened as she noticed a carriage pull into the drive. It was very easy to see that it was from Marmoreal-the carriage and horses were pure white, and the coachman was dressed in white livery with a white wig perched on his head. The coachman alighted from his seat, walked to the door and knocked firmly on it. With a slight look of surprise on her face, Alannah opened it. The coachman bowed slightly at her.

"Lady Alannah, Her Majesty Queen Mirana of Marmoreal has sent me to escort you and Ilosivic Stayne to her castle, as she remembered that you had no transport of your own. If you and the gentleman are ready, we will be on our way."

Alannah smiled. "I must remember to thank Her Majesty for her kindness. Yes, we are ready. Ilosivic?"

Stayne nodded. "I am ready as well."

They walked back to the carriage, and the coachman assisted Alannah inside before climbing into his seat. Stayne climbed into the carriage and Alannah moved so she was leaning against him. "I haven't ridden in a carriage since the night of the Masquerade."

Stayne smiled. "I've never ridden in one. It's quite pleasant. Of course, the company is also quite…pleasant." He looked at her, a wicked smile on his face, and slowly began to stroke her arms. "Quite pleasant."

Alannah bit her lip to keep from crying out as his lips descended onto her neck. She shut her eyes and whimpered quietly as he moved to her shoulder, pushing her shirt aside to kiss her collarbone. "Mmmm…"

Stayne smirked, and gently nipped at her shoulder. Alannah dug her hands into the seat, making every effort to remain quiet as he nipped and sucked at her throat.

"Coachman…might…hear," she panted breathlessly.

Stayne licked her throat. "I doubt it. He's all the way up there. Besides, if he does…it will make for an interesting story to tell his mates."

Alannah rolled her eyes. "Yes, that's just what we need. For the coachman to brag to the whole court that he heard…that."

Stayne grinned wickedly. "Then I guess we'll have to be extra quiet."

Alannah nodded, then with a wicked smile turned and pressed Stayne down onto the seat.

The carriage finally came to a halt, and Stayne nudged Alannah. "We're here, love. Better straighten yourself up."

Alannah gazed out the carriage window at the castle, then sat up and quickly adjusted her clothing, smoothing down her shirt and hair. She looked sideways at Stayne. "You need to get presentable as well, dear. I think it's considered bad manners if you show up with your shirt unbuttoned."

Stayne sighed, and buttoned up his shirt. The coachman descended from his seat, then walked to the carriage door. He opened it and bowed slightly.

"Welcome to Marmoreal."

Stayne gulped quietly and stepped out of the carriage, extending his hand to Alannah. "Milady, allow me to escort you into the castle."

Alannah laughed and took his hand, and he helped her step down. "Good Sir, you may escort me any where you wish."

Stayne smirked at her, and she lightly smacked his shoulder. "Behave yourself. We have to appear before the Queen, remember?"

Stayne sighed ruefully. "Of course, love. Shall we go inside?"

They entered the castle, and all eyes immediately turned on them. The Queen had informed her Courtiers days before of their arrival, had ordered that they be treated with respect, and that the Courtiers were to conduct themselves with decorum. They had agreed, but that still did not stop some of the bolder Lords and Ladies from whispering amongst themselves. Many of the members of the Court had never seen Stayne before, and they stared openmouthed at his height. Stayne was used to the stares, as he had received them his whole life. He settled for looking around at the castle, marveling at how bright everything seemed in comparison to Salazen Grum.

An older man came forward out of the crowd and stopped in front of them. He spoke in a voice that was used to obedience. "Her Majesty Queen Mirana is waiting. I will escort you to her throne room. Come along." With that, he turned around and walked off. Stayne and Alannah followed after, and they soon entered the throne room.

Mirana smiled as she saw them enter. "My greetings to you both. I hope that you had a pleasant journey."

Stayne smiled. "Yes, Majesty, it was quite pleasant." He looked over at Alannah, a wicked gleam in his eye. "Did you find the ride pleasant, Alannah?"

Alannah smirked at him. "Very."

Mirana grinned. "Well, I am glad for that. However, we must move on to more important matters. Ilosivic Stayne, approach the throne."

Alannah gently squeezed his arm before releasing him. Stayne gulped quietly, and approached the throne, bowing deeply to Mirana. "Majesty, I am in your hands."

Mirana smiled, then spoke. "Ilosivic Stayne, the crimes you committed while in the employ of my sister are numerous. When I banished you, it was out of fear that you would attempt a coup to steal the crown back for her. I had never received any indication that you were anything but completely loyal to her. However, after visiting the Lady Alannah, seeing the way you behaved towards her, and most importantly-hearing your reason for working for my sister, I have come to realize that perhaps there is more to you than I thought. I now understand that what my sister thought of as loyalty was merely fear. True loyalty lies within. Therefore, it is my decision that your Banishment be lifted, and that you remain with Lady Alannah in her home. Is that satisfactory, Stayne?"

Stayne nodded happily. "Completely, Your Majesty."

Mirana laughed. "Then we are finished here. Would you and the Lady Alannah do me the honor of staying at Marmoreal for a few days? I would be delighted with some new company."

Stayne bowed. "I would be honored, Majesty."

Alannah curtsied. "I would be honored as well, Your Highness."

Mirana smiled at them. "Then I will ask one of my servants to find you a place to sleep, since I have no doubt the long carriage ride left you quite exhausted."

She stood and glided towards the door, calling out "Jeffrey!"

Jeffrey, a man of about forty with pale blonde hair, came walking into the throne room. "You called, Majesty?"

"Escort the Lady Alannah and Ilosivic Stayne to a bedchamber, please. They will be staying here for a few days."

Jeffrey bowed. "Of course, Majesty." He gestured for Alannah and Stayne to follow, then turned and walked down the hall, with Stayne and Alannah following after. They soon arrived at their destination.

Jeffrey stopped, and opened the door, revealing a large bedchamber. "I hope you both have a pleasant night." He bowed, then turned and walked away.

They walked in, and Alannah immediately collapsed onto the bed, sinking into its softness. Stayne climbed in next to her, and wrapped his arms around her. She sighed happily, pressing against him, and gently stroked his hand.

Stayne made a purring sound in his throat, and gently kissed her cheek. She sighed and drifted off to sleep.

Stayne smiled softly at her, and whispered in her ear. "Goodnight, my love."

He pulled her close, and drifted off to sleep, marveling as he always did at how incredibly lucky he was.