Merry stirred and came to; blinking sleep from her eyes and squinting slightly as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. Moving to the side she gently tapped the lamp that stood beside the bed. It illuminated the room with a low amber glow. Rolling back towards the middle of the bed her back came in contact with a very large and very naked Ronan. Remembering her own nudity, she clutched the blanket to her chest and twisted her body so she faced her husband.

Relaxed in sleep, Ronan's fierce expression took on a more innocent one. Long black eyelashes fanned out along the tops his cheeks and his full lips were slightly parted, exposing a flash of teeth. Hesitantly, Merry reached out and trailed her index finger down his straight elegant nose. Moving over, she traced the sharp cut of his cheekbones and down to his strong jaw. Going even further, she lightly grazed her fingertips down his strong neck - feeling his powerful pulse. Glancing up to look at his face, Merry made sure he was still asleep.

All clear, Merry softly ran her fingers down the column of his neck, over his shoulders and then tracing his collarbone. She moved her hand over his heart and felt it beating. It was strong and steady and the heat from his flesh warmed her palm. Feeling more brave, Merry drug her hands down the bulging muscles of his shoulders, biceps, arms, slowly trailing down to his rigid abdomen. Sighing quietly, she basked in his strength and his beauty.

Ronan looked like a work of art, carved from the finest blue marble. He was not the conventional beauty of the men of Terra nor Xandar but something more savage and primal. His lack of body hair did wonders to highlight the blue color of his skin and the muscles that ripple throughout his body. Even though at first Merry found it strange that he had no hair upon his head; she realized now it made her focus on the sharp planes of his face. Without thinking, Merry leaned in and placed a light kiss on the center of his forehead. Followed by small pecks on his cheeks and finally softly placing her lips on his.

Feeling a strong arm come around her waist, Merry gave a small yelp. She smiled when Ronan pulled her closer to his body and ran his hand down the line of her back. "What are you about, wife?" he asked, his deep voice held a slight croak from sleep.

Nuzzling her face into the pillow beside his head, Merry shrugged and gave him a little smile. "I was admiring you."

"For what?" He asked confused. "I have done nothing to be rewarded praise. I have been sleeping."

Chuckling Merry sat up, letting the blanket drop to expose the tops of her breasts. Looking down at Ronan she gave a slight eyeroll. "The Kree can be such literal creatures."

Catching her by the waist Ronan swung his wife over his body. Merry covered Ronan in a very unladylike sprawl. Her breast pressed against his chest and her center was against his stomach; Ronan felt heat and wetness against the sensitive skin. "You are wet for me."

Knitting her brows together, Merry gave him a haughty look and gently thumped him on the chest with her fist. "You are merely backing up my point." Looking to her side, she gathered up the blankets and attempted to wrap them around her body. The material ended up cocooning them both. She looked back to Ronan, "It is rude to point out the workings of a woman's body."

Giving his wife an exasperated eyeroll he caught one arm behind her back to keep her steady as he shifted and sat up, leaning back against the headboard. Taking the edges of the blanket that Merry had tucked against her chest, he spread the fabric open revealing her perky breasts. Cupping them gently, he raked his thumbs across her nipples, making them pouty and hard. His violet gaze met hers. "I will do what I want with what is mine." he said, his voice held a feral note; making it clear that she was to take him seriously.

Merry knew that under any other circumstance she should be frightened and do whatever she could to get away from him. However, the statement made her body go hot all over and the way he looked at her had her heart racing; it drummed in her ears and made her breathless. Her parents always lectured her about how the Kree to not to be trusted. They were mindless brutes who only destroyed and wished to take away everything the Xandarians worked hard for. Or at least that is what her parents preached.

Merry's eyes traveled down Ronan's muscular physique. She knew the power behind every one of his movements and the wisdom that shown in his eyes when he spoke to her. He was fierce and virile but never used it in a way to install fear or manipulate. In fact, when he did showcase his power Merry reacted much as she was now. What would her parents think of what she has become? It was not at all proper...

"Stop thinking."

His voice snapped Merry out of her thoughts and she gave him a sheepish smile, "I'm sorry." She looked down and stared at his large hands that cupped her breasts. The contrast in their skin tones was shockingly beautiful: cobalt against porcelain. She took a sharp breath when Ronan gently pinched the sensitive tips.

Leaning into her, Ronan caught her lips in a quick but passionate kiss. He felt Merry grind her lower half against his stomach, dampening the skin and heating his flesh. His own anatomy reacted and went as hard as stone. Softly biting her full lower lip, Ronan tentatively broke off the kiss. His efforts were fruitless as he merely got a breath away before Merry cupped the back of his head to slam his lips back onto hers.

Ronan let out a strangled groan against her eager mouth. He cupped her face with his large hands and stroked her soft cheek as he separated his lips from hers. He ran his thumb along her now swollen bottom lip. "I wish to do many things to you in this marriage bed." Ronan's eyes swept along her body, eating up all he could see that was uncovered. "And as much as I wish to start this second, I am needed elsewhere this day."

He watched his wife's face fall but she quickly gave him a small smile. "O-Okay."

"Merry," Ronan began, "if I could afford the luxury of spending all day in bed with you, I would." His index finger caught a stray tendril of silver hair and he idly wrapped it around the digit. He enjoyed the silky softness and the jasmine smell.

"Do you not," Merry started but then looked away, "find me good enough?"

Cupping her chin, Ronan turned her face towards his. "Merry," he said sternly, "don't you ever think that. Of course I find you good enough. You are," he paused to find the right word. "Perfect in every way."

His thumb wiped away a small tear that fell from her eye. "Do you really think so?" she asked

"Yes." It was a simple answer but it meant the world to Merry. Growing up in her parent's house she was never given such kind words or gestures.

Ronan grabbed onto her hips and lifted her off his body and gently sat her down next to him. Giving her a quick peck on the lips, he got up from their bed. "I must get ready, my love."

My love.

Merry willed herself to stay calm when Ronan used the endearment. While she remembered admitting her love to him before sleep, she was not sure if he felt the same way. His words warmed her heart and made her stomach flutter. She gave him a warm smile and watched as he walked towards their bathing chambers. As he walked, she admired how the muscles moved beneath his skin and how long and powerful his strides were.

She knew that she had to get ready herself and gave a soft sigh and moved from the bed. "It's too early for this." she grumbled under her breath and made her way to her closet.

Merry walked down the great halls of the Dark Aster. Looking around the black interior Merry felt out of place in her current outfit. Looking down she examined the gown she wore: it was a pale silver color, with delicate gold beading on the bodice, the back was tied together by a large lace bow. The gown was a beautiful gift given to her by Queen Frigga of Asgard. However, it still made her stick out like a sore thumb; a flash of white along the dark halls she looked like a ghost with her pale dress, skin, and hair.

She glanced over at some of the other warriors that were attending to their duties. Some openly stared at her while others ignored her. Merry quickened her pace, she was more than eager to get to the special area of the ship Ronan had prepared for her. It was a small but it was lit with artificial sunlight and dozens of different flowers were planted there. Her husband even had a small pond put in that housed some fish that she regularly fed.

As she made her way towards her garden she accidentally ran into Nebula.

"Oof." Merry made a slight noise when she made contact with the half-cyborg.

"Watch where you are going." Nebula spat out. She gave Merry a dirty look and narrowed her eyes, "What is Ronan's pet doing out in the halls, anyway? Shouldn't you be attending to your precious flowers?" her voice held venom and her hatred of Merry was obvious.

Merry opened to her mouth to retort but nothing came out. Her heart began to beat ferociously and she was getting nervous and frazzled.

Nebula's eyes went from the top of Merry's head down to the bottom of the gown's skirt. "You think you're so special, don't you?"

"Well, she is Ronan's wife" A masculine voice broke through the tension. Nebula's hate-filled gaze went even darker as she looked over Merry's shoulder at the intruder.

Curious, Merry turned to head to see and saw a tall man, dressed in a dark red outfit. Around his neck was something that looked like a necklace but was attached to a yellow box on his belt. He waltzed towards the two woman. He gave Merry a smile and curt nod to Nebula.

"What are you doing here, Quill?" Nebula asked. Her annoyance with the two people who were in her presence was obvious.

"It's Star-Lord." Quill spat back, "And I'm here to wish the newly married couple some well wishes." He looked over to Merry and then grabbed her hand, "So if you excuse me, Milky Way, I'll be going."

Dragging Merry with him, Quill or Star-Lord, whoever he was led her down the hall. At the end of the corridor, he turned and looked at her. "So which way to this garden of yours?"

Ripping her hand from his. "How do you know about that?"

Rolling his eyes at her, "I was there when Shooting Star mocked you about it."

Giving Quill a sideways glance she began walking in front of him, "Why do you wish to see it? Better yet," she turned and looked at him, "why are you here? And who are you?"

"Ah," he said and gave her a charming smile, "I am Peter Quill or you may know me as Star-Lord."

Merry searched her brain to see if the name sounded familiar. "No, I have never heard of you."

A frown formed on his lips. "So Papa Smurf has never mentioned me?" He blew out a breath. "He's a sore loser."

"Papa Smurf?" Merry asked, confused.

"He's a blue guy...the leader of all the other blue people. It doesn't matter." He waved it off. "And I am here because I heard Ronan got himself hitched."

"That was 5 months ago." she said dryly.

"5 months, 5 minutes, it'll buff out." He gave her another smile.

"That doesn't explain why you want to see my garden."

Peter gave her a flirty look and a sensuous smile, "Oh, there is plenty more I wish to see."

Merry's brows drew together and she backed up, not really appreciating the look he was giving her. She watched him shake his head and gave her a normal smile, "Sorry, it's out of habit. I want to visit the garden because I'm hard pressed to find plants similar to that of Earth."

Merry's eyes got wide, "You are Terran?"

He nodded but then blinked, "Well, half. I don't know who my dad is."

She grabbed onto Peter's arm and dragged him with her as she walked, "Tell me about Terra. I want to know everything."

Peter and Merry made their way to her garden. He was amazed at the various flowers that accumulated there and he dipped his hands in the pond water, laughing softly at the feeling of the fish swimming along his skin. The sunlight, while artificial, reminded him of days spent in his backyard before his mother got sick; they would lay in the plush grass and watch the clouds.

As she sat on a bench, Merry watched Peter as he played in the pond. She looked down at the yellow box that he gave her. She pressed down on one of the buttons and she heard a faint noise. She picked up the necklace-looking thing and the music got louder. Peter got up and took the headphones and placed him on top of her head. The music was loud but it was pleasing.

"I really like this!" Merry shouted. The music was going on about getting love and the beat made her want to get up and dance. The melody was pleasing and she found herself laughing and smiling at Peter.

He plucked one of the ear pieces away. "So tell me. Why Ronan?"

Merry lifted the device from her head and set it down beside her. Looking up at Peter she gave a little shrug. "It was not my choice. My parents and Ronan's made a deal."

"A deal?" he prodded.

Nodding, Merry fiddled with her hands. "My parents were,are, one of the most powerful families on Xandar. Unfortunately for them, their status was threatened so they looked to the Kree for help." She took a deep breath and then exhaled. "The deal was that in exchange for riches they would get me to be used for whatever purpose."

Peter's mouth gaped a bit but he quickly shut it. "For...any purpose?" He voice was suggestive, wanting her to indulge.

"Yes, any." Her eyes met his, "I could have been a slave, a mistress. I could have even been trained a warrior." Giving a slight snort at the last thought. "When I was brought to Ronan's father, he accepted the deal." Merry stood up and walked towards the pond and looked down at the fish. "I didn't know it at the time but the only reason the deal was forged was because Ronan's father knew how my parents were and how they treated me and their lust for status was more important to than their own daughter."

"But why marry you off to Ronan?" Peter asked, "He's a bit…" he paused and put his hands on his hips and made a face, "Gruff."

Merry's eyes softened and a smile danced on her lips, "Yes, he is but he's also kind and warm...I love him." Turning to face Peter she continued, "Ronan has done more for me than anyone ever has. He's patient and he treats me well. He knew the upbringing I endured and not once has he pushed anything on me."

"Also, Peter," Merry prompted, "as gruff as Ronan is he is much more reasonable and soft than his brothers."

"Well, shit!" Peter exclaimed.

"Now, I told you my story. What is yours? I wish to know more about your life on Terra." She demanded.

Giving a dramatic sigh, Peter looked away. "There isn't much to tell. I was on Earth, err, Terra until I was 10. My mother was sick for many years and then she died."

Merry walked closer to Peter and put her hand on his forearm. "I am sorry, Peter."

"It was better than her suffering." He concluded. "Anyway, after she died I ran out of the hospital and I was taken up by Yondu and lived with him." He shook his head and gave a little laugh, "He always likes to bring up the fact that he saved me from the crew eating me but who the hell brings that up?"

Merry chuckled and nodded in agreement, "I would like to think it isn't customary to eat small children."

"I left Yondu and the crew and went out on my own. My friends and I went out in search of this orb thing that Ronan wanted. When I came to return it to him, I told him I would only give it up if he could beat me at a dance off." Peter's body began shaking from laughter. "Oh, Merry, you should have seen your husband." Peter made a shocked face, his mouth gaping open. "He looked so surprised. Then a bit miffed when he lost." He shrugged and gave a grin, "He has no rhythm." Merry joined in Peter's laughter. The thought of Ronan being so surprised tickled her funny bone and the face Peter made only furthered the hilarity.

From across the garden, Ronan stood looking at his wife and Peter Quill. His eyes narrowed as he watched them laugh and carry on. His eyes followed Merry as she turned and walked towards her Cherry Blossom tree. His breath caught as he noticed the sunlight illuminated her gown and allowed the outline of her shapely legs to be seen through the fabric. He saw Peter look over her body.

A fire ball of jealousy settled in the pit of his stomach. It ran like lava through his veins and his heartbeat was like thunder in his ears. He stormed towards the man, intent on showing him that Merry belonged to him.

"Peter Quill!"

Merry gasped as she heard Ronan's booming voice break through her laughter. She turned and watched him stalk over to the garden. Her breath caught. He was clad in his armor which made his muscular body look more intimidating. On his head, he wore a cowl and his face was decorated with black war paint. He looked every bit the warrior and Merry felt a flutter of excitement in her depths.

"Yo, man." Peter yelled back, "It's Star-Lord" he whined.

"I don't not care for what you wish to be called." He started at Peter with a look that could kill. "I wish to know what you were doing with my wife."

Glancing sideways at Merry, Peter raised his brow. "Jealous?" He took a step back as Ronan advanced on him. "Look," he began, "I just came to look at her garden and play in the pond." He said, a bit embarrassed.

Ronan's nostrils flared in anger and he looked over to Merry. His purple eyes flashed as they moved over her body. Giving Peter one last deadly look, he stepped towards his wife and grabbed her hand. "Let us go, Merry."

Merry mouthed goodbye to her friend as she was dragged off by Ronan. She basically had to run to match his long strides. He took her down a hallway she had never seen before and opened a door to a room. He pulled her in behind him.

"Where-" she was cut off as Ronan slammed down his lips onto hers. Moving his hands down her back and to her ass, he cupped her through the gown and lifted her up and slammed her against the wall. Merry moaned against his lips and felt the rush of arousal going through her body. She kissed him back and gave a little squeak as he took the fabric in his hands and ripped it apart. His hands found her panties and ripped those off as well. She gave a surprised gasp and his fierceness.

Ronan shoved his pants down just far enough for his erection to spring free. He was throbbing, hard and wanting. Needing to mark her as his, in every way possible. He hovered her body over his dick and thrust deep inside her tight cunt. He heard her groan of surprise but her need was obvious. Her pussy was hot and wet and her tight muscles clamped around him.

Removing his lips from hers, he looked at her as he moved his hips. He reared back and slammed back into her so hard her back hit the wall with every thrust. He watched her eyes become dark and glittery with each powerful movement. His thumb found her hard clit and rubbed it vigorously as he moved in and out of her body. Her legs wrapped around his waist, urging him on.

"Merry." he moaned harshly. He buried his face in her neck while he fucked her against the wall. He felt her pussy begin to spasm around his cock and he moved faster, rubbing her clit harder. He felt his own orgasm approaching and cupped her ass, allowing for an easy grind.

"Ronannnnn." Merry cried out.

Ronan lost it. He bit Merry's delicate neck hard, knowing he was going to leave marks, as he grabbed the plush flesh of her bottom and moved her harder on his cock. Her juices allowed for deep and fast penetration and his dick began to twitch inside her depths. He muffled his scream in her neck as he came inside her. His thumb worked her clit into a frenzy and soon she was clenching around him as she rode out her orgasm.

His tongue licked at the spot he had bitten hoping it would take some of the sting away. His heard Merry's ragged breathing and he gently removed himself from her body. Tucking himself back into his pants he wrapped what remained of her dress around her lower body. He saw that some of his semen had marked her lush thighs and it caused another bout of lust in his body.

"Merry, are you okay?"

While dazed, what Merry was feeling was pure delight. Her body was humming with pleasure. Her fingers touched her neck and she flinched slightly when she felt a sting. She saw concern color Ronan's face.

"I am sorry, Merry." His voice was laced with regret. "A man in love does not treat his wife as such."

"As such?" She asked.

"Like a whore." He said bluntly. "You shouldn't be taken in such a way." He cupped her face gently with his hands, "You should be made love to."

Merry turned her head and kissed the palm of his hand. "But you did make love to me. You said...you said that a man in love."

His eye roamed over her face, "Yes."

She was hopeful and swallowed what little pride she had, "So, you love me?"

Gathering her up against his body, Ronan looked down at her. "I do, Merry. I love you."

Reaching up to frame his face in her hands, her thumbs traced over his now-smeared war paint. "Oh, Ronan," tears formed in her eyes. "I love you, too."

"Please do not cry, wife." Ronan said, panic in his voice. "I wish not for you to."

Shaking her head, Merry smiled. "They are happy tears, Ronan."

"Happy tears?" Ronan asked, "That makes no sense."

Rolling her eyes Merry leaned up on her tip-toes and kissed her husband, "Literal as always."

Author's Note:

Merry's dress is inspired by Princess/Neo Queen Serenity's of Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi.