Ronan quietly slipped out of the warm bed that he shared with Merry. Looking down at her sleeping form he began to worry. In the past weeks Merry had been in a constant state of exhaustion. She was barely able to make it to her garden to tend to her flowers and even then Ronan went to check on her. He smoothed her hair and leaned down and placed a tender kiss upon her brow. He made a note to speak with the healer; even though Merry insisted she was fine, just all the changes had finally caught up to her.
"Months later?" He sarcastically asked her when she defended her sleepy behavior.
Chuckling to himself and shaking his head he got dressed and headed out. Walking down the long halls of the Dark Aster, Ronan made his way to Lea. He had left Merry's silver gown to her and the seamstress had stressed that she needed extra time to gather the necessary materials to fix such a delicate dress. As he walked he let his mind wander. He was nervous for Merry and hoped her condition was not grave. He silently chided himself for thinking so negatively. Perhaps his wife was correct in her assumption and it was months' worth of change and stress that had finally caught up to her.
Making his way to his destination, Ronan entered Lea's small workshop. Metal armor, trousers, cloth, and sewing supplies messily decorated the space. As he walked toward Lea's personal work station he noticed a small pile of fine silver silk, white lace, and what seemed like hundreds of beautiful gold beads.
"Odin's beard!" He heard Lea swear as she jumped up from her bench. She sucked her finger into her mouth as she did a little jig.
"Prick yourself?" Ronan asked, trying to hide his amusement.
Giving Ronan a dirty look, Lea wiped her injured hand on her clothing. "As a matter of fact, I did." Walking up to him, she poked him in the chest. "And it is your bidding I was attending to!" Crossing her arms across her chest, she looked up at him. "I demand a vacation."
"Sorry, Lea, but Merry insisted I give Prax the week off." He shrugged. "So you will have to wait."
Giving a huff of breath, she turned to go back to her work table. "How did he manage that? Better yet," she turned to look at him, "How did your wife convince you?"
Ronan felt a heat in his cheeks and he cleared his throat. "She mad a convincing and logical argument."
Wearing a smug smile, Lea clicked her tongue. "Well, tell your wife to convince you so I may relax."
"Duly noted." He rushed out. "Are you finished with the dress?"
Picking up the fragile gown, Lea held it up. She stretched her arms as high as they could go so the bottom wouldn't skim the dirty floor. Ronan looked over the piece of clothing with amazement. It looked as if it never met his hasty hands in the heat of passion. Feeling more heat bloom in his face, he looked at Lea who was giving him that stupid smile.
"What?" He asked.
"Oh, nothing." She said innocently. Folding the attire neatly, she stepped towards Ronan. "I am just glad to see you in such high spirits." Lifting the bundle to Ronan, he took it from her. "So, how exactly did this dress get torn in half?"
"Thank you, Lea!" Ronan cried out and hurriedly turned his back and started walking toward the exit. As he made his way he heard Lea laugh and shook his head. He left the workshop and began his short trek to the healer's quarters. Upon entering, his nose was greeted the scent of various herbs and medicinal tonics. While the Kree were no strangers to the vast medical advancements, they still indulged the old-fashioned remedies used by their ancestors.
"Sir." Deedia greeted Ronan as he walked in.
"Deedia," Ronan nodded. He moved over to where she was sitting. He placed the gown on the table and took a seat across from her. He took note of the vast amount of greens and flowers that overran the table top. She was tearing them into little pieces and dropping them into a porcelain bowl. He assumed later on the plants would be ground up into a paste.
"What may I help you with?" She asked softly. "Are you ill?"
"No, but I believe Merry is." He began, "The last three weeks she has done nothing but sleep. She barely gets out of bed and if she does, I am in a constant state of worry that she will fall asleep where she stands."
Scrunching her eyebrows together, Deedia prodded for more information. "Any other symptoms?"
Ronan thought over the past weeks. "Well, I have noticed that she is unable to eat as much as she usually does and some things made her vomit."
"So, the lady is consistently tired, unable to keep some food down, and if she does eat it is not a lot?" She clarified.
"Correct."
Deedia knew without needing to examine Merry what ailed her. She stopped tearing apart the greenery and looked at her commanding officer. He looked absolutely worried and she knew then she would have to do a comprehensive examine just to ease his mind.
"Will she be free later this afternoon?"
He nodded.
"I will be at you chambers at 2 this afternoon. I promise I will detect what is causing this and prescribe what is necessary."
"Thank you, Deedia. I will let Merry know she is to expect your company."
Picking up the gown, he gave a thankful look to the healer and took his leave. He was nearing his bedroom when his attention was diverted by a bullet that would have hit his head if his reflexes weren't up to standard. Turning sharply, ready to attack, his eyes landed on Gamora.
"Care to explain yourself?" He asked, making it very obvious he was angry.
Allowing herself a cocky smile, Gamora waltzed over to him. "I was just making sure you are still sharp. Rumor around the water cooler is you have been distracted by a certain little lady."
"Water cooler?" Ronan's face was a picture of confusion.
"According to Peter, it is a device that comrades go to gather and talk about conquests." Gamora gave a lift of her shoulders, "He prefers to say that instead of gossip. Claims it is more whimsical."
"It is annoying." He simply stated. "Who dare speaks ill of my wife and I?"
Gamora gave Ronan a sideways glance. "Nebula."
"I will have to speak with her." Ronan concluded. "What brings you here? I thought you and the other Guardians would be busy; given your new status within the Nova Corp."
"I came to warn you." Gamora's voice was tight and Ronan could hear a strand of fear within its tone.
"About what?"
She looked around to make sure no one was in the vicinity. "I was told Thanos wishes to make a deal with you." She whispered. "He says that if you give him the Infinity Stone he will destroy Xandar for you."
Ronan admitted to himself that the premise was appealing. He could rid of the Infinity Stone and complete his mission. However, the thought of giving such a powerful weapon to Thanos had a ribbon of guilt twisting in his stomach. Ronan shook his head, "No deal."
Gamora's eyes widened in surprise. "Perhaps the rumors are true." He looked down at her. "That you have changed." Giving him a genuine smile she patted his shoulder. "I am glad you turned down this offer, Ronan, even though I know you seek revenge you have too much to lose."
Ronan knew Gamora was speaking of Merry and what little remained of the Kree Empire. He nodded to Gamora. "Thank you for informing me, I will take extra precautions." He turned and began walking but stopped when her voice rang out.
"Watch out for Nebula, Ronan." She warned. "She is loyal but where that loyalty lies is questionable."
He turned to face her and they stared at each other. They both knew what Nebula was capable of and what wrath she could cause. Nodding to each other they went their separate ways. He walked the short distance to his bed chamber. Entering the large room, he set the gown down on the cushioned stool that sat in front of Merry's vanity. He looked over at the clock on the wall.
7:14 in the morning. The men weren't due for training until 10 and Ronan decided to relax until he was needed at the training area. Ridding himself of his clothing, he lifted the blanket and slid underneath it. He moved his body behind Merry's sleeping form and drew his arm over her waist and molded her into him. He felt her stir in his arms.
"Ronan?" Her voice was sleepy and sweet.
"Mhmm?" He placed a kiss to her shoulder.
"What time is it?" Rubbing sleep from her eyes she blink away the haziness.
"Not even 7:30."
"Oh." She breathed out. Merry couldn't remember the last time she was up so early. Lately she has been so tired she rarely got up before the afternoon and even then she was back in bed before Ronan was finished with his duties. She hadn't seen him in weeks and she missed him dearly.
"I missed you these past weeks." Ronan murmured at her ear. "You've been in bed and I am worried for your health. I made an appointment with the healer for you. She will be here at 2 this afternoon."
Merry wished she could be annoyed at Ronan's instance that something was wrong but he was so worried and truth be told her exhaustion and stomach illnesses were beginning to wear on her mind. Lacing his fingers with hers, she brought his hand to her lips and place a soft kiss there. "Thank you for thinking of me. I am sorry I have not been conscious enough to entertain you."
Scoffing slightly, Ronan placed his chin on the top of her head. "I am 11 years older than you, I know how to entertain myself." His hand lightly ran down her chest; staring from between her breasts down to her belly button and back up again. "However, it has been weeks since we have indulged in marital activities."
"As a man who has had 11 more years of life experience than I should be able to remedy that himself." Merry joked.
He tickled her sensitive sides in retort. "I am not a school boy who finds pleasure with himself. I am a man who lusts for his bride."
Leaning her head back, she looked up at him. "Oh?"
Kissing her forehead. "I missed your skin against mine; your sighs of pleasure, the way you are with me."
"Ronan." She murmured. "I feel just as you do. For when I am with you, I am truly happy."
Her words warmed Ronan's heart and chipped away the loneliness he had been feeling in her absence. He knew he should feel ashamed for the way he felt but he couldn't bring himself to. He enjoyed his wife's company and no amount of warrior etiquette is going to change that. Not since his younger days had he felt a reason to be alive; to strive for something better.
Ronan's roaming hand caught the edge of her night dress and lifted it, revealing smooth skin and lush thighs. His fingers trailed over the sensitive pubic mound and his lips sought out Merry's and he kissed her deeply. Her legs spread slightly, giving Ronan easier access to her womanhood. As his fingers sought out her clit, Merry reached behind her and fought that Ronan was without any clothes.
"Were you expecting this?" She asked, a smile in her voice.
"A man could hope." He said breathless as he felt her small hand curl around his hardening penis. As she stroked up and down the shaft, he felt himself go hard with wanting. With every stroke of her hand, his own fingers delved deep into her pussy and worked her up. Each movement caused Merry to become slicker, hotter. They pleasured each other, weeks' worth of pent tension up began to surface and Ronan removed his hand and gently removed Merry's.
"Are you ready for me, wife?" He asked as he kissed the side of her neck. She gave a noise of approval and Ronan lifted her thigh over his, baring her wet cunt to the blunt tip of his cock. Rocking back and forth, he teased her with short spans of contact. He heard her give a growl of frustration. Smiling to himself, he grabbed her hip to hold her still as he gently pushed his thickness inside her.
Merry groaned into the pillow as she felt Ronan slowly enter her. She felt every inch as his thick erection stretched her. Once he was fully seated inside her, she pushed back and heard him moan. He then began a slow rhythm; gliding in and out of her with smooth thrusts. He wanted to savor every minute, every breath, and every sigh. As he worked himself in and out of her, Ronan rubbed her clit with his thumb. With every stroke, he stimulated her nub and he was rewarded with her tight sheath clenching around his cock.
Their lovemaking was usually feverous, passionate, and torrid. This time was different, it was slow and sweet. Ronan hoped he was able to convey how he felt about Merry, he cherished her and strived to put her needs before his own. She was now an extension of his soul that he thought he had lost all those years ago.
They continued this slow dance of their bodies until Ronan felt Merry's vagina begin to ripple around his erection. He caught her clit between his thumb and forefinger and gently squeezed the hard little bead and Merry's pussy began to spasm as she reached her orgasm. Grabbing onto his arm that was still around her waist, Merry moved her hips in time with Ronan's deep thrusts. As she came apart in his arms, Ronan let himself succumb to the same pleasure.
After the crescendo of pleasure settled down, Merry turned her body so that she was able to look at Ronan's face. He looked peaceful as he gazed down at her. She gave him a smile and placed a kiss upon his lips.
"I never want to go that long without being inside your sweet body again."
Usually, such a blunt statement would cause a flush of embarrassment but Merry had began to love Ronan's blunt sexual language.
"I agree, husband." She said sleepily. She cuddled into his side, laying her head on his chest.
"What do you say we sleep until you have to go to the training grounds?"
Wrapping her up close, he nodded his agreement.
Hours later Ronan was in the midst of an intense battle training session. Sweat drenched his skin and looking around he noticed his warriors were fairing the same. They had been going at it for hours and while Ronan had no immediate plans to go to war, it was in his best interest to have every warrior in top shape. Ronan held up his weapon and blocked a hit from Dwal who fancied using a giant battle axe. The sound of metal clanging rang throughout the giant hall as he practiced with Dwal.
"Are you ready to give?" Ronan asked, only a hint out of breath. He knew he was the strongest of the Kree warriors and usually wasn't the one to oversee training because of the unfair advantage.
"Explain again why Prax isn't heading training as usual?" The warrior asked, holding his side as he tried to catch his breath.
"I gave him some time off." Ronan said and then raised his hammer and attempted to bear it down onto Dwal who, shockingly, blocked the heavy weapon from crushing his bones.
"Why?" He asked, whining.
Ignoring the question, Ronan a pivoted and brought the hammer down hard toward Dwal, who lost his footing and fell backward. He stopped before the heavy metal made contact with Dwal's body. "Next." Ronan ordered harshly.
As Dwal picked himself up, Ronan patiently waited for the next one. He looked around and knew the men were tired and Ronan admitted he was working them hard. He was about to call it a day but then Heim, one of the largest Kree warriors next to Ronan, stepped up. Heim chose a large mace and gave Ronan a cocky smile.
Oh, this was going to good. Ronan readied himself to wipe the smile from Heim's face when a loud, feminine voice called out. Merry.
"Ronan!"
He turned to the sound of her voice and Merry ran through the crowd of men. He heard her say 'excuse me' and 'sorry' over and over and couldn't help but smile a bit as she broke through the wall of warriors. Once she was standing in front of her husband, she launched herself at him and he caught her in his arms. Staring down at her green eyes he saw that they were bright and happy.
"Leave us." He ordered to the men. Once they all cleared out Ronan looked down at her. "Merry what is meaning of this? I was in the midst of a training session."
Merry grabbed his hand and held it against her belly. She laughed at his confused look and smiled wide. "Ronan, I am with child! That is why I have been so tired and why my appetite has been off."
Ronan stared at his wife. She was with child…his child. His other hand joined the first as they cupped over her still flat stomach. "A child?"
"Yes!" Merry exclaimed.
He got down on his knees in front of her and laid his head against her abdomen. Reaching down, Merry ran her fingers over his face and skull.
"My child." Ronan said against her cloth covered tummy. "My precious child, what a gift you are." He looked up into her eyes, he saw tears but knew they were happy; she gave him a brilliant smile and sniffled softly. He noticed she was wearing the silver gown Frigga had given her. "You have found my gift to you. I am sorry it is not as good as the one you are giving me."
"He'll be my child, too." She laughed, happy that Ronan was delighted by the news.
"Yes and he or she will perfect; with silver hair and green eyes. I demand it."
Merry laughed again. " The first half Kree and half Xandrian being in the galaxy, it will bind our races together."
"A heavy task you give our child." Ronan said.
"Not task, an honor." Merry corrected. "Maybe this is what triggers the first steps to peace. For both of us."
He kissed her stomach and nestled his face against her. He was over the moon that he was to be a father. Perhaps Merry was right and this was the beginning of a new era for both the Kree and Xandarians.
Author's Note:
Merry's dress is inspired by Princess/Neo Queen Serenity's of Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi