Author's note: If you follow me on Tumblr, you got a lovely preview of this last night. I hope you enjoyed it and the events before. Please let me know what you think. Any and all feedback is appreciated. :)

Happy reading!

Chapter Two

Jill woke slowly. There was an arm across her waist and a face pressed into her neck. She smiled and rubbed the arm. "Wake up, love." She whispered.

"I am awake." Eddie croaked. "I've been awake for hours. Guardians don't sleep long."

"Right." She turned her head and kissed his cheek. "We need to see about Adrian."

He sighed. "I heard him talking with Rose. The plans are final for the trip abroad. We sail at eight."

"What time is it?" She sat up and looked across the room to the clock on the mantle. "Ten. Well, we can take a few minutes, don't you think?" She rolled over and tried to kiss him.

"I really do need to get back out there, my love."

She sighed. "All right."

"Don't be angry with me." He begged, pressing her back down on the mattress. "I wanted to make love with you, but it felt wrong. It wasn't really our night."

"No, I don't suppose it was." She tangled her fingers in his hair. "But tonight can be ours."

"We don't have long. I have to go to a meeting just before we board. And make sure all my bags are ready." Even as he said it he kissed her. His mouth made a journey down her body, pushing her nightgown up.

"How many changes of black clothes does one need?" She purred.

"I'm bringing everyday clothes. We don't want to stand out too much, do we?" He spread her legs and pressed his mouth into her.

She moaned. "But you're already packed. So please don't rush."

He hummed into her, showing her how he would take his time. She melted into the mattress and combed her fingers through his hair, encouraging him. She tried hard to keep her voice down after all the time they had to make love in secret. But no one had to know it wasn't her husband giving her pleasure.

In the end, she let herself go, clutching at Eddie and groaning loudly as her body shook. Jill relaxed into the mattress as he moved back up her body slowly. He kissed her lazily.

"How was that?" He asked, brushing another kiss across her lips.

She grinned. "That was great."

There was a tap on the door and Adrian called, "Do you want a bath drawn?"

"Yes, please." She called.

"Good because I already ordered it for you. We don't have long. Don't linger. Eddie, Rose requested your presence."

"Time to go." Eddie kissed Jill once more. "I'll see you in a few hours."

She watched him dress and leave before she got up and started moving around.

Adrian walked in with barely a knock. "There's breakfast in the main room."

She pulled her wrap tighter. "I'm not hungry."

"Please eat something." He begged.

She felt the concern coming through the bond. She remembered that Sydney's unwillingness to eat upset him. She gave him a reassuring smile. "What do we have?"

A short time later, Jill immersed herself in a steaming tub of water. Adrian, much to her annoyance, reclined on the bed just on the other side of the screen to talk with her.

"I heard of this really great diner we need to visit while we're there. I hear they do escargot the best."

"I'm not really looking to eat snails, Adrian." She grumbled.

"You have to try. For me? Please?"

She sighed. "I'll think about it."

He groaned. "You know, you aren't much fun since we got married. Where's your adventurous spirit?"

"We've only been married a few hours." She pointed out. "And I'm not in an adventurous mood right now."

"I'm sorry I ran him away. You know, I think we can arrange a few days where I disappear and do my own exploring or painting or whatnot and you can stay in bed with Eddie all day. And speaking of that."

He appeared around the screen. Jill gasped and attempted to cover herself. "Excuse me!"

"Stop. You know I know what a naked woman looks like. Anyway, I got something for you." He waved a small tin at her. "This is for you and Eddie."

"Could you not have given whatever that is to me later?" She was still incensed.

"No, I don't think so. Not when there are always so many ears. This is a preventative. It's the same type Sydney and I use. We use other means to be safe, but this alone helps in a pinch. And I'll discuss those other things with Eddie."

"What about with us?" She asked, starting to relax.

"I don't want to worry about a baby for us until we get back."

"So we won't be…?"

"Not unless you want to." He placed the tin on the chair with her clothes. "I'll see that our things are on the carriage. Take your time. But not too much. We have a boat to catch that won't wait forever, even for a beautiful Moroi princess." He winked and then walked away.

"Oh, wow." Jill said as she walked into the suite she and Adrian would share. It was as large as the house she grew up in. She hurried over to the window and looked out at the morning sun glinting off the water. She breathed in and closed her eyes as she called up her magic. She opened the window and stuck her head out into the ocean spray. "It's beautiful."

"It is." Adrian said from the doorway, giving her a brotherly smile. "Tiny. But I suppose we can manage." He stepped toward the door at the left. "Do you want to pick a bedroom?" He opened the door and waved a hand. "I don't really care."

She pulled herself away from the window and rushed in through the door her husband opened and gushed at the luxuries. "The view from here is amazing!"

"It's just the ocean." Adrian said with an indulgent grin.

"But it's beautiful." She turned around. "What's the other room like?"

He swept his hand toward the other side of the suite. "After you, my lady."

She ran to the other side and burst through the other room. It was very similar to the room she'd just been in except it had two windows instead of just one. "I think I like this one better."

"It's yours. I'll tell the porter to bring our things in, then." He turned.

"Wait." She called before he could step through the door.

"Yeah?"

She watched him a moment. "If she's on the dock, you should go say goodbye."

He smiled. "They'll want us all on board soon."

She walked over and placed a hand on his arm. "Take the time, though. You deserve it. It's going to be months until you see her in person again."

Adrian took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Thank you."

She shrugged. "Make sure they treat my hat boxes with care."

"Yes, dear." He said as he walked out.

Once he instructed the staff about their luggage, he hurried out onto the dock. He found Sydney in the crowd and pulled her away to the most private place he could find.

He cupped her cheeks and kissed her softly. "Hi."

She smiled. "Hello."

He stepped back before anyone could see. "How am I ever going to manage with an entire ocean between us?"

"You'll figure it out. Paint some pretty pictures. Send me one." She leaned closer. "Visit my dreams."

"Of course, my love. To all of it." He removed his hat and twisted it in his hands as he started pacing. "How upset will you be when she's pregnant?"

"I'll perhaps be a bit jealous. But not a lot. You have to, don't you? For your people?" She reached up and placed her hand on his arm. "I just hope you won't forget about me."

"I'll never forget about you, Sage." He promised, catching her hand and bringing it to his lips. "I love you."

She smiled and ran her thumb over his fingers. "Sometimes I get the urge to reconsider your offer. Become your mistress. Bear you a few children that you want for different reasons."

"I'll want my children with Jill."

"I know. And I know you adore her. But she's an obligation when it comes right down to it. I know you'll love your children with her, but creating them won't be much fun, will it? In the end, it's like sleeping with your sister. That's what you said once."

He nodded and cupped her cheek. "If you'll have me, I'd like to have a baby with you. Not just talk about it, but actually do it. We can even set a time."

"You know as well as I that unless we move with the Keepers, I won't be able to keep the baby. They'll take it away for training."

"I'm married to the queen's sister. I can make sure it doesn't happen."

"Let's not discuss it now, darling. When you get back, we can see where things go. There is no telling where they will send me."

Adrian kissed her hard on the mouth one last time. "I love you. I need to go."

"Have a good time. Don't worry about me, love. I'll see you in my dreams."

He laughed and squeezed her hand. "Farewell, my love."

When he arrived back in his room, he found a note from Jill, "On deck to wave to the masses. Meet us up there."

He pushed his way through the throng to find his friends. Eddie and Jill stood amongst the crowd. Adrian spotted the other three guardians they brought with them in the group. To the normal person, they would seem like regular people.

Eddie leaned toward Jill without touching her. He was alert to all the happenings around them, but still very awareof the woman by his side. Adrian was mesmerized by them. He wondered if that was how he and Sydney looked to outsiders. He also kicked himself for leaving his sketchbook in the room. He made a mental note to carry it with him from now on and made his way to them.

"Anyone we know out there?" Adrian asked with a smirk.

"You tell me." Jill nodded toward a small group clustered in the shade.

He noticed Sydney standing just in the sunlight. The way it shined on her, it seemed it was made just for her. He waved slightly and she sent him a smile that was made just for him.

"I wish there was a way to get her there with us." Jill said softly. "Our own personal Alchemist."

Adrian smiled. "Me too." He leaned on the rail and watched her. Eddie gave him an encouraging smile, but he didn't notice it. He was too busy.

Jill waved enthusiastically to her mother as the ship started to pull away. And even as the others started wondering off, Jill stayed put. Adrian made sure the other guardians were in place and pulled Eddie away.

"What is it?" the guardian asked as his friend led him back to the suite.

"What do you know about pregnancy prevention?" Adrian poured them each a glass of scotch.

"Enough to know I won't get a girl in that way. Your wife, I should say."

"And you have all the means?"

He patted his coat pocket. "I do."

Adrian smiled. "If she should become pregnant on this trip, I'll know it was you. I don't plan on fulfilling that bit of the bargain until we return home."

Eddie took a sip from his drink. "I'll do everything in my power not to ruin either of you. That's a promise."

Adrian lifted his glass in salute. "You better keep it. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to sleep." He poured more liquor into his glass and retreated into the bedroom.

Eddie found Jill still on the deck of the ship, looking out to sea. He told the other guardians to back off a bit, sending one of the others away to get some sleep for the day. The others he sent on a patrol of the ship. He smiled at Jill and she returned the smile.

"What are your plans for the day?" He asked, turning his gaze out to the water as she added to the spray that blew up around them.

"I should sleep soon. I'm quite tired." She watched him fleetingly from the corner of her eye. "And you?"

"I should sleep soon myself. I'm your personal guard. I need to be with you every waking moment."

She smiled again. "Yes."

There was silence as they watched the ocean some more. He chuckled when she made a small wave splash up and hit him in the face.

Eddie spoke. "Your husband asked if I was aware of the ways to prevent pregnancy."

She nodded. "He gave me this wax that is supposed to prevent it."

He leaned closer and whispered, "Would you like to go try a few things out?"

Jill blushed prettily. "Yes."

They hurried away, dodging people as they went. They didn't touch. As soon as the door to her bedroom was closed, Jill pressed him against it and claimed his mouth. She made very quick work of his clothes. It took him a bit more time to remove all her layers.

He lovingly caressed her arms as he leaned down to kiss her shoulder. "You're so amazing." He slid his hands around her waist and up to cup her breasts. "Beautiful."

She turned in his arms and pressed a kiss to his lips. "So are you."

They kissed and caressed. Jill smiled against his lips when Eddie ran his fingers over the spot on her side that he knew was ticklish.

"I hate you." She laughed.

"I'm sure." He grabbed her thighs and lifted her up, throwing her down on the bed. He ran his fingers over the spot again, making her squirm. Then he leaned over and kissed it.

She sighed. "Magical."

"I'm not the magical one around here." He kissed his way up her body.

"I can perform some magic if you want." She tangled her fingers in his hair and held his face close to hers as they kissed some more.

"Isn't that the part of right now?" He rolled onto his back and let her take over exploring his body.

She concentrated on his neck and shoulders; those where the places he liked to be kissed the most. As her lips made their journey, she wrapped her hand around his erection and slowly started pumping it up and down.

He moaned and gently pushed her away. "Wait. Where is that stuff?"

"I'll get it." She kissed him softly and then rolled out of the bed. She gave him a lovely view of her backside as she bent over a trunk and started digging in it.

Eddie got out of the bed and retrieved something from his coat. "I have my own provisions."

"Good. We need to take as many as possible." She handed the tin to him. "Do you know how to use this?"

"Yes. In theory." He pushed the blanket to the side as they sat down on the bed together. "Are you sure, Jill?"

"I am. I want you. You want me. We deserve to have a few things we want in our lives."

He cupped her cheek and kissed her. "Lie back." He opened the tin and scooped some of the substance out. He leaned over her as he slipped his fingers inside her.

She smiled and pulled him in for a kiss as he moved his fingers in and out. She sucked his lower lip into her mouth as he started to pull away. "Where are you going?"

"Not too far, my love. Just about to get a little closer, actually." He slipped something over his length and then hovered over her once more. "Hello, my sweet. Are you ready for me?"

She slipped her hands from his waist to his shoulders. "Yes, I think so."

He kissed her and slid his hand down to her hip. "I don't think I can ever tell you how much I love you, Jill."

"Then show me, darling."

With a smile, Eddie pressed his mouth the Jill's and kissed her and slipped inside her. He felt her tense for a moment and then relax. He rubbed his thumb into her skin. Her arms and legs tightened around him as he started moving.

He broke his mouth away from hers. "How is this?"

"Good." She said, pulling his mouth back to hers.

She moaned as a sudden surge of pleasure shot through her body. After that, her voice grew in intensity. Eddie increased his speed, replying to her moans with his own. Their voices blended together. Their bodies were slick with sweat.

Jill gasped. "This is it." And then her body started trembling.

"I love you." Eddie sighed as he hit his own climax.

The pleasure passed all too soon. Eddie kissed her softly and rested his forehead against hers.

Jill panted. She smiled and reached up to the window above her bed. She called up her magic and a spray of salt water came through, sprinkling both of their heated bodies.

"That feels nice. But I feel like I got more of the water." He kissed her and rolled away.

She smiled and called more water in through the small window. She slipped her hand into Eddie's. "How was that?"

"Amazing. Anything with you is amazing." He squeezed her hand and yawned. "Time for sleep, I think, my love."

She pulled the blanket over them as she rolled into his side. "Rest up. I'll wake you in a few hours."

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. "I look forward to it."