Chapter 27.
The night was finally at an end. Sandor was where he wanted to be, holding his woman, feeling her next to him. He wanted to take his time and make love to her, deep down, he had the possessive need to want to make her not want Tomaerys, but as their kisses became more demanding, their touches more insistent, he knew that he didn't have the side that Shalene sought in Tomaerys. He loved her with the passion he had.
As she lay back on the bed, her raven curls spread out around her, he was lost in her beauty. He eased himself between her legs and as she reached for him, he took both of her hands in one of his and pulled them above her head. He rested his massive weight on his forearms, covering her with his body. As he leaned down to trail kisses over her lips and neck, his long hair fell around them, mixing with hers. He used his free hand to trail down her body to her thigh and brought it up to his ribs, she matched his movements and soon her thighs were gripping his upper body, as he slowly entered her, he slid his hand under her to raise her causing him to fill her even more. His stroke was slow and ease but very soon, it wasn't enough. He felt her body urging him to give more and heard her moans of pleasure. He rested his forehead on her shoulder, taking in her scent with every heavy breath he took, felt his body respond to her need. He held her to him as he thrust into her harder, deeper, faster. Her thighs squeezing his ribs as heard her say, "Fuck me, Sandor! Fuck me hard! Don't tease me, I need you!" He let go of all he had been holding back and lost himself in the powerful, primal force of fucking his woman. His body wanted more, to fuck harder, to be inside her, one with her always. His powerful hips and thighs drove his huge cock into her over and over, sweat was rolling down his body, heart pounding as if in time with his thrust. He felt his body losing control, and he let it as he heard her scream out his name and grind her hips into him as he felt the wetness of her climax. He fucked her with a Warrior's power as he felt his own explosive release! So powerful and intense, his body trembled so intensely, it was all he could do not to collapse onto Shalene. Wave after wave of blinding ecstasy coursed through him, he couldn't speak, with his face buried in Shalene's neck, all he could do was moan his pleasure, deep and guttural. He continued to move inside her, never wanting to lose that feeling, but slowed his stroke, resting over her as they both just lingered in their own pleasure. He moved himself to lay beside her, both of them on their sides, facing each other. No words were needed. They just looked into each others eyes, sharing touches and caresses until they both fell into a dreamless sleep.
Shalene woke as the skies began to lighten, she quietly eased off the bed and tended to her needs and then softly eased back onto the bed, kneeling next to Sandor. She drank in the sight of him. He was lost in sleep, as he lay on his back, his massive body took up most of the bed and the way he was stretched out in his relaxed state, made her smile. He was nude, the bedsheet only covering his groin and partially his right leg. His head was turned into the pillow, with only the left side of his face visible. She took in every inch of it, so peaceful and innocent looking as he slept. His lashes were long, black and curled upward, the type women wished they had. His lips were full and soft. She wanted to trace her fingers over them but wanted, more, to just look at him. His features were strong and well formed. His beard black and shiny. She loved the feel of it. His neck was thick, muscular, leading to his overwhelmingly broad should that were so well formed and packed with muscles. The hair on his chest was thick, curly and black. He had one thick arm stretched out across the bed as if reaching for her and the other was by his side. That same curly black hair was on his forearms. His hands were so big. Long, calloused fingers gave indication of their deadly ability but not of the tenderness and love they could also provide. His breathing was calm and deep. His chest rising and falling hypnotically. His waist was trim and perfectly sculpted. She felt her body react to his physique, knowing what he was capable of doing with all the power he brought forth with it. His left leg was slightly bent resting against the bed offering her eyes the abundant view of how thick and powerfully massive his thigh and calf muscles were. Her core tingled remembering how he felt between her legs, pounding his glorious cock into her over and over, the feel of the strength in those thighs as he forced her further down on him, wanting, needing more. She didn't hold back anymore, she leaned towards him and let her finger trace feathery touches over his face and body. She watched the different muscles flex and tense at her touch and she could see his cock respond in like manner, beneath the sheet. She knew he was awake even though his eyes remained closed, by the way his breathing changed. She watched a soft smile appear on his face as he turned and met her eyes. They were soft peaceful and for the first time, she saw true happiness and honest contintment. She whispered," Make love to me, Sandor." And he did.
The group set out to visit the ships at mid morning. Sansa and Tyrion rode their new horses. Shalene was happy to see that they both were at ease with the mounts. Bronn rode his palfrey. Shae, OnIeese, Kolenee, and Jonete' rode in the covered cart, all relaxed and gossiping. Lucian followed them on his destrier, looking like the young Lord he was. Handsome and proud. Sandor was magnificent astride Stranger. Dressed in black leather, a smoky silk tunic that matched his eyes, his light armor and his new blade, Emerald Dawn, strapped across his back. Shalene was mounted on Aulonex, calm and exquisite in those tight leather breeches, thigh high riding boots, and a very thin, lilac linen tunic. Sandor watched her tits bounce in time with the horses gait and thought about the times he had watched them bounce like that as she rode him. He caught her looking at him and she raised her brows and looked down at his cock, which, of course, had it's own mind and was well on it's way to full erection. He eased up in the stirrups to re-adjust himself and to his great embarrassment, Sansa had turned and looked right at him as he had his bulging cock in his hand. Her mouth fell open and she went immediately red all the way down to her chest. Shalene had the grace to move Aulenox in front of him, blocking her view, which brought Sansa back to herself and she quickly turned away, head down.
The Unsullied were behind all of them. Prince Oberyn had gone ahead that morning and when they arrived, Bronn took half The Unsullied, now under Hecnok, since Norlec was now Sansa's guard, to the second ship and busied himself with making sure the vessel was appropriately stocked and the cargo was secured. Assignments were made for when they departed and then he joined the others.
It was peaceful on the Emerald Desert Rose, there were no ears to overhear or hateful eyes to watch all and report secrets. They sat in the very large dining hall where a meal was to be served but before that, a marriage was to be performed. Jaxell was so proud, he had eyes for only OnIeese. Sandor had offered her hand to Jaxell, which he shakily took, causing everyone to laugh, he took it in stride and laughed also. Prince Oberyn smiled the entire time, appreciation and pride in Sandor growing more everyday.
As the Holyman completed the rights, Jaxell and OnIeese were made man and wife. Sandor thought breifly that he wouldn't ever know that feeling of being called husband, but he just as quickly dismissed it as part of his old life and beliefs. What was he if not Shalene's husband? Why did he think a paper made it anymore so than it already was? He knew in that moment, exactly how she felt. They were one. No one had to say it, no words made it so, no contract or letter from a Septon. They were much more than any of that, made so by their own actions and beliefs. Their desire to be one, She was his as he was hers, the beliefs of others be damned. He was so emotionally connected to her, he turned and picked her up under her arms and lifted her above him, she braced her hands on his shoulders, smiling down at him, he lost himself in her eyes. There, in front of all their friends, he said," I love you, Shalene Martell. You are my life, my world," He slowly lowered her and kissed her long and with all the love he felt for her. Tears were rolling down her face as they parted.
Bronn was the one who broke the moment, as usual, by saying," Gods, I think I need to get married just so someone will remember I'm here!" It seemed then that there was a shuffling of partners, Shae moved to Tyrion, Sansa to Bronn. Shalene stayed at Sandor's side, Jonete' and Kolenee joined on Sandor's other side, Lucian went to sit by Prince Oberyn and Meleko, the Dothraki, as they had begun to teach him to fight with an arakah. A servant slipped in during the feast and whispered in Shalene's ear, she turned to look at Sandor for a moment and nodded her head. He knew what it was. He prayed to the Warrior to tell him what to do.
He stood as Tomaerys approached Shalene and she stood to greet him, as she held him and kisses his lips, Sandor felt unusually calm. Shalene turned to him and took his hand, introducing him, but when Tomaerys spoke, she had to translate. She explained to Sandor that Tomaerys only spoke Dothraki and that she would speak for them. Sandor and Tomaerys looked at each other, not in hatred but just taking each others measure. Sandor noted that he was young, maybe early twenties. His hair was a deep, rich brown and it was silver in the man's hair. He could tell it was a natural occurrence, not dyed, as the Norvoshi did. He was an extremely handsome man, but Sandor no longer felt the envy or self deprecation he had prior. He was secure in his love of Shalene.
Tomaerys's eyes were as magical now as they were that night in the garden. The deep purple sand silk tunic he wore only enhanced their color. He could honestly see what Shalene found in the man. Shalene and Tomaerys were talking, he was looking into her eyes, his own so full of the same love that Sandor felt for her. He traced his hand down her cheek, to her neck then shoulder, his touch feather light. Sandor watch Shalene shiver and close her eyes. He, oddly, didn't get angry, he felt a longing to touch her also, but did not.
As Shalene turned back to Sandor, he and Tomaerys's eyes met agin. She said," Tomaerys wants you to know that he has watched you from afar. He says that he admires the man you are, the one who is a friend, father, protector, and lover. He has wanted to meet you but he hopes you understand why he has not been able to show himself. He wants you to know and believe him when he says that he loves me, is in love with me, but also loves me so much, that he would never be a burden to either of us. He knows we are as husband and wife. But he has been my paramour for several years, he wishes to not be parted from me. He will respect your desires but will hold onto the desperate hope that your love is strong enough and your heart big enough to allow him to remain in my life. He understands that it is harder for a man to be at ease with his mate having a concubine than it is for a woman to be. He wants to spend more time around you so that you will be as comfortable with him as I am with OnIeese, Jonete', and Kolenee."
Sandor wanted to be jealous, angry. He wanted to hate this man but he didn't feel these things. He couldn't put words to it, he looked down at Shalene, she was looking at him, her expression was full of confidence and knowing. He knew that if he tried to play the jealousy card, she would only turn away. Again, Prince Oberyn's words came to him and he looked back at Tomaerys and said, "I would like to get to know more about you, also. We have a common bond already. This woman is everything to me, I love her. I would kill anyone who ever tried to take from her what she wants or what makes her happy. I will not be fool enough to try to be the one who stops her from her desires. Have you watched her throw those damned stars?" Everyone burst out laughing as she translated to Tomaerys. He let a smirk play across his lips and spoke to Shalene, she said," He says, yes, he has. He's the one who introduced me to them!" Sandor had to hold his ribs he had started laughing so hard.
Tomaerys sat on the other side of Shalene, everyone was happy and at ease. Sansa looked at Bronn, his first words were, "Don't even think about it, Woman." Sansa blushed and laughed. She then said, " Bronn, I have yet to have my first lover, what would I do with two?" He assured her, she would never find out and he took a kiss from her that caused Lucian to tell him to mind his manners, Sansa was a maiden! This brought more laughs.
It was such a wonderfully relaxed gathering, Sandor couldn't remember when there had been no fear of being overheard. His Unsullied were the only guards on the ship, his friends and loved ones were with him. He was filled with joy and love. As the meal ended, Prince Oberyn, Tyrion, Lord Varys, and Bronn began explaining what was to be expected. The day after the wedding was when they were scheduled to leave.
As Bronn gave his report on the readiness of the second ship, Sandor confirmed that the guarding of the vessels were in order. The Prince told them that one week after they leave, his entire force would be summoned back to Dorne, since Sansa and Shalene would be free of the Lannister's there was no need for him or his forces to be there. They would leave in the night. Arrangements had already been made by him and Bronn, through both of their connections in Essos.
Sandor was surprised to hear that although Tyrion was truly meeting The Braavosi Bank, when their journey finally took them there, he would not be returning to Westeros anytime soon. There was a certain Targaryen in the East that his business was with, this information made him look at Tomaerys, who spoke to Shalene after he met Sandor's gaze. He says," Daenerys is his half sister. He is the bastard of Aerys Targaryen. She knows of him but they have never met." Sandor nodded at this. She then said," Tomaerys wants you to know that a man's honor and worth cannot be judged by the actions of his family unless he, himself took part in those actions. He knows Elia was not his mother but her children carried the same blood he does." Sandor took a deep breath, meeting Tomaerys's eyes again before he looked down.
Prince Oberyn made it clear that Dorne backed Daenerys, always had. He told Sandor that he didn't expect him to follow them on their journey but he would be a most welcome and needed part of it, if he chose to do so. Sandor didn't even think about it. He was a Dornish Lord now. This was where his family would grow, his heirs would continue his line and he owed The Prince and by extension, Queen Daenerys his allegiance. He made it clear he was coming, if this was what Shalene wanted. She nodded at him, pride filling her eyes.
Sandor was further surprised when he heard that once they reached Braavos, Sansa and Tyrion would ask for an annulment of their marriage on grounds of being forced by the crown and it not being consummated. Sansa knew that she would have to be examined many times, by many prying hands. But in the end, she accepted it. Sandor felt strange about this but he was proud of the strength she showed. Once the marriage was annulled, she and Bronn wanted to marry soon after. It seemed there were marriages everywhere because Tyrion and Shae would marry also. Shalene held his hand and as he looked down, he saw that she was also holding Tomaerys's hand. He felt his muscles flex, to pull away but stayed his hand. He wouldn't allow that weakness in him take Shalene's happiness. He loved her too much.
The afternoon ended with the revelation that the ultimate destination was Meereen. To meet Queen Daenerys and assist her in bringing her forces to Westeros. Bronn, several of his partners, Prince Oberyn and Shalene would be buying and adding ships to the fleet en route to the East. Tyrion let it be known that he too, through The Bank of Braavos, would be purchasing 15 huge cargo ships to be refitted for troop transport and battle. Sandor felt he could do no less and offered to supply funding for whatever was needed.
As everyone prepared to leave, Sandor couldn't help himself. He asked Shalene where Tomaerys would be staying and if she would be coming back with him. She looked at him and said," He stays this ship. It is safer that way. Surely you see that he cannot come to The Keep. How many people have you met with eyes like his? Sandor, I will not ever bring him to our bed, that is our place. You will not know when I see him for now. Out of respect for you, until you are at ease with this, it's best this way." Sandor was deeply ashamed by what she said because he had never offered her the same thought, taking his women to his bed anytime he was ready, never once thinking of it being his and Shalene's place, where they made love and shared each other. He had not thought beyond his own selfish needs. It wouldn't happen again. His time with his women would be away from his and Shalene's rooms from now on.
He heard Tomaerys speaking to Shalene, she repeated," Tomaerys wants you to know that he would like for you and he to get to know each other better and would ask that if you find time to spare, would you come here. He wishes to learn from you and about you. Meleko has agreed to come with you to translate until he can speak in your language or maybe you learn some Dothraki. He says there are some Dothraki ways you might like." Meleko and Prince Oberyn burst out in laughter. Shalene just shook her head. Tomaerys smiled wickedly at Sandor so he asked Shalene what that meant. She turned to Tomaerys and pinchesd his nipple, causing him to laugh and told Sandor," The Dothraki have no constraints. If you want a woman, or woman wants a man, you take them, no matter where. It is normal and accepted to mount each other openly and freely, even and especially in the open, even in the middle of a feast if you have the need. It is one among many things he thinks that you would appreciate about the Dothraki." Sandor glanced at Meleko and Prince Oberyn before he leaned down to Shalene and whispered," Have you and Tomaerys done this?" Shalene looked like she wasn't going to answer him then said, " Yes, many times. Do you want to mount me under the stars, in the middle of a feast in front of a Dothraki horde?" The more he thought about it, the more he thought he might like that, he said, "Might be that I do, Woman." She spoke to Tomaerys without looking away from Sandor. Tomaerys walked up behind Shalene and picked her up, pushing her towards Sandor who took her and pulled her against his body. Tomaerys leaned down and gently bit her on the ass. Sandor felt Tomaerys's hair slide over his arms as he did it, for some reason, he couldn't begin to understand, he reached out and grasped Tomaerys's hair and pulled him up and towards him. Tomaerys, being more open about this than Sandor, brought his arms up and with Shalene cradled between them, embraced Sandor. Not feeling repulsed, just unsure, Sandor didn't return his embrace but Tomaerys didn't seem to care.