A/N: In case you couldn't tell from the title, this chapter is rated M :-)

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"Do you want to know something funny I just realized?" Hal asked suddenly. Murtagh, who setting his boots neatly by the door of the room, asked, "What?"

She placed the bottle of brandy Giles had gifted to them on the mantle before turning towards him. "Remember, the night that you asked me to leave Illium with you?"

"Hmm, fondly."

For a brief moment, her expression became shy, and she seemed to forget what she was going to say. "Well, I just realized that, after you asked me, I joked that if I did, the villagers would say we've run away and eloped."

He strolled over to her by the fire, his smile mischievous as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "You did, didn't you?"

"I did. The idea seemed so far-fetched at the time too. Yet, here we are."

"Here we are," he repeated in a slow voice. He raised one hand, letting it rest gently on her neck, his thumb running over her throat. Hal's eyes were softened by the light and warmth of the fire as she looked up at him. "This all feels like a dream."

Hal made a low noise of content in the back of her throat. "Well at least it is a good dream then."

She pressed her lips gently to his and Murtagh swallowed his response as he closed his eyes, leaning into her. The kiss was soft and sweet, almost chaste. And yet there was a subtle temptation hidden underneath. As if the lack of their usual vigor and energy, in fact, heightened what was possible.

As Hal pulled back, she was smiling. There was such joy and peace on her face. His joy. His peace. For perhaps the first time in his life, there was an almost unsettling calm about him. He was not haunted by his usual thoughts and anxieties that filled him regarding his relationship with Hal and if he was doing right by her. That such a darling look was directed at him said more than words ever could.

"I have a surprise for you, Mrs. Morzansson."

Hal shivered at her new name. "A surprise?"

He was briefly distracted by her reaction, tempted to call her by her new title again. Mentally shaking his head, trying to keep himself focused, Murtagh took her face in his hands and pulled her close. Hal, thinking he meant to kiss her, closed her eyes. The soft touch of his lips never came. Instead, she felt them near her ear, and she was confused until he began to whisper in the ancient language. Her eyes flew open, a shudder running through her system as he spoke. Images flashed in her mind, conjured to life as Murtagh shared with her his true name. She began to cry again, holding her hand over her mouth to quiet herself, lest she miss anything.

His words painted such a vivid picture. Of Murtagh, of his life. His hopes and his dreams. His love for her, his love for Thorn. His love for Illium and the Tenari. His fears. Everything she knew about him, some things she didn't. But it was all laid bare, and she let it fill her. Let it consume her until he was finished, and he slowly pulled away to gauge her response.

She looked at him to see that his eyes dancing at what he had just done. They grew teasing when he saw her tears, but he said nothing, just raised his hand to wipe them away. She couldn't yet speak, couldn't find her voice. "My wedding gift to you, my love. Something worthy of you, deserving of you." He brought their foreheads together as Hal struggled to pull herself together. "My heart, my soul, my mind, and soon, my body, are all yours. I give myself to you, Hal. Fully and completely. It is only fitting that you have my name. It is yours, just as I am."

Hal could barely catch her breath, so she leaned forward and kissed him. Forced to breathe through her nose, she could feel herself begin to calm down, and soon enough she was level-headed to pull back, sucking in air, but much more calm and able to speak.

"Murtagh…I know, I know, how hard that must've been for you —"

He shook his head. "Actually, it was surprisingly easy," he corrected her. "You are not just anyone and haven't been for some time. Especially not anymore. You are my wife, and you have been my best friend, and my partner in all things. You are my peace, Hal. Giving you my name was as easy as marrying you. And I would do it again, and again, and again. If ever it changes, my name is yours. Just as I am yours."

Hal nodded, eyes shining with more tears. "It is a beautiful name. A good name. For a good man. And I will cherish it, and protect it, with everything that I am."

"I know, iet dunei," he told her. "I know."

"But now that's unfair," she proclaimed suddenly. "I don't have a wedding present for you, and I don't know my true name."

"Then I guess you will have to find some other way to make it up to me then."

"Well yes, but how —?"

He lowered his head, reaching for her with a newfound hunger as he unleashed all the desire he had quietly harbored for her. The pieces of himself he had cut and hidden away so as not to burden her or overwhelm her, he let it all go. And he found that he had nothing left to hold him back. Nothing left to tell him that he wasn't doing right by Hal or that they would push it too far. He felt almost wild for it. Hal responded joyously to it, accepting it just as she did any other part of him.

Her lips were eager on his, a fervor to her touch that felt new and all-consuming. Hal had unlocked him, exposing him to the fire and revealing that it did not burn like he had thought it might. Instead, it was warm and radiating, nourishing. He felt a surge of energy, of passion, that he wanted to use to demonstrate to Hal how much he loved her. How much he cared for her and would care for her. To show her that, just as she was trusting him with her heart, her soul, her body, and her love, he was happily trusting her with his.

"Let me undress you," she whispered wantonly as he lowered his lips to her neck. He didn't respond at first as she tilted her head, further exposing her neck to him in a silent ask. He found her pulse with his tongue and bit down carefully, gratified by the low moan she released. "Please. I want to see you properly."

Reluctantly, he pulled himself away and met her gaze. She looked so eager, it took all his strength to nod and step back instead of kissing her again. At first, he thought Hal would rush him. Admittedly, she looked like she had half-a-mind to do so. She never did like to use self-control around him. But her hands were slow and steady as she reached for the clasps on his vest, followed by the buttons of his tunic. Her gaze was focused, as she moved down the line, revealing his chest. He raised his arms as she slid the material over his head, letting it drop to the floor. She nearly reached out to touch him, then stopped herself, changing her mind. His skin immediately hummed with want of its own, craving her. Instead, she reached for his belt, her fingers brushing against him. Her lips twitched in a smile when he grunted at the contact, feeling a rush of need at the barest of touches.

She pulled his trousers and leggings down in one swoop. Her gaze never left his as she slowly kneeled before him, getting a thrill out of the act. His eyes tore through her completely, the warmth and light from the fire emphasizing the tenderness in his face. He carefully stepped out of his things, using his feet to kick them aside, Hal stepped back and stood straight.

She allowed her eyes to linger on his for a few more seconds, giving him a teasing and gentle smile, before lowering her gaze to his form. She moved down his chest that had long known her touch. The sight of his muscles on his arms, his legs, the definition on his stomach. She nearly came undone completely at the V-shape of his hips as they dipped towards his very prominent erection. Heavens, he was beautiful. So achingly beautiful. And she told him this as well, for he deserved to hear it from her just as much as he made sure she heard it as well.

His smile softened at her words, and he wanted to go to her. Before he could move, she reached out a hand, the tips of her fingers grazing the skin of his collarbone. Too desperate for more, he grabbed her hand and pressed it flat against him. Hal's eyes widened as the gesture forced her even closer, breadths apart. They could both physically feel the currents moving between them like energy moved when performing magic.

"Touch me like you mean it, Halen."

Her mouth fell open ever so slightly, and the sight of her tongue licking her bottom lip drew his attention immediately. Eyes on her mouth, he slowly guided her hand down his chest. Her touch now felt like nothing he'd ever experienced before. Like he was coming alive for the first time in his life. He could hear how her breathing deepened as they reached his stomach. Saw her throat bob as they reached his hips, her wrist brushing against his erection. He made a low noise in the back of his throat at the contact, suppressing the shiver that threatened to cut through him.

She pulled her hand back a bit, although she looked equally pained to do so. "Not yet," she whispered.

"You and I both know I'm not a very patient man."

Her small smirk was the only indication she heard him as she began to circle him, taking in every bit of him. He nearly tackled her right then and there as he caught the sheer hunger in her eyes. She ran her fingers down the length of his arm, their hands briefly intertwining as she gave him a firm squeeze. Then she released him to run her hand down his back. Teasingly, she raked her nails gently across his ass, bursting into laughter when he reflexively squeezed his cheeks against the ticklish sensation.

He grabbed her wrist and held her as he spun around, grinning as he muttered, "You think you're funny, don't you?" But he kissed her before she could answer, his body properly afire from her caresses and touch. She entertained him for a bit, but when they separated to catch their breaths, she looked up at him and whispered, "Do you want to undress me now?"

Ha! Did he?

"Heavens, yes," he croaked, unable to be embarrassed by how desperate he must sound. He felt like he had been restraining himself for so long. Hal's toying with him was not helping, and he knew she knew it.

He stepped back a bit, trying not to appear so utterly foolish and eager, although no part of her seemed to mind as he turned her around. He undid the lace ties of her dress, the strings of her sleeves, and the fastenings of her stockings — kissing her thighs as he rolled the material down — until she was standing in just her slip. Only then did he stop, even if just for a moment. It seemed silly, but he'd wanted this for so long that it almost felt surreal now.

He rose to his feet and raised both hands to the thin straps, his eyes locked on Hal's as he slid them off her shoulders. The lightweight material fell easily to the floor, and Hal stepped out of it and kicked it over to their growing pile. He could see her fidget a bit, trying to hide her anxiousness as she waited for him to lower his gaze.

"Are you nervous?" he asked gently.

She bit her lip, rather sheepish that he caught her so quickly. "Perhaps a little. I assumed tonight would be easy, all things considering."

He nodded in understanding, letting his fingers brush her cheek. "We will go slow, all right?"

"All right."

"And if you want me to stop, just tell me and I will. At any time, Hal."

"That would be mighty cruel of me. Especially on our wedding night, no less."

He shook his head, digging his fingers into her hair, the pads pressing soothingly against her scalp. "No, it wouldn't be. I would never take anything from you. It must be willingly given, at all times. It is as I said before — I would not dare ask for more of you." He kissed her lightly. "I would happily take this moment right here. To just lie with you like this would satisfy me."

She nodded. "I know it would. But it would certainly not satisfy me. However, I promise that if I grow uneasy, I will say so."

He felt much better hearing that, knowing now she would not break it just to appease him. He stared into her eyes for a few moments, just taking in that adoring gaze until he could see the moment her desire shifted for more. Comfortable and ready to continue. With that, he stepped back so that he may take in the beauty of his wife like he'd wanted to for so long. His stomach was filled with pleasant nerves as he let his eyes drop to her form. Her brown skin glowed in the firelight, her dark curls hanging beautifully over her shoulders, waiting for him to run his fingers through. The tips of her breasts were taut with arousal, aching for his touch. The width of her hips, trailing into strong thighs and legs, was a sight to behold.

As she had done for him, he stepped forward and placed his hand on her collar. Her heart was racing under his palm, her breathing shallow. She didn't reach up to guide him. His hand was already snaking its way between her breasts. And he was tempted, so tempted, but he knew the build-up would only heighten her want. So, he spread his fingers across her stomach and waist, slowly stepping around her.

He leaned down and kissed the top of her neck. He felt how she shivered as his hands spanned down the length of her back, then moved to grip her hips, pulling her back into his chest. There was an uptick in her breathing as his hands moved back to her front and began to climb up her stomach, creeping steadily closer. When he cupped her breasts in his hands, Hal released a low breath. He felt like his hands were moving of their own accord, working her over slowly and gently, hyper-aware of every reaction she had while he couldn't see her face.

"Do you remember, after you were sick, and you took Thorn and me to see that sunrise over the island?"

Her eyes were fluttering closed until the moment he pinched her nipples and they flew open. "Yes!" she blurted. He could almost hear the blush in her voice and he grinned. "Y-yes," she repeated, a bit more shyly. "Of course."

He shook his head, smiling slightly as he brushed his lips against her ear. "It pales in comparison to you, iet dunei." He could tell her cheeks were burning at his flowery language, but only because she knew to take every word he said as truth.

She turned her head towards him and his mouth was quick to cover hers, her fingers digging into his hair, holding on for balance. One hand still gripping her chest, Murtagh let his other hand fall between her legs. Hal tore her mouth away and gasped at the contact. Even Murtagh stopped, just to savor it. She was wet for him already. "Say it again," he commanded, his voice dropping even lower than before. "What you told me the first time I touched you like this. Say it again."

He stroked her gently and the way her eyes rolled back made his cock even harder. He could see how she struggled to catch her breath against his ministrations. He barely gave her a moment. He liked watching her fight against her own pleasure. "Say it, Halen."

He slipped his finger between her body and the whine that left her made him damn-near feral. He could tell she was overwhelmed. Then he let the heel of his palm rub against her and added, "I'm waiting."

"For you," she blurted, probably realizing that it was the only way she'd get it out at this point. "Only for you."

He let out a low noise from the back of his throat before his lips crashed onto hers once more. His tongue stroked and teased her in a manner that mimicked his fingers. Hal was moaning into his mouth, the sound rising in pitch until her entire body tightened. He pulled back to watch her, easing his movements as she came out of her release. His fingers stroked her gently and she shivered.

When she'd finally caught her breath, the first thing she said was, "You've really been holding back, rider."

He laughed, something about the comment, like before, making him feel a bit more present. Of course, he wanted this to be good for her, wanted nothing but for them both to experience such pleasure. But it also reminded him that this was their first night together. Part of what would make it so enjoyable was that it was Hal. Her humor, her wit, her laughter, all of it, was adding to the moment. And he wanted to take it all in, preserve it for all the years to come.

"You see now why I'm broody all the time?"

"You mean to tell me your charm has been nothing more than pent-up sexual frustration for yours truly?"

"Don't smile at me like that, it makes me uneasy."

"Smile at you like what? Does my smile make you nervous? Does it make you want to have your way with me? It's okay, I won't judge you."

"Don't let that attitude of yours get you in trouble now, Mrs. Morzansson."

Her eyes flashed again. "Oh, but I want to be in trouble," she replied huskily, and the connotation made him swallow. "You once told me that you wanted all of me all to yourself. That you would not stop unless I told you to." His entire body strained with lust as he recalled that exact moment. "I'll have you know I haven't stopped thinking of those words since. And I long to know how much trouble I would have to be in for you to act in such a way."

The fire in her eyes was intoxicating, subduing him while also filling him with power and expectation. Murtagh reached down and gripped the back of her knee, hoisting one leg up so that he could fit himself in between. It seemed bizarre that, in all this time, they had never been as close as they were right now, always separated by inhibitions or by clothing. Now, they stood together, having flung both aside where they belonged. Murtagh kissed her with a hunger when the friction of their bodies burned through him. His other hand moved to grip her backside, pressing their hips even closer together, and Hal let out a bit of an unexpected whine as her own desire flared at the intimate contact.

Murtagh reached down and grabbed her other leg, pulling her into the air and forcing her to wrap her legs around his hips. She made a noise of surprise but didn't dare end the kiss. He walked slowly in the direction of the bed, driven by the image of Hal under him, skin to skin. When he felt the frame against his shins, he stopped and carefully lowered her down. Hal took his face in her hands, making sure they did not break contact as she began to move back towards the pillows. As she did so, Murtagh followed on his hands and knees. When she reached the top of the bed, she lay back and he let his body come down on top of hers.

For a while, they were nothing more than skin. Everything Murtagh had ever wanted out of this moment came alive. Hal's chest pressed bare against his. Her legs tangled around his. Her arms wrapped around him, her hands in his hair as he kissed down her chest. The way her body arched as he bared his teeth and tongue against her breasts. The way she would guide him and the way she would fall back and let him roam freely. He felt possessive and protective. Not just of Hal, but of this. This carefully cultivated intimacy between them. This was his, belonged to him. She did not, but this certainly did, so long as she willingly gave it to him.

Hal was panting from the unwavering attention, and he took a moment to gaze up at her. Observed how her body was both tight with expectation and unraveled from his touch. Murtagh hooked one leg over his shoulder, nibbling on the inside of her thigh as he gently pressed down on her knee. He was so close she wanted to scream. The pad of his thumb roamed over her wet center and her hips lifted slightly at the contact.

"Please," she whined.

"Hmm, I have half a mind to leave you like this for teasing me earlier."

"Either you finish me off or I'll do it myself."

"Don't give me any more ideas, love, I do have two days alone with you after all." He raised himself up a bit. After a moment's hesitation, he grabbed both her wrists and pinned them above her head before she could make good on her word before he was ready.

"Murtagh." His name was breathless with want and frustration.

He shook his head. "You look exquisite like this, Mrs. Morzansson." And she did. Naked, her arms locked above her head, lips swollen, chest heaving, and her legs splayed open and ready for him. Her eyes were glassy as she stared up at him, wondering what his next move would be. Every so often, they would dart down to his erection, and he would grow even hotter at the desire in her expression.

"Murtagh, if you don't put your mouth on me right now, I'll make you regret it."

Dammit, that made his head spin. However, he did not want to let her win that easily. He lowered his mouth to hers and she hissed in distaste, although she was clearly amused. "Ass," she whispered with a chuckle, then kissed him again. Despite her insistence he go down on her, she seemed almost reluctant to let him pull away just yet.

However, he felt no desire to delay his gratification any longer, nor hers. Finally tearing away from the kiss, he uttered her name like a prayer, kneeled before her once more as though she were an altar. Then he pressed his mouth between her legs and let his lips and tongue speak for him. He feasted on her like she was his last meal, and Hal released a low, drawn out swear, her voice shaking as she did so.

His hips pressed into the bedding as she thrust against the rhythm of his mouth. His dark eyes looked up at her, watching how her face would contort with pleasure at his ministrations, her neck exposed with her head thrown back. Overwhelmed with feeling, Hal unconsciously started to close her legs. He slowed only for a moment, making sure it wasn't a sign for him to stop. But as if reading his mind, Hal whined, "Don't."

Having received an order, he lowered his gaze as he gripped her thighs, pushing her legs open further. Her slit was practically weeping for him now, a fantastical mess of her cum and his saliva. He realized then that he didn't know if he'd ever told her. How sweet she tasted. As he slipped his tongue where he himself was aching to be, Hal released a string of expletives. "Fuck, Murtagh, your mouth! Oh gods, your mouth!" Her voice grew in octaves, as he let his top lip rest on her clitoris, his tongue, quite literally, running circles between her legs. Both hands were buried in his hair, gripping him with just the right amount of pain as she drove her sex into his mouth.

Then, her body tightened and Murtagh took one final look up at her, watching as her eyes rolled back, her hips doing all the work for him at this point. He didn't dare stop, didn't dare slow down, reaching up to take one of her breasts in his hand, kneading and pinching the sensitive skin. Her hips rocked in tune with each wave of bliss, small bursts of gasps coming from between her lips until she finally fell back, limp although her body still shook slightly.

Hal was gasping for breath, her chest heaving as she lost complete control of her muscles, her body sinking deeper into the bed. Murtagh's kisses became soft, gentle things, making sure she was okay before he climbed up to kiss her mouth. Murtagh couldn't hide how erotic it felt, knowing Hal was tasting herself on his lips, his chin and cheeks sticky as her cum began to dry on his face. And gauging how enthusiastically Hal was kissing him, she found the act just as delightfully thrilling. When she finally got her wits about her again, Hal could feel how erect he was, and she longed to pleasure him, realizing he hadn't come yet. She rolled them over, both of their breaths ragged and hoarse. She mimicked the way his lips had traveled the length of her body, thrilled to watch how his expression changed when she kissed, licked, and bit a spot he liked.

His eyes practically rolled when she finally took his length in her mouth. And that sight gave her immense satisfaction, a strong desire to make this as good for him as he made it for her. She did not take this lightly. She was protective of his vulnerability, especially since he had so sweetly, over time, given it to her.

She could feel her own need grow as she ran her lips down the shaft, her hands gripping his thighs much like how he had held hers. Despite his teasing earlier, Hal was in no mood to get him back right now. She would look up and see his face aglow with warmth and pleasure and a soft yet hungry need would fill her. She let one hand grip him, pumping slowly and carefully, spreading beads of pre-cum until she had a good rhythm going. She alternated for a bit with her hands and her mouth, languishing in the feel of Murtagh's fingers in her hair, his grip so desperate yet still so careful.

But to her surprise, Murtagh reached down and touched Hal's cheek. She looked up, brown eyes so wide and confused he almost felt guilty for stopping her. "Is everything okay?" she asked.

He nodded. "Come here." He waited for her to climb up his chest before he rolled them over and kissed her. He let his cock, now completely worked up and ready, rest between her legs to let her know what he wanted. "Is this still okay?" he asked her.

"Yes," she said quickly, not even caring if she sounded desperate. "Absolutely, yes."

He smiled, hearing how her voice was husk with lust. With love. With need and passion. He did that. And he kissed her again and again and again, feeling how her body slowly began to sink into the bed. Her legs wrapped around his hips, opening herself up to him. He reached down between their bodies, only briefly breaking the kiss to assure that everything was lined up, that she was still wet so that he did not hurt her too much.

He felt his tip press against her and felt a rush of heat across his body. Slow, he reminded himself, the urge to surge his hips forward nearly blinding him at the thought of what awaited him. But Hal was gazing up at him was such passion that he quickly forgot his own needs.

He leaned down to kiss her again, taking her hands in his so that she could squeeze him. And she did squeeze, as he slowly sank into her, slipping between her legs, adjusting his hips to get the angle just right. Hal only whimpered once, and it was so low he almost missed it. He froze, worried, but she only shook her head. "I'm okay. I'm okay."

He kissed her neck, her chest, trying to offer her moments of pleasure while he took this for himself. He had known it would not hurt him as it did her. He hated that she had to endure any discomfort at all for this, even briefly. When he was sheathed inside her, when he allowed himself a moment to grasp how her body welcomed him as he did, he almost wept.

They were beautiful together. Made to fit like pieces to a puzzle. He did not think he would ever deserve something like this. But Hal had given it to him all the same. Something so precious and unequivocally his.

She was kissing his neck he realized, not having moved for several moments as he let the sensation between his legs overwhelm him. "Are you okay?" she asked him, her voice teasing.

"You feel…" he began, shaking as he struggled to speak. "Heavens, Hal, you feel better than I imagined."

But no. He was wrong. This was not even the crux of the pleasure she could give him. As he moved his hips, they both cried out with the friction, neither anticipating it to be so overwhelming. Murtagh felt as though he were seeing stars. Try as he might to go slow, he could feel himself unraveling unexpectedly quickly. He grunted and swallowed, gripping Hal's hands in his as he tried not to rush himself, knowing Hal was not yet close.

As if reading his mind, Hal removed one of her hands from his and touched his cheek, his eyes flying open when she did. And she smiled. His smile. The smile that was every time she had accidentally let slip that she thought him handsome. The smile that was a captured sunrise when he had been at his lowest. A smile that was hours spent practicing swordsmanship by day and magic by candlelight at night. A smile that was clumsy and beautiful dances where he could see only her. A smile that had ensnared his heart from almost the moment he had beheld it. A smile that loved him, cherished him, fully and completely. It was his smile, and he shivered at the power such a look had on him.

"It's okay," she whispered. Then she leaned up and kissed him, her mouth sweet and gentle. "It's okay. I want to feel you."

She pressed his hips down once more and Murtagh followed her lead. With her permission, he let himself get lost in the feeling of her once more. She was giving herself over to him entirely, and he was grateful. He could see in her face when she began to feel as he did. When her body no longer worked against the intrusion, but welcomed it. He wanted her to finish, wanted the satisfaction of feeling how she would tighten around him. But she looked at him, eyes shining as he lost himself in her gaze. And as he roared her name, he gave himself over to her at last.

…

"I never want to leave this bed," Murtagh mumbled, pulling Hal closer to him.

"You have to, I left the alcohol by the fireplace."

"You get it, then."

"I can't, you big oaf, you're on top of me."

She had him there. But he was comfortable, dozing off with Hal, still very much naked, practically a pillow for him. "Just give me a few seconds."

Hal shook under him, laughing. "Fine, fine."

Eventually, and dejectedly, he rose off of her and to his feet. He stretched a bit before walking to the brandy. He was studying the label as he turned back, but he froze when he saw Hal had moved so that she was lying across the bed, the sheets wrapped around her. She had her chin in her hand, grinning as her eyes were trained and focused between his legs.

"Really, Hal?"

"If you don't want me staring, dear husband, turn around. I assure you I'm perfectly happy with either direction."

He walked to the other side of the bed. True to her word, Hal's eyes tracked him, her bottom lip between her teeth. He set the drink down, on the side table before climbing into bed. Hal had turned onto her back, sitting up as he dug his fingers into her hair, his mouth quickly covering hers. The kiss was wild and unrefined, displaying an almost feral need. A desire for the newfound intimacy that consumed them.

He tore his lips away, creating a path from her jaw down to her neck. Hal tilted her head, gasping his name as he tore the sheets away from her body. But he couldn't even find it in himself to take her in just yet. He would do so after. For now, he just wanted that electric sensation of driving his cock between her thighs.

This time was faster than the first, but no less sensational when they were joined at the hips. In fact, he felt like he was lacking in control now more than before. It wasn't just the feeling of how good she felt, but also how she carefully dug the pads of her fingers into his back instead of her nails so as not to accidentally hurt him, even if it was for something as innocent as pleasure. Or the way her breathing would hitch with each thrust of his hips. Whereas he was first overwhelmed by feeling alone, he was now overwhelmed by all of it. The dizzying satisfaction of how she gripped him, the sounds, her breath on his neck, the way she moaned his name, slowly and teasingly.

He couldn't catch his release, even if he'd wanted to. It hit him faster than the first and he swore so loudly right in her ear that he felt guilty. By the time he was finished, he was overwhelmed and frustrated despite the pleasure.

"Dammit," he breathed, dropping his head onto her shoulder. "I'm sorry."

But to his surprise, Hal giggled. When he lifted his eyes to hers, confused, she rolled her eyes. "Just because I'm not having an orgasm doesn't mean I'm not enjoying myself, rider." She leaned forward and kissed him, slow and deep, before falling back with a knowing grin. "And I am very much enjoying myself."

"Am I doing something wrong?"

"Compared to the countless other men I've been with?" He gave her a flat stare and she snorted. "All right, all right, I'll cut that joke from my list." She smiled sweetly, tucking his hair back. "I don't know. I don't think so though. I think we just need to find our rhythm is all."

"I feel selfish if I'm the only one finishing."

"Don't. I like watching you when you come."

Heat rushed to his cheeks. It was almost unfathomable the level of control she had over him right now. "Keep it up, and I'll be going for a third round in another fifteen minutes or so."

She laughed, throwing her arms around his neck. "I honestly don't mind, Murtagh," she added, her tone insistent. "You almost always put me first in everything else. That's why I don't mind if you're a little selfish. Because I can tell that you're asking me for exactly what you want. And I'm happy to give it to you."

He groaned, burying his face in her neck. "I can't believe I married you."

She turned to look at him. "The feeling is certainly mutual." He kissed her once, twice, three times before she exclaimed, "A toast! This calls for a toast!"

After he was forced to expose himself to her again because he forgot glasses, Murtagh settled back beside her, passing Hal her robe that she pulled on while he opened the bottle. He passed her one glass, taking the other for himself.

Hal twirled her drink lazily and sniffed its content, her brows raising in surprise as he set the bottle aside. Murtagh copied her and found that the smell was actually pleasant. There was no label on the bottle, but he detected cinnamon. It was surprisingly sweet.

They both lifted their glasses. He took a moment to study the smile on her face, the light in her eyes. For perhaps the first time since he met her, he did not question or doubt her mood. She was happy. Unequivocally happy. He felt it in every smile and every kiss she threw his way. He had never before felt so cherished, and so loved, as he had tonight.

"Here's to you," he said.

"Here's to us," she corrected with another dazzling smile. "Here's to the people, and the mistakes, and the turmoil, and the heartache, and the Nïdhwals who have brought us together."

"Here's to us," he continued, "and the rest of our lives together."

Her eyes grew as wide as her smile, brimming with unshed tears until she quickly blinked them back. But her joy at his words was obvious, and he thought he might combust entirely at the sight of her. "To the rest of our lives together," she agreed, and they clinked their glasses together and threw their heads back.

Hal made a face like she had tasted something sour, then gasped as she swallowed her drink. "Whew, okay, that was stronger than I thought, but incredibly delicious."

It wasn't the strongest liquor Murtagh had ever had, but he did agree with her that it was definitely a nicer brand. He poured them both a bit more, but they sipped it slowly. Hal moved so that she could sit between his legs and he wrapped on arm across her shoulders, pulling her into his chest where she belonged. He kissed the side of her neck, enjoying the sight of goosebumps erupting on her skin.

"How do you feel?" he asked, his lips brushing against her. "Are you all right?"

"Why? Are my fifteen minutes already up?"

"Cheeky."

She tilted her head some and he happily granted her silent request and began to kiss her neck. "I'm all right," she answered, her eyes closed. "But I'm not surprised. I've always felt safe with you. Tonight was no exception."

He let out a slow breath. "That makes me happy to hear."

"Did you doubt yourself?"

"I don't know," he admitted, taking a strand of her hair and twirling it around his finger. "I guess…I guess I just had high expectations for tonight. Higher than I realized. Ever since I knew I would marry you, I kept thinking of what this night would be like. Even before that, I would think of how beautiful a bride you'd be. After all that, it almost feels surreal that we're here now."

"And your expectations?"

"Oh, tonight vastly exceeded any and all. No contest." He leaned down, nibbling gently on her ear before whispering, "Mrs. Morzansson."

"Careful, husband, names have power, you know."

"Oh, I know," he purred into her ear. "That's the point."

He could feel all the ways in which Hal responded to his more domineering behavior, the refined level of control he exerted over her that only seemed to make her crave more of him. It was frightening, how much his behavior was driven by Hal herself, the rush he got from her. The newness of it all made him insatiable. Completely and utterly insatiable. But Hal was, so far, unbothered. In fact, she seemed almost encouraging, knowing how long he'd waited for this.

"It seems strange," he said suddenly, voicing his thoughts aloud. "I thought things would feel vastly different. Like I would feel different."

"How do you feel?"

He shrugged. "Just happy. Just unbelievably happy."

She tilted her head, as if contemplating what she was thinking. Then she moved to set her glass down before turning to lie on top of him. She bit her lip, chewing on it for a bit before taking his empty glass away from him, then placing his hand in hers. She held it up to her face, staring at the gedwëy ignasia on his palm with a small smile. "I remember doing this when I rescued you," she said, her voice soft as she thought back. Her fingers were soft against his skin, sending chills up his arm and down his spine. The thought that she had done this while he was unconscious made him giddy, even though he knew it had been her curiosity fueling her then. "I can't believe it's been so long since."

Then she leaned forward and pressed her lips to it. She moved slowly, almost lazily, as she kissed his fingers, running her lips over the lines. Then she curled his fingers and kissed his knuckles. "Do you want to know how I feel, Shur'tugal."

He shivered again. "Yes."

Her lips stretched into a lazy, teasing smile. "I feel like…I want to kiss every inch of you, just because. I feel like showing you just how much I love you." She was pushing him down slowly as she talked, her legs moving to straddle his hips. Then she sat up, her eyes studying him carefully as she reached for the tie of her robe. And while Murtagh desperately wanted to act as though he were capable of exhibiting an ounce of self-control, he was practically salivating as she slowly bared herself to him, discarding the garment off to the side.

"I feel like hearing you make those impolite noises when I touch you." As if for emphasis, she stroked his newly hardened member and he let out a groan from the back of his throat, swearing at the warmth and control in her grip. "And I want to hear you say my name again when you come."

Heavens.

"I want to feel you again. And I want nothing more than to be yours, Murtagh. And for you, to be mine."

He leaned forward off the bed and buried his fingers in her hair, crashing their lips together as he pulled her back down on top of him. "I'm yours," he told her, breathless between kisses. "Completely and utterly yours."

"Then let me be a good wife," she whispered, lowering her head, "and let me take care of you."

…

"Stay," Hal whispered, putting her chin on his shoulder while he tried to finish getting dressed. "Just stay."

Murtagh sighed. He had one boot on, the other in his hand, his tunic half tucked and his pants still undone. He felt exhausted, but in the best possible way. "Hal, you know I can't —"

"No, I don't know," she argued, pouting. Murtagh made the mistake of looking back at her. His eyes traveled straight down to her mouth, easily bewitched as her swollen lips pulled into a knowing smile. She shimmied closer to him, encouraged by his trance. "Come on, what's the harm in giving yourself another hour? Maybe two."

"Hal, Nasuada gave us two days. I don't like it either, iet dunei, but our time is up."

"She said to report at your earliest convenience. Your earliest convenience could at least be after lunch." She got to her knees, forcing his gaze up as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Come back to bed, my love. Just for a little while."

He didn't know if Hal was actually speaking sense or if he was just truly desperate to give in to temptation. And while, yes, the lure of sex was as tantalizing as Hal was making it out to be, he also just didn't want to leave her side. Not yet, anyway. The last two days had been the most time they'd been able to spend together in peace. It had reminded him of their time at the estate, where they could just be without being hindered or shackled to responsibility.

But responsibility was calling him again. Yet time with Hal, with his wife, was precious to him. He started shaking his head. "So help me, Hal, if I get in trouble for this —"

Her face brightened instantly as she tackled him in a kiss, driving him back into bed and shoving his shoe out his hand. "I'll tell Nasuada it was my fault," she added.

"A brave and noble sacrifice," he teased, his voice muffled beneath her enthusiastic kisses.

Admittedly, he was grateful Hal had stalled him. He could not recall the last time he had smiled so much since they'd left Illium. He could not recall the last time he had smiled this much at all. He needed her laughter, her kisses, her touch. Even if only for a little while longer, before reality set in once more. And clearly Hal had needed it to, because while she seemed sad when he actually did need to go, she was less resistant to his departure, helping him find his clothes and get dressed while she had donned her robe.

"I feel somewhat guilty that I'm leaving you two days after our wedding," he admitted.

She wrapped one hand around his waist, grinning up at him. "Don't. We both knew this would happen when you pledged your fealty. But now you have something to look forward to at the end of the day."

She pulled his head down, but her kiss was anything but sweet and innocent. He forced himself to pull back before she could really rile him up, shaking his head at her. "You are going to be the death of me, woman."

She kissed his cheek. "Anyway, I will be fine," she assured him. "If I want to, I'm sure I could find something to fill my time with."

He gathered the rest of his things, Hal trailing quietly behind him as he headed to the door. When he turned to say goodbye, the look on her face gave him pause. She looked so at peace in that moment. He did everything in his power to sear the image of her into his brain.

"You're staring, rider."

He grinned, unembarrassed at being caught and called out. Just then, there was a faint knock at the door, almost aware that it could potentially disrupting something. Chuckling, Murtagh stepped back as he opened the door. Juliet stood on the other side and brightened. "Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Morzansson."

Hal and Murtagh's chests swelled, the handmaiden giving them a knowing smile. As Murtagh stepped aside to give her space, Juliet entered, carrying in her arms a massive box with a bow on front.

"Good afternoon, Juliet," said Hal following her to the unkempt bed. Hal's eyes momentarily widened in panic. But Juliet pretended not to notice or simply didn't care. "And what, may I ask, are you holding?"

"Wedding gifts from her majesty."

"Goodness, that's thoughtful of her. Here, don't set them on the bed, you can put them here on this table by the fire."

Murtagh and Hal pressed forward out of curiosity, and Juliet removed the top with an excited flourish. "First, she had a pair of matching coats made for the both of you. She had mentioned, privately of course, that it was serendipitous that these finished when they did, as she actually had them commissioned in celebration of your engagement, but with everything that happened since..."

"Oh my," Hal breathed, pulling the coat on top out first.

"That one belongs to Master Murtagh," explained Juliet. Hal passed it over and he held it up, observing the modest length so that it would keep him warm without hindering him when riding. It was made of wool, but still slim with gold fastenings, the small cape around the shoulders stitched with fur on top for added warmth. It was easily one of the nicest pieces he had ever owned, including even what he had worn while under Galbatorix's command.

Hal's was even lovelier, similar in color and style to Murtagh's. The main difference was that the end of her sleeves were coated with furs, and the coat looked to be more fitted to her slim frame, as compared to the width of Murtagh's to accommodate for his broad shoulders. Although their cloaks had certainly gotten the job done, he could not deny how much better these would serve during the cold winter months.

"It's beautiful!" Hal exclaimed, running her hands over the material. "Although, I'd almost hate to wear it for fear of ruining it."

"You will do no such thing," chastised Juliet. "You absolutely cannot turn down a gift from her majesty, you would cause offense of the worst kind, even with the best of intentions."

"Well, when you put it like that —"

"Oh, and one more thing."

"There's more?!"

Juliet reached in and pulled out an even smaller box, one Murtagh and Hal hadn't even noticed. This she handed to Murtagh to open, and he carefully lifted the lid to reveal two, identical pieces he didn't immediately recognize, both the size of his palm. He passed one to Hal and he took the other for himself, setting down the box as he lifted the item to observe the bronze casing with gold and silver inlaid in the intricate designs. He flipped it over and felt his chest tighten with emotion. There, with impossible quickness, was the date they had married, so that they may never forget.

He reached for the small button at the top and pushed it, the cover springing open to reveal a mirror. He realized that it was designed like a locket, with space opposite the mirror to hold an image if he so wished it. He fingered the sturdy, gold chain attached to the top, which would allow him to secure it to his persons.

"Her majesty realized that with magic gone, the use of mirrors may, for the time being, be impractical. But she said you could both use these to scry one another whenever the queen must pull Murtagh away for his duties. That way, no matter where you two were, you would always have a means of finding each other again."

"It's perfect," Murtagh breathed, seeing the same emotion of gratefulness in Hal's expression that he was currently feeling. "It's completely perfect. I will be sure to tell her majesty thank you when I see her next."

Juliet looked pleased, nodding then to his attire. "Does this mean you are heading out for the day?"

"Aye. At least what day is left."

"Of course, sir. Miss Halen, would you like to continue resting for the day?"

"I suppose I might as well," Hal said with an unsure shrug. "I feel a bit guilty with everyone else working so hard though. Juliet, I know you hate when I insist, but if there's anything I can do, please let me know."

Juliet gave a firm nod before she starting on her usual duties, which had been postponed while Hal and Murtagh occupied the room in their newlywedded bliss. Hal walked over to Murtagh with a mortified expression. "Had I known she would be cleaning our room today, perhaps I would not have insisted you stay the morning as well."

"Why are you suddenly so shy, Mrs. Morzansson? Are you embarrassed by what adults do when they're married and alone?"

Her smile was tight as she said in a low voice, "I am when I realize all our evidence is still on the bed."

"Careful, my dear, such talk will make it difficult for me to concentrate on my duties."

She rolled her eyes her at him as he quickly kissed her cheek and forced himself to leave before he was overcome once more by desire rather than duty. But while it pained him to do so, there was no denying that it was perhaps the first time he had walked away with such a bright smile on his face.