Author's Notes: Here comes a new chapter after yet another week! Enjoy! I want to give a special shoutout to Sarah k, who left a lovely review last week. I'm happy this story reminded you of your love for the movie!
Chapter XXII
Iliana breathed heavily, lying halfway atop Tristan with their limbs entwined. The "walk" Tristan announced they were taking was a short trek to his quarters, and things turned hot and heavy the second he shut and locked the door. He threw her on his bed and he practically ripped her outfit from her delicate body before he got out of his clothes and pounced on top of her. He held both her hands, their fingers intertwining as he buried his face into her neck and moved his hips. She felt how turned on he was as her walls tightened around his hardened arousal, and they made love for not one round, but two. She surprised herself by keeping up with him, despite the pressure of dancing, even though she expected to tire out after the first round.
She ran her hand over his bare chest, her touch causing him to let out a groan of approval as she felt him shudder. After tracing a pathway up and down his chest and abdomen, Iliana looked up at him. Sweat partially covered him, his bangs and clumps of his hair clinging to his forehead and cheeks. Despite him being a naked, sweaty mess, he was still a handsome sight to behold.
The hand caressing his chest ascended up to his face, caressing his cheek as the hairs of his beard tickled her palm. From the corner of her eye, she saw that a couple of his braids had come undone during their romp, and she reached out to fix them. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and stroked her hair, watching her as she focused on his braids. It surprised him to feel the slickness of the junction between her thighs pressed against his leg, and if he hadn't been regaining his breath and stamina, he would have rolled her over and gone for a third round.
"I didn't think you'd still be hungry for more," he purred in a seductive, teasing tone that made her cheeks flush a slight shade of pink, making him chuckle. "You know, you're cute when you're embarrassed, Ili."
This statement only added to the growing heat flooding her cheeks, and when she finished fixing his braids, Iliana returned the favor. She looked at him for a moment, tilting her head to the side before leaning in, capturing his earlobe between her teeth. He groaned and trembled, the hand around her shoulders caressing its way down her back and stopping at her hip, giving it a hard squeeze. A low moan left her lips, followed by a giggle as she rubbed the tip of her nose against his neck before pulling away to look at him. The effect she had on him was obvious by the lustful look that formed in his gaze, and she felt a little proud of herself for it.
"What are you doing to me?" he asked, his hand ascending upwards to stroke her hair.
"I could ask you the same thing," she replied.
They locked eyes for a moment before he leaned forward and kissed her hard upon her lips. Iliana gasped as she took in the kiss with what little breath she had remaining before having to push him away.
"I would like to save what remaining energy I have left for the tavern. I'm sure the men are dying to see me dolled up in a dress again."
He breathed out a disappointed sigh as he pulled her even closer.
"I really don't want this moment to end soon, but I know it will have to. However, I am looking forward to seeing what kind of dress Elsie will put you in."
This statement made Iliana smile.
"I'm sure I would look good in just about anything, at least to you," she said, giving him a wink.
They pressed their foreheads together, basking in the closeness for a little longer and rubbing the tips of their noses against each other.
"If you and I don't get out of this bed and get dressed soon, neither of us will leave this room tonight," he whispered in a husky tone.
She smiled and giggled at him, and with a quick kiss to his brow, Iliana detangled herself from his body and got out of bed. He immediately felt bereft at the loss of her presence as he watched her slip back into her belly dancing outfit. He admired her perfect body and how they fit together before she slipped her skirt back on; how her soft curves molded to his hardened build and the way she fit his hardened bulge like a glove whenever they made love. Out of all the looks he had seen her in, the look in which she was bare and vulnerable was his favorite one of all. That look was for his eyes only, and it was one that he would forever worship and cherish.
Once her skirt was back on, it didn't take her long to slip her bralette back on. After she adjusted it to her preference, she stole a look at him from over her shoulder, smiling at the look in his eyes.
"I'll see you at the tavern," she announced before taking her leave. His gaze roved her backside as she left, loathing to see her go, but also loving the sight of her leaving. Once her footsteps were a distance away, he got out of bed and get dressed himself, knowing the men were waiting for him, and thanks to his romp with Iliana, he was also famished and parched. He hurried to the tavern to satisfy his need for food and ale, as well as to see her in yet another dress that would knock him and the men off their seats.
"Well, you certainly took a little longer than I expected, Ili," Sophia said teasingly as she watched Elsie and Zina, the Greek seamstress that was amongst the refugees, add the finishing touches to Iliana's dress. They created a Greek style, floor length, one shoulder dress of an emerald green with silver trimming at the waistline, and the two seamstresses adjusted it to fit her figure. "I wanted to wait for you so that you didn't have to arrive at the tavern alone after your interlude with Tristan."
"I appreciate that, Soph. Thanks," Iliana said with a smile.
"You and Tristan are the talk of the town with the way he looked at you while we were dancing," Sophia stated. "The desire was apparently clear in his eyes."
Iliana couldn't help the blush that formed on her cheeks, and it took her a moment to find her voice when her throat went dry.
"With me, Tristan will never get enough. At first, I feared disappointing him, but now, I have no doubts about my feelings for him. I just hope he won't tire of me down the line."
"Darling, I am almost certain that your knight loves you," Zina said, having listened in on their conversation. "As time goes on, he'll only fall deeper in love with you, and he will never get bored with you. You are the most wonderful thing to happen to him, and he will never let go of that."
"Lady Zina is right," Sophia chimed in. "The primary reason it's such gossip is because he's never been so deeply involved with a woman before, from what the men told me and the girls."
"They're not far from the truth about that," Iliana said in confirmation.
"After spending the past fifteen years in this forced servitude to Rome, you made him feel something again. You captured his heart upon your first meeting with him, and even though it took you a while to acknowledge it, he captured your heart, too.
"Tristan is the type of man to take what he wants, and he definitely took you."
This statement made Iliana chuckle; Tristan took her in more ways than one. It just took her longer to understand and finally grasp the facts that were right in front of her.
Elsie and Zina tied half of her hair up, pulling out two strands to hang off either side of her cheek. Once the tie was secure, they braided that portion of her hair, and then used another band to tie it at the bottom.
"There you go, dear Ili. You look beautiful," Elsie said, allowing the young girl a chance to look at herself in the mirror.
"Once again, I barely recognize myself," she said.
"And not only will Tristan want you again, the men will do a double take as well," Sophia said. "So, are you ready?"
Her gaze still focused on the mirror, Iliana nodded.
"Then let's get going."
"Thanks, Elsie. Thanks, Zina. I'll see you again," Iliana said before she followed Sophia out of the shop.
The tavern was bustling as per usual when Iliana and Sophia finally arrived. Off at a grand table in the far corner were the men, Andres, and the girls, and the men were as rowdy as ever. Cheers broke out as Bors and Andres attempted to outdrink each other, and Iliana smiled at the sight, despite the bittersweet feeling that hit her heart.
"You're seeing your father in Bors, aren't you?" Sophia asked.
"Aye," Iliana replied.
"You know he wants you safe and happy, Ili, and I'm sure he sees that on the other side," Sophia said in assurance, reaching out to give her hand a gentle squeeze. "He doesn't want to see you sad. He wants to see you smile. So, smile for him."
The moon shone down on her, but rather than feel the sadness that was usually associated with it and the sun when it shined, Iliana fought back the tears and allowed herself to smile.
"Ili! Sophie!"
Estrella's call of their names interrupted the moment, and when they turned in their direction, everyone's eyes lit up.
"It's about time, you two!" Catalina exclaimed as they approached the table.
"Sorry! Lady Elsie and Lady Zina really took their time with Ili, and I have to say they did a good job," Sophia said, gesturing to the dress Iliana wore.
"That they did. You are a vision, Ili, as per usual," Arthur complimented.
"Thank you, Arthur," Iliana said with a smile and a bow.
"My love! A couple more drinks over here!" Bors called towards the bar. "Come sit down, lassies."
The two best friends exchanged a look before sitting down. Iliana sat down next to Tristan, and Sophia sat down next to her. A smile formed on Iliana's lips as Tristan leaned forward and kissed her temple, wrapping an arm around her with his hand resting at her hip. When she saw him narrow his eyes over her shoulder, she looked to see that there were three Roman soldiers eyeing her, but at Tristan's glare, they looked away and went back to their drinks.
She reached for the hand that rested at her hip and gave it a squeeze.
"Let it go. You've proven your point," she whispered.
"I don't like other men looking at my woman," he growled in her ear.
She felt her heart flutter at him calling her his, and while he wasn't a man of many words, his actions and the way he looked at her confirmed his love for her.
"I'd like to make a toast," Arthur announced, making everyone at the table fall silent as he stood up and raised his cup. Everyone else followed his lead, and Iliana and Sophia joined after Vanora prepared a cup for them.
"First, I would like to welcome back our beloved friend Ili, and I would like to extend that welcome to her new friends, the Sirens."
Cheers broke out amongst the table, and Iliana couldn't help but blush at the attention, besides the feel of Tristan squeezing her hip.
"You lovely ladies are a part of this group now," Gawain said, making each of the girls smile.
"It's an honor," Sophia said.
"And we are down to one month left before Rome discharges us from servitude," Arthur announced. "We have lost many brothers getting up to this point, but their sacrifices will not be in vain as we take in our last days of service. It has been an honor fighting alongside you, and I look forward to the day we are finally free."
"To freedom!" Galahad exclaimed.
"Freedom!"
As the men talked amongst each other, Sophia nudged Iliana in the arm with her elbow.
"This is exciting. The men will be free in a period shorter than I had expected," she whispered.
"Indeed. I'm just as excited," Iliana whispered back.
"I'm sure the love you and Tristan will make when he's a free man will be the sweetest it's ever been."
Iliana had to stifle a giggle as she blushed, and Sophia couldn't help a giggle of her own.
"What are you two giggling about over there?"
The two looked to see Lancelot and Tristan eyeing them in curiosity.
"Just some stuff exchanged between two best friends," Sophia replied, winking at the jovial knight.
"Secrecy between two beautiful girls. I am envious of not being in the loop," he commented.
"You and the men have your secrets. We're entitled to ours," Iliana said.
"Ili, perhaps we should use the Greek language for certain bits of information entitled to just us Sirens," Sophia said, speaking in the Greek tongue Iliana knew all too well.
"You know what? I like that idea, especially if it's something we don't want the men knowing," she said, effortlessly rolling the Greek dialect off her own tongue. "I'll pass that on to the girls."
Tristan looked at her with curiosity, and in response, Iliana simply smiled.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for some slow dancing!" the bandleader announced. "Grab yourself a partner and head out to the middle of the floor!"
Iliana was quick to grab Sophia by the shoulders and push her forward as Lancelot walked towards them.
"May I have this dance, my lady?" he asked, bowing to her and offering his hand. The auburn-haired girl smiled and giggled as she placed her hand in his, and he led her to the floor. Iliana observed as the rest of the men took the other Sirens to the floor, and Tristan embraced her from behind and kissed her neck, causing her to grin.
"May I have the honor of dancing with you again?"
Her smile widened as she relished in his charm and nobility.
"Of course."
He released her and took her by the hand, leading her to the middle of the dance floor. He spun her in a circle until she was facing him, and he pulled her close, his hand at her waist and their entwined hands up. The band played a song, and the two of them danced. Iliana leaned forward and pressed her temple against his bearded cheek, her heart pounding and her cheeks growing hot as she breathed in his scent of earth and wood.
At that very moment, Iliana realized how important Tristan had become to her. To think that this impossible, yet wonderful, creation of a man would be the one to steal her heart and capture her affections. Her father told her she would know when a man ensnared her heart, and sure enough, he was right. This feeling must have been what he felt upon the realization that her mother captured his affections.
Father, if you hear me, please answer my prayer of this next month flying by. These men deserve a life outside of this fighting and bloodshed, and I want Tristan to live a happy future and life with me. He is the man my heart has chosen, and I want him to be finally free of this servitude that you know all too well. Please guide him and the men to the freedom they've spent these past fifteen years fighting for.
The hand on his shoulder clutched onto the fabric of his tunic tightly, and he pulled her even closer to him. She giggled at the feel of his nose and breath on her neck, and as they continued to dance, she hoped both God and her father heard her prayer and she could celebrate the men's freedom with them.
Iliana felt her father must have heard her that evening, for the next month flew by, and that meant the knights would finally earn their hard-earned freedom. She went back to bartending and dancing occasionally for the children, with her Sirens dancing alongside her to the children's delight. Vanora also employed the Sirens at the tavern, and with the place more lively than usual thanks to the men's upcoming freedom and Rome's upcoming withdrawal, having the extra help proved beneficial.
They also continued with the training they started back at the coast, not wanting to slip on what they had done to get up to this point. They set aside at least one hour of training in order to stay in shape and at the top of their game while also not wearing themselves out. If circumstances allowed it, they would push it to two hours. Occasionally, the men would join them, which allowed them challenges and the chance to take on opponents larger than them. If they ever had to face the Saxons, they had an overall idea of what they were up against and how to counter them.
As for her Sirens, Iliana noted how they each changed for the better, similar to her situation. While their guilt and anger over what the Saxons did to them lingered, the training helped them channel and control their emotions. Despite their hardships, the Saxons didn't kill them, and now that they had the right influence guiding them, they would only get stronger with time. For that, Iliana was proud of herself for having done some good in this life.
She was returning to town after taking a walk down the dirt path within the comfort of the Wall. When she neared the walls of the town, she saw Catalina gazing out at the northern forest that the Woads controlled. The sound of the grass crunching snapped the redhead out of her trance, and she smiled when she saw her approach.
"Well, this is a rare sight that I see you out here by yourself," Iliana said. "Is everything okay?"
"Aye. Everything is fine. I just had some things on my mind, is all," Catalina replied.
There was a moment of silence before the redhead spoke up again.
"However, I have a confession to make. Galahad told me he's in love with me."
The confession made Iliana chuckle; having seen the way they acted around each other, it was no surprise. However, what really surprised her was how long it took Galahad to swallow his pride finally and confess his true feelings to her.
"So, what did you say to him?" she asked, wanting to know the extent of what had transpired.
"I told him I loved him as well, and we shared a kiss," Catalina replied. "There was so much more I wanted to say more to him, but he got summoned for another meeting at the council chamber. I feel so silly, like a lovesick, adolescent girl harboring a crush on such a strong, yet soft-hearted man. Ironic, considering I developed a crush on him."
"Cat, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging what it is you're truly feeling," Iliana said, assuring her. "It was clear in the way you two were acting around each other, and I was ready to smack him upside the head if he didn't man up and tell you.
"At the very least, the feeling is mutual, and I can see that you have no doubts about the way you feel about him."
"Aye, especially with the knowledge of how he really feels about me," Catalina said with a nod. "I'm thinking about asking him to watch the sunset with me so that he has a positive memory of us to think of during the men's last mission for Rome."
"Go for it, sweetheart," Iliana said encouragingly. "I will say this. You are perfect for Galahad, for you lift him up whenever he feels down."
Catalina smiled at her words.
"Thank you for introducing me to him, Ili. I guess I'll go kill some time at the tavern until the meeting is done."
She then went back to town, and Iliana watched her go.
It's about time, Little Brother. Cherish her and treat her right.
Looking up towards a particular section of the Wall, Iliana noticed Dimitra leaning against the bricks from up top. When her grey gaze caught her, the brunette gestured for her to come up to the Wall. Iliana nodded, and she made her way back into town and up a flight of stairs to the top of the Wall, where Dimitra waited for her at her usual spot.
"It's no coincidence that you would be here, Dimitra," Iliana said, having learned that this was the brunette's particular place to be when she wanted to think.
"Have I become that predictable?" Dimitra asked.
"Only with certain aspects," Iliana replied. "So, how are things between you and Dag?"
The relationship between Dimitra and the stoic healer of Arthur's knights was fresh, having begun a week prior and became a subject of gossip alongside Iliana's relationship with Tristan.
"Things have been progressing well," Dimitra replied. "He's the sweetest man I have ever met, and I love how patient he's been with me since we began this relationship. He accepts me for who I am and the person I've ultimately become."
"Dag wouldn't have thought any less of you, Dimitra. Even if you had webbed feet, he would have accepted you because you're you," Iliana said.
Dimitra nodded.
"I know, and I hope when he's finally discharged, he and I will have a fresh start with this relationship. I don't want the pain of what happened to me when I fled my old village dictating my path anymore."
"I am very proud and happy for you. Dagonet will take care of you, and you have a bright and promising future ahead of you with him. I'll leave you to enjoy the view and I'll see you later."
Dimitra smiled and nodded.
"Thank you for everything."
With a nod of her own, Iliana turned on her heel and left, deciding to head to the stables next to look for a certain someone she knew would be there.
When she got to the barn, she saw Sophia tending to Belen, lost in the depths of her own thoughts.
"Even as quiet as you are, I hear you loud and clear, Sophie," she announced, her voice echoing throughout the barn and catching the attention of the girl she called her best friend. She heard her breathe out a sigh after she finished brushing Belen's coat.
"For possessing blood of the Roxolani tribe, you also act like one of the Hamaxobii thanks to Andres."
Iliana chuckled as she approached the stall, leaning forward against the fence.
"When you're ready to talk, I'm listening."
Silence fell upon the barn for a moment, save for the occasional snorts of the horses, and after a beat, Sophia finally spoke.
"I really don't know how to approach this 'intricate' relationship I seem to have formed with Lancelot."
Sophia's choice of words intrigued Iliana, as if she wasn't entirely sure what to call it, if there was a word for it. After another silent beat, she nodded, signaling for her to continue.
"To sum it up, he wants me one minute, and the next, he's pushing me away. I've been trying to get him to drop his guard and let me in, but it's as if I can't even scratch the surface with him."
Iliana nodded, putting together what to say before she spoke her insight.
"You know, his behavior regarding you has nothing to do with you. It's more with him. He may appear fearless, but he has a heart as big and soft as this fort. He probably feels strongly about what you endured up to this point, despite not knowing the details, and he fears losing you the second he gets close to you.
"If there is one thing I am certain about, Lancelot cares about you, Soph. I'm almost willing to bet that he allowed you a glimpse of the real man underneath his flirtatious facade."
Sophia nodded, allowing her words to sink in.
"Now that I think about it, he hasn't been as flirtatious with the wenches since we arrived here," she stated. "If there is one girl he has been focusing on whenever he gets the chance, it's me."
"If that's not a hint, then I don't know what is," Iliana pointed out. "You still have the chance to ask him yourself and find out before he leaves for that last mission. Best you both clear up the fog that's still lingering."
"Agreed. I'll head to the fountain in the plaza and hope I can catch him there," Sophia announced. "Plus, being there helps clear my mind, and I could use the extra time. Thanks for hearing me out, Ili. You really are the best friend a girl could ever have."
She completed the gratitude with a hug, which Iliana happily returned. When they parted, Sophia left to head for the fountain, and after giving Arion some affection, Iliana left in the opposite direction, heading into town. There was only one of her Sirens that she had left to speak to, and that particular Siren was the most damaged of them all.
She was just about to pass the open gates that led towards the council chamber when she suddenly bumped into someone. When she stepped back, Iliana saw it was Estrella, and she was about as pale as a ghost. When the ebony-haired girl registered who it was she bumped into, she hugged her tightly.
"Whoa, Estrella. It's okay," Iliana cooed, feeling her tremble in her arms.
"Ili, I really need to talk. Can we speak somewhere privately?"
Iliana heard the shaking in her voice, and she nodded.
"Let's go to the sparring arena. It's usually empty at this time of the day."
Estrella nodded, and when they pulled away, Iliana took her hand and led the way.
As expected, the sparring arena was empty of any kind of presence, and after picking one of the raised stages near the back, the two girls sat down. Estrella wasn't upright for long, for she lied down just as quickly as she sat down. Iliana didn't miss the trembling in her form and the anxious look in her emerald gaze.
"I'm all ears whenever you're ready."
Her words, the invitation she was looking for, Estrella began telling her tale.
"I kissed Gawain following a favor I helped Jols with back in the counseling chamber. I've had this crush on him that was only growing as time passed, and even though I'm right there in front of him, he doesn't see that I'm there. I caught him with the same wench twice when we were working, and I was so jealous that I stormed out once my shift was over one evening."
Iliana remembered that evening like it had happened yesterday. She didn't understand it at first until she glanced at Gawain over her shoulder, and at that moment, it all made sense.
"Because of that, I've refrained myself from approaching him, and that wench has made me feel inferior to her for having what I lack regarding getting his attention."
Iliana pinched the bridge of her nose out of empathy for Estrella and frustration towards Gawain. How is it that the man she called her "Big Brother" be so damn blind to a girl that truly wanted to know him? While she understood why he acted the way he did, it still didn't excuse the fact that he hurt Estrella.
"What I can tell you is that Gawain is battling his own demons, and the same goes for the rest of the knights. They each handle those demons differently, and Gawain found comfort in the form of sleeping around. The wenches blinded him to the fact there was a genuine girl in front of him trying to get his attention.
"He has been watching you, but he's been hesitant to approach you since he's uncertain he's what you want in a man. However, it still doesn't excuse the fact that he hurt you, and I am angry he did that, even if it wasn't intentional."
When she turned to face Estrella, she noticed her emerald gaze had widened.
"He is what I want in a man. How did he not see that this past month?"
"Again, he let his greatest moment of vulnerability cloud that sight from him," Iliana replied.
Estrella breathed out a vast sigh as she rubbed her forehead.
"Thanks to my being so forward with him, I'm fearful I messed up my chance of being with him."
"I think it's the opposite, especially since you were forward and direct about it with the men in the same room," Iliana countered. "If anything, I'm sure he'll be getting a talking-to as both a pep talk and lecture."
"Would he love and accept a girl as damaged as me?" Estrella asked.
"That wouldn't matter to him," Iliana replied. "What matters is that you're here now, Estrella."
"And I'm happy that you are here, my dear lady."
Iliana had to stifle a giggle at Estrella's shocked reaction, and when she turned, she saw the man in question entering with Tristan following behind him, to her surprise.
"Hi, Gawain. Hi, Tristan."
She exchanged a glance with Estrella from the corner of her eye before turning to the golden-haired knight that was her "Big Brother".
"I ought to kick your ass for being so blind, Big Brother," she scolded. "However, I will forgive you if Estrella does."
Estrella didn't say a word, much less move for a moment that seemed to feel like an eternity as the two men approached the edge of the arena. After a beat, she sat up and turned to face him. Gawain winced at the tears he saw in her eyes, knowing that he was the one responsible for those tears, but when she saw the genuine affection in his deep blue eyes, Estrella nodded as she crawled towards him on her knees, positioning herself in front of him. Gawain reached out to touch her cheek, and she leaned into his touch, relishing it before he pulled her into a hug.
Iliana smiled; the knowledge of the good that was brought to the girls and the knights warmed her heart. After watching the moment between Gawain and Estrella for a little longer, she got up and off the arena, approaching Tristan. She saw a tender, loving look in his eyes that made her heart flutter, and he placed a hand on her lower back before proceeding to lead her out of the arena.
As she walked beside him, Iliana knew he was going to be a free man soon, and thus, he wouldn't be risking his life for very much longer. Once he was free, they could finally plan their future together, and she couldn't wait to stand by his side when Rome finally released him.
End Notes: Next chapter begins the plot of the movie! Check back tomorrow!