It was a regular day for the couple that lived in the woods. The weather was bright and their morning started right. They shared kisses, laughter and loving gazes. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Damian, Raven's husband, decided to hunt a little to put meat on the table. And she decided to wait at home as she tidied up.
They had a system. And it worked.
And then as noon approached, she heard a loud noise.
At first, she thought the earth was shaking but then she came to realize that it was coming from outside. She hurriedly went out, hoping to find her husband and be in each other's warm embrace.
But once she got out of their wooden cabin, she was surprised to see what appeared to an army of men in black garb.
When they saw her, they all bowed respectfully.
So, perhaps they were here to take her. It did cross her mind that the people she was running away from had finally found her. But the bowing said otherwise.
Raven was more than confused. She didn't know what to do or who they were.
She was wondering if she should use her magic. If these people weren't who she was hiding from, using her magic would surely become a beacon to who she was hiding from.
But at this point did it matter?
The pale woman's hand twitched as she contemplated. If these men in black moved she would certainly use her magic regardless of the consequences.
"Move!" It was the familiar voice of her husband. He sounded more commanding than she was used to, but it was definitely Damian.
"Get out of the way now!" His voice demanded and Raven tried to peek from the sea of black clad strangers to find her husband.
"Out of my way!" Raven noticed how the army seemed to divide as if to let someone through with ease. She kept her eyes on the space the people seemed to have created to let him pass and finally she saw her husband emerge from the crowd.
She smiled in relief and he ran to her immediately, taking her into his arms.
"Did they hurt you?" He asked and then pulled away to cup her face. She shook her head blinking.
"Are you okay?" She asked him back and he kissed her forehead.
"Of course, I was hunting when I saw them." He studied her face.
Raven opened her lips but was cut off when a feminine yet cold voice said, "I've let you play around for longer than you should be, it's time to go home son."
The pair of husband and wife turned to where the voice came, and at the opposite side of where Damian had come from, was an intricately beautiful carriage.
A woman in a green dress stepped out of the carriage, with gold and gems around her neck, wrist, ears and even waist. She had brown wavy hair and green eyes and tan skin that Raven was awfully familiar with.
She stared at her green-eyed husband. Who then closed his eyes in defeat.
"Please, give me a moment, Mother." He sighed; it was clear that he had resigned to the situation.
Raven was left feeling confused.
"Beloved, let's get inside while I explain everything to you." He tried to guide her inside and she glanced at the army and the woman. "Mother, I hope you can wait just a bit more."
"As long as you go home with us this time." She sighed and studied the young couple's garden.
Damian placed a hand on the back of his wife and held her hand with the other as he guided her into their cottage. His wife let him guide her to the table and suddenly she was propped up and sitting on their wooden dining table.
Raven sitting on the table made her appear taller. Her husband studied her face and admired her beauty. She was quite the beauty even with the clear confusion on her face.
"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?" He asked quietly and Raven couldn't help but giggle as the confusion and tension faded away.
"Don't tell you want to have sex now while your mother and a literal army is outside!" She poked him playfully.
"Oh? Is that a pattern with me?" He asked hoarsely and she rolled her eyes.
"A pattern?" She snickered and shook her head, "You tell me I'm beautiful and the next thing I know I'm naked!"
He chuckled, "What can I say? I want to admire your beauty without the frills." He tugged at her skirt and she swatted his hand away.
Then she reached out and held his hand, "Damian, what is going on?"
There was silence before her husband gave a deep sigh and his wife simply waited.
"Beloved," He stared at her with the gentlest gaze she thought she had ever seen him give her. Then she realized that it was tinged with guilt. She gripped his fingers which were quite bigger than hers and then her husband sighed again.
"I… didn't tell you this." It was clear that there was hesitation in his voice. But she urged him to continue with just a look. He smiled then continued on, "But I am a prince."
Damian watched his wife's face for any hint of a reaction or in her case lack thereof. He wasn't sure what to make of it. Then she smiled and then burst into laughter, leaning back to the table with one hand behind her.
"Of course you are!" She gasped between laughter and shook her head.
He frowned, still unsure on what to make of her reaction.
"My husband can't be anything more than average." She sighed then grabbed both his hands again with hers and looked at him seriously. "So, what does that mean for us? Why are they here?"
Damian's eyes watered and God did he love her so much. Well, whatever God he believed in, if he had any. The couple probably didn't have the same one as they were both different species, a vampire and a witch. But it was undeniable that he loved her so much.
"Something came up, and they want me to return to my post." He played with her fingers and he looked up at her gently, "I'd love it if you would come and join me."
There was reluctance in her eyes and then she gazed at their surroundings.
"I know it will be a big change, but you are my Destined and my wife. There should be no one else by my side other than you." He added gently, sounding as if he didn't want to outright force her.
"A prince?" She sighed, bringing her eyes back to him. Such beautiful eyes the color of amethyst.
Damian recalled all the amethyst jewelry at his palace. Jewelry he would love for her to wear and yet they could never compare to her beautiful eyes. It was a desire he had grown to want so desperately, to clad her in all the jewels that were sitting and gathering dust in his palace.
He looked down and his eyes met the curves of her chest. He frowned thinking of the men who saw the upper curves of her breasts when she was outside. He chewed on his lips at the thought.
"So, what would my status be?" She found herself asking and he noticed how her chest seemed to rise up tightly. And from what he was seeing, as her breast pressed against her girdle, he wondered if he tied the girdle too tightly that morning and if he should loosen it up a little.
"Damian?" Raven reached out for his shoulder and he jumped up, looking her in the eye. It was clear that she was confused.
"Sorry." He mumbled; he was overthinking. "You, my beloved," He cupped her face, "My one and only Princess Consort."
She nodded, "I suppose we have to leave now– to your palace?"
He smiled faintly, "Yes."
"Since they came here in a horde. It must mean that they have known where you are for a while now." Rave simply stated but she felt how her husband's body stiffened.
"They…have been trying to make me come back for a while now. I refused because I love the life I have here with you." He brushed the corner of her lip with his thumb. "My beautiful wife."
"But something came up and they need me back. I cannot have you stay here." He put his hands on the side of her shoulders. "Please tell me you will come with me."
"I'm your wife and Destined as you have pointed out. Where else would I go if not with you?" She answered back, brushing his cheek with her thumb.
And as if she had wiped his worries with that single touch he sighed and then leaned to her. Resting his forehead against hers.
"It will be my kingdom's honor to have such a kind and beautiful Princess Consort." He whispered and Raven felt like he was casting a spell. Maybe he was the witch.
"Oh, you exaggerate…" She couldn't help but chide softly.
He then kissed her neck, "No. I am not." His tongue licked her skin.
"Damian! Your mother and people are outside." Raven pushed him by the shoulder and he did not move an inch.
"They can wait." He responded as she felt his teeth graze on her skin.
"Husband!" She almost screamed and he pulled away pouting.
"Just a nibble." He begged and she looked away crossing her arms over her chest.
He was definitely a vampire.
"No, they will see!" Her ears were red.
He kissed her neck, "When we arrive in the palace then…"
Damian noticed the sadness that passed through his wife's eyes as she quickly studied the room one more time.
"I know. I will miss this cabin too." He quietly said and his wife pressed her lips, turning her head to the wall of their bedroom.
"This place has so many memories." Her eyes watered as she remembered how he built the walls to separate their bedroom from the entire house.
"Damian, you are overworking yourself. We can just use cloth." She tried to convince him.
"No. What if someone comes while you are asleep? I will be at peace knowing that you are safe behind a wall." He said focused on the board.
"Raven?" Damian called out to his wife who seemed to be lost in thought.
She sighed and looked at him with a soft smile, "Anywhere with you."
He felt like his chest blossomed at her words, "l will be happy." He finished the thought for her.
It was something they did. It was their thing.
They shared a smile and then a chaste kiss.
The husband stared at his wife and as he leaned down again, she knew. Her legs parted a bit as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer and he deepened the kiss. Their lips dancing against one another.
Minutes passed and someone pulled away, and he said, "Anywhere with you."
Raven nodded, her lips pink and a little swollen from his probing.
"I love you." He whispered and she smiled.
"I love you too." She reaffirmed, his hands now on her waist.
He took another minute before he studied the room, "Is there anything you want to bring?"
She looked around too and eventually shook her head, "No, I don't think so."
He nodded and kissed her forehead, "The journey might be a little rough, but bear with it a bit, beloved."
"As long as you are there with me, no journey will be too hard. I know it." She massaged his shoulders.
He chuckled, "I would make sure that you have the most comfortable journey."
"I know." She smiled and then realization crossed her face, "Oh, that explains it!" She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.
He raised a brow and she said, "You're a prince so wanting the very best and always giving me the best– Oh! It all makes sense now."
He just smiled at her, her expression the cutest then she frowned and stared at him seriously, "But beloved, that doesn't explain why you're so good with your hands?"
He licked his lips, "Oh?"
"Not that kind!" She pushed his shoulder, rolling her eyes and he laughed.
He laughed, "I have plenty of time to tell you everything."
The love in his eyes for the woman before him was clear to Raven and she nodded in silence with a gentle smile.
"Let us go, the journey will be long." He sighed, the love now replaced with dreariness as he picked her up by the waist and put her down beside her.
"Oh? My husband is a prince of a far far away kingdom?" She teased a little.
"Oh? Isn't that every young lady's wet dream?" He pulled her to him by the waist and she choked.
"No." She looked away, her face red.
"Are you sure?" He asked her deeply.
"A wet dream? I'm sure it isn't always." She explained and he smiled, kissing the top of her head and she closed her eyes.
"Let's go," She pulled him by the hand, "Before they start thinking we are actually having sex."
"Well, if you already think that they are thinking that why don't we–"
"Husband." She turned to give him a stern look.
"Alright." He pouted and reached out to her and she frowned but all he did was squeeze her by her waist.
She smiled, he could have done more, and he would but he ultimately listened to her.
The two then stepped out of their home together. Damian noticed how his wife shivered at the sight of the entourage his mother brought, and he rubbed her arm in silent comfort.
"We are ready to go, Mother." Damian announced.
"Oh, thank the heavens!" Damian's mother smiled, "Shall your wife be riding with me?"
The couple froze midway the path.
"No." Damian coldly answered and Raven looked up at him. "My wife is familiar with me, she will ride with me." As they made their way to the crowd one man guided a big horse their way.
Raven wasn't familiar with the coldness in her husband's voice but she was grateful that he would have her ride with him.
"Do what you want." Damian's mother waved a hand. "Let us do the proper introductions at a better setting. Is there nothing you wish to bring from your humble life?" She raised a brow and cocked her chin to the wooden cabin.
The couple looked at the cabin and then there was clear hesitance in their faces. Damian glanced over at his wife and asked gently, "Is there really nothing you want to bring, beloved?"
Raven thought carefully and then her face lit up, "Oh! There is." She placed a hand on her husband's chest. "I will go in and get it real quick."
Damian clearly wanted to follow her but he closed his eyes, sighed and smiled at her with a nod. "Alright."
He watched his wife dash into the home that they would leave behind. And he turned to his men, "I hope mother brought a coat for the princess?"
"Of course, young master." Someone replied as he bowed and turned to get the coat.
Damian heard the creaking of their wooden door as it opened, signifying that his wife had returned. He turned his head to look at her standing in front of the door. Their eyes were locked at one another instantly and there was a warmth in his heart that spread throughout his chest.
In his wife's small hands was the flower crown he made for her on their wedding night, resting against her lower abdomen.
Damian inhaled deeply as he watched her walk his way to him, time felt slow at that moment.
The flower crown remained as fresh as it did that night. He knew that she must have used magic to preserve it. And it brought him even more joy to see it still looked the same as when he placed it atop her black hair.
When she was close, she smiled at him, his hand reaching out for her and she gave him the flower crown. She closed the distance between them and he gently placed his other hand behind her head and kissed her hair on her head.
"I can finally put a golden crown atop this beautiful head." He heard her chuckle. "Is there a chest to safely store this in?" He glanced behind her.
"Of course, young master." Another man bowed.
"I will go inside the carriage now, let us depart the soonest son, the journey through the ocean will not be easy. But I am sure it would be hard to leave this place without looking back. So, I suppose, whenever you are ready, we may leave. It is your call." His mother's voice came.
"Yes, mother. Thank you." The son responded, noticing the surprise in his wife's eyes. With a smile he looked at her, "Yes, we will be crossing the ocean." He squeezed her by her arm.
His mother entered the carriage quietly, her eyes sharply studying the young couple.
"Young master." A man came with a brown box with the lid open.
Damian nodded and placed the flower crown in the box, "Protect this with your life, this is very valuable."
"Understood." The man closed the lid and bowed as Damian gestured for the other man bringing two coats to come faster.
"The one for the lady?" Damian asked and Raven turned to see Damian accept a luxurious fur coat. The collar was surrounded by fluffy white fur and the overall length was a mix of light brown and white. He gently placed the clearly expensive coat on her shoulders.
"And this is my horse?" Damian nodded to the horse they had brought closer to the royal couple.
"Yes, young master." The man who brought the horse replied.
Damian reached out and carefully approached the horse and studied its reaction, "Hello…" He eyed the man.
"Sage." The man replied.
"Sage." Damian cooed and Raven watched her husband. It seemed like he knew what he was doing. He was affectionate and sincere with his interaction with the gray horse.
"We would have brought Hades, young master, but he had become even more temperamental since your absence." The man explained and Damian sighed.
"Ah, I think he will kick me once he sees me again." Damian mumbled and then turned to his wife with a smile and an outstretched hand. "No matter, a small consequence. Beloved, come here."
Raven was enamored by his smile and she placed a hand on his outstretched hand as if in a trance. She walked near him as he guided her hand to the horse.
"Sage, please be good to my wife." Damian coed and the horse neighed as if answering him. He placed Raven's hand on the forehead of the horse.
"Sage has a gentle countenance but is extremely loyal." The man said just as Raven gasped aloud.
Damian looked worriedly at her and she smiled politely at him, "I can tell that she is."
Suddenly Raven's feet were off the ground as Damian lifted her up by the waist, "Time to go." He smiled as he easily lifted her up the tall horse. "This will be a bit uncomfortable, but bear with it."
She nodded, then he turned his head as someone said, "Young master, your coat."
His coat had brown fur around the collar and its overlength was a darker brown color.
He reached out for his coat and haphazardly put it on and got on the horse the next second. His wife's hand reached out to fix his coat and he kissed her temple.
"Let's head out." Damian announced as one arm cradled his wife's body closer to his.
Five minutes in, Damian nudged his wife who looked up at him, "I figured you don't know how to ride a horse?"
She nodded with wide eyes and her hands gripping his shirt by the waist.
"I look forward to teaching you then." He smiled down.
"I look forward to it then." She quietly replied.
Damian leaned down to her ear, with his lips brushing her ear he added, "Remember that position when you saddle me? I think you got the basics down."
He felt a hit on his chest, "Damian!" She scowled.
And he heartily laughed.
The people who heard Raven call their master by his name flinched, something their new lady did not notice. Just as Damian did not notice how Raven looked so pensive as he held her in his arms as they made their way to the boat.
~.~.~.~
A/N:
This will be my valentine's gift to you guys. Tata.