Three days, three days was all I had before Will shipped out again and I was left behind. Mother had been at the house to greet us and get us settled back in, and the Fields had come over for dinner. Although if Ezekiel had been telling the truth it was solely to return Rigel before he ate them out of house and home. My reunion with Rigel wound up delaying dinner for a solid half an hour, as he refused to let me off the floor and growled at anyone who approached. By the end, my hair was a mess and I was covered in spit. Will had not escaped unscathed, although his was limited to a massive amount of hair as Rigel had rubbed himself along his legs.

I had thanked God that Morgan had to stay home with the girls, one of whom had a stomach ache.

But now, now I was alone in this house and I knew what was coming. Visitors, coming to call and get as much gossip as they could. Part of me didn't want to open the house, to just stay in my rooms and pout about William being gone, but I knew I would tire of that in a few days so I simply sent some footmen around to the Vanderbilts and the Astors with thanks for their wedding gifts and announcements that Mrs. Murdoch is opening her house for receiving hours.

My first guests were Oscar and Liz who hardly waited an hour since I had sent the footman over. Liz, in a flutter of yellow chiffon, immediately enveloped me in a hug. "Oh, Anastasia, we missed you so!"

"And I missed the two of you as well." I hugged her back, and stepped to Oscar, who lifted my hand to kiss. "No hug?"

"I thought married women wanted to remain respectable." Oscar said, but he was grinning as he did and quickly embraced me. "You really have no idea how much weawaited your return, everything has been feeling distinctly German lately."

"Oh dear," I sat down, reaching out to pour glasses of lemonade for everyone. "It appears that I have been woefully behind on the gossip."

Oscar sniffed, affecting a snobbish air by thrusting his nose in the air. "You're failing in your wifely duties then, I thought every New York bride had all the gossip wired over to them during their honeymoon."

"Oh stop it," Liz lightly swatted at him. "But seriously Ana, it's been nothing but Her Highness around the clock. Every day, I swear, the papers have some new piece about their wedding, and we're still almost a month away!"

"Well, my apologies for being on my honeymoon." I chuckled, sipping my lemonade. "Have the guests begun arriving?"

"Her family is already here, and Zachary let it slip that we're to expect an Imperial presence in our fair city soon." Oscar rolled his eyes, "I've heard some placing bets that it's going to be the Kaiser himself. My money is on one of his brothers, he's probably tired of weddings after the Crown Princess's in May."

Liz cocked an eyebrow. "I didn't realize you were keeping so abreast of matrimonial politics."

"Professor Featherstone told me that even a simple dinner could lead to war or peace, so attention should be paid to all matters." Oscar leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Plus, you ladies all love it when a man can join you in your gossip."

"Now, that is true." I nodded, "I assume Otto has been strutting around in his uniform again?"

"He takes any excuse to wear it, as does Frederich. Johann is much more relaxed, he joined us at the club one night. He's actually a decent man." Oscar raised his hand at that. "I know, I know, but I don't say it lightly. He cares deeply for his wife and his family, although at the moment he's more concerned with getting Sophie prepared for her wedding."

Liz rolled her eyes, "It won't hold a candle to your's, so you needn't worry there." But she sat up a little straighter, "But how was your honeymoon? Where all did you two visit?" So I regaled them with tales of Paris and Scotland, Liz thought Will wearing a kilt was a sight that she would dearly love to see, if only to tease him. They both enjoyed hearing about Roger and Trevor, thinking the boys delightful.

After hearing about how Will had entertained them, Oscar grinned. "He'll make a good father then, if he's already that experienced of an uncle."

"I think he'll be a wonderful father." I smiled, remembering how Will had gently laid the young boy down on the settee to avoid waking him. "I feel like he's had a lot of practice, what with his siblings."

"His family sounds lovely." Liz said, although I had left out the animosity of two of his siblings. "Although I can hardly picture you fishing."

"If you can believe it, I also cooked." I stage whispered to her, earning a loud laugh from both of them. In all, the first visit passed in a quick and convivial manner which made me think that they next one might go the same way. If all I had to was gossip about Sophie's wedding and repeat the same stories from the honeymoon, well, it was hardly exciting but it was something that I could do.

My second caller was Morgan Fields.

She had barely sat before she started in on me. "So are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, just rather tired from all that traveling." I looked to the sewing in my hands, picking my stitches back up.

Across from me an eyebrow raised, "Hmm, no sense of nausea?"

"No, the crossing was smooth so I didn't have any seasickness."

"What about wanting your husband back?"

"Well of course I want him back, but I understand he has a job to do." I bit my tongue to stop my next words, which was that spending the last few days in bed by myself after having William by my side for so long was complete and utter torture and I wanted him back right now. I wanted him in the house, in the bed, where I could close the door and we could continue our honeymoon.

Morgan continued as she picked up a finger sandwich. "And you haven't been overcome by any spells? Fainting or weakness?"

"Morgan, I'm very flattered that you care about my health that much but I'm fine."

"Damn it," Morgan smacked the arm of her chair loudly, rising to her feet to stalk over to the window. "God damn it!"

"Morgan!"

"I was certain you'd come back pregnant, the way you two couldn't wait to jump in bed. Tell me, did you at least have a pleasurable time?" When she turned back around she was all smiles. "Also, could you lend me five dollars? I'm going to have to settle a bet with Abe." I rolled my eyes at her, but we wound up actually having a pleasant conversation, and she discreetly tucked the money I gave her away. She too opined that Will would be a good father, and she urged me to see that he assumed that role soon. "I know these things take time, but you have to make sure to keep trying as often as you can. The more he beds you the more likely it will happen soon."

"I think I understand." I reached out for a cookie, "And believe me, I will ensure that he attends to his duties in a timely manner."

"Now, you'll hear some say that it all has to do with the moon cycles and things of that nature, and that your husband shouldn't bed you outside of those times. That's all a load of bilge water, you bed him whenever you two feel like it. There's nothing wrong with it."

"Yes, Morgan."

"And make sure that he tends to you before himself, there are better chances if both of you had your pleasure."

"Yes, Morgan."

"And another thing-"

"Morgan, I understand." I reached over and took her hand. "And thank you again for all your gifts, they've been quite useful. As has your advice." She seemed very pleased with that, and left urging me to come call on them soon. Apparently the girls missed Rigel, even though it had only been a few days. The big lug was a great help in dealing with missing Will, although he grown quite a bit while we were gone. He was taller than my knees by now, and had a propensity to drool when it suited him.

I was spending my time brushing him, and counting down the days until Will returned, when Louise came into my sitting room. She had a card on a tray that she extended to me, "From Duchess Sophie, ma'am."

"Oh?" I picked up the card, considering it for a moment. A bit of writing on the other side caught my eye. Anastasia, please join me for a day of shopping and a luncheon. I so dearly want to hear about your honeymoon. Please bring Rigel too, and any help you need. I glanced up to Louise, "Do you feel like going shopping?"

"I feel like you don't need anything more," She had a crooked smile, "Although I would like to meet her illustrious Highness."

I sighed, "Well, then I suppose I should change. Please tell Peggy to let her in and see some refreshments brought, and ask Tyler to bring up Rigel's good leash and collar." I stood, moving to my dressing room. Louise quickly reappeared, helping me out of my morning wrapper and into a more fashionable suit. Truth be told, it was one of my favorites. The dark green silk I had worn to see Will when I had gone back to Southampton to find him, and Louise pulled out my pearls to go with it.

I was glad that she had insisted on them, for Sophie was all aglitter with citrine that perfectly matched the spring green suit she was wearing. I nodded to her as I entered the parlor, "Your Highness, thank you for your invitation."

"Oh!" She started up from her seat, "You will come then?"

"Of course, I hope you won't mind if I bring my lady's maid." I gestured back to Louise, who quickly bobbed a curtsy. "And I believe Rigel will be waiting for us in the foyer."

"Oh, this is so wonderful." Sophie caught me around the arm as if we were the greatest of friends, and I quickly accepted Rigel's leash from Tyler as we swept out the door. "He is so large! I hope he has given up the nipping, I still remember when he almost bit me."

Her driver handed her up into the car, Rigel and I following while Louise sat next to him up front. I smoothed out my skirt, "Rigel is much better trained, I hope Your Highness will forgive him for his youthful endeavors."

"Pssshh," Sophie waved a hand. "Enough of the formality Mrs. Murdoch, otherwise we shall hardly be able to speak today!"

"You seem very excited, Sophie." I smiled, actually reaching out to pat her hand. "Whatever brought this about?"

She was practically squirming in her seat. "My brothers are all here, oh it had been so long since I had even seen them all in one place. Of course, I wrote letters almost every day but," She sighed, her smile wide. "It is so much better when your family is here. And some of my friends from Berlin came with them."

"I hope you haven't found your time here too distressing." I looked aside at her. "I should hate for you to think badly of us Americans."

She quickly shook her head. "Oh, of course not. Everyone here has been so kind, but, I do find myself missing home." Her eyes snapped shut and she quickly corrected herself. "I mean Germany, I often find myself missing Germany but I am quite content in my new home."

"I'm glad for you." I smiled, "Was there anything in particular you were looking for today?"

"Oh, gifts for my brothers, and for Marta of course. Perhaps some furs for her, given it gets so cold back home."

"I'm not sure if furs will be out yet, but we may be able to find something." I tried my best to ignore the looks that were cast our way as we pulled up outside Bloomingdale's, but we were quite the draw. The two brides of the season, each competing to be the most memorable, arm in arm as we strode through the doors. Rigel behaved himself as we browsed through dresses and coats, although he was unable to stop his tail from hitting them as we moved by. I stopped and pulled on his leash, "Oh, behave you."

"Really Anastasia, he's fine." Sophie reached down to pet him, and he leaned into her touch. "In fact, he's lovely. Did you take him on your honeymoon?"

We started walking again, although we pause to examine a display of gloves. "We left him home with some friends, he wouldn't have enjoyed it." I glanced back to Louise, trailing in our wake. "Could you see these boxed up for Sophie?" I gestured towards a pair of gloves that she had been mooning over, perfectly alabaster leather with pearl buttons. "A gift, if you'll accept it."

Her cheeks actually flushed. "I will always treasure them, but now you must allow me to find something for you." She perked up, pulling me along as we moved further into the store. "Then we can truly be friends and shock all those gossips that think we're at each other's throats." I kept my thoughts to myself as she began to draw my attention to different items, because despite everything, I did find myself liking her.

At first I had thought her a foolish girl for accepting Zachary's proposal, but she had continually reached out to me, even when I had been rude. I had thought her merely an extension of Zachary, but seeing Sophie fluttering from shawls to hats and ask for my opinion on anything, I couldn't help but feel that I was wrong. I didn't know what had led her here, but she was here and I had only been making things harder on her. I stopped her as she was holding up a shawl to judge the color, "Sophie, I'm sorry."

"Oh, trust me this shade will suit you."

"No Sophie," I reached out and took her hand. "I'm sorry for how I acted before. I was wrong about you, and the way I treated you was horrible. If anything Will or I did hurt you, I'm sorry."

The shawl slipped from her fingers, and I could swear her eyes began to glisten. "Thank you, Anastasia. I have to be honest, I thought you didn't like me."

"I think I was conflating you and Zachary into one entity, and I should not have done that." I sniffed, looking down. "You were always trying to be kind and helpful and I spat on your offers."

"That is in the past," She drew out a handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes. "So long as in the future, we can truly be friends?" Her lip quivered for a moment, her voice a whisper. "Soon I will have no one but Zachary, and I really don't want to be alone." The handkerchief was held out to me, an offer.

"I would be glad to be friends." I took the square of silk from her and dried my own eyes. "Although we will have to keep our husbands apart."

"Of course, just us ladies." Sophie folded the handkerchief back up, and took my arm again. "And you really should let me buy you that shawl, it would suit you perfectly."

"Well, if you insist." I shrugged, and we continued on leafing through the various departments. By the time we were back in the car and headed toward lunch, I was starving. Sophie already had a restaurant in mind and was almost trembling as we stepped through the door. I was concerned with making sure Rigel behaved so I only looked up when I heard a shout.

A man in a dark blue uniform, carrying a rather unwieldy box that rocked in his hands, had rushed forward and embraced Sophie tightly. She had her arms wrapped around him, muttering in German to him. When she stepped away, I recognized him. Frederich, the brother in the army. He glanced my way, clicked his heels, and bowed gracefully. "Mrs. Murdoch, thank for accompanying my sister today. I greatly appreciate it."

"It was not a problem, Your Highness." I bobbed my head, although he broke out laughing right after. "Did I say something wrong?"

He waved his hand, "No, no, I am not a duke, that would be my brother. If you want to address me formally then General Metternich will do, but I would prefer if you just call me Frederich."

"I see." I glanced between the two of them. "But then how is Sophie a Duchess?"

"Johann and Marta are letting me borrow the title, until the wedding." Sophie took my arm, following the waiter that had begun to lead us through the restaurant. "They didn't want to send me over here without one."

I snorted. "I think you would have been fine."

"Well, we thought she might enjoy the title, at least for some time." Frederich held out his sister's chair, and then mine after she had sat. He stood though, holding out the box. "Here, before we begin eating."

Sophie gleefully attacked the ribbon holding it shut. "Oh, Frederich what ever did you get me?"

"Something that I think you may find quite useful." The grin on his face only grew wider as she had the box opened, leading to a series of loud yips from inside it. I craned my head to try and see, although Sophie quickly lifted it out. It was a puppy, all curly white hair and wriggling limbs. Its perfect little black nose darted towards Sophie, sniffing. I found myself laughing as Sophie had to shift her grip on the puppy who was doing its damndest to get out of her hands. Frederich leaned back in his chair. "I brought him all the way from Germany for you."

"You shouldn't have." Sophie was already cradling the little puppy in her arms. Rigel, sat by my side, lifted his tail and began to wag it, sniffing loudly at the air. Sophie stroked her fingers over the puppy's ears. "But he is darling."

"He's a Kormandor, from one of the best breeders. He won't stay curly for long, soon that hair will turn into ropes almost." He reached over and ruffled the puppy's head. "But he will be loyal to you."

I smiled to see the puppy so obviously happy. "He will need a name, Sophie."

"Perhaps Siegfried?" Sophie settled the puppy in her lap as the waiter brought menus. "Or Vothan?"

Frederich pursed his lips, "Perhaps something not so German. You are to live in America, after all."

"Would you have her name him Washington?" I joked, scratching the top of Rigel's head. "Or George?"

"Well how did you name him?" Frederich gestured to the large black dog currently thumping his tail against the floor.

I smiled, "A friend taught me about some constellations one time, I remembered the name of one of the stars."

"And all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by." Frederich quoted, "Perhaps he could also be named after a star, do you remember any others?"

"Well, there's Sirius." I chuckled, "Although that may be a bit obvious."

"Indeed." Frederich signaled to a waiter who approached and took our orders, along with a request to bring some food for the dogs. The discussion on names continued throughout lunch, for Sophie was quite adamant that he needed to have a meaningful name. In fact, it continued into the car and I only realized where I was when a hotel bellboy handed me out. Frederich seemed to notice it to, "Oh, I am sorry Mrs. Murdoch. I wasn't thinking at all when I told the driver to take us here. I can arrange for him to take you home."

"Oh, Frederich, let her come up." Sophie caught my arm, tugging me along. "We should at least let her sit for a minute, and it's not too late."

I looked back to Louise. "I think I can stay for a little longer, Louise will you come with us?"

"Yes, ma'am." She fell into step behind me, and our little group made their way to the elevators and up to one of the finest rooms in the establishment. I took in the hotel room, the rich striped silk and polished wood, which looked very well lived in. Sophie moved through it easily, pulling away chairs to clear out a space for the dogs on the floor.

She sat on the floor, dislodging the puppy from her arms. "Anastasia, let Rigel come meet him."

"I just worry he might hurt him." I kept a tight hold of Rigel's leash as we approached. "I would hate for that to happen."

"I think between the two of us we can manage them," Sophie reached out, and Rigel stepped forward, allowing her to scratch his ears. I settled on the floor next to her, reaching over to pet her puppy. She smiled when she saw that. "I really just don't know what to name him, he's such a darling thing."

"I think by now you can just pick a name." Frederich, picking up a book on a table and beginning to leaf through it, spoke up. "German or American, it hardly matters."

Sophie pursed her lips, and suddenly clapped her hands. "Oh, I have it!" She looked from her brother to me and back, "Something both German and American, I shall name him after you!" She leaned down and picked up the puppy, who immediately set to wriggling. "Little Frederich, that is what you shall be."

Her brother snorted. "And how is that American?"

"Because I shall call him Freddy." She smiled triumphantly, setting the puppy back on his feet. Little Freddy decided that having been blessed with a name, he was full prepared to take on Rigel. My massive black dog sat patiently as the smaller white one set to pouncing on any bit of him he could reach and nipping at his hair. I had been so caught up with watching the two of them that I didn't notice when Sophie slid over to sit next to me. "You are coming to the wedding, aren't you?"

"Yes, we are." I hadn't been exactly pleased about it earlier, but having spent some time with Sophie away from Zachary, I could honestly say that I would be happy to attend. If only for her.

She slid an arm around me to hug me briefly. "I would have asked you to be a bridesmaid you know, but you had your own wedding, and well, now-"

"I'm no longer a maid." I said with a crooked grin. "It's quite alright, Sophie."

"Yes," she pursed her lips. "I don't suppose you could tell me what it's like to lose your maidenhood?"

I couldn't help it, I blushed. "You really should get that information from someone close to you."

"I have no sisters and my mother is dead. Who can I ask?"

Frederich looked up from his book. "Marta is actually coming to discuss that later this week, now stop asking Mrs. Murdoch those questions before her cheeks turn hot enough to light a fire." I couldn't help but duck my head because my cheeks were burning. The last thing I wanted to tell Sophie was how I would cry out and beg for release when Will would lift my legs and plow into me enough that I was worried I would bruise.

The day wore on and Sophie offered to have dinner sent up, but I demurred. It was time that I return home, but I did give her a smile. "Today was wonderful, Sophie, thank you for inviting me."

She stood, embracing me. "I am glad you came, and that we are friends now."

"Yes, that is a wonderful thing." I stepped back, picking up Rigel's leash and looking to Louise. She had been watching the dogs before, but now stood to come with. Frederich offered to escort us down to the car, but he paused after we were a few strides from Sophie's room. His voice was low and filled with concern. "Mrs. Murdoch, would you mind if I asked something of you?"

"What is it, Frederich?" I gestured for Louise to back away, letting us speak privately but still be seen so nothing could be questioned. "I hope everything is alright."

He let out a breath that I hadn't realized he'd been holding, "I am unsure. I have heard some unsavory things about Zachary during my time in the city."

I sighed, answering what he had left unsaid. "They're more than likely true." I bit my tongue, thinking about telling him about everything he had done. But Frederich didn't need to hear horror stories, so I settled. "He's not a very pleasant man."

"And that is what concerns me." Frederich drew me even farther away from Louise. "Has he acted untoward in any way towards my sister?"

"He's been dismissive of her, but nothing that I know of." I hesitated, "Although I don't associate with him much, so I am unsure."

"Anastasia, I am begging this of you as her brother. Invite her to parties, take her shopping, do whatever you can to keep her near you and try to learn if anything happens. If so, please write to me and I will come back and get her. I only want her to be safe and happy."

"I think that is something we all want, Frederich. I will do my best to make sure that Sophie is well cared for."

He caught my arm, stepping close enough that I was worried he might hurt me, or kiss me. "Promise me you won't let her think herself alone here, that she can always come to you."

"Frederich," I stepped back, feeling Rigel twist himself in front of me. "I promise."

He nodded. "That is all I can ask, I'll take you down now." He was quiet as we made our way back down to the lobby, giving his driver directions and bowing precisely to Louise and I before heading back inside. I spent most of the ride back petting Rigel, for her was covered in puppy spit and white hair.

When Peggy came up with word that the Anastasia had docked, she clearly had expected me to jump right up from my desk and fly down to the carriage. Instead, I simply lifted a report closer to the lamp on my desk. "Thank you Peggy, will you see that some dinner is set out for him?"

"Ma'am?" Her brow was furrowed, "You're not going to head down?"

"No, no." I gestured towards my desk, perfectly clean aside from the last report I was examining. "I am so busy here I am afraid that I cannot head down to the offices at the moment. He shall simply have to wait for me to finish my work." She turned on her heel at that, the door shutting behind her. I flipped to the last page, to be quite honest I had read the report on the finances of our Japanese office three times over by the time she had come up, and signed it. Standing, I dropped it in the bin of finished papers to be sent to the offices tomorrow, grabbed a glass, and poured myself a couple fingers of whiskey.

More than two weeks without my husband, aside from a telegram saying the ship had docked and one that it was started out again. And those had just been the usual form ones, no extra notes from Will. I looked out over the harbor, awash in the dying summer light. I had no doubt he'd be down there, working and looking for any sign of me. A jingle of a carriage harness, a swirl of a skirt, any movement that he might see and think that I was there. But I wouldn't be, for I would make him wait just as he had made me wait.

I was still gloating over my little revenge when I started down the stairs at a leisurely pace, my whiskey slowly being sipped on until I discarded the empty glass on a third floor table. Rigel had caught up with me at the fifth floor landing, happily plodding beside me as I continued down. I could see it now, Will waiting at the dinner table, staring at the second plate and wondering where I was. Oh, it was too perfect. Rigel and I had just reached the stairs down to the foyer, I was quite certain I had wasted enough time for Will to be in the dining room, when he gave a massive bark and launched himself down the stairs.

A chuckled reached me, "Hello boy, and where's your mistress?" I paused on the stairs, halfway down, and I could see him. He was slightly tanned, kneeling and rubbing Rigel's head. His seabag was next to him, along with a paper wrapped bouquet. My heart gave a little lurch at that, and I pursed my lips. I was angry with him, I needed to remember that. He had left me bereft of his company for weeks, and I had wanted nothing more than to have him back in my bed. He had left me for so long to work a job that he really didn't need to do. Will must have heard me on the stairs, for he looked up. "Ah, there she is, as beautiful as the first day I saw her."

Peggy came in from the dining room, bobbing a quick curtsy and giving me a rather smug look. "Dinner is ready, Mr. Murdoch."

"Oh, I won't be needing dinner." Will was staring at me, rising from his crouch with the flowers in his hand. "See to the bag and the dog, if you would. The staff won't be needed upstairs for the rest of the night." With that, he took the stairs two at a time, and I started backward, almost falling before I felt his shoulder at my waist and I found myself bent over his shoulder as he continued up the stairs.

I pounded against his back, smiling despite myself. "Will! You put me down this instant!"

"Nonsense," I could feel him laugh, "You have obviously worked yourself into exhaustion and need to be carried upstairs like the invalid you are." By the time he dumped me onto the bed, my head was pounding from the blood rushing to it. Will was grinning as he looked down at me. "Now, will I have to tuck you in, wife?"

I pushed myself up to sit and glare at him. "This is hardly funny, Will. You left me!"

"You knew I was going to leave." He sat next to me on the bed. "We agreed that I would keep working."

I pursed my lips. "Saying it is one thing, living it is different."

"Aye, that it is." He leaned over, brushing his nose through my hair. "But I'm home now, and I have missed you so." I couldn't help but giggle as he set his hands to exploring my shirtwaist, desperately searching for the buttons. He seemed to take my giggling as an insult, trying even harder to find the buttons as I struggled away from him. "Ana, you're not exactly making this easy."

"I don't want it to be easy." I shifted myself up onto my knees, looking down at him. "I'm very displeased with you, husband."

Will's eyes were bright. "I'm so terribly sorry to have disappointed you, wife. I did bring you flowers, though."

"You did." I sighed, looking at the bouquet that he had left on a side table. "I suppose that means I can allow you certain liberties." Will was smiling as he rose to his own knees, his fingers reaching out for the elusive buttons. He raised his eyebrows, and I nodded. "Yes, you can unbutton those."

"And this?" He had opened enough buttons to slip his hands inside, fingers teasing the knot of my brassiere. "Am I allowed that liberty?"

"If you insist." I smiled, feeling him slip the knot and quickly discard both shirtwaist and brassiere. "But that is all." At his stricken look I couldn't help but smile. "For the moment, now, it is my turn."

His hands settled onto my hips. "And what would you have of your cruel, pitiless husband?"

"Well, for starters." I reached down and plucked his shirt out of his trousers. "All of that can go."

"All of it?"

"All of it." I settled back, watching him strip before me. He seemed far too excited, the buttons rapidly opening and soon enough, he was kneeling before me, bare as the day he was born. I chuckled, tracing my hands down his chest. "Much better."

"You're still dressed." His hands slipped to the waistband of my skirt. "May I?"

"You may." I pressed myself to him as he reached around me to find the buttons. He went further though, unbuttoning my petticoats and I shuffled my legs out of them. I swatted his fingers when he went for my stockings though. "I didn't say you could take those off."

His fingers withdrew quickly. "My deepest apologies, how can I make it up to you?"

"You can lay back." I felt my heart beginning to skip, "And let me take charge." I could feel his eyes on me as I rolled my stockings down, discarding them in the pile of clothes that had appeared beside the bed. Will's chest was rising and falling quickly, and I could feel his heart hammering when I placed my hand on him. His mouth was already open, his tongue slipping out to wet his lips. I trailed my hand down his stomach, dancing across his length. I glanced up to his eyes, "You left me all alone, you know."

"I'm sorry."

I slowly ran my fingers up and down him, feeling him stiffen under my hand. "You left me all alone when all I wanted was for you to take me, over and over again."

His breath stuttered. "God Ana, I'm so sorry."

"So, you know what I have to do." I continued stroking him, bringing him quickly to attention, especially when I pressed kisses to him. "I have to fuck you, Will. Because you weren't around to fuck me." He was straining upwards, his hips already thrusting up slightly as I straddled him.

His eyes were almost closed, although I could see a bit of a glimmer where he watched me. "Ana, please. I missed you so much, please."

"I missed you too, Will." I slowly settled onto him, sighing as the itch that had been bothering me for so long was finally scratched. Part of me had wanted to stroke myself to completion while he had been gone, simply to allow myself to settle, but I had restrained myself. Because I had wanted this, I had wanted to feel Will underneath me, to feel his hands come to my hips to help guide me, to hear the muffled groans and curses as I began to grind into him. That was the true pleasure, to know that he wanted me and would die to have me. I could feel my own desire flaring to life, the pleasure of feeling him inside me. I leaned over him, "Are you going to leave me again?"

"Not now." He panted, rising up to kiss me. I smiled into it, slipping my tongue into his mouth and feeling him begin to ravage mine. I pulled back though, my eyebrows raised. He sighed, his head falling back on the pillow. "At least not for a few weeks, Ana, don't stop."

"I didn't say you could either." I had barely spoke before his lips were practically glued to mine, his hips thrusting up to mine and I bore down on him with everything I had until I could feel myself begin to writhe with the pleasure that was building. My skin was flushed, covered in sweat as I did my best to draw Will deeper within me. I collapsed across him as I came, my hips only moved by his hands as I simply reveled in the pleasure that sang through me. My head was pillowed on his shoulder as he kept thrusting into me, and I began to whisper to him. "I wanted you so badly Will, I missed you so much." I brought a hand up to stroke his cheek. "I want you to come, Will."

"Fuck." He groaned, and I could feel his release inside me. I waited until he fell back to the bed before I rolled off of him, still resting my head on his chest and draping my hand across him. He began to stroke a hand through my hair, "I should make you angry more often."

I chuckled, "Or you could just ask me to take charge."

He hummed and I could feel it against my cheek. "How could I ask that of you when I leave you all the time?"

"Well, you'll be staying around for a little longer this time." I shifted up, looking at his face, still flushed from our lovemaking. "As will James, although I doubt he and Liz will be doing this."

"I'd hope not," He laughed, his hand slipping down to knead my rear. "Although it would speed their courtship up."

"If they do go this far, it will be Liz leading him along." I brought my hand up, tracing his cheek and feeling the stubble against my hand. "I am glad you're staying longer, although I know you don't like the reason."

"As long as we can keep doing this," He gave me a little slap, "I suppose I can deal with the Reichster wedding."

"I spent some time with Sophie while you were gone," I placed a kiss to his throat, doing my best to calm what I knew was going to be a harsh reaction. "Not with Zachary around of course, but her brother Frederich was there and I brought Louise with me. She's actually very nice, and wants to be friends."

"Don't tell me you bought that." I could hear him roll his eyes as he spoke. "How can you be sure that she's not helping Henry try and do something?"

"Because I told her what Henry and Zachary tried to do." I kissed his cheek, "Back before our wedding, and she swore that she would never bring Zachary around when she wanted to see me."

"Ana, I just don't want to see you hurt." He tipped his head to kiss my own cheek. "Don't let a pretty face turn you towards something you know will hurt you."

"I'm being careful, Will." I sighed, breathing in the sweaty smell of the room. "And you'll be around to keep me safe during the wedding."

"Aye, because I'm wearing my sword," He pulled me closer to him. "And I won't hesitate to use it."