Disclaimers ~ These characters belong to me. If they have a passing resemblance to you or share your name, it's purely coincidental.
Violence/ bad language ~ Spousal abuse, and some fighting scenes. Some bad language.
Love/sex ~ Romance between consenting women. Relations between a man & woman. If this offends you, you won't like this story. Well...maybe you will, but you'll just be tutting a lot at what my imagination conjured up. Am I ashamed? Nah, not really.
Author's note ~ Questions, comments & thoughts all welcome. Loves_to_write_fic@yahoo.co.uk
Copyright © December 2008
Chapter Seven
King Edward sat behind his oak desk in his dimly lit office, eyes glazed as troubling thoughts plagued him. The room was silent but for the occasional pop and crack from the logs in the fireplace. Edward sighed as he pondered over his heir. Ripley is not like me, he thought glumly. He is...she is not a hard, uncaring man, with a heart filled with the need for riches and power. If the gossip is to be believed she wants to help the people. And that damn girl I had her marry wants the same thing! Standing up, the tall, big-built King walked over to the fireplace, grey eyes on the flickering flames. Nobles have turned against me for my decision, the church though, has settled down. I need to get back some of my control. I need the girl under my thumb. I need to make sure there is an heir. I can die in peace if I know our line will be continued.
Someone knocked on the closed door, pulling the King from his thoughts.
"Come."
The door opened to reveal Berwyn Townsend. The sandy-haired bastard son of the King smiled and stepped into the office, bowing respectfully. "Father."
"Berwyn. Something wrong, boy?"
Berwyn walked over to the small oak table that held the King's wine jug and poured himself some of the fine wine. "I came to talk about...some troubling things," he said, filling a silver goblet before turning to face Edward. "Ripley's marriage to the peasant is...shocking. Many nobles are up in arms about the decision."
"I know that, boy!" Edward snapped, irked that Berwyn had come into his office and helped himself to his wine and disrespectfully dropped Ripley's title. The fact that he also acted as though it was his right to act familiarly annoyed the big King. "It was my decision. My choice. You can tell the nobles that!"
Berwyn frowned. "May I ask why, Your Highness?" he asked politely, realising he had annoyed Edward and wanting to be on his good side. "Why would you opt for some...common girl?"
Edward growled and stomped back to his desk, sitting heavily in his high-back mahogany chair. "My son is as stubborn as I am! He refused to marry all the girls I chose, finding ways to get out of his obligation," he explained. "I finally lost patience with him and told him that no matter what, the next girl I picked he would marry. Upon seeing Kelsey, I thought that since Ripley was never interested in Princesses or proper Ladies, perhaps he would like a someone a bit different."
Berwyn walked over to the desk and took a seat opposite the King. "I see," he said slowly, lifting his goblet and sipping from it as he thought how he could use this situation to his advantage. "It has upset many nobles, there is talk that they believe you are going mad and should be...ousted. I fear there is great trouble ahead. If they all join forces, I think there will be an attack."
"Let them come! This castle is impregnable, so all within are safe. Ripley will love going to battle, he is a determined soldier, with a brilliant mind for tactics and strategy." Edward watched the flicker of a scowl cross Berwyn's face. "And you, of course, Berwyn. I think you will relish the chance to show all what you are made of." He stood and walked over to the small table to pour himself a goblet of wine.
"I am here to serve you, Your Highness."
Edward walked back to his desk and sat down, a thoughtful look on his face. "I...know you are my son, Berwyn, I know it irks you that I won't publicly acknowledge you, but...I think you can better serve me if people don't know."
Berwyn blinked, wondering where this conversation was going.
"By the time my life is up, I hope that you will be Ripley's right-hand man. I have hopes that you will be a...sort of confidant, someone he goes to for advice. You...you are more like me than he is. You have the fire in your belly that I have, you seek power and riches," Edward chuckled. "I think you have dreams of ruling."
"And Ripley...doesn't possess these desires?" Berwyn asked carefully.
Edward inhaled and slowly let the breath out again. "I think Ripley is softer." He picked up his wine and sipped from it. "If this keeps troubling me...I think you and I will make plans. In fact, I may have a job for you to do soon. I can...call on you to help, can't I, Berwyn?" It wasn't really a question.
Berwyn bowed his head. "Any time, my King."
* * * * *
Ripley stood on the sidelines of the practice field, watching a couple of her men sparring. There was reported to be trouble brewing between rival Lords up in the north of England and King Edward had warned Ripley to make sure her men were fit and ready for a potential battle. Training drills and sparring with every type of weapon available had become a normal morning duty, though she told the men nothing, to them it was just a way to keep their skills fresh.
The prince's head cocked to one side as she listened intently to what one was saying, or bragging, about his exploits.
"We walked in and right away she clocked us and came prancing over, breasts jiggling all over the place. You should have seen the size of them! I could've buried me head and never come up for air!" Alvin chuckled.
"I prefer smaller breasts," Vance replied, stepping back as Alvin lunged forward. "A nice handful, not too much, just enough to fill my hand with."
"Anyway," Alvin said, parrying furiously. "We get up to the room and she grabs me shirt front and pulls me to her, laying one right on me!"
Ripley frowned, not sure what 'one' was. "May I enquire what you mean, Alvin?"
The man's grey eyes flicked over to the prince, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Your Royal Highness, forgive me for being so..."
"No, no, 'tis quite all right. This is only a sparring match, I don't mind talking during it, and we are men after all. What else is there to talk of?" That comment made everyone chuckle and relax. If only they knew the truth!
"Well, Your Highness, the lady I was with, she kissed me full on the lips. She laid one on me, see?"
"I see." Ripley's frown returned. "She...found that pleasurable?"
Alvin chuckled. "I assume so, Your Highness. 'Twas her that took the lead after all. Though I must say, I have been with other girls who have liked it just as much."
Ripley lost interest in the fight and conversation as the men turned vulgar about their unions with the ladies of the night who presided in the nearby town. Her thoughts turned to Kelsey's soft pink lips. I wonder what it would be like to taste those lips upon my own? To feel their softness brush against mine? Perhaps...one day I will be bold enough to try such an act. She hadn't visited her wife's chambers since their wedding night, feeling awkward and ashamed. She was no man and to join when their union would provide no fruit seemed sinful. She was a woman attracted to women; that was sinful enough.
Calling an end to the training session, Ripley started walking away, her thoughts moving away from Kelsey and to the whispers of trouble and possible battle ahead. To keep her thoughts away from such things as the softness of Kelsey and the heat of her petite body beneath her own, Ripley had been keeping herself busy with meetings with her knights, going over battle plans and strategy. She had met with Lords she knew she could trust and with her father, wanting to be prepared in the case of a civil war. Her marriage to Kelsey had caused a great stir, many nobles thinking that the King was weak and would be easy to take out.
* * * * *
After spending the whole morning going through drills with her men, Ripley was in need of a bath. As she made her way through the castle, she spotted her father and Berwyn in one of the joining corridors coming towards her. She tried to speed up her retreat, just knowing the King would have some complaint or a few strong words to share with her.
"Ripley," Edward called out loudly. "Just the man I have been looking for."
Ripley turned hard blue eyes on Berwyn. "I have been on the practice fields all morn running through drills with the men, where were you, soldier?"
"He was speaking with me," Edward answered. "Thank you, Berwyn, that'll be all." He watched his son bow, then make his retreat before looking back at his annoyed daughter.
Ripley sighed, hating the man but unable to do anything about him while he had the King's favour. "Father, I need a bath. After a busy morn, I smell worse than a pig pen!"
"'Tis a manly smell, boy. Now come along, this won't take but a moment." The King walked into one of the many finely furnished rooms in the castle and took a seat on a soft feather-stuffed chair set in front of an unlit fireplace. "I have heard rumours that you haven't visited your wife's chambers since your wedding night," Edward said, once Ripley had shut the door and taken a seat.
"That's right. I married her and have done my duty, I don't see why I should visit her again," Ripley said, feeling an argument coming on. "Our unions will not bring us a child, so what is the point?"
"Kelsey is a beautiful young woman, Ripley. It looks peculiar that you haven't visited her again. People are starting to whisper."
"I don't care what the castle staff is whispering. Kelsey and I barely know each other, father. I will not thrust myself upon her just because people are whispering!"
"You do realise it is her they are whispering about?" Edward stated calmly. "They are saying she couldn't satisfy you and you are deeply unhappy with her. They are saying the joining was a disaster and now you can't bear to look at her or be in her company. The eligible ladies are awaiting their opportunity to meet with you so as to...relieve your suffering. You wait and see. At the next banquet or ball, you will be swarmed with ladies wanting to please you."
"'Tis all lies!" Ripley bellowed, standing up and knocking her chair over. "Kelsey was...the joining was..." She growled and turned angry cerulean eyes on her father. "The joining was everything I hoped it would be and Kelsey is a woman every man surely wishes for."
The King smiled at the passion he saw in Ripley's eyes, realising that his daughter really did feel something for the girl she had married. And this was something he could use against the young prince if ever the need rose. He turned serious again. "Have you taken time to try and get to know her?"
Ripley blinked. "Well...no. I...I have been busy," she stammered.
"Ripley, she is your wife! She doesn't know this place, doesn't know the people, and her husband is avoiding her! Lord above, boy, the poor girl must know there are whispers going around about her; the staff probably give her sympathetic looks whenever they see her. And you, Ripley, you have done nothing to welcome her! You have married her, done your wedding night duty, and gone off like you are a single man!"
"I am not avoiding her!"
"That is how it looks!" Edward sighed heavily. Perhaps 'tis a good thing Ripley didn't marry a Princess or a Lady! They would surely have written home by now informing their father's of his behaviour! "I insist that you stop your duties and spend time getting to know your wife. Show her around, take her out for picnics, spend an evening in her chambers. People need to think that you are a young couple in love, who are trying to conceive an heir! Do you understand?"
Opening her mouth to argue, Ripley saw the stern look on her father's face and knew he had made up his mind. "Very well, father. I shall go and take a bath, then I shall seek out my wife."
* * * * *
Kelsey walked slowly along a corridor of the complex castle, trying to familiarize herself with her new home. It had been just over two weeks since she had been married and since her wedding night, she hadn't seen much of her husband. She had been informed that he was busy catching up with business affairs, but she couldn't help but worry that she had done something wrong or had displeased him in some way.
The morning after, the church officials had been shown the wedding night linen and had confirmed that their marriage had been consummated. The church, having been opposed to the wedding, were reluctantly happy, the King was happy, but Ripley...she didn't know.
Maybe our joining disappointed him? she thought, troubled by her husband's absence. Perhaps I didn't do something right? Maybe 'twas my gasping that has put him off? Perhaps he thinks me some sort of harlot? Mother told me to remain silent and still or be labelled a...whore. Perhaps Ripley found me to be too common after all.
"Just the beauty I was looking for," a familiar voice said, startling the strawberry-blonde from her thoughts.
Blue eyes lifted to meet the blue of her husband's and a genuine smile stretched her lips. "Ripley," she whispered in delight as she watched him approach. He looked incredibly handsome dressed in black trousers and an untucked white shirt, his short blonde hair slicked back. Kelsey found herself licking her lips as she felt a fluttering in her stomach.
Ripley smiled as she came to a stop in front of Kelsey. "How are you, my wife?"
"I am fine, husband, thank you for asking. Yourself?"
"I am well, thank you." Ripley stepped closer, unable to stay away from the enchanting woman. "Actually, I have just been chastised for neglecting you, and I wish to make up for my oversight. If you are not too busy, would you care to join me for a picnic?"
Kelsey smiled brightly and nodded her acceptance eagerly. "That sounds wonderful. 'Tis a nice day outside."
Ripley offered her arm to her wife. "Shall we?"
The young couple walked through the castle, oblivious to the people around them stopping in their tracks to stare at the attractive pair they made. They made a stop in the warm, bustling kitchens, the aroma of lunch being prepared filling the air. Ripley collected the food she had ordered to be made, thanking the harried cook for the hasty job done. Ready to leave, Ripley led Kelsey out the back door and into the swarming courtyard, the sun shining brightly overhead in a clear blue sky.
The courtyard was its usual noisy, smelly self. A couple of glaziers carefully walked towards the castle, carrying between them an exquisite pane of coloured glass. A scullion was rushing back and forth with buckets of water that she needed to clean and wash the big kitchens. A couple of maids were standing around gossiping and flirting, soldiers keeping watch, and the sound of horses off in the distance could be heard.
"Have you been treated all right by the castle staff, my wife?" Ripley enquired as they strolled towards the gardens. She offered Kelsey her arm and smiled as the strawberry-blonde took it.
"Oh, everyone has been so helpful!" Kelsey replied, smiling warmly. "And so kind to me as well."
"Good, I am glad."
"I have been meeting with the castle staff and servants," Kelsey informed her husband. "And learning my role and duties as your wife."
Ripley nodded. "What does that entail? I have to admit, I have never really stopped to consider other roles at the castle. I have my duties and those are enough to worry about."
Kelsey smiled, pleased that he seemed to be taking an interest in her. "I am to spend my days overseeing the work done by my ladies-in-waiting and the chambermaids, as well as keeping an eye on the groups of spinners, weavers, and embroiderers, who of course, keep the staff clothed and make the fine tapestries that line the castle walls, among other things."
"My! It certainly sounds like you will be busy!"
Kelsey nodded. "Then, when we are to have company at the castle, I am to oversee the preparations, like entertainment, what is served for dinner and the colours that are put up in the great hall. I must admit, husband, I am truly looking forward to getting my hands dirty, so to speak."
Ripley grinned. "Have you been going mad with nothing to do, Kelsey?"
Kelsey blushed and ducked her head in embarrassment. "I am used to working long hard hours and having chores. To suddenly be a lady of leisure...'twas very strange to me."
"I am pleased you are happy, Kelsey."
"May I be so bold as to enquire about your duties, Ripley? I tried to find you once or twice and was told they have been keeping you busy of late."
The prince nodded. "I am in charge of my father's soldiers and knights, and I join them for practice in the morns and make sure they are up to standard. Then there is my chamberlain, who is responsible for my...our, personal finances. And lastly, my steward, who takes care of property, the finances of my staff and any affairs I don't wish to deal with." Ripley frowned. "That's a point; I should introduce you to my steward, Barclay. It was his job to supervise events held in the great hall, but that falls to you now."
"I don't want to take his job, Ripley!"
"My wife, 'tis your duty as lady of the house. I shall tell him that if you wish for help, you shall ask him. He will be happy to help in any way and won't hold it against you, I assure you." Ripley smiled. "For now, my duties are few at this time."
Kelsey smiled at the thought of the future. "I am sure that will change once you are King, husband."
"I suspect both our roles will be very much changed."
Reaching the lake, the couple sat down beneath a tall tree, its high branches offering them some shade. The area was one of beauty, with soft green grass and a number of different flowers sprouting a variety of colour; it was pleasing for the eye. The lake was calm, swans, ducks and geese swimming around and ducking beneath the water. The croaks of frogs and the song of birds filled the air. It was serene and immediately set Kelsey at ease.
Ripley stretched out as Kelsey started setting out the food. The castle cook had supplied a selection of cold meats, cheeses, warm bread, wild cherries, plums, roasted apples and sugared delicacies that Ripley loved. To drink, they had been supplied a couple of bottles of wine. Kelsey pulled out two gold goblets, a sharp knife to cut the cheeses and the fruit.
"This was a wonderful idea, My Lord," Kelsey sighed happily. "The day is beautiful."
Yes, but not as beautiful as you, Kelsey. "'Tis, yes. We shall have to do this often, while the weather is nice," Ripley suggested. "We could go to different parts of the castle grounds each time."
Kelsey smiled brightly at the thought.
Ripley thanked her wife as she was handed half an apple Kelsey had cut. The prince chewed thoughtfully, wondering if she should broach the subject of her wife's sister. She didn't like the thought of the poor girl stuck alone with Ackerley Meadows. "Milady, I wonder if we could talk about your sister?"
Kelsey swallowed what was in her mouth, a puzzled frown appearing on her brow. "What about Lindsey? She...she is all right, isn't she?"
"She is fine, milady, do not worry. It's just...now that we are married, her well being and the well being of the rest of your family, are my concern. I find myself worrying about her being...alone with her husband."
Worrying about Lindsey? Thinking about her well being? Is he so disappointed with me, he prefers my twin?
"What is your opinion of Ackerley, milady?" Ripley asked, picking up her goblet.
Kelsey blinked in surprise at the question. "You...you wish for my thoughts?" Upon her husband's nod, she frowned. "Something..." She paused, looking closely at Ripley's face, still unsure she should speak out. Perhaps this is some sort of test?
"I asked, milady," Ripley said kindly, seeing Kelsey was hesitant. "You are free to say what you feel."
Kelsey took a deep breath as she organised her thoughts. "Something isn't right about him, Your Highness. His eyes are hard, almost...dead. Even when he smiles. And I feel that he drinks too much."
"Mmm, and that, of course, makes his temper worse."
Kelsey nodded.
"The...black eye she sported when you came for your visit...is that a common occurrence?"
"I don't know, husband. But I have a feeling it is."
Ripley nodded. "Do you know why?"
"Lindsey...got her courses and it upset him."
The prince snorted in disgust. A beautiful girl like that, intelligent as well, and all he sees is a girl who should be giving him heirs! "Do you remember Hudson?" she asked, picking up a slice of cheese.
"The soldier who joined us for the last picnic we had?"
"That's right. I was thinking of sending he-...him to work on Ackerley's land, hoping that he could keep an eye on your sister."
"Oh, Ripley! That would be..." the smile Kelsey sported disappeared as she trailed off. "But...he is a soldier. I am sure he doesn't want such a job!"
"Hudson is a good friend, he will do as I ask," Ripley assured.
"It...would be a great relief to know Lindsey had someone around who was on her side," Kelsey admitted.
Seeing the beautiful smile return to Kelsey's face, Ripley smiled and nodded her head once in determination. "Then I shall see that it is done, milady."
* * * * *
That evening after the evening meal, Ripley excused herself from the company of her father and wife, and requested Hudson's company in her chambers.
The two friends, one dark-haired, one light, sat in front of a raging fire, drinking fine wine and catching up on each other's lives.
"What's wrong, Ripley? Has your young wife discovered your secret already?" the brunette teased.
"No, she has not! You forget, my friend, I have been acting this charade my whole life. Unlike you!" Ripley chuckled.
Hudson laughed aloud, nodding her agreement. "So, what is it, my friend? Surely you haven't brought me in here to reminisce?"
"No." Ripley stood up and took Hudson's empty goblet. Walking over to a small table, she set the goblets down and picked up the wine jug, refilling both their goblets. "Mrs. Lindsey Meadows, my wife's sister. Do you remember her?"
"Yes, of course. A pretty girl," Hudson remembered. "Beautiful face marred by a black eye."
"That's right." Ripley turned and walked back to her seat, handing her friend her drink before sitting again. "I worry for her safety. Stuck out there alone with him. I know that he is her husband and she is deemed his property now, but she is my wife's twin. I fear that if something were to happen...I don't think Kelsey would cope." Ripley sipped at her wine. "I came up with an idea and earlier I ran it past my father. He agreed with me. Though I am sure you won't be so happy." She licked her lips, savouring the sweetness of the wine.
Hudson frowned, not understanding what this had to do with her.
"I want you to go out there, under the guise of a farm hand or stable boy, whatever you wish, and keep an eye on Lindsey. My father will write a letter to Ackerley, asking that he take you on as a favour to him. You are to..."
"You're sending me away!" Hudson interrupted, jumping up from her seat. "You fear I will tell your wife of our past perhaps? Or perhaps let slip your secret?"
"No," Ripley shook her head. "You are my dearest and most trusted friend, I would never think that."
"Then why, Ripley? I am a soldier," Hudson protested. "Or do you not deem me good enough!"
"Hudson..."
"I proved myself and made it into your army. I was squire to a respectable knight and learnt all he could teach me!"
"Hudson..." Ripley tried again.
"And yet you wish to send me from your side to a farm, out of harm's way, to..."
"Honey!"
The brunette stopped her tirade and blinked in surprise at hearing her birth name.
"Lindsey knows you from the day out we all spent together, she'll recognise you. Ackerley won't. Lindsey will realise she has someone around who is on her side," Ripley explained. "If you feel she is trustworthy, you can even tell her why you are there."
Hudson gulped down half her wine, lost in thought. "And when he beats her? 'Cause he surely will. Do I step in and teach him a lesson in manners, courtesy and compassion?"
Ripley shook her head sadly. "No, 'tis not your place to intervene in his marriage..."
"Ripley!"
"I know, Hudson, I know. In these times, a man has rights, he is superior to women, you know that. Just...report back to me in a letter."
"Then what is the point, Ripley? If I don't step in, she will get beaten and hurt!"
"At this time we don't know if he does beat her often. Kelsey told me he lashed out this time because Lindsey got her monthly courses."
"She is a woman, she's supposed to get monthly courses," Hudson frowned.
"Not when he wants an heir."
Silence fell between them, Hudson sitting in thought, Ripley waiting for an answer.
"If I don't agree to this, then what?" Hudson asked cautiously.
"Then I shall find someone else," Ripley replied, finishing her wine and enjoying the warm buzz it gave her. "But Lindsey won't know him and won't trust him, even if he tells her I sent him. Plus, he could side with Ackerley, and that is the last thing I need."
"And you think she will trust me!"
"Probably not at first," Ripley admitted. "But you can be quite charming when you wish to be, I am sure you will win her over."
Hudson grinned. "And if I do agree, when do I leave?"
"As soon as I hand you a letter from my father."
Hudson sighed and finished her wine. "I'll do it," she answered, setting her cup down. "You are right, she knows me and it is someone familiar that she needs."
Ripley smiled. "Excellent. Thank you, my friend."
"But remember, Ripley. I am a soldier and I fight at your side. If trouble brews, as predicted, I expect to be called home."
The prince held out her hand and shook Hudson's in a seal of promise. "You have my word."
Hudson grinned. "Now, about these rumours going around. Why have you been shunning your young wife?"
Ripley groaned. "Were you always this nosey?"
"Was your...joining not satisfying? Were you rubbish and you can't bear to face her again? Was she..."
"Enough!" Ripley growled, though she was smiling. "I have been busy, that is all. Kelsey was...so beautiful. Our joining was very...she pleased me greatly. Now spread that around, I won't have the gossips saying anything bad about my wife, she doesn't deserve it."
* * * * *
Kelsey was sitting in a chair beside the fire in her chambers, a small handkerchief she was making in her hands. The room was warm from the burning fire and lit by a number of candles and the lit fireplace. Her handmaiden had been replaced with a group of young ladies-in-waiting, and they were now sitting around her, one brushing her long tresses while talking of a handsome knight she had seen about the castle, a couple were sewing, and one pretending to read whilst really listening to the gossip. Kelsey paid no mind to the gossiping, instead she thought back on her afternoon with her husband.
He is so unlike any man I have heard of, she thought fondly, watching the flickering flames. Ripley has been nothing but gentle and caring with me, and today I find that he is concerned about Lindsey's well being as well! With her hair thoroughly brushed, Kelsey thanked the girl for a job well done. She stood up and smiled shyly, as she always did, waiting patiently as two of her ladies stood to help her undress for the day. How did I get so fortunate? Kelsey wondered. I marry a prince and become a princess, find my husband to be gentle and kind, and I get to live in a castle where my every whim is seen to!
A soft knocking on the chambers closed door drew Kelsey's attention. She wasn't expecting anyone and wondered if it could perhaps be bad news. "Come in?" The door opened to reveal the fair-haired prince and Kelsey found herself smiling. "Your Highness," she greeted softly.
"Milady," Ripley smiled warmly. "Ladies," she greeted the curtseying girls who had fallen silent and quickly stood up as soon as Ripley stepped into the room. "I, uhm...I wanted to let you know that the business we discussed earlier, is taken care of."
Kelsey smiled all the more brighter. "Thank you, My Lord. 'Tis a great weight off my mind." Hoping her husband would grace her with his presence in her bed, Kelsey turned to look at her ladies. "That will be all, ladies, thank you."
The young couple watched the group of girls leave, hearing them giggling once they were out in the corridor, then turned to each other and smiled.
"How are you finding your ladies-in-waiting?" Ripley asked.
"They are very nice, I like them all." Kelsey watched her husband hover nervously by the door. "Is everything all right, husband?"
"I..." Ripley swallowed nervously. "I wish...to be with you, my wife," she said softly, embarrassed. Plagued with thoughts of her wife and spending the afternoon in her delightful company, Ripley had finally given in to her need to be with Kelsey again.
A shiver of excitement raced through Kelsey at the thought of her husband's soft touch, his weight upon her, the thrusting of his hips. Kelsey walked over to the nervous prince and took one of his large, callused hands, smiling warmly as she started to lead him over to her bed. "Of course, husband" she replied shyly, cheeks tinged pink. "I am here to serve you."
Ripley stopped moving, pulling Kelsey to a stop as well. "No, I..." she shook her head, "I don't want you to think that way, Kelsey. To me, we are equals in this relationship," she said, her thumb gently stroked the soft skin on the back of Kelsey's hand, eyes searching similar blue. "If you do not wish to lie with me, then just tell me and I shall leave you be until another time."
Kelsey's eyebrows rose as she stared at her husband in disbelief.
"Do not be afraid to tell me no, milady. I promise you, I am not Ackerley. I will never be the type of husband who forces himself upon you, regardless of your feelings. I am not ill-tempered, likely to lash out if you speak against me. I'm just...me." Ripley searched unsure blue eyes, her own conveying her sincerity.
Kelsey shook her head, dumbfounded but pleased at her husband's words and evident kindness. She smiled at him; a loving smile that she hoped conveyed her feelings for him. "I...I would like very much to be with you, Ripley." No longer feeling so nervous around him, she climbed into bed and watched as Ripley sat down on the edge to remove his boots.
Boots off, shirt untucked, her trousers loosened, Ripley slid into bed next to Kelsey. With her wife lying on her back, Ripley lay on her side and slowly lifted the strawberry-blonde's gown up her legs. With gentle fingers, Ripley started caressing the soft skin of Kelsey's smooth thigh, marvelling at the feel of warm, velvety skin against her roughened fingertips. As she eased her hand upward towards that secret place, she found her eyes glued to her wife's chest as Kelsey's breathing changed suddenly. Swift, rapid breaths that made her chest heave. She wondered what Kelsey's breasts would feel like beneath her roughened hands, what they would look like uncovered, what they would taste like.
Kelsey concentrated on all Ripley did and couldn't bite back a gasp as her husband's fingers found her throbbing womanhood. Ripley, despite his intimidating image, had the gentlest of touches, his fingers light and teasing. Kelsey found her hips lifting from the mattress as she sought more from him.
Ripley shifted closer and kissed Kelsey's lips, pulling back when she felt Kelsey tense at the touch. "Are you all right, Kelsey?" she whispered.
"Ye-...yes, husband. What...why did you do that?" she stammered, her eyes wide.
Ripley licked her lips and wondered herself why she had done it. "I...apologise, milady. I heard some of the soldiers talking of the act and I...I assumed that because they are more experienced than I am, that they must know what they're doing. I shan't do it again."
"No, Ripley, it was...quite pleasurable," Kelsey hastily reassured. "You just...took me by surprise. I was never told of the act."
"I see," Ripley replied, wondering exactly what she had been told. "So...you wouldn't mind if I was to do it again?"
Kelsey offered a shy smile as she shook her head. "No, I wouldn't mind."
"Good," Ripley replied with a smile of her own. "Your lips are quite delightful." She leaned in and reclaimed Kelsey's soft, pink lips, a hand returning to caress the top of Kelsey's exposed leg. Ending the kiss reluctantly, Ripley looked down into half-closed eyes. "Kelsey, I would like for you to tell me if I do something you don't like." Upon Kelsey's hesitant nod, she moved her hand up beneath Kelsey's gown to her flat stomach as she trailed tiny kisses along her wife's jaw.
Kelsey strained to keep her mouth shut, biting back moans of delight and passion as her body pulsed with need and tingled at the softness of her husband's lips against her. She knew as a wife, she was not to show such things as desire. That was seen as wanton and unlady-like. Though, as a warmth spread throughout her body, she wished Ripley would lie upon her, wished to feel his solid body covering her own, wished to feel him within her, claiming her and driving her to the heights he had their first time.
With her own need raging, Ripley moved to lie between Kelsey's parted legs.
Kelsey gasped aloud, quickly biting down on her bottom lip as Ripley entered her. Instinctively, she raised her knees, lips parting in a soundless sigh as Ripley moved deeper within than before. His thrusts were slow and deep, stoking the fire that burned within her. She desperately wanted to wrap her arms around him, wanted to grasp his broad shoulders and pull him to her, wanted his mouth upon hers again, but she wasn't sure how Ripley would react. Her mother had told Lindsey and herself to lay motionless as their husbands had their way.
Not thinking, going on what felt right, Kelsey spread her bent legs a little more and both of them moaned as they were brought even closer together.
Ripley groaned when she felt Kelsey open up to her more, her wife's legs opening wide, knees lifted high to allow her to thrust deeper, filling Kelsey completely. Slowly, Ripley pulled out to the tip of the phallus, then smoothly thrust back in, keeping her strokes smooth and slow. Kelsey released a soft sigh upon re-entry, and Ripley felt it ripple through her, down to her aching core. The end of the phallus pushed back against her own sex with every movement, and she looked down at Kelsey with lust-glazed eyes. Her movements were getting a little faster as she felt a burning begin low in her stomach, a burning that encouraged her to continue, a burning that ached to be satisfied.
The bedchamber was filled with the sound of snapping embers from the fire, their panted breaths and the occasional wet sound of the phallus sliding in and out of Kelsey's depths. The desperate prince gripped the sheet beneath her hands with clenched fingers, the muscles in her arms and back tensing and quivering as she thrust frantically, climax within reach, faster and faster, the phallus moving quickly, slicing through the continual wetness that seeped from Kelsey. Ripley was panting harshly next to her wife's small pink-tinged ear. Kelsey herself breathing heavily into the prince's neck. Ripley raised her head, eyes closed, mouth parted, as her orgasm began.
Kelsey bit down on her bottom lip as Ripley cried out hoarsely, his back stiff, hips jerking, his manhood slamming into her. She gripped the sheet as she felt an immense wave of pleasure rip through her body, wanting to cry out her delight, wanting to hug Ripley tightly to her. She did nothing. Like she had been told.
Unable to hold herself up on trembling arms, Ripley collapsed on top of a shivering Kelsey, and tried to get her breathing under control. After only a moments pause, she withdrew the phallus slowly, looking at her wife's closed eyes as she heard a soft moan. As pink lips curled into a small smile, Ripley smiled herself and tucked the phallus back into her trousers, then moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "Are you all right, milady?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, husband. I am...fine."
Ripley stood up. "I was thinking, milady," she said as she buttoned up her trousers. "Perhaps tomorrow, if you are not busy, would you like to go horse riding?"
Kelsey smiled brightly at the thought of spending more time with the handsome prince. "I would love to, my husband." Her smile dropped as she readjusted her night gown. "But...I have never ridden before."
Ripley turned to look at her wife. "Not to worry, Kelsey. I shall teach you and in no time, you will be unable to remember a time when you couldn't," she smiled lovingly. "I shall leave you to get your rest, my wife. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Ripley." Kelsey watched the prince step into his boots and walk towards the door. I should thank him again for what he has done for my sister. I want him to know I appreciate him caring. "Ripley," she called out as her fair-haired husband reached for the latch.
Ripley turned around, a blonde eyebrow lifted in question.
"I just wanted to thank you again for what you have done for my sister," Kelsey said quietly. "You are a kind, caring man."
"Thank you, milady. I just...I want to make sure you are happy."
"I am, husband."
Ripley smiled. "I'm glad. Goodnight, my wife."
"Goodnight, husband."