Chapter 23

Xavier looked up as his younger sister entered the throne room alone. Wearing a champagne floor length dress and carrying a bouquet of small green flowers, she gave him a smile and wink as she moved towards him.

Charles moved to meet her and offered her his arm. She slid her hand into the crook of his elbow and together they climbed the steps to the thrones. At the top, they bowed together to Marcus and Devnet before taking their places at opposite ends of the dais.

Next came Kristine, wearing a champagne dress trimmed in white and carrying a bouquet of small white and green flowers. With eyes downcast, she met Zachary in the center and they repeated the process that Charles and Evelyn had done.

Once they were in their places, Xavier turned to look at the door, his heart beating in excited anticipation. The door opened slightly, allowing Kegan to slip out first to take his place as Nikki’s protection.

Then, the door opened wider and Xavier got his first look at his bride. Nikki stepped out of the door with a smile on her face and shining eyes locked with his. His breath left him as he took in the sight of her.

She was a vision in white and gold as she glided across the floor to meet him. Wearing a white strapless satin dress, bell shaped from the waist down, she carried a bouquet of white roses tied with golden ribbons. Tiny white flowers floated among the dark waves of her hair as it hung loosely down her back.

Over the skirt of the dress, was a golden velvet wrap, which started at the waist and formed an inverted ‘V’ over the white skirt. Over the top of her dress, she wore a golden velvet jacket. It was extremely form fitting and short with the sleeves only reaching to her elbows. From the ends of the sleeves, white satin bloomed in a bell shape, mimicking the skirts form.

Xavier waited until Nikki met him at the foot of the steps, a smile on his face and in his eyes. Nikki thought he looked every bit as handsome as he had earlier that day. He was still wearing the green and gold outfit from his coronation and the cape swirled around his thighs as he moved. On his head was the golden ivy leaf circlet, naming him King.

He turned and offered her his arm. Nikki slid her arm into his and switched the bouquet to that hand. Then she gathered her skirt in her free hand and they walked up the steps together. As they stepped up to the next to the topmost step, Marcus and Devnet rose to their feet and stepped to the edge.

Kristine took the bouquet from Nikki and as the couple joined hands, Marcus and Devnet began the ceremony.

Beseeching the powers that be, they asked that protection, strength, fertility, and undying love be bequeathed to the young couple standing before them. They asked that they be blessed with knowledge, justice, and compassion to rule.

Devnet then turned to Nikki and asked, “Nikki, do you promise to protect your husigos from pain whether it be physical or mental?”

“I do.”

“Do you promise to give him your strength should he ever need it?”

“I do.”

“Do you promise to love him forever and give him the family he will need to nurture him?”

“I do.”

“Then I ask you to make these promises to him.”

Nikki turned to Xavier, “I promise to protect you from harm, to give you my strength and love for as long as you shall have me, and to give you the family you dream of. I promise to be by your side always, helping you to rule with knowledge, compassion, and justice.”

Devnet nodded and turned to Marcus who held out his hand. She removed the signet ring from his finger and handed it to Nikki. Nikki took the ring and slid it onto Xavier’s finger when he held up his hand to her.

She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed the ring saying, “With this ring, I pledge my love, loyalty, and life to you, my King. My husigos.”

Xavier gave her hand a squeeze as they lowered their joined hands and turned to look at his parents once more. This time it was Marcus who asked the questions to his son, “Xavier, do you promise to protect your feigos from pain whether it be physical or mental?”

“I do.”

“Do you promise to give her your strength should she ever need it?”

“I do.”

“Do you promise to love her forever and give her the family she will need to nurture her?”

“I do.”

“Then I ask you to make these promises to her.”

Xavier turned to Nikki, his eyes looking into hers with love. “I promise to protect you from harm, to give you my strength and love for as long as you shall have me, and to give you the family you dream of. I promise to be by your side always, helping you to rule with knowledge, compassion, and justice.”

Marcus took the ring from Devnet’s finger when she held out her hand and handed it to Xavier. Xavier took the ring and turned to gaze at Nikki once more. He returned her smile with one of his own as she lifted her hand. Curling his fingers around her hand, he slid the ring onto her finger. As he lifted it to his lips, his eyes once more held hers.

He placed a soft, lingering kiss against the ring before he said, “With this ring, I pledge my love, loyalty, and life to you, my Queen. My feigos.”

Xavier kept her hand in his as he lowered it to his chest, placing it over his heart. Holding it there, he turned to his parents and continued, “With these vows I have made my choice. I have chosen to honor the powers that be by taking to wife, my ulhi’maos. She who is my soul mate, my other half. Let all who witness know the bond we share is now unbreakable, even in death we will never be alone again.”

Marcus nodded in acceptance and spoke loud enough for all to hear, “Our kingdom has been blessed to have a King mated to his ulhi’maos. Let all who are here spread the word that the new King and his Queen are a true bonded couple, one that is looked upon with favor from the powers that be. Let everyone know that bad fortune shall befall them should they ever come between the King and Queen.”

He turned to Devnet with a nod.

Devnet removed the golden circlet from her head and stood before Nikki, holding it over her head. “It has been decreed by forces unknown that this woman, Nikki Lindsey Payne, is the true ulhi’maos of our son, our heir, King Marcus Xavier Raneri. Since that is so, I hereby relinquish my title and position to my successor, Queen Nikki Raneri.” With those words, she placed the circlet upon Nikki’s head and stood back next to Marcus.

Marcus went down to his knees and bowed his head, “I offer you my allegiance, King Xavier and Queen Nikki, I ask that you accept my loyalty.”

Nikki and Xavier took their combined hands and placed them over Marcus’ head. Together they said, “We accept.”

Devnet was the next to go to her knees as she repeated what Marcus had said. Once again Xavier and Nikki accepted her loyalty.

As she stood, Marcus announced, “People of the Underearth, I give you King Xavier and Queen Nikki.”

Xavier and Nikki turned to face the crowd as they all began to kneel in homage to the new royal couple. Xavier turned to look at Nikki as she stood next to him. He smiled and spoke to her silently, Esu isa tos leijha’mi, dimo va’sique.

Nikki squeezed his hand, tears of joy sparkling in her eyes, Deh esu isa tos orahan, dimo va’siki.

Xavier pulled her close to him and cupped her cheek with his free hand. Leaning down, he covered her lips with his, thus sharing their first kiss as husband and wife. With one hand still held in his, she used her free hand to slide her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck as the kiss deepened.

Slowly Xavier pulled away from her and spoke once more, I promise we will have plenty of time for more later, dimo agalo. But first, I have to show you off to my people. He winked at her as he linked arms with her and proceeded to lead her through the castle and up to the eastern balcony where he would show her off to the rest of the kingdom.

Soon the newly married King and Queen made their way back to the throne room, surrounded by their guards who had accompanied them every step of the way. Together, they walked up the steps to the dais and Xavier helped Nikki to get seated in her seat, before taking the throne next to her. He linked his fingers in hers as the people began to make their way up to the thrones to pledge their loyalty to the couple.

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Nearly two hours later, Nikki finally sighed in relief as she was allowed to get up from the throne to make her way into the grand hall for the dinner that would begin the celebration of the wedding ceremony. With Xavier at her side, she looked around the huge room at all of the tables already laden with a feast fit for royalty.

She grinned as she realized her best friend and the Chief Advisor were noticeably absent. No doubt, Zachary was finally showing Kristine his rooms, she thought as she giggled to herself.

Xavier smiled and leaned in to whisper, “What’s so funny?”

“Have you been missing your C.A. by any chance?”

Xavier quirked an eyebrow and looked around. As he realized Zachary was nowhere around he grinned, “It seems you’re missing a best friend too.”

Nikki laughed, “Yeah, well, hopefully Zach has managed to keep her from crying a river by making her think of something much more satisfying.”

Xavier gave her a wicked smile, Well, I’m certainly going to make sure dimo feigos is feeling very satisfied before the night is over.

Nikki giggled before leaning into his side, I’m counting on it, dimo husigos.

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Kristine moaned as she arched her body up from the bed, molding it to Zachary’s. She could feel his rough hands moving over the skin of her back.

Zachary slid his tongue over the sensitive spot behind Kristine’s ear before nipping her earlobe. Kristine tightened her hold around his body, drawing him closer to her. Lifting her legs, she wrapped them around his, effectively bringing him closer to her heat.

Even through the dress, Zachary could feel how hot Kristine was for him. Most of all, he could smell her desire. He groaned at the heady combination of the feel of her body against his and the smell of her.

Lifting his head from her neck, he looked down into her eyes and saw the desire and love for him in the heavy lidded gaze. He swallowed as he said the hardest thing he’d ever had to say, “We should go. You have to get home before your parents start to panic.”

Kristine sighed and pulled him down for another kiss, “Later.”

Zachary allowed her to kiss him, enjoying the way their tongues slid against each others, but when he felt her hand making it’s way down to his pants, he pulled away from her and sat on the edge of his bed.

Kristine frowned, sitting up in the middle of the bed, she held the dress up to keep it from falling down. “What’s wrong?”

Zachary sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “It’s getting late, I don’t want to make it any worse for you.”

“I think I have an hour left, Zach.”

He turned to look at her, taking in her ravished state. He smiled and ran his fingers over her cheek, “Kris, as much as I want you, I think we should wait until a time we can enjoy it. Right now, it’s about our best friends happiness. When you and I finally are together, I want to be able to hold you for a while. Not take you and run.”

Kristine smiled as she leaned her cheek into his hand, “I love you, Zach.” She saw the way his eyes widened a moment at her declaration. She went on to explain, “I love the way you always seem to think of everyone else before yourself. How you are always worried about the well being of Xavier, Nikki, and me. I love how your face lights up every time you see me and the way you hold me. I know how much I mean to you, how much you need me. Even with the temptation, you still manage to resist so that you can make things perfect for us.”

“I just want you to enjoy your time with me, Kris. I don’t want to ever hurt you.”

“I know. You and Xavier are more alike than you know. Both of you are always so considerate when it comes to women.”

Zachary smiled at that and leaned in to brush a kiss over her lips, “No Kris. I’m only that way with you. Because I feel the same way about you. Like Xavier does with Nikki.” He paused for a moment, before whispering against her lips, “I love you, Kris.”

He heard the soft intake of her breath before he sealed his lips once more to hers and pulled her into his lap.

Kristine slid her arms around his shoulders as she settled in his lap and allowed him to kiss her at his leisure. It was a tender kiss, one that confirmed their love of one another, nothing more.

Soon, they pulled away once more and Zachary lay his forehead against hers, “Kris…”

She smiled, “I know. We have to go.”

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“Nikki!” Nikki turned at the sound of her best friends voice to see Kristine and Zachary holding hands and heading her way. Kristine had already changed back into the clothes she had arrived in and both of them had smiles on their faces as Kristine was the first to reach her.

Engulfing Nikki in a hug, Kristine exclaimed, “Congratulations, chica! It was absolutely beautiful, just like I knew it would be!”

Nikki smiled as she hugged Kristine back while giving Zachary a grateful look, “Thank you Kris. I’m glad you were here to share it with me.”

Kristine pulled back with a grin, “Me too.” She giggled, “Now, I have to get going, but I expect lots of details from everyone about the dinner, entertainment, and dance that I’m going to miss.”

“Okay Kris.”

Kristine leaned in to whisper, “And I also expect details from you about the wedding night.”

Nikki giggled as she playfully pushed her friend away, “Kris! That’s private!”

Kristine shrugged, “I still expect details.”

As both girls laughed, Xavier came up to Nikki and slid his arm around her waist, “What did I miss?”

Zachary rolled his eyes, “It’s just girl talk.” He inclined his head to Kristine, “I’m taking her home now, so I’ll take my dinner later.”

Xavier nodded and turned to Kristine, “Thank you for coming Kris. I know Nikki really loved having you here today.”

Kristine laughed as she pulled Xavier into a hug, “Well, I think I drove her a little crazy, but she’ll live.” She pulled away to look into his eyes, “She has you now. And I’m warning you, treat her right, or I’m coming for your ass, powers or no powers, understand?”

Xavier mock swallowed at the fake glower Kristine was giving him, “I understand. I promise I’ll take care of her.”

Kristine grinned and hugged him again, “Congratulations, Xavier. I’m happy for the both of you.”

“Thanks Kris.” Xavier replied, as he hugged her back.

Pulling away, Kristine gave Nikki another hug good-bye before sliding her hand back into Zachary’s. With a nod to Xavier and Nikki, Zachary led Kristine out of the hall and back to her world.

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After six hours of dinner, entertainment, and dancing to celebrate the coronation and marriage of King Xavier and Queen Nikki, things were still in full swing both within the castle and out in the city.

Even though the entertainment hour was long over, there were still plenty of jesters, clowns, and other performers in the halls and streets entertaining anyone who wanted to see them.

And though the music and dancing had been going on for the last four hours, there were still plenty of people on their feet dancing as if their lives depended on it. Every one of them had smiles on their faces and drinks in their hands, taking part in the gaiety of it all.

Zachary stood near the door to the antechamber in the throne room, his arms crossed over his chest surveying the crowd in the room. He had returned from taking Kristine home just as the entertainment portion had ended and the dancing had begun.

Charles came to stand next to him with a smile on his face, “So, I see you’ve returned.”

Zachary quirked an eyebrow, “I’ve been here for about four hours, H.T.”

Charles chuckled, “Really? Where have I been?”

Zachary gave him a wicked grin, “Breathing the same air as the princess.”

Charles had the grace to blush, “Um, yeah, that’s right.”

Zachary laughed, “No worries, Nieri, we’ve got your back.”

Before Charles had a chance to respond, he noticed Zachary straightening up and staring into the crowd of people. Following Zachary’s gaze, he saw Xavier and Nikki making their way towards them.

Xavier had his arm around Nikki’s waist as he steered her through the crowd and up to where the men stood. As Zachary nodded, Xavier spoke, “Thought I’d let you know, we’re retiring for the night.”

Zachary replied, “Of course, Your Highness. Shall I spread the word?”

Xavier nodded, “Please do.” He looked over his shoulder at Jules, Kegan, and the others before turning to Zachary again, “I really don’t think it’s necessary for them to guard my rooms, do you?”

Zachary resisted the urge to laugh at the grimace on his best friend’s face. After all, Xavier had been the one who was the most paranoid about the security and now, he wanted them gone. Of course, Zachary couldn’t blame him. Turning to Jules he said, “Weapons Master, I would wager that it is safe enough for the guards to just accompany the couple to their rooms. Once they are safely inside, the guards should just return to the celebration, don’t you agree?”

No one missed the sparkle of mirth in Jules’ eyes. Kegan on the other hand had a full blown smile on his face as his father said, “I agree, C.A.”

Zachary nodded, “Good.” He looked at Xavier then, “They’ll just escort you to your rooms, Highness. I’ll make sure that everyone knows you have retired for the night.”

Xavier gave him a grateful look, “Thanks.”

Zachary and Charles stood there watching as Xavier and Nikki walked out of the throne room surrounded by their guards. Charles was the first to break the silence.

Chuckling, “Well, now, am I the only one who noticed the way the King’s green eyes seemed to have a hint of yellow in them?”

Zachary snickered, “No, but did you also notice the hand on her waist? His nails looked like they were in desperate need of a trim.”

Charles turned to look at Zachary for a moment, then they both erupted into laughter at the impatience of their newly married best friend.

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Nikki moaned into Xavier’s mouth as her hands made quick work at removing his cape and jacket. She pushed it off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor as her fingers began to roam over his bare chest. She tilted her head back against the bedroom door she was leaning against as Xavier’s mouth began to nibble and kiss his way to the skin of her throat.

Xavier made his way down to her collarbone where he swirled his tongue over the place her collarbones met. He felt her moan vibrate beneath his tongue as he removed her short jacket and slid his hands to her back to undo the zipper of her dress.

As he slid the zipper down, Nikki curled her fingers over his belt and began to unfasten it and his pants. His mouth claimed hers once more as he pushed the dress down over her hips and she pushed his pants down over his. Pulling away from her, he looked into her eyes as he tried to breathe air into his lungs.

She smiled at him, noticing the way his eyes glowed a bright white. Without taking their eyes from each other, they quickly stepped out of their remaining clothes until they were both naked to each others eyes. Nikki stood there and watched as Xavier let his eyes roam over her body, his chest rapidly rising and falling with each breath he took.

His eyes returned to hers and flashed to orange, then yellow, and back to white. Stepping back to her, he reached up and removed the golden circlet from her head and tossed it onto the top of her discarded dress. Then he cupped her cheek in his hand and whispered, “Idi kine’ esu, dimo leijha’mi feigos.”

She smiled and whispered back as she removed and discarded his golden circlet, “Idi maie dikoyo, dimo husigos.”

Xavier’s eyes flashed to orange once more as his mouth claimed hers again. He pulled her body flush with his, wrapping his arms tightly around her while devouring her mouth.

Nikki wrapped her arms around his shoulders, sliding one hand into his hair and adding pressure to keep him kissing her. She lifted one leg, sliding it up along his thigh before curling it around his hip and tightening it around him, bringing him closer to her heat.

With a low growl, Xavier lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. She wrapped both legs around his waist and refused to let go of his mouth. Her tongue dueled with his even as her body rubbed itself against his chest and abdomen.

She felt Xavier stiffen against her as a strangled growl escaped his lips. She lifted her head to look up at him, watching his eyes flashing rapidly from orange to white over and over again. Frowning, she asked, “What is it?”

He shook his head, “Nothing, it’ll pass.” His voice came out breathless, like he was fighting something.

Nikki resisted the urge to grit her teeth against his stubbornness. “Xavier, I’m not afraid of you. You know that. It’s okay to let yourself go.”

He closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers as his voice sounded in her head, I don’t want to hurt you.


You won’t. I trust you. She lifted a hand to place it against his heaving chest, just over his heart. She could feel it rapidly beating beneath her fingertips even as the sound reached her ears. Looking up into his eyes again, she said You promised me that I would get to know what it’s like to mate with a wahani. Sensing his hesitation, she added, Please? I want to know, dimo agalo.

Xavier shuddered in her arms as he realized he wasn’t going to win this fight. Looking up into her eyes, he whispered hoarsely, “Idi agalo esu, Nikki.”

With those words, he lowered her legs to the floor and turned her around until her back was to him. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her against his chest and lowered his lips to her shoulder.

Nikki closed her eyes in bliss as she felt Xavier’s lips trailing kisses up her shoulder to her neck even as his hands caressed the skin of her hips, stomach, and ribs.

Xavier moved them forward until they stood near the headboard and took her hands into his. He lifted their interlocked hands to the headboard, indicating that she was to hold on to it. As she curled her fingers around the wood, he slid his fingers along her arms to her shoulders and brushed her hair away to expose her neck. Leaning down, he placed soft kisses along the back of her neck and shoulders and let his hands drift down to her waist.

Nikki sighed with pleasure as she felt his lips against her skin and his body pressed against her back. She arched into him, letting him know she wanted more. A growl was her only warning before she felt his teeth take the skin at the back of her neck in a gentle grip and his body claimed hers. She gasped as he filled her up with his entire length and gripped the wood harder in her hands.

Xavier stood there buried inside of her up to his hilt for a moment allowing himself to feel her surrounding him. When she moved her hips back against his, he growled louder and slid his hands up to grip her breasts in his hands.

Nikki threw her head back against his shoulder as Xavier began to set the rhythm of their lovemaking with his thrusts. She loved the way his hands felt as they kneaded her breasts even as he buried himself again and again inside of her. A soft keening began to escape her lips as he picked up the pace.

Xavier used his fingers to tease her nipples, alternating between that and cupping the full weight of her breasts in his hands. He never let go of his hold on her neck with his teeth. Making sure she couldn’t leave him while the heat was upon him. Picking up the force of his thrusts when he felt her body moving back against his for more, he finally let go of the last of his control. He let the wildness claim him, surrendering completely to it.

Nikki heard the satisfied growl coming from Xavier as his hold tightened on her neck. His teeth held her tight enough to keep her still, but it wasn’t painful at all. She felt the tip of his tongue lapping at her skin, adding to the pleasure he was giving to her body. She shifted her hips until she felt him hitting her spot and dug her nails into the wood as a scream erupted from her lips.

Still, he didn’t stop his movements. Lowering his hands to her hips, he held her there as he pounded into her, her own hips moving back to meet his thrust for thrust. With each one, he heard her cry out in pleasure until once more she was screaming, this time his name escaped from her lips. He growled as he felt her liquid heat bath his cock even as he felt her trembling against his body. He curled his fingers into the skin of her hips and picked up his pace even more.

Nikki couldn’t breathe as she felt Xavier’s movements grow even harder and faster. She wouldn’t have believed it was possible, but he was definitely proving it to her. Still, she felt only immense pleasure as her husigos claimed what was his until she felt him let go of her neck.

Xavier threw his head back and let out a loud roar as he spilled his seed into his mates body. Clenching his eyes shut, he kept his grip on her hips as he continued to release himself into her. His mouth remained open, fangs bared, even as the roar faded away.

Nikki sighed in contentment as she felt him tremble behind her, then his weight leaned against her back. She stood there supporting him as he nuzzled her neck and slid his arms around her waist.

Neither one of them spoke, content to just feel each others heated skin and listening to each others heartbeats and breathing.

Translations
husigos - husband
feigos - wife
ulhi'maos - soul mate
esu isa tos leijha'mi, dimo va'sique - you are so beautiful, my queen
deh esu isa tos orahan, dimo va'siki - and you are so handsome, my king
dimo agalo - my love
idi kine' esu, dimo leijha'mi mi feigos - I need you, my beautiful wife
idi maie dikoyo, dimo husigos - I am yours, my husband