Chapter 17

Lisbon, Portugal

Traveling brought joy to his heart. It was intriguing to see new places. To hear different languages spoken. To eat foods. As much as he loved to travel, he loved when he arrived home. Home. A place where love was abundant.

It was still dark out. He knew no one would be awake. He left the carriage and entered his home quietly. He made haste to his room. There he found his wife sleeping peacefully. He undressed quickly and slipped into bed.

Her skin was warm next to his. His cock pointed straight. He showered kisses down her spine. She hummed, “You’re home,” she said softly.

He pressed his way inside. There it was. The feeling he had missed, “Yes, my love, I am home.”

Her mornings began with prayer. She spoke in Yoruba. Then she called upon her ancestors. After veneration, she sat with her eyes closed. Her heart was filled with happiness. She saw her father’s face. She smiled, “He is home,” she said as she stood and left her bed chambers.

She found him sitting in his office writing, “Father,” she said as she approached him.

“Yande, how is my daughter?”

She hugged him from behind as he sat, “I am well and happy to see you.”

She walked to the front of his desk and sat on the chair. He looked at her sweetly, “Your mother tells me that you are eager to find a husband after our return.”

She chuckled, “Eager? I am considering it.”

“Do you have someone in mind?”

Her mind flashed to Prince Cristian, but she responded, “No.”

He sat back and clasped his hands, “Samba said that you spoke about Prince Cristian.”

She shook her head, “I only said that he was handsome. But I’m sure your sweet aunt has another in mind for her nephew.”

“I am sure.”

“I do have to visit the castle today. I promised Lorenzo that I’d visit Charlotte before I left for England. Will you come?”

She nodded, “I’d be delighted.”

Ustka, Poland

Despite being held prisoner, the living arrangement was seemingly pleasing. It was a small room that had one door. Outside the door was a guard. Yana lay in bed. The door opened, and Sif walked in. The door shut. She sat up, “Any word on my husband?” she said with desperation.

He shook his head, “Lord Jacek must think you are my wife. These men will try to have you. As you are a beautiful woman.”

“How then will Sigurd know to pay the ransom?”

“I have sent word to Kattegat. I’m sure once Sigurd returns, they will deliver the news. They will come here to rescue you.”

She shook her head, “I can’t stop thinking about Revena. Ida. I wonder—”

He touched her hand, “Don’t upset yourself; you must take it easy. For your child’s sake.”

She touched her growing belly, “You’re right.”

“They will bring food in a little while. How do you feel?”

She smiled, “I am well.” She looked around, “Considering. I am well. I miss my husband.”

He touched her face. Her skin was soft. For a moment, she wanted to give in, but she moved away. They heard a knock. The door opened. A servant placed a tray of food on the table and left.

Kattegat

Since their husband was away, Freya and Emma found ways to entertain one another. The morning started with sweet kisses. They giggled and touched each other below. Their soft sweet moans filled the room.

Freya rolled on top of Emma. Her tongue circled the areolas. She later sucked. Her fingers penetrated below. She felt Emma’s juices building up. They leaked on her fingers. She went down and slurped her wine. It was sweet.

Emma played in her hair and bit her bottom lip, “Freya, my love,” she moaned. Freya continued to lick, slurp, and flick Emma’s swollen clitoris until she shuddered, “Ahhhhhh!”

The horn blew alerting them that a ship was approaching. Freya paused. Her lips were still wet with Emma’s nectar. Emma sat up, “Who do you think it is?”

“We should get dressed and find out.”

Freya and Emma walked to the docks to witness the men and some ladies helping to secure the small vessel. Freya saw a familiar face, she smiled, “Ida?”

Ida stepped off the boat with her people, “Yes, sorry to visit without notice but—”

“No, it’s fine. Is everything okay?”

Ida shook her head, “I am afraid not. Our lands were attacked. We barely escaped with our lives.”

A man was standing nearby. He listened as Ida gave Freya and Emma the details. He walked away suspiciously after the women started for the great hall.

Once they entered the hall, the servants brought them food and ale. They sat and spoke. Ida was determined to board a ship for England to tell her brother Sigurd, but Freya suggested that she stay at Kattegat until the warriors returned.

“You are safe here. Stay with us,” Freya encouraged Ida.

“Yes, you can stay with us,” confirmed Emma.

“I appreciate it, but I need to tell my brother. I must find him.”

Freya knew once Ida had her mind set ... there was not much chance she would change it. “Very well then, at least rest a few days before your journey.”

Ida nodded.

Lisbon, Portugal

King Ferdinand and his lovely wife, Queen Francesca, arrived at court. His sister Queen Marie greeted them, “Welcome, come inside; everyone is waiting.”

They followed her into the castle. The family was there. Cristian saw his mother and hurried to her, “I heard you were here,” he reached for her hands. She kissed his cheek.

“Son,” his father said.

He nodded, “Father, it is nice to see you.”

“So, we heard you selected a fine Portuguese wife.”

He made a face. Queen Marie rubbed his shoulder, “He sure has. She’s a lovely girl. Nice hips. She should provide him plenty of children.”

His mother nodded, but she knew his demeanor. He didn’t look excited.

“You will meet her later. We will sign the betrothal papers.”

King Ferdinand smiled, “This is good to hear. All of my sons, married and providing heirs to continue our bloodline on the throne.”

As they talked, King Tomas entered with his brother Juan and his sister-in-law Carolina. They greeted each other and spoke a little longer.

A servant entered and announced, “Lord Joaquin is here with his family.”

He smiled from ear to ear. Queen Marie’s lips were pinched tightly.

“It’s a beautiful day when my nephew and his family pay us a visit,” said King Tomas.

Juan rolled his eyes. His wife smiled, “I can’t wait to see our grandchildren.”

“I must excuse myself,” said Lord Juan.

“Juan?” she called to him. She shook her head. It had been too many years for him to still be upset. She was happy.

They entered. The room froze. The dress Yande wore was white with gold embellishment. It was off-the-shoulders. She wore a gold choker in the shape of the letter V with a round piece at the end. A small amount of her belly showed. The skirt sat low on her waist. Her hair was an array of beautiful curls.

Aminata wore a purple gown. On her head was a yellow head wrap. Queen Marie whispered, “Do they always have to show so much skin? It’s so unladylike.”

“I think the dresses are beautiful,” King Tomas replied.

Queen Francesca saw how her son’s eyes caressed Yande. It had been years since she had seen Yande or Samba. She remembered how much Marie urged her not to let her sons play with Joaquin’s children. But Francesca only went along with it because Marie was her husband’s sister.

She didn’t mind the children who had African blood. She was friends with The Moors in Spain. Her caregiver was a Moor.

Yande spoke in Spanish to the King and Queen. King Ferdinand smiled, “You have kind manners, young lady.”

Lady Carolina hugged her grandchildren, “Samba, look at you. You are a handsome young man. And, Yande ... my,” she almost cried, “you two should come to see me more often.”

“I would love to grandmother, but we try not to go where our presence upsets the people,” Yande replied as she side-eyed Queen Marie.

Queen Marie rolled her eyes, “It’s good that you all have visited. We are having a festive occasion. We are celebrating my nephew Cristian’s betrothal.”

Yande looked at Cristian, “Congratulations. I did not know.”

“It was all very sudden. The papers haven’t been signed. It’s—”

“Enough, Cristian. Lady Celeste is perfect. Her mother is a Spaniard, and her father is Portuguese. You will have the most beautiful children,” boasted Queen Marie.

Just then, Lorenzo and his darling pregnant wife appeared, “Yande is here,” she said excitedly.

They hugged, “Look at you,” Yande said as he touched her belly. She smiled.

“Charlotte’s eyes widened, “What am I having?”

“You can tell what she’s having?” asked Cristian.

“Yande has guessed the sex of all of the other babies in the castle,” said Lorenzo.

Marie huffed, “It’s nonsense ... anyone can guess.”

“And yet, you have not guessed correctly once, Mother,” replied Lorenzo.

Yande chuckled, “I should keep it a secret.”

“You should dare not, tell me now, is it a boy?” Lorenzo asked eagerly.

“Would you be upset if it were a girl?”

“Of course not.”

“It is a boy.”

He hugged his wife.

Queen Francesca wanted to speak to her son privately away from the ears and watchful eye of Marie. She looked at her youngest child. She smiled, “Your brothers are all married to women your aunt found and none of them are happy.”

Cristian remained silent. He listened to his mother.

“They run around having affairs. They have so many bastard sons and daughters in Spain, it’s hard to keep up. I want you to be happy Cristian. Is this woman, Lady Celeste your choice?”

Before he could answer, Queen Marie arrived with Lady Celeste, “This is Queen Francesca, your soon-to-be mother-in-law.”