Chapter 19

Lisbon, Portugal

The sun sat high in the sky. The rays poured through the window of Yande’s room as Aminata sat on the floor surrounded by lit candles. She had been sitting there for hours praying in her native tongue.

The door crept open. Joaquin peered inside. He saw his wife. Her skin looked magnificent in the sunlight. He missed her but he understood the distance between them. He sighed.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned. Samba whispered, “How is she?”

“The same. I do not know what to do.”

“If my Mother feels this strongly, there must be a reason.”

Joaquin nodded. Just as he was about to close the door, they heard a joyful sound. He pushed the wooden door open. They witnessed Aminata leap up over the candles. Her white gown floated in the air. She came down on her bare feet and ran toward the door.

“What is it?” he asked.

“It’s my daughter,” she said as she ran past them.

They hurried to keep up with her pace down the hall and later into the main room where the servants stood welcoming Yande.

Aminata hurried to her. The servants stepped out of her way. She embraced Yande tightly. She touched her hair and looked into her eyes, “You’re home.”

“Yes. I am home.”

Joaquin and Samba joined them. She was covered in love. They stepped back. “How?”

Yande struggled to find the words. Her father dismissed the servants. She spoke freely, “Prince Cristian and I were at the edge of the forest having wine. There was something in the wine that caused us to feel sleepy. These men took me to the sea. They were going to take my virtue and toss me into the sea but,” Yanda took a slow deep breath, “something happened. I sensed it happening. I woke up this morning in the presence of a woman. She was beautiful. Words couldn’t describe her. The way she spoke. I swear it was as if I was speaking to one of the Gods.”

Joaquin gulped. Aminata hugged her daughter again.

“Those men worked for the Queen,” Yande said to her father.

He shook his head, “How do you know this?”

“Father, it’s no secret that the Queen hates us being here,” said Samba.

“But she wouldn’t—she’s not—”

“She would. She did not want me to marry her nephew. And so she did this.”

Rage burned within Aminata, “I knew it.”

He looked at his wife, “Aminata, you have to calm yourself. We can’t make these accusations without proof.”

“Am I supposed to let her get away with almost having my daughter killed?”

He sighed. As much as he wanted to do something, he felt stuck.

“I have already taken care of Her Majesty,” admitted Samba.

Joaquin grabbed his arm, “What are you speaking of, Samba? Please tell me you had nothing to do with what happened to Queen Marie.”

Samba remained silent.

Jaoquin grumbled. He looked at his wife, “We are here under my uncle’s protection. These types of things can get the three of you beheaded, burned, or worse.”

Samba gulped.

Aminata looked at Samba, “What did you do, Samba?”

“A curse. Similar to the one that was put on grandfather.”

“Then you can remove it.”

“Only if I wanted to,” he said plainly before marching off.

“Samba!” Joaquin yelled.

“Let him go, Father. He is angry,” said Yande.

“You must undo it,” insisted Joaquin, “we can’t allow this to go on. Will you do it, Yande?”

She touched her father’s face and nodded.

“Thank you, we will leave within the hour.” He walked off.

Yande looked at her mother. Her belly was nice and round. She touched her belly. Suddenly, a glimpse of something formed in her mind. Her mother moved her hand, “You should get changed. We will leave soon.”

She watched as her mother walked away.

Ustka, Poland

The door opened slowly. Yana looked up from the tub of water where she sat. A young girl placed a basket of flowers on the table, “These are from your husband,” she bowed and hurried back out the door.

Yana stood. The water beaded on her naked body. Carefully, she stepped out of the tub of water and walked to the table. The flowers were colorful. They smelled nice. If only these flowers were from my husband, she thought.

The door opened and shut. Sif stood. Yana didn’t cover herself. After the night they had, it was no longer necessary to play games. He smiled, “Do you like them?” he asked as he moved closer.

“They are lovely.”

“Not as lovely as you,” he said as his hands caressed her damp body, “you surprised me last night.” His lips touched hers briefly.

“If we’re going to pretend, let’s make the most of it. I have needs and so do you. As long as you keep me safe, I’ll see to it when we return that my husband gives you a healthy reward.”

He turned her around. His strong hand cupped her ass and then squeezed just as he slipped inside. He bit his bottom lip. Her melodious moans filled the room. He humped nice and slow until he felt her walls tighten. Then he went into overdrive. His balls tightened. He grunted and spilled his love juice into her pussy.

She turned to him and smiled. He smiled.

Northumbria

Queen Godgifu was in her bed chambers looking out the window. She saw Liam practicing his sword skills with Aethelbald. She looked over her shoulder at Prince Oswald, “And does Winfred think that you are practicing your sword skills as well?” she asked.

He sat up, ran his hand through his hair, and then stood, “As you know, we aren’t having sex.”

She chuckled, “I don’t see why not. It will not harm the baby. These rules are so silly.”

“Yes, I agree,” he stated as he kissed the back of her neck, “are you thinking of my dear brother?” he joked.

“No. Although, he is handsome. Some say even more handsome than you.”

He chuckled, “Nonsense.”

She smiled, “I was hoping he could tame Lady Darleen. Keep her from these foolish adventures.”

“Have you heard anything of her whereabouts?”

“I have a man looking into it. Hopefully, I’ll know something by the end of the day.”

Oswald sighed, “My brother will not marry Lady Darleen. From what I can see ... she’s only a lady in title.”

She scoffed, “Are you implying—”

“Oh, this is not an implication. It’s an observation. Liam wants love. He wants romance.”

“She can be all those things for the right man. So, what if she’s not exactly a virgin? Many women have married without their virtue intact.”

“It would be a hard sell. I can’t promise you anything.”

Her soft hand touched his face, “Just try. For me.”

Elanor stood by the fire stirring a huge pot. The aroma of fresh stew filled the room. She was unbothered by the humping going on in the bed. Darleen was spread wide with Harold between her legs. His ass was clenched tight and he drove his cock deeper into her pussy.