The Dragon and the Dreamwalker (Elemental Series) by Elizabeth Rose Page B

any of this.” She watched the concern in his eyes turn to sudden sadness, but he did not answer. He held his hand at the small of her back as he guided her toward the waiting horse.
    “Let’s go home, wife. If I remember correctly, I  think you have some promises to fulfill.”

Chapter 9
     
     
    Drake stood on the dais, once again waiting for his bride. The serving wenches patiently waited with the food at the doors, anticipating his command to start the wedding feast. His stomach ached from hunger, and the aroma of roasted pheasant and stuffed quail smothered in a savory wine sauce did nothing to ease the pain. Still, he would have his wife arrive before he gave the command for the meal to begin.
    The musicians in the gallery up above dribbled out some bits and pieces of music, warming up for the dancing that would take place that eve. A juggler practiced throwing bottles into the air and catching them, while the mime talked to him in sign language of sorts. Even the dogs sat patiently at his feet, tongues hanging out and drooling, hoping to get a bone or scrap of food.
    “Dammit, Asad,” he cursed to his squire at his side. “This woman will be the death of me yet. How long does it take to change into dry clothing?”
    “Yes, my lord, I do see your point.” Asad stood next to him, his thumbs linked into the belt strapped around his waist. “Women do tend to take longer at removing their clothes than men.”
    Drake graced him with a sideways glance. “I guess you would know. You probably have more experience with that than anyone in the castle.”
    Asad’s smile melted down. “I’ll take that as a compliment, my lord.”
    “Of course.” He paced the dais as he talked. “You managed to help me remove my wet and already rusting armor, plus polish my sword and wipe down my horse, in the time it’s taken her to put on a simple dry gown. I just don’t understand.”
    “Nothing about women is simple, my lord.”
    “Hmmmfff,” he mumbled. “Especially this one.”
    Just then, the heralder blared out an announcing note on his long trumpet, signaling the lady of the castle’s approach.
    “Finally,” Drake mumbled, happy of his bride’s arrival. He turned toward the entranceway but stopped in motion. There stood the most ravishing beauty he had ever laid eyes upon. Brynn stood in the entrance arch dressed in a glorious white wedding gown. Her handmaiden rustled around behind her, fixing her train. Brynn wore a headpiece, a crown of some sort with jewels winking in the firelight. The veil trailed down her back, longer than the train. Her fiery hair was pinned up in swirls, and she clutched a bouquet of red roses. She looked like a lady who was proud of her husband on their wedding day. She acted nothing like the feisty witch who’d been doing her best to kill him. He wanted to touch her, to know she was real. He wanted to take her to bed and truly make her his wife.
    Drake was speechless, and the trumpet blared again. The room quieted, waiting for his command.
    “Excuse me, my lord,” Asad leaned over and whispered. “I do believe everyone awaits you.”
    “Aye, of course.” Drake felt like he was in a dream. The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, stood at the doorway. His bride. He didn’t deserve a woman of such grace and beauty. He wasn’t even dressed for the occasion. After the chapel incident, Drake decided he wouldn’t be so foolish again. He’d changed out of his wet attire and now sported his normal dirty, wrinkled tunic and hose.
    “My lord?” Her voice rang forth sweetly. Her eyes twinkled and her cheeks looked rosier than usual. Her faced glowed with the vibrancy of a blushing maiden wanting her hero knight to take her into his arms.
    He wandered forward to meet her. He was afraid to touch her. Afraid it was all a dream and as soon as he did, she would disappear. But he had no choice. He held out his hand, and she reached forward to gently lay her slender fingers atop his arm.