She Made Her Choice
Chapter 9
Melna woke in a soft bed wrapped in the arms of her mate. The sun was just now peeking through the east window casting a line across the floor beside the bed. She dared not move, not wanting to disturb the peace of the moment. Nothing existed beyond the stone walls of the chieftain's bedchamber, the only sound was the gentle, rhythmic breathing behind her.
She lay for some time eyes half closed luxuriating in the warmth until she heard the soft pad of paws outside the door. No knock came, but she knew the day would need to begin soon. She pulled his paw up and nuzzled into the palm hearing a deep breath from the one with her as he woke as well. ``Good morning, love,'' she said.
The paw moved to her middle. ``Mmm, and good morning to you. How are the two of you?''
``Comfortable,'' she replied.
He pulled her tighter to himself and nuzzled into her cheek. ``Yes, I would have to agree.'' She felt something hard against her the base of her tail and wiggled her hips teasingly. ``Hey, no fair.'' He pressed into her and nipped at an ear.
The knock at the door finally arrived. Melna growled quietly and Tomlin groaned. ``Just a moment.'' Getting out of of the bed he pulled on a robe. She simply rolled over burying her muzzle in his pillow. ``Enter,'' he called out.
Captain Tezal Kint escorted general Banchet. Both bowed deeply Sally's eyes flicking to Melna snuggled in the bed a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Her attention returned to chieftain Akenna. ``Greatest apologies for the disturbance, chieftain, but there are preparations to be made for the arriving generals.''
``No apologies needed, general, thank you. I shall join you presently.''
``Thank you, chieftain, we will await you in the war room.'' The two soldiers bowed again and departed.
Tomlin sighed turning back to the bed. ``Shall we get ready, princess?''
Melna threw off the blanket and sat up. The feeling in her stomach made her wonder if she should eat morning meal or not. Looking at her mate she shook her head. ``You should get ready. My presence is neither needed nor wanted there.'' He looked confused as she got out of the bed pulling him against herself. ``And I'm not officially a princess any more. That ended when you gave your speech to the people accepting the position as our leader. My job is done, if I have a son then by law you can do whatever you want with me. If I have a daughter she will be the next princess and will need to be protected until its time for her to choose the next chieftain... Or you grant my wish and annex Silvana.''
Arms around her he swayed gently. ``I had no idea it was like that.'' He paused for a moment. ``Well, let's hope we have a son. I can think of several things I want to do with you.'' He nuzzled into her neck and softly tickled her sides. She giggled and struggled away from his grasp. He let out a breath and tilted his head to look at her. ``Even so, I have no intention of sending you away, if I ever gave that impression.''
``Never, but I guess my dreams of taking up farming have been dashed.''
He bumped his nose to her forehead and moved his paws to her shoulders. He looked long into her eyes. ``I do want you to stay with me. The past three months have been a treasure and I want this continue.''
She stared back almost hypnotized. ``I will remain by your side as long as I am able.''
He blinked slowly then his shoulders sagged. ``I guess I better get dressed.'' He turned away reluctantly to dig through a suitcase.
``Umm, Tomlin, there is another thing.'' He turned to look at her again. ``I was hoping to return to the villa. I couldn't bring much with me when I left before and I was hoping to try to catch up with some people.''
He nodded. ``I'll have Dennara and the others accompany you. It's more than a day's drive back, so you can take the trailer that way you're not stuck in a car seat the whole way.'' Tomlin tied his formal robe and pulled on an overcoat. ``When do you want to go?''
``As soon as Dennara says we can. Momma Sally says most of the garrison and staff are still there. I'd like to get back before everyone scatters.''
Tomlin pulled her in for another hug resting his chin on top of her head. ``Alright, I'll meet you there in a few days then we can make more concrete plans for the future.''
She gave him a squeeze. ``A man in the Villa of the Matriarch? Everyone will be quite scandalized.''
He chuckled and stepped back. ``I need to get to work. I'll see you soon, love.'' She nodded and watched him leave stopping just outside the door. ``Ah, colonel, I'm going to need yo...'' the words cut off as the door shut.
She sighed and went to her luggage to get dressed.
It took two days to drive back to the villa. Wilhemina and Yezni were on driving duty while Dennara rode in the trailer with Melna. She had thought they would pull right into the courtyard but when she was escorted out of the trailer she realized that idea had been silly. The gate was much too short and narrow to even admit the truck that pulled the trailer. Everything looked so small now.
The noise of the vehicle must have attracted the attention of the residents. The gate stood open and when the former princess had been sighted a hasty honor guard formed up along the main path. Melna looked over the half dozen guards that had formed up and the stragglers still taking their positions. ``At ease, everyone,'' she called out. The postures slackened a little but guards and staff were still gathering along the path, her family. Why was this so awkward?
The Aldenean giants followed her as she made her way into the courtyard. Major Tawny Contin stepped out of line and approached. ``Princess, we heard the news. It's good to see you again. We were... worried you might not come back.''
``I couldn't just leave everyone.'' She looked down to blink back tears.
Tawny reached out to put an arm around her shoulders pulling her in. ``It's good to see you again.'' Returning the hug her belly pressed against the older woman. Stepping back the major looked down. ``And this. Of course I knew, but to see it for myself. What are you, three months already?''
Melna laughed. ``Just a little over two. Everyone keeps telling me I'm getting big fast. Personally, I think they just fed me too well in Aldenea.''
``Nope, that's all pup you've got. Hmm, I'm going to guess four pounds when you deliver.''
``Oh, ancestors, I hope not. That's enormous.'' She stepped back and major Contin's eyes fell upon Melna's Aldenean escort.
``Speaking of enormous,'' the major said quietly then continued at a regular volume, ``are you going to introduce your new friends?''
Melna turned, surprised, she had almost forgotten they were there. ``Yes, sorry. This is colonel Dennara Robins and captains Wilhemina Buntar and Yezni Krinchen. They've been with me since I got in father's carriage.'' Major Contin saluted which the three returned. ``And this is Major Tawny Contin, executive officer of the villa garrison.''
The soldiers regarded each other for a moment. ``Colonel, Melna has spoken of you in her letters to us. It's good to finally meet you and thank you for taking care of her while she's been away.''
``It's been an honor, major, and we hope to continue doing so for some time.''
``You soldiers are always so serious.'' A voice behind Melna chimed in.
She recognized the voice even before she turned. ``Milty, it's good to see you!'' She pulled the younger woman in a hug. That seemed to break the air of military decorum and staff and soldiers gathered around to greet the newcomers.
This is what she had wanted. Silvanen guards and Aldenean guards were getting along. Melna herself was a bit occupied with well wishers and those wanting to rub her belly. She caught one of the gardeners and waved to Yezni. ``There's some boxes in the back of the truck labeled `villa,' could you get a few people and grab them for me, please.''
They both nodded, Yezni saying. ``I'll show you.'' She watched them depart.
Milty leaned in. ``Hey, we can get the bath is ready pretty quick if you want.'' Melna froze. A bath, in warm water, she could sit and soak in warm water. ``Are you alright?''
She looked at her friend. ``Oh, yes please. I haven't had a bath since I left.'' Milty blinked, her confusion plain on her face. ``It's complicated, I'll explain later.''
Jesha had made it through to the middle of the crowd to join the two conspiring women. Melna pulled her into a hug. When the deliveries had been unloaded everyone moved into the large living space inside. The largest boxes were opened revealing stacks of the Aldenean style Silvanen clothes in just about every color Melna had been able to find. To say they were popular would be an understatement. Taking a smaller box aside she opened it having gotten some jewelry for Milty and Jesha.
A party atmosphere quickly developed, all the guards, Silvanen and Aldenean, dropped any pretense of discipline, most had changed into the brightly colored clothing. Cooks cranked up the stoves, music records were played, and Melna settled into her favorite spot on a couch. She was content to watch everyone else get on. Her Aldenean escort, who had attracted the attention of everyone even tangentially related to the military, were being peppered with questions and asking nearly as many in return.
She had been getting her own barrage of questions not the least of which why she hadn't had a bath in three months. The idea of a shower fascinated her old friends. After a couple of hours the party began to wind down. Plates and drinkware were being collected when Melna spied Milty returning from the back. She nodded to Jesha who sat next to Melna on the couch who gave her a nudge. ``You ready for that bath?''
``Very much so.'' She stood up as Milty waved the Aldenean guards to follow them.
Melna sat on the low stool and poured the bucket of hot water over her head. Milty, sitting behind her, began to rub soap into the fur of her back. ``You honestly scared me when you said you hadn't had a bath. At least you managed to keep clean while you were gone. Can't really imagine you lasting that long if not.''
``Don't know what happened to that little girl that liked to play in the mud. I think momma Sally even got tired of scolding me for it.'' She scrubbed the front of her body wincing as her paw moved over a breast.
``Are you all right?'' Milty asked
``The piercings have been getting sore lately.''
``Let me see.'' Milty moved around her and gently parted the fur covering a nipple. ``Yeah, I can see why, we may need to get you some bigger rings. These look like they are starting to wear a bit.''
``You may actually want to switch to something you can remove easily. You're going to need those for more than just decoration pretty soon.'' Dennara spoke up from the pool beside where Melna was washing. That got a round of laughter from those present.
``Yes, I suppose you're right. I hope mother isn't too upset, though.''
It was Jesha's turn to reply. ``Serella would want to you take care of yourself and your pup. I'm sure she'd understand.''
``You're right, we'll get these out before bed tonight and find something else later,'' Melna replied.
``Alight, rinse.'' Melna put her arms out as more water was poured over her washing out the soap from her fur. She got up and finally made her way to the shallow pool. She and Milty were to last to enter, having taken her time washing. Dennara, Wilhemina, and Yezni all seemed to be enjoying the water. Jesha sat near them in a quiet conversation.
The water only came a little above her knees, she squatted then leaned back to finally stretch out and float while staring at the ceiling. Soft flicks of her tail kept her from moving with the gentle current in the water. ``Dennara, when we go back to Palace Alda would it be possible for me to get a room with a tub? Your showers are nice but I've really missed having a long hot soak.''
``You've been staying in the temporary guest quarters before now. I'm sure the king will have you moved to one of the permanent apartments on our return. I think you'll like what they have to offer.''
Melna was about to reply when Milty spoke up. ``Speaking of going back. Melna, I was in Kindev a couple tendays ago. Some of the children were asking if you were going to be here for New Years' Harvest. I just told them I wasn't sure but I would ask next time I saw you.''
She sat up. ``That's in less than a month, isn't it. I completely forgot.'' She looked at Dennara. ``I'd like to stay. Do you think the king would mind?''
``You can ask him when he gets here, though I don't think it will be a problem.''
``I hope so, that was always a highlight of the year.'' She fell back to float again. She felt the breeze blowing over her nose through the open air bath bringing with it the scent of rain. Peeking at the sky past the roof line she could see clouds billowing over the mountains to the west. Rain would be good.
The group stayed in the bath until the sun disappeared behind the mountains and they could see occasional flashes of lightning making its way toward them. They all got out and helped dry each other off. Milty retrieved some pliers and helped Melna remove the jewelry that had begun to cause her pain.
After that she returned to the living space. She was about to flop on the couch when Melna spotted a newspaper on the low table. `Chieftain Chazuk Lefinda Killed In Battle, The War Can Still Be Won,' the headline read. Her fur bristled. Why was the paper still there after all this time? Giving in to base urges she did throw it in the fireplace this time.
She retreated to the balcony to watch the rain fall and lightning spark across the sky. Arms wrapped around her middle pulling her against a body behind her. Melna caught Jesha's scent as she nuzzled the back of her head. ``Are you alright, Mel?''
Melna leaned back against her best friend. ``It's over, the war, and if I get my way none of Tomlin's daughters will be trapped like I have. The people will be safe. The future of the nation is out of my paws.'' She felt a soft flutter in her belly. ``And I'm having a pup with a man I really do love. It's like the weight of the world has been lifted off me.''
Jesha gave a squeeze. ``You've got a sparkle in your eyes I haven't seen in a while. It's like when we were little. We'd be conspiring to go dig up earthworms tomorrow after the rain. Then we'd get scolded by the gardeners for messing up the flowers. It's good to see you happy again.'' Melna grunted a reply then winced when thunder cracked very near the villa. ``Let's go back inside.''
``Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.'' The two women retreated back to the relative safety of the couches by the fireplace. Milty, ever the chatterbox, was engrossed in a conversation with Wilhemina. Dennara and Yezni were drinking tea with major Contin while brightly garbed maid staff and soldiers ambled in and out of the spacious room. Melna leaned against Jesha and just enjoyed the peace of the scene. She was home, her friends were by her side, and soon her mate would be with her again.
Melna spent a majority of the next three days in the bath. The weightless feeling of floating in the water was comforting. Everyone had rotated through the baths with her at least once in that time but her constant companions were lieutenant Jesha Contin and colonel Dennara Robbins. Melna could sense something of a friendly rivalry developing between the two soldiers and she wondered about the possibility of Jesha joining the palace guard in the future.
On the third day the midday meal was served outside on the villa's lawn. The recent rains seemed to have scrubbed the atmosphere, the clear sky a vibrant blue and the air smelled clean. A shout came from one of the guards patrolling the top of the walls declaring someone's approach. That's when Melna heard the distinctive sound of a motor vehicle engine outside. Getting up quickly she rushed to the open gates followed closely by her guards of both nationalities.
Two large military trucks parked next to the travel trailer still resting outside the villa walls. Melna was almost disappointed until one of the rear doors was opened and the person she most wanted to see stepped out, collecting the hem of his robe to keep it from trailing in the mud. Her Aldenean escort bowed to their king while the Silvanens present saluted their chieftain. Melna wasn't sure which she should do but her decision was made for her when he stepped up and drew her into a hug. ``It's good to see you again. I missed you.''
General Banchet approached more slowly receiving salutes from every military member present. ``I can vouch for that. That boy wouldn't sit still the whole ride here.'' Sally had never been one for deference, but Melna knew it was a good sign that she liked him.
``I missed you, too. We had just started midday meal, would you like to join us?'' She gestured to the blankets laid out under a tree.
``Yes, please. Food sounds good right now.'' She lead him to the place they could get something to eat. The mood of the villa shifted slightly, everyone became more serious now that the chieftain was present. All the Silvanen guards changed into their uniforms and walked with more discipline.
The day passed pleasantly for the young lovers. King Tomlin was definitely a point of interest for the ladies of the villa, though they remained respectful. Tezal and Bentas, the king's personal guards, also attracted a lot of attention, though most weren't sure how to approach the stoic men who had to duck through doorways.
After supper Melna convinced her mate to join her in the bath. They were left alone and took considerable time washing each other, she felt that familiar tingle as he scrubbed her back. She noticed evidence of his interest as well when it was her turn to brush the soap through his fur. Not long after they both were floating on their backs in the water, Melna holding one of his paws to her belly.
``So this is the Villa of the Matriarch, huh?''
``Mhmm,'' she replied quietly.
``This would make a nice place for a retreat if we wanted to take some time away.''
``Yes, it would.''
They floated in silence for some time. The king finally spoke up again. ``Are you feeling alright, love?''
She gave the paw on her belly a squeeze. ``I honestly couldn't be happier. I'm just at a loss of what to do with myself now. I've been important for so long that I don't know what I'm supposed to do now that I'm not important any more.''
He sat up in the shallow water and pulled her against himself. She giggled as he nuzzled her cheek. ``You're important to me,'' his paw moved to rub her belly, ``and you're important to someone else. You are my mate and the mother of my pup. You can just be that for the time being. You are free from the responsibilities of a nation. Take some time for yourself.''
She turned her head to lightly nip at his neck. ``I think I'll take some time for you instead.'' The look on his face told her he agreed with that sentiment. Getting out of the water they dried off, she took his paw, and they hurried to her bedroom without getting dressed. The two of them definitely drew attention as they rushed through the halls. Most treated them with a respectful indifference but Sally caught her eye and shook her head with a smirk.
See ``Chapter 9 Sex Scene'' or continue to skip it.
True to his word he was in her bed when she woke in the morning. She nuzzled under his chin and he drew a deep breath the arm around her back pulling her in tight. ``Good morning, my love.'' She said quietly.
``And good morning to you. Mmm, your bed is very comfortable. Any chance at getting morning meal delivered?''
She laughed into his chest. ``Maybe since you're here. Momma Sally would never allow it unless I was ill. Said if I wanted to eat I had to come and get it.''
Her head bounced on his chest as he laughed as well. ``Why break with tradition now?'' He moved to sit up and she rolled off this chest and did so as well. They got out of bed together and he looked around confused for a moment. ``I seem to have forgotten to bring in any clothes.''
Melna giggled. ``You could borrow some of mine.''
He squinted at her with a mock reprimand in his eyes. He straightened to sport an imperious stance chin high with paws on hips. ``Not only am I the King of Aldenea I am also the Chieftain of All Silvana. It would not do for me to be seen in women's attire. If I must be seen by the people in my bare fur then so it shall be.''
Melna covered in face her giggling growing. ``Isn't there a story about this?''
``What was it? `The Duke's Fancy Robes?' Well, those fools outside cannot comprehend the detail in the embroidery and quality of the fabric of my new robes.''
Her stomach was beginning to hurt from laughter when she stepped up to hug him. ``You possess the finest of robes, my lord. Shall we parade them for the people?''
Giggling could be heard in the side hallways as they made their way back to the bath to get properly washed. Melna's ears were so hot she felt they might catch fire but she maintained her outer composure as she walked paw in paw with her mate. They cleaned not getting in the pool and two sets of clothing were brought for them wear when they returned for morning meal.
Discretion was obviously not the first rule for the maids of the Villa of the Matriarch. Being a compound meant to house and protect one young woman it wasn't high on the list of priorities. Melna caught a few of them struggling to keep a straight face as they brought food for herself and the chieftain.
After eating Melna lead the Chieftain on a tour of the villa. It didn't take nearly as long as his tour of the palace but she was still proud of her home. Some time later a group of elders from nearby villages arrived. Officially men were still not allowed on the villa grounds so they met in the travel trailer outside.
When the conference was over Melna was disappointed when her mate told her he would be needing to return to Ganden. Plans were made: she would be remaining in the villa until after New Year's Harvest. Dennara, Wilhemina, and Yezni would continue to act as her escort along with several more soldiers from Aldenea to bolster the garrison. General Banchet would remain in command for a while longer.
He promised to come visit her as much as he could. In another month she would return with him Ganden and later back to Palace Alda. Melna stood at the gates of the villa's outer wall watching the travel trailer depart. ``Come back to me soon, my king.'' She said quietly.
She felt a paw at her back and turned to find momma Sally standing with her. ``That boy won't be able to stay away from you for long, little one. He'll be back soon and I predict you two will have a long life together.''
Melna nodded and gave the older woman a long hug.
