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sjsmith56 · 3 months

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Time For Love - Chapter 34, Lord Buchanan

Summary: With the safe arrival of Quin’s mother and sisters in the kingdom the Buchanans travel to the palace to prepare for the wedding of the young prince and his bride-to-be.

Length: 5.5 K

Characters: Lord and Lady Buchanan, Quin Torres, Baroness Blackstone, Queen Camilla and Quin’s sisters.

Warnings: Minors - DNI. Frank discussion of sexuality as Buchanan enlightens Quin about the source of a woman’s sexual pleasure. While not suitable for readers under the age of 18, it would be something an enlightened parent should prepare their son or daughter for. Some reference made to the possibility of death from the coming war.

Author’s notes: This chapter sees the introduction of a new minor, but pivotal character. Hilda, Queen’s Guard commander is this universe’s version of Valkyrie. Unlike that character, Hilda is of First Nations’ descent, Sioux from the Dakotas. She is a warrior, having fought against the Mad Titan, and lost her lands and her people in the process. As a woman she already proved her worth by being commander of the Queen’s Guard, having to do it again in front of Buchanan when some of the lesser commanders don’t respect her abilities.

<<Chapter 33

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Eight days after Fury's departure, word was sent that Quin's mother and sisters had arrived at the palace, the ocean winds having been favourable on their journey north. After three days for her and the princesses to rest at the King's palace the wedding would take place at the palace cathedral where the priest Erasmus would conduct the service. Since Quin and his family were still members of the old church a request was sent for the Bishop to return and consecrate the marriage for their benefit. He had agreed, curious to see if the kingdom still stood without the support of the old church. The word was sent to the Lords to bring their volunteer troops with all of their field equipment to amass under the Prince's banner in a space near the palace. The Lords would attend for the wedding of Prince Arthur and Baroness Blackstone while their troops would begin learning how to work with each other. They would continue training while the Prince and his bride took a short honeymoon then, upon his return, would begin the long overland journey to Quin's homeland.

On the morning of their departure both Buchanan and Ileana kissed Livia tenderly, charging Mary with her care. They mounted their horses along with Quin and led out the party, followed by Bren, Coulson, and the 250 men of their combined force, all under the new banner of Prince Arthur, still insisting on being known as Quin Torres. Bruce would make his own way to the port where the super computer had been unloaded, then return to the palace for the wedding. When they passed through the ravine and came up alongside the lands of Sir Archer Barton he met them in his archer's uniform, his bow slung on his back with 30 archers in formation. He bowed before Buchanan, Ileana, and Quin.

"These are all free men and women, not affiliated with any lord, except by friendship," he announced. "But all of them have felt the sting of an unjust master before. You go to fight for the good of all us, Prince Arthur. Allow us to join your forces. Lord Buchanan can verify our skill and dedication."

Quin looked at Buchanan who nodded his approval. "Thank you, Sir Archer Barton," he replied. "You honour me. Until we defeat my father's cousin I will not use my title. You may call me Torres as my soldiers do until the time when I take my rightful place as my father's heir."

Barton led the archers into a formation behind the assembled column and they continued on their way to the King's palace. As expected it was already full of Lords who had arrived with their volunteers. Outside of the palace walls a large contingent of tents was already set up with a large space nearest the palace walls still empty as it was reserved for Buchanan's contingent. As their force set up their tents Barton stood beside Buchanan and Ileana.

"Lila will not be joining us on this venture," he said. "She and William are expecting their first. I hope to return before she has my first grand child."

Both of them expressed their congratulations to the man, long considered a good friend. His small force of archers was unexpected but most welcome. Quin approached them, having seen to the disposition of the force from Buchanan's estate.

"I seek my mother and sisters," he said. "Would you come with me to meet them all properly? As my foster parents I wish my mother to know you have acted in my best interests at all times."

Buchanan and Ileana accompanied Quin into the castle but first appeared before King Steven and Queen Peg. Quin repeated his thanks to them for offering their assistance but even they could see he was anxious to see his mother and sisters. He was excused while Buchanan and Ileana stayed longer to give him some time with his family alone. A servant did arrive, advising them of Prince Arthur's request for their presence and they followed him up to where Quin and his family were. As they entered the suite, Quin brought his mother forward.

"Lord and Lady Buchanan, I would like to formally introduce my mother Queen Camilla Lucia de Torres Walker," he said. "Mother, my foster parents who I owe everything to."

She smiled kindly. "Lord Buchanan, words cannot express my gratitude for your kindness to my son," she said. "Lady Buchanan, thank you for being a mother to Quin when I could not. The change in him is readily evident. Now he is to be married to a woman he loves and who loves him back. I only wish he would stay with us during the war but I see he has acquired your sense of honour and feels he must go to fight at his father's side."

"I will accompany him your Majesty," said Buchanan. "My honour demands I continue what I started. He is a fine man, and with luck and right on our side he will someday be a fine king."

The Queen smiled then gestured to her daughters to come forward. "My daughters," she said. "Princesses Sophia, Marianne, Luisa, Vivienne, and the baby Constance."

The four older sisters curtsied as Buchanan bowed his head to them and Ileana did a small curtsy. The baby gurgled happily in the arms of her nursemaid. As Quin related much of what he had experienced during his stay in the kingdom Buchanan could see that the Queen had difficulty keeping her attention focused on her son's voice. During a break Buchanan suggested that Quin find Baroness Blackstone as she must have arrived. Ileana, who had noticed the Queen's discomfort, stood up and asked if the princesses would like to see the Queen's Guard in person. The Queen gave her permission and the four older princesses went with Ileana gladly as they wished to be outside. Left alone with the Queen, the nursemaid and the baby, Buchanan cleared his throat.

"You may speak openly in front of Nina," said the Queen, referring to the nursemaid. "She has cared for all of my children and heard much. Often she has been my only confidant."

"How was the situation when you boarded the ship?" asked Buchanan.

"Hostile," said the Queen. "The Duke issues daily invectives against the King, calling him an agent of the devil for allowing the modern ones to live in the country. What is worse is that my own family has become split with some backing the Duke and some backing the King. The ones that back the Duke are the same ones who arranged my marriage to him. They call him out for his use of mistresses yet they knew of it when the negotiations were made. Hypocrites."

"Quin is not his father," said Buchanan, "at least not in that respect. He has stayed unsullied, wishing to save himself for his bride. The men under my command respect him greatly. From the moment they volunteered Quin has lived, trained and eaten with them exclusively."

The Queen smiled fondly. "I am glad," she said. "He has changed so much. His father also changed, especially after your visit. He sent his mistresses away shortly after Fury left, compensating them for their "service" to him. Then he begged my forgiveness for being a weak husband. It was unexpected and we did spend time in each other's company that was pleasant before he sent us away as well. When David received Quin's letter about finding his own suitable bride he was surprised but when he learned you were a mentor to the Baroness he put aside his prejudices and saw it as an opportunity to begin a long overdue change to his court. Perhaps that is also why the talk of war sprung up so fast as many of those deposed courtiers went to the Duke."

"Quin told me of those courtiers," said Buchanan. "Change is never kind to men like that. They fight it to keep what they see as theirs and theirs alone."

At that moment Quin arrived with Baroness Blackstone, introducing her with obvious pride to his mother. Isabella, having been noble born, gave a deep curtsy to the Queen, then was welcomed with a warm kiss on the cheek by her. After a few minutes listening in to the two women becoming acquainted Buchanan excused himself to return to the tent, telling Quin to stay a while longer.

Out in the courtyard Ileana was returning with the princesses, along with Sarah and Win, the two foster daughters of King Steven and Queen Peg. The two sisters were talking quickly in the way young girls sometimes do, extolling the virtues of one thing after another. The princesses seemed amused and entranced by their commentary.

"How was the visit to the Queen's Guard?" he asked. "Princess Sophia, Princess Marianne, you are both of an age you may begin training in the use of weapons. Most young women of your age, whether noble or common born engage in weapons training. The Baroness who marries your brother is an accomplished fighter and I know would be willing to share her knowledge with you."

"It isn't permitted in our kingdom," said the oldest, Sophia, with a glint in her eye. "But then, we aren't in our kingdom anymore, are we? Certainly, the ones in the Guard are fearless warriors. Is it true a company of them will go with you into battle?"

"It's true," said Buchanan. "In times of war all must be prepared to fight for what is right. Now, if you go up to your mother's rooms the Baroness is there. I am sure you all wish to meet the one who has agreed to marry your brother."

They excused themselves, running back to the rooms with Win and Sarah guiding them. Buchanan turned to his wife.

"They have lived such a repressed life," she said, watching them until they were gone from view. "Riding was all that was allowed and that was by side saddle only. They are frightened of the war. By their accounts the Duke is not a man to be trusted."

"The Queen said the King began changing the structure of his court and many were insulted by it so they threw their support to the Duke," replied Buchanan, who then sighed. "I meet with the commanders soon. Quin should be joining me. It will be very dull for you in our tent, full with men talking war, and one woman, the Queen's Guard commander. I would have much rather spent these days alone with you, my dearest love."

He caressed her face and neck, looking softly at her, then they were both hailed by Quin. With an apologetic smile he left her there and went to his tent with the young prince where most of the other commanders were waiting. As Buchanan looked over them he was pleased to see some battle hardened veterans of previous wars. They, in turn, gave strong greetings to him for agreeing to lead their force with the prince. The woman commander, a tall dark haired woman whose heritage of the first peoples was evident gave every indication of being fully able to handle herself. A few questionable comments were made in Hilda's presence and before Buchanan could say anything she threw one of the offending men down on the ground and held him there with the admonition that she was a warrior trained from birth, in the style of the Amazons. After her Queen was murdered and their lands plundered by the Mad Titan she had worked as a mercenary until finding her place with the Queen's Guard. After he yielded to her skills, she offered him her hand to stand up. The man held her forearm in his for several moments in a gesture of respect for her abilities.

"Your lands now, is there a queen in place?" asked Buchanan, who was interested in knowing what drove this woman.

"No, there is no one, except a few who can scrape out a living in the pockets of farmable land scattered throughout," she said, drawing herself up to her full height, equal to his own. "Thanos scorched the earth so that no one can rule over it ever again. I found a home here but I am willing to help fight in any just cause."

"I have heard of your land," said Buchanan. "For that alone the Mad Titan deserved death. I am glad you are with us, Hilda of the Stone Lands. Your ancestors were mighty warriors."

She nodded her head in assent and took her place beside the others, impressed that Buchanan knew her origin as a descendent of the native peoples who lived and hunted on all lands for thousands of years before the ancient ones. After the calamity that affected all of them her people had reassembled far to the west in lands heavily marked with mountains and hills of stone. They guarded it well as it had rich mineral deposits, as well as plentiful game. They lived as their ancestors did, were masters of the horse, and skilled bow hunters. Led by warrior queens they were a formidable force until the Mad Titan decimated them by treachery. Then he turned them into slaves, forcing them to extract the valuable minerals by any means which ruined their waterways and lands, leaving them unable to sustain life. Hilda obviously equated the Duke with the Mad Titan, in his zeal to mark the Western Plains as his.

Buchanan quickly went through the session with the commanders outlining what he had learned about the conditions they would fight in. Quin also spoke about the lawless ones and the dangers they presented. Two hours later all the commanders knew what they were going into. The next two days would be spent out in the country, learning to coordinate themselves as a force and giving the recruits who made up almost half of their numbers the opportunity to become used to the sounds of battle. The third day was to be Quin's wedding. There would be practice skirmishes in the morning but the afternoon would be free, with beer provided by way of celebration. While Quin took three days with his bride Buchanan would continue the training. On the day of his return they would make preparations to leave. On the following day all would ride the overland route to the Kingdom of the Western Plains.

After an evening feast for the lords and their ladies, to become acquainted with Queen Camilla and her daughters, most of the nobles retired to their tents. Buchanan, as the Right Hand of the King did have his own suite of rooms in the palace but chose to stay in the tent already erected as befitting the general of the force that would go out. Quin stayed in a small tent shared with his friends Liam and Edward, needing their light heartedness to keep from brooding about the coming war. The fact they used the time to tease him about his wedding night had him second guessing his decision but he couldn't stay irritated at the pair for long and eventually the three young men slept. When they prepared to ride out to the country after a hearty breakfast, along with the assembled force, he and Buchanan assumed what Ileana referred to as their "game faces."

"It is not a game we prepare for, my love," admonished Buchanan. "It is deadly serious. Men, and women, will die." She looked at him fearfully for a moment, making him regret his choice of words. "I do not intend to die on the battlefield. If I am fortunate, I will be an old man, surrounded by my children and grandchildren, with those friends I love close by, to see me off to the next world. Perhaps you will already be waiting for me, perhaps not, but we will not be separated for long. Once we are together again, we will spend our days in the garden of paradise, no fears or sadness in our existence, young once more and full of the vigour of our youth."

She had placed her hand in his at that moment, which he raised to his lips. Then he mounted his horse and she watched as he rode with the force to where they trained until almost sunset, returning long enough to bathe, eat, and stumble into bed, his arms curled protectively around her. The second day passed the same as the first.

On the day of Quin's wedding the sun rose into a cloudless sky. Buchanan and Ileana could hear the sounds of the camp awakening all around them but their attention was only on each other. She had awakened him before the dawn with tender gestures, and now laid under him as he satisfied her desire gently with many soft words and caresses. Then he spooned behind her as his hand cradled her growing belly. It was too soon to feel the movement of the baby within but the changes in Ileana's body had already become noticeable. Buchanan felt a sense of loss that he possibly wouldn't be there for the birth, fearing that this war would be long and bloody. Until he left, the nights were devoted to her needs just as the days were devoted to preparing for battle, even though his exhaustion plucked at him.

By the time they rose, bathed and dressed for the morning's breakfast they were joined by Quin, Bren, Coulson and Bruce, who had arrived the evening before from the port town where the super computer had been relocated. Baroness Romanoff and Silas Brenson were also present, having arrived the day before. It was a very lively breakfast as Quin described the imbibing of spirits, acquired by his friends Liam and Edward. They sat out in the night air, looking at the stars and talking about their young lives while sharing the bottle of replicated Tennessee whiskey. The topic of the wedding night had come up and both Liam and Edward had admitted they had no clue what they would do with a woman in their bed. Quin filled them in, admitting that his father had at least talked to him about the process of it, if not the finer points. As Buchanan listened to Quin joke about his friend's reactions to the process he made a note to speak privately with the young prince himself, knowing that a memorable first experience in the marriage bed would be something to cherish for both him and his bride. He found that opportunity less than an hour later when Quin himself asked if he would ride with him briefly to speak frankly on several topics. When they were well away from the ears of others Quin turned to Buchanan.

"It is true my father told me the process but I know nothing about actually pleasing a woman," he said reluctantly. "Beyond the kissing and caressing I feel ill prepared for my wedding night. It has settled on my brain that I will be a disappointment to Isabella. I have heard you and Lady Buchanan, and I can see by how you look at each other that you have joy in your marriage bed. Please tell me how to please Isabella."

Buchanan took in a deep breath. As much as he intended to give Quin as much information as he knew, the first time was going to set the stage for all of it. It was a daunting task that would have been easier if the boy had at least lain already with one woman.

"The first time is always more difficult for most women because it usually hurts," said Buchanan. "She may bleed as you will be breaking her maidenhead. For some women it is very painful but for others it is of no consequence. Until you try you won't know which it will be. For the first time, be gentle. Don't go into her like you have seen your father's horses or bulls breed. Go slow, caress her, talk sweetly to her, kiss her. Above all else, don't give into your own body and allow your release to happen before hers does. Before you even go into her you can prepare her by caressing her entry gently with your fingers, even your tongue on her spot if you wish to try that."

Quin looked at him with surprise. "You can do that?" he asked. "Your tongue? What spot?"

Buchanan smiled. "It is pleasurable to every woman I have ever been with," he said. "For the first time it might be too much for the woman to accept as it is intense for them, especially in combination with your fingers inside of her, curling up towards her front. The spot is harder to describe, found just above her entry. You will know it if it becomes hard or swollen during her arousal. It is the source of much of a woman's pleasure. As you become better at finding her spot your own body can stimulate it during your thrusting. That is the best of both worlds."

Buchanan smiled mysteriously as he spoke and Quin listened to him in awe describing the perfect melding of lust and love in the joining of two bodies and two souls in the marriage bed. He broke his reveries and looked at the young prince.

"My first time I was as unknowing as you were," he said. "I convinced one of the kitchen maids of the Lord of our lands to lay with me after I delivered vegetables to the kitchen. She was not a novice at it and took pity on me, instructing me where to touch and I barely thrust three times before I spilled my seed, outside her body for she pushed me away so as not to conceive a child. I was so ignorant I didn't even know that much. I learned some through trial and error, more of the latter. It wasn't until I found my first wife, Elena, a modern woman, that I learned most of what it takes to please a woman. She was not afraid to tell me what pleased her and what didn't. Encourage Isabella to be free to enjoy her body and yours, to be truthful to share what pleases her. The best joinings are those when you give yourself completely to her as she should to you."

"What if I fail?" asked Quin. "What if my manhood fails to perform or she laughs at me?"

"These first few days may seem like you are under pressure to conceive your heir," soothed Buchanan. "Don't worry about it. If it is meant to happen it will. As for the laughter, well, she may be nervous herself and that could be her reaction to the situation, not to you. She has wanted to lay with you since seeing you under the falls. Ileana told me. She is probably having this same conversation with Ileana. If she laughs then laugh with her, put her at her ease. You have the rest of your married life to get this part of your marriage right."

Quin considered everything that Buchanan had told him, realizing the older man was right. In many ways he was fortunate having found the right woman at so young an age. It meant they would have many years together. Buchanan had only found Ileana two years previous after being alone for ten years before that. When they rode back to the palace the word came that it was time to prepare for the wedding and he gave thanks to Buchanan for the much-needed talk. Now he felt truly ready to marry his bride.

Shortly after Quin entered the palace to begin his preparations King Thorn and Queen Jane arrived along with 250 men. Although he and his queen had been expected, the 250 men were not. He dismounted his horse, helped his queen off hers then watched as she entered the palace before turning to Buchanan.

"I had planned to bring just 100 men," said Thorn. "Then word reached me from one of the overland coffee pedlars. Another southerner who helped my brother has entered the fray on the side of the Duke. He had provided refuge to the sorcerer, using him to enrich himself. My men are yours Buck. All are battle tested and will not let you down. Their commander, Heimdall, is one of my most trusted warriors."

Heimdall came forward then and Buchanan recognized him as one of the first warriors to break free from the spell that kept them in the dungeons of Thorn's castle. His will was strong and they clasped arms together in recognition of each other's strengths. He, along with Bren and Coulson would be his three commanders as their force was now 1500 strong. For the few days after the wedding while Quin was with his bride they would learn to be a unified force.

As Heimdall, Bren and Coulson took it upon themselves to get the large group set up, Buchanan returned to his tent to get dressed for the wedding. He found Ileana already there, ready to go in a garment that drew his breath out of his body at the sight of her. She had seen one of the master weavers in his lands and now wore a dress made from his latest creation, a rust coloured fabric of the finest weave. Along the front panel were gold embroidered flowers with the trims in either fine black or gold lace. The corset part was left deliberately loose to accommodate the child growing within her. Her hair had been swept to one side and cascaded down her chest in dark chestnut curls, with small gold fabric roses pinned to her hair.

"My Ileana," he said as he raised her up by offering his hand. "You are a vision, my Lady. I will hasten my preparations for I want all to see your beauty for the longest time before the nuptials."

She smiled and sat back down, telling him as he dressed about Isabella requesting a conversation with her, away from listening ears. He told her of having the same conversation with Quin. Exiting from his dressing area he quickly put his jacket on, one made of grey, gold and bronze brocade, trimmed in black and gold. His breeches were soft grey leather, as were his boots. The vest was solid grey as was his silk shirt.

"James," she whispered loudly as she rose from the seat. "How will I ever keep another woman's eyes off of you for you look magnificent."

He gently caressed her face then offered her his arm and they walked through the encampment to the nods and smiles of many into the palace. Outside the cathedral many had already gathered, dressed in their finery. When both King Thorn and King Steven arrived with their Queens they were seated first, in the front row of the pews on the left side. Lord and Lady Buchanan were seated on the second row of the pews on the left side. Other Lords, with connections to either Quin Torres or Baroness Blackstone were seated accordingly behind them except for the two front rows on the right. When Rhodes, Wallis, Liam and Edward arrived they were placed in the second row as the closest friends and associates of the young prince. All were dressed in a military dress uniform that Buchanan had quickly arranged the construction of, leaving it for them to find in their quarters. Wallis would return to the garrison immediately after the wedding whereas Rhodes would return with Ileana after the force left for the Kingdom of the Western Plains. Liam and Edward were already part of the volunteer force but would have no curfew on this night of celebration. They were joined by Bren and Coulson, also in a military dress uniform that both seemed to find uncomfortable. Quin had insisted that all of them have a place of honour in the cathedral as they were the best of men after Lord Buchanan.

The final persons to be seated were Queen Camilla and four of her five daughters, the eldest had been asked to stand with her future sister-in-law. She came regally down the aisle trailed by her daughters to join the nursemaid who already sat in the front right pew with the baby in her arms. The sounds of organ music began and the procession of clergy walked down the aisle. The Bishop, dressed in his finery, had originally demanded that he walk in first but the priest Erasmus had correctly pointed out it that the ceremony was of the new church. The Bishop's presence was required only to bless the union for the sake of the church in the prince's homeland. When they had taken their place at the front of altar Silas Brenson walked out to the murmurs of many who had never seen him before. Dressed regally for the occasion he brought proud smiles to his wife and his father as he strode confidently down the aisle to his spot. Everyone rose for the entrance of Quin and if there had been any doubt of his being a prince before there was no doubt when he walked down the aisle. Dressed in gold brocade made with real gold threads and trimmed with silver he wore his official crown of gold as the heir of his father's kingdom. Everyone was asked to remain standing for the arrival of the Princess Sophia. Gracefully she walked down the aisle carrying a single white calla lily. When she arrived at the altar it was the Baroness' turn to make the long walk. She made the decision to walk herself down the aisle to show her independence and to verify that as a Baroness in her own right she did not need permission from a parent to marry. Her dress was made of silver brocade, trimmed in gold and she carried a single white rose. On her head was a silver crown trimmed with gold, gifted to her by Quin. As she reached his side he held his hand out to her with a smile and she took it.

The service was brief, to the dismay of the Bishop, but he still blessed it so as not to lose face. He signed the register as the official celebrant of the old church making it a legal marriage in the eyes of both churches. When Quin kissed Isabella the organ player played the recessional music with gusto bringing smiles to everyone there. The couple walked happily down the aisle followed by Silas who offered his arm to the Princess, then Quin's mother came out of her pew with a relieved smile followed by her other daughters. The rest of the attendees filed out in turn. Everyone was directed to a large pavilion erected on the other side of the palace where food and drinks had already been laid out. There was music and everyone was in a mood to celebrate.

As the afternoon evolved into the evening the servants came out and turned on the battery lamps which had been enclosed in different coloured coverings giving everything a soft multicoloured glow. Speeches were made and the couple thanked everyone for making the event a success. Then the musicians began playing a soft lovely tune that many of the modern women recognized and began to sing along to; Something by the Beatles. Quin took Isabella's hand and danced with her so gracefully and lovingly that many of the wives took their husband's hands in their own watching the young couple with tears in their eyes. After that the dancing was opened to everyone and the floor became crowded. Even Quin's friends Liam and Edward got up their courage to ask the Princesses Sophia and Marianne to dance. After receiving an assenting nod from their mother they accepted and were soon smiling broadly as the two young soldiers in their dress uniforms proved they were up to the task. At approximately 10 pm the cake was brought out and the couple delicately fed each other a piece. Word was given to the Prince that the bridal boudoir had been prepared. After visiting individually with their friends and Quin with his family they bade good night to everyone and were escorted to the same room where Lord Buchanan and Ileana had spent their wedding night. Changes had been made to the room since that night as a bathing room had been added as well as soft furnishings and bedding. A guard was posted at the bottom of the stairs to protect their privacy from those who would eavesdrop. The guard did report to Lord Buchanan several hours later that pleasurable sounds had been heard, both male and female. Buchanan slipped him a gold coin and thanked him for his discretion.

Chapter 35>>

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