FREE READ Saturdays - Contest Story Number Four - Rayna's Wedding Night

Your FREE READ contest story #4 comes from the prompt by Tara:

She wielded her sword with a barely repressed fury. How dare he? He'd rue the day he'd crossed her...

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Rayna’s Wedding Night

Rayna marched down the hall to her father’s apartments, holding up a hand when his Major Domo tried to stop her from entering. “I will see him now.” She stuck out her chin, holding the man’s gaze, daring him to refuse her entry.

He finally stepped aside, opened the heavy wooden doors, and announced Rayna to her father King Vernon. Rayna pushed past the Major Domo and strode to where her father sat calmly sipping tea.

“Are the rumors true, Father? Have you really promised me to that boorish dolt?” She planted her feet, hands on hips.

Her father nodded, his gaze on the Major Domo behind her. Rayna waited until she heard the doors shut before speaking again. “I won’t marry him. You cannot force me to.”

“Hold your tongue. I will not have my daughter called a spinster.”

“I am barely twenty one years of age. That is hardly a spinster.”

“Your sisters each had two children by that age.”

“And they are both miserable in their marriages.”

Her father snorted and slammed the teacup on the table in front of him “I suppose you wish to marry for love, is that it?”

They’d had this conversation before, and it always ended the same way. Her father spent half an hour listing all the reasons why marrying for love was pointless, starting with the fact her mother had betrayed him with another man. Rayna took a deep breath and took her hands off her hips. She lowered her voice. “Father, I cannot change what happened. Not every marriage made for love turns out the same way as yours.”

He waved a hand in dismissal. “We are done speaking of this. Camden arrives this evening. I expect you to greet him as his intended, nothing less. Is that clear, Rayna?”

His creased brow and glare gave no room for argument. Rayna bowed and left the room, waiting until she’d reached her own apartments to let the tears flow. She was trapped. Who could she ask to intervene? Certainly not her sisters. They already thought her foolish because she’d rejected every suitor. When she tried to explain how she didn’t want to end up like them it only hurt their feelings. She was torn between duty to her Crown, and fear of becoming nothing more than chattel to a man she would never love.

***
Rayna curtseyed as she was presented to Camden. She’d met the Count once before when they were mere youths. Her family had gone on retreat to the Hill Country where Camden’s family was also visiting.

Camden was only two years older than her but hadn’t wanted to join their games of hide-and-seek or skipping rocks over the lake’s surface. Her sisters had giggled and flirted with the brooding handsome young man, but Rayna ignored him. Especially after he had called them silly girls and dismissed their games as childish and boring.

As she settled her gaze over Camden’s face, her heart gave a strange lurch. Could this really be the serious youth to whom she’d barely given a second glance years ago? The dark wavy hair she remembered was barely contained by the silk tie holding it. A sudden image of it unrestrained, draped across his broad shoulders flitted through her mind.

“Let us dance,” he said, taking her arm to lead her onto the floor as the orchestra began a waltz.

Rayna went through the motions only because all eyes were on the couple – including her father’s. She didn’t speak, as it was difficult to breathe. Camden twirled her around the floor with a surprising lightness of foot for such a tall man. His scent, warm and musky, circled around her face making her dizzy.

“You’ve grown, Princess,” he whispered.

“As have you, Sir.” Her voice sounded breathy and hesitant, not at all her normal speech.

He chuckled softly, the sound washing over Rayna like warm rain. “We were quite young when we first met. I believe I may have insulted you by not joining in your games.”

Rayna searched his face for any hint of sarcasm or mockery but found only unbridled lust.

“I am ready to play games now, Rayna.” His voice was so low she barely heard the words. Heat stole over her body, as though she’d been outdoors in the sun too long. A delicious sensation began to build, deep in her groin.

He leaned closer and the musky scent penetrated her brain, rendering coherent thought impossible. “When you are my wife,” he whispered, “I will teach you games you’ve never dreamed of.”

Rayna stumbled and was forced to cling tightly to his arm to keep from falling. When the dance ended she excused herself and left the ballroom as quickly as possible without drawing undue attention.

She slipped into one of the empty rooms and leaned against the wall, trying to get her breathing under control. She had to return to the ball. It would infuriate her father if she left after one dance, and there was no place to hide permanently from Camden. They would be married by the week’s end. Rayna wasn’t sure if her reaction to him had been borne of fear or the most intense arousal she had ever felt. Either way it had been entirely unexpected.

As soon as she returned to the ballroom he sought her out, boldly taking a seat next to her without first being invited to do so by her father. Her father didn’t appear to notice the breach of manners, and instead engaged the Count in conversation about his family and hunting. Rayna barely heard the words. She was too busy watching Camden’s mouth, full and lush, wondering what it would feel like to have those lips on her body.

“Rayna, the Count asked you a question.” Her father’s sharp tone broke through her reverie.

“I beg your pardon, Sir. What did you ask me?”

“You’re miles away,” he said, his dark eyes flashing with amusement. “I asked if you shoot a bow.”

“Not very well, Sir. I prefer fencing.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Do you now? We shall have to match blades tomorrow. I would love to teach you properly.”

Properly? “Sir, I have been taking lessons for twelve years. I am quite skilled.”

He fixed her with a smoky stare. “We shall see.”

Rayna forced her attention from his handsome face and intense gaze. How dare he? He may have grown into a devastatingly handsome man, but he was still the same haughty boy inside.
***
A crowd gathered the next morning to watch the pair face off with blades. They were covered with foil as if this were nothing more than a lesson, but Rayna still intended to show him she had more skill than he gave her credit for.

Within minutes it was obvious his skill was equal if not greater than hers, and she became winded trying to keep up with him.

“Do you need to take a break?” he asked. “You appear to be having difficulty already.”

“I’m fine, Sir.”

As they lunged and recovered, he kept up a steady stream of conversation. Rayna was infuriated. Not only was it poor manners to do so, but she could barely breathe let alone speak as she tried to out-maneuver him.

“I do believe we should end this, Rayna. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

She wielded her sword with a barely repressed fury. How dare he? He'd rue the day he'd crossed her. With renewed energy she stepped forward and let her training take over, but she was still no match for his stamina. She missed an easy quarter turn and the point of his blade touched her abdomen. She had no choice but to concede the match.

Polite applause erupted from the spectators. Rayna tore off her gloves and mask and proceeded toward the nearest door, intending to head straight to her apartments, but a hand on her arm stopped her.

“You have impressive skill but also much to learn.”

She spun to face Camden, still panting from her exertions. “And you are still the rude little boy I met years ago.”

He laughed, leaning in close. His breath was warm on her face and she found her gaze riveted to his mouth. “I love your spirit, Rayna. It will serve us well in my bed.”

Gasping, she backed away from him and sprinted into the castle, ignoring the stares of servants as she ran through the halls. Safe in her apartments, she sat on the edge of her bed, still panting. She couldn’t do this. This man didn’t love her. He only wanted her body. He would take delight in humiliating her in bed as he had done on the piste. How could her father have done this to her?
***
Rayna’s body trembled as she walked towards Camden, her husband now, perched on the edge of their wedding bed. He wore a robe but his feet were bare. She tried not to stare at the fine dusting of dark hair on his calves, wondering if his entire body was covered with it. She’d never seen a naked man.

“Do not fear me, lovely Rayna. I won’t hurt you.”

She wanted to believe him, but it wasn’t physical hurt for which she now braced herself. The joy she should have felt this day was overshadowed by the certain knowledge he would have her in tears long before this night was over.

“Your shift is exquisite but I want to see your skin, not lacy fabric.” He pulled her closer, and Rayna closed her eyes as his arms enfolded her in a tight embrace. She shivered as their bodies touched. Even through the clothing they wore she felt his heat. When his hands moved slowly over her back and down to her ass, she whimpered slightly.

“Take off your nightshift,” he commanded, releasing her from the embrace. She took a step backwards and reached down to gather the hem, pulling it up and over her head. She clasped the material in front of her breasts, arms crossed, but he gently pried them apart and dropped the garment to the floor.

“You’re beautiful.” His voice sounded almost reverent. Rayna was surprised by the gentle tone. She’d expected him to mock her ample proportions. She didn’t have the tiny waist her sisters did.

“Now take off my robe.”

“Sir, please. I have never undressed a man.”

“Do you fear what you might see when you do?” The candlelight illuminated the gleam in his eyes.

She shook her head. She would not show this man fear. Reaching for the sash she pulled it, then opened the edges of the robe to reveal his chest. A fine dusting of dark hair peeked out and she bit her lip, fighting a sudden urge to touch it.

“Keep going.” His voice held a mocking tone, as though he were enjoying watching the struggle that must be visible on her face.

She had to take a step closer to remove the robe from his arms, revealing impressive muscles. The garment was now pooled around his waist, and Rayna hesitated. Did he expect her to remove it from his privates as well?

He solved the dilemma for her by standing. Rayna tried not to stare as his robe fell to the ground, but it was impossible to look away from his cock, thick and red. It pointed straight at her and was slick with liquid at the tip.

She backed away, shaking her head. Fear enveloped her and she moaned, unsure what to do. The stories her sisters had told of the pain and revulsion they’d felt on their wedding nights came back to her in a rush. She had to flee this room.

Before she had a chance to react, he picked her up in his arms and laid her on the bed. She tried to roll away but he covered her body with his, cradling her head in his hands. Rayna gasped as their skin touched. He was on fire, and the same delicious sensation she’d felt in her groin when he told her he was ready to play games returned.

He gazed into her face with awe and lust. Rayna let her attention wander over his hair, remembering how she’d wanted to see it unbridled. It hung over his shoulders now, and she felt a sudden urge to wrap her fingers in it. His shaft pressed against her lower abdomen. Her nipples felt strangely alive, and the hair on his chest against her naked breasts sent shivers down her spine.

When he pressed his lips to hers, she moaned deep in her throat and arched her hips toward him. His mouth moved over hers in ways she’d never imagined, sending shock waves straight to her fingers and toes. She squirmed under his touch, unsure what to do, trying to make sense of the sudden ache in her groin.

“Open your mouth,” he breathed. She did as he asked, and when his tongue slid inside she groaned, tangling her fingers in his hair. It was as soft as it looked. His hands played over her hair as his tongue assaulted her mouth. Rayna was aware of every inch of her body, each nerve ending on fire. Heat rushed through her, accompanied by a desire she couldn't put a name to.

He released her mouth and trailed hot kisses down her neck. She clung to his hair and arched her hips toward him again as his hands touched her breasts. He kneaded them and teased her nipples with his thumb, forcing loud moans from her. She shook her head, unable to make sense of what she felt.

“Magnificent,” he whispered, fastening his mouth on one nipple. Rayna cried out. Nothing could have prepared her for the surge of passion that shot straight to her pussy as she suckled her. She’d never imagined a man’s mouth could do such exquisite things.

He moved to the other one and she tossed her head back and forth, silently begging for release she didn’t understand. Her clit felt like it was on fire. She’d touched herself before but it had never felt like this. She craved a fulfillment for which there was no name.

His tongue trailed over both breasts, lazily, then began a slow descent toward her pussy. “Sir, no… I beg you.”

He looked into her eyes with such tenderness that her heart skipped a beat. “You have no need to fear, Rayna. I want to teach you, not harm you. Spread your legs for me.”

She shuddered as he stroked her upper thighs, gently urging them apart. When he cupped her groin she closed her eyes, tensing, but his touch was feathery and teasing, not rough as she had been warned it would be. Her sisters had been wrong about everything so far.

He stroked her wet slit with one finger. Fireworks danced behind her closed eyes as his touch moved over her clit. She moaned and writhed against it, craving release even while she didn’t know what that meant. How could anything feel so complete?

When he bent his head and licked the spot where his finger had just been, she screamed as a powerful wave overtook her. The insides of her pussy contracted, and the pleasure radiated down her legs and back up to her very heart. It beat so rapidly she was sure she was dying. Her limbs trembled. When he slid a finger inside her there was no pain, only more pleasure as the contractions continued.

When they finally subsided he moved beside her and pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair and back. “Lesson one learned,” he whispered.

Instead of making her angry, the comment struck her as funny and she giggled softly against his strong chest. “Pray tell me Sir, what is lesson two?”

He lifted her chin and grinned. The gesture set off another wave of desire and Rayna shuddered. “It’s your turn to touch me,” he said.

Rolling onto his back, he took her hand and guided it to his shaft. She liked the silky feel of it, but had no idea what to do. “Straddle my legs, Rayna.”

She did as he asked, then watched in fascination as he showed her how to grasp his cock at the base and stroke, up and down. The look of pure satisfaction on his face inflamed her passion once again. She felt alive with power at the realization she could make him feel such pleasure with a mere touch of her hand.

“Rayna… I need to be inside you. Now.”

Fear gripped her heart and she let go of him. He reached up and touched her cheek tenderly. “Do not be afraid. Move so you’re poised over me. I will help you.”

Did he mean she was to impale herself over his cock? It bulged and trembled as though it were alive. Surely it would not fit inside her. He grasped her around the waist and moved her forward so her clit grazed his shaft. She cried out as the sensitive bud came alive at the touch. She rocked her hips, sliding her pussy over the length of his cock, moaning at the sensation it produced.

He let go of her and took his shaft in one hand, pointing it straight at her groin. “Take hold of it,” he said. She did as he asked, then watched as he grasped her waist again and guided his shaft toward her slick opening.

There was a brief flash of pain, then the most exquisite pleasure Rayna had ever experienced as he gently lowered her until his cock was inside. She whimpered and trembled, looking into his eyes. “What do I do?” she whispered.

He held onto her hips and moved her up and down over him, slowly at first. Rayna cried out as pleasure overtook her. She clung to his arms as the contractions started again, more intense this time. His thrusting increased and she reached down to touch her clit, aching to prolong the sensations.

“Oh Rayna...yes. Touch yourself."

She’d never felt so wanton, so uninhibited. This was unlike any pleasure she’d ever known. The contractions seemed to go on forever, and when he cried out and shuddered inside her, she held onto him until his breathing returned to normal. He pulled her into his arms and held her close. She clung to his damp skin, enjoying the peaceful slipping sensation that stole over her. She never wanted to leave his strong embrace.

“Lesson three,” he whispered.

She lifted her head to gaze into her husband’s eyes. “I hope there are more lessons, Sir.”

Camden grinned and rolled her onto her back. “Oh beautiful Rayna, there are indeed.”