Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven

Elaine rushed forward to comfort Gavin while Antonius untied the ropes. They assisted the exhausted man to a tree stump to rest and catch his breath. Large, newborn wings hung limp and pliable as he regained enough breath to speak.

Antonius bowed low, black wings outstretched. “Long life to your Imperial majesty. Your wish is my command.”

“Thank you, my friend, but this is all going too fast. Get up.” Gavin stood, leaning on her support. “Could you give us a moment alone?”

The soldier cast a cross glance at her but obeyed. “Of course. I will make a sweep of the area.”

Once his friend had flown away, Gavin found Elaine's hand and squeezed her fingers. Bending down, he brushed her lips sweetly. A smile had been etched into his features. Beautiful and soft, his gigantic wings curled around her.

Nestled within his beauty, she saw peace shining from those emerald eyes. Already tall, now he dwarfed her completely. The top of her head couldn't even reach his muscular shoulders. He had evolved from a wounded, handsome stranger to a breathtaking angel crowned with golden glory.

“How are you feeling?” she asked timidly. “You look better anyway.”

“The serum has increased my healing abilities further. I've been restored already.” He kissed her again. “Thank you for standing by me.”

“My place is next to you. Your wings are so beautiful...I had no idea. May I touch them?”

“Absolutely.”

“It won't hurt you?”

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Actually, it feels very pleasurable, almost erotic. Be my guest.”

Her fingers moved into the white feathers, caressing deep against the wing. She marveled at their beauty. While soft as rabbit fur, they were strong and unbreakable. The gold-tipped quills rustled in the breeze. He closed his eyes, moaning softly as she explored along these new appendages.

“Does that really feel so good?” she asked, quite fascinated.

His jaw clenched. “Yes. In fact, much more and I won't be able to keep my hands off you.”

With a laugh, she stopped touching him. “That is incredible. These feathers are so soft and sensitive yet can withstand battle.”

“Do you care for a quick ride?”

Excitement fluttered through her stomach. “I'd love to but shouldn't you put some clothes on?”

“Oh, I guess I should. A loincloth won't do for long, will it?”

“I'm not complaining. How are you going to put a tunic on around your wings?”

“They are a practical inconvenience but Praetorian guardsmen wear clothes with open backs to fit under the wingbase. I'll show you.”

He picked up the discarded tunic and tore the upper back out. Then he stepped into the garment, pulling it over his hips and onto his arms. This method was a clever solution to such a basic problem.

“You'll need new tunics though,” she giggled, “You've grown a lot taller. The hem barely covers your buttocks now.”

He shrugged with a cheeky grin. “I can stand it if you can.”

“No complaints here. I'm enjoying the view.”

Chuckling despite himself, he stepped back and readied himself for flight. Those glorious wings raised and lowered, gaining strength until his feet left the grass. She laughed joyfully, stunned by the spectacle. Caught up by the breeze, he hovered before her and held out his hand.

Heartbeat speeding up, she slipped her fingers into his firm, warm grasp. Her small toes were perched gingerly on his large feet. She hugged his neck, catching her breath. He steeled his arms around her. His wings thrust powerfully, carrying them above the treetops and into the headwinds.

Her eyes clamped tight, she heard his voice coaxing her to open up. Frigid air stung her cheeks as she dared a peek. Below them, green valleys, sparkling water and snowy mountains struck her dumb.

Held within her angel's embrace, she took in the view under them. The quiet was delicious. The rustling of feathers in the wind was the only sound. The air was bitter cold but blissful peace was worth such a small discomfort. Gavin's body burned along her front, providing delicious heat. She clung tighter to his neck from sheer awe rather than fear this time.

“Are we too far up?” Gavin asked, sounding concerned.

“No, not at all. How can you stand such beauty without crying?” she whispered breathlessly.

He laughed. “I have managed thus far, my love.”

“Ooo, can we set down on that overlook?” she asked, pointing to a delightful, grassy cliff. “There are so many wildflowers down there.”

“Hang on,” he said, tightening his grip on her.

Elaine's stomach rose into her throat as he dove out of the sky. Cold wind whistled past her ears. She hid against his chest, burrowing deeper. His mighty, proud wings reached for distance, hurdling him toward the ground. About a hundred yards up, they extended straight out. Slowing down, he floated gently to Earth.

A huge grin was on his face. “I forgot how good that felt.”

Giddy and quite dizzy, Elaine knelt in the grass and started picking purple wildflowers. “While we are alone, I wanted to ask about our future. Where do you see us in a year?”

Dropping down beside her, he laid back and leaned upon an elbow. “What do you mean?”

“Is there room for me in the coming fight?”

“My love, I wouldn't leave you behind. I took for granted that you would accompany Antonius and I to the war camp.”

“Is it that simple?” she asked, searching his face.

“What do you mean?”

“We've had a wonderful time on the farm in the last few months. But that is ending now.”

His eyebrows drew together in confusion. “I don't understand.”

“How would I be coming with you? As your mistress or as your declared partner? I'm not sure which I prefer to be honest.”

He smiled, his eyes dancing. “If I am to be emperor, I require a queen. Novus would benefit from your grace and intelligence.”

Stunned at first, she wasn't sure how to respond. “I would be the correct choice for a wife? If anyone found out what I used to be, scandal would destroy your authority.”

“Don't forget. Novus will have an emperor whose mother was a prostitute as well. You and I share a common secret.”

“More than one, my darling.” She took a breath and observed the kindness in his face. “So...are you asking for my hand in marriage then?”

“More than marriage actually. When we reach the camp, I wish to wed you before my loyal supporters and military legions. You deserve a permanent, marital right to be protected. Unless a child is born to us then you will become Empress upon my death.”

Overwhelmed, she dropped her eyes. “This is all happening so fast. It doesn't seem real. You are different now as well.”

“I know but my love for you hasn't changed.” He took her hands in his. “Will you be my wife and support me? I couldn't do this without you. Not even my mother possessed your courage and endurance.”

“If you are absolutely sure of your choice then...I accept your proposal.” She blushed. “I can't believe that I found a man who wants to marry me. I remember arguing with a good friend about our lot in life. We weren't marriage material, I said. Men want us for our bodies and nothing more.”

“You can't say that now. I love your wit, beauty and sense of humor. Most of all, I admire your unflappable courage. You are every bit the queen I've been waiting for.”

Heat burned her cheeks. “Um...do Novian women wear wedding dresses?”

“They do.”

“Have any preferences?”

He grinned and winked. “Just make sure that the neckline shows off your beautiful, luscious breasts.”

“And I wonder what I should wear on our wedding night...”

“My wings will cover you.”

His lips captured hers, probing and loving. She fell back with him, nestled in the soft grass. His scent filled her nostrils, making her lightheaded. His hands, veined and powerful, skimmed over her body. Her feminine curves fit like a glove against his male physique.

Before kissing turned into something much more, Antonius made an appearance, hovering overhead.

“Gavin, I'm reporting back. We need to leave within the next few hours. I didn't find any more Novians but I feel very uneasy. As if we are being monitored somehow.”

“Very well. We were just coming back.”

Elaine glared at the soldier as Gavin left her embrace and helped her up. “He is jealous of me.”

“Why do you say that?” he asked, cocking his head. “He is a dedicated soldier and a good friend. We've known each other for four decades.”

Shaking her head, she smiled. “Maybe I haven't given him a chance. If you trust him then I must have missed something.”

On the flight back to the farm, she reveled in the freedom of Gavin's power. His wings, proud and beautiful, beat relentlessly but his breath didn't even increase. Every few seconds, he thrust against the wind, gaining speed. He remained stoic and strong without a hint of fatigue.

She found him to be more receptive to talking about his world. Careful not to upset him, she asked only certain questions. There was so much to learn before becoming wife to this ethereal, mysterious angel.

“Could you tell me more about the Praetorian Guard?”

“Only the best and most highly trained are chosen for the Guard. They are responsible for guarding the Imperial Dynasty and ensuring power remains with the royal family.”

“How long were you a Praetorian guardsman?”

“In Novian society, every male must serve at least ten years in the military upon finishing his childhood education. Then another ten as a guardsman if chosen.”

“Exactly how old are you?”

“Sixty-three in Earth years.”

She laughed. “Good grief, how is that even possible?”

“Science and modern medicine. The average lifespan of a Novian is two hundred years by now. Two hundred and fifty on the outside.”

A terrible thought entered her mind. “So you'll be young and handsome still when I'm an old woman?”

He chuckled. “Once we are married, you shall receive genetic modulation to extend lifetime, slow aging and prevent disease. Your lifespan should rival mine.”

Burning with more questions, Elaine kept silent, not wanting to sound stupid and repetitive. A headache pounded behind her eyes. She was overwhelmed by the day's events. Panicked anxiety entered her blood.

“Elaine, are you alright? You look ill.”

“I feel a little faint, that's all.”

“I'll hurry. The farm is just down there.”

When her feet touched dirt at last, she breathed much easier. Her wits returned slowly. She leaned upon Gavin's strength, letting him lead her into the barn to sit down.

“Are you feeling better, my love?” he asked, touching her forehead with the back of his hand. “You feel cool to the touch. No fever, I think.”

“Yes, I'm sorry for scaring you. I guess that we were up too high,” she said, waving off his concern. “I got dizzy all the sudden.”

He frowned, cupping her cheek. “I need to remember how easily you can be hurt. Maybe you shouldn't come with Antonius and I.”

Tears sprang behind her eyes. “No, why would you say something like that?”

“Elaine, we are going to war, not a stroll along the palace walls. You need to understand how dangerous this journey will be. Not to mention when we get there.”

“I don't care about the danger. Besides, I can hold my own in a fight. Even today, I saved your life when I shot those two demons or have you forgotten already?”

“No, I have not forgotten your bravery, my darling. On my world, women are given special privileges and aren't required to enter war.”

“Does a Novian woman have the right to choose her fate?”

“Yes, but...”

“Good. Then I choose to live and die with my husband. It's my decision, not yours.”

“What if something happens to you? I couldn't bear your death.” His jaw clenched, muscles rippling. “You are the only tether holding me down.”

Softening, she hugged him tightly. “I feel the same way. You have kept me alive...in more ways than I thought possible.”

He sighed, his wings drooping in defeat. “Must you be so headstrong?”

“Enough to be your wife. You need to know that I won't be a passive bystander, queen or no queen.”

“I give in. What power you wield over my head, madam.”

“My home is where you rest your head. Where you go, I will follow.”

“Then may I suggest that we prepare for the journey to Novus?”

Antonius was waiting impatiently as Gavin escorted her outside. While she gathered supplies and made sense of the ruined cabin, the men held a conversation in the front yard. She stood by the broken kitchen window, straining to overhear.

Antonius' voice drifted to her, sounding angry. “You can't be serious, Gavin. I agree that your woman is attractive enough and very intelligent but she doesn't possess Novian resistance. Our planet has different gravity, atmosphere and diseases to this one. She is too vulnerable.”

“When we reach our military encampment, I intend to marry her.”

“What?”

“Then she will be Empress Consort and entitled to full Imperial protection, including genetic modulation. This isn't an option. She insists upon coming with us and Darius' assassins will find her if she stays here.”

Antonius growled, kicking at the ground. “She will only slow us down. I don't understand why you can't wait and pick a proper Novian.”

“What is the matter with you?” Gavin shouted, fed up with the disrespect. “This isn't up for debate. She has consented to be mine and deserves your allegiance as much as myself. You want me to be emperor? Fine. As your new sovereign, I demand complete obedience to my authority.”

After a brief hesitation, the soldier clapped a fist across his breastplate. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”

“And from now on, you will address my woman by proper titles. Is that understood?”

“Her Grace will receive my full cooperation and protection.”

Gavin's body language relaxed. “Very good. Now, let's discuss the route we need to fly.”

The men walked out of Elaine's earshot. Responsibility settled on her mortal shoulders. How could she possibly be a queen? Aside from the lessons in language and elegance provided by Julia Bulette, she had no formal aristocratic training. No idea how to act in a royal court, much less as the queen of an emperor.

She hoped there would be another woman like Julia who could help her swim in this terrifying, vast ocean.

Cricket whined from beside her, wagging his little tail. She patted his soft head, conveying warm affection and motherly comfort. He nuzzled her leg. She would still have him at least. Two ignorant, like-minded souls clinging to one another in a strange culture. The two of them against this new world.

A shadow fell across them and she looked up. Gavin stood in the doorway, wings silhouetted behind him. Cricket ran to him, panting happily and wiggling his butt. He picked up the golden dog and smiled at Elaine.

“I'll miss this little guy.”

She froze, her eyes snapping up. “Miss him? I thought we were taking Cricket with us.”

Sadness poured from his face. “My love...the only way to Novus is to fly. There won't be room.”

“But you'll be carrying me. Why can't Antonius take Cricket?”

“If we are attacked, who will defend us? He must be free.”

Silent tears came fast as she stood and hugged the little dog. Trapped between his owners, he whined and licked their faces. She stepped back, composing herself.

“I can't take him back to that Widow London. Maybe Jim Hawkins would like a dog. He is the only other good person I know around here.”

Gavin set the dog down and took her into his arms. “I promise you...once we are settled, I'll buy you another pet.”

Afraid of crying once more, she changed the subject. “The cellar was intact at least. I've gathered all that was left. We will have plenty of food.”

“I am truly sorry that your farm was destroyed.”

She shrugged. “It was ours and we were happy but this is real life. Time to build a new world where you will be king.”

He looked sheepish all at once. “You don't think that I am declaring false doctrine? Putting on airs above my station?”

“You know what I think and how I feel towards you. I hope that I am worthy and strong enough to support you.”

Leaning down, he brushed his lips across her forehead. “As my betrothed, you will at last be treated as you deserve. Servants will follow your every command.”

“If we get that far. There is a war to be won first.”

“I'll win it for you,” he said.

She believed him. God help her if she was making a mistake. Trust came hard to her but he deserved it. Her entire existence and survival was now in his hands, worthy or not.

“What do you think should be done about the animals?” Elaine mused, having forgotten about the cow, horse and chickens.

His brow furrowed. “I'm not sure.”

She shrugged sadly. “I'll take them to the general store when I...take Cricket into town.”

“After what those primitives did to you?” he demanded, scowling.

“The storekeeper's wife was kind to me last time. Her husband was terrible but she deserves consideration.”

“You have already taught me a lot about mercy. Is this another lesson?” he quipped, raising an amused eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes. “Quit being useless and help me round up the chickens.”

The cackling birds provided an amusing time. He tried to catch them but his wings kept getting in the way. She couldn't help laughing while watching. At last, she took over and he held the cage door open. The chickens were caught in no time and loaded onto the buckboard.

Then she hitched up Mercury and tied Doe onto the back. Cricket jumped aboard the seat, wagging happily. A lump stuck in her throat. She would miss him desperately.

Gavin flew close by as she drove the gelding to the town's outskirts. He circled far above town while she drove to the general store. Knowing this was her last visit ever, she could bear the judgmental glances easier. Quickly, she tied Doe and Mercury to the hitching post and put the chicken cage on the porch. She walked to the livery stables, Cricket running along behind.

Jim was working alone inside, mucking stalls.

“Hello, Jim.”

He turned around. “Oh, howdy, ma'am. Did those herbs help that man?”

“Yes, he recovered. Jim, I wanted to thank you for all your help and to apologize for my terrible behavior at the social. You are a very good man and will make a wonderful husband one day.”

The boy looked away, redfaced. “Aw, I still like ya, ma'am, no matter what. Wish I was older. Than you'd take me serious.”

She smiled. “I'm sorry we didn't work out. I have a surprise for you though to thank you. I am going away now and can't take my dog with me. Would you like him?”

The boy's head snapped up, his eyes shining. “Really, ma'am? I've always wanted a dog!”

“Good then. His name is...Cricket,” she said, fighting a lump in her throat again. “I know you'll take good care of him.”

Cricket whined as she turned to go. One last time, she threw her arms around him, burying her nose in his golden fur. Jim held him as the door closed behind her. She had not only said goodbye to her best friend but to her old life as well.