Chapter 7: The Wedding Night

A group of maids led the Lady Rowena to the bridal chamber. They bathed her and dressed her in a purple nightgown trimmed in silver ribbons around the decolletage, wrists, and hem. It showed off her generous curves and, when the light hit her exactly right, it was almost see-through. A large purple rose, that had been her new husband's boutonniere, was tucked into the sweetheart neckline at her bosom. It served to both emphasize her considerable cleavage and honor the empire to which she now belonged, body and soul.

The wedding officially claimed her heart, mind, and soul. Tonight, her new husband would possess her body. After that, she would be a symbol of the Empire itself. She would be the living embodiment of its life-giving and life-sustaining power. From this day forward her every thought, word, and deed would exemplify this.

Just as her husband was the living embodiment of its life-taking power. As such she would be the perfect complement to her husband. Their roles as the living personification of the Dragorian Empire depended upon the harmony and strength of union.

Her long wavy black hair was combed then tied up in a messy bun. A few ringlets of curls were pulled loose to frame her face. Fresh purple roses from her wedding bouquet were entwined in her hair around the bun.

The heavy makeup she wore for the wedding, that no one but the maids who dressed her had even seen, was removed and replaced with a much lighter touch. Her cheeks were dusted with purple rouge highlighting her high cheekbones. Dark purple with a touch of shimmer was swept across her eyelids making her amethyst eyes glow. And finally, her lips were brushed with a shimmery gloss that had a purple tint to it making her plump lips look even juicier. Surely, the Crown Prince would be tempted to take a bite of them!

"You are stunning, Lady Empress" said the maids in awe. Although an awkward-sounding title, it was meant to show that she would one day become the Empress. No one currently held that title, despite a large number of concubines of Emperor Zinj who wished to be thus named. She could not hold that title yet as she was only the wife of the Crown Prince.

"We shall leave you now to await your husband. We trust that you've been instructed in what to expect." Said the head maid.

Rowena nodded shyly and bit her lip. It made her look demure and enchanting. It was obvious she was nervous about her husband's imminent arrival, but she knew her duty.

"If you require nothing else, My Lady, we shall take our leave." Said the head maid.

"Go, I will be fine."

The maids felt a little sorry for her. The Crown Prince was greatly feared throughout the Empire. And, although he was handsome enough to have countless female admirers, he had not bedded anyone as far as they knew. As a warrior, he might be too rough for a delicate young princess who'd been sheltered all her life.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Once in the safety of their chambers, the young maids who served the new Empress whispered excitedly. "Her eyes are purple. Surely, she must be a good omen for the Empire."

"She is stunning. Unquestionably, the notoriously cold Crown Prince will warm up to her." They giggled with mischief.

"He is terrifying, but so very handsome." One swooned. Several others echoed that sentiment.

"Do you think its true that he has never bedded a woman?" one asked.

"Do you think he prefers men?"

"General Zhan is very handsome…" said another but she did not finish that thought.

"General Zhan definitely likes women, however." Said another. The smile on her face told the others that she knew from personal experience.

"He will likely do his duty regardless of the beauty of his bride, or his orientation, but it will be easier for him that she is so lovely."

"He doesn't not like men in that way!" one defended the Crown Prince's orientation.

"Okay, okay." Another soothed.

They continued to gossip for a few more minutes then went to sleep where some dreamed of the Crown Prince while others dreamed of the handsome General Zhan.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Rowena sighed. She was bored and more than a little anxious to get her wedding night over with. Her new husband was extraordinarily handsome. And he had been kind to her. She felt confident that it would be a satisfactory night.

She only wished to be done with it because she was tired and had a great deal of adjusting to be made in her new home. She had no idea what her role was or what was expected of her other than to 'serve her master.' She rolled her eyes. At least, he'd been kind to her so far.

A strong knock sounded on the door before it was opened. Rowena smiled. Her husband had arrived.

"Come in, My Lord." She called in her melodious voice. The Crown Prince entered the chamber.

"I…" he stammered cursing himself inwardly for acting like an inexperienced virgin. Of course, he was one, but Zhan was the only one who knew that. He was at a loss for words.

His eyes drank in the view before him. A stunning creature, she had pale skin that looked as if it were made of moondust and starlight.

One side of her lips curled up in a sexy grin that could have been a sneer. She lay on her side against the cushions in a seductive pose propping herself up on one arm.

Her deep purple eyes glowed underneath thick black lashes. She looked him directly in the eyes showing no fear or reverence. He liked that. He didn't want a slave.

"Come here, Dear Husband." She patted the bed beside her.

His eyes widened in shock. His body seemed paralyzed even as it burned with lust. He swallowed hard and subconsciously licked his lips. He was stunned at the sight of the beautiful woman reclining on the bed in front of him. She was lying on her side propped up on her elbow atop a mountain of pillows.

Seeing his hesitation, she moved her shoulder just enough for her gown to slide a few inches off it to reveal her pale creamy skin. Then she pulled at the ties to the neckline of her nightgown undoing the bow and loosening them enough to reveal a generous amount of the upper swells of her bountiful breasts. All the while, she kept her gaze focused directly into his eyes.

Seeing his interest, she then ran her slender fingers down her breasts, over her softly rounded stomach, around to her full hips, and down her long legs to rest just above her knees. His eyes hungrily followed her every movement.

Aware of his intense gaze devouring her, she pouted sexily and asked him "Or do you not find your bride attractive, My Lord?"

Still rooted to the spot, his mouth opened and closed several times without making any sounds. He shook his head to clear the fog in his brain.

At last, he spoke, "Do you know what you're doing?" His voice was thick and hoarse with lust and his throat was dry.

She laughed, her voice thick and sweet as honey. "I am a virgin, My Lord. But I've been instructed in the arts of the bedchamber."

She rose to her knees, dropping all pretense of being a shy blushing bride, and looked deeply into his eyes. "Do not worry, Husband. I have been an excellent student in both theory and practice."

He swallowed hard as his heart raised, his hands became clammy, and his groin tightened painfully.

"That's…that's not what I meant." He stammered sweating profusely.