Chapter 2-3
Yet he wasn't listening, as she turns around and finds him boiling water, and starting to prepare fried chicken in an iron skillet, then seasoning it while he chopped vegetables.
There was a soft click as some men came in, bringing supplies he had asked for and lots of wood. Telling him they will have his shop up and running by tomorrow. Two more guys brought in a kitchen table and four chairs that had seen better days, needing a lot of love but at least they were sturdy. The couch was still there, but overly stuffed, bad looking chair was gone. He signed over three hundred chips to Sar's, Desmond told Sar's to give anything Carla wants to make this a respectable home for them.
Sar's shook on the deal and said. "Tell you what, if you win tonight? Like I think you and Carla will. I have a better cottage than this. I know you will like that since you will most likely be judged innocent. You will be free to walk the halls and the grounds as you wish. You can experience the lavish lifestyle of our elite, surrounded by opulent jobs, luxurious housing, and impeccable accommodation. Tonight, you will be the centerpiece of my grand event, a Bell of the Ball. As you settle in, a skilled dressmaker will arrive to attend to your needs. But before that, we have much to accomplish together." Sar'ss contemplated, her mind racing as she sought to locate King Salsern and demand the truth about the situation at hand. Her determination was palpable, fueled by a sense of urgency. Additionally, she realized the importance of securing her valuable captives. With a quick change of thought, she decided to first find capable guards and then approach the king for answers.
Carla was in tears as she came into the kitchen after overhearing the conversation as Desmond tried to pretend not to see her, but how could he not. She was a very beautiful woman. The moment she was close by, she wrapped her arms around him kissed him on the cheek, and asked him. Why is he so good to her when they had barely just met?
He did not dare twist in her arms as much as he wanted too, to kiss her beautiful lips, and look into those green eyes of hers that held him prisoner, wanting to just drift in time. It took everything he had inside him to resist as he steadied his mind and steadied hands preparing dinner for both of them.
He answered her question just as sweetly as possible, but a little harder than he wanted. "Because, like my father, he did anything in his power to make my mother happy, he taught me to do likewise when my time comes, as it seems it has come, now go on my little dove, go get yourself cleaned up."
He hated it when she let him go, but he wasn't ready to become a man and wife. This was not the way he had intended to bring his wife home. With no job, no proper house. Most of all in prison for the rest of their lives, and to raise their children here.
She called to him to join her in the shower. Instead, he bathed himself using the washtub and quickly filled it with water he had heated from the stove, and quickly dressed in the fresh undergarment. Carla walked in seeing him and the washtub, and giggled as he put on a robe, which she insisted to help put it on, but she allowed him to be shy, but soon or later he was going to be her's, no two ways about it. It didn't bother her that he was only nineteen and inexperienced when it came to girls, compared to her older brothers and the fact that she had seen her share of naked boys growing up.
However, what drew her to him was not solely his physical appearance. She was captivated by the way his emerald, green eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and how his voice resonated like a soothing melody. There was a subtle scent of sandalwood that lingered around him, adding to his allure. But it wasn't just his external presence that enticed her. She discovered something deeper within him, like a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered. It was the warmth and kindness in his soul, the razor-sharp intellect of his mind, and the unwavering courage that radiated from him. These qualities were not only intriguing and glorious to her, but also refreshing, like a breath of fresh air on a hot summer day. She knew, deep down, that if her parents were to meet him, they would instantly approve of him. He possessed the total package, a rare combination of outer charm and inner substance.
The best part was he was all hers, "AND" he would learn that sooner or later.
Desmond had fixed a wonderful meal on a far better table and used those extra pillows from the bed to sit on and apologized. That was the best he could do at the moment. Carla said it was far better than sitting on the floor with no rug. Having him tell her, that she now has a small expense account to fix up their new cottage, after the last game of judgment in the courtroom, and any green chips they earn as a family. They can use it for things for the house and put the rest into savings for something unique.
The dressmaker came right when they had finished their first meal together, Desmond wondered how his Da was doing. Then again, he had years of knowledge that Desmond did not know regarding what to do during a marriage. His father said when the time comes, he will know. Yet so far, he still had no idea what is to come, other than kissing a girl, hugging girls, and dating. Going beyond that was a mystery.
There was nothing to do now except clean up the dishes and change into his wedding clothes. So Desmond snuck down the hall and changed and made sure he combed his hair, and smelled good before going out into the dining room. Seeing the work crew had picked up all of Desmond's supplies and moved them to his brand-new Cottage.
His father came in dressed and ready to go. While the dress maker was with his new soon to be wife Brenda. She had long dark brown hair and hazel eyes and hard cheek bones. Her mouth was thin with a chin made hard and strong, she was very pretty and young compared to his father. Already, his father's hair had started to grow back, and no longer the strains of wispy hair were present. His father asked regarding the deals he made with Sar's. His father said." You did all that for your wife-to-be?"
Desmond nodded. "I did exactly what you taught me to do, see to my wife first then my family second, and then myself. We needed a better house for my wife and my family to live in. I needed hot water and better plumbing. I needed tools, parts, wood, paint and supplies, and a shop to do it in.
All the things to make a better house, which I can build myself. Sar's said for one more win tonight, she would move me and my new bride to a brand-new cottage among the elite. Where me and my wife can work, buy things for ourselves and our children. I have set up a small savings account in her name. So she can use it to buy stuff for the house, like paint, rugs, curtains, pillows, blankets, and things I can't make. Da if I am to be in prison here, I will make the best of it and serve my time."
His father smiled and said. "I see you have taken my words to heart. Perhaps I will see after tonight, if Sar's keeps her agreements, and so far, she has," as he rubs his once thinning hair
Sar's overheard Desmond's father's question regarding agreements and made her way toward them until she was right next to his father. "I guarantee that the agreements I make are in writing, and when I say it will be done, I will ensure it is done. Otherwise, my word holds no value. Your son, has offered a good portion of his good fortune this day. He did not spend it on himself, he spent wisely. More wisely than anyone here, including yourself, sir. And because so I am awarding him, by offering something that I seldom do. Which is cottage worth his current status, even though he has yet to be judged. The record will show that he did it out of love for his new wife and family. Only thinking of them and not of himself will raise his status when the game is in play. "Let this be a reminder to all my charges. Think not of yourselves, but of each other, where you will win the greatest gifts. That's what I challenge you." Sar's walked back down the aisle and then turned. "You all have thirty minutes to be dressed and be ready to go.
"Then one hour to change into your dining clothes. With a short break before the ball. There will be a rack sent to collect your clothes, so please have them ready, so you won't need to rush back and forth here. For those who wish to participate in the tournament games, Please write down your name, and your skills, and hand it to me. It will give me some insight of your fighting skills."
She left everyone's door open as she closed the main cell door and locked it. Desmond and them, wasn't sure if it was for everyone's protection or theirs. In any case it did not matter as it was the men's job to load the dresses and the right shoes on the racks, long before they could load theirs, on a much smaller rack. Having to carry the large makeup cases. The women telling them they need everything as they just nodded.
Sar's returned with three underlings as promised. They took the carts after covering them in a plastic bubble of air. Promising too the ladies, that nothing will happen to their beautiful gowns.
They marched in couples with arms locked down the aisle as the music played. White and red roses scattered on the floor and arranged in large bouquets around the room of the chapel. They soon enter the large chapel room with a large skylight, and more gems than a person can count. In the center of the ceiling there were two large chandelier's filled with diamonds, filling the chapel with a glorious light.
There were several padded benches on several sides filled with manservant's and their charges. Noticing there was barely enough to fill those rows, counting at least seventy-five. The judge's council seated in kingly padded chairs in front of them. Now they were all wearing ceremonial robes of the same color. All wearing white with a bursting golden star and gold rod staff at their side wearing a white bishop hat. On our side of the aisle, they were numbered the least, not more than forty-five, to the group. The rest were manservants, and those that want to watch the proceedings.
The doors closed as the music stopped. The Cougar and the Bear, as well as the Black Fairy, came down to the front, where a table was dressed in white. Holding a large goblet and, two pitchers of wine, and a large loaf of bread.
Desmond had chosen the rings they would wear, more like paid tooth and nail, for the brightest gems that matched her eyes and the carvings he wanted, of little, tiny angels circling around the diamonds. The green gems embedded along wings and their eyes. This may not be heaven, but this was the best he could do. All the rings were on that table, but he paid to go up first. So they could leave and spend some time together in the dressing room. He had paid extra for that privilege giving Sar's a different smile. Watching her hand back the green chips. Telling him it was on the house and extra surprise when they arrived back at their cottage tonight.
Sar's noted again in Desmond's file, that little extra detail he asked for his wife, and waited to see if others would seek him out. And sad to say, only Desmond's father and not surprisingly, was among them, including extras when choosing a ring. However, he did ask about getting a same type of a cottage as his son, Sar's gave him a price unlike his son.
His father hesitated, then added, stating. "I am an old man a lot older than my new wife, it would be unfair to her if we have a child, and not be there not to raise them, when we settle our debts with you here. If you can make me younger by the time my family and I leave here. I'll pay you anything you want because it's a second chance."
Sar's, looked him in the eye, and said. "No. I can't give you that reward, for it is the reward you must earn; it is not one you can buy, nor can anyone sell to you. You will not age while you are here. If you want something more than that, you must earn it.
"However, I can promise you the cottage, just like your son did, out of pure love and devotion for his wife and family. You, sir, are not requesting it for the same reasons, not because it lacks love, but because you too have the potential it just only did it because your son did it and you were ashamed because you didn't do it for no other reason, but to be near him and his family to be, that part completely understand. Therefore, the price remains fixed at three thousand green chips, and you must pay the full amount.
"I understand that this may seem like a significant sum, but it reflects the value and significance of the cottage and your new current status among the elite. You have one week to obtain the required amount, and if you fail to do so, the offer will no longer be valid. Please signify your agreement by signing here."
Desmond father cursed as he signed. He only had two thousand. He did not like borrowing money from his son. In fact, he never did. If he needed it, he would build furniture and sell it. Or would fight in the town ring, making a nice sum for the winter, giving him enough money, if they had a poor hunting season. Now like his son he too was starting over, and he did not like it. But Brenda was a great distraction as she took his hand asking him what he was thinking about.
He said. "How to get my hands on five thousand green chips. Or enough to buy a nice cottage like my sons, where we don't have to look at the iron bars. Where we can have a nice little garden or two. A place to raise children. Enough money where you can do anything you want to until our time is up and we go free and into the daylight once more, with everything we have earned down here. That's what I am thinking about."
Brenda laughed as she nestled with his chin. "So, you plan to spoil me without asking me first, if that is what I wanted. Not that I wouldn't mind, but at what price my soon to be husband. We have no children as of yet. We have no jobs as of yet. It is just the two of us and will be just the two of us for a very long time. Don't you think we have enough to do fixing up the place we have now? I agree; I hate the bars, and I feel that it would be best that you be close to your son. I have seven thousand green chips, if we pull ours together as we would as a family unit.
"We can have that lovely cottage you want. I will speak to Sar's about it during dinner. Now be a good husband, marry me, and make me a modest woman. You can plead dear for a water heater, so we will never have cold showers again." She purred in his arms as they waited their turn. Noticing that Desmond was the first one that was being called. His Dad agreed to give Carla away. Brenda was her bridesmaid.
The music played as Carla made her way down the aisle watching children place rose pedals at her feet. Everyone had tears as they dabbed them with the tissues or cotton veils. Little white fairies that Desmond had paid extra for surrounded her, and lifted her long train veil, as if she was floating on air. Another added cost. Desmond wanted her wedding day to be exceptional in spite of where they are. Even in a Hellish prison, there could be a piece of heaven. There were tears in her eyes as she turned and looked at him as Desmond's father took his place next to Desmond and his bride-to-be standing next to Sar's.
The wedding was simple as the Bear gave the wedding vows with the words. The Cougar handed the Bear the golden chalice as they both drank from the same cup and broke and ate from the same bread.
Then the Black Fairy hands the Bear the ring box and opens it. Carla was stunned the moment she saw her wedding ring as her eyes cried as Desmond slid it on her finger and she did likewise. Her ring to him was not as glorious as hers, but he loved it all the same.
She tried to apologize he said. "For what, making me the happiest man alive? No apology needed." They both cringed when they each cut their hand and placed their hands together hearing the lasts words.
"May the words spoken here today protect you as you honor each other as you stand here and live truly in the covenant of the Light. You may kiss the bride." They kissed and left the chapel with Sar's as she led them to their private changing room, with one guard posted. Telling him if he leaves his post until they are ready, he will not be happy.
They saluted and opened the door. Sar's said. "I hope everything is to your liking. I have prepared a nice wedding cake, and some Champagne. I will call for you once your father is about to be wed, so you may participate." Sar's closed the door and locked it.
Desmond was about to knock on the door when Carla called him back, asking him to help her off with her veil and undo the buttons down her back.
He swallowed hard a couple of times before deciding. Realizing there was a changing curtain, sighing with some relief, so he did what she had asked and sat on the couch, as he sat down and slipped off his shoes and socks, and started to unbutton his vest coat and bow tie. Setting everything back on the rack. He turned, hearing a cork being uncorked and Champagne being poured, finding Carla down to her bare feet and underwear, handing him a glass and some cake.
He blushed as she tisked as she said. "Let me, dear husband, help you undress while you drink up. Since we only have a few minutes to enjoy ourselves before we are needed again. No need to be shy, we are long past that I think. Plus, the fact we are both married."
She lifted the glass, making him drink and holding the plate in one hand as she undid his shirt buttons. He spit up the Champagne when she tried to go further. As he slipped by her into the changing screen as she gave a heavy sigh. He handed her his pants and the shirt as he put on the dancing trousers and came out. She smiled, seeing him, at least, his bare chest. And the muscle lines that said he was once a powerful young man of nineteen. A war machine licking her lips. Her war machine for now and always.
She did not bother with a screen. Her days were done hiding behind a shower curtain from her husband was over. He has proven that he loves her enough to provide for her and their family. He was just a little timid and a little shy. Fine, she can live with that fact, considering his age and hers are not that far apart from hers maybe three years if that. However, Morgan killed her husband, chopped off his head, and displayed it on a pole with the rest who had refused to join his Army, leaving her with nothing, not even children or enough money to see her through.
She was about to pull him back into the shower and into her grips and to have a little snack as it were and a little fun. When there was a knock on her door as she whispered, "Damn." Finding out that she had about fifteen minutes to get into her evening gown so she and her husband could walk his father and her sister Brenda down the aisle as they promised. Man, she wanted so badly to sick her teeth into her man. If this was Hell, this was indeed it. Yet, she had to admit. This was not precisely what it said on the catalog for those who obeyed the rules. So far, it has had its own quality of heaven, as long as you are willing to pay for it.
Like her and her sisters growing up with nine boys and a War Hero like their father, one of the four kings that ruled Glendale. They learned how to use a weapon and had to learn hand to hand combat. In truth, it was typical for their brothers and themselves to engage in fights in the ring. While their parents gambled on their victory over rival kingdoms during dinner. With the boys, until the boys stated or her brother's state on agreed Prince. A private bet. That they could choose either of their two sisters to fight or both. With as many men as they wanted. Say ten men, to make it interesting, having them ask if they were insane. Seeing how beautiful they were, hiding well trained muscles as they danced half-drunk as part of their disguise and part of their charm.
Once they had the bet, they would bring the bet on them and their parents. They would casually incorporate it into a simple conversation, wearing a smile. Getting drunk enough to accept it with a greater small fortune. Like two chests of gems or gold and silver. A war chest worthy of seeing a kingdom through a hard winter.
The problem with this method of betting for survival was it brought enemies to your door, like Morgan and Hess, with large enough armies and evil wizards to wipe you out. Because of that, their father died, their brothers had gone into hiding. All they knew was they were the only ones left alive, and their Kingdom lay in ruins. Where there once lived a hearty city, lay nothing but broken stone and ghosts in all the kingdoms. Where once flowed of gold and silver, and hard to find ores and metals, from the mountains. And the springs and rivers flowing with living water. Now run dry with sand and old battle scars. And now Hess is too believed to be gone, or at least in prison here where nobody can touch him.