WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SEMI-GRAPHIC SCENES INVOLVING SEX. 

***

Amnicity's clutched hands crinkled the fabric of her nightdress. She kept her eyes averted from Marie as the more ornate pieces were taken from her hair.

Should I ask? Maybe—no.

Marie continued to remove the pieces from her hair silently.

Does she even know what to do? She is a little old.

Amnicity started when she felt the first few curls touch her shoulders. Time was slow escaping them. It would not be long until she would enter the room and lay there. Maybe she could simply just not move and shut her eyes. The main requirements were that she be present and open her legs.

"Did you want to ask me anything?" Marie asked softly, letting her fingers flutter through the princess's hair.

"I—uh." Amnicity faltered, clenching her hands together. "I only need to lay there. Just be behind the curtain; then it will all be done quickly. No one really watches anymore, do they?"

Marie's cheeks turned a light pink as she considered her words.

"I doubt anyone will want to pull the curtain to watch what happens between Suzerain Zakarus and you. Usually, one hopes there is more than just laying there, but this is a moment between you and your husband. It will be okay." Marie soothed, providing a soft kiss on the back of the princess's head.

"Okay," Amnicity whispered in a way that seemed as if she was trying to assure herself more than agree.

Amnicity's legs refused to move. She had read about coupling within books and knew about the customs. It just seemed too real now that her coupling was to happen—her coupling with Suzerain Zakarus.

A knot clenched within her stomach while a small heat went through her body. She felt a new awareness that made her shift slightly in her seat. Amnicity knew he was handsome, and he was a skilled dancer. Maybe he would be skilled with—

Do not let those thoughts happen. This is going to be in front of your father and a brother. It does not to be skilled. I do not need to make sounds in the throes of passion tonight. He just needs to do the bare minimum to appease our elders.

"Princess," Marie whispered. "It is time for you to go."

Amnicity's widened eyes met Marie's in the mirror. Marie softly squeezed her shoulders before giving a subtle push to help her rise from the chair. The maid assisted Amnicity into a heavy robe. Then the two women walked down the hall for a few doors before stopping.

The two guards outside bowed slightly before opening the doors. Amnicity felt another soft push from Marie's hand that moved her into the room.

Once inside, Amnicity found her father and a brother standing to the side, talking amiably. Suzerain Zakarus sat in his own robe on the bed. Amnicity did not want to stare at her husband, but she could not stop herself. His green eyes continued to unnerve her as he held her gaze. There was a brief shift in his eyes that made Amnicity clutch the robe tighter around her form.

Amnicity only had her nightdress underneath. The simple blue cotton never seemed like anything to be ashamed of before. Marie and her ladies have seen her in the garment many times. She could even recall her father seeing her running around in a nightdress as a child. It was just a piece of clothing. Nothing to be ashamed of.

But, also not something to show a gentleman, even if he is my husband now.

"Ah, daughter," Valander cheered in a way that made Amnicity aware he was holding whisky in his hand. "Brother Quinn will be the one to conduct the ceremony today. Do not be nervous. He was actually the same brother who performed the service for your mother and me.  What an interesting evening that was.  I am shocked you could recall it, Brother."

Amnicity stared at her father with a glazed wonder. She could feel her nerves racing as her mind fuzzed in a haze.

Dear Lord, the same man who witnessed my parents first having intercourse is the same brother who—what if he compares?! Please let this be done quickly.

"It is hard to forget some aspects of that night.  Hello, Princess," Brother Quinn smiled, offering a small bow. "Now, shall we begin?"

Amnicity turned to look at Zakarus, who rose quickly from the bed.

"Now—now, Suzerain," Quinn laughed. "No need to jump. We have already done your examination. Now I will quickly examine Princess Amnicity before the full ceremony takes place."

Zakarus provided a polite nod before walking towards the far corner near the head of the bed. Amnicity looked towards Brother Quinn, who motioned her towards the bed.

"Now, I will just need you to lay there."

Amnicity nodded her head quickly. She scurried towards the bed before softly lifting herself towards the edge. Amnicity laid down to stare at the ceiling.

This ceiling was a little bit different than the others with the design. There were a few flowers and trees. Squirrels scurried across the scenes at odd positions. One tile, the squirrel would be at the base of the tree. On another, it would be within the trees.

Amnicity closed her eyes when she felt the bottom of her robe and nightdress being lifted.

"Now, I'm just going to have to check to make sure everything is intact. You might feel a little bit of a pinch, which is perfectly normal." Brother Quinn commented as if he had just spoken of a new bud flowering on a tree.

Squirrels. Think about the squirrels.

Amnicity let a small hiss of air out at feeling a small movement within her. A small flicking motion caused her to tense downwards, and then the pressures were gone. The skirt of her dress and robe were moved back to their original position.

"Relax, Princess," Brother Quinn sighed. "We are now down with this portion. I can be a testament that all is intact with Princess Amnicity before this marriage's consumption. It can also be said that no deformities or signs to previous sins could be seen on Suzerain Zakarus."

"I can agree to that," Valander huffed with a smirk. "You seemed more than adequate for my young girl's consistent happiness."

Please, no more whisky.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Zakarus murmured from a far corner.

"Now we can begin the ceremony," Brother Quinn announced with a jovial clapping of his hands.

Two younger brothers entered from a side room holding a white, sheer screen that appeared to be attached to four rods.

"Princess Amnicity, please move to stand on the left of the bed and Suzerain Zakarus to the right." Brother Quinn waved his hands as if directing an orchestra.

Amnicity shot off the bed to stand beside it. She met Zakarus's eyes as he stood on the other side.

"Now, let us begin placing the screen," Brother Quinn instructed.

The two younger brothers began behind Amnicity with a standing rod to her right. She heard Brother Quinn murmuring a prayer behind her as he stayed three steps behind the screen's placement. Amnicity subtly watched the brothers place the second and third poles. Her heart began to quicken as they set the fourth pole, inclosing them within the sheet.  Amnicity's eyes transitioned to Zakarus's gaze.

There were a few more moments of a murmured prayer before Brother Quinn finished in a shadowy bow on the other side of the screen behind Zakarus.  "You may now both remove your robes."

Amnicity felt her cheeks heat as she looked down at her hands, fumbling with the cords of her robe. She heard Zakarus's robe fall to the ground with a resounding thud as her hands moved to the second row.

Brother Quinn's voice made her jump.  "Princess Amnicity, please remove your robe."

"I am," she muttered, with a final aggravated tug on the chord to loosen the hold.

Amnicity shrugged her robe off while staring at the sheets in front of her.

Do not make eye contact. Just get under the covers and start counting the squirrels.

"You may now-"

Amnicity quickly lifted the sheets and moved underneath them.

"begin."

Amnicity's eyes lifted to see Zakarus smirking down at her blushing form. She had not meant to move that quickly. It was a survival instinct.

Back to the squirrels. That one seems to be trying to burrow the nuts—

Amnicity's thoughts were interrupted by feeling Zakarus enter the bed beside her. Her mind focused upon the squirrels, but it became difficult to process what each squirrel was doing with Zakarus close.

"I am going to touch you," he whispered in a tone that made her stomach clench.

Amnicity glanced at him and then back to the squirrels. She nodded quickly and placed her hands upon her stomach to make sure it did not jump outside her.  Plus, compliant ladies kept their hands near their stomach.  That had to have been said in one of her finishing classes.

A soft snickering made her look at him in wonder.

"What?" She hissed.

"You are as rigid as a board," he whispered, shaking slightly in laughter.

"I do not recall coupling taking this long with you and the late Queen Christaline," Brother Quinn commented on the other side of the screen.

"No, that was a different time and circumstance," Valander sighed. "Should we get another drink while waiting?"

"We could miss—" Brother Quinn stoped on hearing rustling in the bed.

"Why are you laughing?" Amnicity hissed from the other side of the screen.

"Yes, I think I will have a double." Brother Quinn turned to the bar.

King Valander and Brother Quinn moved a few steps to the side of the room where the drinks were set. Valander has been sure to have Henry place a few drinks here. He knew someone would need a drink or two during this affair.

"To be truthful," Valander started while pouring a double for Brother Quinn and himself. "We were quicker because I could feel her mother's glare through the screen."

"She truly was a passionate woman." Brother Quinn nodded with a solemn toast.

The two turned back towards the screen. Some shadowy movement could be seen, but nothing that spoke of the coupling taking place.

"Should we put some wine on the side of the screen?" Valander asked. "Or, does that violate the ceremony?"

Brother Quinn considered the suggestion for a moment. He watched as what looked like a pillow hit Suzerain Zakarus.

"Let us see if the ceremony requires it," Brother Quinn whispered, taking a sip of his whisky. "Sometimes, the ceremony can take a little bit longer for the arranged marriages."

Valander sighed, looking back towards the screen. He really hated some of his duties. His daughter's shadowy figure appeared to find the ceremony lacked the same romanticism as the novels she once read.

***

Amnicity laid upon the bed with her arms crossed, staring at the stupid squirrels above her head.  She had refused to move from this position for at least one minute.  Zakarus shook silently in laughter beside her. The shaking began to subside beside her slowly; then, she felt the bed shift slightly as he turned towards her.

"Sorry, Princess," he whispered. "I just—this. It is nothing like what is done in Jude."

Amnicity turned to look at him. He stared at her for a moment until Amnicity used her hand to provide a carry-on motion.

"In Jude," he sighed, settling a little bit more into the bed while moving his fingers to graze across her arm gently.

Amnicity moved her arm away slightly before settling. Zakarus waited until he held Amnicity's gaze. He could see the moment of fear, so he held her gaze as his fingers returned to gently grazing her arm. This time she did not pull away. Instead, she shifted her body to provide him more of her attention.

"In Jude," she prompted.

"Yes," he nodded. "In Jude, there is no screen—"

Amnicity's eyes widened.  "No screen?"

"I mean, there is no need for a screen," he corrected quickly. "There is a trust that the union will be consummated eventually since everyone needs an heir."

"Sounds nice," Amnicity muttered, burrowing her body further into the bed.

The two laid there in silence for a moment. Zakarus continued to move his fingers along her arm in a way that started to make Amnicity feel at ease. She felt the weird tension that built into her stomach from earlier return.

"Do you still want me to finish this quickly as promised?" Zakarus whispered.

There was a moment of laughter on the other side of the screen, followed by a soft clinking of glasses. Amnicity could feel her gaze heat as she stared at the hazy outlines of the two men enjoying themselves.

They do not seem to care if we consummate this.

"Amnicity," Zakarus whispered, causing the princess to turn to him suddenly.

He said her name. Without her permission, her husband had said her name. Amnicity was not delusional to think that at some point, they would reach that level of familiarity. Here they were lying in a bed with only their nightdresses on, yet she was most shocked by the way her name sounded in his accent without the title. It sounded pleasant and made a new warmth extend from her stomach.

"Well," Amnicity started, licking her lips while eyeing the screen. "It would be best to get rid of them before they open the next bottle of whisky. My father could become even more boisterous regarding your things, or his experience of being observed by Brother Quinn."

Zakarus smiled at his wife. She found the oddest ways of amusing him.  "Okay," he nodded. "So, I will be touching you."

Amnicity nodded her head.  "I was expecting you to do some touching. Shall I just lay here? I thought it could be beneficial to count the squirrels while you do the necessary parts."

Zakarus felt his cheeks squeeze in slightly to hold back his laughter.  

"I mean," he said after a moment. "I will need to touch you here."

Amnicity jumped when his hand touched the apex where her legs met on the covers. Zakarus's eyes widened.

"Maybe they are finally getting somewhere," Valander commented from the other side of the screen.

Amnicity felt her cheeks redden even darker.

"You did not jump like that when Brother Quinn touched you," Zakarus whispered.

"Well, I was expecting him to do that," she whispered. "My mother prepared me for that much. The rest-well, it was not much of a discussion. I was just told not to be afraid and that my husband would probably— but that was before it was you. And, you— well, the touching."

Zakarus tilted his head slightly to the left.  "It is not my aim to hurt you. You can trust me."

Amnicity took a deep breath and nodded.

"I will touch you here," Zakarus made a point of touching the area again outside the blankets while holding Amnicity's gaze. This time, she did not jump. "So you do not feel as much pain."

Amnicity nodded as she felt his hand begin to move softly over the covers.

After analyzing two squirrels, she decided to fill the silence.  "Where did you learn to do this?"

"Whores," Zakarus shrugged. "And, a few eager ladies from the court. Do not worry. It was not too many."

Amnicity felt a slight agitation knowing some ladies in the Judian court could know her husband personally.

"My father told me it was important to have some knowledge before marriage," Zakarus continued. "Those ladies know they hold no favor with me."

Amnicity nodded as she started to feel a different sensation begin to form in her stomach. Her tension began to slowly ease as her eyes kept transitioning between the squirrels on the ceiling and her husband.

His green eyes remained unwavering off of her face. She unconsciously moved her hips, resulting in the apex he touched becoming firmer within his hand. Zakarus transitioned his hand from being on top of the covers to underneath.

Amnicity made a small noise she had never heard before.  Zakarus smiled softly and kissed the top of her forehead. Amnicity started, looking at him in shock.

Squirrels. Just go back to staring at the squirrels, and do not make any noises.

"We agreed this w-would be quick," Amnicity hissed.

Zakarus nodded.

"Let me just check to see," he whispered while his hand slowly began to hitch up her nightdress.

Amnicity's eye steadily widened at the feeling. A soft gasp escaped her when she felt his fingers gently move along the apex between her legs. They searched for a moment, gently moving the folds.

One squirrel is—what, oh. That one is—

"Ah," Amnicity let escape, turning to meet Zakarus's gaze.

Whatever he had found there, he had not stopped touching. It sent a wave through her body that made it difficult for her to concentrate upon anything other than not making a sound. For all of her efforts to remain quiet, it seemed that Zakarus found the moment humorous. He continued to smirk at his young bride as she moved below him. She knew he could feel what his fingers were doing to her.

He leaned down to her ear and bit it softly before whispering, "You are not naked, so we do not need to be too quick."

Amnicity let out a gasping hiss in response, making her husband chuckle. Zakarus did not seem to care that Amnicity's father and a brother were on the other side. She could hear them continue to chatter about something. Perhaps it was political. Amnicity was unable to fully process the muffled conversation while also trying to maintain silence. Her husband was too skilled with this. 

The tension continued to increase as Amnicity felt a soft tingling begin to form on her inner thighs and the back of her arms. Her body arched slightly as she tried to stop a soft moan between her bitten lip and throat.

"I am happy you enjoyed that," Zakarus whispered, kissing her cheek.

Amnicity felt herself grab onto Zakarus's arm. She would have pulled back if her brain could fully process what it was doing. Instead, Amnicity simply felt a wish to be closer to him. It would be cliche for her thoughts to match her book at this moment. For, Amnicity felt nothing that could be equated as love. She just felt a want.

Like a primal squirrel.

Amnicity let a small laugh escape.

"What?" Zakarus whispered.

"Nothing."

Zakarus transitioned his body so that he was now on top of her. She felt small.  He placed one hand beside her head while the other reached towards her nightdress. He spread her legs further apart while holding her gaze.

His finger played with some of her hair.  "This is where it might not be as pleasurable."

Amnicity nodded her head. She turned her eyes to the squirrels beyond his head, hoping a little misdirection would help. In a moment, she felt pressure and tension roll in with force before moving outwards slightly. Small tears pricked the sides of her eyes as Zakarus let out a small gasp.

Zakarus used his hand to make her look at him.  "Are you okay?" 

Amnicity bit her lip, willing the new tension to release as he held his position. Zakarus's face remained close to hers, letting Amnicity examine the concern within them. She nodded her head after a moment.

Zakarus brushed a hair from her face before slowly beginning to move. Amnicity was unsure how to characterize the new sensation she felt. It was nice, and—

"Please pause for the blessing," Brother Quinn's voice sounded on the other side of the screen, pausing Zakarus's movements. "May the Lord bless this union. May this coupling bring joy to Your peoples and be for the benefit of Your will. Amen."

Amnicity bit her lip on seeing Zakarus's widened eyes. A soft giggle began to bubble within her as she heard her father and Brother Quinn speak some more on the other side of the screen.

"We will wait outside the door to examine the sheets when you are done," Brother Quinn called to them.

Amnicity shook slightly as her laughter became harder to contain. Zakarus stared down at his giggling wife in wonder as she remained below him. It was not until the door closed that her laughter let loose from her body.

"We are not done yet," he commented dryly.

Amnicity nodded, trying to contain her laughter.

"Okay, I just need a moment to—oh," her words paused as Zakarus quickly increased his pace.

Amnicity heard his breath begin to quicken. Her eyes glanced from the squirrels to him, and then she unconsciously moved below him. She could not help a soft moan that let loose making him smile. Amnicity watched in a slight wonder as his face contorted slightly. His eyes shut, and his mouth opened as his breath hitched. Her own breath hitched as she hesitantly let her hand rest upon his back. He fell forward so that his head rested near hers.

Their breathing began to calm together. Amnicity felt a small pool between her legs.  She could not stop the small sound that escaped her when he eased off of her. Zakarus laid beside her with an arm on her waist. Amnicity unconsciously let her fingers run up and down his arm.

***

Funny fact about this chapter.  When I wrote the original draft of the sex scene, a wasp tried to attack me.  

Hurry now to read the rest of Part 2 :)