Lady Erica sat nervously at her vanity; absent-mindedly pulling the silver horse hair brush through her long, red curls. Her lover had been gone for such a long time and tonight it was rumored about the castle that he was to return. The longing in her heart to hold him again was almost too much for her to bear. She sighed heavily as she placed the brush back down on the vanity and stared at her reflection.
Erica smiles to herself as she pictures him there in the mirror behind her. He has so many times come behind her as she stood brushing her hair before bed at night. She closed her eyes and pictures him, so big and strong, yet gentle as he wraps his arms around her. His other hand would sweep her curls back to give him access to the sensitive skin of her neck. She shivers as she remembers the feel of his warm breath and soft lips caressing her skin. His facial hair would tickle her so deliciously.
"Oh my love..." she sighs softly to no one. "My body feels you even though you are so far away. What have you done to me, my Brian?"
The question hangs in the air as she continues to watch the scene unfolding behind her closed eyes. Now, he begins to move his hands slowly and deliberately over her body. She imagines she is wearing only the thin sheath that she wears to bed every night with him. It is black, soft and transparent, and it drives him mad wanting to remove the only barrier that keeps his skin from hers. She watches as his hands move to unlace the front of it. When he has succeeded, he gazes into the mirror at them as he parts the material, gently grazing her already swollen nipples with it. A moan escapes her lips, both in her musings and in reality.
She feels him slide the offending garment the rest of the way off of her. Her skin is tingling at the mere thought of it. Then, just as if he were there with her, she feels his searing touch roaming up each arm, over her shoulders, and down to stroke each breast. He gently yet firmly pinches and pulls at her pebbled nipples.
"You are so bewitching, my lady. Do you know how you affect me? Do you feel it, my love..." he would nearly growl in her ear.
Her knees feel weak, and as she leans against him, she feels the hard evidence of exactly what she does to him. In her minds' fantasy, she smiles wantonly to herself. She hears his breath catch and she knows he witnessed the act in the mirror.
"I see that you do my fiery haired beauty! You have no mercy for me do you, my Lady?"
She knows they would laugh together then, even in the midst of their heady passion. They often laughed as they made love and teased as they lay together after they were both sated and exhaustion had forced them to seek sleep. His laughter intoxicated her and drew her nearer to him like it never had with anyone else. Yet another way she loved him down to her very soul.
She is jolted out of her erotic reverie by a commotion in the corridor outside. There is a sound rap on the heavy door of her bedchamber.
"Lady Erica! Come quickly! We must prepare you for Sir Brian's arrival!"
It is the voice of Karolyn, her faithful friend and handmaid. The excitement in Karolyn's voice makes butterflies immediately spring to her nether regions. She moves quickly to open the heavy wooden door. Karolyn rushes in her face flushed and smiling like a fool. Lady Erica quietly giggles at the harried sight of her dearest friend, she moves to embrace her.
"Dearest Karolyn! You are quite the mess! You have news that my love is truly near?" she asks, pulling back to look at her friend's face.
"Oh, yes, M'Lady! Sir Edwin has just arrived and reports that he has seen Sir Brian and his men just to the north of Thornfield. He will be arriving before dawn, M'Lady!" she states, her tone impatient. "You must hurry! You will barely have time to bathe and prepare!"
"I feel like I have been waiting an eternity for him! Come! I want my special bath oil tonight and my black silk gown. The one he brought me from Dublin."
"Yes, Lady Erica. I will bring it to the bathing chamber. Now, run along! I'll see that you have everything that you ask, M'Lady."
Lady Erica hesitates no longer, for she knows that Karolyn understands the importance of everything being perfect for her valiant Knight's return.
* * *
In the bathing chamber, Lady Erica submerges herself in the large stone bath that Karolyn has drawn for her. She smiles to herself as the aroma of her special honeysuckle bath oil surrounds her, reminding her that her love will soon be basking in its scent on her skin.
It is his favorite and it is the very reason why, in the privacy of their bedchamber, he calls her his Honeysuckle. The sound of her special name on his lips sends a shiver down her body and she clenches her thighs together because of the surge she feels between them as well. Very soon, he will be claiming her as his in the most intimate of ways, his Honeysuckle and her brave Knight. Her Brian...
After washing her red tresses and sponging off, she moves to the vanity next to the bath. She rubs her body with the honeysuckle oil and even runs a bit through her hair. He always loves to kiss her forehead and nuzzle her hair. He will be pleased to find the subtle scent there as well, she is sure. Karolyn has offered to braid her hair ornately, but she refused because he loves her curls loose and wild... anything for him!
Karolyn returns in time to help her into the lovely black gown that her love had so carefully chosen for her. It is simple, with only bits of red and gold trim for accent. It was slim, long, with a bit of a train. The square neckline accentuates her ample cleavage and the red, gold, and black sash falls low on her full hips. She knows full well that he chose it for his benefit and that thought delights her tremendously!
"You look lovely, M'Lady! Sir Brian will be well pleased." Karolyn beams as she brings Lady Erica her gold slippers.
"Thank you, my dear friend. I cannot wait to see the look on his face when he sees that I have worn it just for him. I cannot wait to see his face in spite of the gown!" she laughs, her excitement bubbling over.
She adds one last adornment to her ensemble, the heart-shaped ruby choker that he has given her as a symbol of his undying love and service to her. She has worn it since the day the sword touched his shoulders in knighthood. He presented it to her as he was on his knees before her, his eyes afire with love and devotion for only her...his Honeysuckle, his Lady. She closes her eyes as she reaches up to touch it with reverence. She is unashamedly his...
After dressing, she returns to the bedchamber to inspect Karolyn's work. As usual, it is a thing to behold! Fresh roses, honeysuckle, and white lilies have been placed around the room. Black and white candles are also lit all around the room, some on very elaborate and ornate candelabras. The sheets have been changed, black silk replacing the standard ones she slept on while he is away. The room is fragrant and dancing with the light of the candles, it's beautiful! She smiles when she sees the wine carafe and crystal glasses placed carefully on the table beside the bed.
"Are you pleased, Lady Erica?" Karolyn asks, her satisfied smile stating she already knows the answer.
Lady Erica turns and hugs her tightly.
"It is the most beautiful homecoming you have done yet! He is also going to be pleased...thank you, my friend! I have no words to convey the gratitude I have for the preparations you have made tonight. I am eternally grateful." She gushes, smiling brilliantly at her friend.
"Come then see the feast Jonas has prepared for him and his men. It is simply amazing! I'm sure they will be famished when they arrive."
"Indeed! I'm sure it has been quite a long time since they have eaten anything so wonderful!"
Karolyn had understated what Lady Erica found in the banquet hall! The amount of food was dizzying, the supply of wine and ale was enough to intoxicate three kingdoms, and the women for 'entertainment' seemed to fill the entirety of the hall. It had been a long time since Thornfield had seen a celebration such as this. Her love would be ecstatic!
"Well done, Jonas! You have outdone yourself." she says, smiling and bowing slightly to him.
"Please, my Lady, do not bow to me. I am your servant." he says, his eyes cast down in embarrassment.
"You are also a friend to your Lord and me. We are very grateful for your loyal service to us and his men. Thank you, Jonas."
"It is my pleasure, my Lady."
As he walks away, she turns to Karolyn.
"I am retiring to the tower. I'd like to be alone while I wait for him. Please see that I am not disturbed." she says, her expression conveying finality.
"As you wish, Lady Erica..."
She wanted to argue, Lady Erica could tell, but she kept her opinion to herself. She didn't like the idea of her Lady going up to the dark tower alone, but knew it would be useless to challenge her. Sir Brian would not be pleased either if he knew. She would never tell him, but she knew his reaction all the same. He seemed to cherish his Lady's strong, defiant side.
* * *
Erica was perched in the highest room of the north-facing tower. She could see all across the kingdom from that spot. She was beside herself with anticipation and excitement! This was the longest they had been apart since the day they met. This quest had been so important to him and he was not to be deterred.
Lady Erica had been forced to learn a new kind of patience this time. Word on her knight and his men had been sparse and he had gone many days, weeks even, without knowing that he was well and slowly making his way back to her. She had lay many nights in their sprawling bed crying herself to sleep, her body wracked with heartbroken sobs. She would long for his arms around her and his lips on hers. Erica would imagine his voice telling her that everything was going to be well and that he loved her too much to leave her for too long.
Now, on this beautiful clear night, all of those nights just fade away. All of the worry, the loneliness, and pain are the farthest from her mind. They have been replaced with the sweet anticipation of being in his arms again. Feeling his kiss, hearing his voice in her ear, and knowing they will be as close as they can possibly be before the sun rises on a new day. Her heart races and she is dizzy with joy.
Suddenly, she sees the dancing light of a torch over the farthest hill in front of her. She hears the rumble of hooves and the hearty voices of boisterous men. She stands and runs to the window. Her hand reaches up to touch the heart at the base of her throat. Her breath seems to cease. Then she sees the sight that makes everything right in her world her strong, handsome, brave knight leading the cavalry.
He is magnificent! He sits tall on his jet black mount, his black cape flying, and his beautiful sword gleaming in the moonlight. His polished silver armor seems to glow and she hears his powerful voice commanding his men to come to order.
"That's enough, my warriors! It's time to celebrate and be celebrated! You have fought bravely and without disgrace! Welcome to my home and my hospitality, you have more than earned the gratitude of your kingdom!" he shouts, receiving an uproarious cry from his men.
Her heart swells with pride as she hears his voice and the response of his loyal, faithful command. Brian is a good and noble man and they are all honored to follow him, she has overheard them confess it. He is not just a hero to her, but to each and every one of them. She smiles to herself as she watches him enter the castle.
Like a shot, Lady Erica is running down the tower stairs. It feels like forever before she reaches the door at the bottom, bursting through it and sprinting for the great hall. She hears the cheers as they enter and her breath catches again. Erica stops outside the door of the hall and takes a deep breath as she readies herself to make a graceful entry.
