Chapter 15

Lisbon, Portugal

Queen Marie rarely let a morning catch her lazy. There was always work to be done. Her servants had just finished helping her into a pretty peach dress. Her dark hair was done in a high bun. She sent her servants away and looked at herself in the mirror. She adjusted her crown. Satisfied with her look, she headed out to meet her nephew.

She walked swiftly. She ended up in court. She spotted him. He smiled, “Tia, or should I say, your grace?” he asked as he bowed.

“Cristian,” she replied. He turned into a handsome young man finally growing into his head. His blonde hair was wispy, and his blue eyes shined, “I am so happy to see you,” she said happily.

He hugged her, “It’s been some time.”

“It certainly has. And look at you,” she stated as she surveyed him, “You are a handsome young man ready to find a wife.”

He nodded, “Yes. I am ready. Do you think I will find a match here in Portugal?”

“I have sent out invitations to the eligible nobles in the town. There will be a dinner tonight in your honor. I am sure that you’ll find someone to your liking.”

He nodded.

King Tomas was nearby with Joaquin and Maximus. They heard him wishing them a safe trip. Cristian looked at his aunt, “Isn’t that Lord Joaquin, your nephew.”

She rolled her eyes, “He’s Tomas’s nephew.”

Cristian nodded, “I remember he had a daughter. She must be of age by now.”

She chuckled, “You can’t be serious.”

But he was. He saw her when they were younger, and even though his parents told him to stay away from both Yande and Samba, he couldn’t help but be intrigued by her. “I was just—”

“Your father nor your mother would approve. I suggest you get it out of your mind. There will be plenty of Noble women for you to choose from tonight. No need to concern yourself with that girl with African blood. What if one of your children were to be born brown?”

He shrugged, “I like brown. I’m wearing it now.”

She shook her head, “Go say hello to the King.”

He nodded and walked away.

She sighed and shook her head before stepping away.

Yande wore a purple halter embellished with gold. Around her neck was a gold choker. Her biceps had gold decorative cuffs, as did her forearms. She wore a red and purple shirt. Her hair was braided back in several braids with a headband made from cowry shells.

She stood in front of her ancestor’s altar. The candle burned as she spoke, “I, Yande, daughter of Aminata and Joaquin, light this candle for my benevolent ancestors. I light this candle so you can find your way to me. To guide me and protect me.”

She looked at the glasses of water on her altar and saw the bubbles form. She smiled. It was a sign that someone was there with her. “Great-grandmother, are you here?” she asked softly.

“I am always here,” the voice responded.

Her heart smiled. She took a deep breath, “Are you alone?”

“I am not. There are others here. They are proud of you. We all are. Your gifts are precious. We want to ensure that you use them wisely. Never for evil.”

“I promise that I will use my gifts wisely. To help those in need and to protect myself and others.”

“Ase.”

“Ase.”

“Yande,” she heard her mother speak.

She turned and smiled at the sight of her mother’s belly. It intrigued her. She walked to her, kissed her cheek, and later touched her belly, “He is growing fast.”

Aminata placed her hand on Yande’s, “He is.” She looked at her daughter, who looked so exquisite in her attire. “Your father has received several inquiries asking for your hand.”

Yande made a face.

“I know you said that you weren’t interested in marriage but—”

Yande’s head tilted, “What is it, Mother?”

“I heard you last night. You were dreaming.”

“Mother!”

“It’s normal. You’re a young woman. Your body will begin to crave a man.”

Yande gulped, “I am embarrassed.”

She chuckled, “Don’t be. It’s normal. I’ve had dreams many times. And when your father is away—”

“Mother.”

“It’s true.”

Yande smiled, “I want a man that loves me as my father loves you. If I can’t have that kind of love, I do not want it.”

“Understood.”

“When Father returns, I’ll take this one last voyage with him. Then I’ll consider matches.”

Her mother touched her face, “This is a good idea.”

Isle of Man

“That’s it, Prince, place your hand gently on my neck,” Lady Fiona instructed. Liam was behind her. Their bodies were pressed together. He thrust slightly. “Um,” she hummed, “Yes, that is perfect. She will love this.”

She turned and looked into his bright blue eyes. He was focused. She was pleased. He was the best student she ever had. He had a clear understanding of how to please and he wanted to please. He listened carefully and followed directions diligently.

He gasped and grunted. His cock throbbed as his DNA released into her cunt. They panted. She touched his face, “Careful Prince Liam or we may fall in love.”

He pulled his cock from her drenched center. He watched as she walked over to a tub of water that was ready. She stepped into it. He watched her sit down. He walked over and stood at the foot of the tub. She smiled as she washed her body.

“What is it, Prince Liam?”

“How will I leave here?”

“A more experienced man than before you arrived.”

He scoffed, “You know what I mean. Can you honestly say that these days we have spent together like this have not changed something inside you?”