Wake Up . . . // Danielle

[King Joscelin Brent]

If not for Danielle, Joscelin would have been . . . well, nothing. He had advisors and attendants, but none that he trusted so much as he had Danielle, and there was absolutely nothing that he kept for her but for one thing. Yet, that one thing meant his life or death, his continuing reign or him being torn from the throne, and condemned, for Joscelin was not the legitimate heir to Solraya's seat of power. He was the son of someone . . . someone else that once lived in the Teeth. It was there he had been found, where his father said that he was taken and exchanged for the unbreathing child that his foster-mother, the Queen of Solraya, had given birth to.

Those thoughts filled his mind when he had awakened that night. He had been unable to rest, settle, or do aught else other than to watch his sleeping wife. She looked at peace and oh, so beautiful. He ached when he touched her cheek gently, and he ran his calloused fingertips down and along the arch of her neck.

"Danielle," he whispered softly, and leaned downward to press his brow against hers gently. "Wake up, my love," he added, urging her to awaken, no matter how reluctant he may have been at first. His fingertips roamed from the arch of her neck to the back and then stroked upward for his hand to bury knuckle deep within her hair. He massaged the back of her head gently, coaxing her still to awaken.

"There's something I wish to tell you . . . something important," he said suddenly, and his mouth lowered onto hers gently. If there was one way Joscelin knew how to stir her, and gain her attention, it was this way . . . a kiss. It was soft, tender, and achingly slow, but filled with everything that he held for her. It was love. Pure, complete, and aching. It was the feeling that quickened his pulse and made his heart beat faster. It was the feeling that stirred whenever he saw Danielle. His beloved friend, lover, wife, and Queen. The woman he turned to for anything and everything. Now he turned to her for somewhat that could be considered the most important thing he would ever tell her.

"I'm sorry that I am waking you at such an ungodly hour," he murmured huskily and broke their kiss. In a moment he leaned away, still propped up one elbow as he kept his hand buried within her hair. He searched her face quietly by the light of the moon that spilled through the open windows, and the flickering light from the hearth that warmed their bedchambers. Then there was the warmth of his own bare, warm body tucked against hers, leaving oh, so little untouched.

[Queen Danielle Brent]

-- Danielle was never so comfortable or safe when she was in Joscelin's arms. She was sleeping peacefully after catching up on lost romance with her husband. It had certainly been a rough time for both of them - Joscelin worrying about the kingdom and Danielle worrying about him. But there was also Cady to distract her mind from anything too trouble. The girl had been a source of comfort for Danielle since she arrive. They had gotten on quite well from the very beginning. Danielle admired her for her courage and strength. But now all trouble thoughts had left her mind and her sleep-state was filled with happy dreams and she didn't toss and turn. On the nights when Joscelin was late and she had to fall asleep without him beside her she barely got any sleep and was extremely restless until he woke her up and wrapped her in his strong arms.

-- Slowly she was brought out of her slumber by Joscelin's sweet deep voice trying to rouse her. A small smile graced her lips, not really hearing what he was saying other than that he wanted her awake. She was awake but her eyes were not open when she felt his strong brow press against her own - their sign of affection and endearment. His hand wrapped in her hair and she almost fell back to sleep but he knew just how to get her to wake up - with a kiss. Danielle felt her lips form around his kissing him back tenderly. Her eyes fluttered open slowly. Suddenly she was worried. What was wrong? Whatever he had to tell her couldn't wait until morning and that mean it must be something extremely important.

-- "Do not apologize, my love." Danielle murmured softly as she clutched his free hand. "Now what do you need to tell me?" She asked, puzzled. Her mind was racing to find any sort of idea as to what he wanted to tell her. Joscelin always told her everything - no matter what and for this she was extremely grateful. Danielle didn't mind when he told her whether it be in the earliest of hours or in the dead of night. She would always be there for him no matter what - just as he would be there for her. Joscelin had always been there for her in her times of need. They had been each other's shoulder to cry on and ear to listen throughout their entire relationship. They had always had a strong sense of trust in each other.

[King Joscelin Brent]

She awoke and suddenly Joscelin wanted to retreat. He wasn't certain how she would take the truth of his origin. What if she despised him for having never told her the truth? Yes, he hadn't known when he was young but he had known before they had married. His father had told him as much upon his death bed. It had been his parting words, along with the assurance that he loved him as if he were his own. It had been warming to the heart but likewise had filled him with uncertainty.

He was not the heir. He was a wildling from the Teeth, the son of someone who could either be still alive or very much dead. Yet, for the first time, Joscelin found himself wanting to draw from that origin of his. Why shouldn't they seek help from the clans of the Teeth? Yes, he couldn't go about revealing his true blood, but they were all human in the end. Still, the first step was telling her . . . Danielle, his Queen and beloved.

"Honestly, I'm not certain where to even begin, my love," Joscelin said, furrowed his brows and breathed out heavily. He shifted onto his elbow as he searched her face, his fingertips trailed over her stomach slowly. "I fear what you may think of me when I do tell you . . . I . . . Danielle, what I tell you tonight . . . it's something that you cannot tell anyone else, do you understand?" He asked, and the look within his eyes were grave. What he intended to tell her obviously held a great weight. It was a burden upon his shoulders.

"There are only a few that know this truth, and a few have already bore it to their grave . . . " Joscelin said and fell silent. "I only fear that you may think differently of me, but I pray that you do not. I am still Joscelin . . . I am still your Joscelin. I love you with the whole of my heart, Danielle, and I would do anything within my power to please you," he said, his hand still upon her stomach. His eyes, once more, searched hers before he leaned down to kiss her tenderly.

"Do you wish to know . . . ?" He asked, hopeful.

[Queen Danielle Brent]

-- Danielle could see the apprehension on her husband's face. She could tell it was something of great importance and her heart raced in anticipation. A delicate hand brushed against his cheek, trying to calm him. His fingertips left a trail of warmth along her stomach - a stomach which she hoped would soon be swollen with their child. Everything would happen in due time. But it was something they both longed for and something they both wanted more than anything. Besides peace being restored to their kingdom of course. When he spoke his tone was one she rarely heard. He was as serious as he could ever be and it worried her. Danielle nodded - it was the only thing she could do. For once the queen was speechless.

-- How could she ever think differently of him? "There is nothing that would ever make me feel or think any different of you, my love. Please tell me, you're worrying me." Danielle spoke softly, her hand resting on his arm. She could not make her thoughts calm and she was going crazy with worry. Danielle kissed him back with as much passion as she could muster. "Yes, I want to know, whatever it is. You can tell me anything Joscelin. I'll always stand by you no matter what. And her words were true. They could easily have been the truest words ever spoken.

-- She was not doubting that what Joscelin was going to tell her wasn't serious but she was sure he was dwelling too much on the situation and making things worse in his mind than what they really were. Danielle wanted nothing more than to comfort her husband and to ease his mind. She hated when he was in this sort of mind. As of late, he was like this more often than not. Her poor husband was working so hard, she wondered if his brain ever stopped thinking and calculating. It's what made him such a great and wonderful kind but he needed a break. And Danielle knew that once he told her what was on his mind and troubling him so it might make things a little easier for him. A thought like the one her husband was keeping was the sort of thing you worried about for weeks before you finally had to tell it or fear you would go crazy.

[King Joscelin Brent]

"I am not the rightful heir to the throne of Solraya," Joscelin said.

It was sudden for the only way to truly confess such a thing was in that way. He couldn't skirt around it any longer or wait. She needed to know because Joscelin wanted her to know everything. That and there was somewhat else. Joscelin hoped that he could draw upon his blood and pursue something he had never thought to do before . . . a relationship with those of the Teeth, an alliance that could assist them against King Andrew and his intentions of conquering Solraya. Mayhap somewhere out there, in the Teeth, his true mother and father yet lived, and he could convince them, and others, to assist Solraya in these dire times . . .

He hoped, at the very least.

"The true heir to the throne was stillborn," he went on to explain. "Lady Dorelei didn't know, at least not at first. The news was given to Anael, my . . . father," he said, although a bit awkwardly, " . . . he wasn't willing to accept it for Lady Dorelei had trouble conceiving for years, but for the first time she managed to carry, and Anael had pressured for for an heir, but not only that, he wanted a child for himself, and for he was a man nearing the end of his middle years . . . " He trailed off and swallowed. "At the time they were in the Teeth, attempting to seek an alliance with the clans there so that they could not only have trade with them but with other nations beyond there, Lady Dorelei went into labor . . . "

"Dorelei had been pampered throughout the venture, not wishing to stay behind whilst her husband traversed and treated with these strange, different people. She had studied them for far too long and heard of their tales, but mayhap her hunger for knowledge was likewise her downfall and the reason they lost the child . . . either way, although there were those who frowned upon an alliance between our people, from both sides mind you, there were those who welcomed it. One such was a Clansman who agreed to replace the loss child with . . . with me . . . " He trailed off and looked to her.

"I didn't know . . . I was nothing more than a mewling babe, but still, they raised me as if I were truly theirs. I would have never known if father didn't tell me . . . " Joscelin breathed out shakily. "Danielle . . . I am sorry . . . "

He didn't know what else to say.

[Queen Danielle Brent]

-- His words could not be true. Of course he was the rightful heir to the throne. He was such a natural born kind. He was loved and respected by his people. Did it really matter if what he said was actually true? Maybe he was just overreacting. He had a lot of stress at the moment. Maybe it was just a small breakdown. Danielle traced her soft fingertips against his muscled arm, trying to soothe him. Everything was so abrupt. Surely he had been thinking about this for a while. These things didn't just haunt someone over night. He seemed so shook up about it. This was definitely a serious issue. She could feel her heart pound and her mind didn't dare form any thoughts as her husband explained himself.

-- It was all so much to take in. The story made sense and she could see why her husband hadn't shared this story with anyone before. None of it really mattered though - not to her anyway. He was still the man she had fallen in love with and would be in love with until the end of time. He was still her Joscelin. "Oh my love. Why haven't you shared this with me sooner? I am very glad you did share this with me now." She spoke softly and warmly. Her hand rested against his face and a small sympathetic smile broke across her face.

-- "Do not apologize, please. You may not be the blood heir to the throne, but you deserve it more than anyone. You were raised by a strong and wonderful man, Joscelin. He loved you deeply and he was so proud of you. And I'm sure that the Queen would still love you just as much if she had known the truth. I firmly believe in fate. You were meant to be king. It was in your blood to be great." Danielle spoke strongly and slowly - picking her words carefully but speaking with every ounce of passion in her body.

-- "If there is one thing you take with you and keep away in your memory it's that I love you more than anything in this entire world. I will always be yours and I will always stand beside you. You are my Joscelin, my king, and my everything." Tears started to well in her big brown eyes. Danielle wished she could take away all his pain and suffering and go back to the times before this war and this mess. Before all the killing and conflict. Danielle wanted to give him a child and know that their child would be safe. Would that time ever come though? Maybe a child would make things better. How she longed to hold a soft babe in her arms. It seemed to be the only thing she had been thinking about other than her husband.

[King Joscelin Brent]

It was a difficult thing to confess, but the weight of it was lifted from his shoulders. He felt as if he could breathe, especially more so when she accepted it albeit not easily. He searched her eyes as she spoke and Joscelin stood silent throughout all she had to say. When she touched him, he leaned into her, pressing his cheek easily against her hand.

"How could I . . . ?" He asked and allowed his words to linger. "I was afraid of how you would react," he added honestly, and he furrowed his brows. "I feared losing you . . . thinking me some . . . beast, I suppose," he murmured and fell silent.

Then came her soothing words . . . ah, God, if not for that then Joscelin wouldn't have known what to do with himself. His eyes grew suspiciously wet and he trembled. She was an incredible woman . . . someone he felt that he didn't even deserve at times because of how loyal and magnificent she truly was. She was his first and true best friend, and still was. He had adored her since childhood and now he loved her more than anything. He would have fought wars for her, moved mountains, and done the impossible for another kiss.

He leaned forward suddenly, his hands warm upon her cheeks as he kissed her hard and hungrily. He didn't know how else to express his love for her for he had told her, time and again, just how much she did mean to him. Now it was time to simply show her. He deepened their kiss, his tongue stroking over her lips tenderly. His body hitched, pressing close against hers as he urged her onto her back. In moments he was upon her, lying down warmly against her soft body, although in moments he reluctantly broke away, drawing his mouth from hers before setting his brow against hers.

"My Queen . . . " he breathed out shakily, searching her eyes. "Shed no tears, Danielle, please," he said and brushed their noses together. "I will see this to the end for us . . . I will bring an end to this war by uniting our people with those of the Teeth, and we will crush King Andrew, and we will live in peace," he murmured, kissing her softly.

" . . . and first I will plant my seed within you."

[Queen Danielle Brent]

-- Danielle could tell almost immediately that his mind had been eased by his confession. She wished she could hold him until he realized how foolish he sounded. "Oh my Joscelin. How could I ever think you a beast? You will never lose me. What kind of wife would I bet if I left you? Not a true one. And I promised you that I would be your true wife until the end of time." She did not even think about leaving him! It would kill her. It frightened her to think of any time where she would have to be separated from her love. It was hard enough when he traveled just for a few days or a week while he toured their kingdom. Would he want to venture to the teeth to try to find any family? She wished she wouldn't, but she knew her husband better than anyone. Perhaps even better than he knew himself.

-- Suddenly he was kissing her passionately and she instantly melted into his arms and kissed him back - matching his passion. She loved the way he felt on top of her. She felt so safe and warm with him. His body covered every part of hers and that's the way she loved it. He was so utterly handsome and strong. This is when she truly knew that her words had sunk into his mind. He was calm enough to show his undying love for her. He was always good with his words but he had always been more apt to show her through physical acts which she also loved. Danielle loved being one with him and fulfilling her wifely duties.

-- Their brows met - their own person sign of affection. Her eyes closed as his words washed over her. They opened and met his with longing and passion. "I have full faith in you my King. The true and only king." Danielle told him with such strong conviction and truth. Her eyes opened wider at his last words. She wanted nothing more than to carry their child. It was the only thing she wanted more than Joscelin himself. At first they had agreed to wait until after all this mess was over but neither one of them had any idea whether or not it would ever completely end. Danielle didn't know how much longer she could wait to be a mother. She wanted lots of children. It would surely make the castle a brighter and happier place with a child running around. It would also take both of their minds off the incredible burdens they held.

[King Joscelin Brent]

This was why Joscelin had only ever trusted Danielle as his confidante. Oh, yes, she hadn't been his only friend, but she had always been his best because he trusted her as she trusted him. They listened to eachother and . . . God, so much more! There was so much that couldn't be expressed through words. There were no songs or poetry that would ever do his unconditional love for her any justice.

"You are so much more than my true wife, Danielle," Joscelin said, his voice deep, husky and full of emotion. His eyes were ever moving as they searched her face . . . her oh, so beautiful eyes. "I've loved you since we were children," he said, "you were ever my best friend, and God I loved to bother you...chase you about, pounce on you like some wild animal and roll about with you," Joscelin murmured, smiling. "You tamed me, however, and mother always loved that..." He trailed off, searching her eyes. "I wanted you so badly when I was older...I don't know how I ever managed to resist," he admitted.

"You are my rock, Danielle," he murmured. "Without you, I truly am nothing."

Joscelin was silent then as he searched her eyes. Love, spanning the many years they had known one another, was warm in his eyes. Without a word, he lowered his hand between them, grasping himself before slowly sinking within her. He breathed out shakily, moaned, and smothered her body with his own. Every inch of his body was hot and hard to the touch, aching for so much more than what they already had. They already had so much, yes, and even more than what most did have, but what they didn't have yet was what they both had wanted for so long . . . a child.

"My true and only Queen, and soon to be mother of my child," he said and claimed her.

Hard. Eager. Passionate. His kisses were hungry and full of her fervor as his mouth fell upon hers, in time with his hips. He left little untouched.

[Queen Danielle Brent]

-- If Danielle was asked about her relationship with Joscelin she wouldn't even begin to be able to describe it. There was more to them than just husband and wife. She had always firmly believed they had been made for each other. She trusted him more than anyone else in the world. How had she gotten so lucky to have found a man like Joscelin who loved her just as much as she loved him. They always argued about who loved each other more. How could she even describe how much she loved him. It was never something she ever had to think about. For as long as she could remember she had loved the man laying on top of her. How she needed him right now. Danielle wanted him to envelope her in his strong arms and make love to her all night.

-- As he spoke, Danielle could recall almost every moment that they had shared. Never would she forget them. The happiest moments of her life had been spent with Joscelin. Even back then they had been both in love with each other and best friends. She laughed softly and smiled. "You were always trying to get me to wrestle even when you knew I couldn't with all my dresses on." She shook her head. "I still managed to pin you." Of course he had let her. Even when they were small children Joscelin could have easily overpowered her. That's what she admired most about him. He was tall and strong yet he could be gentle and kind. "Someone had to tame you down. Your poor mother..." Danielle trailed off shaking her head but still smiling. She really hadn't known what to do with him. Danielle had never been intimidated by Joscelin though. She supposed that's why his parents had approved of the match.

-- Oh how she had wanted him too. Now she could have him any time she wanted him. Of course she wanted him all time but his kingdom needed him more than she did. Joscelin always told her that without her he would be nothing but she didn't believe that. He would find some way to go on without her but she would never leave him. Then suddenly her thoughts were cut off by Joscelin entering her. She moaned out of surprise and melted against him. A small smile spread across her face. Danielle wanted to be a mother more than anything in the world. She wished desperately and with everything that she had that she would finally become pregnant. Danielle kissed him back eagerly while she pressed her body against his. She loved making love to him and being this close to him. Being his wife was everything that she imagined and more.

[King Joscelin Brent]

Joscelin, even in the midst of making love, still could not resist breaking into laughter. What she said brought back the past, memories flooding his mind. He had been a terribly wild child, one that was all over the place and getting into everything imaginable. It was only surprising that he hadn't killed himself in his youth. Then again, mayhap it was because he had been allowed to be free and learn through his own mistakes and experiences that he had been able to live. Either way, he was here, now and alive, well and still hungry for more. Hungry for a family with Danielle.

"I let you pin me," Joscelin said dismissively, although he couldn't say such with a straight forward. She had been pounced and attacked by him more than enough to be able to learn how to defend herself. Regardless, he had loved every moment and cherished it. Now he prayed he could keep those moments still even as an adult, cherishing new experiences with her.

"I must have driven her mad on several occasions," Joscelin said with a rueful grin. He was one of the few men who could talk and still make love with the prowress of a skilled lover easily, and especially without any sort of pause. "Yet, I wonder at how I have yet to drive you mad," he said, searching her eyes in earnest as his hips rolled, buckled, and swayed against hers.

He made love to her relentlessly, never slowing and constantingly quickening.

"I daresay you are the only woman in all the world that can survive me, my love. If not for you I do not know how I'd manage or live...you keep me calm, centered, and right with myself," he said, heartfelt and genuine. All the while pleasure continued to mount and climb upon him, overwhelming and making him ache - shuddering as he thrusted and rutted against her.

Harder. Rougher. More eager and hungry.

More, more, more . . .

[Queen Danielle Brent]

-- Having him laugh and smile and talk while they made love made the moment even more passionate and special. The memories of her childhood were nothing but good ones. She wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Danielle felt very special to have such a good upbringing and to have been able to spend it with someone like her wonderful husband. She did miss her parents every day though, just as Joscelin missed his. Both their parents had been wonderful people. Danielle had always admired the former king and queen. They had raised an amazing son. She knew they'd be proud of him. Of course they had wondered just how he'd turn out. Especially with how wild and unruly he had been. No one could tell him what to do. Danielle merely kept him in check from doing any more damage than normal.

-- "I know. I'm sure it was just because you were sick of me trying." Danielle paused, smirking. "And you always like it when I'm on top." She had tried arguing that it wasn't fair. He had such an advantage on her. It wasn't that she was so much smaller than him, but she had been forced to wear so many layers of clothing while Joscelin got to run around in loose, cool clothing. She often wondered how it was possible that ladies survived through the summer with such heavy garments on. It was no easy feat. Most of the hot summer days were spent indoors fanning themselves. Or in her case, sneaking down to either the river or lake, stripping everything off and diving in. She couldn't remember ever getting caught.

-- Danielle leaned up tenderly and brushed her nose against his. "Oh you definitely did. We had a few long talks about that, actually." She smiled. Danielle's words were cut off as she moaned and arched up against her husband. He was a fantastic lover. She had never had, and wouldn't ever have, anyone else except him. Oh how he made love to her. She loved every feeling he gave her. She craved his touch and his love more than anything else. Sometimes she wondered if she even needed anything else. What would living be without her Joscelin? It would be a very poor existence. "It has always been so easy being your wife and queen." It was the truth. Never once had she doubted marrying this fantastic man who was currently making love to her. Danielle groaned, "More." She begged.