Hawke and his Princess Chapter 19

Hawke scratched Midnight under his chin as he talked to him, "I know your in different surroundings' buddy, but I need you to be good. You're not going to be able to wander off like your use too. See that field there," Midnight turned his head towards the coral and Hawke continued. "I need you to stay in this area, your still free to roam around, but I need you to stay in the fenced area please. Can you do that for me buddy?" Midnight looked around, looked back at Hawke again and stared at him, finally Midnight put his head on Hawke's shoulder.

Hawke reached up scratching him under the chin, "I love you too buddy and thank you. You have fun buddy." Midnight bobbed his head once more and took off. The pasture was pretty good-sized and Midnight soon disappeared behind some trees down the hill. Hawke turned around and saw people watching him, he shrugged, put water into the trough making sure Midnight had water.

The heads groomsman came up to Hawke glaring at him, "Who are you, young man to disrupt my place of work?" Before Hawke could say anything the guy opened his mouth again. "I thought you said he wasn't tame, what I just witnessed says differently and there's no way that horse just understood what you said? It was as if you both were carrying on a conversation."

Bryce came over before Hawke opened his mouth, "this young man is my son-in-law. And if he tells you the horse is not tame then I would suggest you heed his words and not get close to the horse."

Hawke, finally able to speak explained to the groomsman, "Midnight is a special horse, he is not a tame horse. He only allows two people to ride him, that is Elayne and I. He is a very smart horse and yes he understands me, but he's wild. I know because I've raised him since he was a colt. Please heed my warning about him, I do not want to see anyone get hurt, just let him be and I will take care of his needs. All I ask is make sure the trough here has water." Hawke turned around not wanting to discuss the subject of his horse to anyone.

When he turned around, he noticed a crowd gathered behind his family. Frustrated he grabbed Elayne's hand as she came up to him.

She turned him around and took his head into her hands, "Hawke, you need to be calm. On the outside you look relaxed, but I can feel you on the inside. Your nerves are on edge." She brought his head down to hers and captured his mouth with hers. As their lips met she melted into him when he wrapped his arms around her.

Finally, he took his mouth off hers and looked her in the eyes, "thank you baby, I love you."

She looked up at him, her love shining in her eyes as she stared at him. "I love you too Hawke."

They finally went into the castle, and he stood looking around stunned. The place was full of weapons and stands of armor along with the usual animal heads on the walls. There was pictures of men hunting, or men fighting in armor, hanging along the walls. Elayne pulled him forward as they went further into the castle. He looked around as they got deeper in, noticing the interiors design was softening up. He looked down halls and saw rooms at the ends. Down one hall Elayne told him that was where the ballroom was, that she'd show him later. Once they got to the main room he noticed very well-dressed people standing around talking to each other, 'these must be Bryce's minor lords and ladies,' he thought as he watched Bryce went up to the top of the stairs that had two fancy chairs on it. Eleanor followed him and they both turned around, looking out at everyone that was gathered in the grand hall. He looked over at Elayne and Hawke, and he nodded, Elayne pulled Hawke with her to stand in front of her parents on the floor. Bryce waited until everyone gathered around and quieted down. Hawke was receiving a lot of looks as he stood there with Elayne's hand on his arm, waiting for Bryce to speak.

Bryce finally spoke, taking Eleanor's hand in his. "Ladies and gentlemen, it warms my heart to finally be back home and to see such a warm reception. I would officially like to welcome and introduce a very special young man that has become a member of our family." He pointed down to Hawke. "Please welcome Lord Arik Hawke, who I have and am officially acknowledging as my son-in-law, husband to Elayne Cousland." Hawke heard gasps of surprise and awe around him. Outside he remained calm and casual but inside he wanted to strangle Bryce. Hawke hated being the center of attention, he avoided notice as much as possible but here Bryce was, bringing everyone's attention to him. He growled in his head, his hand tightened around Elayne's as Bryce continued. "I know this is unheard of, but they are officially married, with mine and my wife's blessing. There will be an official ceremony in six months."

Hawke heard an angry male voice behind him protest, "you can't do this, I came here to ask for your daughters hand in marriage. Who is this Arik Hawke anyway," the voice sneered. "I've never heard of him and I know my father has never heard of him before either. I object to this."

Bryce's face had turned hard as he stared at someone in the crowd behind Elayne. "James, I would ask you to keep silent. I would never have given you my blessing, Elayne would never have accepted it. And if you had any brains in your head you would have seen that after she refused your attention on multiple times." Hawke heard snickering behind him, but his attention was on Bryce as he continued. "My daughter has chosen the man she loves and will spend the rest of her life with. She has chosen Arik, and we gave our blessing and acknowledge their marriage with us as witnesses. I have made this official here today in front of you all and I will not hear another word against this, it's done. There will be an official ball in five days to honor them. Until then, you are all dismissed, our families have had a long trip, and we will be retiring for the rest of the day. Thank you for coming on short notice."

Bryce turned around taking Eleanor's hand, they left the room with Elayne and Hawke and the rest of their families to their personal residence. Hawke glanced back, feeling the hairs on his neck standing up. He saw a young man glaring at him with hatred in his eyes. All Hawke did was stare at him but the young man dropped his eyes, his face getting redder. Others watched the exchange but if anyone said anything Hawke was already gone.

"He's going to be trouble," Hawke said under his breath but Bryce heard.

"Not if he's got any brains but considering how many times he's tried getting Elayne's attention, and she's ignored him as if he didn't exist, I know I don't have to tell you to be on guard. No need to worry though, I seriously doubt his father would allow his son to cause any discontent with me. Not if he wants to stay on my good side."

Hawke wasn't worried, he could take care of himself, his family would be safe with guards around. Eleanor asked one of the maids to bring the head housekeeper to her. Then they went to the dinning hall and there a light meal was waiting for them. As they ate an older motherly looking woman came to the table, Elayne got up and gave her a hug. After a few minutes of talking Elayne brought the woman over and introduced him to her. "Alice I would like you to meet my husband, Arik Hawke."

Alice looked at Elayne confused, Elayne looked at her. "Alice, he's my other half, the one I've waited my life for. You remember how we used to talk about that perfect someone out there just waiting for me when I was younger? This is my perfect someone Alice, he's my soul mate." Elayne looked at him, the love they had for each other was seeping throughout the room. Everyone who was in the room felt it, saw it as Hawke and Elayne gazed at each other.

Alice squealed and grabbed Elayne, giving her a hug, tears rolling down her face, "my precious angel, I'm so happy for you, it's not often one gets to meet their special one." Alice grabbed Hawke's hand and pulled him up giving him a tight hug, "thank you, Lord Arik for coming into this precious girls' life." Once she let Hawke go, she looked him up and down giving him a once over. She turned to Elayne grabbing her hands, "not only did you get your special one, but he's absolutely handsome, I'm proud of you angel."

Hawke all of a sudden got an image of people looking at him as if he was a prized stallion, being appraised with appreciation. He turned his head feeling his face heat up, Elayne couldn't help the giggle that came out, "yes but a very, very handsome stud at that darling," she said in his head. She took Alice to her mother letting him talk to his family.

Eleanor looked up at Alice "I would like to have the east wing cleaned up and given to Arik and my daughter and his family. And have her stuff brought over. His family can have the lower half of the wing."

Alice curtsied, "as you wish ma'am. It will be ready shortly.". And she scurried off calling the maids to her. Elayne came back to Hawke sitting beside him. After they finished their meal, the table was quickly cleared.

Bryce looked at Hawke and his family, "my home is your home, please everyone relax and enjoy yourselves. When you're ready you'll be shown around, in the meantime I got business to take care of, so I'll leave you all until dinner tonight. Hawke, whenever you're ready tomorrow, I'll take you to where the fillies are." With that he got up and left to take care of some business.

After a while Alice came back announcing that the rooms were ready. Elayne got up and took Hawke and his family to their rooms. The girls would be sharing a room with separate beds. Carver and Bethany of course had their own room and Leandra had hers.

After everyone was settled down and the girls where napping Elayne grabbed his hand and opened a door that led to stairs going up. At the top was another door and Elayne took Arik down the hall to the last door. When he walked in with her, he couldn't help but be amazed. It was an enormous suite. The view out the windows revealed a beautiful balcony, that gave way to lush green fields with the sea in the background below. It was breathtaking. The parlor room was set up for visitors with a lush couch and chairs. Elayne took him up another set of stairs that led to another set of rooms, where another set of chairs and a couch were and then the bedroom. This room also had large windows that lead out on a balcony. The bed was just as enormous as his own back home. He turned around and walked over to Elayne, he didn't know what to say. This was way more than his simple house.

"So what do you think." She asked hesitantly. "Mom and I talked, this whole wing is ours. You can still have your privacy, and your family close by but be separate. We talked to father about the cabin I wanted to give you, but father didn't feel too comfortable with me being away from the castle, and he also thought the girls would thrive better. He's going to arrange a nanny, my nanny in fact to help take care of the girls. She'll stay with them, I don't know if you noticed, but there's a separate room in the girls' room specifically, so someone could be around them even at night." She looked up at him anxiously when he didn't answer, he just stood there watching her. "Hawke I know this isn't what you're use too, we can still arrange something else if you want," he stopped her, taking her in his arms and putting his lips to hers.

Finally, breathless she looked up at him, and he finally spoke. "Elayne, this will work. I know your dad would be worried, and you're right this is perfect for the girls. I want you to be happy Elayne and I know your father wants you safe, I can compromise. I love you Elayne, all I want is your happiness."

He picked her up and carried her over to the bed claiming her mouth with his.

When Elayne, Hawke and his family went to the dinning room everyone else was also just coming in. Everyone sat at the table and Hawke and his family finally met Fergus's wife Oriana and his son, Owen.

Bryce looked over at Hawke and his family while waiting for their food. "So how do you find your living arrangements. I hope their to your satisfaction. I've arranged a nanny to help out with the girls. She's aware of their situation and like me, she wants to help out however she can. The girls will have study lessons with my grandson, that way they can get a good education. Their needs will be met, anything you guys need or want will be provided for you.

Hawke couldn't help but think he might be losing control with the girls. They were his responsibility, but no one was asking his opinion. He knew Bryce was only trying to help, but they were Hawke's responsibility. "Father, Arik and I appreciate what you've done with the girls but in the future can you please ask us before making a final decision. They are Arik's and my responsibility after all." Elayne reprimanded her father gently.

He looked at them confused, then he realized what he had done and apologized. He was just so use to taking charge in his home. He informed them that in the future he would consult with them first.

Hawke looked over at Elayne gratefully. After dinner, he wanted to go check on Midnight to make sure he was doing okay. He went up to his room and strapped on his blades before heading out just to be on the safe side, this was new terrain for him. As he stepped out of the personal residence his guards came to him, each taking a place behind him. He turned around and looked at them. "I appreciate everything you guys have done but you are home now, don't you want to go visit friends or family?"

Mark saluted him, "my lord, when we pledged ourselves to you, your home became our home and like we said we have no family, and we can visit our friends later. Our job is to guard you right now.

"I'm just going to check on Midnight, make sure he's adjusting ok. I'm quit capable of taking care of myself." Hawke had a thought, "actually I could do with some sparring afterward. I need to release some tension." What he really needed was a good run with Midnight, but he wasn't familiar with the land yet. Sighing, "come on then, let me check on my horse."

They walked outside and once again Hawke noticed he was the center of attention again. He used his senses to survey his surroundings and when he didn't feel a threat walked over to the stables. He couldn't see Midnight, so he whistled for him, after a few minutes Midnight came running up to him. He came up to Hawke nuzzling him, "how are you doing buddy, are you ok? Midnight bobbed his head up and down and put his head on Hawke's shoulder. "I love you too buddy." Hawke gave him a carrot, "I just wanted to check on you, to see how you're doing. Now that I see your good I'll let you go. I'll be back in the morning Midnight. I love you." The horse bobbed his head up and down and took off.

Hawke stood there watching as he disappeared into the trees again. When he looked at his soldiers they took him to a sparing ring and after finding two practice blades that he was comfortable with he went into the ring. Larry was the first one to volunteer then Mark came in. Still not satisfied he looked at a couple of the soldiers that had been with him at his home. He wagered a bet with them, and he was surrounded by six soldiers. Mark and Larry went around making wagers of their own. They glanced at Hawke who looked at them with a disapproving look but couldn't stop the grin on his face. He stripped off his shirt, and got into battle mode.

An hour later Hawke was the only one standing. His guards were hooting and hollering, collecting their winnings. He upended a bucket of water over himself washing off the sweat. He felt Elayne behind him, and when he turned towards her, she had a grin on her face as she came over with a towel.

"My hero," she said as he scooped her up in his arms kissing her. She slapped at his chest, "you're getting me wet you jerk."

He grinned at her, put his mouth to her ear, "I can if you want." He whispered seductively, and she squirmed laughing at him, and finally he let her down. He looked around at the soldiers and thanked them. Then he became aware of the crowd that had formed while he sparred and ignoring them, and he started heading back inside. He heard someone behind him calling him by name, he turned around and looked at a soldier who looked to be high ranking. He came up to Hawke and shook his hand introducing himself as General Jack. "Are you really that good or did you get lucky?" Before Hawke could say anything Larry came up and answered the question for Hawke.

"He's really that good sir. And not only is he good with the blade, but he doesn't have a problem using his fists."

The General looked at Larry doubtfully, "you've seen this personally?"

Larry nodded proudly. "And so have a bunch of us a few years back. You remember that competition a few years ago, the one where an unknown young guy had won?" He looked over at Hawke proudly, Hawke shook his head but either not understanding or just ignoring what Hawke was trying to say, Larry continued on. "This is that man, that's why he has that proud horse of his. That was part of his winnings.

"Sir, he's not just good he's one of the best. He values life. He would prefer to not have to hurt anyone but if he must, he will. He's quick to offer help, selflessly and without complaints or expectations of gratification, he treats others with kindness and compassion. He has true integrity and a strong moral code, never compromising his character or goes against what he believes in, Mark and I serve him now, we pledged our loyalty to him."

Jack raised his eye at that and Larry hurriedly continued on. "We would never do that to just anyone. You know us sir, you're the one that recruited and trained us. What we say about him is truth. Lord Bryce vouches for him, Lord Bryce's daughter is Arik's wife. He protected the women, Lady Eleanor and Lady Elayne along with his own family, when over a dozen outlaws decided to take what wasn't theirs when they came onto his property. He also rescued two little girls from the streets, that had been victims of the same outlaws Hawke had eliminated. When Hawke found out that the girls had lost their family he took responsibility of those girls. He also helps with the less fortunate of Lothering with donations from his own crops and produce. Sir, this young man is a good man, he's a man I'm very proud to serve" Larry looked over at Hawke proudly, and saluted him before walking to stand beside him. Hawke looked around him, wanting a place to disappear as Larry told the General about him, he wasn't all that. He was just a man who tried to do his best, to do what was right.

Elayne put her hand on his arm, he looked down at her, "your more than that Hawke, I know you hate accepting praise, you won't even acknowledge it when people give it to you. There are so many people in Lothering that look up to you because of what you stand for. And I'm proud of the man you are. I love you Arik"

Hawke looked around him, they had a crowd who were listening to them. Wanting to get away, he shook the Generals hand again, took Elayne's and walked away. He needed to distance himself from the crowd. He looked down at her, "I need to check on the girls." Elayne led him inside, and they walked towards the girls' room as Bethany was coming out. She had them come to the sitting room.

"Are they ok, seems kind of early for them to be sleeping, I need to go check on them." He ignored Bethany as he went into the girls room. He put his hand on Mary's head and did a scan, she was getting a cold, he then put a hand on Rose's head, she was also coming down with a cold. They were going to have to keep an eye on it. Hawke could heal them, but he wanted to let their bodies fight it off. He'd keep an eye on them though. He kissed both their foreheads and walked out closing the door behind him. Then went to the sitting room and sat down, looking at Bethany.