The Awakening by Amileigh D'Lecoire Read Free Book Online Page B

devotion that perfumed the air, for all were more than eager to accept her into their hearts.  Everywhere Thais had gone on the island since her arrival; her songs had left a trail of hope and love that bloomed as radiant and bright as the most splendid of the Creator’s gardens.  Already she had touched the hearts of so many – bonding to her was a gift beyond words for them.
                  And, while she was caught up herself in the wonder and excitement of it all, still it was an almost physical pain to be kept apart from Aramis.  Having finally found the courage to embrace her need of him, something which both frightened and exhilarated her, it was a bittersweet torment not to be allowed to see him.  She knew the anticipation would make their first night together all the more  beautiful, but it made her soul ache not to be able to feel the strength of him next to her.
                  Did he feel the same, she wondered? 
                  She sighed contentedly, her mind and body beyond weary after her exhausting sessions with Dominic.  She’d spent the entire day with the high priest, where he’d diligently tutored her on what to expect as Aramis’ new bride.  No topic had been taboo, from the subtle transformations she could expect within herself, to the great responsibilities that would come from helping their Lord care for his people, both physically and spiritually.  Her muscles were tight and she was beyond tired, but it was a satisfying exhaustion, and she welcomed the weariness for all that it represented.
                  After a long soak in a sinfully warm and aromatic bath that had been scented with rose petals, she had come out of her bathing chamber to find Vardra waiting at her vanity, brush in hand.  The two exchanged warm smiles, and without a word Thais went to sit on the plush settee before the mirror so that Vardra could brush out her hair.  As Vardra began the slow, gentle process of enticing Thais’ hair into an intricate array of braids with delicate flowers woven carefully in between, Thais allowed her eyes to close and quickly became lost in the gentle tugging motions that were both hypnotic and  sensual. 
                  “I envy you the look on your face,” Vardra said after a while, and Thais could hear the knowing smile in her friend’s voice as she carefully combed out Thais’ hair.
                  “Me?”  Thais’ said with a teasing laugh as her eyes flew open, brilliant blue gems flashing as she met Vardra ’s in the mirror.  When she spoke again, her words with laced with great affection.
                    “I am not blind, Vardra .  When you are not required to be with me, Dominic has insisted you remain by his side.  Or perhaps it is that my eyes have deceived me?”
                  Vardra smiled broadly as her cheeks stained with color.
                  “Oh Thais, it has been an amazing two weeks for me!” she said, unable to keep it in any longer.  “Dominic will scarce let me rest when we are alone.  He is an insatiable lover, quite skilled, and for some reason refuses the attentions of any save me!  The priestesses assigned to his temple have welcomed me with no end of love and kindness, and, well…” she paused for a moment from brushing Thais’ hair before speaking again.  “I do believe he is going to ask Aramis that I be allowed to move into his private quarters!”
                  “Oh Vardra , I think that is wonderful!” she said warmly. 
                  Thais had learned so much in her short time here – only 2 weeks, and she knew that she had barely scratched the surface of all that Aramis and his people had to share with her.  Love, knowledge, hope – she had felt all these things and more.  But, one thing she had learned very quickly, was that the priests and priestesses here seemed to change