Aloura, a journey of the Dimensions Book 1

The Arrival

We rode long into the evening, the sun dipping low, casting a golden hue over the landscape. As we approached the cottage manor house nestled in those rolling hills, I could almost hear the walls whispering the secrets of the past. Each shutter cracked open a new tale bathed in mystery, and with every hoofbeat of our horse, I felt the history wrap around me like a warm blanket.

The huge, inviting door stood proudly, its rich timber frame almost beckoning us inside. I leaned forward a little, my heart racing with what lay beyond. Moonlight poured in through tall, mullioned windows as candlelight fickered about in others. The garden outside was pure bliss—a lush expanse of emerald grass dotted with vibrant flowerbeds swaying gently in the evening breeze. I could almost hear them whispering secrets of their own. Flowering shrubs cradled the edges, and a solitary bench beneath an ancient tree looked like the perfect spot for a private chat or just to watch the world go by.

A winding path beckoned from the side, leading to a vegetable garden that teased the air with the earthy scent of herbs and seedlings. It felt so alive, like it was just waiting for summer to thrive. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace as I took it all in under the moon’s soft glow.

“Been a while since you visited?” Ryker’s voice was low, his breath brushing against my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

He slowed the horse as we neared, and I caught sight of a few men emerging from the shadows of the walls. They seemed on high alert, and Ryker continued forward effortlessly, his body relaxed despite the tension in the air.

“Lord Ryker,” one of the men said as we pulled up alongside him.

“Drax, is it all secure?” Ryker returned, nodding like they were long-standing pals.

Drax, the guy I remembered from the hall, strode with us toward the stable, tension radiating from every inch of his body. “Yes, sir. The site is secure. The staff seems, well, terrified, but I doubt they’d harm your wife. I believe Her Majesty should be safe.”

As we reached the barn, Ryker jumped down and reached up to pull me into his arms, setting me on my feet. My instincts took over, and I leaned into him, warmth wrapping around me against the cool night air. I stifled a yawn, but Drax’s comment only brought it back stronger.

“Her Majesty looks tired,” Drax noted, and I shot a quick glance at Ryker as he chuckled.

“It’s been a long day,” he said, then suddenly scooped me up in a bridal carry, making my heart race.

He strode toward the house, marching me up a flight of stairs as if he knew the place by heart. I felt like a feather in his grip. He set me down in a spacious bedroom, and the sight of it took my breath away. He studied me for a moment, his eyes flicking over my face, and then with a gentle touch, he pulled off the veil that had cloaked me from his gaze. His knuckles brushed my cheeks, and when he finally kissed me, I felt electric. Passion surged as I pulled him closer, drowning in the moment.

“I don’t want to ruin this beautiful dress; it looks like it’s old and treasured,” he murmured, stepping back just enough for clarity.

“It was my mother’s,” I replied, the words tumbling out in a husky tone.

“Let me help you out of it then so it can be saved for our daughter,” he said with a playful smile, and I turned my back, feeling butterflies in my stomach.

Slowly, Ryker’s fingers worked their magic on the fastenings, each little button popping open releasing a wave of anticipation. When the dress slid over my head, I felt a rush, a sense of freedom. He placed it gently across a chair as if it held an importance beyond fabric.

“Some god out there is looking down at me with favor,” he whispered, advancing toward me slow and deliberate. "Tell me this top you’re wearing isn’t an heirloom."

I couldn’t help but giggle. “No, it’s new.”

“Good. I’ll buy you another to replace it,” he grinned, and before I knew it, his hands were finding the ties of my corset, and suddenly it was flying off. My heart raced as my remaining clothes landed in a heap on the floor.

Then, Ryker lifted me again, and I found myself landing on the bed, my heart thudding. I had never gone all the way with a boyfriend before, only flirted and fumbled, but with him, I felt driven—driven to indulge in this newfound intimacy. My body screamed for his touch, and even though fear tinged my excitement, I knew tonight would change everything.

***

I woke to soft rays of sunlight spilling into the room, warmth enveloping me, and the steady rhythm of Ryker’s heartbeat pulsing in my ear. His arm was wrapped around me, pulling me closer, and as I blinked away the sleep, I stretched my legs and arms languidly over him.

When I finally looked up, I found him already awake, a lazy smile playing on his lips. “Are you feeling well?” he asked, fingers tracing my back, sending jolts of warmth through me.

Blushing, I remembered the events of last night in vivid detail. “I’m well. How are you?” I hated how dumb that sounded, like some awkward teenage girl.

His smile widened, a bright and beautiful sight. “You’re blushing. I wondered time and again about what you’d look like without that damn veil,” he laughed, the sound echoing through my chest. “I’m more than well, my wife.”

“So, I don’t have to wear that silly thing anymore?” I asked timidly, my nerves creeping back in.

“Nope. My laws don’t force people to hide behind veils for no good reason. As a woman, you’re free to own land, vote, and serve in my army—though I’d rather you didn’t, just for simplicity’s sake. And if we have a daughter, we won’t deny her the right to rule,” he said, still tracing gentle patterns on my back.

“Really?” My voice was a mixture of disbelief and excitement. The thought that this man offered me a life where I wasn’t just property was a relief I didn’t know I needed.

“Yes, really, my little Queen.” He continued smiling, his eyes dancing with warmth.

“I, uh, noticed Karianna wears pants,” I mumbled, feeling a little shy.

“She does,” he chuckled, the sound reverberating through me. “Hard for a woman to fight in a dress, don’t you think?”

“Oh,” I replied, trying to mask my disappointment. I had hoped maybe I could wear them too, but it sounded like it was just for his soldiers. “I see.”

His hand tilted my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You sound sad. Were you hoping to wear pants?” His tone was playful, but I sensed genuine care behind the humor.

I sighed heavily. “Yes,” I admitted, my cheeks feeling warmer than ever.

“Well, we don’t force women into dress codes, but I’d prefer you wear a dress for formal events. That said, the choice is yours. My mother prefers pants even at state events,” he comforted me, pulling me closer.

Just then, my stomach let out a loud growl, protesting our lack of food since breakfast the day before.

“Ahh, I’ve failed my responsibility as a provider. My wife is starving!” Ryker laughed, rolling me onto my back and peppering my face with sweet kisses.

With a dramatic flourish, he climbed out of bed, the view leaving me momentarily breathless. Under the suns soft morning light, I finally got a good look at him. His golden skin was accented by black tribal tattoos that only amplified his allure. Scars danced across his body, a testament to battles fought and won. He was the embodiment of every heroic figure I’d ever imagined.

“Is everything you see to your satisfaction?” Ryker teased, smirking as he threw a shirt over his head.

I felt my cheeks flush with the embarrassment of being caught staring.

Owning it, I shot back, “I suppose you’ll do.” I tried to sound casual, rising from the bed to softly press my naked body against him, pulling his face down for a sweet kiss.

I never expected to be this bold, but somehow, everything felt right in this moment.

Ryker wrapped his arms around me, and that same purring sound from before vibrated through him.

“You need clothes, or we won’t be leaving the bedroom anytime soon. Sadly, I have some things to do, i think id enjoy spending the day in this room with you,” he murmured against my lips.

“Small problem,” I sighed, “I didn’t pack a change of clothes. I didn’t know you planned to ride off into the sunset with me after the ‘I do’s.’”

Ryker let me go and grabbed a satchel off the nightstand. “Lacy packed you something—you’re all set.”

Inside was fresh underwear and a simple empire-waist dress, easy to slip on. Ryker stayed, watching as I dressed, holding up a veil. I shook my head, my heart set. Two days of that was more than enough for me.

Today was a new beginning, and I was ready to embrace it all.