***The carriage came to a halt just steps away from the staircase, and Alexander hurried out, dismissing any formal displays or reverence from the servants. His ears finally could enjoy a blessed quiet. The sky had darkened rapidly as the clouds gathered, and the heavy raindrops had pounded wildly on the carriage roof. It had been deafening. As soon as Edmund alighted, the carriage careened away.Alexander brushed the droplets from his outer coat and walked briskly inside, heading for his room, away from the chill of the rain. "Send a bath and dinner to my bedchamber.""Yes, Your Majesty." Edmund replied hurrying ahead to make the arrangements.A warm bath and a hearty dinner would be a balm for his soul, perhaps he would finally be able to focus on his other duties.It was only five o'clock, but the day had already turned dark. The hallway had their lamps up, giving as much light as was needed, with long shadows cast on the marble floor. The relentless rain hammered against the clo
The sound of his name on her lips was the sweetest he had ever heard. The best version of it all, and standing there, he felt his anger dissipating. Regardless of how the miners and the solicitors had foolishly demanded his time, or the rain that had started abruptly, he was no more irritated. All that mattered was her."What are you doing playing in the rain? Have you lost your head?" His voice was unexpectedly soft, surprising even himself. His finger twitched to touch her.She smiled. "I couldn't resist. I love the rain."It was obvious. "You will catch your death.""I couldn't. It is the first rain of the season." She touched her face and her wet hair. "I did what any sane person would do.""You decided to dance in the rain? No sane person would do that." Alexander reprimanded, his stare easy on her.She chuckled. "In my household, they would. I've never missed it; why should I miss it now?"Alexander scoffed, perfectly amused. It was the first downpour of the season and that, for
The door to his study was pushed open, and Edmund entered, carrying a black mahogany case. Alexander's eyebrow arched at the sight of it. He set his teacup down on the crowded table with a soft clink. His fingers gently brushed the rim as he reached for the parchment at the very top of a precarious stack of other parchments.The duties of a king never slept."Your Majesty," Edmund gave a respectful bow, as he carefully placed the case on the polished table, spaces away from the parchment pile. It was a sword case. "Lord Teaton sent this." He said and unlatched the box. Alexander opened it and was immediately impressed. The sword was a beautiful piece.Alexander rose to his feet, his gaze staying on the weapon. The sword's hilt was an elegant blend of black and gold with a diamond at the top. The interior of the case was lined with rich, red velvet, and was soft to his touch. Alexander let his fingers brush against the soft lining before moving to the blade itself. The cool metal felt
Alexander took Guinevere's hand in his, rubbing her knuckles. His voice dropped incredibly and his eyes searched hers. "You would rather go dance in the rain than stay here with me?""It is not raining now." She replied softly. He was aware. "And Alexander, I do not think I appreciate how easily you touch me."Alexander brought her hand to his lips, as he tried to kiss her knuckles, she pulled her hand and he released her, a leer coming to sit on his lips. He exhaled. "Alright then, pour me another cup of tea." He requested.She stared at him for a moment, sighed, and brought the pot over, and refilled his cup. As soon as she replaced the pot on the table, her eyes wandered to the sword case. Like someone possessed, slowly, she reached for it, opened it, and exhaled loudly.Alexander's eyes kept on her. She was intrigued. Her eyes remained fixed, while her fingers tightened against each other. Alexander moved the case slightly, and her eyes flew to his."I see you are interested in my
***Gwen could do nothing but stare, completely taken aback by Alexander's words. She had never known force. Everything she had and loved had come to her with ease, and for everything she had worked for but could not obtain, she had learned to let go. There had never been a need to force anything, so she couldn't comprehend Alexander's reasoning. A love that was forced? One that must be accepted? That could consume, could it not? What if the other party was not ready to accept it? What if the other party couldn't accept it? What then becomes of such a forceful love?The thought frightened her, and his eyes on her unsettled her. He believed every word he had said and from the manner he had forced her to stay at the castle, she was certain he was not prepared to change his notion.And the night before, he had told her he loved her. She could not accept his love, however, it may be. There was too much to consider, and she did not like him. What then becomes of it? Would he force her to a
Sanity ultimately returned to Gwen. Appalled at her behaviour, her eyes bulged and she squeezed herself from between Alexander and the wall. Her neck was hot and her heart was racing. What had she done? Had she lost her senses? Allowing him to touch her like that?She stepped away, trying to compose herself, her hands trembling slightly at her sides. The tension in the room was almost visible, the air heavy with unspoken desire. When she turned to look at him, he was watching her. She looked away, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and guilt.Gwen never expected things of the sorts to happen. How did it happen? Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Alexander. "I… I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I don't know what I was doing.""I knew what I was doing."She swallowed hard, her heart racing with anxiety. "I wish to leave. Please.""Running away won't change anything." He said, remaining in his spot by the wall, hands now behind him. "The inevitable will happen."Her stomach
Gwen nodded. "I watched your tournament once. You won."Alexander remembered. It was when she had first visited Mainecroft Castle. "I saw you standing, with your cousin, by the wall." He recalled the moment vividly. "You saw me too." Guinevere blushed at the memory and looked away. He let it go. Then, "Are you familiar with any other weapons?"She shrugged her shoulders and shyly said, "I am familiar with the knife, if it matters. The kitchen knife.""Tell me about it." He urged. When she brought her eyes back to him, he nodded and repeated. "Tell me.""Back at Westside Manor, there's only Mrs. Grace. She is the butler, helper, and cook. She is all the household staff we can afford. So Beth and I would assist, of course, with the chores in the kitchen and around the house." She explained, and licked her lips. Alexander clenched his teeth. "I can handle a knife to cut vegetables, but I'm not quite sure it's the same thing as fighting off a person."His eyes fell to her hands, rememberi
Alexander picked up the letter that Edmund had carefully placed on his table. The missive was from Brand. At long last, he had sent a reply, and Edmund had told that it had arrived during the quiet hours of the previous night.He felt for the size of the letter and frowned at its lightweight. The envelope was slightly creased from its journey, but the seal remained perfect and intact. He crossed over to the settee and threw himself on it. Whatever reply Brand had decided to send after all this time should include his arrival for his birthday or he would make his brother suffer the consequences, he vowed.The letter read:'Your Majesty,I cannot say I was not pleased to receive your letter, as you will have my head, but I can say that it found me in good health, enjoying the finest weather – which you always disagree with – but I hope that this letter finds you in the same fortunate state.'Alexander rolled his eyes hard. Brand was becoming quite bold with his dare.'America is indeed