Gwen marched out of the courtroom angry at how easily she had allowed Alexander to win over her. Her anger at the loss irritated her more. His words were subtly but perfectly suggestive, yet he had the audacity to claim they were not what she had thought. How dare you with her like a fox on a foxhunting? He made a fool of her for his own gain and would see nothing wrong with it.How had she allowed him to fool her so easily?He was a master of diplomacy, a man who dealt with words and had skills in the art of persuasion and manipulation. She had naively underestimated his cunning. Had she thought she could win him so easily? Believed she could outmanoeuvre his schemes? She knew she couldn't, but losing so easily to him irked her.She sidestepped to allow Edmund entry, then sauntered away from the closed doors, pushing the heavy garment she wore along. The day had barely begun, yet it was going terribly already. How was she to survive through the rest of it? She started away from the c
As soon as Gwen crossed the threshold into the room, her steps slowed down when she caught sight of who was already seated at the breakfast table. Lady Jane Farrington, a woman of noble lineage and considerable influence. As the daughter of a marquess and the niece of Alexander's uncle, she was fitting as the candidate for the king's lady in waiting. Against herself, Gwen was uneasy at the simple presence. It shouldn't threaten her, but it did, and the air in the room grew heavier, tension weighing on it."Good morning" Gwen greeted with a polite nod as Reginald courteously pulled out the chair for her to settle into. Taking her seat opposite the other lady, she offered a small smile.A serving maid set a breakfast plate before her. "I had thought you had given up on eating at the table. Or completely for breakfast." Lady Farrington gave a casual remark.Gwen did not think it so casual. She grabbed her cutlery. "The thought was not far.""Then why bother pulling it near?" Lady Farring
In the quiet corridors of the castle, the sound of two pairs of footsteps tapped softly through the stillness of the afternoon. As always, one set of footsteps kept distance behind the other, their rhythm steady and unhurried. It was almost three in the afternoon, the sun hung proudly in the sky, bathing the surroundings in a warm glow, casting long shadows along the hallway, keeping the temperature warm enough that there was no need for a jacket.Alexander hurried away to his study, with his hands clasped behind his back. Despite his best efforts to manage his time, the day had turned out busier than he had thought, demanding his attention at every turn. But it was a good day, the ledgers had been balanced and he was richer than he had anticipated. The pirates sure were hoarder and their penchant for amassing rather than spending treasures had indeed played to his advantage, enriching his coffers beyond measure.Everything seemed to be going in his favour.Alexander smiled when he th
"I beg to differ." Alexander called back with a smile, his tone light yet unyielding as he continued on his way. Soon, he heard them walking away.As they made the bend, Alexander stopped and turned to gaze in the direction they had gone, finding that they had disappeared from view. A peculiar emotion welled up within him, a mixture of curiosity and something he couldn't quite define. It assailed him, leaving him momentarily suspended in thought. But one thought was true; he always found joy in the little arguments she engaged him in."I wonder how angry she would be today?" He muttered to himself."Shall I instruct Reginald to provide reports on her daily dealings?" Edmund inquired.After a brief moment of consideration, Alexander shook his head. "No." He replied simply. He would only leave a watch with Lady Farrington, there was no need to leave one with Guinevere, at the least, not yet. She should enjoy as much privacy as he would allow, for as long as he would allow, and this, he
"Yes Sir.""What is it you want? Is there more to discuss?" Lord Denney inquired.Lady Farrington set the lamp on the ground once more, and brushed down her skirt again. "What about the poor girl he has attending to him?"Lord Denney's expression changed. "She remains still?""Yes Sir.""He has not sent her back to her family?" He asked again."No, he has not. She remains still here at the castle, and he has her staying in the west wing while I, a room in the south wing." Lady Farrington said, disappointment in her tone. "I am the daughter of a marquess, and he has me staying in the south wing. I feel so disrespected." She lamented.Lord Denney was uninterested in the room placement, his attention focused on a different aspect. "My nephew must prefer her more than I thought." He mused aloud, a hint of realization dawning in his voice."She is not an easy lady, Uncle…" She paused. "I mean, My Lord, and I am beginning to think she enjoys the castle more than she tells.""Why so?""Becau
April 1827With a graceful flourish, Edmund swung open the heavy door, ushering Guinevere into the room, bowing to her. As she stepped into the room, Reginald and Paula, who remained outside, bowed to him, before leaving. Edmund lingered just long enough to ensure that the room was well-lit and properly aired, before respectfully bowing and exiting, leaving the king alone with his fair lady. Guinevere hesitated momentarily by the door, her gaze lingering on her piano, before she gracefully approached him. When she did, she bowed and greeted. "Your Majesty."Alexander let out a resigned sigh, and shook his head. She indeed was stubborn. Leaning back on the bench, he relaxed against the polished wood of the piano, he allowed himself a moment of reprieve, his fingers idly tracing the intricate carvings etched into its surface. "It has been weeks now, Guinevere," he began. "I have waited patiently, but my patience wears thin. It has just about run out. Don't you think it is about time to
As Alexander asked, he leaned on the piano keys and the latter released a loud and discordant blare in response. The jarring noise echoing through the room, adding to the tension between them. "You are not as desperate to leave me, are you?" He demanded."Yes, a hundred times yes!" She yelled, her voice ringing out with a fierce determination that left no room for doubt. She stepped away from him, running her hand over her tidy hair. Alexander felt a pang of regret at not reaching out to pull her back, but he knew that would serve no good. "I want to leave this place!" With her back to him, she repeated in a murmur. "I never wanted to be here.""Now, now, Guinevere, you are hurting my feelings." Alexander said lowly, his tone softening as he straightened up. The protesting sound of the piano filled the air once more. "Enough of this word trade. Come, sit." He shifted to allow her room on the bench. She made no move. He angled his head. "Will you indeed not play me the piano?"Guinever
Gwen's brows furrowed. "Can you not simply give it back?"Why should he when he could gain something from it? He shook his head slowly. "No. I rule with diplomacy, and unfortunately, it has affected my other dealings. If you want it back, you must play the piano for me."She sighed and started for him. "Alright. But this once only.""You have my word." Until he would take it back. Guinevere settled beside him, he waited until she was comfortable before speaking again. "Play it for me after dinner today, my dear, Guinevere.""Yes, Alexander." She was in agreement, but in words only. The defiance in her eyes told that she would much rather not see him than sit with him after dinner. He feigned ignorance to her pertinacity.With a chuckle, Alexander secured the hostage handkerchief into his pocket. "What are you doing today?" He inquired, his tone light.Guinevere shrugged her shoulders in a nonchalant manner. "Nothing." She replied with a sigh. "As I have done in the past days, as I hav
Alexander grunted loudly, his body lurching forward. He sat up at once, grabbing a hank of her hair, blinded by passion. He was gasping for air. With her tongue, Guinevere scraped and laved at him, pushing him higher, closer to that cliff's edge where he knew she intended to take him. She pulled back, and rubbed her thumb over his tip. He moaned savagely, his control unravelling, as he now was at the edge. At once, he moved, and she was beneath him, in his arms, with her hair sprayed out and her eyes regarding him with lust and danger and love, breathing as heavily as him. Under the moonlight, she shone like something divine, radiant and marvellously breathtaking. In that instant, he knew with certainty, she was everything he had ever desired. No one else could ever hold his heart the way she now did. He was entirely, irrevocably hers. Was this the perfect view of the world? Was this the perfection of the world? If it was, then the world - his world - was the most perfect. He
***Guinevere led him, and he followed, trailing behind until they reached the grove – his secret place. He stood at the edge, where she had left him, watching her. She laid out her shawl on the ground and pulled the pins from her hair, tossing them away, moving with such grace, her gown fluttering about her like a whisper carried on the night breeze. Alexander inhaled when her golden locks tumbled free from their confinement, cascading down like liquid sunlight.Above them, the branches swayed in the breeze, responding almost as violently as his body did to the sight of her. Her jewellery glinted softly in the silver light, while her hair shimmered in its glow. She moved toward him, her eyes locked with his, and his heart became erratic. He wished the moon would shine brighter, so he could be thoroughly lost in the depths of her eyes – those enchanting blue pools. In that instant, he realized that more than her golden hair, he had come to love her eyes. He loved how she looked at him
September 1827Alexander's fingers mimicked hers on the opposite side of the piano, its deeper tones providing a rich contrast to the lighter melodies from her side. Soon, he eased away, and she smoothly transitioned from duet to solo, her touch effortlessly commanding the keys.Their guests watched, and she played.It was a ball to celebrate the change of seasons. Fall had finally arrived as did the harvest, and it was tradition to celebrate it. There had never been such a celebration since Alexander became king, she was told, as he had long abandoned it. Gwen had been eager to revive the tradition. They had gone hunting during the day, and now, held a feast to celebrate. She was relieved to see that he was, despite his protest, thoroughly enjoying himself.They had left the main ballroom for the piano room, where still, some guests followed.She was enjoying herself as well.For days, Alexander had patiently and consistently guided her through the complexities of the nation's affair
***Gwen lay in the quiet aftermath of their lovemaking, her body still thrumming with the fervour of their union. Slowly her breathing came to her and she could breathe again. Afterwards, sanity drifted and met her in Alexander's bed. She began to realize that she had just experienced passion – with her husband!Naked in his arms, her cheek nestled against the warmth of Alexander's chest, one hand resting on him. His arm was draped possessively around her, with one of her legs caught between both of his. His hand sat on her bare waist.Her smile came.Good gracious! She had made love to her husband, and it was the most extraordinary feeling she had ever known. She was drifting with ecstasy, her heart swelling with love. Slowly, she licked her lips and shyly raised her eyes to Alexander's face.He was watching her, regarding with a tender expression. Her heart leaped wildly. His deep blue eyes darkened, searching hers."You seem pleased." He murmured.Gwen knew she flushed. She was pl
Before she could protest further, he picked her up, and she shrieked at the sudden movement. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist as his hands went firmly to hold her buttocks. Beads of sweat formed on his temples, his blood heating with desire. He started for the bed.As they sank onto the mattress, he flung the sheets aside and positioned himself between her legs, his lips immediately finding her neck. He kissed the sensitive spot just above her collarbone, and down to her breasts until his mouth closed around a nipple.Her breath caught as she arched upward, unknowingly pushing herself to him. He agreed and continued, sucking slowly, again and again, and pulled."Ooh." She gasped and collapsed back onto the bed. When he kissed the space between her breasts, she giggled."Do I make jest?" He asked, aware of how rough his voice had become. His need for her was explosive, and he wondered if she understood the effect she was having on him. He kissed beneath her left breast,
***Gwen sank into the settee, and Alexander followed, sliding closer to her. His eyes ran the expanse of her body slowly from her head down to her waist, and she felt herself softening under the intensity of his look. His eyes burned with passion and desire."You do not know how you look right now."She averted her gaze, her toes curling beneath her night garment. "How do I look?"Alexander gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. His dark brows lifted. "I shall never tell. It is my secret." Then, with a grin, he kissed the tip of her nose. She clenched her hands, breathing out sharply. He paused. "Are you scared?"The fire in his eyes was blazing, and she no longer spoke of the reflection from the fireplace. His tone was casual, but the question was not in the least. He was serious, and she knew it.Gwen blinked, slowly relaxing her grip. "There is nothing to be afraid of." She said, meaning her words. They pleased him.Alexander moved even closer, his voice dropping. "
"Close the door behind you." His voice reverberated through the chamber, deep and commanding. Gwen shuddered and not from fear.She exhaled slowly, her erratic heart leaping with a strange, pleasant feeling. She was curious now of what was to come. Underneath her night garment, a warmth began. Her thoughts briefly wandered to that day in her bedchamber, when he had touched her on the table. She flushed, surprised at herself.Slowly, she closed the door. "Is it not rude to leave our guests to themselves?" Her voice was quieter than she had wanted.A breeze drifted through the room, rustling the open curtains. Alexander emerged from the chair, bringing a candle with his rise. "I am the king," he replied, "my authority grants me the right to be rude." He set the candle atop the fireplace and turned to face her. Gwen swallowed hard.He had only his dress shirt on, having rid himself of his jacket and waistcoat. The top buttons were left undone, revealing his bare chest. Gwen's eyes were d
One week later.The air was thick with the mingling sounds of chatter and gay laughter, and the clinking of glasses controlled every breath. Elegantly and warmly dressed guests sat to dinner and topics of conversation were never in lack. Lord Michaelson and a couple other gentlemen raised their glasses in a raucous cheer. Lady Carlisle giggled to something Carlisle whispered.It was well past 7 p.m., and though the wedding had ended hours ago, the wedding dinner was anywhere but. Alexander sat at the head of the table, sawing absentmindedly at the slab of meat on his plate. He picked the tiny piece and shoved it into his mouth, only to realize he had eaten a tomato. He did not care. His thoughts were elsewhere. And so were his eyes. They were fixed on Guinevere – his wife.He was openly gawking and he gave no care.Her smile was effortlessly charming, her appearance impeccable. She commanded the space about her and her presence filled the room. She sat at the other end of the room, ca
***The doormen eased the door open, and Gwen slipped inside as quietly as she could, giving a small nod to Edmund and Paula. They bowed in return. At the far end of the room, Alexander sat on his throne, his elbow resting on the armrest, his head leaning into his hand. She had come to recognize the posture all too well. He was brooding.Since the moment Gwen had awoken, thoughts of Alexander had filled her mind, and as soon as she learned that the proceedings had ended and he had dismissed the court, she felt an overwhelming urge to be near him, to ensure he was not consumed in the thoughts of his sentence, and to offer whatever comfort she could.It was great that she had come.Gwen moved slowly, closing the distance between them, silently placing one foot before the other. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, and her hands clenched involuntarily.The large room was unusually dark, even for the afternoon, and far colder than the weather warranted. Why had the curtains bee