"Your performance upon the piano forte." He nodded towards it. "It was amazing." Then, "Would you be so kind as to grace me with another rendition?""Your Majesty?"The King's eyes held hers. "Guinevere, I want you to play for me again." He commanded.Was he punishing her? Was that why he asked her to play again? She couldn't possibly! "Your Majesty, I would never step foot in this room again." She swore.The King stepped away from the wall, walking over to the piano forte. As he approached, Gwen's heart raced with anticipation, unsure of what to expect next. She watched in rapt attention as he reached out to brush his fingers lightly across the keys, eliciting a soft, melodic whisper from the instrument.The sight of him at the piano forte sent a shiver down her spine, and she couldn't help but admire the graceful way in which he moved, his presence commanding yet strangely captivating. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, seeing the king engaged in something so intimate and person
Gwen rushed to join the waiting party. After she had escaped the conversation with the king, she had moved with more speed than grace and had gone to get the shawls which was her primary assignment. Despite the sunrays, the morning air remained chilly, and with the cold wind blowing, Beth would start to turn pink and that was the reason she had gone to get shawls for her, for them all. She never thought of encountering the king or getting herself entangled in the odd conversation. Now, she hastened out of the castle, fleeing as though danger was right behind her."Where have you been? How long does it take to fetch some clothing?" Lucy, echoing Aunt Marrily's demeanour, approached Gwen as soon as she was within earshot."I got a bit turned around." Gwen fibbed. She couldn't possibly tell that she had ventured into the king's piano room and ended up in conversation with him."I had a feeling. The castle is great and mighty!" Lucy responded excitedly, taking the blue shawl from Gwen and
After a few moments, the king broke the silence, directing his man. "Edmund, would you be so kind as to accompany and entertain Lady Gallagher? I wish to explore Guinevere's company alone."God, no! Gwen refused in her head, her heart sinking. She dreaded being alone with the King. His presence made her doubt herself and filled her with anxiety. "Your Majesty, we should stay together." She protested, hoping to avoid being alone with him."I mean nothing by it." He assured, but his smile held a different implication. "I promise to return you unharmed, to quell any concerns your sister may have.""But, Your Majesty…""Edmund, tell Lady Gallagher of the stories of the moors and the history of the castle.""Yes, Your Majesty." The kingsman replied immediately. Of course, he could not refuse. "Shall we, Lady Gallagher?"With a short smile, Lucy commanded her horse after Edmund, the faithful and obedient servant. "Do enjoy the ride, Gwen." And they were off.How was she to enjoy it?! She wa
"Guinevere is a truly beautiful name, have I not mentioned it before?" His tone was soft and his remark, contemplative.He had. Gwen nodded slowly, recalling previous instances when he had addressed her by name. "I mean, you address me as if we were acquaintances." In truth, he had extended more familiarity than mere acquaintanceship. "As if we were friends.""We are friends. Any friend of Carlisle is a friend of mine." The king asserted, his horse nudging hers playfully as if to emphasize his point."But I am not a friend of the Duke; it is my sister who shares that bond with him, not me." Gwen pointed out."Then we should uproot that obstacle. From this day forth, we are friends, Guinevere." He declared, his words carrying an air of finality.Gwen was momentarily stunned by his proclamation. Was it not proper to ask for a hand of friendship rather than declare it so boldly? In the brief time she had known him, she had observed the king's tendency to assert rather than negotiate. Was
Gwen flushed with embarrassment, recalling the unexpected appearance of the fox earlier. "That fox appeared out of nowhere." She called out, her cheeks burning with humiliation. "I was more surprised than scared.""I have said nothing at all." The king offered over his shoulder and continued to walk away with a casual air of indifference. Feeling a surge of frustration and annoyance, Gwen turned away from him, her jaw clenched in silent frustration. She couldn't help but wonder if their brief encounter had been worth the effort, or if she had simply fallen victim to the king's inflated ego once again.The sun's rays danced upon the surface of something shimmering in the distance, and the reflection drew Gwen's attention. There was a passing waterbrook, winding its way away from where they stood. Its tranquil flow mesmerized her, and she went towards it.Entering perfectly into the king's secret place, Gwen found it was small and covered all around by a canopy of trees. Like a well-gua
"Today was the first time in a long while I heard a piece from that piano." The king's voice betrayed the stillness.As his movement disrupted the serene atmosphere, Gwen's fingers instinctively grasped the fabric of her dress, a nervous habit betraying her unease. "I apologize again, Your Majesty, for using our pianoforte without your permission." She murmured.Resting his hands behind his head, the king regarded Gwen with a curious expression. "And again, I say your piece was beautiful." He smiled. "Who is the composer?"A soft smile graced Gwen's lips as a reply to the king's and as she fondly recalled the origins of the piece. "My mother." There was warmth in her voice. The king's eyebrows quirked in question, prompting Gwen to stifle a laugh. "Our mother has an affinity for all her children," she explained, her eyes alight with affection, "and she knows our preferences and predilections.""Does she now?" He mused.Animated, Gwen continued. "Very well." With fondness, she thought
Beth walked briskly into the washing room, busying herself with the task at hand. She was bent over the fabrics, engrossed in sorting through the old linen and faded draperies, unaware of being watched. Gwen lingered by the doorway, quietly observing her sister as the latter worked with as much joy as one who had been awarded. Beth's joy in the task was palpable, evident in the gentle curve of her lips as she methodically organized the fabrics into their appropriate baskets.As Gwen watched Beth's contented smile, she unintentionally returned it, still, she couldn't shake the feeling that her sister's mind was elsewhere. Despite the focused gaze fixed on the fabrics before her, it was apparent that Beth's thoughts were distant, lost in a realm invisible to Gwen's scrutiny. What was she thinking about? What was in her head?Ever since they returned from Rosethorn Hill, Gwen noticed a subtle yet undeniable shift in her sister's demeanour. Beth was more energetic and would gladly do all
Thus begins her protest, Gwen thought, slightly frustrated. "He is a good man, of humble means, but we are no better." When Beth wouldn't move, Gwen almost became angry. "Beth, stop acting as though you have been sent to the stakes. It is a marriage proposal, not a death declaration." At the least, she was getting marriage proposals, not lewd remarks, disgraceful suggestions and… and words to tease.Suddenly, Beth's hand grabbed her arm. "No I really can't! I_" The urgency in Beth's actions piqued Gwen's curiosity, and her shifty eyes prompted closer attention. What was afoot?Quickly, Beth set the basket down and rushed to shut the door, her movements betraying a sense of urgency. When she returned, she grasped Gwen's hands tightly and locked eyes with her, her expression fraught with uncertainty. "I cannot, Gwen." She confessed surely, her voice tinged with anxiety.Gwen's heart skipped a beat at the seriousness in her sister's tone. There was something great afoot, she realized, so