"What do you know of weapons?" Lucy, always a pragmatist, interjected with a chuckle. "Gwen, what do we know of weapons?"
Gwen bristled slightly at Lucy's skepticism, her desire to prove herself simmering beneath the surface. "I may not be a master swordsman," she replied evenly, "but I know talent when I see it." And she knew about swords. They were a form of protection. A companion to defence. A carrier of safety. With a sword in hand, she could protect and defend herself. And if need be, she could cause harm to all who frightened her, chasing them afar off and seeing that herself a secret her family was never again brought to humiliation. With a sword, and the knowledge of usage, she could protect herself, and her family, Gwen thought Lucy almost tripped, but caught herself in time. "What about the Duke?" She asked, stealing a sly glance at Beth who was trailing behind them, deep in thoughts. Whatever her reason for asking such a question was thwarted. Beth was greatly caught up in her thoughts that she was so far removed from where they stood. "He is a great swordsman too." was all Gwen gave. The Duke was a great fighter, but like the Prince, he had also hesitated and had eventually thrown the match. He had not seemed interested in the tournament anyways. When Lucy tried to counter, Gwen stopped her with a hand to her lips. They were in the castle and one must do well to be wise with words so as not to unknowingly offend. The King, the Prince, and the Duke of Carlisle were statuses above them, they would not be defended against if words of offence were uttered, and eventually heard. The castle corridors were bright and beautiful and the shadows cast by the lights caused shadows to form on the walls. They took a turn of the corner and their forth and back conversation was interrupted when they came upon a dreaded presence. Gwen gasped, partly from shock and partly from apprehension. Without delay, the presence caused a wave of humiliation to sweep through her, coursing from her head to her feet. She suddenly felt weak. Lord Cossington stopped before them. Beth rushed forward and pushed Gwen back, attempting to shield her, but it was useless. For years, she had told her family whilst lying to herself that she was better, that the memories of their shared and melancholic past was far behind, but who was the fool? All it took to plummet her back and send the horrible past flooding in was the misfortune of standing in his presence. The past, wicked as it was, still held power over her. "Lord Cossington." Beth greeted. "Lady Fitzgerald, and the lady that was once promised to me." Against themselves, the ladies bowed. Gwen's heartbeat rose. Fear began to take the place of the initial shock. She rasped. "When I saw someone having a semblance to you, I got suspicious. I never thought it would really be you." Behind Beth, Gwen cowered and she hated herself for it. Lord Cossington still held power over her, power to shame and ridicule, power to belittle. Lost in her dread, Gwen heard him call out. "Lady Fitzgerald, how wonderful to see you after all these years." He bowed, surely he was mocking her. Beth pushed her farther behind. "Lord Cossington, I didn't know you were at the Castle." She exhaled. "You must forgive me for I have not a single willingness to stand and continue this conversation thus." Turning to them, she spoke firmly to Lucy. "Take Gwen from here. Now!" There was no hesitation. Lucy roughly grabbed Gwen's arm and pulled her away. Like a lamb being led by its shepherd, Gwen hurried after her cousin even though she was not sure where they were headed. It was far from Lord Cossington and that was sufficient. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she grappled with her thoughts, nearly blinded by shame, only Lucy's hold on her kept her sane enough. "Lady Gwen!" Lord Cossington suddenly called. Her name on his lips repulsed her but somehow she found herself turning to answer him. "It was a pleasure. We should converse soon." Gwen could hear herself breathing. It was shaky and unsure and told of her instability. No! She didn't want to converse with him. She wanted no relation whatsoever with him. Lucy pulled at her arm again and she responded by letting her cousin lead her. They made it to their assigned chambers just in time before she lost her last hold on dignity. In the safety of their chambers, Gwen ran off to the bed, seeking solace in the embrace of it as she fought with the haunting grip Lord Cossington still had over her. Pulling on the bed covers, she buried her head completely, trying to hide from the shame and Lord Cossington's voice. Lord Cossington! Geoffrey! Her former betrothed! What power did he still have over her? What accursed connection was there still between them? Why couldn't she break free? Why was she still held by him? She hated him, she hated herself for the power she gave him. Against the clean, fine sheets, Gwen cried, refusing Lucy's words of comfort. His hold over her was a torment and even if she had tried to release herself, it had been futile. She had deceived herself long enough that she was free of him, but seeing him had caused a great deal of emotional tumult to stir up within her. They left her introspective and vulnerable. They made her a fool. For years, she had diligently evaded his presence in social gatherings, on the streets, and at every function. Perhaps it was because deep down, she harboured the unsettling realization that her inner strength didn't quite match the facade she projected. And she had been right, because despite the passage of time and the distance between them, nothing seemed to alleviate the tension. Merely a few fleeting moments in his company were enough to evoke a sense of embarrassment within her. Her silly memory brought forth the thoughts she once had of being his wife, obedient and good, carefully managing his home. His voice had stirred in her the notion of loss. A lost love that never existed, at least not in manifestation. Lucy sat at the foot of the bed, tapping lightly on her exposed feet as if telling her she wasn't alone. It was of no use. Gwen felt lonely. She felt alone. Minutes later, Beth returned, coming to hold her in her embrace, and bringing a most unwanted news - an invitation had been extended to them to join the King and his Lords for dinner. Gwen's inner turmoil increased with the revelation and another layer of complexity was added to her already turbulent emotions. She would have to see Lord Cossington again, in close proximity. How had a simple invitation to the castle brought about so many unforeseen and unwanted events? She hated the castle! *** "Carlisle, what is this altercation I hear between you and the Lord of Sorway?" Alexander met Carlisle by the doors to the dining hall. He stepped in, marching regally to his seat at the head of the table. Rather than sit, he went around to stand behind it, leaning to rest on the backrest. He had taken a proper wash and changed his clothes, trading his match outfit for a robe befitting his status. The purple robe he had on screamed his wealth and its colour told immediately of his exalted position. He was king and would always remind people. Carlisle followed after him. He had seen himself to a bath and other clothes as well. "I see Edmund has fulfilled his servant's duties and had come running to you." Alexander smirked, cupping his chin in his hand. "How else has he remained by my side all these years?" His manservant was slow in conversations but quick to bring him the latest news. There were days the news he brought were unworthy of attention, but some other day, they called his attention. Today, it summoned fun. He had only stepped out of the bath when news of a confrontation between Carlisle and Cossington had been brought. He had assumed the bone of contention was the marriage of Carlisle and Lady Cossington, but interestingly, Lady Fitzgerald had been present, so he had paid rapt attention to the report. He was famished but such news commanded his interest.Running his other hand over the head of the chair, he calmly said. "I do not care whatever lies between the de Nocrosses and the Cossingtons, but I don't appreciate you bringing your personal family issues into my home." Carlisle turned and walked to the window. What was it about windows that always called to him? Alexander wondered. Once or twice, he had stood with him and the same things remained outside; people and more people. "I would not stand for it, Carlisle." He said, loud enough to be heard, low enough to command immersion.Turned from him, Carlisle said. "There are no issues between us.""No?" Alexander stood upright. "Not even the fact that you delayed your marriage to his sister and brought another woman along as your guest?" Carlisle's eyes remained out the window, refusing to respond to him. He pressed on. "Not even that?""There are no issues between us." Carlisle reiterated.The doors opened and the servants came in, walking in rolls, bringing along different dishes t
The walk to the dining hall felt akin to a march towards the guillotine for Gwen. Each step weighed heavily, without purpose or enthusiasm. Had the invitation to dinner not come from the Duke and if it was not a dinner with the King, Gwen would have refused outrightly. The prospect of sharing the same space as Lord Cossington filled her with dread, yet she had no choice. It was now beyond her and she would have to endure it.As soon as the servant who had informed them of the prepared table exited the room to wait outside, Beth had turned to Gwen, urging her to refuse the invitation if she felt unable to attend. She offered to excuse Gwen by feigning illness on her behalf. However, Gwen had hesitated, partly because she did not want to cause her sister any unnecessary worries and partly to avoid rudeness towards the Duke of Carlisle and the King of her country.Slowly, she trailed behind Beth and Lucy, as they followed closely behind the servant. The hall was a great distance from the
"But that will place me below Sir Georgestons." The same lord who had spoken before pointed out."Lord of Waichester, here there are no ranks, only men of like mind gathered for a meal," the King declared, his tone taking on a more relaxing edge. "While I might have chosen another seat, I am particularly partial to this one." His demeanour softened as he added, "Now, please, take your seat, and let us enjoy our dinner together. The food is growing cold."As everyone found and settled into their seats, wearing expressions of forced solemnity, Gwen slowly approached the table, searching like the others for her name card. When she finally found it, she was dismayed. Her name card was at the far end of the table, greatly removed from her sister and cousin, and positioned directly across from the king.Why had she been placed so far from her relatives? How would she survive the evening without their support and reassurance? Slowly, she walked to her assigned seat and carefully planted hers
"Our fathers were once close friends," Lord Cossington began, his voice measured. "But our families' relationship has since soured."A wave of relief washed over Gwen and unintentionally, she released a breath of air, her erratic heart momentarily calming down. He did not move to disgrace her. She hastily grabbed her cup and emptied its contents in one gulp. When she set it down, the minister seated beside her kindly refilled it. She bowed slightly, thanking him. He gave her a slow smile and she quickly looked away, feeling a pang of discomfort."I see." remarked the King, his attention still focused on his meal. "It's a pity about your families falling out." He continued to saw away at the meat on his plate. "Have you truly let go of any lingering feelings?"Gwen froze."Lingering feelings? There are no lingering feelings, Your Majesty." Lord Cossington replied tersely."Good," the King mumbled around a mouthful of food. His eyes went to Lord Cossington. "I would hate an altercation
Transfixed in place, Alexander stood by the door and watched in silence as Guinevere's fingers danced across the keys, releasing a beautiful tune that enraptured him, making his ears somewhat rejoice. Careful not to disrupt her, Alexander quietly entered the room and continued to observe Guinevere's performance.Her eyes were closed and she flung her head backwards, he saw the smile come alive on her face, her lips stretching to accommodate it. She painted a picture of pure bliss and he was deeply drawn into the enchanting scene. Alexander felt the sound coming from the keys ripple through her being, and by extension, he let it sing through his own bones. And as each note reverberated through the room, he felt a connection form between them, as if the music itself were weaving a bond between their souls. It was a fine tune, devoid of sorrow yet imbued with a solemn beauty. It filled the air with a sense of joy and Alexander found himself smiling to it.When the final note ended and Gu
"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
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