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
Edmund bowed deeply. "My sincere apologies, Sire. It shall never happen again."He released a deep breath, working greatly to dispel the anger. Slowly, it dissipated and he released his clenched teeth. "Very well then. Prepare accordingly for Brand's birthday." He commanded. "It should be beyond grand, befitting his title and age. After all, it is not everyday a young prince turns twenty.""Yes, Sire." Edmund said. Alexander waved him away, and with a bow, he left the room.He kept his eyes on the closed door in deep thought. Perhaps he could wait. After all, she would be by his side for the longest of time, so he would wait. If he demanded that a ball be thrown in her honour because of a neck jewellery, knowing Guinevere, she would withdraw again from him and all would be in vain, so he would wait.Alexander turned to sit right on the bench, facing the piano. He played with each key, releasing a single note from them. Guinevere could be wilful, but he had more will and it had been su