His anger at Lady Farrington had little to do with her and much more to do with the fact that Guinevere had left prematurely the night before. It irked him how disobedient she was, even if he admired it. After all, he preferred an opinionated person over a sycophant or, worse, a fool."Your Majesty, if you will," Edmund said, still by the table. "This is from Lord Michaelson and has been sitting here for almost a week. I believe he expects a response today."Alexander took a sip of his cognac. It was still morning and he was already drinking. "What does it want?""Your signature."He walked to the table. Taking up his quill once more, he signed his name, dropped the snifter noisily and stalked out of the room. A few seconds later, Edmund emerged, having tidied up the parchments. He hurried ahead to prepare the horse.As he passed by the portrait room, walking with more anger than grace, Alexander thought he saw a shadow, but he was mistaken.***Jane paused at the threshold of the din
She closed the door behind her carefully, making the littlest of sounds as it clicked shut. The light from the hallway vanished and the room was plunged into a soft, intimate dimness, save the candles atop the fireplace. However, she did not move from her place by it, her silhouette was outlined faintly against the darkened space.Alexander sat on the edge of the bed, relaxed yet attentive to her presence. He was patiently waiting for her, biding his time. There was a raging urgency in the air and he let the tension room grow. It was heavy and crackled with every second that passed.He could sense her arousal. No, more than that, he could feel it. He saw it in the way she stood, heard it in the rhythm of her breath, the slight hitch that punctuated the silence of the room. Each breath she took seemed to draw him closer, and every one of his, responded almost immediately.His right hand slowly clenched into a fist. "Why don't you come closer?" he murmured, his voice a low, intimate whi
***The miners had gathered in the old stone church, their usual meeting place, when they arrived. Edmund pushed the robust creaking wooden doors open, and they stepped inside. The place was brightly lit and perfectly aerated due to the open windows. The men already had a heated discussion going on and their murmurs vexed the building itself.As he and Edmund entered, the intense discussion momentarily subsided, as they acknowledged his presence with curt nods and brief, appraising glances. The atmosphere was thick with tension."Your Majesty." They all echoed in unison, bowing low to him.Alexander walked past them and ascended to the elevated platform at the front of the church. As he took his seat, he made a slight wave of his hand and said. "Carry on." They did.He glanced around. Maybe thirty or more miners filled the small building. Every pew was filled and some men stood to the side. Their murmurs increased continuously until the tiny voices became a loud noise, discorded and a
***The king's behaviour over the past few days had become strange.Gwen sat by the lake, gently trailing her fingers over its calm surface. She had not seen Reginald since he left them just before breakfast, but Paula stood a few paces away, silently watching her. Despite the fact that her attendants had been dismissed from her every presence, the maid had stubbornly refused to leave, staying by her side since the day before. Thinking now, Gwen realized that Paula had been by her side since the day Alexander had not.She exhaled softly, her breath creating a delicate ripple that danced across the surface of the water. It felt like a long time since she had not seen Alexander, their paths having not crossed since she had left him alone in the piano room two nights ago. Then, quite unexpectedly, Paula had returned to her side. Was she under a command? His command?Her fingers lightly feathered the water, before they broke the surface strongly, ruining her image cast on it.She thought
***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