Chapter 7 | Returned

The violet silk draping from my head down my back encompasses my arms and hides my growing stomach. I stare uneasily out the window wondering, waiting, and hoping that the rumors my ladies overheard while they were in the marketplace are true.

The King has summoned Uriah home. When I first heard the report from my ladies I was filled with sheer terror mingled with longing. I miss him so much. For months at a time I have thought of nothing but him. Every night I worried over his safety and wondered if he was still alive.

What is the King planning? Why have Uriah come home when I am pregnant with the King's child? This is very risky indeed. My condition is not yet noticeable, but Uriah has been away for quite some time. Perhaps he would notice--I am, after all, the desire of his eyes, as he has told me many times before.

He sees me like no one else ever has. I contemplate the King's motives. If Uriah discovers me the King will either do one of two things: claim the child as his and face the wrath of the people, or deny me and feed me to the wolves.

It has been days since the rumors started spreading about Uriah's return. He should arrive today. Despite the risks or the consequences that his return might have on me I cannot wait to see him. I have missed him more than words can express.

I want his arms around me. I want his voice to offer me comfort. I need his love to be my armor. To shield me from everything that is happening. I crave his warm lips.

I want to run my fingers through his hair and sweep his tendrils out of his eyes like I always do. When I am with him nothing else matters. I decide to put my heartbreak and shame aside just for him. I owe him that much.