Indiscretion(16)

He shook and blubbered out excuses, but there was only one thing I wanted to hear. “Did you murder my brother?” I pressed the blade against his flesh until I drew blood.

“Yes.” It was a squeak but it was all I needed. I said no more words as I lifted his head by the hair, pulled it back and slashed the knife across his throat.

Blood sprayed across the room and warmed my hands. The father was in shock and all that emitted from him were croaking sounds as if he choked on his own bile. The pig.

“See what you have done to your son? See what your greed and deceit has wrought? You may join those other men in hell where they await you bastard.”

I made swift work of taking his head, his pleas dying beneath the sting of the blade.

“Hang their heads on the palace gates for all to see.” I directed this to Hershey who had turned just a little green.

“Sire?” He looked rather aghast.

“You heard me.” I left the room for my chambers and put the matter behind me. I am sick to my soul of lies and deceit.

My brother for all that he was a disappointment in many ways was still my blood. We had shared much as young lads until our sire’s death had changed him, even more so than that of our mother’s had.

I had not allowed myself to mourn him properly, not until I had satisfied myself that he was indeed murdered and taken care of the ones responsible.

Tonight I locked myself behind the doors of my chambers and indulged in the fruit of the vine until exhaustion drove me to my bed.





Chapter 8


King Julian





The outcry started early the next morn as the palace stirred and everyone was up and about. There were whispers and murmurings aplenty, but the word was already spreading of Crompton and his son’s treachery.

I need not say anything as I had warned my subjects before, what would befall them if they were found in any act of treason against their king.

I had forgotten my sister in law the night before and knew not if she had come to my chambers as planned.

Upon awakening I’d been busy making plans for the child who would’ve replaced me had the plot succeeded. Even now Nicholas was taking him to one of my holdings where he would be kept under guard for the rest of his life. I had no more need of conspiracies.

With that taken care of the next order of business was to send for my sister to bring her back home. She needed me now, and had not been too pleased when I sent her away. Poor little dove I will make it up to her.

That night there was something strange in the air. Georgina was holding court in one corner of the hall surrounded by all the eligible young men, but it was obvious whose attention she was really vying for.

Each time her laughter rang out to draw the eye, I ignored all her attempts. I’m sure she’d soon find someone else to warm her bed.

And I couldn’t help but notice that Cecile kept me in her sights even as she pretended disinterest.

What made things strange was the way both women seemed to be aware of each other. Each time my eyes strayed to Cecile, which was often because I couldn’t help myself. Georgina would send a look of utter spite her way.

There was nothing to give away my feelings in the looks I sent the object of my desire. Anyone looking on would see a brother watching over his brother’s widow. But for whatever reason, Georgina seemed to notice something that no one else did.

For the rest of the evening I did my best to ignore both women. One because I had no interest and the other because there was too much.

Nicholas returned late into the night with quite the proposition, but not looking forward to a repeat of my last dalliance I had to decline.

“Are you sure? I hear these two know all the ways to make a man’s rod happy.” I rebuffed the offer again and excused myself not long after.

My sister was now ensconced in her new chambers, which only I, and her nurse were aware of for now. I looked in on her, standing over her bed as she slept the sleep of the innocent.

I ran a finger gently through her hair and silently vowed to keep the last of my family alive no matter what.

I left her after assuring myself that she was safe and feeling rather despondent, sought my bed.

I had a fitful night until sleep finally claimed me, but it wasn’t much longer after that I was awakened from a most pleasurable dream. I was just about to plunge my aching rod into Cecile’s waiting quim when the noise intruded.

"Your majesty I beg a boon." Her voice choked with tears awakened me fully. I had reached for my sword at the first noise until her voice reached me and I relaxed.

I turned to see her standing there; looking so forlorn it broke my heart. It took my poor brain a second or two to register what I was seeing. Cecile, here, in my private chambers in the dead of night.