He has not taken her to his bed since the night I went to him though of that I was sure, because from then ‘til now he has been in my bed or I in his.
That did not keep her from making me uncomfortable and no more so than now as she made her way to my side. I watched the newly wed couple and sipped on the punch that wasn’t sitting too well with my stomach, her presence only made that feeling worst.
“Lady Cecile, how drawn you look. Are you not well?” I swallowed the bile in my throat and turned to face her. The glare in her eyes belied the smile on her face. What was her game? Did she suspect that I shared the king’s bed?
The lady had never had much to say to me in the past, so why now? And what did she mean that I looked drawn? “Quite well thank you lady Georgina, and yourself? You are well?” She preened and gave me a sly look out of the side of her eye.
Her hand went to her middle in a most suggestive way and I felt my gorge rise as my head grew light. “I am superbly well my lady. I carry the king’s seed and soon I will be his queen.”
I lost all color from my face and the only thing holding me upright, was the sheer will, of my genteel upbringing. “And what makes you think the king would offer you marriage when he has not done so with all the others rumored to have borne him children?”
“My sire will see to it of course. And besides, his majesty has professed his love, so it’s only a matter of time.” She moved away looking rather pleased with herself. Leaving me with a block of ice in my chest.
For the rest of the evening I was in a fog. The light had gone out of my day entirely. I avoided the king too hurt to think what to do. I slipped away before the festivities were at an end, locking myself in my chambers.
The knock at my door was no surprise. I half expected him to tell me he had changed his mind, that he was marrying the lady Georgina. She had seemed so sure of herself.
Instead he was dressed for travel. “Are you packed my sweet? We must go before it grows light.” He did not wait for an answer, just pushed past me into the room. Of course I was already packed but after last night…
He found my satchel and ordered me to get dressed, which I did, still confused. Should I mention the conversation of the last evening? There was no time, he was in an all fired hurry to be gone and once outside the palace gates, he on his horse me behind him on another and a procession who’d had a head start, there was no turning back.
Chapter 14
King Julian
We rode hard all day with intermittent stops to make sure she was fine on the ride. She hadn’t said much but when first she opened her door to me this morn she did not look her usual self.
Was she even now carrying my son? No matter, I am taking her away nonetheless. Her sire had attended the nuptials yester eve and after had approached me with his proposal. It is the reason I hadn’t visited her bed last night.
I’d told him in no uncertain terms that she would not be marrying anytime soon. When he’d tried pushing I’d reminded him that as king my word was sacrosanct and that had been the end of that.
Still I didn’t trust him not to try spiriting her away back to the country. My sister and her new husband were already on their way to her new home. Nicholas the old reprobate had suddenly decided he didn’t want his wife at the court any longer than was necessary. Apparently he had noticed others paying attention to her beauty.
“Are you well pet?” What was that look on her face? Was it the child? She smiled but it did not reach her eyes. “Hold.” I called a halt to the men and took the reins of her mare, leading her into the trees away from prying eyes and ears.
I helped her down and kept my hold on her. “Tell me what ails you Cecile.”
“It’s nothing my lord. The ride has tired me some I think.” That didn’t make sense. I knew her to be an excellent horsewoman and we’d gone but a few paltry miles.
Clasping her cheek in my palm I studied her eyes. Something hid behind her usually bright irises but I wouldn’t force the issue here. Instead I drew her in and kissed her forehead. “I know what ails you, you didn’t have me last night. Not to worry as soon as we reach the inn I shall remedy that.”
I got her first true smile then and after a kiss that we both needed like air, I sat her back atop her horse and found my own again before leading her back to the others.
We came upon the inn not many hours later. “We stay here tonight.” Had she not been with me I would’ve gone on until we reached my holdings, but she needed her rest it seemed.
“Go up to your room my pet, I will have your supper sent up and join you later.” I whispered the words in her ear before sending her off with her maid and returning to the inn’s tavern where my men were already getting into their cups and making sport with the serving maids.