The Queen & Her Knight

Chapter 11

THE KING'S POV

"Your Highness this is your quarters for the night" The kingsman shows him his room.

"Thank you and where's the princess's room?"

"It's in the west wing, Sire"

"Thank you, you can leave me now"

"Yes, Sire"

He sits on his bed and suddenly he's filled with a feeling of longing. His entire being is craving to have you next to him, to spend time with him, and to know his most inner thoughts. He lays back on his bed and starts to think back to when he saw you this morning.

(God, her scent will drive me insane. The way she carried herself and god...that dress. How am I going to stay sober in her presence when she consumes me so?)

He stands up and shakes his head.

"I should start acting like a King. I can't afford to lose control around her. Get hold of yourself, James!"

He starts to unpack a few things and then go to his desk looking over the treaty that he must present to the President, tonight. There's a knock on the door, a few hours later.

"Yes?"

The kingsman announces to the king "The carriage is ready to take you to the Colosseum"

"Thank you, I'll be right out. Is the princess coming with me?"

"No, Sire, she already left with Lord Robertson" The King's face turns into a frown.

"Very good, thank you"

(Go on princess...keep on doing what you doing!)

He walks down to the carriage waiting for him and he sees you.

"Your Highness, may I join you?"

"Lady Winters??"

LADY WINTER'S POV

You start to unpack your things and you constantly think of how you could get to the King to tell him about Lord Dobson but everything you can think of, doesn't get you to the King without the princess knowing about it. Then there's a knock on your door. You see a note being push through.

(Oh god, here we go again)

You take the envelope and open it.

NOTE:

Dear Lady Winters,

You are hereby invited to the gladiator show this afternoon. There will be several carriages that will be waiting at approximately two o'clock to take you to the show. Don't be late. Your presence is required.

Regards

Your Royal Highness

Princess Catherine of Monaco

END

(Your presence is required...Urgh! It's just a nice way of saying, you better be there or...Urgh)

You finish unpacking. Then there's another knock.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Lady Anabel"

You breathe a breath of relief and open the door. "Please, do come in"

"Did you also get your summons? I'm beginning to think, being a Lady in waiting isn't all it's cracked up to be"

"You think? She's treating us like slaves, it's kind of ridiculous"

"Yes, but what can we do? I'm going to see if I can get a ride to Colosseum. Shall I hold it for you?"

"No, it's fine. I'm first going to finish up here. I'll see you there?"

"Okay, then I'll keep a place for you there?"

"Yes thank you" She turns around and leaves. You sit down on your bed.

(I hope, Lord Dobson has left already. If I only knew where the King's counters were, I could go to him. Dammit!)

You stand up and slowly open your door. You look up and down the hall. You slowly walk out, closing your door softly behind you. You make your way to the carriages and see there's only one carriage left. The King's carriage.

"Excuse me but are there any carriages left to the Colosseum?"

"I'm sorry, milady. Everyone has already left. It's only this one"

(Oh no, I can't be in a carriage with the princess and the King! What am I to do? I'll just go back, maybe they won't miss me?)

You turn around and make your way back upstairs but then you see him. His presence fills the air, an aroma of power and authority follows him. You quickly bow low.

(There's no princess next to him. Maybe this could be my chance to talk to him about Lord Dobson?)

"Your Highness, may I join you?" You see utter shock fills his eyes as he didn't expect you to be here.

"Lady Winters??"

"Sire..."

"Oh Uhm, of course, you can join me, please"

He holds out a hand for you to take, to help you into the carriage. You see his hand twitching a little as he holds it out. You put your hand in his and in an instant, an explosion of heat runs through your hand to your core. You struggle to breathe. He helps you into the carriage. You sit down and he sits next to you. For the first time in a long time, you and the King are completely alone.

"What a beautiful surprise to have you in my carriage today"

"You're too kind, Sire"

"I'm afraid I'm not kind enough, Lady Winters. I've been thinking a lot about you and what you've said to me last night and I can't help but think that you didn't tell me the truth?"

"Sire, I must confess, I didn't tell you the entire truth, but I'm afraid to tell you, Sire"

He turns to look full in your eyes and then he gently takes your hand. The energy is undeniable between you. You feel a sense of absolute calm coming over you as his big hand envelops yours.

"Milady, please don't be afraid of me. I have nothing but sincere true feelings for you. I'll never intentionally hurt you"

You turn to him and you lace your fingers through his. You hear him inhale sharply.

"Sire, I'm not afraid of you but I'm afraid of what you might do. If I tell you the truth then you will certainly jeopardize your own plan, Sire"

"Angel, don't you worry about things like that. Let me be the judge of it. Do you truly believe I would jeopardize the plan that might bring us together?"

"No, Sire. I pray you, don't"

"Then please I beg of you, tell me?"

"As you wish, Sire. Yesterday, Lord Dobson run into me in the corridor. I tried to get out of his way but his breath smelled like...like alcohol and then I knew he wasn't in his right mind. He grabbed my wrist and then...then he..."

Your eyes start to water and you look away for a moment. He then slowly move your sleeve up to expose the finger marks on your wrist. You hear how he breathes in deeply and you see his jaw clench. You see how he's trying to control every emotion in him.

"He then tried to kiss me but luckily, Lord Walton arrived and I could make my escape..."

You feel a single tear rolling over your cheek. You look up at him and see his knuckles are white as snow, clamped into fists. He breathes heavily. You see his cheat rise and fall.

"Sire?"

"Angel, don't you ever keep something like that from me again. I know that you don't know me yet but I can assure you that men like that, any man that dares to put a finger on you, will not live to see another day. That sorry excuse for a man shouldn't exist in this world, not speak of, in my court. He will never bother you again, milady. I'll personally see to it....I promise you that"

You see him starting to shake uncontrollably. You softly put your hands on his chest. He looks down at your wrist and you hear him sigh.

"Goddammit!...angel.....I wasn't there to protect you..."

The all-powerful King is sitting next to you. His entire demeanor lays bare before you as you watch this man crumble. The once raged filled man has turned into an unguarded man. His eyes stare into you as if he's begging for your forgiveness.

"Sire, how could you blame yourself for not being there as it's completely irrational thinking. You were on the other side of the train and you couldn't possibly have known or stop any of it. Sire, I beg of you to please not blame yourself for this. This...this was an unfortunate incident and I would feel broken should you blame yourself"

"God.....there you go again with your mouth, hypnotizing me. You simply put me under your spell when you speak to me. I feel so complete with you next to me and that's the reason I feel that I should've been there for you. I want to protect you more than my own life. Lady Winters, you consume me so perfectly. God.....I.....I.....just want to kiss you..."

You feel heat shooting between your thighs at the words he just spoke. You see pure lust residing in his eyes. You feel your heart pounding loudly against your chest.

"Sire-"

He put his finger on your lips. He makes quick work of closing the curtains in the carriage and then his lips smash into yours. His breathing heavily on you as if he's fighting to control himself. You throw your hands around his neck and he groans.

"Fuck...angel"

You play with your hand in his hair and pull him even closer into your mouth. You feel his tongue exploring your mouth. His hands grip tight around your waist. You can feel his body shaking. After what seems to be a second you pull away, having no more air left in your lungs.

"Sire, you are magnificent"

He groans deeply and tries to hide his obvious arousal caused by you. He moves around uncomfortably putting his hands in his pockets.

"Angel...you going to be the death of me..."

You smile, filled with satisfaction that you bring on this desire in him. Then you remember your reason for being here.

"Sire, I need to ask something of you, if I may be so bold?"

He takes your hands and softly caresses your skin with his thumbs. He stares straight in your eyes and only softness resides there.

"Lady Winters, you may ask me anything you desire and I will do all I can do, in power to fulfill it. What is it that you require of me?"

"Lord Dobson-"

Suddenly he sits upright and his hands return to his sides, fists clasping. His voice is stern as he speaks.

"Yes?"

"His room is next to mine and I won't feel....feel safe-"

Don't say another word, I'll see to it that he'll get the room deserves..."

"Sire..."

You put your hand over his fist. He looks at your hand and then slowly opens his fist to lace his fingers with yours.

"Sire, don't do anything that might jeopardize your plan, I beg of you?"

The driver interrupts your conversation "We're here, Your Highness"

"I promise, milady"

He then exits the carriage first so that there won't be any suspicion. You wait a while and then leaves the carriage to find a beautiful sight before you. You find your seat next to Lady Anabel.

"Where were you? I got worried"

"Oh, I took the last carriage out. What did I miss?"

"Everything is still-"

The princess comes walking up to you. "Ladies, so good of you to join us?" You and Anabel immediately stand up and bow.

"Thank you, your grace" Lady Anabel smiles.

"Why don't you ladies join us at the King's seats?"

"Thank your grace but we're just fine here" You try and convince her.

"Oh!" The princess laughs out loud and almost immediately her face turns serious again.

"Oh, no, no, no....it wasn't a request. Follow me!" You and Anabel look at each other and roll your eyes behind the princess's back. You follow the princess.

THE KING'S POV

Lord Walton comments "Ready for a good show, your Highness?"

"I've always studied the arts of being a gladiator but this will be the first to see a duel even if it's only a show. I'm very excited and what about you Lord Walton?"

"Oh, I've always since I was an infant played as a gladiator against my friends. This will be a dream come true, Sire"

"I'm delighted to hear that then. Tell me, have you seen Lord Dobson today?" The King clenches his jaw as he says his name.

"No sorry, Sire. I haven't seen him today"

The princess than walked up to her seat next to the King. He then quickly stand up and take her hand kissing it. She bows and takes a seat. You then appear behind her.

(Oh my god! Look at her....dammit she's beautiful...she's completely changed my life. What is she doing here?)

The King takes your hand and kisses it. He stares in your eyes and heat shoots through them. You bow before him.

"Lady Winters, Lady Anabel"

"Your Highness" He can feel the princess burning holes in his head with her eyes. He sits back down. Then the show starts.

He watches as the gladiators give there best performances. After every performance, they bow before the King. They give a few shows and then there's an interval. The King then stands and starts to talk to Lord Walton. Then out of the corner of his eyes, he sees Lord Dobson approaching you. He immediately goes stiff and a stone-cold look appears on his face. His fists clench again and he struggles to finish his sentence with Lord Walton.

"....uh...uhm...so, then we'll just do it the way you think. I'm sorry, Lord Walton but I have to go. We'll pick this up again later?"

"Of course, Sire"

Lord Walton leaves and the King excuse himself. He walks around the seats where he and the princess sits and move out of her field of view but keep his eyes on Lord Dobson the entire time. He moves so that he enters Lord Dobson's field of view. He stands there in his full distinction and stares at him

.

LADY WINTER'S POV

You make sure you don't take a seat too close to the princess. You move the furthest you can away from her as possible.

"I can't believe she is shunting us around like that? It's not just me feeling this way right?"

"Oh, believe me, it's not acceptable. Just because we are Ladies in waiting doesn't mean that we should jump when she says....right?"

"I must be honest, I've never really followed the correct procedure in the duties of the Ladies in waiting....so I can't really say"

"Oe, oe! It's starting" You watch the show. "Do you like this, Anabel?"

"I've never really been bothered with it but it's okay you?"

"Me either"

"Incoming twelve o'clock..." You look up and before you stand Lord Dobson. You feel your pulse-raising.

"Lord Dobson"

You feel like punching him in his face. He gives you a mischievous smile and takes your hand to kiss. You feel anger rushing through your veins. Then his lips touch your hand and throw up a little in your mouth.

Lady Anabel sticks out her hand for him to kiss "What a pleasant surprise, Lord Dobson. Why don't you join us?"

You almost break your neck as you jerk it towards Lady Anabel but then you realize she doesn't know about what happened. Lord Dobson gives a big grin.

"I'll be delighted, thank you. Seems there's only one seat open for me, next to the lovely, Lady Winters..."

Lord Dobson moves next to you and he's just about to take a seat when fear suddenly overtakes his entire being. You look up at him and his face is pale.

"I...uhm...just remembered, I needed to be....somewhere....not here. If you'll excuse me?"

He turns around faster than a rabbit running into its hole for protection. He doesn't wait for you to answer.

"What's gotten into poor Lord Dobson?" Anabel looks shocked.

You mumble under your breath. "I hope a hell of a lot of pain"

"What did you say?"

"Oh, nothing important, really"

THE KING'S POV

The King sees how Lord Dobson takes Lady Winters hand and kisses it. He's breathing heavily now and his doing everything in his power not to rip his head right off.

(What the f**k does he think he's doing?? Who does he think he is?? You will pay for laying hands on my angel!!)

The King watches as Lord Dobson wants to take a seat next to you and then Lord Dobson sees the King. The King just lifts his finger to Lord Dobson and show him to go away. Lord Dobson then quickly turns around and walks away.

(Your numbers up, Lord Dobson...I'll deal with you later)

LADY WINTER'S POV

The show is finished, with no more intrusions from Lord Dobson. You're just about to head back to your villa when the princess appears by your side.

"Did you enjoy the show, Lady Winters?"

"Yes, thank you, your-"

"Yes, yes, yes...Listen, Lady Winters I'm going to need your assistance tonight at the ball. Make sure you'll meet me there at around nine o'clock. Toodles"

(Urgh...damn you!)

You make your way back and get dressed for the ball. You arrive at the beautiful castle.

"Truly stunning!" You stare in awe.

"Wow, I thought we might see a few nice places, but this is so breathtakingly beautiful"

You get out of the carriage and make your way to your table.

(I really hope that I don't see Lord Dobson tonight)

You get to your table with your name on. Luckily, Lady Anabel is marked to sit next to you. You take your seat and marvel at the artistry of the roof and walls. Then the King enters the room with the princess by his side.

Everyone stands up and bows. A little while later the speeches start. The King is halfway through his speech when the person that's supposed to sit on the other side of you, appears.

"Lady Winters..." Lord Dobson smiles at you.

You jump at his presence and move your chair closer to Anabel's side. He takes your hand to kiss it but you pull it away.

"Lord Dobson, they're in the middle of the speeches. Let's just skip the formalities, you would only disturb everyone. Please sit down"

He looks at you in utter shock and then takes his seat next to you but then he almost falls off his chair, grabbing hold of your leg to steady himself. You smell the alcohol reeking out of his pores and your expression turns into utter revulsion. He sits back on his chair.

"Forgive me, milady" He smiles at you as if he enjoyed touching your legs. You move even closer to Anabel.

"What's going on with Lord Dobson? Is he drunk?" Anabel whispers.

"Very much so"