|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 11:48:38 GMT -5
Elias chuckled lightly at her small squirm and fidgeting towards the dresses laid out before her and he watched as she randomly selected one. The blue. He rather liked that one and out of all three it was perhaps his first choice for her. He watched her as she gathered everything else and then began to undress. As she began to strip off her clothing and flash him a smile he rolled his eyes lightly and took to plucking some bark off of the stump he sat on. Though his eyes did drift up to glance over her bare back and shoulders. As her clothing was tugged on he watched as Ailsa seemingly transformed in front of him from the gruff and rough knight a moment ago to now the...well rather stunning young lady before him. He rose to his feet and approached her a moment. Without warning her he reached and out wiped a bit of her smudged makeup off from around her eyes and then wiped it onto his trousers. Then he nodded lightly to her, giving a small laugh at her comment as well, "You do not look ridiculous m'lady, on the contrary you look rather lovely." he told her, smiling lightly at her. As he had said, a man of honesty and truth, if she looked as she did he would tell her properly. He crossed his arms over his chest then and thought a moment more, "You will be at a funeral correct?" he murmured a bit to himself. After a moment of thought he offered her his arm, "Show me your walk when accompanied." he told her simply as he motioned ahead of them. "Unfortunately," Ailsa grumbled. She loved Maggie like a sister, but why on earth she had to attend the funeral for an english King was beyond her. Couldn't she just stay in the palace? No...of course she couldn't. Or else Norfolk would torch her for sure. So she mustered everything inside her that could be described as 'dainty' or 'pretty' and started to walk. One foot was slumped in front of the other, and it was far too quick -- she still moved like she was in battle, or traveling. The subtly and grace Margaret or her good-for-nothing sister had was not in place at all. She nodded in acceptance, she had never had the pleasure and she wasn't about to turn down such a kind offer. She would have enjoyed spending time with the horses, but they could wait. "I will see you tonight." With a little time before she needed to be at the bath-house she quickly checked on the horses, each lifted their heads and whinnied in greeting. She smiled at their familiarity and felt a little bad that she was rushing off almost immediately. Gritting her teeth she knew she should return to the cottage of her father. A place she didn't consider her own home, more a place she was obligated to visit from time to time. She hadn't informed him of where she had been going and he would no doubt be furious about her absence. She stepped across the threshold, the stench of stale alcohol assaulting her almost instantly. It almost seemed colder inside than out, telling her that he hadn't bothered to light a fire in many days. "Father?" She called out, a questioning note in her tone. His voice was slurred but laced with anger, using her full name. She rolled her eyes but moved through to where he was sitting. As predicted he was slumped in his chair, a bottle in hand glaring at her. "And where have you been you little witch?" He said with a scowl, taking a swig from his bottle. She didn't know how to respond, of course she could tell him the truth but of course he wouldn't believe her. "I had to accompany the Prince. He needed someone capable with the horses." Coming here made her angry and she didn't know why she bothered, the things you did for family. "I just wanted to check you hadn't drunk yourself into an early grave." She said turning on her heel and stalking back out, taking a deep breath to calm herself. After that a bath was just what she needed. As Richard had said the bath-house was empty, and although a little unsure she undressed, stepping into the steaming water. It was unlike anything she had known before, there were even petals floating on the surface. After several long days of riding nothing could have felt better, submerging herself beneath the water, her red hair dark with moisture. A short time later she was browsing through the selection of clothes laid out for her. She had barely any idea what she was looking at, or even how any of these garments worked. This was why she much prefered her breeches and oversized blouse. She eventually selected a jade green dress, the simplest choice out of the overly ornate selection. It was square cut at the front and rather more revealing than she was comfortable with, but incredibly flattering to a figure she usually had hidden beneath clothes too large for her. It was almost time to meet with Richard and she quickly attempted to take her copper locks, twisting her hair in to a messy bun, leaving a few strands of ringlets loose. She glanced at herself in the reflective surface and sighed. It was as far from her usual attire as she could get but the best she could do with the selection she had been given. With that she headed towards their meeting point. Richard had spent the whole day preparing -- serving boys that owed him a favour had been fetching this thing and that for him. He'd planned it hours earlier -- setting everything out, making sure the scene looked perfect. Then he'd taken Pilgrim and the gray mare Brinn loved so much and had them tacked up and waiting as he waited for her. His doublet was gone, replaced with a french style shirt made of black silk, and he wore skinny jodhpurs and new knee length boots. He had cleaned his face and made his hair look more voluminous. He thought he looked good...then he saw Brinn. She'd taken his breath away dressed in nothing but dirty overalls and with straw in her hair. Now, freshened up, she looked better than any monarch -- better than any single jewel or gem and completely, and utterly out of Richard's league. He had planned to be eloquent and charming, but he now looked as if he'd been visited by the Virgin Mary herself. "Y..You look...You're so beautiful," he said. ((Sorry this took me so long. I don't really have an excuse but here is it)) Inez nodded at Margaret's excuse even though it was noticeably flimsy considering the fact that she had been raised in the english court and the fact that Margaret had eaten scarcely a bit of all the food that 'Thomas' had served to both Margaret and Catherine about this all. However, when Margaret's hands shot to her stomach upon hearing the gunshots in the movement that Inez remembered her own mother doing in her last pregnancy which had ended with a still birth when Inez was nine Inez's eyebrows shot up into the air. She remembered Margaret's limited appetite and the vomiting she had just done. "Your Highness," she began tentatively. "Are you pregnant." Margaret frowned, as if she was angry. But the real look in her eyes was fear. The nerves shook her so violently she started to get creamily unwell and that just made her 'crosser'. "Of course not!" she snapped and hurried on to the room where her chambers lay. "What kind of question is that? My husband would most certainly not allowed me to travel then! And it's rather impersonal of you to ask," she said, rushing into the rooms and started to breath quite heavily. They were alone now and she just knew that Inez knew.
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 11:48:55 GMT -5
[[don't u guys just love my unreliability?]]
|
|
|
Post by 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓿 on Jan 30, 2017 11:52:20 GMT -5
Elias pulled her to a stop then and shook his head lightly, "You're walking as if you have a somewhere to get to. Ladies just wander, they float." he told her simply as he nodded down towards her feet, "Move lightly and carefully, like a...." he thought for a moment and then nodded, "A deer, how about that?" he suggested with a light arch of his brow to her.
Elias was no good at teaching this sort of thing, perhaps he should have brought Lydia out here to teach her this, he could teach manners and he could show her how to dress. But, how to walk? What did Elias know about walking like a lady? Pushing that away he offered his arm to her again and began walking once more.
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 12:19:57 GMT -5
Elias pulled her to a stop then and shook his head lightly, "You're walking as if you have a somewhere to get to. Ladies just wander, they float." he told her simply as he nodded down towards her feet, "Move lightly and carefully, like a...." he thought for a moment and then nodded, "A deer, how about that?" he suggested with a light arch of his brow to her. Elias was no good at teaching this sort of thing, perhaps he should have brought Lydia out here to teach her this, he could teach manners and he could show her how to dress. But, how to walk? What did Elias know about walking like a lady? Pushing that away he offered his arm to her again and began walking once more. Ailsa took his arm and started to walk slower, but it felt as if she was purposefully slowing down, and it looked painful -- rather than there being a grace or an enjoyment to the action. It was all in her head, you see. Ailsa always liked to get to the next place, and do the next thing -- not drift by like she didn't have anything to do. "I'll never be any good at this," she mumbled as she took Elias' arm.
|
|
|
Post by 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓿 on Jan 30, 2017 12:24:37 GMT -5
Elias sighed lightly and shook his head, "You just need to stop thinking upon it so much m'lady." he told her lightly. Then he had an idea, "Do you dance?" he inquired lightly to her as he turned to stand before her with a light arch of his brow and his eyes meeting hers.
Another smile flickered to his lips as he looked upon her again, though he kept his gaze to her face for the most part. He did not want to come off as someone like Norfolk. Though she was rather beautiful, he was a groundskeeper and a she was a lady of the Scottish court, not to mention the step-sister of the king. What chance did he have?
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 12:44:02 GMT -5
Elias sighed lightly and shook his head, "You just need to stop thinking upon it so much m'lady." he told her lightly. Then he had an idea, "Do you dance?" he inquired lightly to her as he turned to stand before her with a light arch of his brow and his eyes meeting hers. Another smile flickered to his lips as he looked upon her again, though he kept his gaze to her face for the most part. He did not want to come off as someone like Norfolk. Though she was rather beautiful, he was a groundskeeper and a she was a lady of the Scottish court, not to mention the step-sister of the king. What chance did he have? Ailsa smirked, she cocked one eyebrow and slid a suggestive look to him -- but it was more than her average flirtation. Elias had not once got angry at her, or told her to be something that she was not. No...he'd helped her. And she respected him. Which was quite unusual, as she didn't respect many men. She took his hand and pulled herself into him, for once being more feminine as she ever had before. It was dangerous around him, like it was with others. And perhaps she could let her guard down a little bit....maybe. "It goes something like this, right?"
|
|
|
Post by 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓿 on Jan 30, 2017 12:47:56 GMT -5
Elias chuckled lightly and his hand slipped about her waist and the other into her hand, "Something like this." he told her lightly, then he began to sway and move with her, "Keep light on your feet and let me lead." he told her simply as they began to waltz in the field.
He moved with her as if there were a song truly playing about them and he watched her carefully. Both to ensure she was following him, remaining light upon her feet, and just for the simple pleasure of looking at her as well. Then he thought of another idea, "In battle you must remain light, you must never fall flat on your feet for fear of getting caught off guard. Think of it more in those terms. Move your feet as you move your sword, in smooth and easy motions."
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 16:33:10 GMT -5
"Now that's something I can do," she murmured and started to treat it all like a fight -- like a battle she was trying to win. Eventually she found her feet moving lightly, her body moving gracefully and every twirl and dip to be in time with the unheard music. But she was not without distraction -- as Eilas was quite the dancer, and quite the boy indeed...her heart was indeed racing faster and her fingers weren't without a tint of sweat.
"Y'know, if you ever wanted to travel," she started, looking away as she proposed something rather drastic. "You should come up North -- that's where we can really dance. I'd bet you've never really been to a real cèilidh"
|
|
|
Post by 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓿 on Jan 30, 2017 16:41:08 GMT -5
"Now that's something I can do," she murmured and started to treat it all like a fight -- like a battle she was trying to win. Eventually she found her feet moving lightly, her body moving gracefully and every twirl and dip to be in time with the unheard music. But she was not without distraction -- as Eilas was quite the dancer, and quite the boy indeed...her heart was indeed racing faster and her fingers weren't without a tint of sweat. "Y'know, if you ever wanted to travel," she started, looking away as she proposed something rather drastic. "You should come up North -- that's where we can really dance. I'd bet you've never really been to a real cèilidh" Elias smiled having achieved exactly what he'd aimed for, he admired the way she moved now and continued with her, dippinging, twirling, lifting, and spinning her to the imaginary waltz they were performing. His smile remained the whole time and he seemed not to notice it as he watched her. At the suggestion he arched a brow curiously to her, turning her lightly before pulling her back to him and continuing, "Travel north to Scotland?" he inquired lightly to her, he chuckled and nodded, "Indeed I would enjoy that m'lady but, who would tend to the gardens while I am away?" his question teasing and light as his eyes locked onto hers. Then he sighed lightly and nodded once more, "I would enjoy that if the chance were to present itself though." he told her sincerely. "I have yet to travel beyond this country's borders and wish to be able to do so." admitting his great desire to travel the world and all its countless wonders.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 17:50:31 GMT -5
Elias smiled having achieved exactly what he'd aimed for, he admired the way she moved now and continued with her, dippinging, twirling, lifting, and spinning her to the imaginary waltz they were performing. His smile remained the whole time and he seemed not to notice it as he watched her. At the suggestion he arched a brow curiously to her, turning her lightly before pulling her back to him and continuing, "Travel north to Scotland?" he inquired lightly to her, he chuckled and nodded, "Indeed I would enjoy that m'lady but, who would tend to the gardens while I am away?" his question teasing and light as his eyes locked onto hers. Then he sighed lightly and nodded once more, "I would enjoy that if the chance were to present itself though." he told her sincerely. "I have yet to travel beyond this country's borders and wish to be able to do so." admitting his great desire to travel the world and all its countless wonders. Ailsa blew a bit of hair out of the way of her face in complaint at his 'gardens' comment. She was sure of it now -- he was destined for more than groundskeeping. And he needed to travel far and wide to be a good knight. Learning things off of Italians was indeed a good tactic. "I don't suppose you have ever been to Italy? had their strange liqueurs or devoured the 'chocolate' they have in spain?" she commented, thinking of things Maggie had told her. "And of course, you've never seen snow-capped mountains and climbed twirly roads to see deer and wild game -- you've never seen the long roads in Edinburgh or the universities and colleges there. You've never seen a good round of highland games or seen the strange tartan the cheiftins of the highlands wear..." she trailed off, twirling once more so that the sun caught her in the most elegant fashion. "And of course, you've never bedded a scottish woman," she finished, smiling subtly. "I can assure you, it's quite fun."
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 17:57:35 GMT -5
She felt rather ridiculous as she walked to the stables, eyes turning towards her as she walked only making her feel more self conscious. She barely recognised him as she approached, dressed smartly he looked incredibly handsome. At the look on his face the feeling of embarrassment rushed forward again, worried she had chosen something wrong but his comment put her mind at ease. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself." She said with a bright smile. Both horses whinnied in greeting and tossed their heads. "So what did you have planned for us." She quizzed, tilting her head slightly, green eyes sparkling with amusement. Richard smiled, excitement lighting up his eyes as he thought of his well thought out plan. "Get on the horse and follow my lead," he said, kissing her before he offered her a hand up. Riding in a dress like that was hardly going to be easy, but he really didn't care if she rode side-saddle or traditional -- he wasn't caught up with the affairs of court. they rode for about twenty minutes, breaking into a pleasant canter as they went over the hills. Eventually they found a crumbling ruin of a church building, overcast by willow trees. In this little glen were a hundred fire-flies, lighting the gentle April evening. They got off the horses and let them crunch into some hay, lined with tasty treats like apple slices and sugar cubes. He knew Brinn would be caring for the horses as well, so they were a part of his life now. But the real surprise lay up the wounding stairs on top of a mount to the crumbling castle. There, inside the ruin Richard had lain out a rug and covered it with delicacies. Roast chicken and roast duck, slices of french cheese and foreign fruits, nuts, dates, cake and of course -- chocolate covered pecans. There, outlined in the light of the fireflies, Richard led his love to the rug. It's brilliant red contrasted against her green dress, and once they sat he pulled out a wine bottle and two goblets. "A vintage wine -- from the champagne region in France."
|
|
|
Post by 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓿 on Jan 30, 2017 18:04:16 GMT -5
Elias chuckled as she blew the hair out of her face and easily brushed it back behind her ear for her. Then as she began to list things that he'd certainly never seen he laughed a bit more and shook his head in response. At her final comment he smirked lightly to her, returning the teasing comment easily, "I wouldn't yet know that though would I?" his eyes shining with laughter and the smirk still sitting on his lips as he met her gaze easily. Finally he brought their dance to a close and dipped her easily before bringing her back up to standing before him, his deep brown eyes locked onto hers a moment before he nodded lightly to her, "I'd say that's enough to impress any Englishmen." he told her lightly, giving her a wink before stepping back to bow and kiss the back of her hand gently.
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 30, 2017 18:32:37 GMT -5
Elias chuckled as she blew the hair out of her face and easily brushed it back behind her ear for her. Then as she began to list things that he'd certainly never seen he laughed a bit more and shook his head in response. At her final comment he smirked lightly to her, returning the teasing comment easily, "I wouldn't yet know that though would I?" his eyes shining with laughter and the smirk still sitting on his lips as he met her gaze easily. Finally he brought their dance to a close and dipped her easily before bringing her back up to standing before him, his deep brown eyes locked onto hers a moment before he nodded lightly to her, "I'd say that's enough to impress any Englishmen." he told her lightly, giving her a wink before stepping back to bow and kiss the back of her hand gently. Ailsa dipped her head to one side and then shrugged, smiling eloquently and curtsying as she probably should. "I don't want to impress just 'any' englishman, though," she commented before twirling back around and picking up her blade again. She put it down and then looked directly at it. Damnit, he was beautiful. But she knew in a few days or weeks she'd be back up North and he wouldn't be. Still, why not enjoy what was there during the mean time. So in the spirit of staying with Elias she dropped her sword and grinned wildly. "Bet you've never done a Scottish barn-dance, have you?" she said, partly in offer -- partly in challenge.
|
|
|
Post by 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓿 on Jan 30, 2017 18:36:55 GMT -5
Elias smiled and watched her go and pick up her sword, it was a strangely beautiful sight to see a lady with a sword like that and he couldn't help but laugh lightly before she turned and looked to him again. She truly was gorgeous and he couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have been at the pub that night and then to have once again found her in the barn. Then he realized she'd asked him a question and he laughed and crossed his arms to her and tipped his chin up lightly in response.
"And if I haven't?" he inquired with a laughing smirk, he remained in the challenging stance for a moment before dropping his arms and nodding to her, "Why don't you teach me how to do one?" he inquired with a smile.
(AWWWWWWW these two!!!)
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Jan 31, 2017 4:01:46 GMT -5
Elias smiled and watched her go and pick up her sword, it was a strangely beautiful sight to see a lady with a sword like that and he couldn't help but laugh lightly before she turned and looked to him again. She truly was gorgeous and he couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have been at the pub that night and then to have once again found her in the barn. Then he realized she'd asked him a question and he laughed and crossed his arms to her and tipped his chin up lightly in response. "And if I haven't?" he inquired with a laughing smirk, he remained in the challenging stance for a moment before dropping his arms and nodding to her, "Why don't you teach me how to do one?" he inquired with a smile. (AWWWWWWW these two!!!) "Well then, she said, grinning wildly and seezing herself up for what came next. She rushed towards him, as if they were going into another sparring session again. But this time she grabbed his arms and started to twirl and twist wildly. Here we go... she murmured to herself and began the hopping and the jumping -- so they were doing a proper gig. "Good thing is Scots make dancing fun -- they make it lively -- gets the blood pumping," she said, flashing a look at him before going back into the dance -- sweat pouring and the desire to do something more than dance increasing
|
|
|
|
Post by Nighteyes on Jan 31, 2017 16:45:40 GMT -5
((Hey, just passing on a messages from Lily. She's not gonna be on tonight ^^ ))
|
|
Bisexual
Kurai
I can't answer why... I'm a blackstar...★
|
Post by Kurai on Jan 31, 2017 17:33:48 GMT -5
Aww sad times )
|
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Feb 2, 2017 4:57:30 GMT -5
[[So, I got really unwell, due to my insomnia and over-exertion and stuff, and basically had to cut out most blue screens last night so I couldn't come on. But now I. AM. BACK. ]]
|
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Feb 2, 2017 5:08:03 GMT -5
Riding in a dress was a new experience and she settled for riding sidesaddle. It was far more uncomfortable than riding the traditional way and she decided men had it much easier. Even so he ride was gentle and pleasant, following him through the hills. The area he brought them to was stunning, low hanging boughs of willows trailed over the lush grass. Fireflies flittered on the soft breeze and the wind sang through the leafy canopy. She breathed out in surprise, it was perhaps the most beautiful place she had ever seen. The crumbling stone structure was bright against the dark vermillion hue of the trees. She slipped down from the horse, brushing the creases from her dress, smiling as she saw he had prepared a treat for their mounts as well. She linked her arm through his as he led them forward, towards the twisting staircase and the feast he had prepared for them. A hand rose to her mouth, amazed by the efforts he had gone to in creating this. "It's wonderful." She said following him to sit on the rug. She had never seen so many different foods and her smile only brightened as he withdrew the bottle of wine. She had never touched a drop of alcohol but this was a special occasion. She accepted one of the goblets, bringing it to her nose to smell the sweet liquid. Her suspicion of the substance apparent and the image of her father slumped in his chair came to the front of her mind. Richard put the bottle of wine down and smiled at her, taking her hand in an extension of comfort. He knew what she must have been thinking, and quite frankly he couldn't blame her if she threw the wine in his face. But she didn't, because he'd fallen in love with one of the kindest girls in all of England. "You don't have to drink it," he murmured, "but I promise it won't do anything that bad." After he had poured the wine he brought out plates and started to cut dainty slivers of meat, so she could try a taste of every single dish, they were topped up with the creamed vegetables and sweet fruits -- small enough pieces to pick at with fingers, rather than faffing around with cutlery. He laid his dish beside him and leaned down, looking up at her. He just couldn't stop smiling. He used to love food like this but it all tasted sour compared to her. The meal wasn't wonderful, but she was.
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Feb 2, 2017 5:09:14 GMT -5
Aww bless you. Hope you're feeling better now though.) [[Hopefully, my insomnia is a real b*tch and gets worse if I use screens. However, it's either trying to get to sleep for 5 hours with a screen, or trying to get to sleep for 3 hours without a screen, indescribably bored, so I lose either way.]]
|
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Feb 2, 2017 6:20:24 GMT -5
She took a sip of the drink, happy that he could understand her doubt at touching the stuff. From the smell alone she could tell it was better than the swill her father drank, and the taste on her tongue was pleasant enough. She couldn't see what all the fuss was about but it was nice. Her green eyes watched as he cut small sections, a smile touching her lips as she studied his face. He was intent on what he was doing and the concentration on his face was slightly amusing. She had never seen so many kinds of food, and never did she think she would get to indulge in eating them. She returned his smile, at a loss for words for perhaps the first time in her life. No one had ever gone to this sort of effort for her before and it was almost too much. "You know you didn't need to do all of this." She said quietly, lowering her eyes to scan over the wonderful selection of treats. "I know," Richard murmured, leaning up to look at her more directly -- unable to hide the smile on his face. "But I wanted to," he finished, picking at a few of his hour'dourves before abandoning the plate for something much more interesting -- but much more terrifying. He avoided looking in her eyes for a few seconds, before mustering the courage to find her gaze and focus on it, without letting his heart jump out of his chest. "You're quite important to me. I wanted to show you that," he said, taking her hand and holding it firmly, but softly enough as to be delicate with it. He looked at it, quite in wonder of how she could work so much, and yet still have such beautiful hands. "Y'know, it's funny," he said "part of me always wanted the power -- the influence. Part of me was arrogant enough to think it might have been a birthright, being a King's son and all, but now all I want is your happiness -- for all my influence to be spent on you because you quite literally have become my happiness, not a title or any influence over the throne." He took his lips to her hand and kissed it softly. "So that means if you want something, you can ask for it. It's...something that I can do for you, even if I still can't sooth the horses quite like you can," he said with a smirk.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Feb 2, 2017 7:28:52 GMT -5
She watched him with the slightest tilt to her head, her copper red hair catching on the soft breeze that found its way through the crumbling stone of the tower. She allowed him to take her hand, her long fingers brushing against his, sending that jolt of electricity along her spine. A flush coloured her cheeks as he spoke, she had never been important to anyone, it was a new feeling. A feeling of being wanted, and cared for. It made her smile even brighter and her eyes glimmer with joy. "I had always thought I was happy with what I had. I never realised this was what happiness could feel like." She said gently as he lifted her hand to his lips. Richard chuckled, looking down again as he tangled himself up in memories of the past. "Y'know I never grew up happy -- didn't know what it felt like. My mother wasn't a happy woman...because of me. So I searched for happiness in position and power but it didn't work," he said quietly, looking up to her fondly, absolutely memorized with the swish of the wind against her hair and the bright emerald sparkle in her eyes. "I was happy when I first saw you," he whispered, before leaning up and pulling her chin inwards towards his -- kissing her softly and holding her tightly. [[Can I plot twist and time skip? ]]
|
|
|
|
Post by Lilystar88 on Feb 2, 2017 10:09:11 GMT -5
[[Sorry this writing isn't the best quality but I had limited time. I gotta study cause I missed college today.]]
As he kissed her, he fumbled around in his back pocket for the ring. It was actually the one Henry the VII had given to his wife when they’d got engaged, and it was too small and not showy enough for Catherine of Aragon so Henry had gifted it to him – seeing as he was the last of the old King’s children. Finally, amidst bits of straw and stray shillings, he found it.
He pulled apart from Brinn’s lips and then began to pull out the engagement ring from his back pocket. “Brianna Moore, will you….”
“Sire,” a voice said from behind them. “The King demands your presence at once.”
Richard looked down and scowled. If a messenger had been sent for him, he truly had to go to him at once.
“Will you, wait right here, until I get back,” Richard said, kissing his lover’s head before departing.
“Stand there; keep watch outside in case brigands come. Don’t disturb the lady,” he said quietly to the messenger who nodded and did as he was told. Richard stropped off towards the castle, taking pilgrim with him.
When he arrived at the castle council rooms he saw Henry, the younger, standing there – looking more authoritative than he had before. Richard paused. Something wasn’t right.
“I thought the King asked for me, your highness?” Richard said. The Earl of Northumberland was to their right, and then there was Earl of Wiltshire, Thomas Bolyen.
“The King is dead,” Bolyen said.
“Long live the King,” Northumberland added, looking at Henry.
Richard stood still, acting calmly as the shock and grief crashed over him. He looked up, and met the eyes of his brother. The young Henry stood still. “Leave us,” he said to Northumberland and Wiltshire, and the two Earls looked confused, but obeyed the new King’s wishes. Henry and Richard were now alone.
Silence ensued. The atmosphere was wrought with confusion, and Henry looked worse than his brother. “I’ve never felt lonelier in my life,” he said quietly.
Richard swallowed, listening as the King went on. “My family is gone – my mother passed my sister up North, my brother gone and now my father and….” He curled his head inwards, seething through the grief.
“…and now I have to send you away,” Henry finished.
“Y-Your majesty?”
“France…Scotland…there are many enemies around us. I need someone to gather information for me, to fight and to be my right hand I need…a spy,” he said.
Richard’s mouth hung open. What?
“It means you’d be kept off the record books. You’d die unremembered. But your life would be…I’d pay you well. You’d need to study – there’s a place in Italy I’ve heard rumours about – and of course, the stablegirl would be kept in utmost comfort…”
Richard stopped still, feeling completely alone and unable to respond. His country needed him – his family needed him. But Brinn…he just couldn’t survive without her. And who knows how long he’d be gone. Who knows…
But he didn’t have a choice. There was only one path left for him now. He couldn’t refuse a new King – that meant death for him and all his associates. He could see the look in Henry’s eyes – he was both an angel and a devil, capable of the most gentle and compassionate acts of love, and at the same time torrid and evil in how he solved his problems. Richard didn’t want to be under the axe. Not before gaining everything he ever wanted.
So he accepted, and the details of his departure were finalised there and then. He’d have an exciting new life, full of danger and passion and….not Brinn. It tore him up inside so much he became calloused -- like he’d been burned to a crisp. Finally, he set off to tell her. He left the horse at the stables, and walked to Brinn instead. All in all, he’d been gone about an hour. Now, it was dark.
He could see why Henry had chosen him as a spy – he’d always been good at being quiet. So much so that his love didn’t even hear that he was coming, and neither did the messenger who he dismissed with a flick. Now it was just him and Brinn – him behind her, looking at the beautiful mass of copper-red hair.
He loved her, there was no doubt about that. In a way, he lived for her, not just for England, anymore. And above all, he wanted her to be happy. Even if it cost him his soul.
That is why he left. Saying nothing, but letting his tears drop off of his face and onto the ground before he quietly stepped away again. She’d hate him, but that was okay. She’d be safe – and perhaps find another love. It had killed a little bit of him inside, but now he had done his duty. He’d done his job. He’d kept her safe – even if it cost him the joy of living.
|
|