Eleanor took a deep steadying breath. She did not want to the King to see her hesitation. She suspected the outcome the society desired. It was obvious, but some part of her wished she did not want it. She wished.
The palace courtyard was opulent. In the setting sun crystallized the dew on the flowers and grass. The crunch of rocks under Eleanora' s heels harmonized with the soft rustle of wind.
Just out of the corner of her eye she saw a figure further away from the sounds of people chatters and music.
Her heart sped up as she felt like a lion seeking its prey. The sky grew dark. Her fast breath constrained by a tight corset. She was close just as she would turn the corner of the flowered wall. The sound of feet moved in another direction. Her focus was ruined when the loud laugh of men reached her.
She took a step into the shadows of the trees. Afraid of being outside without an escort. Her glowing reputation was all she had these days.
They neared her position, unaware of her eavesdropping.
"I know I saw his highness step out here. What could he be doing?" Asked one nasally man.
"The question is who? The King always seduces the most lovely of ladies."
"What lecherous lady do you think our King has gathered?" One inquired.
"Duchess Mary?"
"The one with the giant tites?" One asked impressed.
"No, she is much too old for the King" One grunted as he pulled aside to the edge of the trees. Untying his pants as he began to urinate.
Eleanora covered her mouth in disgust. The putrid stench of urine and body odor fanned by the breeze.
"Maybe another one of the Queens handmaids."
"Would not surprise me. I hear Danby sends the Queen the most beautiful girls in the hopes his eye will turn back to his wife long enough to produce an heir."
"Fat luck of that" A skinny ill-dressed man laughed.
There was a moment of quiet.
"Maybe Duchess Eleanora?" The nasally bring back the guessing game.
"That frigid bitch? She may have a pretty face, but the things that come out of her mouth are to be desired. God bless, Sir Robert."
"I don't need a mouth for what I would do to that pretty ass." Gurgled the fat pissing one.
Eleanora was beyond disgusted by the men. The turned around and made their way back to the palace. She attempted to back away. Just as she rounded the corner her heel on a twig. The snap felt like her own leg had broken.
The men once again became aroused. She could once again smell the acidic mix of alcohol and body odor wafting through the air. The pack of curious men. Searching for something enticing, something taboo.
Eleanora pressed herself against the tree. The air silent, with the disturbances of feet stomping through the grass.
Eleanora feared for her reputation. If she was found out here with these men who were looking for the King. She would be ruined no sensible gentleman or lady would speak with her.
Out of the darkness, the King emerged. "Gentlemen is there a reason you are out on my land."
The men stiffened. One brave one speaking for the crowd. "We wish to speak business, your majesty."
The King smiled, but it was not a kind smile. His eyes were full of fire. He was irritated. "That is right you wish to expand your coffee trade."
"It would be a lucrative partnership, your highness." The fat one greedily explained.
"Well the man I am actually backing in the coffee trade, has some quality beans. He also has a title, unlike you. I should remind you how lucky you are to be invited to my court merchant." The slightest bit of disgust at the lowly name. The King pointed to the large palace doors bright with candlelights. "Will hopefully not see you, gentlemen, inside." He waved at the men.
It took some time for them to realize they needed to leave. The King watching as they disappeared back into the distant doors.
"It is safe to surface." He called.
Eleanora wished it was. The men were so close to finding her. The awful things they said about those women. How little respect they had for their titles or work. If she was discovered, by anyone. She clutched the knot in her stomach. The muffled call of the King did not reach her.
Then like a flash of lightning. Bright. Powerful. Fatal.
He was beside her. He smiled with pride unaware of the panic she was locking down deep inside. She had to find out what he wanted.
He took a step closer, his body hovering over hers. He eyed her as a blind man eyes the sun for the first time. The back of his knuckle sliding down her jaw. His tender finger traced her ruby lips. The silence was deafening. All this time they still did not need words.
"Would you be mad if I said I missed you. After what I did." He whispered afraid to break the gentle silence.
She wanted to be. Her heart was angry. Especially right after it happened. She could not deny her body wanted the familiar. But with that familiar brought back some hurtful memories. She placed he steady hand on his chest and pushed him back. Giving herself some space to think. "I have an offer." He coaxed.
He expelled an unsurprised breath. "You always do."
He ignored her sarcasm. "Come back to me be mine again." He whispered.
"I was never yours." She sighed annoyed at his request.
He nodded. "You are right, but we can change that."
Her mind clearing up, she took a deep breath that thrust out her breast. His eyes moving south for a moment.
She had his full attention now.
"What are you offering?" She purred.
He was distracted by the slope of her neck. The tip of his finger traced the groves of her milk collarbone.
"I offer you my comfort, my bed, and a royal title." He felt her chest shrink from his fingers.
"From the King who did not even offer farewell." She remembered.
He nodded shyly. His confidence that of a child reliving embarrassment. He took a step back giving space to breathe. "I want you back as my royal mistress. You would be treated like the mistress at the French court."
Eleanora remembered those women. Beauties all of them. Drenched in gold and drowning in fame. Their prestige knew no bounds. They were seen by everyone. The exact opposite Eleanora needed right now. "I do need such comforts, nor do I need such publicity." She smoothed her skirts hiding her hot face. She was becoming distracted by a man when she was sent to seduce a King.
"Well, your highness I do so enjoy these talks. While I do miss." She took a long pause to look him up and down. She did appreciate a well-kept specimen. "Unfortunately I have a husband to keep and you have a court to return to."
She began to walk away. She remembered when the King was young at the French court. To keep himself in shape he loved to hunt. Any animal was fair game to the countryless King. But his favorite target was the predators.
He could spend hours running through the forest near the King of Frances woods. Near the grande hunting villa. His fondest trip was the first time he tracked a pack of wolves. He often told the story when the fires were roaring in their bedchamber. He would rub her feet after they made love.
"Three days I track those bitches and their leader. They would leave behind their weakest package. As a sort of sacrificial lamb. But I pressed on by myself. Followed them until I saw her. Large and gruff, she was bigger than the largest male. She was pulled right from the Greek myth of Romulus and Remus. The she-wolf herself had challenged me. When I fired that shot." He would pause the pleasure of the memory. He did not like to lose.
"What if I offered something better?" He called out.
She smiled at his offer but cursed him for his volume. "What could the King of this great land offer me?" She raised her arms to the enormity of his power.
"Say yes first. Then I will tell you." His voice was low and raw.
She always hated dancing. She was never very good being close to a partner, dancing with all those eyes expecting you to take the exact same steps as all the other privileged fools. But the dance the King and her were doing. Elegantly exchanging words. Forcing each other to test the conviction of the other to get what they wanted. This is a master of this dance.
"I want this on my terms." She walked closer.
"I assure you, my lady, it will fulfill all of your desires." He smiled devilishly. His wide shoulders towered over her slight frame.
Her confidence made her feel just as tall as he. "I have one requirement as well, will you agree to it?" She quizzed.
"Yes, but you have to promise to mine first." He eyed her swaying hips as she stopped right in front of him. The world in the palm of her hand.
She leaned in her mouth looming over his. "Yes," she breathed.
"Say 'I swear.'" He commanded in a husky voice.
"I swear." She murmured.
His lips gently found hers. The air they shared of acceptance filled her broken lungs. As she enjoyed his sweet lips, something tickled at the back of her mind.
This sweet moment. Was a move on the gameboard. She had something she had to do. Kissing the King sweetly was not one of them.
Apologies for the major delay. Here is hoping you like this and my hope is to update again, but sooner. If I do decide to stop I will officially say so, but I do not plan to give up anytime soon.