Thirty Three Part Three

Jude sat in an overstuffed chair he had pulled up next to the chaise, where Gwendolyn lay motionless, her breathing becoming shallower by the hour.

Gwen had not awoken for the last eighteen hours, the nurse had informed Jude that she would not last the day.

Her body was shutting down and giving out, and Jude was resolved to watch it happen.

It was his penance, the least he could do. It was his final gesture to this woman he had grown to loathe, then forgive, as his own guilt overtook him.

Who was he to cast stones, when he was just as guilty of sin, and most of his had been directed against her?

Jude had coveted what she had. He had committed adultery with her, and he had lied to her.

Jude had already been reevaluating his life when he had decided to wed, cutting off things with Gwendolyn, but now, he reevaluated once again.

No more lies, and no more using people for his own gain.

He dropped his head into his hand, as he thought, that would mean no pursuing a rich heiress simply for her funds.

Mayhap, he could find a rich widow to actually care for, one he would not need to lie to. Of course, if a young, rich heiress did come his way, he could always leave his options open.

Gwen dragged in another breath, rasping it back out, as Jude wondered just how much longer she would hang on to life.

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The immaculately liveried servant led Violet to the correct doorway, "The door down the hallway, on the left."

As Violet made his way down the hall, he could hear conversing voices, one of them bringing a lift to his heart and a purpose to his stride.

Vi approached the door, just in time to hear the King speaking, he was recommending patience to Elizabeth.

The King looked to Violet in the doorway, as Violet nodded his homage, then immediately, Vi looked to the small imp playing with a toy in her lap.

Violet looked at the King, his brow raised in question. Receiving a royal nod, Vi entered silently.

Coming around behind Betsy, he placed his hand upon her bare shoulder.

Elizabeth's eyes rolled upward, then closed in bliss, as she would know his gentle, loving touch anywhere.

Her pirate had awakened and he had come for her.

She opened her eyes slowly, but before she could look up from her lap, she saw it.

She smiled widely, then her tongue peeked out the corner of her mouth, as in seven quick moves she had the circle back together.

She smirked at the King, tossed him the ball, then stood to greet her husband properly.

Violet slid his hand along her waist, as both her arms came up around his neck, her lips finding his immediately in a sweet, soft kiss.

Violet's iris eyes shone down into hers, filled with pleasure at her warm welcome.

The King replaced the ball, smirking himself, as he felt his own pride in her accomplishment of the difficult puzzle.

Elizabeth's brows drew together, as she noticed Violet's eyes slowly become troubled.

"What is it, Violet?" She grew concerned, knowing they had not given any time to conversation, whatsoever, upon his return.

What had happened to make him look so serious?

Violet turned his eyes to the King, "Eleanor and I were set upon by highwaymen on our way to Marlborough."

The King narrowed his eyes, "Eleanor is safe?"

"Yes, Sire," Violet assured him. "They stole from us, yet did no lasting harm. The Duke is setting men upon the road, hoping to discourage them, as he and the duchess were stopped by the same band of thieves, just days before."

The King grew angry, his eyes hardened into chips of black ice, the vein in his temple throbbing visibly, as he clenched his jaw.

"They also, were unharmed?" He growled. The King was not happy that his subjects were being waylaid and robbed right under his nose.

"They are fine, Sire. Lord Ravenwood followed the highwaymen's trail, yet he could not find them, once the terrain changed in their favor." Violet held Elizabeth tight against his side, wishing he did not have to tell her what had been stolen from him.

"I too, shall set men upon the road immediately." The King nodded and pulled the bell.

Another tray was brought, and Elizabeth giggled, as the first tray was replaced by the second.

Violet did not understand her humor, looking to her strangely.

She whispered, "It happens every time, I find it amusing, yet highly rewarding." She went and poured Violet a coffee, which he drained down immediately.

Betsy poured herself a warm cup of chocolate, sipping at it, as the King spoke to the servant who had come, asking for his man at arms.

When the servant departed, the King turned his attention back to Elizabeth's pirate, "I would appreciate if you could tell my man all you know."

"Of course, Sire." Violet nodded gravely, then a supplicant look came across his visage, "It would please me greatly to have just a few moments alone first with my wife, if it is acceptable to you, Sire."

"It is. You may. Continue down the hallway to the end," The King's eyes still held frustration, as he was thinking on the highwaymen, "I will need you back shortly, however."

"As you wish, thank you, Sire." Violet led Betsy from the room. As they traversed the hall, she looked to him in confusion, wondering what was the matter with him.

Reaching the door the King indicated, Violet opened it, and they were both instantly assailed by sunlight.

They had come in the room from the side, two huge pairs of doors were at either end, flanking both sides of them.

It was another hallway of sorts, elaborately scrolled light plaster and huge, clear panes of glass, allowing the sunlight to penetrate the interior, lighting the walkway in splendor that took one's breath away.

Elizabeth walked ahead of Violet, soaking in the warmth of the sun's rays, as she traversed the long narrow space.

Out ahead of her, two huge doors stood open. They led to what she thought must be the castle's church, as Elizabeth could see colored light filling that space.

She had no doubt that it came from many stained glass windows.

Violet followed her through the lavish hallway, he then stopped beside her at the doors leading into the sanctuary.

Both of them looking around in wonder at the Saints, the minutely detailed scenes, and the likeness of Christ that were all depicted in the glorious, illuminated glass.

Walking forward up the grand center aisle, holding one another's hand, Elizabeth's eyes were trying to take it all in, as Violet eventually held her in place at the front pews.

Turning to Violet, Elizabeth let him lead her to be seated. He sat down beside her, both of them turned toward one another, still holding hands.

His other hand came up to his chest, as he looked at her remorsefully, and admitted to the loss, "When Eleanor and I were accosted upon the road, your ring was taken from me." Violet's eyes were pained.

Betsy could tell he was greatly upset, that he had not wanted to have to tell her this.

She felt no great loss over the band, as she had her most precious gift sitting right here beside her.

She smiled at this man, her pirate, her lover, her friend.... Her faith and hope for the future, held safe in his gentle hands and heart.

"It is only a thing, my love." Betsy poked his chest with her finger, "You Violet, you are the only thing that matters to me at all." Elizabeth put her hand atop his that rested over his heart.

His violet eyes swimming, he turned his hand, taking hers, he raised it to his lips as a tear fell upon her wrist.

"I would have tried to get it back, yet there was Eleanor....." His eyes begged her to understand, his voice was broken.

"Violet, the only reason I gave it to you, was that you had given me so very much already." She held his beautiful face between her hands, smiling at him reassuringly, trying to convey that it's loss was nothing to her, as long as she still had him.

"But I promised to keep it safe for you." He lamented.

"Silly man, if you thought I would blame you, or grieve it's loss...... The band was simply all I had to give you at the time."

She pulled back and put her hands upon his solid, curved chest. "This, and keeping this safe," She rubbed his chest muscles languorously, before sliding her arms around his neck, her lips speaking against his cheek, "Is all that matters to me, Violet."

Violet had missed this so much, her words, her touch, her unique way of healing the things that ailed him.

"Ah, woman, thou dost slay me with your words," He breathed his own fiercely across her jaw, "I hear the truth in them, as I would feel the same." Violet brought her up against him, holding her tightly for a moment, before releasing her to look into her eyes.

Violet grazed his fingers softly down her cheek, "I love ye more than my own life, Kitten."

"As I love you, Violet." She smiled, wide eyed and joyful as she pulled back from him, and looked around them once more. "I would like to come here when we have more time, it is most beautiful to behold."

"Yes, it is, Kitten. Most beautiful to behold." Violet's eyes never left Elizabeth's radiant face, as he answered her. He thanked God for his safe return, for being with her, and he was suddenly overtaken with how very much he had missed her.

He lifted his hand and traced her collarbone lightly, leaning down and kissing her bare shoulder.

Violet heard Betsy's swift intake of breath, and suddenly the King did not matter any longer, and Violet knew he was in trouble.

Vi grinned his piratical, evil grin, before standing, pulling Elizabeth up, and tossing her over his shoulder.

She squeaked once, in surprise, as he laughed out loud. He had missed that squeak of late.

She laughed at his tactics as she held on to his shirt either side of his waist.

Carrying her out of the church, Violet carefully manoeuvred through the doorway that led to the King.

"Violet, I can walk, you know." Her amused voice coming from his back region.

He smacked her bum lightly, "Hush, wench." He growled at her, "Where would be the fun in that?" He continued chuckling lustily, as he strode to the King's study.

Violet managed one of his curtsying bows, sweeping an imaginary hat from his head, as his other arm held Betsy securely in place.

"A slight delay, my liege. I do promise to return just as soon as possible, however." Violet said most charmingly.

As he turned in place, Elizabeth wiggled her fingers in farewell to the King, as he gaped at her.

Violet strode down the hallway, once again chuckling, as he heard the King blustering, and his wife giggling behind him.

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The King harrumphed, when he finally quit his blustering, and closed his astonished mouth.

Then he chuckled, wishing he had his own wench to carry off and have his way with.

His man at arms presented himself fairly quickly.

The King sobered his amusement, returning to business at hand before instructing him, "I have been informed there is a band of thieves targeting the road to Marlborough. The Duke and Duchess themselves were victimized."

His man's concern showed upon his face. "Are they well, my liege?"

"They are, but my subjects are being looted, and it needs to end. You have orders to take any and all measures necessary, to have this band of miscreants arrested, and brought to me as quickly as possible."

"Yes, My Liege." His man left immediately to do as he bid, setting a small legion in motion. The men quickly readied themselves, then headed out promptly, leaving the castle from the east gate.

Townsfolk turned and stared at the company of fully armed men. They wondered where the king's men were headed, and what they were about.

Conjectures hit the street, quickly becoming rumors, and then supposed fact, as no one knew anything, but decided they may, just the same.

Arrests were made, residences were searched and upended, all happening in the minds of some people, who then shared their suspicions with others.

Until finally, with the passing of the men, they thereupon realised, that unless they followed them, which none were willing to do, they would not really know where the men were headed, or what they were about.

A few boys tried to keep up with the soldiers, until their mother's frantic, angry calls brought them running back, to where they could be scolded, and made to sit on the stoop for a while.

The rumors however, would fly around the dinner tables that evening, at many a home that resided on the road the king's men had traveled.

The soldiers patrolled the road until meeting up with one of the Duke's men. Gaining the descriptions they needed, they set out to conduct their search, and attempt to bring the band of thieves to rout.

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Did I mention Violet's back? Lol