"Fortune and Love only Favour the Brave Part One"
1535, Suffolk
"Caroline" a feminine voice whispered softly, nudging her out of a slumber she did not wish to wake from, she gave an incoherent mumble in return and burrowed her face further into the fluffy white pillow determined to return to her dreams of adventure and travel.
The girl beside her let out an irritable huff at this, seeing as she was making no progress she decided to try a different approach and yanked off the heavy silken bed covers that had previously cocooned Caroline's body leaving the poor girl in nothing more than her thin chiffon cream nightgown.
Caroline felt the covers drift from her body and the heat around her disappear leaving her shivering with the cold morning air. Her teeth chattered at the sensation and she trapped her hands between her thighs trying to regain some of the previous warmth that had encased her.
"Caroline, come on, Wake up!" the girl let out a whine. Caroline could practically see her stomping her feet like nothing more than a petulant child without having to even set eyes upon her.
Seeing as it didn't seem she would be getting back to sleep anytime soon, Caroline groaned and slowly blinked, adjusting to the small ray of light peeking through her curtains and dimly providing the shine that beamed throughout her bed chamber.
The first thing her gaze landed upon was no other than her sister Anne standing proud above her, arms crossed and smirking down at her.
"Morning sleepy head"
"Ugh Anne, my dear sister, as much as I love you unconditionally I think you know I'm not above causing you great pain for waking me up at dawn" Caroline huffed jokingly, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Oh don't frown Caroline, it will give you wrinkles" Caroline scowled at the comment to which Anne giggled and spoke on "Besides there is a reason behind your early wake my sweet baby sister"
Caroline recognised the cunning look and inwardly sighed knowing what was coming.
"What do you desire now Anne?"
"No more than your help choosing the perfect gown" she beamed.
"What is the occasion? For I think your maids are just as well equipped as I at helping you play dress up today" Caroline rolled her eyes.
The comment did not disgruntle Anne though as she continued gleefully "Why Caroline I'm hurt you have forgotten what day it is today?" she mockingly placed a hand on her heart.
Caroline looked at her in confusion, what did she mean? It was a day as every other wasn't it?
Caroline thought on, willing her foggy mind to remember any events that had been planned. Okay so let's see today is Wednesday, they would usually get up, get ready, go to early morning mass and then they would break fast.
After they would carry on with their daily duties which since they were both ladies, daughters to the Duke of Suffolk William Forbes and his wife Duchess Elizabeth Forbes consisted of keeping up appearances throughout English society.
They would practice their sewing abilities and learn court edict from Mistress Landon a woman who had made Caroline's life a living hell ever since childhood, always telling her to come inside before her dress got dirty, giving her a whack on the head when she day dreamed, told her that ladies didn't slouch or roll their eyes, and that sarcasm wouldn't keep her warm at night when the time came.
Anne on the other hand was praised and favoured for her beautiful cross stich work, every fine detail sewed to perfection down to the last golden thread. She could engage in conversation with grace and poise fluttering her eyelashes and laughing at the appropriate times, she could light up a room with her beauty and have the crowd in tears of laughter from her witty banter. It has always been made clear to Caroline that her older sister had everything that she lacked in.
Caroline knows she sounds like a spoiled brat as most would put it but it was the truth, she was constantly reminded that Anne was the preferred sibling and priority. Anne would do honour to the family by being perfect and in finding a good marriage; while Caroline would be left in the shadows to once again to be second best no matter how hard she tried.
It didn't really bother Caroline as much now; she was used to it and had far given up on trying to impress her family. Pulling herself out of self-deprecation, something she had passingly thought about now occurred to her vividly and made her jump in realisation…Marriage! Oh dear lord that was it!
"Today is the day you meet your Fiancée" she said blankly, her face void of emotion.
"Yes" Anne clapped her hands in excitement "and not just any fiancée but the future King of England Caroline"
Oh yes Prince Niklaus Mikaelson the future heir and dynasty to the crown of King Mikael who was currently upon his death bed.
He had fallen prey to Syphilis, a disease contracted due to his many years of whoring after he beheaded his Queen, Lady Esther for being unfaithful when her husband's cruel nature became too much for her.
So in the current King's state his physicians had declared that it would be a miracle from God himself if his Grace was to last till the next moon. Upon hearing this news the lords privy council urged Prince Niklaus to take a soon to be Queen fast, as not to make England weak and an easy target to France and Scotland who were just itching to cease a takeover on England and claim the crown as their own.
After discussing the many options for a potential wife the king's council came to an agreement with the two girl's father; imposing that that it would be in Niklaus's best interest to marry the Dukes eldest daughter.
Anne was beautiful, young, sophisticated, well thought of at court, Catholic and more importantly fertile. It also was of aid that their father was one of the richest men in the country; and those riches were offered in heavy sum of a dowry that would go towards building an unstoppable army of soldiers and funding craftsman's building of warships to set sail against their enemy's.
Alas here we have the future Queen of England Lady Anne Amelia Forbes, a smile always present upon her face that would send many men to their deaths.
Caroline was happy for her sister truly, but she was also worried for her. Queens had not fared well in the past and their lifespans proved short; but she supposed that if anyone could win a seat next to the future King and keep her place there using charm and manipulation it would be her sister.
Looking back to Anne's obvious joy at her upcoming nuptials Caroline gave her best effort to smile back and spoke warmly "Yes my sister the Queen of England, it is news that brings happiness to the heart"
She hoped his Lord would not strike her down for her lies.
"I know" Anne squealed "Oh and wait until you see him Caroline, he truly is a vision to behold why God himself could not have created a more perfect specimen" she smirked, her eyes lathered with lust.
Yes Caroline had heard tales of the Princes eye catching form, why women blushed and giggled at the mere sound of his name. Of course she had not seen Niklaus herself, as she had yet to be presented at court only turning the age of seventeen just days ago as opposed to her eighteen year old sister.
Her mother had said she would make her first appearance at court this coming season as the kingdom filled with festivities during the summer months, at least she would see what the fuss was all about.
Anne had also told Caroline scandalous gossip of the Lord's Niklaus womanising ways with the ladies of the court, how he would bed them and then send them on their way his memorising touch replaced with harsh words. He did not get the nickname of the Black Prince for nothing after all.
Caroline knew this fact would only make her sister lust after him more, the prospect of a dark soul consuming her in unbridled passion. Anne was addicted to extreme danger but the mere thought of it made Caroline shiver, she could feel the goosebumps rising on her arms; but before she could spend any longer on her musings she was yanked out by Anne taking her hand and dragging her from the bed.
"Come now sister we have a lot of work to do, I must sparkle brighter than any diamond if I am to impress my future husband come noon" she expressed passionately hurrying Caroline out of the door of her room, both girls still in their nightgowns and barefoot in the dreary and echoing halls of Suffolk Place.
Oh dear sister, you've never had trouble being the brightest star in the room before, Caroline rolled her eyes bitterly as she walked along the cold stone floor towards her sister's chambers, prepared to nod and smile at the many gown choices she was to be presented with even though she'd rather be doing anything else.
All the while she'd be readying herself to see all eyes in the room that they would all gather in at noon turn towards Anne, as if she was the Mother Mary Immaculate herself. Meanwhile Caroline would hold her head up high and pretend that it didn't bother her in the slightest, when faced with reality she would love to know what it was like to just once be admired and just once to be treasured for being exactly the person she is.
Caroline had helped her sister pick out a gorgeous gown of green, with silver stitch patterns embroidered into the arms and skirt of the delicate silk, it made Caroline's blue gown dull in comparism.
Later when her sister was satisfied with her choice Caroline got dressed into her brown and cream riding outfit and decided to go for a journey with her most trusted and loyal friend. A beautiful white steed by the name of Alstroeme.
Caroline loved to ride through the fields and the woods of Suffolk; there was nothing she enjoyed more. It was her escape from the world and from the rules of society.
Now usually she revelled in that feeling but today her mind was clouded with thoughts of the arrival of England's future King at their doorstep.
She wondered if all the stories were true about his vanity, his cruelty and his hidden passion for blood. Many rumours were spread of him slaughtering men who dared to approach him as an equal. Apparently the man had no limitations.
She was not one to judge before properly meeting a person though.
however chances are she would not be greeted with a long meeting with the Prince once her sister would step into the room. Her beautiful petite slim figure, long raven black hair heavy with voluptuous curls and her winning smile. Why the Lord Niklaus would surely forget her existence…'and that's the way it should be' a voice that begrudgingly enough sounded an awful lot like Mistress Landon ringed in her mind, scalding her pathetic want to be notcied.
If she was being completley truthful Caroline would admit that although she hated being a disappointment to her Mother and Father she was happy that such a heavy burden was not placed on her shoulders as it was Anne's. She could not ever imagine ruling a country, having to face a new threat every day and being pressured into providing a male heir for the line of succession.
She did long for excitement and adventure in her life, but those were just dreams of a silly girl with wanderlust as her Mother had once said, if ever faced with the prosperity of a different life she would probably cower in fear.
Change and unpredictably scared Caroline, she liked control and would be ultimately lost without it.
Caught up in her trance Caroline did not see the magnificent brown horse racing towards her, his rider upon him moving uncaught through the trees and chasing the wind, until it was too late and she let out a great gasp of horror.
She took Alstroeme by the reigns making her do a sharp turn that startled the poor creature and sent Caroline flying forward, onto the hard and wet ground of the forest.
She grabbed her head in pain from the fall, willing herself to sit up slowly and assess her body ofr wounds and broken bones. It didn't seem like anything was too badly damaged, although she did have some blood pouring from a small cut on her head and she could feel her knees scraped and sticky from hitting the harsh ground.
As she looked back to see if Alstroeme was okay she heard the clump of heavy footsteps running towards her.
"Are you okay miss?" the rider who had crashed into her asked and kneeled down beside her.
Looking up at his concerned gaze Caroline lost her breath, he was perhaps the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
He had dirty blond curls that ended just above his shoulders and piercing blue eyes that gazed in concern at her wounds.
He had to be noble, she concluded seeing his thick leather riding clothes that were fitted around his strenuous form snuggly, yet the light scruff on his face did throw her back as it was unusual for a noble to have. Most young Lords have their faces neatly shaved whereas the older men preferred full beards as a sign to their wisdom and years. This breath-taking man couldn't have been more than 25 years of age she guessed.
Her curious and greedy glances were cut short by the young man's hand touching her forehead, moving some of the escaped hair from her braid out of the way of her face so he could get a better look at her cut.
Caroline sighed at the sensation, his hands were rough and held marks of workmanship most likely from wielding a sword, yet his touch was so gentle, she wished it could soothe her to sleep at night.
Oh lord, she inwardly shook her head in embarrassment, bringing herself forward from inappropriate musings.
She shouldn't be having those kinds of thoughts, especially with the arse of a fool who knocked her to the ground.
She fluttered her eyes open only to frown at the slight grin on the man's face at her response to his touch.
Caroline moved her head out of his reach, and tried to stand up and get far away from the stranger.
In her haste she staggered, feeling the heaviness of her head and seeing the trees spin around her. She knew she was about to have an uncomfortable fall again.
"Easy love" the rider said catching her by the waist and holding her up straight "You had a nasty trip there, wouldn't want to risk you falling from consciousness too"
Caroline grew angry at his familiarity with her and his words said so easily as if it was her mistake.
"Well Sir who would be at fault if that was to happen, for it was you who was racing towards me as if you were being chased by the devil himself" she pointed at him accusingly.
"Prehaps I was" he gave a smirk that held a secret only he was privy too, making her let out an irratated sound, struggling with his proximity.
"Apologies my lady, I make no excuses" he shook his head, a hand laid upon his chest "just that the thrill of the ride got away with me. It is hard to concentrate after all when you're going so fast you feel as though you could fly and defy nature itself."
Yes an escape, Caroline softened to his reasoning.
He feels the same as she, her heart pounded in her chest.
Controlling herself she nodded slightly and replied "I am aware of the concept myself sir."
He grinned widely, boyish dimples playing on his face "As I could depict love, or else you most likely would have seen me coming and avoided your tragic accident."
and just like that any understanding Caroline held was torn away by his arrogance.
"I am not your anything, and has anyone ever told you it's impolite to accuse a lady?" she scowled at him raising a brow.
"Do I look like the sort of man who cares about Politeness?" he smirked, mocking her.
Oh so he was one of those men Caroline decoded. You know the egotistic playboy types who cared about boozing and whoring and who only looked out for themselves.
She had known there was something dark within him from the moment she looked into his eyes; those orbs were beautiful but they were also very cold and void.
"No" Caroline shook her head frowning in disappointment.
"You look like the sort of man I should stay far away from, so alas I bid you a good day sir" she spat walking around him, trudging back to her silent horse who had been standing by the side waiting for her loyally and thankfully unharmed.
"Oh come on love" he teased following her "I was only having a bit of fun" she scoffed at this, manners be damned.
She hurriedly adjusted the saddle on Alstroeme fully prepared to ride away leaving this infuriating man in her wake.
He however, had other plans for her as he grabbed her arm and spun so that she was facing him.
"At least tell me your name before you run off" He asked, pleading with soulful spheres boring into her own.
Caroline shook her head in disbelief and slid her arm out his firm grasp harshly.
"Why would I tell a stranger, a rude one no less my name?"
A wolfish grin appeared on his face "because you want too" he stated surely.
Lovely a cryptic stranger, she sighed.
"I beg your pardon sir?"
He moved dangerously closer, that wolfish look still prominent on his face and she hit her white steed's side. Trapped, like the helpless prey of a ferocious animal that was starving.
"I said because you want to" he smirked and placed his hands on either side of her waist again, his hands burning through the material of her dress.
He moved his face closer to hers and whispered in her ear "You want to tell a stranger your name, you want to know what it feels like to do something reckless and outside the restrictions of those high walls built around you."
She gulped.
He took his lips away from her ear and looked into her eyes that were memorised by his own.
Placing a hand in her hair once again he smiled softly "I see it" he nodded "That fire in your eyes, it reflects that of my own"
He appeared to be lost in a certain remembrance, before a sudden shift held him.
His face now one of lust, those eyes hardened and clouded.
"I remember what it was like, to just need a taste, a mere drop of the forbidden fruits that were denied me" he licked his lips looking up and down her form with hungry eyes, zoning in on her heaving bosom pushed up by a tight riding corset.
She shivered and blinked nervously as he met her gaze once more, his grin showing a full set of teeth, reminding her of a story she was once told about a beast who had sharp teeth and a satanic smile.
She really should have stayed out of the woods.
He moved his face closer so that their noses were just touching and murmured across now dry lips "I could show you what it is like my lady."
Caroline coming out of her dream like haze at his words, felt hands slipping from her waist to her hips.
She narrowed her eyes at him, at that stupid smirk that thought he had her won.
Watching as his eyes closed and as he leaned in to touch their lips she panicked. She had to think fast, had to stop this, regardless of what her body told her otherwise.
So, alas she did the only thing she could do in that moment.
She shoved him. Hard.
"How" shove "Dare" shove "You!" she shoved him again, his eyes opened in surprise at her outburst.
He looked bewildered as what to say to her. This had clearly never happened to him before and he wasn't sure how to respond, well it didn't matter as she had plenty to say.
She put a hand on his chest pushing him away from her.
"Really how dare you insult me in this manner?" she questioned her face set in a hard gaze.
"I…" he went to speak but she overtook him.
"You know I may not be the most convincing lady around, but I still demand to be treated with respect as any woman with dignity should."
"Of course I only…"
"…and if you think I would just so easily lift my skirts for you sir I question your…" she stopped looking at her hand that was currently poking his chest, seeing her wrist exposed bare of the shiny object that previously adorned it.
"My lady?" the man questioned confused seeing her confrontation at him stop and her heated expressions replaced with a blank look.
"My bracelet" she gasped holding her wrist, squeezing the skin as if the bracelet was just hiding, burrowed beneath the flesh.
"I beg your pardon?" he replied still befuddled at the now frantic girl, shaking her head from left to right.
"My bracelet" she repeated as if he should undserstand what those two words meant.
Moving past him, she kneeled and began to scour everywhere, digging through the muddy leaves.
"It must have fallen off" she stammered in confusion before explaining "it's a thin gold chain with a blue stone set in the middle. it was a gift from my grandmother…for my birthday some days ago. I can't have lost it…I just can't"
She was practically clawing at the leaves now like a wild animal, the tears fresh and present in her eyes.
She saw as the stranger from her side view looked at her knowingly and in sympathy.
Dropping next to her she sniffed as he dug through his own filthy pile.
Although she was thankful she didn't speak the sentiment, to concerned with searching for her lost heirloom.
"Ahh here I've got something" he exclaimed a few moments later in victory.
Caroline looked up to see him pull something small from the ground, seeing the familiar shine she all but snatched the bracelet from his hand, stood up and wiped away furiously at the dirt.
Leaning back against the bark of a tree she let out an exhale of relief.
Her current saviour on the other hand stood up, patting away at the dirt on his breeches, before coming closer to her, smiling in understanding.
Caroline admired the quality, for once someone did not think her the fool for caring about something that to most would seem an absurd endeavour.
She held the small piece of jewellery against her chest and looked at him tearfully whispering a quiet but wholehearted "Thank You"
He looked at her in surprise once more, As if it was a rare occurence that he would hear those words. How very peculiar she furrowed her brow.
The stranger composed himself, clearing his thrat and gave a tilt towards her clutched hand "I'm guessing it means a lot to you love."
"Yes it does" she wiped away her tears offering him no more than a bright smile his way, not that he seemed to mind.
He nodded accepting her short answer.
They stood in silence for a while before she heard the rider gesture to her...and a tad nervously might she had, hearing the slight jump in his throat.
She almost pinched herself in unbelieveance at what would be his next words.
"What happened before, you were right, I shouldn't have assumed in such a manner" he exhaled "I thought that…well never mind what I thought, you were right I should have paid homage to that."
His sullen look pleaded with her to forgive him.
She nodded in acknowledgement shaking from her shocked reverie "I accept your apology" At this his face lit up with delight, a look that she found herself enjoying very much.
"Thank you my lady" he bowed his head "…and just so you know you are a true lady, despite your words. Trust me I have met many women of high status who call themselves by that term but never live up to it respectably as you do…..and as stunningly divine as you do" he grinned.
She blushed not used to hearing the term when in regards to herself; which is why she wasn't sure how to respond and so looked anywhere else trying to avoid the flattery, before her admirer spoke again.
"Could I ask the privilege of your name now?" he questioned tentatively as if he worried he would upset her again.
She looked back at him the red still prominent on her cheeks; she couldn't explain exactly what she was feeling, but she felt comfortable yet nervous with him, it was exhilarating and frightening all at the same time.
She decided she would extend to him this little bit of trust; she wasn't sure why however, it was if there was a striking force inside her, pulling at her to do it.
"Caroline" she smiled at him, and then stuttered remembering she was supposed to introduce herself officially outside of family "I mean Lady Caroline, daughter to Duke of Suffolk, William Forbes" she did a slight curtsey which was paradoxical considering she would usually rather be forced to scrub the floors then buckle her knees at snobbish guests that her father had introduced her to on occasion.
"Well it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance my lady Caroline" he bowed back giving a slight smirk at her answer as if guarding a hidden secret. Caroline paid no thought to it however, her mind more consumed by the delicious way her name rolled off his tongue as if he was savouring it.
No. She scolded herself again for thinking this way, no matter how good the echo sounded in her mind.
They both awkwardly smiled at each other in an uncomfortable silence, neither one sure what to say next. That was until the white steed behind them made a snorting sound, which made Caroline let out a small laugh.
She was such a stubborn girl not that Caroline could fault her for it, being that way herself.
"….and this is Alstroeme" she giggled pointing to the horse behind her "she gets a bit jealous when the attention is off her for too long."
The man chuckled with Caroline, approaching the white steed carefully as not to make her angry as he did her mistress.
Caroline had moved to tell him that she didn't do well with strangers, but stopped short at seeing the rider place his hand out softly waiting for Alstroeme to come to him.
Oddly enough she did, cautiously sniffing the stranger's hand, then rubbing her snout against him, sensing that there was no threat and longing to be petted.
"There's a girl" he rubbed her nose then circled around, stroking her snow white mane gently.
"Why you're quite the marvellous creature aren't you" he smiled from the corner of his mouth. The horse let out a happy neigh at his compliment. Apparently she knew how to take one better than Caroline did.
"She doesn't usually let strangers near her" she commented shocked and pretty sure that she was standing there with her mouth wide open at the gentle scene playing out in front of her. 'How unladylike' Mistress Landon would snob if she was here.
"Well perhaps she just knows good company when she sees it" he smirked back at her.
Caroline snorted at his bluster "…and what pray tell is your steed's name, Narcissus perhaps? For surely it would be fitting to name him after the symbol for egotism , if of course he is anything like his master" she squinted and gestured to brown horse who was busy eating the grass, patiently waiting for his rider to return to him.
The stranger's smirk widened at her comment and rebuffed "Actually love his name is Cratus and he symbolizes strength and power, two things his master finds most pleasing"
He removed his hand from the ivory horse and made his way back to Caroline, a mischievous grin taking permanent place and resting over his features.
Caroline ignored his advances and retorted "Well given the way you almost certainly crashed into me earlier the name does not surprise me."
"But does it please you as it pleases me?" he came to a stop beside her, that grin becoming one of a devilish nature again.
"I have no opinion on the matter, and reserve the right to hold judgment until the rider lives up to the expectations of the name" a smug look came about her at her sure victory.
Wait what was she doing? This wasn't her, safe and controlled Caroline.
Was she was actually enjoying this banter between them? Thinking about it the answer was…well yes it gave her a thrill like no other and she would admit that she wanted more.
Their visions bored into one another, passing looks heatedly and intensely but for an entire different reason this time.
The rider however finally broke their silent challenge to one another looking away from her; she made the same move sensing that the moment was over.
He eventually looked back up, his smile one of a more gentler nature "So you said it was your birthday some days ago?"
Caroline was taken back at the question not believing that he remembered, taking into account she was busy talking like a lunatic at the time.
"Umm…Yes" she stuttered "Two days ago."
"Ahh" he clicked his tongue "Well now that I know, I suppose it's only fitting that I present you with a gift; you see I do love birthdays."
"That is a ridiculous notion sir, you only met me what seems like moments ago and It would certainly not be proper" she teased him blushing a little at his comment.
"Oh I think it is completely necessary, especially since as you keep reminding me, I almost gave you a head injury earlier; I think we both know the occasion truly calls for it."
Caroline laughed along with him at his reasoning, finding herself intrigued by the prospect and willing to play along for now.
"Well I suppose it is only just" she shrugged lightly mocking him "So what will you give me fair stranger?"
Her smile faltered then as he then came closer to her once more, it didn't make her move back this time albeit, as a matter of fact she stood perfectly still, just…waiting.
Their gazes burned through one another, Caroline looked down at his full red mouth and licked her lips at the thought of it caressing hers.
When she moved stare back up she caught his eyes following the movement of her tongue. He stood directly in front of her, his breath blowing hot and she waited for him to make his move.
After realizing he wasn't attempting anything as of yet she curiously met his eyes again that begged a silent question of her. He was asking her permission this time, respecting her, knowing it was what she wanted.
She wasn't exactly sure why she allowing this, but she felt otherwise powerless to stop it, as if caught up in a winding spell.
Making a fast decision and letting go of all her inhabitations Caroline gave a slight nod of approval, it was almost unnoticeable to make out but the handsome stranger took it without hesitation landing his lips firmly on hers.
It lasted but moments as he ran his lips over hers, placing both of his hands on her face. She placed hers over his wrists, holding him there.
Caroline couldn't describe it; it was sweet but fervent. They inhaled each other in, taking their time and it left a set of sparks exploding all over Caroline's body. The stranger softly ran his tongue around the outer shell of her mouth, tasting her and gently biting the swelling bottom lip.
Before Carline could comprehend what happened next still lost in her haze of lust, he was pulling away leaving her lips throbbing, wanting and aching for more.
Caroline still had her eyes closed, and sucked in her own lips, tasting where he had been just seconds ago.
His mouth moved to her ear and he whispered very gently "Happy birthday dear Caroline."
Then he moved away all together taking his hands from her face slowly and turned on his heel towards his horse.
Caroline opened her eyes, his breath still lingering on her leaving a tingling feel at her face that she touched with wonder; before comprehending that her stranger was leaving and snapping out her haze seeing the bizarre man mounted upon his steed proudly.
"Wait" she called out to him "I don't even know your name, yet you know mine, that hardly seems a reasonable trade don't you think?"
He mirrored her laugh before giving her that knee trembling yet infuriating smirk.
"You will learn it when we see each other again."
Caroline widened her eyes and scoffed at this "So very sure of yourself there sir, are you a fore teller of what the future will bring now?" she teased, crossing her arms.
He chuckled and rubbed his scruff that had tickled her during their brief moment of passion.
"I will make you a deal Caroline" he smiled placing a hand on his leg "I promise you that fate will cross our paths again much sooner than to be expected."
His carefree yet knowing attitude made her feel lightheaded and playful, a glee of joy that she hadn't felt in a very long time.
Caroline did want to see this man again, she would admit he had made her world a little brighter today and she didn't want it to end. So instead of answering with her head she decided to take a leap of faith and answer with her heart god help her.
"Well I don't know what to say good sir, what desires should you see answered if you win this sordid deal?"
She beamed at herself as she attempted the flirt, fluttering her eyelashes and with a man she just met no less. The funny thing was, it didn't make her feel fear of what was to come but left her yearning for more.
He pretended to think about her query then smiled widely back at her, his dimples full and his eyes absorbed with life.
"If I win, which I will my lady I would ask for the gift of your kiss once more; for I have never tasted nectar as sweet as the fruits you bear upon those silken slopes."
She flushed at his breathtaking words, her body and her heart reacting in ways she dared not speak of.
Closing her eyes she forced herself not too watch him race away from her for the impending saddness of a promise never fulfilled.
Before he left she heard him say stilly "When we meet again Caroline you shall know my name and when you speak it, it will sound as but a sirens call, bringing me to my doom; this I know."
She gasped at his weighty words and opened her eyes, but found only an empty forest in her wake the only sounds being her heavy breathing and the scuffle of Alstroeme's hooves.
So was it real then? Or did she dream it? Imagining meeting this handsome stranger, who literally made her head spin and her heart beat out of her chest; stirring feelings she had never felt before.
Perhaps it was all a dream; she was just longing for adventure, for a mysterious stranger to come and introduce her to a new world, far away from the one she lived in.
Speaking of that world Caroline jerked, fully alert now. It was a world she had to get back to and fast upon realising she had been in the woods almost all morning.
She jumped on her steeds back and urged a bumpy gallop back to the cage.
Although her head was now filled with more pressing worries, such as being presentable to meet the future King of England and to see his marriage with her sister commence soon she held secretly in the back her mind the face of a stranger with a wondrous madness about him and a promise she prayed was kept.
When Caroline got back to Suffolk place she quickly put a tired Alstroeme in the stables and rushed off to the grand house, sneaking her way in through the back door below the kitchen so no one would see and comment on her muddy and unruly appearance.
She snuck into her room finding her trusted maid Bonnie who gasped at the sight of the Dukes daughter.
Caroline had shushed her and begged for help to which Bonnie agreed without question. Caroline had always treated Bonnie as more of a friend than a maid, talking to her as if an equal and making sure she was well looked after within the household.
Bonnie ran a bath for Caroline who furiously scrubbed the mud and dry blood away from her face and knees. She then helped her get dry wrapping a large white sheet around her naked form and taking out the pins from her hair that they had scraped on the top of her head while she washed.
They both came to the decision to ultimately to leave the hair down as her beautiful golden curls were long and wavy from the previous braid she had in her hair thir morning, it also helped cover the little gash on her forehead from prying eyes.
Caroline registering that everyone was gathering downstairs for the Prince's arrival quickly pulled her blue gown over her head urging Bonnie to tie up the laces of the corset and fast. She held her breath when Bonnie pulled to tight, to which she had apologised but Caroline brushed her off knowing that this was the fashion and that a proper lady must always wear one. These rules really did drive Caroline crazy time and time again she huffed as the last lace was tied.
She thanked Bonnie giving her a brief hug and promising to tell her about her adventure later before shooting off through the halls and down the staircase, ready to face her family.
Bonnie laughed at the girl fumbling over her dress and quietly cursing when it kept foiling her; yes Caroline was chaos in the making, but there was a method to her madness and Bonnie loved her all the more for it she sighed, smiling as she went on to tidy the room.
When Caroline made it to the bottom of the stairs she slowed her steps, taking a much needed breath and began walking into the foyer as a lady should, with her head held high and with the upper most confidence even though everything was in knots on the inside.
It seemed as though Caroline was the last to arrive, not that it surprised her.
She saw her father William by the door with his councilor Lord Logan Fell; then standing by the display table her sister Anne as poised and collected as ever was standing with their mother, who turned her head at hearing Caroline's small footsteps.
The look on her mother's face told Caroline all that she needed to know. She was late, she was not acting accordingly and she was once again a failure in the eyes of her mother.
She sighed ready for the lecture she knew word for word as she sauntered over to them.
"Caroline" her mother Elizabeth whispered harshly "Where have you been? I've had the servants up and down the halls looking for you"
"I went riding" Caroline spoke simply not daring to speak a word about her run in with the strange rider.
"Caroline" she sighed "How many times do I have to tell you to get your head out of the clouds and into society? riding won't help you meet any potential husbands. While we have one daughter that will be the future queen of England we have another who'd rather spend her time with a dirty and foul smelling horse than meeting suitors; I really don't know what to do with you anymore" Elizabeth exasperated waving her hands in frustration.
Caroline looked at Anne for support but she kept quiet looking down, not one to confront their mother and risk being the bad daughter if only for a minute.
Really Caroline shouldn't have expected any less, and she didn't blame her sister, being on this end of stick was incredibly exhausting and filled with ridicule and shame; and Caroline wouldn't wish that daily humiliation upon anyone.
Before she got a chance to ask her mother's forgiveness, another never ending cycle in her repetitive life, one of their father's man servants pronounced the Prince's arrival at the gate.
"Okay everyone, places" her father shouted clapping his hands "come" he ushered to us all forward taking his side.
Anne stood tall by him proudly and elevated to meet her soon to be husband; while she on the other hand wringed her hands standing shadowed by her mother on the end, who immediately demanded she stop it and stand straight.
Caroline sighed and followed the command as the grand doors of the large compound opened.
In entered a man who she recognized as John Gilbert, the Earl of Essex and the highest esteemed member of King Mikael's Privy Council, she had met him at one of her father's banquets and found him to be a slimy character.
He was a tall man, with a stoic look upon his face; in fact he looked like he rather be anywhere else than here she mused. Never the less he marched in and stopped in the front of the foyer.
"Presenting Prince Niklaus Mikaelson, Duke of Cornwell and Earl of Chester, first son of our King, and heir to the Mikaelson dynasty, our future King of England."
Caroline noticed he said the words with spite; perhaps Prince Niklaus is not so favored among the entire realm then. Before she had much longer to ponder on the thought, the Earl stepped aside and put his arm out as to gesture the Prince in.
As the future king breezed in Caroline gasped silently, walking in with all the presence of a Royal was the stranger she met in the woods, the rider who practically knocked her off her horse; the man she…..she couldn't even say the words without getting a lump in her throat, the man she kissed.
Here he was the future King of England stood before her, well he certainly does live up to his steed's name she thought seeing the supremacy and power that easily oozed out of him.
While everyone bowed and curtsied in respect of their Prince, the Prince who was to marry her sister, Caroline felt the bile rise in her throat and stood frozen, unable to move or think clearly. Although one thought however did lay prominent in her mind, but now instead of bringing joy it brought fear; he did after all keep his promise to see her again.
Oh the irony, how she could practically hear Mistress Landon's words ringing in her ears…
"Be careful what you wish for Caroline"
...To be continued…