A/N: This is just a story I've been fiddling with. It will lay on some historical pretense, but be mine none the less. Hope you all enjoy it. It's been sitting on my brain at least since February.
All the King's Men
Edward
"Your majesty," I smirked, bowing down before King James. He laughed, pulling me into a boisterous hug.
"Oh, Edward! How about a game of tennis?" He smiled, patting me on the back.
"If your majesty desires," I smiled, walking towards the tennis racks.
"Of course I desire. My desires are insatiable," he winked at a lady on the far side of the court. Perhaps one of his most recent conquests.
"Against Lord Jasper," the King pointed out our good friend, "and Lord Michael." The two men smiled, pulling their shirts over their heads. They kept their trouser's on, walking onto the tennis court. I did the same, tossing my shirt to the chamber boy.
We began the game, the King easily scoring against the other team. I kept pace with him, both my hands and feet quick.
"Oh, Sir Edward, you defeat us," Jasper called out, attempting to return the ball. This was really an internal game. His majesty and whatever partner he chose, would win. Always. I smiled, laughing when Lord Michael attempted a return to King James.
"Oh, you let me win!" The King cried out, grunting with one more hit. The bell rang, signalling the end of the match. The King pulled me into a side hug, whispering against my temple.
"I seek conference with you," he patted me on the back, walking towards a beautiful blonde seated amongst the benches. She had her blue eyes downcast and my chest tightened.
"My lady, Rose. You're more beautiful than the delicate stem you're named after," the King smiled. My sister smiled tightly at him, bowing her head.
"My lord," she glanced towards me. This was father's will. Place her in the King's lap. As if my friendship of twenty years to his majesty wasn't enough. Our father had bred me to be born into the King's graces.
"How does the lady fair this evening?" He smiled down at her. She continued to sit and this didn't seem to faze the King.
"I fair well, majesty," she kept her eyes trained on her hands. The room continued to empty and the King glanced back at me, a smile bright in his eyes.
"You would fair well enough for a stroll in the gardens?" He smiled. He took her small hand delicately in his large hands.
"If your majesty desires," she responded. He tugged her to stand and she did so gracefully. James was always rough and commanding.
"Sir Edward, would you gather my sister? You can escort us to the gardens," he smiled at me, holding Rosealie's hand in his grasp.
"As you wish, my lord." I bowed to him, the King sending Rose my way so that he could dress properly and wash. I smiled, taking Rose' arm as we strolled through the corridors. She was silent.
"Rosealie, if you don't wish for this game, I can summon another interest," I began, our footsteps approaching the chambers of the Lady's in waiting to Queen Lauren.
"No, this is my duty to my family," Rose replied, her eyes cast down. "After all, what good am I after Royce-"
"Shh..." I silenced her, opening the chamber door and approaching the sitting room. "You are as valuable as an uncut gem, more precious than the King's gold. I will hunt that man down, I promise you Rose. He shall not get away with your tarnished reputation." I cupped her cheek on my palm, brushing her cheek with thumb.
"Father doesn't care," she sighed, tears welling her blue eyes. I gulped back the terrible nausea that rolled my stomach. My sister was just another pawn in my father's game, sending his children to slaughter.
"But I do. I'm your older brother. Before I am friend to the King, I am your blood. I defend your honor."
"Hush, Edward. Don't speak of such things. Your first duty is to God and King. I'll be all right. I promise," Rose tried to smile but I knew better. I knew for all her seventeen years on this planet just how much she was trying to make me reassured.
"Well," I walked towards my chamber, "remember my promise." She nodded and I went to dress.
Along my stroll to my chambers, I met and held the gaze of Lady Jessica, a smile creeping her face.
"Sir Edward," she greeted, giggling softly. I smirked down at her, glancing around us.
"And where are you destined?" I asked, running my knuckles against her rouged cheek. The pink gown she had hugged her body tightly, white lace curving around her bodice. I smiled to myself, fingers following my eyes as they travel led down her torso.
Lady Jessica glanced down slyly, our bodies huddled in the alcove placed in the corridor.
"Hopefully your bed chamber," she whispered, her fingers stroking down the white cloth of my shirt. I smirked, grasping her fingers in mine and pressing her against the brick behind her.
"I fear we will not make it to my chamber, my lady," I replied in her ear, my breathing steady. She giggled once more.
"Surely you don't suggest to take me here?" She whispered breathlessly, her bosom heaving.
"Sir Edward?" A feminine voice erupted, causing me to growl. I turned to face the intruder, my stomach tightening at the sight.
Lady Jessica and I both bowed, a flush breaking over Jessica's exposed chest. My sight glanced at the black slippers clutching her small feet, red velvet cloth cascading in skirts, hiding the skin of her legs from my sight.
"Princess," I greeted, my eyes traveling the tight clutch her gown captured her small frame in amd finally met hers. Princess Isabella's eyes steadied with my own.
"I find it most disturbimg to find you, Lady Jessica, in the company of Sir Edward when I was searching for you to say evening mass," the Princess directed to Jessica, her brown eyes narrowed.
"I apologize, my lady. I was on my way when-"
"Excuses need not be spoken to my ears. I have no use..." Her eyes scanned towards me, burning into my soul.
"Were you on your way to mass as well, Sir?" Princess Isabella asked, raising her brow. "Surely, you have some sin to confess."
I smirked, raising my brow to counter hers. "Only in the way I admire her grace's beauty."
The three ladies that I payed no attention to earlier giggled behind her, silenced by the princess' scornful look.
"To be admired from afar, I'm sure," she replied shortly.
I cleared my throat, my vision taking in the milky color of her skin. "Highness, I was actually on visit to you." Isabelle rose her brow, her face stoic.
Smirking once more, "His majesty actually sent me to seek your residence with him. He's taking the Lady Rosealie for a stroll and sought you for chaperone."
"Lady Rosealie," she thought for a moment, glancing back at the three ladies. Her brown hair hung softly on her shoulders, cascading down her back and over her small bosom.
"Your sister, correct?" She held my gaze.
"Yes, Lady Rosealie is my sister..."
Glancing at the other women, she held her hand, dismissing them with a wave of her wrist.
"I suppose if it is the King's order, I should obey?" Her eyes held nothing but a solemn sadness, a life of continued orders.
"Will you accompany?" Isabella asked, turning to the woman beside Edward and causing Jessica's eyes to downcast.
"If it is your wish, my lady," Jessica whispered, curtsying. Isabella stepped to the corridor, grabbing her skirts in her hand. I nodded to Lady Jessica, exiting behind the Princess.
"Sir Edward," Isabella began, her heels clicking the stone beneath her feet. "I would rather appreciate you not taking advantage of my ladies in the corridor. I'd rather have you not do it at all."
I rose my brow. Regardless of her status, she was still a woman telling me what to do.
"Furthermore, I can't have ladies trolloping around with the Knights of the Castle," the princess stopped, turning to glance at Lady Jessica and I.
"Lady Jessica, I've decided that it is not quite proper to have you in my company this evening." Isabella's brow rose once more, her nostrils flaring.
"Attend the evening mass with the other ladies. Perhaps the Lord can grant you forgiveness in your lustful thoughts and actions."
My jaw clenched, Isabella once again walking before me.
"I would appreciate it if you kept your eye away from my ladies. I will not tolerate tarnished reputations amongst me, sir." Isabella's tone was crisp and sharp.
"Yes, my lady," I replied, my eyes searing venom towards her mahagony hair.
"Regardless of my brothers actions, I would expect his men to control themselves more. Its frightful the amount of women he beds, only to leave them in I'll repute amongst the courtesans."
"He is the King," I reminded her, the doors before us opening onto the gardens.
"Yes, I am reminded of that quite frequently," Princess Isabella hissed.
"Ah! Two lovely flowers approach!" King James bellowed, his large form approaching us. The two of us bowed to him, a few more people joining our group.
Lady Laura glanced at me, a smirk on her face. I held my hand for her, bending to kiss the delicate skin.
"Sir Edward," she giggled, her hand shaking in mine. Princess Isabella glanced behind her, an annoyed expression on her face.
"How have you been fairing?" I asked, our pace moving as the King guided Rosalie and my father around the gardens, the group of us a distance behind.
"Quite well, mi lord. I've been helping the Princess with..." I nodded, tuning her musings out. My eyes strayed in front of us, to the arm Lord Michael had on Isabella's arm. She laughed about something he said, making my stomach lurch forward.
"Edward? Did you hear what I said?" Laura's voice asked. I shook my head, smiling down at her.
"I'm sorry, my lady, what was that?" I grinned, kissing her hand.
Laura smiled. "I asked if you were attending his Majesty's hunt tomorrow?"
I let out a chuckle. "When would I ever miss a hunt?" Laura laughed, moving towards the group gathered at the pond.
"The swans were imported from France one month ago," the king said, his attention on my sister. She nodded, her eyes captivated by the birds.
"Their names?" She asked softly. The King smiled.
"Perhaps you can name them, my beautiful Rose?" The King kissed her hand softly, clasping it to his heart. My sister allowed a faint blush to creep her cheeks.
"I don't know if such a job is meant for me, sire," Rosealie replied.
"Nonsense. Please, it would honor me that you would name them," he pleaded, his hand gesturing towards the water. Rosealie's eyes caught mine and I nodded.
"Well then. For two animals as beautiful, name's should be bestowed that mark their beauty. How about, majesty, I name one and you name the other?" Rosealie smiled. King Jamrs chuckled, nodding his head in agreement.
"Suitable. I shall name one Selene, the name of the moon goddess. For her light is beautiful and bright." Rosalie smiled, glancing towards the other swan.
"The other's name shall be Aries," Rosalie smiled. "Aries was strong and agile."
"But with a temper," the Princess frowned.
"What man doesn't? Especially when around captivating women," the King smiled. I watched Isabella's eye twitch, gaining her a nudge from Lady Laura. The princess' eyes cast down, a light flush coming to her cheeks.
"Edward," the king turned to look for me. He smiled, glancing between Rosalie and I.
"Yes, majesty?" I asked.
"Can you escort my sister back? I believe the lady and I shall stay in the gardens." King James took my sister's hand, her smile gracing her porceline face.
"Yes, sire." I bowed,the crowd around us dissipating. Princess Isabella began retreating back to the castle and in a few strides, I was matched pace with her.
"Why do you run, Princess?" I asked, her pace quickening. She let out a low snarl.
"I do no such thing, my Sir," she spat, the guards opening the doors as she approached. I smiled.
"Your breath comes quickly, perhaps then you should see a physician?" I suggested, my hand touching her shoulder. She stopped and I quickly retreated my hand as she looked upon it. The corridor was deserted.
"I do not need a physician," she hissed. Her eyes were narrowed, her bosom heaving with the sharp breaths she took in.
"Then you were running?" I rose my brow to her. Her face flushed red and she squared her shoulders.
"If you must know," she glanced around us, "the poet of court has it out to recite for the Lord Michael. He has been paying him shilling's to recite me terrible lines in hopes of winning my favor."
"Lord Newton is a fine match," I managed out. "Surely, the lady jests?" In truth, Lord Newton was a scheming man. In no way should he advance to the princess, regardless of his placement in court.
"I do not jest," the princess growled. "And he will not have my favor. Or any man for that matter."
"So, will you committ yourself to a convent? Never to be touched my man?" I smirked. Her brown eyes glared, her fists clenching.
"It seems my brother to wish it," she replied, her eyes down cast. Princess Isabella was referencing her lack of betrothal.
"Princess, you are only sixteen or so summers," I wnsipered.
"And girls my age have at least two children!" the princess shot. "I just don't understand."
"There have been suitors that have called upon you. I'm assured the King shall choose any day." I whispered, my mind going to the conversations I'd sat on with the King and his advisors. "The marriage of someone of your status is quite delicate. With the dauphin being twice your age and married, things become quite difficult when marrying a princess off to someone. Politics-"
"Politics'" she scoffed. "Always the rules. Tell me, Sir Edward how old are you?" She inquired.
"I just ended my twenty third year," I answered.
"And you have no wife?" Princess Isabella inquired. She glanced around us.
"By my choice, my lady. Fighting in the King's army leaves me no time to seek such pleasantry."
Her eyes cast down. "Yet, you seek favor with my ladies?"
I couldn't help the smirk that graced my face. "Your ladies seek favor with me, your grace." My voice was a whisper. The princess shook her head quickly, glancing around.
"This is not appropriate," her voice was soft. Looking at me once more, she began walking. We walked in silence, grazing through the corridors to her chambers at a leisurely pace, Isabella playing with her hands. I noticed she did this quite often when her mind was occupied. Passing courtiers, the footsteps we placed on the stone was the only sound echoed.
"Your highness," I bowed to her once we'd arrived to her chambers. The Princess glanced at me, an odd look upon her face.
"Good evening, sir."
I bowed once more, waiting her return to her chamber before turning to leave.
I walked to the library, sitting in one of the large leather chairs, my fingers gripping the seams. I was perplexed, matters involving a certain Princess plaguing my mind. How terrible it must be to be a woman, especially in times such as these. Regardless of status or wealth, women still seemed to be traded like cattle.
"Ah,Edward!" King James boasted, walking into the library. I glanced over at him as he sat in the chair next to me.
"You cut your walk short, Majesty?" I asked, smirking. King James laughed boisterously.
"Not quite. I plan to dine with Lady Rose later this evening. I just had matters to discuss with my Best confidant," he smiled, his blue eyes gleaming. I smiled in return.
"I plan to make you a Lord tomorrow, at the feast," he began. My brows furrowed.
"A Lord, sire?" I was perplexed. I had no royal blood in my bones.
"Well, a Duke. Duke of Westriver," he replied.
"Sire, that is..."
"A great honor? Yes, I know. You've proven to be my best friend and soldier it seems. This way, you can settle a wife and begin running your estate. Retire from my army. Be with my advisors, Edward, what do you say?" He asked.
Certainly, I was elated. A man such as myself having no regal blood whatsoever to be escalated to status near the King was an honor. Leaving his army though, plagued my heart. The army was what I had known all my years. I'd arrived to be the best soldier, regardless of being in the King's favor.
"Majesty, I don't know what to say," I replied, my throat tight. This meant one thing, regardless of his confidence in me as a friend. He planned to take my sister as his mistress, most likely tonight.
"Just thank me," he chuckled, standing. I stood with him.
I laughed uneasily. "Thank you, my lord. It is a pleasure."
King James motioned for the servant boy to come to him with ale. Taking the cup, he brought it to his lips, a smile beaming his face.
~AKM~
I was kneeling before the King, the court surrounding us. The title of Duke had just been granted to me, the jewels gracing my shoulders heavily. This was my father's wish. Have his children rise and be successful. Part of me reluctantly accepted this new title in fear that the army would crumble without me. The other half was partly relieved, knowing my mother, Esme, would rest assured at night that her oldest son was home and safe.
The festivities went on around us. Women laughing and dancing. My sister, Rosalie and the King, had been dancing for hours it seemed. I smiled, raising my cup to them. He had yet to bed her, she had confided in me, but we both knew it'd be a matter of time. Then my sister would hold his satisfaction until he grew tired of her and she would be free to retire to the country where she longed to be free. I sighed, sorrow filling me thinking of my sister's lot in life.
Carlisle, the King's closest advisor and a dear friend of my family's came to my side.
"Congratulations, my Lord. It seems plots suit the Cullen clan well?" He smirked, his voice low. I nooded, my jaw clenched. My anger was not directed to his lordship next to me, but that of my greedy father.
"Indeed," I gave him a tight smile. His blue eyes bore into mine, reminding of the soft pools of my sister.
"So, with this new title, I fancy a wife shall be in your bed soon?" Carlisle questioned, raising his brow.
I chuckled, the rumbling in my chest deep. "A fancy title will not secure my bed a wife, that is certain."
"Perhaps, but, your father doesn't have an eye for your match?" Carlisle smirked, his eyes merrily dancing across the ladies on the floor.
"Perhaps in time, my lord. But, until then, I shall perhaps pillage the virgin daughter's of Lord Suffolk and Lord Brim wire?" I smirked, my eyes casting on the lovely Lady Brim wire. She curstsied to me on the floor, her breasts spilling out of her corset. Yes indeed I had cast my flavor for the night.
"Virgin? Ha, I fear we both know those especially have had men at their chamber door before." The two of us shared a laugh together, his eyes glancing around us. He leaned in, his voice a whisper.
"Has your father talked to you of the recent news?" He asked, my ears barely hearing. I shook my head slightly. "He plans to marry Lady Rosalie to his lordship, Duke of Westbrooke. That way, Rosalie can have status, yet-"
"Still be close enough to the King," I sighed. I figured this would come. Most definitely the King would have some sort of hand in this. All the world knew Westbrook had no sense and no back bone. I doubt he'd even bother to care for my sister. I sighed. A life in the country would definitely not fit my sister now. She'd be forever in debt to his lordship, Westbrooke. Perhaps she'd luck out and he'd drown from his own experiments in the river by his manor so she wouldn't have to endure him.
Lord Westbrooke was a stout old man, his wife having died three winters back. He had two sons who would likely take over his estate at the chance he'd actually comply to death. His hair was a mass of gray curls, his stature short with beady brown eyes. As much as his complexion did nothing to give him attraction, his status was quite impressive. He was seated tenth in line to the throne. Aye, yes indeed, my father had his sights about him.
"Go dance," Carlisle nudged me. "At least have fun before the girls get away." He smirked as I left his side, taking stance behind the King on the dance floor. James turned and smiled at me, his eyes twinkling.
"Why, hello, Lord Edward. Glad to see you join us on the floor," he smirked, bowing to my sister. I bowed to my partner, her brown eyes catching my gaze. Princess Isabella looked quite stunning in her purple gown.
"My Lady," I greeted, taking her hand in mine. She curtsied, her hair swept up off of her shoulders in a tight coif.
"My lord," she replied, her brown eyes glancing up at mine. Our dance began, music blaring heavily throughout the ballroom. Perhaps Carlisle was right. I needed to find a girl to warm my bed this evening, but that girl would not be my life mate.
"I see congratulations are in order," the Princess murmured, our bodies turning.
"Thank you, highness," I replied, our hands entwined.
A/n: just a little dabble I've been working on for a while. Reviews? Want me to continue.