Authors Note: Newly Added Chapter as of 12/2/15! When I started to rewrite the story, I felt like it was lacking a bit of depth for some of the characters, and the situations. I wanted to add a little bit more to the character development and this is a big part of Kenna's story. I hope you all like it!
Kenna was racing toward Mary's chamber when he found her, his powerful hand wrapping around her wrist and pulling her into a doorframe. The sun had thrown shadows, casting the small space into darkness. The cavity held a forbidden, and intimate, air.
"You are avoiding me." A deep voice growled in her ear, exuding warm air onto the hairs of her neck. She shivered.
"I can't always be available for games. I have duties to attend to." She whispered, slightly annoyed. As fun as their intrigues had become, she did need to care for her Queen.
She and Mary had been friends once. Her father had been the Scottish envoy to France until her 10th year. Because of her family's position at court, Kenna, along with Lola, Greer and Aylee had become the chosen companions of the young Queen.
About the same time as Mary had been sent to the convent for protection, an attempt having been made on her life, Kenna's family returned to their ancestral home in the Scottish Lowlands. She never learned what had happened, but it was believed by some that Mary de Guise, Queen Mary's mother and the Regent of Scotland, placed blame for the attempt at her daughter's life on the Scottish Ambassador. Wither this was true or not, Kenna did not know. Her father refused to speak of it to anyone, further adding to the intrigue and rumors surrounding it.
When it became known that Mary would be heading back to French court, her father had spent a considerable amount of time and money ensuring that Kenna would be sent to France as a lady in waiting. It helped that Mary had specifically requested her old friends to accompany her at the palace when she returned.
Though she was eager to spend time with her friend yet again, the need for family connections had been particularly expounded into her. Her father wanted to remain a powerful ally of the Queen. Kenna was to see that it would remain so.
"You are very good at playing games aren't you?" The voice countered. The annoyance in his remark was almost palpable.
"You know why nothing can happen. I need to remain pure." She ran her fingers along the smooth skin of his cheek. The desire pooled in her stomach when she thought of the pleasure he gave her, his practiced fingers dancing along her skin.
"I told you that I would take care of you. I can ensure a promising match. You will want for nothing." He grinned. His smile was almost catlike; a glint in his eye, the shadows playing across his handsome features creating a mask that almost seemed dangerous. He was enjoying the chase. Would he feel the same after she allowed him to catch her?
"I need a little time to come to terms with the idea. Just a few more days." She whispered, trying to come across mysterious and alluring. She hoped it was working. The attention she received for her looks was enjoyable, and she wasn't ready to give up the sport just yet.
"I will not wait forever, Kenna. I am a good hunter, and you are very enjoyable to hunt, but no man will wait long when there is other prey to be had." He kissed her neck softly, sending a shiver coursing down her spine.
She nodded, biting her lip and breathing heavily. He smiled seductively and left her to her own devices. Swallowing, Kenna turned and headed for Mary's room. Her desires would have to wait.