Sorry for the long wait... in-laws have finally left and the childrens' half term is behind me. Another sick child at home - my darling six year old - which means can't go to work which means I get quality writing time as she sleeps...
And don't really like this chapter so apologies in advance... I hope to have the next chapter up tomorrow and hope it's a little more exciting although the chapter after that?... hmm not sure not sure...
Katriel joined her fiance at breakfast and thankfully he noticed nothing amiss about her collar. He was all politeness to her and she was glad of the reprieve. She answered politely at the right times and managed to keep a smile on her face. After minutes that seemed like hours the meal was over and her fiance pushed his chair back and stood up. He lay his hands on her shoulders and pulled her towards him roughly. She gasped from the suddenness of the contact and his hands moved to her face.
"You look beautiful this morning." He said, tracing her scar with his finger. Katriel lowered her head and stayed as still as a statue. He roughly jerked her chin up.
"You will look at me when I talk to you."
"Of course my lord." She said and couldn't keep a thinly veiled hint of sarcasm out of her voice. She hated herself instantly for it because she knew he would punish her. He picked up on the tone of her voice and grinned at her - a cruel curve of his lips. His still had his fingers clasping her chin and he twisted her face sharply to the side. His lips tickled her ear and she shivered involuntarily.
"I will have you soon My Lady." He said, his lips moving against her ear. "In only three days I will take you as mine. And I know you want it as much as me. You desire me."
It will be over soon. He'll be gone in a moment. Just keep calm and don't let him get to you then you'll be able to get away soon. She said to herself over and over again.
He finally moved away from her and put his hands on her collar. He then removed it quickly, scraping the skin with it before it was finally off her neck. She sagged with relief even though his hands were still around her neck. He tightened them and she couldn't help staring at him with fear in her eyes. He smiled at her and let her go and patted her shoulder.
"Three days time." He said and finally left her alone. She collapsed against her chair and put her head in her hands and wept.
But Katriel was not one to let a terrible situation get the better of her and after allowing herself a few more minutes of misery she pulled herself together.
He may eventually have my body but he will never own me. She thought. And with these thoughts she thought of other free women and Lucy sprung to mind. She stood up resolved to find her and enjoy her day as much as possible.
Thus Katriel spent the afternoon in the delightful company of Lucy who could pull anyone out of the darkest mood. They played card games and sparred with their swords whilst Susan did artery practice and flirted with some courtiers. Katriel found the company of the Queens with their Narnian friends delightful.
.-.
Edmund spent most of the day hoarded up with King Caspian. Edmund had taken two of his closest advisers Mr Tamnus and Aragorth a Centaur with him. The King was surrounded by his many advisers including Lord Sama'el and a host of servants.
The Kings discussed many things of great importance and intent and both sparred with words and wit, neither giving in an inch on important matters but both keeping clever and wise about all things. Documents were exchanged and witnessed and signed - many pertaining to the future friendship of the two kingdoms and expressed loyalties.
The last document was finally signed and both kings breathed a deep sigh of relief.
King Caspian looked over shrewdly at King Edmund and grinned.
"So Your Majesty. Last night at the party were there any pretty ladies that caught your eye?" And then the King grinned wider. "Or maybe a pretty man? I know not your tastes. Of course we could get that person to your chambers tonight for a little sport if you so desire."
Edmund raised his own eyebrows. He had been wanting to speak about Katriel's plight all evening and now felt sure the opening had come.
"One or two women did catch my eye actually." Edmund said. "But it seems that both were already taken."
"Ah a pity but of course if that woman is of lowly birth she can be given to you for the night even if she is married." Caspian responded.
"Really?" Edmund said, quite shocked and yet intrigued at the same time. "But surely she is the property of her husband."
"Of course but then again a King is above the law and as such may get things that mere men may not touch."
King Edmund couldn't help looking over at Sama'el as he said "And what of a girl engaged? Surely she is free until married?"
Lord Sama'el looked at Edmund and his intuition told him that fury was bubbling just below the surface of the young king. He was curious as to what he had done to cause this. The fury in Edmund's eyes excited him and his hand travelled towards the blade at his side even though he knew he could not use it.
"Women need to be reigned in from an early age and if they know they have something of importance in their lives to look forward to they will not squander their days and waste their time with trivial matters." Sama'el said, grinning. "A woman is very different from a man mentally as well as physically."
"That is true. We are built differently from each other. Which causes strengths and weaknesses in each and together we compliment each other," Edmund responded. "And what of love in your country? Surely a man and woman should marry for the grandest of reasons and love is the noblest of them all."
Sama'el continued. "Many couples do marry for love but isn't love just a matter of duty and respect of the woman to her man? If she behaves as a good wife towards him he may then learn to love her."
"But what of the love a woman feels for a husband?" Edmund responded.
King Caspian snorted and started laughing loudly and Lord Sama'el clapped the king on the back as he sputtered and choked. "Who cares?" Said the king. "They're only there to produce heirs."
Sama'el grinned towards the young King. "You know nothing." Sama'el said. "You are but a boy. When you are older you will understand."
This was beyond rude and Edmund felt justified as he half-pulled his sword from its sheath. "You will apologise to me now for your coarseness."
King Sama'el raised his eyebrows and King Caspian looked at him and nodded quickly. Sama'el shrugged his shoulders. "I apologise if I showed any disrespect. You asked a question about the ways of Telmarines and the King and I are answering them truthfully. If you don't like what we say then maybe you should stop asking."
Edmund hated this conversation but needed to clarify one further point. He hoped Sama'el wouldn't catch onto why.
"And what of betrothals? What happens when one of the party changes their mind and doesn't wish to marry the other?"
"Ah that is a matter of great importance." Caspian said. "Once a match has been made and the two people have signed the documents they cannot leave the match no matter what. The only way the engagement can fall through is if the man decides he no longer wants her."
"Only the man? Does the woman have no say at all?"
"Of course not." King Caspian said. "They are of lower intelligence than men and have baser instincts. They need to be reigned in from a young age otherwise they end up flighty and ridiculous."
Edmund thought of his sisters and couldn't wait to share this information with them. It seemed that Telmarines as well as Calormenes would be added to the untouchable list of marriagables for his sisters. They would probably stick to Archenland after all when it came to Lucy and Susan marrying. He thought of poor Katriel and her fate and knew he would try and do all he could to save her.
"And now if Your Majesty has no further questions." Caspian said. "We have another wonderful night of revelry ahead of us."
Edmund inwardly groaned but outward was all politeness and manners – he knew how guests were treated when coming to a foreign land – night after night of celebrations and parties. He needed to think things through and talk to his sisters but it seemed he would be kept occupied for another night.
"Last night was a night of dance and play." The King continued. "Tonight's entertainment will take on the theme of music and discourse, rhyme and reason. And since you are much interested in Telmarine ladies we have a treat for you. One or two of our young ladies are very accomplished with instruments and voice."
A servant stepped forward and said. "Tonight we have some of our most popular poets and bards and singers gathered and they will perform for you and your sisters and people. It's an evening where you will discover just how talented our people are."
I hate this chapter - don't know why, just do. I just don't like the discourse between Edmund and Caspian and Sama'el. The wording just didn't seem to flow.
Oh well, hopefully the next chapter will be out tomorrow and will be a little better.
And have just discovered McFly and The Fray - two great groups. Now just have to get all their music... (and yes, I am out of date but slowly growing out of the sad sad music I used to listen to). Why am I telling you this? No idea... really none... really tired. 1am. Gotta sleep.