A/N Hey everyone! Finally finished the chapter :3 With this chapter, I've got at least one Easteregg in this chapter. If you can name it, you get a cookie Anyway, enjoy! Please read and review, I appreciate feedback. Disclaimer: I don't own Fable or its characters, they are owned by Lionhead Studios.

Glacies Regina

Chapter 9

Secret Desires

Raven continued to follow Jasper through the halls of the castle, thankful he arrived when he did. Jasper always seemed to turn up at times when Raven was in need of some sort of help. Then again, it was his duty to attend and help her in any way he could. He had done so with her mother and father before and planed on serving her to the end of his days. Jasper had watched over Raven since she was practically born, he almost like a second father or perhaps due to his age, a grandfather. He had watched her grow from a small child into a strong, independent young woman. He was proud to serve her and call her a friend.

"Thank you Jasper," she finally said after they had entered the gardens, the cold air causing Raven to shiver.

"Of course, madam." He replied, "It is my job to watch over your majesty."

Raven's face lit up, a smile growing upon her freezing lips. Jasper had done much more than just watch over her. He protected her. Not just herself, but her brother and mother and father as well. Before he became a butler, Jasper had served as a royal 'protector' to her mother and father. He was trained in the art of assassination and sabotage but after the War of Stones, the great struggle between Bowerstone and the control of Bloodstone, he had retired from assassination and continued to serve Queen Sparrow and King Alexander as their butler.

Approaching the edge of the gardens, to where one could gaze out at the open sea and the city of Bowerstone, the Queen and her faithful butler came across a tall man in a fine auburn colored jacket with white pants and bistre boots. He had black hair that was tied into a ponytail under a brown broad-brimmed hat and a black goatee. In his hands were a painting pallet and brush while in front of him was a blank canvas on an easel, ready to capture the moment in paint. He turned to see Raven and Jasper approach him. His arms opened wide as he bowed his head.

"Madam, this is William Lancaster, the famous painter of Brightwall," introduced Jasper to Raven.

"Your Majesty, tis an honor to be graced by your radiant presence," said the artist. Raven's cheeks slightly blushed as she nodded her head in respect.

"You are too kind, good sir," she replied, "I have been informed that you wish to craft a portrait of myself."

"Oh yes, your grace. I had painted the fine portrait of your brother and would be honored to be allowed to create a portrait of our fair Queen." Said the painter, bowing his head again.

Raven smiled, her cheeks reddened from the cold air, "I would be honored."

William smiled, looking at the Queen with light filled eyes. Placing his tools upon a small stool that resided next to the canvas and easel, he reached his hand out for the Queen to take. Her cold hands felt his warm skin and he led her towards the stone bench that rested near the stone railing.

"Please, if you would just sit here," he said, releasing her hand. She proceeded to seat herself down upon the chilling stone, her back facing the beautiful view of the city. She sat quietly and composed, watching Jasper leave, while he stared at her, thinking, his hand stroked his facial hair.

"I feel that something is still missing." Commented the artist.

"How about this?" Said familiar voice that the Queen easily recognized. Her face instantly brightened as her blue eyes beheld the sight of a man in the uniform of the guards. Ben Finn traveled towards the Queen, holding in his right hand a red rose. He held it out for her, her fingers grasping the rose, holding it close to her heart. Her cheeks continued to blush as she looked at Ben.

"Perfect." Said the artist. Immediately he began to work on the portrait, sketching the outline of what would eventually be painted. Raven tried to keep her focus on the painter, but could not help glance at Ben Finn who continued to gaze at her. Raven, though unable to speak with her mouth was able to communicate with Ben with her eyes. It was a secret language between them, a language only they understood. The Queen batted her eyes, her cheeks flushed, a small smile growing from her lips. Ben's eyebrow arched as he folded his arms, a smirk growing across his face. Raven's sapphire orbs continued to stare in to Ben's azure orbs. For a moment that seemed to last for sometime, the two just gazed at each other, not caring that they could see the other looking straight back at them.

As time passed by, the artist began to stroke the canvas with his brush, colors transforming the white background into art. His strokes were graceful and smooth.

"Your grace, your portrait is finished." Said the painter at last, which was the first thing he had said in much time.

Raven's eyes lit up, finally she would be able to stand up and escape the cold weather. Rising from the bench, she traveled to the painter and beheld a beautiful sight. She could hardly believe that the woman sitting in the painting holding the rose was herself. The painting looked life like, almost too real to be made up of paints.

"It's…it's beautiful…" said the speechless Queen. Her fingers were tempted to touch the painting, to feel the art that had been captured in the moment. She, however, resisted the urge.

"Thank you your Grace." Replied the artist, bowing his head.

"It is quite a work of art," commented Ben who was staring at the painting from behind. He turned his gaze for a moment to stare at the Queen when he noticed she was wrapping her arms around herself, shivering slightly.

"Perhaps we should proceed inside?" Ben recommended. Raven smiled at him, thankful all of them would be out of the cold since she had spent a majority of her time outside with only her dress and cloak providing some warmth.

"Yes, I do think we should," agreed Raven.

"Very well, however, I must stay and add minor details to this painting. I wish for it to be perfect in exemplifying the perfection of our Queen." William said, bowing his head before turning to take a fine brush and begin to place in the paint to continue to work.

"Of course," Said Raven, turning away with Ben who was staring at her. Her cheeks, though cold from the freezing air, began to grow warm, a spark of heat bursting inside her skin. The warmth continued to grow as Ben took her wintry hand and led her inside the castle. His body then wrapped around her own, trying to provide more warmth to her. As the large doors opened before the two, they stepped inside, hurrying off to the Castle Library where they both expected a fire to be roaring in the fireplace. Servants and guards stared at the two with curious eyes. Raven did not really care. She was with Ben and to her that was all that mattered. There was something about him that could make her smile any day, not matter how horrible or dismal it was. His humor, though sometimes ill timed, could force a laugh from her. Being with Ben felt…right.

Proceeding down the hallway, the two stopped outside of the doors to the Library. Ben, being a gentleman, turned the golden handle and pulled the door towards him, holding it open for his Queen. He bowed his head, a smile on his face. Raven smiled back, curtseying then entering the room.

The Bowerstone Castle Library was a vast room, containing books of all kind, works of literature written centuries ago up to the present day. Romance, Drama, Comedy, Tragedy, Horror, Historical, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Biographies, most books one could possibly think of were housed in the private Library. When Raven was younger, still a mere princess, she would spend many hours reading stories and tales, learning from the lessons they taught and opening her mind to the vast world around her. Logan too, enjoyed spending hours in the Library, reading historical books and understanding the history of Albion and the history of the rise and fall of other great nations.

Once the soldier and Queen were inside the room, they proceeded to the fireplace. It was a large fireplace, constructed with white marble. In front of the fireplace rested a sofa. Ben took Raven to the sofa, standing while she sat.

"I'll go and fetch you a blanket." He said, dashing off before Raven could say anything that would prevent him from leaving. She sat on the chair, absorbing the warmth of the flames.

The Library was deathly quiet, the only sound coming from the fireplace as the wood cracked. She desired Titus' presence, if only so she would not be alone, but he was resting after having run a great amount of time in during the night and early daybreak.

Within minutes Ben returned holding a wool blanket in his arms. He wrapped the brown blanket around Raven, rubbing her arms in an attempt to warm her up.

"Thank you, Ben but you really didn't have to do this," she thanked.

"Not at all, my Queen, friend, pal." He said, taking a seat next to her.

"So how was the inspection?" She asked out of curiosity, tightening her grip on the blanket.

"It was…peculiar I guess," he said giving her a look of amusement, "You would not believe what some of the soldiers carry in their trunks."

"Really? What do some of them carry?" She asked, intrigued.

"Oh trust me, you don't want to know," he replied, nodding his head as he turned his gaze away with an impish grin on his face. Raven lightly punched his arm in a friendly manner.

"I do! Don't make me have to order you to tell me," She said, a cheerful smile on her face that could easily melt the snow that had just fallen.

"Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you," said Ben, "What was his name, Lu…Lu something-Lucas! Yeah, he keeps a jar with a hobbies eye inside his trunk."

"EW!" Exclaimed Raven, her face cringing, "Why in Avo's name does he do that?"

"He says it's lucky. It was his first kill with a rifle and he thought it was lucky. Got the bugger through the head." Explained Ben.

"That is just disgusting," said Raven, her hand pressed against her mouth to prevent her from vomiting.

"Well on a less disgusting note, I think his name is David, he has bottles of beer and wine in his trunk. Guess that's why he smells every time I see him," said Ben. Raven just laughed, Ben joining in. She was not surprised that David had alcoholic drinks in his trunk. He always smelled of alcohol.

"Mind if I ask what you keep in yours?" Asked Raven after she and Ben stopped laughing.

Ben stopped laughing, his eyes widening. He was caught off guard. He could not tell the Queen what he had in his chest, well some things but not two things, both of which he treasured. One was a glove, a tan glove made of a smooth material. The glove that had belonged to Raven. He had found it amongst the remainders of the ship he, Raven and Walter had stolen during the time of the Revolution. He found it underneath scrap metal from the hull. He was terrified that she had perished underneath the sea. He had meant to return it to her, but for some reason, he could not. The second was a letter. A letter he had written. There was no possible way he could let her read it. Should she read it, he would be embarrassed and possibly hurt. Should he tell her, could he tell her? They were both in different worlds. She was a Queen and he was a soldier. Not a noblemen, nor a lord, just a soldier.

"Ben?" The Queen's voice brought Ben back to reality. He looked at her for a moment.

"Oh you know, just the usual," he replied.

"What? Nothing strange or interesting?" She persisted.

"Nah, nothing strange." He said. The Queen chuckled, looking into Ben's eyes. They stared at each other once again. Her cheeks slowly began to blush, her smile growing. Without a thought in her mind, she slowly began to lean closer into him. This surprised Ben as he saw her lips slightly open up. Did she perhaps have feelings for him? There was only one way to see. He too leaned closer, both feeling the heat from the other. Raven's eyes began shut as she drew closer. She did not care if anyone saw her. Being with Ben was what she wanted. It was her desire.

Their lips touched, sparks flying inside Raven's lips. They were wonderful. She wanted the kiss to last much longer than it did. Just as soon as it happened, Ben began to pull away from her, his lips holding on till the last moment. His eyes opened, staring at Raven's, his cheeks red as well as Raven's. She began to chuckle with a cheerful smile on her face. Ben could not help but smile too, discovering something new that was wonderful.

"Ben…" Raven whispered

"Raven…" he whispered back. His hand took her own, his fingers weaving through hers. Raven continued blush as Ben did this. The moment was perfect. Raven's heart beat faster, smashing itself against her sternum, as it would do when she was close to Ben. There were moments her chest would hurt, but she did not care. If she were to faint, she knew that her Soldier would resuscitate her. Ben's eyes stared into Raven's, his face once again leaning closer to her own. He wanted to taste her again, just as she wanted to taste him.

"Your Majesty!" Hobson's voice pierced from behind the sofa. Raven and Ben's eyes instantly widened as the two repelled away from each other in an instant. Though separated, their blushing did not stop.

Hobson rushed over to his monarch, panting out of breath. "Your Majesty, Lady Amelia, Lady Victoria and Lady Anna have arrived just minutes ago and are waiting for you for tea." Raven's thumb and cursing finger began to massage her eyes, her face tightening up in annoyance. Conversing with nobles was not an event she was looking forward to, having had an argument with some of the aristocrats earlier in the day. Conversing with them was always bland, speaking about the latest scandals, possibly some noblemen having an affair with a servant, talking about how they would purchase the latest dresses or jewels, the same talks over and over again. The talks were enough to put one to sleep, as Raven's eyes would usually grow heavy, tired from listening to the nobles ramble. Of the members of the aristocratic class, the Queen would rather converse with her ladies in waiting, they being daughters of nobles. The conversations with her ladies were far more interesting than with noblemen and women. They would talk about potential suitors for each other, however they were silly little talks, much like a young girl eyeing the young stable lad. Groaning, Raven rose from her seat and bowed her head at Ben.

"Thank you Ben for the blanket," she thanked again. She lifted her head up slightly so that he could see her eyes. She winked at him, making him blush. He smiled back, his eyes narrowing in an impish manner.

"The Ladies are waiting you in the west drawing room," said Hobson, unaware what had happened between the Queen and Ben. Raven turned away from Ben and began to follow Hobson out of the Library, leaving Ben alone. He watched as the Queen finally disappeared behind the wooden doors. He sat alone in the empty Library, listening to the wood crackling in the fireplace.

Yet, he was not entirely alone…

Raven continued to follow Hobson down the hallway to the southern part of the Castle, bearing right and arriving at the West Drawing Room. Inside, sitting on royal blue cushioned couch were Ladies Amelia and Anna. Lady Amelia's golden locks were tied in a large bun, much larger than her head, with a curl hanging down, exemplifying the many locks of hair that blessed her head. She wore a hoop skirted indigo dress with white trimming along the bottom of the dress and up the middle of the skirt. Lady Anna wore her walnut red-brown hair in a simple bun, much smaller compared to her head and Lady Amelia's hair, and wore a forest green dress that, like Lady Amelia's, was a hoop skirt with black trimming along the bottom, up the front of the skirt, along the square neck cut and around the sleeve openings. Lady Victoria, who was sitting in a small cushioned chair sipping tea, wore her black hair up in a high bun with loose curls falling down with a headdress on top. She certainly knew how to make ones hair look quite stylish. Like the other ladies, who tended to follow the modern fashion, wore a crimson dress with a hoop skirt with black trimming.

Raven approached the three women, all of them setting aside their tea and rising before the Queen. Each Lady curtsied low before their Queen, their heads curling down. Raven bowed her head at the women and approached them, taking a seat in the second cushioned chair along side Lady Victoria.

"Tis' wonderful to see you again, my Lady," said Lady Anna, a kind and sincere smile across her face. Lady Anna was a woman who would smile even at the smallest of excitements, a rather simple-minded woman but very kind.

"Thank you Lady Anna," replied Raven, who was adjusting her skirt.

"Word had reached us that you were poisoned but whether or not it was a deadly poison was unknown," said Lady Amelia, who had reached out for her tea.

"As you can see Lady Amelia, I am alive and well, so clearly it was not deadly," replied the Queen. Lady Anna could not help but the laugh, Raven forcing a small smile on her lips while Lady Amelia eyed Lady Anna with distain and Lady Victoria just ignored her.

"Yes, however madam, in these times, poisoning of a monarch is not something that one wants to hear," commented the serious Lady Victoria, "Especially if the monarch has no heir to the throne."

"I am well aware that I have no husband nor heir, Lady Victoria, however the time shall come to an end. Eventually I will have a husband and an heir."

"Is there any lord with whom you have taken a fancy to, your Grace?" asked Lady Anna.

"In all truth, my good Lady Anna, I have not even considered the possibility of marriage. I had spent the first year of my reign worrying about the Darkness that was bent on destroying our way of life. It has only been a month since the battle against the Darkness, too soon to think about marriage if you ask me. However, I am circumventing from the question. There are possibly one or two lords who I must confess, have some charm to them that catches my eye."

The doors to the room opened wide as Albion's foppish Industrialist strode on into the room, a wicked smile on his face as he gazed upon the four women before him. Three of the women could not help but fame themselves as he traveled towards them, while one woman gave him an icy look, bitterness lurking in her eyes.

"Do forgive my interruption, ladies, but when I had heard that the Queen of Albion was having tea, I simply hurried on over to join in. I can see now I was right to do so," he said in a charismatic manner that made the three noblewomen blush. Raven simply rolled her eyes.

"Master Reaver," said the Queen, her eyes narrowing with annoyance and a false smile growing across her face, "You just seem to prowl around the Castle. It seems one can hardly escape from you, despite all efforts."

"Naturally," he remarked, "In a Castle of such proportion, one is always prowling about due to curiosity."

Silenced followed, Raven's eyes glaring into Reaver's emerald eyes. An unseen tension was building in the room, the three Ladies oblivious to the hostility. Raven picked up a saucer with a cup on it that already contained some tea. She did not care about adding sugar or milk to it; she just wanted Reaver gone.

"Oh come, come, do not let my presence disrupt any conversation, my dear ladies," said Reaver, loathing the silence.

"Master Reaver, out of curiosity," began Lady Victoria, setting aside her tea, "How has the business been lately of Reaver Industries?"

"Quite well, madam. One could not ask for such better times, where one can easily earn profits."

"I understand, Master Reaver, your wealth far exceeds that of the combined wealth of every noblemen in Albion." Remarked Lady Amelia.

"Tis' true, I cannot lie," he admitted, eyeing the Queen, she still glaring at him, "But the simple question is what to do with such wealth."

Raven began to zone out of the conversation, staring into her tea, watching the steam rise up until it had gone cold. She did not wish to hear Reaver boast about his wealth, his position or anything about him. She tried to stay silent through out the conversations, occasionally mumbling a "Hmm," or "Um-hum" but never engaging in dialogue. Reaver had noticed the Queen's silence and continued to eye her.

An hour and a half passed as the four ladies and Reaver continued to sip tea and converse. Raven listened as best as she could to the ladies chat about the latest fashions, praising some nobles of their tastes in style and jeering at some who they believed had simply the worst tastes in fashion. As the clock struck two, Lady Amelia, Anna and Victoria set aside their tea and rose up from their seats.

"Forgive us, madam," began Lady Amelia, "We must be off. The Ladies and myself are meeting with Lord Marcus. He invited us to go for a walk around the gardens and we promised not to be late."

"Do not let me be the one to hold you all back," replied the Queen, her spirits lifting as the idea of teatime ending.

"Thank you, your Grace," thanked the ladies in unison, all of them curtsying. As they rose, they traveled towards the door, leaving Raven alone with Reaver. Raven turned away, heading towards the door, hoping to escape Reaver.

"Your Majesty," he said. She was so close to the door, just a mere foot away. She groaned and turned to face him, slightly lifting her chin up to remind him of his position.

"Yes, Master Reaver?" she replied.

Reaver got up from his seat and began to make his way towards Raven. The Queen, as he drew closer, pressed her back up against the door, wishing that, by some miracle, she could fade through the walls and escape the Deviant.

"I happen to be throwing a party in three days time," he said, drawing closer to the Queen.

Raven pressed her back harder against the wall, trapped. "Yes, and?"

Reaver chuckled as he continued to approach her, his head down, his top hat hiding his eyes. In an instant, his hands were against the wall, blocking both sides, his arms extended, preventing the Queen from leaving him. He lowered his head, his lips a mere inch away from her ear. He could feel her fearful breaths against his skin, relishing the warmth against his neck.

"I would be most honored if you would attend my party," he whispered. Raven gasped, her heart pumping harder against her chest. Reaver's left hand began to stroke her cheek, his fingers tracing lines up and down her face. The very touch of his fingers sent a shiver down Raven's spine. She knew the dangers of Reaver's parties. She wanted to say no, to deny him the pleasure of her company at his festivities, to remind him that he could never, no matter how badly the fires of lust burned inside of him, have her. And yet, she secretly wanted to go. The inner war of duty and desire raged on inside of her, clouding her decision. However, once reason regained control from desire, she gave him a serious look.

"I will have to see if I can. I promise you nothing," she replied, her voice trying to remain grounded. Reaver once again chuckled. Raven's blood began to turn to ice, color draining from her face.

"We shall certainly see," he whispered. Cupping her face with his hand, he brought the Queen's face near his, his lips caressing her own. Raven felt a heat growing from his lips, the warmth smoldering her skin. It continued to grow the longer Reaver's lips were on top of her own. Ever slowly, he then withdrew his lips, pulling them back but letting his lips linger as long as possible until his lips could no longer reach Raven's. Raven tried to breathe once his lips were off hers, gasping for air. Reaver smirked down at her, shadows swimming in his eyes. Lowering his arms, he traveled to the door. Once it was opened, he slightly turned his head, his smirk still on his face. And with that he left. Raven stood alone in the room, trembling in the silence.

A/N Hope you enjoyed it!

Mon Corbeau= My Raven

Glacies Regina= Ice Queen