-Chapter Nine-
When I arrived at breakfast, I found that William was present, but Reaver hadn't yet arrived. William rose to greet me with a warm smile and a bow, and he sat after I was settled in my seat.
"Good morning," I said as my plate of eggs and bacon was deposited in front of me. "I trust that you are well rested?"
He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I am, My Lady."
"I'm glad to hear it," I said before taking a bite of my bacon.
Suddenly, Reaver breezed into the room, and he looked at ease until his eyes found William at the table. His face shifted to one of contentment to one of confusion. "Good Morning, Your Majesty." He greeted me. "I didn't realize that you would already have company for breakfast."
"Lord Raynesworth will be staying here at the palace to oversee the construction of his home in The Old Quarter," I informed him.
He sat down to my left, as William was in his usual spot. He didn't look very pleased at all. He reached into his breast pocket to retrieve a cigarette, and William's nose wrinkled.
"I don't see how you can ingest those horrid-tasting things," William said, shaking his head. "Excuse me for saying so, but they smell foul."
Reaver promptly deposited the cigarette in his mouth and lit it without a qualm.
"I don't mind them," I said, trying to break some of the tension in he room. I had seen men arm wrestle in my time adventuring. This felt very similar. I slipped Alistair a piece of bacon under the table. Arguing always made him nervous, and I was feeling it as well.
"I suppose if you can tolerate it , Your Majesty, I can, too," William said, his lip curling only slightly.
I took a sip of my water, and I glanced over to Reaver, who looked rather pleased with himself as he blew smoke rings brazenly across the table. I gathered myself, and I sat straight. "Have you looked over my agenda for the day?"
Reaver nodded, and he moved to withdraw the piece of paper from his pocket "This morning, you have free time, which I suggest to be applied toward letter-writing, as you will have no time for it later during your extremely busy afternoon. You have your last sitting with the artist, and you also have a meeting with Sabine about the quality of the roads in Mistpeak. In Industrial, there will be a ribbon-cutting at the newest of my factories, and you are scheduled to make an appearance."
"Her Majesty seems to write an awful lot of letters," William pointed out, dabbing his mouth with his napkin.
"Well, Her Majesty receives a lot of letters, and it would be terribly rude to leave them unanswered, would it not?" Reaver asked.
"I suppose so," William said. "But don't monarchs usually hire secretaries for that sort of thing?"
"If a monarch wished to be impersonal with one's subjects, of course one would," Reaver replied, flicking ashes off of the tip of his cigarette into the ashtray a servant had brought him. "Our Queen is very dedicated to her letter-writing, are you not, My Lady?"
When both men glanced in my direction, I took a generous sip of my hot coffee. It scalded my tongue slightly, but I exhaled. "Writing one's own letters can be very humbling."
William smiled at me with admiration. "I suppose humility is a good quality to have in a ruler. It becomes you."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Reaver drumming his fingers impatiently on the table. He picked up his coffee, apparently deciding to take it black this morning, and he took a long sip of it.
"Thank you, William," I said, grinning, half-flattered and half-amused.
"Well, Your Majesty, I must be heading into town for the day," William said, climbing to his feet, and coming to my seat. He knelt, taking my hand and kissing it, and he offered a stiff nod in Reaver's direction.
Reaver completely ignored him, instead reading over some more paperwork he had magically produced from his pocket.
"Good day, My Lady," said William. "I look forward to seeing you at dinner tonight."
"Yes," I agreed. "Good day."
As soon as William was out of earshot, Reaver snorted in laughter.
"What?" I asked.
"His fawning and flattery are downright sickening," He said, putting his cigarette out.
I pushed my plate away, and I glanced up to him. "He's not as bad as you make him out to be."
He simply shook his head at me, a small grin forming on his mouth. "When you run out of things to talk about, you'll be retracting that statement." He finished the very last of his coffee, and he stood, holding his hand out to me. "Shall we, My Lady?"
Reaver let his hands trail up the backs of my thighs pulling up my skirts. He had bent me over my desk, which had been cleared before we entered the room, and he was throughly enjoying the view of my naked backside. I looked back to him over my shoulder as he pressed his hips in to my rear, rubbing his stiffening arousal against me.
My heart pounded in my chest, and I pushed myself to stand once more. I turned to face him, and I grasped his face, overtaking his mouth. He pressed me down to sit on the desk, and he pushed my skirts up again, positioning himself between my thighs.
Our bodies pressed together as he wrapped my legs around his waist. The kiss ended, and he smiled with a small, breathy chuckle. He tilted my head to one side to nip at the uncovered area of my neck.
There was a swift knock at the door, and we froze. Reaver retreated, and he quickly pushed me to sit down in my chair.
I quickly pulled my pen and stationary out of the drawer, and Reaver whipped around quickly to grab my discarded bloomers and stuff them in his coat just as Jasper entered the study.
I looked up from my blank page, and I set my pen down. "Good Morning, Jasper." I was extremely ashamed. I wondered if he knew what had been going on in the office before he entered.
"Good Morning, Your Majesty," He said, bowing. "I've come to inform you that Ewan's wife has gone into labor. He requests to be allowed to go home for the next few days."
"Yes, of course," I said with a hasty nod. "Wish him well for me, Jasper."
"Of course," He replied with a nod. "That does bring up the question of your personal security during today's activities. I could have another guard accompany you to your appointments, if you wish."
"I believe The Queen will be safe," Reaver said. "If anything arises, I'm sure I can take care of it."
"Yes, of course, Mister Reaver," Jasper said. "I have no doubt in your abilities to watch The Queen." He offered me a weak smile before bowing. "If you excuse me, Your Majesty, I have other things to tend to."
"Jasper," I said, standing. "Why don't you take a day to enjoy yourself?"
He offered me a smile. "Perhaps one of these days, I will find the need to, but today, I am quite content in my work. Good day, Your Majesty, Mister Reaver." He bowed, and he left, closing the door behind him.
Reaver stepped behind my chair, and his fingers slid down to my shoulders, rubbing gently. "I suppose you'll want to pick this up later, am I correct?" He asked.
I nodded, smiling softly. "That would probably be best. I think I would like a walk with Alistair."
"Of course," He said. "How refreshing it is to be passed over for a dog. It humbles the soul."
I almost laughed. Reaver humbled? I rose, and before I could walk toward the door, he grabbed my hand.
"Later, ma petit," He pulled me to him. "We will continue this." His mouth brushed against my cheek.
I moved from his grip, and I turned to walk away.
Reaver cleared his throat. "Forgetting anything, darling?"
I turned, and I saw that he dangled my underthings casually off of his finger. He came closer, kneeling before me, and helping me maneuver them on, his mouth placing soft caresses up my thigh as he pushed them into place on my hips. My desire reawakened, and I suddenly started to reconsider my choice. He withdrew from beneath my skirt to straighten.
"Off you go," He said, turning me, and giving me a soft pat on the rear. "Don't leave your pup waiting."
The rest of my day was too full to note on. I sat for a few hours for the painting, and I took a carriage to Bowerstone Industrial, where I cut the ribbon to Reaver's newest factory, but I couldn't for the life of me, remember what it produced. I had even drifted away to sleep in the carriage ride home, waking to find myself resting against Reaver's chest.
I yawned, straightening. "I'm sorry, Reaver. I didn't mean to-"
He took his arm from around me, and he looked out the window. "It's quite alright, my dear. I wasn't talking about anything too important when you snoring interrupted me." Humor lit his face.
"Are we nearly back to the palace?" I asked.
"After a small stop," He said.
"Where would that be?" I questioned him.
"I need to check in on my builders," He said simply.
I raised a brow, curious.
"Were you not the one to suggest that I purchase property in Bowerstone's Old Quarter?" He asked. "I donated my money this morning while you were walking your faithful canine."
"And you're waiting until now to tell me," I said.
"Well, it didn't come up, now did it, sweetheart?" He grinned, moving his hand to my thigh.
The carriage came to a halt, and the footman opened the door for us. Reaver stepped out first, and he held out his hand to assist me down.
I hadn't been to The Old Quarter since renovations had begun. The rubble had been cleared, and everything seemed to be moving along smoothly. I smiled at the progress. Reaver led me toward the largest clear area, and he turned to look at me.
"What do you think?"
"Oh, it's very grand," I said, teasing him lightly.
"It will be," He said.. "I believe that The Old Quarter will rival Millfields in real-estate value, now that you've turned your special attention toward it."
"I merely wanted to please everyone."
"Don't you always?"
I pressed my lips together. I did, indeed, tread lightly quite often, finding that balance was key. I wanted to please the nobles, but I didn't want to lose the support of the common people. I shrugged lightly toward him. "What do you expect me to do?"
"I think you are doing things very well," He said, rubbing the back of his neck gently.
I cocked a brow. "What? You aren't going to suggest I install a coliseum in the middle of The Old Quarter and make lower-class citizens fight for the right to work in your factories?"
He rubbed his chin. "You know, that isn't a terrible idea." His eyes warmed with laughter as a steady smile spread across his face. He took my hand to lead me back toward the carriage, "Come. I am absolutely famished, and you are obviously in need of something to perk you up."
At dinner, I sat down at my seat at the head of the table, Reaver made sure he was placed in his usual seat and that Sabine was seated in the seat he had occupied at breakfast. He seemed pleased that William was exiled to the other side of Sabine.
"This meal is a lot richer than I am used to, isn't that right Boulder?" Sabine commented, his eyes finding his bodyguard looming in the corner.
Bolder nodded slowly, bending slightly to pat Alistair on the head.
"Well, we are glad to be able to accommodate you," Reaver said.
"You didn't seem to want to accommodate me when you proposed to cut down the forests and mine the mountains of Mistpeak," Sabine said, sticking his pipe in his mouth and lighting it.
"It wasn't anything personal against you or your people," Reaver said almost apologetically. "It was just business. Albion was in need of money, and Mistpeak had the potential to produce said money."
Sabine narrowed his eyes, but he then nodded. "I am glad that we have a Queen that fights for her people, even the poor and the hungry."
"Yes," William piped up. "I agree. "
"Her Majesty is the most magnanimous woman, is she not?" Reaver said. "She is generous and giving in every aspect of her life." His eyes met with mine with a naughty twinkle.
Having finished my meal, I sipped at my wine. "Sabine, are you aware that Lord Raynesworth also lives in the mountains of Mistpeak?"
"No," Sabine said, his eyes looking over to him. "I wasn't."
"My mother and I moved there after my father passed away," He explained. "We needed a fresh start. It is a truly beautiful place."
"Yes, it is," I agreed. "Sabine, I hope that you enjoyed our rich food." I chuckled gently.
"Yes, Your Majesty," He said, blowing a cloud of smoke out.
"Your Majesty," William asked. "Would you like to join me for a walk when your business is through?" His eyes were hopeful.
I smiled. "Of course, William. I enjoy having someone to stroll with after meals." I stood, and everyone else at the table stood as well.
"Your Majesty, it was a pleasure to have dinner with you," Sabine said. "But Boulder and I must return to Mistpeak this night. It is too warm here in Bowerstone for us."
I walked to shake his hand, smiling warmly. "You are welcome, as always. Please return soon. I enjoy your company."
The old man smiled, and he said, "If I were a young man, I would be asking to walk you around the garden, as well, Your Majesty." He curled his mustache around his finger. "Goodbye." He glanced around to Reaver and William giving them each a curt nod.
Boulder stood from giving Alistair's belly a good rub, and he patted him on the head one last time before giving me a large, stiff bow and following Sabine out of the dining room.
"Reaver, would you like to join us in our walk?" William asked, surprising both of us.
Reaver stuck his hands in his pockets, and he shook his head. "I'm afraid I must decline. I have an agenda to plan, but you two go. Have fun enough for me, as well." He shot me a look, implying that I wasn't to have too much fun.
"Your Majesty," William said, as we strode to the view overlooking Bowerstone Industrial. "I have very much enjoyed these past few days in your company."
"It pleases me to hear you say that, William," I said, putting my hands on the railing. I glanced back, Alistair had been following us at the beginning of our walk, but he seemed to have gone back inside. I shrugged gently, and I returned my attention to the view.
He placed his hand over mine, and he said, "I know that I said I would wait for your answer to my question, but I'm afraid I've grown too attached and rather bold since knowing you."
I looked over to him, my eyebrows raising. My heart raced apprehensively.
He cupped my face with his free hand, and he leaned in to press his lips against mine. The kiss wasn't at all unpleasant. It was tender and sweet, and it reminded me very much of the way Elliot had kissed. I found myself leaning into the kiss, allowing it to go on a few more moments before he drew away.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, if that was too forward," He said, his ears turning red.
"I...will have to have some time..." I said. "...to think about things." I was once again blowing him off, but this time, I really would have to consider my options. "Excuse me, William."
"Yes, My Lady," he said. "Of course."
I withdrew my hand from his, and I offered him a smile before heading back towards the palace. I crossed my arms over my chest, and I sighed. This was too much all at once. I didn't know if I wanted to send William away or tell Reaver that since he had no interest in making an honest woman of me, I would accept William's offer of courtship and eventual marriage. I gulped as I crossed the threshold into the palace, and I saw Reaver striding down the hall in front of me.
"Reaver?" I asked.
He turned, and he paused to let me catch up with him. "May I speak with you privately, Your Majesty?" He asked officially as a few servants passed us by.
"Yes," I agreed, trying to read his face. "Of course."
I followed him up the stairs and toward my study. He was stiff and silent, and I wondered if he had seen William kiss me.
He opened the door for me, allowing me to enter first, and he closed the door behind me, locking it.
"I think it's about time you had Lord Raynesworth leave," Reaver said. It was obvious that he had seen everything, now. He looked slightly unhinged with his jaw clenched, and his eyebrows furrowed deeply.
"He is my guest here at the castle, and I shall ask him to leave when I please," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. Maybe if I stood my ground, Reaver would back off and let me handle this without it coming to blows between the two. "Anything you may have seen, Reaver it was-"
"If you don't ask him to leave, I will," He interrupted as he drew his pistol. "And I won't be very nice about it." His eyes flashed dangerously toward the door.
"You wouldn't dare," I said, my blood boiling. My level-headedness drifted away, and I was overcome by anger. How dare he act this way when he told me he had no intention of courting me, when he'd made it clear that I was just another notch on his bedpost.
"I would," He said. "I can give him the choice of returning to whatever hole in the mud he came from or having a new hole somewhere on his body."
"And if I asked him to leave...What would that mean to you?"
"That I no longer have to vie for your attention," He said. "I don't like sharing my toys, dearie."
"You don't own me, Reaver," I spat my fists tightening.
"Don't I?" he asked, holstering his pistol once more. "I seem to remember a little deal we made."
"That was for a favor, not possession of me," I corrected him. "I can easily give you your gold back, if that is what you require."
He grasped my face with one hand, and he narrowed his eyes. "If it was gold I wanted, I would have asked." His eyes flashed dangerously. "You belong-"
My fist connected with his jaw, and I caught his hand before he could strike me back. I shoved him away. "Don't finish that sentence," I said, my teeth ground together with anger.
He wiped the trickle of blood that flowed down his chin, and he spat at my feet. "I suppose I should be going," he said, his voice just above a growl "Perhaps I'll go fuck something that wasn't mauled by a balverine."
My eyes narrowed, and I returned with, "I'd rather have scars on my skin than a dark and twisted heart in my chest."
He glared at me with fire in his eyes one last time before turning for the door. He slammed it behind him, the hinges crying out in protest of the force he'd used.
I steadied myself against the wall, and I wiped the budding tears from my eyes. I raked my hand over my hair, and I slid down to the ground, the sobbing overtaking me. His words stung me deeper than I would have ever imagined. I drew my knees up to my chest, folding my arms around them. I felt appalled, both with him and myself. He was despicable, as I had known, but what disgusted me the most was that I still wanted him. I covered my face, wiping away my flowing tears.
I heard a gentle knock at the door.
"Your Majesty?" asked Jasper, sounding grave.
I jumped to my feet, and I wiped away my tears, inspecting myself in the mirror. I looked horrid, but it would have to do. I let out a breath, and I opened the door for Jasper.
"Your Majesty," He said bowing. "I'm terribly sorry for disturbing you, but something has happened."
My heart stopped. "What, Jasper?" I questioned. What else could possibly happen to make this evening any more terrible?
He took my hands into his, and he pressed his lips together in a hard line. "It's about Alistair, I'm afraid."
My lips parted, but I couldn't speak.
"He..." he exhaled softly. "I found him laying in front of your door...I'm so sorry, Your Majesty."
I felt my knees crumble beneath me, and all of the air left my body. I couldn't breathe. It was just too much.
Jasper must have followed me down to the ground because he was wrapping his arms around me. "He was very old, Your Majesty. It looked like a peaceful passing."
I nodded, though I wasn't comforted by the facts that Jasper presented.
I heard another pair of feet approaching.
"Your Majesty?" asked William's voice as he entered the room. "Are you alright? What has happened?"
Both Jasper and William helped me to my feet, and I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Alistair..." I gulped. "He passed away."
William's eyes widened, and his eyebrows furrowed with sympathy. "Oh, My Lady, I am so sorry." He stepped forward, grabbing my hands tenderly. "Is there anything you require?"
I shook my head, my knees trembling beneath me once more.
William put an arm around me, steadying my stance. "Come let's get you sitting down." He pulled me toward the sofa in the corner, and he sat me down, taking a seat beside me. He pushed my hair out of my face, and he rose again to cross the room toward the bottle of whiskey and glasses on the far table.
"Your Majesty, if you wanted to say goodbye, now would be the time," Jasper said sadly.
I didn't think I could. I shook my head. "No...No I can't Jasper. I'm sorry." He was my friend for ten years, and now he was gone. I couldn't look at him that way. It would be too painful.
"I understand, Your Majesty," He said with a nod. "I will see to it that he is taken care of as a companion of his caliber should be."
I nodded. "Thank you."
Jasper walked toward me, hugging me tightly once more. "I shall return later when it is done."
Once again, I bobbed my head softly.
He exited the room, closing the door.
William turned. "Do you want a drink, My Lady?"
I shook my head.
He came to sit beside me on the sofa. "I wish there were something I could do to make your pain go away."
I couldn't hold it back anymore. My sobs bubbled out of me, and I covered my face, trying to muffle them somewhat.
I felt William's arms wrap around me. He smelled like clean linen and grass. I sunk into his chest, accepting his comfort. His chin came to rest gently on the top of my head. "I'm here," He said tenderly, stroking my hair.
I found myself slightly comforted in his arms. "Please don't leave." I couldn't bear being alone. The last time that my emotions had been so incredibly torn, I was stuck in the darkness in the desert. I didn't want to relive that deep, empty feeling.
"I wouldn't dream of it," He replied.
A/N: So, I am really on a writing roll right now. I plan on posting as many chapters as I can get out. Maybe it's all the coffee... But anyway, thank you for reading and stay tuned! It's about to get juicy.