The weeks past and the war started slowly. The armies kept King Christopher out of their countries but took over one of the villages in his country. The Emperor and the Kings of Summerton, Timberland, and Garren had all went to the front lines and had arrived back safely. Prince Randy and Princess Maryse were expecting a child and it was cause for celebration all through Mertican and Summerton. Princess Katarina and Prince Theodore had yet to conceive a child much to her and his father's chagrin.
"Theodore, you must produce an heir. We can not let King Christopher see Timberland as weak." King Theodore said to his son as they were dining together in Timberland.
"Father, I have no doubt that I will have an heir but these things can not be rushed."
"Perhaps, I chose a wrong wife for you. I assumed that Princess Katarina would be able to produce you an heir."
"Father, it is not the Princess's fault. I know a child is in the near future for the Princess and I."
"I think you should give her a few more months to conceive your heir, if she does not, then you will find you a concubine. One which will carry your heir."
"Father, I will not have a concubine and this discussion is over." Theodore quickly left the table and headed to his room there. He had no doubt that an heir would follow soon.
Princess Katarina knew her father's displeasure that she and Prince Theodore had yet to conceive an heir. She had been certain that she would be with child alright. She believed that everything was God's plan and it was not in his plan yet for them to have a child.
"Your Highness, are you well?" Lady Mickie asked.
"Yes, I am well. I just was thinking." Princess Katarina replied as they walked the garden.
"About the Prince?" Lady Melina asked.
"Yes, about the Prince."
"Do you like him now?"
"I like him. He is a wonderful and caring man. I knew that when we were married. Over the last few months, I have grown to like him more. My only regret is that I have yet to conceive an heir. For which, I know everyone is anxious for us to."
"I am sure you will conceive an heir soon." Lady Mickie replied.
They continued to walk the garden. Princess Katarina knew that the Prince would be returning from Timberland. She had grown to like him over the last few months but her heart was still with Sir Jonathan. She thought about him as she walked the garden. She wondered about him and his safety. She was sure if Randal had heard anything, he would tell her for he knew of her feelings to him.
"Prince Theodore." The guard announced.
The Princess and her ladies curtsied for the Prince. He walked up to Katarina and bowed to her.
"Your Highness."
"Your Grace."
"Walk with me?"
"Of course."
Katarina took his arm and they began walking around the garden. It was the one thing they had in common.
"What did you want to discuss, Your Highness?" Katarina asked as they walked.
"The meeting with my father. The war is progressing like everyone had hope."
"That is wonderful for everyone, correct?"
"Yes. He and your father are most anxious for us to conceive a son as I am sure you know."
"Yes. I am very sorry that we have yet to conceive an heir for I know how important it is."
"I have no doubt that we will conceive an heir hopefully a son. For the reasons we have not, I can not say but know I do not blame you for that."
"But your father does. I would like nothing more than to give you the son you desire."
"I do not agree with my father and I will not take his advice. I believe we will conceive an heir when the time is right."
"What was your father's advice? If you wish to tell, you do not have too. I do not want to interfere in your personal business."
"My father's advice is of no concern for I will not take it. Your Highness, I would like to visit you this night if it is okay with you?"
"Of course, Your Highness."
"Then I will see you tonight." The Prince bowed to her and left the garden.
The Princess left the garden and headed into the castle for dinner. She was grateful that the Prince did not blame her for their inability to conceive an heir. After the meal she went into the chapel for evening prayers. She had known everyone displeasure with her inability to conceive. She hoped she would conceive that night. For an heir was most important, she knew that Randal had fulfilled his duty by conceiving a child even though as of now, no one knew if that child was a son. She kneeled in pray.
"Your gracious father, I hope you will hear my prayer. Keep my brother and family safe as the war is here. Please watch over them and keep them safe. Please watch over Sir Jonathan and keep him safe as well. Watch over the armies that keep us safe from others. And I pray to you that you will see in your wisdom for me to conceive the child that is so necessary. In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit, amen."
She got up and headed her chambers. She knew that the Prince would be coming to visit her and she hoped that she would indeed conceive an heir.
"Milady, the Prince." Lady Mickie announced.
"Thank you. You may go." The ladies curtsied and headed to their chambers.
Katarina slowly made her way to the Prince who in turned kissed her gently as always. He led her over to the bed and removed her gown. As they proceeded to lay together, Katarina's thought were that she would conceive a child to please the Prince as well as her father and his. For she knew if she did not, it was possible that the alliance between the countries would break down or that her husband would chose a concubine. As much as he thought she knew nothing of his father's advice. She knew it was his advice that if she did not conceive an heir soon, he was to take a concubine.
The army of Mertican was camped not far from Prince Theodore's castle. They had been assigned to guard the landline between the Prince's castle and Timberland. It was this army that Sir Jonathan was assigned to. He knew he was close to Katarina and he could not resist seeing her for they had not seen each other in so long. His friend, Sir Adam of Copeland, agreed to help him leave camp. Once everything was in place, he headed toward the castle. He immediately went to the stables. He watched as servants came and went hoping one of the Princess's ladies would come. It wasn't long until Lady Mickie came out to the stables.
"Sir, what are you doing here?" Lady Mickie asked once she saw him.
"Please give this to the Princess." He handed her a note for the princess. "Please."
"Alright." Lady Mickie quickly headed to the princess's chambers. She knew how much the princess felt for him despite being married to the prince. She made sure that the princess was alone before she entered. "Your Highness, I have something for you."
"Yes, Lady Mickie?" The Princess asked taking the note from her. She read it to herself before looking to Lady Mickie. "He is here now?"
"Yes, Your Highness. He is in the stables."
"Why? How?" Katarina wasn't sure what she was trying to say.
"I do not know that, Your Highness."
"Can you and the others cover for me? I must see what he wants."
"Of course, Your Highness." The ladies curtsied to her before she left.
Katarina knew she probably should not go see him but she could not help herself. She wanted to see him and know he was okay. Lady Mickie accompanied her to make sure no one saw her. Katarina arrived at the stables.
"I was hoping that you would come." He said walking out from the shadows.
"You knew I would come." She replied walking over to him. She kissed him gently. "I have missed you."
"I have also." He kissed her back gently.
"How did you get away from the army? They have to know you are gone." She was worried he would be killed if he was discovered that he was gone.
"A friend is covering for me. I had to see you and make sure you were okay."
"I am okay. You were right. The prince is a kind man and would not hurt me."
"I am glad that you have someone like that. It makes me worry less."
"I worry more about you. You are so close to the front lines. I fear for your safety."
"Katie, you should not worry about that. I am fine."
"How long are you here for?"
"Only tonight. I have to be back by dawn. I just could not be this close and not see you."
"I want us to be together tonight. To spend this time together."
"I want that too. I came here for us to have some time together."
"Good."
They walked over to loft and climb up. It was the one place she knew they would be alone. She knew that Lady Mickie was on look out right outside while Lady Maria was on lookout in the hallway, Lady Eve was on lookout on the other side of the stable and Lady Layla was on lookout in her chamber.
"So, tell me about life here with the prince?" Sir Jonathan asked her as they sat there.
"It is fine. Much like my life before this with the exception that you are not here and I am married."
"Katie, I want to tell you that I think about you still. That is why I had to come. I needed to see you."
"I think about you also. I can not help but wish that you and I were together."
"I know. But this is how things are and it is not fair."
"We have tonight." She said taking his hand. "Let us not waste it."
She kissed him gently and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt him kiss her back passionately.
"Katie, I am not sure that is a good idea."
"I want to be with you and I know you want to be with me. We have this one night."
"Do you understand what that would mean? You would be unfaithful to your husband. I know that is not something you want."
"I want you. Please do not say no to me again. Be with me this night. You know it will be probably be the last time."
"I do not think it is the right thing to do."
"Why did you come here? If you did not want to be with me." She got up and walked to the window.
"I do want to be with you." He followed her to the window and stood behind her. "I just do not think it is a good idea. No matter how much I want to."
"I know the consequences of things. I am willing to risk them for us to be together." She turned to face him. "I love you and I want us to join together."
He looked into her beautiful blue eyes and gently kissed her. He had missed her so much and he wanted nothing more than to be with her again. To feel her skin against his and to have the intimate connection again. He slowly began to remove what she wore. He soon removed his as well. He kissed her gently and laid her back on the blanket. Once they were close, he entered her.
She knew that being with him now that she was married was wrong but she wanted nothing more than to be with him. She loved him so much. She felt the pleasure of being with him and soon all thoughts of right and wrong were gone. He had always been gentle with her and she loved the feel of him within her.
Afterwards as they laid there in each other's arms, neither wanted it to end.
"I love you." He whispered to her.
"I love you too." She said before kissing him.
Neither noticed someone watching them. Prince Theodore had taken a walk and ended up at the stables. He saw Lady Mickie out front and wondered what his wife's main lady in waiting was doing there. Once he entered the stables, he knew immediately. He watched and listened as Katarina and her knight talked to each other.
He heard each one say how much they loved each other. Then he watched as his wife and her knight joined together. He had known she had loved deeply with him and that she had joined with him before marriage. As he watched, he knew that if he wanted to, he could have her and the knight killed for adultery. But he wasn't sure he was going to do that. He had read her journal and knew of her feelings. He also knew that this would probably be the only time. So, he would forgive and forget this indiscretion purely for the reason that he knew she would not do it again with anyone. She loved her knight and he was the only one she would join with besides him. He knew the knight would be back at the front lines and odds were that he would not return. Katarina was his and as much as he hated that it sounded like she was a possession, it was the truth.
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