The carriage came to a halt several miles west of Castle Grey. The driver climbed down from atop the carriage and went to open the doors. Taking the hand of the Countess he led her down the steps of the carriage. Raymond Steele followed suit. Looking around at his surroundings he saw that he was on an impressive plot of land overlooking the sea. A large crumbling estate was pressed against the cliff. It was quite impressive despite it's obvious needs of repair.

"Welcome blacksmith, to my home." The Countess grinned at Raymond showing rotten pointed teeth. Despite her beautiful face her mouth was ghastly. Raymond blanched for a moment then caught himself.

"A very impressive estate, Countess." The Countess smiled and offered Raymond her arm. The driver of the carriage climbed back on and started to drive away towards the stables on the far east side of the estate.

As the Countess and Raymond made their way up the steps of the crumbling house Raymond could see her eyeing him at the corner of his eye. He said nothing as the door opened and they walked inside.
Inside the house was just as decrepit as the outside was. There was dust on everything. It was almost as if the house hadn't been inhabited in a century. Raymond looked at the Countess who walked over to sit on a large velvet couch. She patted the seat beside her inviting Raymond to sit.

"Tell me Countess, how is it that you can help me?"

The Countess smiled at Raymond and said nothing for a moment.

"Anastasia is your daughter, is she not?"

Raymond twitched at the mention of his daughters name.

"How do you know Anastasia?"

The Countess sighed and leaned back into the couch.

"Oh dear blacksmith, I have friends in high places. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on your ample daughter that there was no way she was of nobility from London. What baffles me is that the King would take such an interest in her."

Raymond was puzzled.

Nobillity? London? What is happening. My dear Anastasia.

An unwilling memory lit across Raymond's mind like a torch being waved in his face.

"You're daughter enjoyed it last night when I fucked her."
His fist pounded against his leg in anger and the Countess blanched.

"Dear blacksmith don't fret. You're daughter will be returned to you in due time. Should you decide to help me.

Raymond eyed the Countess curiously, not really trusting the old woman.
"How could you possibly help me Countess?"

The Countess laughed a high shrill of a laugh that Raymond compared to that of a hag. It was quite unsettling.

"To put it simple blacksmith, I want to be Queen. It's my rightful place and your daughter- the peasant doesn't belong there. For some reason she has bewitched the King and has put a damper in my plans. So dear blacksmith you are going to help me. We both want the same thing. You want her back with you and I want her as far away from the King as possible."

Raymond stood up momentarily and bowed before the Countess. He grabbed her hand and kissed it softly.
"Tell me what I need to do Countess."

…..

There was a soft knock on her bedroom door. Anastasia put down the book she was reading and hesitantly walked towards the door. She put her ear against the door.

"Who is it?" She whispered. It had to be late in the night.
"It's Christian. I must speak with you." His voice sounded pained. Anastasia was still quite angry but decided it wouldn't be smart to ignore the King. With a deep breath she opened the door. Standing before her looking disheveled and sad was the King.

"May I come in?" He asked softly.

"I suppose so." Anastasia muttered and gestures for him to enter.

Anastasia walked over to the chair she was sitting on and ushered for the King to sit across from her.

"I owe you an apology, Anastasia. The things I said to your Father. Taking you in the first place. It's all so wrong and I am sorry. If I could take it all back I would." Anastasia was in shock. Her breath caught in her throat.

"You can take it back. You can let me go."

Christian looked at her with hunger in his eyes.

"I can't.
Anastasia wanted to cry.
"Why can't you let me go!?"
Christian moved towards her and dropped to his knees. He grabbed both of Anastasia's hands in his and looked at her.

"Because I am bewitched by you Anastasia. Ever since I heard you stand up to me it's like you awoken something inside of me. You are the one thing in this world that can actually make me feel something other than hatred and rage. I want you to stay with me. Forever."

Anastasia looked at the King in shock.

"I can't stay here forever. I have my Father out there."
The King gave her a small smile.
"He can visit you anytime should you wish to stay." This revelation made Anastasia dizzy.

"Where has this sudden change of mind come from Christian? I can't keep up with your moods."
Christian smiled up at her.

"I'm tired of being miserable, of knowing no happiness. I don't want to waste another minute."

"I can't be your Queen, Christian, you know that right?"
Christian sighed not meeting her eyes for a moment.

"We'll deal with that if the time comes." He mutters.

"What does that mean?" Anastasia was very confused.

"It doesn't matter right now. What matters right now is that I want nothing more then to be inside you."

Before Anastasia could protest she felt the King's lips greedily upon hers. He was kissing with not only passion but hunger. She could feel his need for her. He longed for her touch and despite everything she knew she felt the same so she kissed him back. Her tongue darted out into his mouth and he moaned against her lips. Suddenly he broke off the kiss and picked her up into his arms and carried her over to the bed. His lips found her again as he climbed on top of her. Anastasia moaned as his skillful hands found their way under her dress into her undergarments. She grasped his shoulders tightly, nails digging into his back as he flicked his finger up and down her sex.
"You're so ready for me." He whispered into her neck.
Christian pulled off Anastasia dress and let his pants drop and he was between her legs. Anastasia felt him against her sex just at the entrance. He looked down at her with fire in his eyes.

"Tell me you want this Anastasia."
"Yes, I want you. All of you." Anastasia said between moans. That's all it took because in one swift motion Christian had slammed inside her.
"Oh Anastasia, this is where I want to be always. He moaned against her neck and he continuously slammed into her. Anastasia cried out in pleasure each time. When they were together it didn't matter how it came to be all it mattered was that they were there now.
After one more thrust Christian and Anastasia cried out together and he slumped against her body, spent.
"I love you Anastasia." He whispered into her ear before falling asleep on top; of her. Anastasia's eyes widened in shock but she said nothing. Instead she lay there quietly stroking his hair as he slept.