A/N: The pieces and characters keep moving as the story continues :) I hope you all enjoy this chapter! xx Mariah
"I'll be damned if I will give up my command to that fool you call a son!" Harrison York stood in the center of Lady Faith's bed chamber and vented his anger at those in front of her. The man's fists were clenched at his sides, his eyes blazed with anger.
Faith repressed a sigh at her uncle standing before her. The discussion had been going on for the last hour and showed no sign of letting up. In many ways, the conflict has been going on much longer than that, so perhaps she should just be thankful that she only had to put up with a small part of it.
She fought back her tears. And surely there were more important things than this nonsense.
"Uncle, you must calm down. Jim is our King and knows what is best," she told him reasonably. "You have been making irrational decisions. Ned will do a fine job with this command. That I am sure of."
"What I am sure of is that Gordon whore whispering in your boy's ear," Harrison ranted, tearing up the parchment from Jim with the order to give his command to Prince Ned. "That girl is behind this. Melinda wrote to that so-called king of ours and told him of my plans! She will pay for it. I swear."
"NO!" She yelled, standing up and walking over to her uncle. "It was me, you fool. What you speak of is treason."
"Fuck that!" Harrison raged, spit flying from his mouth. "We're at war, aren't we? Our House has only recently recovered and my brother lies dying in the tower. I'll be damned to hell before I give up some of my responsibility to that whoremongering son of yours."
Faith sighed, rolling her eyes. "Don't speak of Ned in that way and neither of Melinda," she told him. "I won't hear it, Uncle, and I will have you arrested if you speak of any treason ever again."
Harrison York nodded stiffly, gave a perfunctory bow, then strode from the room, and the heavy doors closed firmly behind him. Faith ignored it all, turning her body and walking over to sit by the window. She had been tending her father in the last few weeks, listening to his incoherent mutterings until it had gotten to be too much. She couldn't listen to her uncle's petty grievances with Ned anymore.
It wasn't until someone had knocked on the door when she was broken from her train of thought.
Upon command, a girl had entered her room nervously. "My lady, I apologize for the intrusion."
"It's alright, girl." Faith said, grateful for the visitor. She regarded the young woman, observed her light brown hair and sweet smile. A flash of recognition stirred deep within her. She was one of the queen's ladies. "It's Katherine, isn't it? My son, the prince, he's quite taken with you."
"Yes, my lady. I know," Katherine said, her face flushing at the reminder as she curtseyed in front of her. "Prince Ned and I have a very… complex relationship."
"So it would seem. You are Lord William's eldest daughter, correct?" She asked, vaguely remembering a feast in the capital when she had been introduced to the Forrester family a decade before. "You were small when you came to court in the capital the first time, but I remember. That's where you met Melinda, am I right?"
The old queen could barely recall the children of Lord William and Lady Elissa, who she knew had just passed away from a fever.
Her late husband would have chided her for not being able to remember all the members of a house under their command. Aiden always could, and it was one of the many reasons his people loved him as much as they do.
"You come from noble stock, Katherine." Faith carried on, shaking off the annoyance at her forgetful memory. "My late husband always spoke very highly of the Forresters and their bravery in the field."
The girl's cheeks flushed with pride, but it didn't quite reach Katherine's eyes as her curtsey deepened. "My father holds King Aiden in the deepest regard, my lady. Not many think highly of our family and to think that the late King thought well of us would be the source of great honor to all of our house." She told her, seemingly sounding truthful. "And yes, I met Melinda in the capital when I was quite young."
Faith detected a hint of false praise to the Forrester's, but not to her husband. Strange. What possible reason was there for her to dislike her own house? She turned toward the young girl again. "What can I do for you, Katherine?" She asked.
Katherine came out of her curtsey to stand respectfully in front of her. "I have just come from Queen Melinda's side and it is you I have been sent to find. I have a message for you." She offered up a scroll.
Faith could see that it bore the broken crowned sigil of House Clancy. Clearly, Melinda had received the letter from the king, read its contents, and the queen had clearly felt that the news was worth having her lady seek her out rather than waiting for a council meeting tomorrow. Her heart missed a beat as she gingerly stood from her place and took the scroll.
Within seconds she had devoured its contents and looked up abruptly to find that Katherine Forrester hadn't moved, but was smiling at her. "The King has taken Roquefort," Faith couldn't keep a surprised expression from her face. "With no bloodshed."
"He has, my lady," Katherine said, nodding.
"My son's letter makes no reference to a battle or any losses of men," she said, reading over the contents of the letter again and again. "Did his host lay siege to the castle?"
Almost as quickly as Faith said it, she dismissed the idea. There was no way Jim would have been able to take Roquefort with a siege in under two weeks, not even with the great number of men that her son had with him.
Katherine saw the consternation on her face, and the girl leaned forward slightly to speak. "There was bloodshed because there was no battle, my lady. Lord Rick had fled the castle by the time the king arrived. There was a small garrison, but they surrendered when they saw the army before them."
"Lord Rick left his family seat to be taken?" Faith pondered this and could not fathom why that would have occurred.
If the rebel king had left his base of operations with his host there must have had a reason, and it would not be because he was picking fruit in the countryside. A flash of panic went through her. The only logical explanation was that it must be a trap.
Faith gripped the parchment in her hand as she brushed past Katherine and made for the rookery. Jim must be told, she thought.
"My lady?" Katherine hurried after her, alarmed at her reaction to what the girl thought would be pleasant news.
"I have no time to explain myself. I must inform the king of something dire," she said, not hesitating as she walked brusquely, almost running through the castle corridors.
"There is no need, my lady," Katherine said, carrying the skirts of her dress as she fought to keep stride with Faith. "The queen has already sent a reply to His Grace."
This brought the old queen to a halt. Katherine had not expected her movements and she almost collided with the older woman in front of her. Thankfully, for them both, Katherine was young and nimble, and able to bring herself up short in time.
She turned to face the girl, her eyes searching the young face. "He has? The king has been warned?"
A frown of confusion crossed Katherine's face, marring her pretty features. "Warned, my lady? What would the king need to be warned about?"
"Foolish child!" Faith gritted her teeth, clenched her fists. She turned quickly, her long skirts swishing on the floor as she resumed her hurried walk. "The king must be warned that Lord Rick has set a trap. He must intend to attack him in some other way when the King is unaware and not expecting it. He would never leave his family seat if he didn't have a plan."
Realization seemed to strike the girl's face. "But my lady, Lord Rick hasn't gone west. He's gone north, most likely toward the capital to lay siege, but the King intends to stop him. The rebel army has been spotted near Shadow Creek. Hopefully, Lord Dillard will be able to stop Rick from crossing North, but that will only hinder him for so long."
North? Faith was perplexed. Why would Rick Payne want to head north? The war was in the west. The capital may be where the throne sat, but Jim had not wished to kill any innocent smallfolk that surrounded the city, and Rick Payne may be cruel but he would not abandon his home unless he had another choice.
Abruptly, she stopped, but this time Katherine was ready for her and stopped with plenty of distance between them. She looked at the young lady. "He has? How do you know this?" She asked, searching on the girl's face for answers.
The lady looked around, seeking potential listeners. Seeing there were none, Katherine bowed her head to Faith in respect. "There was a… um…" the girl stuttered, looking torn and then sighed, "another letter. For Queen Melinda's eyes only."
Faith blinked. Of course, her eldest son was taken with his queen, and she knew well enough that Melinda had fallen for Jim just as much. But, it seemed the new queen was full of surprises, and between her caution and her son's sense of duty and military sense, they'd retaken the west while keeping their forces intact. That certainly was a feat and she knew Melinda would let the men take the credit.
Jim would feel vindicated, and to be fair he should, it was a bold move, worthy of a newly crowned and young King. Still, in her heart, Faith had trouble believing that Rick Payne would have ever left the field without giving battle. He had essentially surrendered to Jim and fled like a coward. Why would the old brute of a man ever do that? It was a costly and defining decision.
She shook her head, knowing she would doubtlessly find out soon enough, and allowed herself to breath slowly, closing her eyes. At least for now she knew that Jim was safe and that he had won another victory. Even one as empty as this one.
"Thank you for telling me of this recent news as quickly as you did," she said to the young girl. "If you wish to accompany me to walk to my father's chamber you may, but if not you may go back to the queen's side."
"I will take my leave then, Lady Faith," Katherine said with a curtsey and sad smile before she left her. "Your father is in my prayers."
Faith smiled sadly at her and then turned towards her father's chambers. Her father must be told that his grandson was safe, and that night, in pain but with the hint of a smile on his face, Harold York died.
Ned watched Katherine with rapt attention as she weaved the stems of wildflowers together, creating a chain. He had his sketchpad in his lap and his charcoal in his hand ready, waiting for the perfect moment for him to begin drawing her. She tucked a dark lock of hair behind her ear and bit her lip as she added another flower to the chain.
The prince felt his hand begin to draw the smooth lines of her face, he stuck the tip of his tongue out as he went into more detail, capturing every freckle and blemish on her face, making her look like an angel. He had never drawn anyone as beautiful as Katherine before. He had once asked another girl if he could sketch her, but all he got was insults and a sore cheek.
Katherine's reaction had been entirely different.
She had been honored that he wanted to draw her and suggested they come outside for better light in the gardens.
Ned's movements stilled when he heard a small hum come from her. It was a quite familiar tune, perhaps one he even remembered other people singing around him when he was younger. His eyes skimmed over her features, studying them all as he drew them beautifully onto a piece of parchment. His pencil mimicked the sharp arch of dark eyebrows, and curl of her long eyelashes, the dusting of freckles on her sloping nose, and her plump lips.
Her eyes met his and they crinkled up as she smiled at him. "Enjoying yourself on this fine day, my prince?" She asked.
He certainly was enjoying more than that. "I am basking in your beauty," he confessed to her softly, "I think I remember that song from when I was a child."
"My mother used to sing it to me when she would tuck me into bed at night," she smiled wistfully, looking like she was lost in thought. "That was before I met Melinda and then traveled to live in Aurora though."
"Will you sing it for me?" He asked, finishing his drawing and laying the parchment down for her to see.
Katherine gazed at his drawing and then slightly nodded, picking up the tune, her soft voice flowing out through the crisp air. "Caterpillar in the tree, how you wonder who you'll be. Can't go far, but you can always dream," she sang lightly. "Wish you may and wish you might; don't you worry hold on tight. I promise you that there will come a day when my butterfly will fly away."
And just like that, Ned knew he was a goner. He loved this woman and he wanted her to be his wife.
His whole body relaxed as her voice surrounded him and he laid back in the grass next to her, watching as she continued to weave flowers together as she sang. He tucked his hands under his head and let his eyes fall shut, felt himself smile, and let out a deep relaxing sigh as a pair of delicate fingers caressed the hair on his head.
He cracked an eye open and found her lying down beside him with curious, warm eyes. He smiled at her and said, "hello beautiful."
"Hi," she replied, her voice almost silent.
Just as he went to sit up, Katherine leaned down and pressed her lips to his, her fingers tangling in with his hair. Ned let out a small, surprised gasp, his eyes opening wide to find her closed ones. He melted into their kiss, sitting up on his elbows and reaching to caress her cheek. A feeling of energy ran through him, his body buzzing with anticipation as one of her hands came to rest over his extremely fast-beating heart and the other tickled around the nape of his neck.
He broke away and stared at her in awe, watching as her eyes fluttered open. "My lady..." He whispered, starstruck and at a loss for words at how she made him feel.
Katherine breathed in quickly and sat up, holding a hand to her chest. "Oh my... I-I... that was inappropriate of me to do," she said softly. "If anyone were to have seen us..."
Ned sat up and rested his hand over hers, feeling her heart beating fast in her chest. All he wanted to do was reassure her of his love. "Never apologize for that or for expressing how you feel," he whispered. A feeling of delight rushed over him, one that he hoped she may have felt too. "I adore that you wanted to kiss me." He pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and held her cheek in the palm of her hand. "I have wanted to do that for some time too."
She opened and closed her mouth as if she was about to say something to him, but he slowly leaned back in and kissed her again. This and his command of Oakheart were all he'd ever wanted, and now he had both.
"You may have your servants dress you, your grace." The healer said, stepping back and beginning the process of returning his tools to a leather-bound pouch he'd left on a table beside the bed. "I have completed my examination."
Melinda propped herself onto her elbows and her handmaidens came from where they had been waiting at the side of the room. Katherine delicately fit a robe around her as the other adjusted her shift. She looked past their efforts and spoke to the old man. "And?" She couldn't keep the impatience from her voice.
"Your grace seems in perfect health." The old man smiled kindly, keeping his attention on the task at hand and closing the pouch in his hands. "As does the child you carry inside you. You were correct on your assumption."
Melinda sighed and put a hand delicately on her belly, an action she had taken up doing lately despite the fact that her condition was hardly noticeable. Only a slight swelling gave evidence to her child, something easily disguised by the right clothing. Not that she had any need for that when that time came and she couldn't hide it.
She was the queen and carried her king's heir inside of her. Let everyone in the entire kingdom see and shout the news from the highest mountain once she had the chance to tell her husband. Though that didn't stop her from creating a bit of gossip to spread around the castle.
Katherine had even insisted that she bring someone to examine her this morning because his appearance in her quarters at such an early hour would excite comment. The only conceivable reason for his presence was either that he had news, the queen was ill, or that she was pregnant, and pregnancy was by far the juicier piece of gossip.
It would be that very possibility that others would focus on and enquire about soon enough and Melinda had even instructed her handmaidens to expect questions to come their way over her condition. Some questions would definitely be more subtle than others and it was on her orders that her handmaidens should only reveal anything once she had the chance to tell Jim, but under severe questioning from the gossips, of course, if they felt the need, they could confirm the fact that she was carrying the king's child.
There was nothing truly to hide, but she wanted the news to only come out if necessary before her most recent letter had the chance to reach Jim. Nothing endeared a sovereign more to the people than the thought of their queen carrying the heir to the throne and was sure to be a great source of joy among the smallfolk in Grandvista.
As the old man finished packing away his instruments, Melinda got to her feet, pulling the long robe of purple velvet around her to cover her body. She tied the belt across her waist as she spoke again. "I am most indebted to you," she said kindly. "And I am sure the king and I will have a great need for your services in the times ahead."
"I live to serve, your grace," the healer said, bowing his head. "I had not thought I would live long enough to assist with the birth of Lady Faith's grandchildren."
"Well, I know I could not be in better hands." She beamed at him. "Plus, not only that, we will have need of your other services."
The healer turned to her slowly. "Other services, your grace?"
"The king told me how crucial your council was in the capital when his father had first gone to fight the rebels." Melinda said, "I have no doubt that when Jim returns and the war is done that he will wish to appoint you to his small council." The queen walked over to a table by the window. It was piled high with scrolls and messages. Each would require her attention. She picked up the top scroll before answering the healer. "Surely you feel that a king needs a small council to help him rule the realm?"
The old man looked quizzically at her. "Well of course your grace but…."
"A Small Council requires a healer does it not?" She said, breaking the seal of the scroll in her hands.
"The realm already has one on the council, your grace." The old man pointed out, looking perturbed.
"Romano?!" Melinda snorted as she unrolled the parchment. "He has flocked to Rick Payne's side. We cannot trust him." She tutted in dismissal. "No, I am sure the king will ask you to serve in that capacity at the conclusion of the war."
"Surely, there are other more worthy men your grace?" The old healer asked.
She looked up from the letter in front of her, giving the man her full attention. The man looked at her uncomfortably. "Your advice and service to Oakheart's councils have been invaluable. I would wish that to continue at war's end."
The healer looked stunned. His mouth opened but no sound came forth.
Melinda returned to the scroll. "I have written a letter on the king's behalf requesting that a team of acolytes, novices, and healers be sent to assist you."
The old healer looked dazed. Finally, he spoke. "I am at your command, your grace."
"Good." Melinda nodded firmly. "Katherine, the letter please."
Her friend stepped forward and presented him with a bound scroll. The young girl curtseyed lightly to the man and returned to her place beside her.
The healer eyed the scroll warily, he slowly retracted his arm to study the seal. Inlaid within the hot wax was a picture of two swords ringed with roses, a combination of the Clancy and Gordon sigils, Melinda's new seal as Queen.
"I am truly honored by your appointment, but I should remind you that the king chooses the healer's place at each castle." The man told her.
Please. You're not that naïve. The queen offered him a bright but firm smile. "I assure you, he will permit this and I have quite a bit of sway over my husband's judgment." She could sense the man's uncertainty. "At the moment I am merely instructing you to have this letter sent. What happens next is beyond your power." But it was not beyond my power.
The healer bowed slowly, mumbling his thanks, and then left her chamber.
Melinda sighed. That was tiresome, she thought. She was trying to honor the man and show he was valued. She sat at her desk and set the scroll she'd been holding aside. "Yet another proposal from Lord Gregory to revise my husband's terms of the settlement with the Blackwood's."
Katherine came towards her carrying a tray of refreshments. She was glad to see that the girl had not let her position go to her head. She still fetched and carried things like all the other girls. The north did breed them humble. Proud but humble. The queen was amused by the contrast.
"Will you accept the proposal, your grace?" Katherine asked as she poured a goblet of water.
"No." She replied as she reached for another of the seemingly endless mountain of messages. "Lord Janos has had my final word on the subject. The only choice he has now is to accept willingly or be forced to."
"Is it wise to make an enemy of the Gregory's?" Katherine asked, setting a goblet in front of her and then her own place. "They are a powerful house in the north. Antagonizing them might not be the wisest course."
Clever girl. "Perhaps not, but I cannot have it said that I allowed defiance," she muttered and took a sip of her water. "Lord Janos tried to slip his own deal past the council. He cannot be allowed to do so lightly." Otherwise, it made me look weak. And that was not the type of queen I wanted to be.
Melinda did not choose this battle and yet, now it's taking place, she must win it. Her mother had taught her that much.
"Perhaps Prince Ned should adjudicate?" Katherine offered, with hopeful eyes. "Gregory and Blackwood are both houses that are under his commander here. If not him, then should their liege lord Harrison York not deal with him?"
Melinda allowed a burst of laughter to escape her. "I believe Prince Ned has better things on his mind than dealing with recalcitrant houses," she said halfheartedly.
Her other handmaiden, Sera, came forward and set a plate of food on the table just to the side of her elbow. "Prince Ned has been ever so distracted of late," the woman giggled as she set the food down.
She turned to regard her. "Gossiping again Sera?" She asked.
The girl blushed and looked worrying at Katherine, then back at her queen again. "No, no your grace." Sera stuttered. "It's just… erhm-"
She shouldn't torture the poor girl. "Don't be concerned, Sera. I don't mind you talking to others around the castle," Melinda giggled, shaking her head. "Just be sure it's not about your queen's business."
Sera stared wide-eyed at her mistress. "Oh, your grace, I would never."
Melinda nodded firmly and then glanced at her friend. Katherine was staring at the fireplace now. "Good," she leaned back in her chair. "Now, tell me, what does the castle say about Prince Ned?"
The girl looked nervously at her mistress and then at Katherine. "Well, currently the rumors are that the prince has a bastard son, your grace," she said slowly. "There were a few people that had seen him around the castle with Lady Katherine as well, holding hands, but not since House Blackwood came to pay their respects. It seems Prince Ned fathered a child a few years ago with a daughter of the house. It may be why Lord Gregory feels slighted in the marriage deal."
Melinda was sure Katherine didn't know that much from the look on her face. If the rumor was true and Ned had a bastard, she was sure that was enough to scare the girl away. It would scare any sane noblewoman away from Ned, at least for now. "Is that right?" She asked, pondering. "You may have a point."
Sera gave her an odd look, no doubt disbelieving her naivety. "It could be your grace but no one has seen the child. It might just be run of the mill gossip. I am quite sure, however, about the details with Lady Katherine." Melinda could tell the handmaiden did not like that she was being ignored or brushed off. "I heard some whispers about them kissing in the gardens and I saw her kiss him myself in the corridor like some common whore."
"Kissing?" Melinda said in a mock tone and that was when Katherine glanced over her shoulder to share a small, sad smile with her. "Now, Sera, enough. If you speak about Lady Katherine like that again you will never work for me again." She saw the handmaiden flash an angry glance at her before Sera bowed her head. "Is that clear?"
"Yes, your grace," Sera muttered.
The gossip certainly was interesting though. Ned with a bastard child. She mused on that thought alone, but then remembered Sera had also had something about Ned kissing and holding hands with her lady in the gardens.
Melinda glanced over to see Katherine sitting across from her now instead of standing and sipping on her wine again. That girl did move just as fast as she could, but she had never been concerned about if they struck up an acquaintance. They could be wed if that's what they wished to do. At least that might break the tension between the Forrester's and the crown. Still, this all needed looking into.
She turned back to Sera, who had gone over to fix the blankets on her bed. "Now since you know the gossip, find the Blackwood girl who supposedly bore Prince Ned's bastard. It seems I will be having a private meal tonight with her tonight in my private dining room." The handmaiden nodded, curtsied, and left. She turned toward Katherine sadly. "I am sorry you found out like that."
Her friend shook her head and finally, a few tears rolled down her cheeks as she moved to stand. Katherine paced back and forth anxiously. "I shouldn't have ever thought of him so highly. It's my fault, Melinda. I knew of his reputation and I just... he made me feel beautiful and seen for the first time in my life. I thought maybe he could change with time..."
Melinda moved across the room to stand beside her and hugged her close. "I know what you thought, sweet girl, and men almost every time will disappoint you in some new and improved way." She pressed a kiss to Katherine's forehead.
Sera had returned a moment later and Melinda broke their embrace to turn towards her handmaiden. "Lady Faith wishes to see you. Shall I show her in?"
"Yes. Just go do what I asked you to, Sera," Melinda said flatly, taking another glance over Katherine to see she had wiped her tears away and composed herself for now.
"Your grace," Katherine gasped mockingly, a smile present on her face, "but you are not dressed."
As if she didn't know that already. "I hardly think Lady Faith will mind if I am more casually attired than normal. Besides, it would not be smart to keep the king's beloved mother waiting for any longer." Melinda adjusted her robe to make sure she was covered and gave Katherine's hand a squeeze. "I believe you have something to talk to Ned about. Do tell him to come to my chambers for a private chat with Lady Faith and me after you're done speaking with him."
Katherine nodded and sighed. "I will inform the prince."
The queen smiled to herself. She knew she wouldn't have to chastise Ned too much. Katherine would do that job just fine herself.