Chapter 10
"Almost there now, Your Royal Highness...you've got this..."
Niles would've told Lady Babcock how comforting and encouraging her words were, but he was too busy concentrating – just trying to put one foot in front of the other.
It was a matter of...well, an odd amount of delicacy. Having been declared well on the road to recovery by Dr Potts, Niles had wanted to celebrate and take some time out in the fresh air. So, after plucking up the courage (and nearly but not quite drawing back from the conversation entirely), he'd invited Lady Babcock out into the countryside to have a picnic with him.
They weren't even in the carriage yet, but he was already having the time of his life. How could he not be? The sun was shining, the breeze was warm, and Lady Babcock's voice was like music. And she'd agreed to be there of her own free will, with no coercion or guilt because she was his nursemaid!
No worrying about his father walking in on them, either. He'd been more than secretly relieved that she'd forgiven everything when he'd apologised for Joseph's behaviour...
Apologised, agreed to this day out, and accepted his gift of that copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
She deserved the book more than he did. And a nice day out in the country. So he'd thought why not let her have both? It gave her a chance to put on what she said was one of her nicer, non-everyday dresses, and...well, she really did look stunning in it.
And she was right next to him, holding his hand. Being a support for him to lean on as he walked, but still...!
"Just a few more feet and we'll have arrived at the carriage, my lord," she said, smiling up at him and patting his back, "But we can rest for a moment, if you need to."
Niles shook his head – the sooner they were on the carriage, the better. He did not want to lose any precious time with her. Not when he'd been looking forward to this little trip for a long while now. He'd ordered the cooks to prepare his and Lady Babcock's favourite foods, and he'd had them place everything in three enormous picnic baskets (which had, of course, been stored in the carriage by one of his stewards).
He wanted everything to be perfect for his and Lady Babcock's day out.
He'd naturally told his mother about his plans, and the queen had been more than happy to oversee the preparations in his place. She'd regularly updated him on how everything was going, and he suspected she'd had a hand on Lady Babcock's look for the day. She was, after all, wearing a new set of jewels – while her salary as First Lady of the Bedchamber was a lot higher than the one she'd had when she was a simple maid, it still wasn't enough for her to have afforded such luxurious pieces without help. Her shoes and her coat were also new, and they were very much his mother's style.
All in all, the day had the potential to be a wonderful one, but for any of that to happen, he needed to get to the carriage.
"I am perfectly fine, milady," he replied, trying to puff out his chest but failing miserably – his ribs simply did not agree with his attempts at being gallant. "I can bear to give a few more steps."
In her own mind, C.C. was on the verge of asking him to not be a hero about the whole thing. He'd done so well and he'd managed all the way that they'd come, but he could stop and rest if he wanted to.
The carriage wasn't going anywhere without them, but he seemed so eager to get on it!
It was...partially endearing, really, seeing him excited to be up and about for the first time in so long. She liked to think he was eager to get going on their day together, too, but of course she neither asked that or made any kind of reference to it. She was still just a servant, really, albeit one with a more lofty title than most. She had no place asking. But that didn't mean that she couldn't enjoy it.
And that all started by helping the prince achieve his goal of getting into that carriage.
"As you wish," she said cheerfully, walking him as slowly and carefully as they had been (even though Niles had been trying to increase his speed as they went along). "At this rate, we'll be in the carriage in no time!"
Niles smiled a little, taking another few slightly laboured steps.
Soon. They'd be in the carriage and on their way to a wonderful day out very soon...
He couldn't wait. This would be the first time he and Lady Babcock had spent alone time together outside! He hoped the weather would be good, but perhaps not completely clear – he was sort of hoping that they might be able to watch the clouds, and see if they could spot shapes in them...
But it was still going to present a challenge, getting into the carriage. He couldn't climb up and into it by himself because he still couldn't fully support the weight and pull himself up, but he didn't exactly want to make Lady Babcock do more than was necessary.
What kind of a gentleman would he be, making a lady carry him?
Not that she seemed hesitant. Before he even got a chance to complain, they'd arrived at the carriage and Lady Babcock was preparing to help lift him into the thing!
"Are you ready, Your Royal Highness?" she asked. "I can give you a push up on the count of three...?"
Niles didn't know how to answer. He didn't want her to have to push him all the way into the carriage, but at the same time he knew there was no way he'd be able to get up there by himself!
He could only curse his bones for not healing fast enough. If he'd been well enough, he would've rushed to the carriage with Lady Babcock in tow and they'd be on their way to a beautiful, quiet picnic already!
Instead, he was stood there at the steps of the carriage, wondering exactly how much less of a gentleman it would make him to let Lady Babcock push him up, or if he could gather some form of miracle strength at the very last minute and pull himself up.
Part of him wondered how impressive that would look to Lady Babcock, too...
But C.C. wasn't aware of his thought process. She only saw him apparently hesitating at the thought of answering her question, and a growing sense of worry was building up in her insides.
What was wrong? Was he in pain? He hadn't been when they'd left, but they'd come quite a long way. What if he wasn't in pain? What if he was having second thoughts about going on the picnic? Not that that would make sense – he'd seemed so eager just a few minutes ago!
The number of thoughts and questions was starting to make her head spin, to the point where she couldn't take it anymore.
She had to ask.
"If...if you are healed enough and still want to go, I mean," she half-mumbled, her gaze suddenly anywhere but on the prince. "You're not obliged to want to go on any picnic..."
Realising what she must've been thinking at long last, Niles jolted, nearly leaping at her in his panic, and only being kept from doing that by his complaining ribs.
"N-No!" he cried out, then he realised how that might've sounded, cringed and knew that he had to continue and explain. "I mean, yes! I-I mean, I still very much want to go on the picnic, I just...I don't feel comfortable having to make you push me into the carriage...!"
C.C. really didn't know what to say to that. All she could do was let a surprised laugh escape her throat. He really did want to go on the picnic with her...that hadn't changed...
And he was being the most considerate she'd ever seen him, to boot! Usually a person in his position would just relax and tell the servant to get on with it, not even stopping to consider if it might be too much for them, or if it was the correct thing to do!
But not the prince. He really was changing...
Not that it made much of a difference, in this case.
"Well, I...I really am grateful for that, Your Royal Highness," she said with a smile. And an odd heat growing on her cheeks. "But seeing as we have no one else to get you up into the carriage, I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your gentlemanly refusal."
"Lady Babcock, I must insist––"
"No, you mustn't," she interrupted him, speaking in the kind of no-nonsense voice that her own mother would use when she or her sister D.D. wouldn't do what they were being told. "You are still recuperating, sir. I am more than capable of helping you up – you see, I am not some defenceless, delicate flower."
Niles didn't really know what to say to that. Again, most women he knew disliked having to make any physical effort, and he was usually more than happy to oblige. But he was incapacitated, as it was, and he had no option but to take Lady Babcock on her offer (which was not so much an offer but rather a command). He'd have to swallow his pride and let her help him, if he wanted to have any sort of day out with her.
It would be a first for him, but he found that, surprisingly enough, he didn't mind so much.
He'd been trying plenty of new things since he'd met Lady Babcock, as it was.
"Alright then," he conceded, releasing a defeated sigh, "I shall let Her Ladyship help me."
She certainly seemed satisfied with that reply. She nodded in a satisfied manner to herself, at any rate.
"Good," the smile was present on her face and in her tone. She then put her hands together, clearly ready and prepared to go to work. "Now, Your Royal Highness, if you put your hands on either side of the rails up into the carriage, I can push you up and in from behind!"
Had his father been there, Niles was sure the king would've made at least a couple of jokes about a woman taking him from behind, but Niles dismissed the thought. Lady Babcock was helping him, and he wasn't going to sully the moment with cheap, unfunny humour.
There was a time and a place for remarks like that. This wasn't one of them.
And he was more than eager to get going without any more delays.
So, he did as he was told once more and gripped at the railings, preparing to step up and in once she gave him that little extra push he needed. Her hands, when they arrived on his back, felt so gentle it was hard to believe she was going to have to use such strength...
"On three," she said. "One...two...three!"
And with that, Niles pulled upwards as C.C. pushed, putting a strain on his ribs but not half as much of one as doing it by himself would have. He still let out a loud grunt of effort, though, and it was a relief to collapse onto the nearest seat once he'd gotten inside.
They'd done it. Between them, they'd managed to get him inside the bloody thing!
Of course, he was then dashed of his pride and turned crestfallen, when he saw that Lady Babcock was pulling herself up into the carriage! This was what he'd been fearing in the first place! What kind of a gentleman was he, if he couldn't even help a woman climb into a carriage?
Even more, how much worse was that made by her having had to push him up there to begin with!
Again, not that Lady Babcock appeared to notice his inner turmoil. She actually looked rather pleased with herself, and she smiled brightly as she closed the door and seated herself opposite him, next to the baskets containing their food.
How could she be so happy, when he hadn't been the perfect gentleman? He had let himself get into the carriage without even thinking of how she would do it herself! And yet she was smiling away, without a care in the world...
He couldn't show her that he'd done such a rude thing. He was trying to be better, but little things like this just slipped his mind!
It could ruin the whole day, if he let her know what he'd done, and he didn't want to spoil it any more than he already had by getting her to half-carry him there...
"Are you ready to go?" he asked instead, attempting a smile of his own in return.
"Well, I am not getting any younger, sir, and there is no point in wasting gorgeous sunlight as it is!" she said gesturing over at the carriage's window.
"I will take that as a yes, then," replied the prince, beginning to smile. She had a point about them not wasting a perfectly good day.
He knocked on the wooden panel behind him twice, and just like that, they were moving steadily out of the palace.
Unbeknownst to either of them, King Joseph had been observing them (was still observing them, really) from his office's window. He was frowning deeply, too. This situation really was getting out of hand – you didn't take a whore out for the day, or parade her around on your arm! She was only good for one thing, and Niles still wasn't showing any signs of using her that way!
The sooner he found the boy a wife, the better. Then he'd learn how to properly sort women into the ones you could take outside, and the ones that were simply for taking.
Maybe...maybe his next birthday would do it...yes...it would be the perfect gift and lesson all rolled into one! He'd receive a woman he could have children with and parade all over the place as much as he wanted (whilst doing whatever else he wanted to that Babcock girl in private) and he'd finally understand how true men kept their women in order!
He turned on his heel and looked at Marie, planning on telling her the decision he'd just made. She was still busy trying not to make herself look too affected by the orgasm he'd just forced her to have, reclining with her head back on the chaise longue, where he'd taken her. He openly smirked to see it; this agreement of theirs truly did benefit him in a lot of ways...
It was going to benefit him in a few more, too, once he'd told her his plan.
But that would have to wait until after he'd had a few more rounds of fun. And had his fun he did, in as many places around the room as he decided, not giving Marie a chance to have a say in any of them. He tried to make it as loud as possible as well, so that the guards and the servants passing in the corridor outside could hear each and every single sound. They'd know that their king was a true man, with the strength and prowess of a god.
He had her back on the chaise longue and was giving his final thrust into her when the moment to tell her eventually came.
"I'm finding the boy a wife," he declared aloud moments after he'd released himself in her, full of pride and feeling as tall as any man would when he'd just ridden a conquered woman until she'd unwittingly screamed his name. "For his next birthday. That will be the gift."
The look of shock (followed by utter hatred) on her face was incredibly funny to him, but before Marie could react to his announcement, disappointingly, there was a knock on the door.
Before calling out for whomever was waiting to come in, Joseph grabbed a blanket from the edge of the chaise longue and tossed it over himself and Marie.
"Cover yourself, woman," he told her sharply. "The only one who gets to see that much flesh is me."
He then called out towards the door, ordering the waiting person to come inside.
It ended up being the older maid – Prudence, if he remembered correctly, carrying tea. He only knew her name because she'd been working there so long; most maids he only learned their names long enough to make them scream out his, then he was onto the next one and promptly forgot the little slut he'd had before.
He smirked again, "Ah, you came just in time to help your queen. She loves having something hot and deeply satisfying inside her, and now she wants tea to follow it up."
Marie immediately shoved him off her, clearly trying to make it hurt as much as she could. Not that it worked – Joseph immediately scooted over beneath the covers, getting as close to her as he possibly could, and put his arms around her, holding tight even as she struggled against him. He knew she didn't want to be held, but he didn't care. This was about him and his triumph, so they got to do what he wanted.
Ignoring...everything going on, Prudence curtsied to him as best she could whilst holding the tray, trying not to frown at the state of Queen Marie. Marie didn't look satisfied about the state of anything. She only looked angry.
"I do not want any tea," she was on the verge of spitting, pushing Joseph's hands away yet again as they went for her breasts. "I want to know why you 'ave come to zhe conclusion zhat our son should be married by 'is next birzhday!"
It was obviously a ploy of some kind – a loophole that Joseph had found, and he was thinking to go straight through it! And, as arrogant and smug as he was, he wasn't even doing it like a sneak!
She was so focused on burning with hatred that she hadn't even considered the fact that Prudence might be listening. The older maid's ears had pricked up, and she was listening in interest.
A lot of interest.
So, Prince Niles was going to be married, eh? Well, that was going to put out a few lights where none were deserved!
Specifically when it came to––
"You know damn well why, woman," Joseph shot back, pulling the blanket around them. "He cannot keep carrying on like he is with the Babcock girl!"
"You agreed zhat you would not interfere!" Marie screamed back at him, the oceans of her eyes burning with rage.
"I am not interfering with the both of them! I am keeping my son's dignity intact!" Joseph shouted back. "He has to get himself a respectable woman to hang off his arm, and keep to his whores in private!"
Prudence nearly spluttered with laughter then, her insides becoming elated with the amusement. As always, the king had the right of it...!
But Marie wasn't about to back down, and the fire looked like it was about to burst forth, after what Joseph had said.
"Zhat girl eez no 'ore...!" she glowered, her voice getting more dangerous with every word. "She eez pure and good, unlike zhe creatures you surround yourself wizh be'ind my back! She eez a virgin, you fool!"
Prudence nearly dropped the tray, which she had been "busying" herself by arranging on one of the side tables. The girl...wasn't a whore? But how could she not be?! She spent all that time with a man who wouldn't even look at a woman unless she opened her legs for him!
It didn't make any sense!
It didn't make any sense...and yet, Queen Marie would have to reason to lie...she kept such a close watch on her son – Prudence knew that much!
Her Majesty was the pinnacle of nobility in blood and spirit, kind and honest beyond all measure, and the most respectable of ladies across the continents! There was no finer mistress, or even person, in Prudence's eyes.
She – as horrible and bile-inducing as the thought was – had to be telling the truth. Prudence couldn't conceive that she'd lie about such a thing!
But Joseph let out a sound like scoffing.
"And I don't understand why! Keeping a virgin around serves about as much purpose as trying to fill a cup with a hole in the bottom! They have no use, while they are still fresh. But you have to get them early – once they get to a certain age, they dry out, like fruit. It renders them inedible," he explained angrily. "The girl is close to being inedible with no one ever getting a taste, so he might as well take her now and throw away the core! Then he'll understand she was always supposed to be a whore, and he'll find a true, respectable wife! He has to learn, just like I did. Once he has, he can treat them all how he wants..."
He then sent a strange look in his wife's direction – a mix of leering lust and threatening malice.
"Just like I do, and get to do with you for as long as their...association continues," he said sharply. "Remember the bargain you struck, Marie; as long as they are allowed to fraternise, for whatever purpose, I am allowed to use you like a common whore, whenever and wherever I see fit. If you wish to change this, say so. You'll get to keep your legs closed for once if you do."
No longer completely reeling from finding out that the Babcock girl couldn't be a whore (including having that confirmed by the king!), Prudence's face twisted into a darkened storm of a look, but not at all of what the king said.
Just at hearing that all of this – the argument, the queen's current clear indignity, all of the problems going on in the palace – were all the girl's fault.
She should've known! It should've been obvious who was at fault right from the very start! That jumped up little cow was why Queen Marie was here, being treated like some common whore! The Babcock girl was getting away with spending time with the prince when she had no right, and the queen was suffering for it!
That little bitch! Letting the queen – the highest and most respectable lady in the land and probably in so many others – be degraded because she had ideas above her station?!
Who did she think she was, laughing and joking with the prince as though they were friends, with nobody allowed to lift a finger to stop them, all in exchange for letting the queen be turned into some sort of prostitute?!
A woman of her station shouldn't be subjected to being treated as a common harlot. Not when she'd performed her God-given duty and given England both a wonderful, honourable and kind queen as well as numerous heirs to the throne. Sadly, fate had seen fit to take away almost all of her children, but she'd still produced a living heir.
A rather foolish one, perhaps, but nothing that some discipline and a talking to couldn't fix.
The king was partially right in Prudence's eyes – the Babcock girl was simply not meant to be a companion for a prince. Her little game of playing hard-to-get would get her nowhere, and soon enough Prince Niles would be married to a pious and refined woman, while the slut was rotting in her own filth, crying over the treasures she'd once had.
As for making the queen a...well... a whore (Prudence flinched – the words 'Whore' and 'Queen Marie' did not belong together!), she considered it was a slight against the best woman in the whole of England. Regardless, she was but a simple maid, and she had no right to question the king (aloud, that was).
She'd have to feel for her mistress in private, and hope that the wool was pulled from over her eyes and she finally stopped defending that self-serving, conniving, little slut.
But the standoff between king and queen wasn't over. That much Prudence could see. And even if she'd rather the argument wasn't happening (since it would mean Lady Babcock wouldn't be a concern), she simply couldn't help but hang onto every word they were saying.
"I'd razher bear your filzhy appetites time and time again zhan 'ave Niles lose zhe purest zhing een 'is life!"
Pure. She supposed she had no choice but to believe it now, but there were still problems with trying to settle the word comfortably in her head. She was more than certain that she would've choked, had she ever had to speak them out loud!
It was obvious that King Joseph felt the same way, though (enviably) he had the privilege of being as vocal as he wanted.
"Then so be it!" he snapped angrily, pointing a warning finger at the queen. "But I bet you anything and warn you just the same; by the time his next birthday is fast approaching, he'll have taken that girl and thrown away what was left! If he knows what's good for him, he'll do it sooner rather than later. Her hole could be all dry inside if he waits any longer. Everything just withers after that and he'll have no fun if he tries."
Marie looked her husband in the face without blinking – an action that Prudence imagined came with risks attached.
Given that she had never had a husband, she didn't know about that sort of thing. She knew that the king was correct, though – she herself had dried up once her teen years had passed and no one had so much as taken a look in her direction.
Not that it mattered. She had her place at the palace (which could, admittedly, be higher than certain people), a duty that served purpose, and the moral high ground over all the little whores who used their bodies to gain things they hadn't earned.
Whether or not that included the Babcock girl, it didn't matter. Prudence still knew she was simply better.
"You disgust me," Marie hissed. "You talk about zhat girl as zhough she were food, and not a living, breazhing, rational being! What she does or does not do eez none of your concern, and your vile attitude towards 'er purity will not stand anymore!"
Joseph sat up (Marie followed suit) and puffed out his chest in anger, in almost the fashion of how Prudence would imagine a great dragon preparing to breathe fire...
"And who is going to stop me? You?! You can't even walk right if I fuck you too hard – do you really think that you can stand in the way of what I am planning?! I'll– "
The doors burst open before he could say any more, carrying in with a gust of...smoke-scented wind...a steward, out of breath from shouting but continuing to do so anyway.
"Fire! My lord, London is burning! The whole city–"
Joseph held out a halting hand as he ran, panicked, into the room.
"Calm down and explain yourself, boy! Tell it slowly, or not at all!" the king snarled, beyond angry at being interrupted when he was just about to put a woman in her place.
But the young man just kept on panicking, now with added whimpering and hurried words.
"Your Majesty, there is no time! The whole of London is in flames! We are evacuating the palace; we must all leave post-haste!"
What...?!
Making sure his underwear covered everything (including tucking his loose shirt back into his britches), Joseph pushed aside the blanket and rose to his feet, hurrying to look out the window.
And for the first time in years, he felt something in his insides drop.
The cloud of smoke covering the skyline beyond the palace was pitch black, with plumes of it adding to the mass the further it went.
Fire. The whole city really was on fire!
He turned back towards Marie.
"Our conversation isn't over, it is only delayed. Get up right now and go get dressed. We're leaving!" he marched over to snatch up his discarded clothes, then looked at Prudence. "You; if you value your life, you'll leave at once!
Prudence didn't need to be told twice; she had wanted to scurry out of there the moment she'd realised the steward was shouting that there was a fire! She scrambled herself from the room, leaving behind the tea tray and only wondering if Lady Babcock might get caught up in the flames.
She certainly hoped so.
Joseph, meanwhile, had begun barking at the steward to escort him and Marie out.
Marie got up, straightening out her rumpled shift so it fell back down around her legs and preparing to go to her chambers to get dressed (even if she hated doing as her husband said, she had to be sensible), her stomach churning all the while. Not over the fact that they could be losing their palace if the fire came to them, and all their goods contained therein. They had dozens of palaces and castles – any one of them could become their home, packed to the rafters with things. She was more worried because her son had the length between that day and his birthday that year, before his father took away a chance for him to be happy.
And there didn't seem to be any way to stop him, either.
But speaking of her son, it suddenly occurred to Marie that both he and Lady Babcock were completely unaware of what was going on in the city! They couldn't risk returning to Whitehall, either, since no one really knew it if would still be standing after the fire had been put out.
They'd probably be arriving at Niles' private hunting lodge by now – he'd told her he and Lady Babcock would be spending the day there. With its vast gardens and homey interiors, it was the perfect setting for a picnic. He truly loved that place – it had been a gift from herself and Joseph when Niles had turned fifteen. He was meticulous about keeping it neat and in order, usually visiting it at least once a week to make certain it was being well-kept.
But now it could also serve as refuge for both youngsters. She did not want either of them risking their lives by coming back to London, and in her son's condition, she did not want him riding to Windsor (which was probably where Joseph would ship her off to while he dealt with the fire).
The safest course of action was for them to wait there until the fire was under control. She'd send a steward with food, entertainment and clothes for the both of them and that would be that.
But first, she had to let her husband know. He was a pig, but their son was his most beloved treasure and he'd agree with her about keeping Niles away from the fire while he was still recuperating.
"Joseph, wait!" she cried, clutching at his arm as her husband started to march from the room, "Niles! 'e's gone to zhe 'unting lodge – 'e and Lady Babcock must stay zhere!"
As soon as she mentioned Niles, something almost visibly clicked in his head. It truly went to show that his boy was the only thing he cared about.
The only person he loved, apart from himself.
He snapped his eyes straight back to the steward, "You heard. Have food, drink, books, clothing – anything worth needing – sent to the prince's royal lodge. Send enough for about a month, just in case. We wouldn't want the boy to have to scrounge, if he ended up trapped there...!"
Marie felt an irritation settle under her skin. Of course, he only cared that Niles got food and clothes, but had not stopped to think that two people had gone on that picnic!
"And Lady Babcock?" she asked, an edge to her words that was designed to make him listen. "What about 'er, and all zhe food and clozhing she will need eef zhey end up staying zhere for an extended period of time...?"
She waited as she saw Joseph's face turn to consideration. She knew that he was only doing it because she'd just backed him into a corner (a small victory), but if it meant getting things to Lady Babcock and not just their son, then it would be worth it.
"Right. Of course," he eventually said stiffly, clearly making it known that he didn't care if Lady Babcock had food and clothes or not but saying something because he knew Marie would kick up a fuss if he didn't. "Get things for the girl, too. Lady Babcock. Go to her rooms, pack everything in there and send it over to the Lodge."
Marie noted how he'd reluctantly added C.C.'s name to the end of his first order. It just went to show further exactly what he thought – he'd probably prefer it if she was naked for that entire month, for their son to gawk and gaze at, tease and pinch, and pleasure himself upon whenever he wanted...!
But she wasn't like that, as much as his imagination believed that all women should be. He was going to be sorely disappointed if and when Niles came back and told him no hunting lodge conquest stories.
But that was his bad luck. Lady Babcock was a person, not a fantasy. She was going to get clothes and food, just like any other non-fantasy person who needed them.
Joseph was trying to regain his momentarily lost pride by providing a further order.
"When the supplies arrive, tell the prince that he is under strict orders to remain there. He is not to return to London under any circumstances, no matter what he thinks could be happening!"
Marie had to agree with Joseph there – it was, in actual fact, the only thing they would have been able to agree on, had it been discussed. Niles was too much of a hero for his own good, sometimes. He'd come back in a heartbeat to try and perform some sort of rescue for them! And the last thing they needed was their son, and their only heir, getting himself hurt!
He'd already done that enough, Marie thought to herself. And, if Joseph's head wasn't currently filled with things to do with the fire, there was probably something similar on his mind.
The steward nodded as he repeated back the things he'd been ordered to do, "Yes, Your Majesty. Food, supplies, entertainment and clothing for His Royal Highness and the Lady Babcock. And a message for His Royal Highness to stay where they are."
"I suppose that's right," Joseph said gruffly, having had to accept the last-minute inclusion of C.C. on the list. "Now go – the sooner you get going, the sooner it's done!"
With a bow, the steward was off. And, before she parted ways with her husband to go to her chambers and change out of the underclothes he'd ruined and sullied (right down to the memory), Marie couldn't help but smirk a little to herself.
She'd won something of a victory today.
She might've been treated like a common whore and humiliated for it in front of a servant, but she'd just gotten Joseph to order Niles and C.C. to spend time alone together in a secluded cabin.
And he'd even thrown in food and fresh clothes, to boot!
Niles' Royal Lodge was, without the shadow of a doubt, his most treasured possession. Located within the walls of Amberley Castle (an impressive structure that his father had acquired from the Bishops of Chichester a few years ago), was the impressive ten-bedroom structure, which was not only the first patch of land that had ever belonged to him, but also the one place he could do with as he pleased. His father had given a monthly stipend for the upkeep of the building, the surrounding land and the staff that worked there since he and Marie had first gifted the lodge to Niles, and the prince had always been very careful about his finances, where his lodge was concerned.
He liked his lodge to be nice and clean, always ready to receive him and his men when they went hunting. In all the years he'd owned it, however, he'd never taken a woman to it. Not when he considered this lodge as his private retreat for when life at court became painfully stifling.
He only brought his closest and most trusted friends there. His lovers, whether they were noble women or common sluts, had never been deemed worthy of stepping a foot inside.
Not to get him wrong, he'd gone to plenty of brothels and had had countless women during his trips, but he'd never even thought about bringing them over to his home.
Lady Babcock was, unsurprisingly, the first woman he'd ever taken there. At one point he'd thought that not even his future wife would be allowed into his retreat but, as it was, he could only think about sharing the space with her.
In particular, he'd never imagined caring about what anybody thought of how the place looked. Granted, he kept it as pristine as he could possibly imagine, given that it was his first own home and he wanted to keep it in a good condition, but he had never imagined thinking any of the things he was thinking about right now!
Namely, what Lady Babcock would think of the front of the property (would she think it impressive? Would it make a good first impression as they got close?). And the interior (was it warm enough for her? Had the servants built a fire in preparation or would he have to quickly summon up the blood to learn how to tackle that task himself?). And if she was going to like it all enough (from each of the rooms, to the servants) to want to come back again.
Maybe next time, one of his personal household staff would prepare them a meal here. And if it got late, Lady Babcock could sleep in one of the guest bedrooms!
The place had more than enough bedroom, thank God – he did not want to put her on the spot when he insisted that she take his bed and let him sleep on the floor!
He didn't think he'd ever been so excited at the thought of sharing a private space. People who knew him before would probably ask if he hadn't cracked his head falling from Athena, too...!
"Oh, my God, that's your lodge?!"
Lady Babcock's exclamation quickly brought the prince out of his reverie. The woman was perched on the edge of her seat, staring off into the horizon, where the outline of Amberley Castle could clearly be seen. It was rather comical, really, to see the otherwise level-headed lady experiencing child-like wonderment.
It made Niles feel warm inside, and for just a moment he couldn't help but stare at her adoringly.
Of course he looked away the moment Lady Babcock turned to look at him – the thought of her catching him staring at her in such a manner made him red in the face.
"No, Milady, that's Amberley Castle," he said, pointing at the building, "It belongs to my father, but my lodge is located within its walls. He and my mother had it built for me as a birthday present."
"Oh," Lady Babcock sat back on her seat, "Well, that's certainly a nice gift, Milord. My parents never gifted me a home, but they always give me and my sister plenty of jewels and dresses…"
C.C. frowned, realising her little grammatical slip. "Or well, they gave them to us, when he was alive…"
Niles felt his stomach churning up with guilt, and he wondered if he could have phrased his answer differently. He didn't have to mention that the lodge was a gift from his parents – he could've left it at "my lodge is located within its walls"!
She would've gotten the message just the same, and she wouldn't have started what was supposed to be a wonderful day out thinking about her late father and mother!
It was all his fault. He was embarrassing himself at almost every turn and seemed to be filling the gaps with things he should never do nor say to a lady. He couldn't leave it there, with her looking so upset! It was breaking his heart, seeing her that way...
So, before he could wonder if it was a good idea, he reached over (as much as his complaining ribcage would allow) and clasped her hand in his, trying to be comforting.
"I'm sure you both looked wonderful," he said. "And your parents would be very proud to see you, now..."
He hoped that that had come out right. He meant that Lord and Lady Babcock would want to see their daughter getting back on her feet after facing adversity, and becoming an independent woman with her own thoughts and feelings...
He just didn't know if he'd managed to convey any of that in what he'd said...
"I hope so, Your Royal Highness, I certainly hope so" she said with a weak smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Part of her was hoping he'd just not press the matter any further, since thinking about her family always made her terribly sad, which would put a damper on what was supposed to be a wonderful day out. The prince sensed this, so he made them both a favour and fell silent. Granted, he was feeling awkward and more than a little guilty, but he also knew she needed some space.
She seldom talked about her family, but when she did, she always needed a few moments to gather her thoughts afterwards. It was something he hadn't quite understood at first, but the more he'd gotten to know her, the more he'd seen how hard life could be without a family. He certainly couldn't imagine his life without his parents, as it was! Not to mention that, alongside her family, Lady Babcock had also lost her home, her money and most of her possessions.
Niles' stomach churned for what felt like the dozenth time that day – the thought of her being in pain any and him not being able to make it stop was nearly unbearable to him. It made him more determined to do good by her, however he could. He knew that, for her to go back to the life she'd once know, the only option was for her to marry a wealthy suitor. Maybe an Earl or a Duke. The task of marrying her off would have fallen on her father, but since he was no longer among the living, he supposed it now fell on him.
He wanted to protect her. To make her happy. And he was more than willing to pay a dowry for her (which would come from his own finances, of course) as well as provide her with adequate clothing and jewels. Exactly what would have happened, had Lord Stewart been alive…
He would not allow her to live as a maid forever. It would not be fair and he certainly wouldn't be able to live with himself unless Lady Babcock was happy. Still, he figured he could put off looking for suitor for a little while. It made him terribly uneasy to admit it, but he did not wish her to go anywhere just yet. It might have been selfish, but he…he'd never felt like this before about a woman. He appreciated and craved for her company, and although it was undeniable that she was absolutely gorgeous, her beauty was not the first thing he liked about her.
She was so much more than just a pretty face…
Her friendship was one of the best things that he had in his life, and the moment she was married off, he knew his access to her company would be limited. She would be someone's wife and then someone's mother, and he could not ask her to forfeit her future family to have tea with him.
Niles felt a strange, burning feeling in his chest whenever he thought about Lady Babcock in someone else's arms, smiling adoringly at some dashing and wealthy gentleman while he cradled her round belly. He simply couldn't stand the mere idea of her being swept off her feet by another man.
But again, as much as he loathed the idea, it was his duty to ensure that she was, even if he knew he'd resent that bastard all of his life. There would be no luckier man in the whole wide world than the one who married Lady Babcock, in his eyes.
It was making his skin prick all over, like someone was poking him with sewing needles, even thinking about it. And it wasn't even as though he wanted the thoughts there, they simply came and went of their own accord, disturbing him (and even sometimes angering him) at all hours of the day...!
He was seeing that bastard, kissing Lady Babcock's hand and murmuring sweet nothings like some pure and perfect gentleman before he went out on a hunt, or on official business, or something else Niles was sure he wouldn't care about if he ever met the man after the two got married.
He saw the two dining together, talking and laughing. Much like they themselves had done, and would be able to do, up until she got married...
He didn't like to even describe what he saw next in a flash of invasive thought. All he knew was that it made him want to kill a bastard he hadn't even met.
He had to distract himself immediately – in a way that he hoped would also bring a new sense of cheer to Lady Babcock's heart. He slowly released her hand and looked as much as he could out of the carriage window, and pointed towards the castle walls.
"It looks like they're opening the gates for us...!" he commented, smiling back at her over his shoulder. "It won't be long now. Are you hungry?"
C.C. had to think about it before realising that she was, actually, rather hungry. She'd gotten so caught up in what they'd been talking about – in the memory of her family and the times she'd had before – that she'd put it to one side!
It was nice and it was easy, having that as a distraction. Food she could think about quite happily, especially after they'd been travelling for quite some time!
"I am," she replied, nodding. "Where are we going to eat?"
Niles smiled again, half to her and half to himself – there was a little secluded spot not far from his lodge that was perfect for a picnic.
Just right for two people to share, as well...
"Somewhere very close by," he told her, turning back to watch out the carriage window as the gates opened up and they were granted entry. "It's near the lodge."
He hadn't felt this much like a child since...well, since he had been a child! And even then, he hadn't ever particularly felt like showing people the places that he went.
He used to enjoy exploring by himself. But now that Lady Babcock was there, he couldn't imagine going alone. He was nearly-but-not-quite jumping at the thought (damn his ribs!) by the time the carriage pulled up into the castle courtyard. Some of the servants were waiting to receive them, no doubt having made everything spick and span in preparation for his arrival.
Good. He wanted the lodge to look its absolute best – he wanted Lady Babcock to like it.
He wasn't sure how he'd feel if she didn't. It would be as though someone had released all the air from his lungs and settled iron weights in his insides instead, and he didn't know if it would be a feeling that would ever go away...
The carriage door was opened by a young page and Lady Babcock turned to smile at the prince.
"Here we are," she said, somehow in his eyes looking more like a ray of delightful sunshine than ever. "Do you need my help to get out of the carriage, or would you prefer one of the servants here to help?"
Niles half bit his lip as he thought. In an ideal world, he'd step out of that carriage by himself, carrying each of the picnic baskets and showing her the way to their intended eating spot.
But as it was, he had a choice to make, and it either involved not being a gentleman again, or letting all the servants know where they were going when he wanted it to just be the two of them...
He supposed he could send them away once they'd served their purpose. They did not have to stay if he did not wish them to. He was the lord of the house, and his command had to be obeyed, whether they liked it or not.
He'd much rather be a gentleman to Lady Babcock, anyway.
"Worry not, Milady," he said, gesturing over at where his servants stood. "You are a guest here, and you are not to worry about anything else but having a good time. Now, if you could wait for me outside the carriage, my stewards shall help me down."
Lady Babcock curtsied to him, still keeping that gorgeous smile of hers on her delicate face.
"As you wish, Your Royal Highness," she said moments before removing herself from the carriage.
Pleased with her answer and pleased with himself, Niles called a couple of the waiting stewards over to come help him down. He couldn't wait for them to get going on the picnic, and the sooner he was out of the carriage, the better!
Besides, the faster he was out, the faster they could remove the picnic baskets from the carriage. He couldn't wait to see what the cooks had made and the pages had packed for them...
He had no doubt it would be the most glorious meal he'd ever eaten, even if only because his company would make it so. He was grinning to himself, probably looking very much like a fool, when the stewards appeared at the carriage door.
"Does His Royal Highness require our assistance?" one of them – the one who looked older – asked.
Luckily, he wasn't so out of it with thoughts of being alone in the countryside, surrounded by good food and wine with Lady Babcock, that he couldn't answer a simple question.
"Yes," he replied, preparing as much as he could to get up. "My ribcage is still...on the mend, so be careful. And send somebody to settle the spot for our picnic and fetch these baskets. They contain all the food Lady Babcock and I will need for our trip this afternoon."
Whether or not they were unsure, or perplexed, or judgmental of his statement, Niles couldn't tell. As long as they obeyed what he said and kept their opinions to themselves, he didn't much care about what they thought.
But the same steward who had answered before - he might've been higher ranking than the younger man - nodded again.
"As you wish, my lord."
Luckily for him (or maybe for them, if they knew what was good), his servants didn't comment on what he'd said, or shown any kind of distaste for Lady Babcock. Again, had any of them said so much as a peep against her, they would have been out on the curb faster than they could say "sorry!".
Speaking of fast things, his getting out of the carriage was anything but.
It took all the delicate manoeuvring the stewards could manage (not that either would have dared use the word "delicate"!) to get him down. One went in front to help steady him, the other came up behind him to balance out the weight.
Not that Niles thought he was getting fat, either! Although, if he did chance a glance down at his stomach, he did wonder if there was some... paunch...there...
Perhaps after this picnic with Lady Babcock, he'd try to do something about it. He had been in bed for weeks now, so he needed to return to exercising. He wanted to remain in peak physical condition! And a very insecure part of him doubted that Lady Babcock would like it if she knew that there was extra paunch, just lurking there as part of his belly.
She was waiting off to one side when the stewards had managed to help him through the carriage door.
"Are you sure you don't need an extra set of hands, Your Royal Highness?" she called out, apparently in some concern. "I did manage to help you in, and we really don't want you re-cracking any of your ribs..."
"I shall be fine, Lady Babcock," he replied, trying hard not to wheeze, even if he was already feeling exhausted – so many weeks in bed had really taken their toll on him! "Don't you worry about me."
C.C. tried hard to keep from grinning at the prince's obvious attempt at appearing strong and virile. It was rather endearing, really, to see him trying to impress the people around him so hard. He had nothing to prove to anyone – everyone knew he was a strong man! He just had to take it easy after having sustained a number of grave (and painful) injuries.
But again, he was still a bit of a hard-headed idiot who had to act all tough and manly.
Honestly, she couldn't help but find the whole thing hilarious.
It took all the effort in the world not to laugh at the way he kept on putting up that masculinity-hiding-his-pain front, all the way out of the carriage door and down the steps.
Although, part of her did get concerned about those steps...he came down them quite fast...
But he landed on the ground, clearly as proud of himself as a peacock. He was even attempting to puff out his chest a little (obviously not too much, because his side still hurt), and he was beaming all over his face. He looked every inch a man who'd conquered the world. And had only sustained a few serious injuries along the way.
"Right," he began, placing his hands on his hips. "The stewards are going to see to our picnic baskets, so we will not have to carry a single thing."
Apart from if I have to carry you, C.C. thought to herself in a small amount of amusement.
Not that she said so. Instead, she let Niles make a sweeping gesture around at the grounds.
"Welcome to Amberley Castle," he declared, still hoping that he was coming off as impressive. "It is here that I have my lodge, and near here that we shall take our picnic."
He then turned fully back to her, hope fully bloomed like a rose in his heart, and beamed.
He didn't want to outright ask what she thought, but it was very hard not to, when he wanted to know so badly! Did she think the grounds looked large and immaculate? Was the castle as beautiful to her as it was to him? Were the views that they'd seen on the way to the castle just as breathtaking as the rest?
He wanted to know what she thought of everything! If she found a fault, he'd have to look at whatever it was again – he'd probably end up getting rid of it, too; he highly doubted Lady Babcock would tell him that something was amiss when it wasn't...
He was more than happy to defer to her better judgement, in that regard. And if it meant that she was even happier to see the place, then he'd consider it no small loss, getting rid of whatever she didn't like about the place!
Not that she seemed to dislike it, much to the relief of some panicking thing in his chest. She was, in actual fact, staring around at the place with a beautiful smile gracing those delicate features of hers...
"It looks absolutely wonderful, Your Royal Highness," she said. "You must be very proud to call this place your own."
Niles could feel his chest swelling with pride (metaphorically speaking, of course, lest he hurt himself again!). He really was proud of his retreat, he always had been, but he'd never really cared about what other people thought of it.
Not until Lady Babcock had said she'd liked it, anyway. Now, he was determined to make sure everything about the day was to her liking!
If it was, she might want to come again, and go on more picnics with him...
That thought warmed him so much from the insides, he could've sworn his bones had mended the rest of the way. It made him feel...light. Like there was air trapped inside him that made him want to laugh...
He held it in, though. He didn't want her to think him a complete fool! Instead, he distracted himself and her from it by reminding of why they were there.
"I am," he nodded, before looking over towards a lovely green patch shaded by trees – the direction in which the site of their picnic lay. "But I shall show you around after we have had our meal. You must be famished by now, and it would be impolite of me to keep you waiting any longer."
They made their way to the designated picnic site, allowing the servants to go on ahead and set out everything they had brought. And, once it was all prepared, it didn't take the two of them much longer to settle themselves on the blanket that had been set out, nor to open the bottle of wine left there, or the baskets crammed with food. Crusty breads, cooked meat of all kinds, hard boiled eggs, soft cakes and sweet fruits and cheeses in several different strengths and colours greeted them in return, just waiting for them to fill themselves.
And fill themselves they did, joking and laughing all the while, and taking breaks in between by playing games of cards and chess that the servants had packed with the baskets.
C.C.'s latest small, delighted dance of victory over yet another checkmate and Niles' feigned huffed complaint were both interrupted by a shout from the main gate.
A call to open it...? Who was coming in? No one else was scheduled to visit, or due to arrive. Why did they have to interrupt his day with Lady Babcock?
His head snapped round towards the unexpected guest that was soon hurrying in through the gate, his brow furrowing together when he recognised the carriage as one of those from his parents' palace.
The knot in his eyebrows got even tighter when he noticed it was absolutely packed with cases and bags, with many stacked on the roof and on the back.
Was somebody coming to stay, courtesy of his parents? Who could need so many bags?! They looked as though they were intent on staying for weeks!
But as he got wondering and as the black horses pulling the heavy carriage came to an agitated halt, the servants didn't have time to get to the door before it was flung open by none other than one of Niles' father's stewards!
He leapt down from the carriage at such a speed, with such a look of panic on his face, Niles couldn't help the concern spreading in his gut like a virus.
"Your Royal Highness!" the steward cried out, bowing as soon as he was close enough, taking in breaths to catch them back. "I bring...terrible news, from London! The entire city is burning, my lord!"
Niles could not possibly feel any less happy for games or hungry for the rest of the picnic at that. In fact, he was almost certain he thought his entire stomach had dropped out. His mind was racing a mile a minute, too. It matched the speed of his heart as it started to be gripped by fear.
How could it not, upon hearing news like that...?! The whole city, up in flames?! What were they going to do?! There were so many people in London – they all had to get out! They had to evacuate, and bring in someone to fight the fires! They couldn't just let their city be engulfed!
Would his father really stand for it?! He had to be doing something, didn't he?!
God, his parents! Surely they had to be safe?! They had to have gotten them out already?!
He had to go to them! He had to check on them, and do what he could to put the city to rights! He'd have Lady Babcock stay where she was for her own safety, of course, but he was going back and setting things right, before it was too late!
"Are my parents alright?" he asked to the steward, "Are they still in London?"
"Her Majesty has been sent to Windsor Castle, Milord," replied the man, who was still trying to catch his breath from his short sprint from the carriage to where the prince and Lady Babcock were. "As for His Majesty, he's chosen to remain in London – he's called for an emergency meeting with the Council, sir."
Well, that did it for Niles. He was a member of his father's Council, and if the rest of the councilmen where currently working on a solution for what could only be described as a catastrophe, he should be there too. It was his duty as England's future monarch, he couldn't simply cower in fear while others risked their lives to protect and save the city and its inhabitants.
He had to get up. He didn't care what it took – even if it was becoming a struggle and he needed to gesture for the steward to help. It both softened and worried him to suddenly feel gentle hands helping him from his other side, too, but when he turned to look at Lady Babcock, she gave him a look in return which told him not to protest at her help.
"Have a carriage ready," ordered the prince as he finally managed to get on his feet, "I am going back to London at once!"
"I… I am afraid I can't allow you to do that, sir," stammered the steward, "His Majesty has forbidden you from leaving the premises. You are to stay here with Lady Babcock until London is deemed safe. Hence your father having sent over everything you and Her Ladyship will need for the duration of your stay here."
Niles' jaw dropped. He wasn't sure he'd heard correctly at first, but the longer he looked and the more he realised the steward was serious, the more he also knew that he hadn't heard a single word wrong.
Had his own father had really expressly forbidden him from returning home, during what was obviously a time of crisis?! Didn't he want his help?! Niles thought he needed it!
How could he not need his help here?! His father had tried to show him everything about ruling before, so why did he leave him out of it during their people's greatest need?!
There had to be so many innocents out there right now, hurting and fleeing and afraid. They had no one and maybe nothing, apart from the people they looked to for guidance!
Niles didn't care if it was dangerous! London was their home! He'd go back a hundred times over to make sure their city remained standing, and their people were safe!
"You can't be serious!" he cried out. "My father honestly expects me to stay here and stay out of it while people flee for their lives and a whole city turns into ash?!"
The steward looked as though he hadn't expected the prince to put up much of a fight. Perhaps it was because, if he'd been in the prince's shoes, he wouldn't have been trying to refuse a potential month-long stay at an empty but comfortable lodge, packed with servants and now stocked with food, entertainment and clothes, all while being accompanied by a beautiful woman who clearly enjoyed his company.
Not that he said anything so out of turn out loud.
"It was his strict order, sir," he replied instead. "He claimed that he wanted you to be safe, above all else."
Niles nearly groaned aloud in frustration. What was the point of him being safe if the people he was supposed to lead one day were being turned out of hearth and home, or else turned into charred remains?! It wasn't right!
C.C. could see the look of anger growing on his features. She bit the inside of her lip in response. It was obvious that Niles wanted to go back and do right by his people, as was the noble want of a good man.
But...and it felt odd and wrong to say this...perhaps King Joseph had a point, on this occasion? He only had one heir, after all.
An heir who had already been injured, and could've been lost once...
She'd heard of many tales, where riders fell from their horses, only never to get up again. Looking back now, she could only see how close she –...they'd...come to not having the prince there anymore.
She didn't really like thinking about it. And she didn't want to have to think of more scenarios like it, either. As safe as she was sure Niles would try to keep himself, a fire that could consume a whole city so quickly had to be out of control – what if it was...what if it was too much?!
She knew she had no right to say what she was thinking out loud. She knew it wasn't her place and never would be – she was just a glorified servant who happened to have enough noble blood to be friends with a prince. Whatever she wanted, didn't matter. It wasn't going to happen.
But she could at least try to get him to see some sense! She couldn't stand by and just watch him go, without at least trying.
Taking a minute step forward, she started to gently plead her case, and the case of the steward as well, "Your Royal Highness, please...I...I think your father may be correct, here. If that fire is burning down the whole of London, what good will it do for you to return and get yourself...even more hurt than you already are? You are not full strength yet, and that wouldn't help you if you went back and immediately tried to help put out a fire!"
She didn't mention the fact that she was terrified of him not returning at all, but the fear in her face probably told everyone around that she, too, was afraid of Prince Niles riding into certain death. She didn't know what she'd do if she– they lost their prince, and the mere thought of it was enough to make her heart jump uneasily in her chest. She admired that he wanted to go help his people, but he also had to think of himself and what was best for his recovery.
"But Lady Babcock," protested the prince, turning to look at her, "The people in London need––"
"Need Your Royal Highness to get well before you try to help them," C.C. insisted. She had an urge to hold his hands in hers, but she knew that was out of the question. She'd be out of line if she ever did that. "Please, sir, the kingdom needs you alive, and rushing into a hellish fire when you are still recuperating won't do anyone any good."
She was looking at him with such fear in her eyes, Niles thought he could jump up, grab his sword and set out to fight whatever vile man or creature had caused the lady such distress. But he knew that was just his heart yearning to make it better, and he knew that there was no real man or monster that had caused her to become so terrified.
It was the idea of him going back that had done that.
He thought it could warm him to his very core that she cared so deeply! He thought his ribs might snap back into place for good, and his arm would mend entirely, all from the idea that she didn't want him to go.
She wanted him safe. Even if that meant siding with his father to do it.
And she was...well, more than correct in that he wouldn't be of much help, and could even be considered a hindrance, in his current condition. That pained him in the same fashion as embarrassment or humiliation. But he was going to make sure he powered through that.
Anything, to make the sun shine in her eyes again.
"Lady Babcock, I...I am grateful, for your honesty," he told her, wishing with all his might that he could reach forwards and take her hands. "You...you're right, to put me in my place over this. I am not well enough to attend the scene of a fire, so I will not go."
He then turned to the steward, pointing a finger in an ordering fashion.
"But I want my father to know that I still intend to help somehow. Even if I am merely looking at the reports, or treasury costs for repairs."
He wasn't about to leave his people entirely, even if he did have to rest. He'd more than happily honour Lady Babcock's wishes, of course, but he had to do right as the future king as well!
This time, he had simply made an arrangement that would, surely, satisfy everybody. It seemed to satisfy the steward, at any rate. The man had probably been fearing some sort of punishment, if he had returned to London with the prince in tow!
With a hasty bow, he hurried back to the carriage to oversee the transport of the prince's and C.C.'s things into their rooms in the lodge.
And Niles thought he saw the spark of starlight coming back into Lady Babcock's eyes. A whole new sense of peace looked as though it had come over her, and she was smiling softly.
It was a smile full of relief.
She deserved to have a good time there at the lodge, as his guest. It was the least he could do, seeing as she had been trapped there with him.
So, he started out by offering her his good arm.
"Shall we resume our picnic now, my lady?"
He dared to hope that her eyes shone brighter, just before she took it.
"I'd be delighted my lord."
Niles thought he was, too. He had never wanted to share his lodge – his most private space – with anyone so much, let alone have a picnic with them there! There could not have been a better moment, even while knowing a city was in flames and knowing that he would have to spend a lot of time helping everyone else recover from that.
But he at least got some more time with Lady Babcock, for one more day, or week, or however long the fire took to burn out. And, settling back down as slowly as he could manage (and as much as he could lean on her for assistance without becoming less of a gentleman), they got back to the rest of their picnic, determined to enjoy the rest of the day together.