The King's Bride: Part Three
A/AN: Thank you for all of the awesome and positive feedback this story has received! I had no idea it would get so much recognition, but I'm thankful for each and every one of you! I hope you enjoy this chapter. It has a lot of important points in it. The rating has gone up for a few triggers and sexual situations. You've been warned!
The vows and the commitments William and Milah took on their wedding day were just a facade to please the parliament and his father. He sighed stiffly as they made their way out of the great hall. The evening had been filled with festivities and dancing that he never wanted to partake of. The only thing he could focus on the entire day was his beautiful Belle. He remembered the simple but breathtaking wedding gown she'd worn in the castle gardens on the day they wed. The marriage hadn't been binding in society's eyes, but they didn't need a parishioner to witness them recite their vows before God. They'd said them alone, because in their hearts they knew they were married regardless of a piece of paper or binding contract. It had been exactly two months to the day since he'd sent her away, and there wasn't a day that went by that he didn't think of her. He and Milah may have been given the legal contract of husband and wife, but he hadn't given her that honor in his heart. That title would always belong to his beloved, and he would be faithful to her until his dying day.
The wedding night was meant to be the most significant moment in a blossoming marriage, but William found no joy in what was to come. He had no intention of consummating his relationship with the princess — soon to be queen - in just a few short days. He escorted her to the chamber where they would spend their wedding night, his feet leaden with dread.
He heard her groan loudly as she began to pluck hairpins from her ebony tresses. She turned to face him, her glacial eyes boring into him. She spun around and pointed to the ties on the back of her dress, "Help me out of this dress, and lets get this over with," she commanded unenthusiastically.
He walked towards her and began to loosen the ties until the dress pooled at her feet. She stepped out of it, and stretched, groaning loudly, thankful to be loose from her suffocating corset. She walked towards the bed and laid down, a thin shift eclipsing her bare skin. William tore his eyes away from her shrouded curves. He felt no affection for Milah, but he couldn't deny that she was very beautiful. Cold beauty, devoid of any warmth. If he cared nothing for his former wife and held no sense of morality, then he probably would've given into his carnal nature, but he wasn't that sort of man.
"Hurry up! I want to sleep sometime tonight!" she retorted agitatedly, and he sighed, running his fingers through his hair timorously. "Then go to sleep … I have no plans of ever consummating this marriage. It will be for political reasons only. I'll never be able to love you, and I know you'll never be able to love me either. I know you wanted this marriage just about as much as I did. You're not bound to me Milah. You may go anywhere you like as often as you please as long as you promise to always return for important celebrations and council meetings," he informed her, and she guffawed obnoxiously at his proposal.
"You think this is how this works, William? You and I will be expected to produce heirs, and as much as I loathe the thought of sleeping with you, I have to comply to my country's wishes because I'm a woman of noble birth and that's my job, just as it's yours. I think your problem is that you need to forget about your little servant girl … so have some wine and loosen up. Once I birth a couple of heirs, we'll never have to indulge in this dreadful act again," she scoffed, uncorking a bottle of wine on the bedside table and pouring them a glass.
"I still love my wife, Milah!" he chided her, refusing the glass of mauve liquid.
She stood up, sauntering towards him with a vexed expression marring her features. "Love? William your wife is gone! She's never coming back! This is your future! I'm your future! We royals don't have the luxury of falling in love, so be thankful that you had that at one point. But she's gone and now you have to fulfill your duty as a monarch! Do you honestly think that I would have chosen this over love? There's an earl back home I was madly in love with, but we weren't allowed to be together because I was engaged to your brother since my birth. I've been promised to someone else my whole life, and there was nothing I could do about it! My fate has always been in the hands of someone else. You and I don't get to choose our destinies, William. They've already been chosen for us. You're a fool for thinking otherwise! Let her go and embrace your future, because this is all you're ever going to have," she countered causing him to stumble back, her words waking him up from a beautiful daydream he didn't want to let go of, a belief that he could always have what he wanted, only to realize it would never come true.
"You're right … I'm sorry," he murmured dejectedly, taking the cup. He threw back the bitter mauve liquid before refilling his cup three more times. He let out an exasperated sigh, willing the alcohol to do its work and numb his senses if not his body. How was he ever going to get through his duty when he couldn't bear the thought of touching another woman? Especially one as cold and unfeeling as his new bride.
He felt as though he were committing an unspeakable act against nature as he joined her on the bed. He could only be thankful it wasn't the same one he'd shared for so long with his beloved. He closed his eyes as he settled at her side, his stomach roiling with bile as he reached out to wrap his arms about her.
Milah clucked her tongue in disgust. "Can't you hurry it up? You don't need to touch me any longer than necessary, William." She reached out to roughly yank the shirt over his head and toss it aside, her face twisting darkly as she took in his bare torso. "I suppose I will be fortunate if you can even get it up," she grumbled beneath her breath, uncaring if he heard her or not.
Tears welled in his eyes as he pulled away from her and laid back against the pillows. "I can't … I can't do this," he hissed, his voice no more than a painful whisper. I can't betray my Belle.
"You're such a failure, William. How are you ever to reign over an entire kingdom if you can't even bed your wife?" She sat up, her touch much firmer than what he was used to as she straddled him. "I suppose I'll have to do all the work until you see that you have no choice in the matter."
He closed his eyes, tears slipping from beneath his lids. He couldn't bear to look at the woman he was now bound to. Her touch violated instead of soothed, transgressed instead of aroused, until he could hardly stand it. William retreated into his mind, losing himself in memories of another. There he found only sweet words and the memory of her touch, her kiss, her promise to love him forever. He surrendered himself to the ghost of his precious Belle in his mind and felt his body respond. She had come to save him from the horror of his fate and his heart rejoiced, safe and loved once more.
He awoke in the wee hours of the morning, and reached for her, his mind still foggy from the alcohol, and he sighed pleasantly when he felt supple skin.
"Belle … " he gasped silently in the darkness, his eyes adjusting momentarily to reveal his new wife Milah, sleeping soundlessly. He felt his blood run cold as betrayal stung his heart, realizing he'd done the one thing he promised not to do. He stumbled out of bed, clamoring for the empty chamber pot. He retched until his insides hurt. He pulled on his breeches and stumbled piteously out of the bedroom, hot tears cascading down his cheeks as he searched through the corridors and hallways for his haven. When he made it to the doorway, he flung it open to reveal his former chamber. He clumsily shut the door, collapsing in a heap on the rouge duvet. He wept bitterly for what he'd done, feeling more alone than he ever had in his life as he drifted into a restless sleep. The only dreams he had were empty ones, for she wasn't present in any of them that night. It was almost as if she knew … somehow knew of his betrayal and wouldn't even visit his dreams. She truly was gone, and he was all alone, forever it seemed.
X
It had been exactly two agonizing months since Belle had left Albannach. She had poured herself into spinning and dyeing fabrics for her aunt. It helped her keep her mind off things most days, but today she was having trouble just taking another breath. She felt feverish and had lain in bed all day with body aches. Agnes had brought her tea made from bitter herbs to ease the pain, but thinking of William only intensified it. She tried to forget by reading, but if she read more than two sentences, she became dizzy. For three days this undiagnosed sickness continued, and the pain was so unrelenting that she prayed to die. Agnes was so distraught, she called upon the town physician to come and see to the girl. He came in the middle of the afternoon on the third day and sat by her bed. He had curly locks of auburn hair and a kind smile. His tone was soft and comforting, and he put her mind at ease.
"Ms. French, my name is Doctor Hopper. Your aunt says you've been bedridden for three days with immense pain, fever, and chills," he said, and she nodded, feeling to weak to speak.
"Have you eaten any type of foods that may have poisoned you?" he inquired after taking out a parchment and some ink to record her answers.
"It's funny that you ask that doctor because I haven't eaten in three days. The very sight of food makes me ill. I feel bloated all of the time and the scent of the chemical we use to dye the wool began making me nauseated almost a week ago," she croaked out, horrified of the sound of her own voice. She felt truly wretched.
"Well Ms. French, I know this is a rather personal question, but have you engaged in any sexual activities during the last few weeks?" he probed, his cheeks coloring at the query.
Belle paused when the realization hit her. She tried to recount her last menstrual cycle, but she'd engrossed herself so heavily into her work, she hadn't realized it had been absent. Her heart leapt with joy at the prospect of new life growing inside of her, but also beat with trepidation of what this meant for her future. Women who bore children out of wedlock were often scorned by society, and she was no longer married.
"Yes, I was married before, but my husband died. We tried throughout the entirety of our marriage to conceive a child, but finally gave up hope without any success. I always assumed I was barren, but I just realized that my menstrual cycle hasn't come since I arrived back in Avonlea," she imparted, a heavy weight bearing down on her soul at the prospect of becoming a mother.
Dr. Hopper clasped her hand tightly, his eyes full of compassion, "Ms. French I'm sorry for what you've had to endure, and for the burdens that must be weighing on your soul at this time. The only way to confirm your suspicions is to wait. There's no magical potion I can concoct to know for sure that you're pregnant. The only way to tell is with time," he said gently, and she nodded squeezing the kind physician's hand back.
"Thank you for coming, Dr. Hopper," she returned, and he smiled, packing up his supplies. "I'll come back in a few weeks to check on you, Ms. French, but in the mean time I'll leave your aunt with a supply of herbal remedies to ease your discomfort," he promised, and she smiled faintly, averting her gaze to the window. Brilliant sunlight filtered through the panes putting her mind at ease as she drifted off into a deep slumber, her dreams filled with a small boy with tawny curls. He smiled at her, reaching out his tiny hand to grasp hers. She took his hand, gazing into the ocher depths of his eyes, the ones he'd inherited from his father. Her slumber had never been more peaceful since she'd arrived home until that moment.
X
A few days after Gaston had visited her aunt's booth, she found herself to be spending more time with him. After languishing five days in bed, she decided to pay him a visit. What she felt for him was strictly platonic, and she couldn't see it becoming more than a close friendship. Belle waltzed into the blacksmith's shop which was surprisingly empty. She watched from the doorway as Gaston struck a forming horseshoe under the immense heat. He put the horseshoe aside when he glanced up from his work to see her standing there. He wiped sweat from his brow with an old handkerchief before rinsing his hands in some cool water.
"What brings you here Belle? I thought you weren't feeling well?" he inquired walking towards her. She shrugged, holding out the picnic basket. "I thought if you weren't too busy, you might like some lunch?" she queried holding out the woven basket.
"I haven't eaten, and I think I could manage an hour or so break," he obliged, following her out the door. He locked up the shop, and they walked towards an open meadow full of daffodils. It was perfect for picnics and the ideal place to spend hours reading.
Belle spread out the worn muslin picnic blanket her mother had sewn for her years ago and an assortment of food. Gaston eyed the fresh fruits and cheese sandwiches she'd made with an appreciative eye. She handed him a sandwich and a canteen of fresh water.
"What's the occasion Belle?" he asked taking the food and tearing a large bite out of his sandwich hungrily.
"I didn't think old friends had to have a reason to see each other," she shrugged absentmindedly biting into a juicy red apple.
"Belle I know it's been years since we've seen each other, but we used to tell each other everything when we were children. What's happened to that bright and bubbly girl I used to know?" he asked with a concerned look in his eyes.
"The woman you see has become the shell of the girl you once knew. My life has been tumultuous these last few months. I was married to a man at court. but his father made him divorce me because he's to become the next sovereign. I'm a commoner and far below his station in everyone's eyes but his. Our marriage wasn't binding by the province, so it was easily terminated. He sent me away to save me from a life of scorn and ridicule, because if I had stayed, I would have been labeled his mistress," she revealed, desperate for someone other than her aunt to share her burdens, and Gaston quietly listened, absorbing each byte of information.
"He told me that I should move on and put our past behind us, but I just can't. and now I might be pregnant and the whole town is going to label me a harlot," she confided to him in a quivering voice until she couldn't hold back the tears any longer and the dam broke. She didn't hesitate when he pulled her into his strong arms to console her. It felt so good to be held after feeling like she'd been falling apart for so long.
He brushed the tears from her eyes, and pulled a clean handkerchief from his pocket so she could dry her eyes. "I'm sorry to burden you with all of this Gaston. You have your own problems to deal with without being tied to any of my issues." She sighed, moving out of his arms until he grabbed her wrist, halting her.
"Belle, you've nothing to be ashamed of. I'm here for you no matter what. I'll always be here if you need me," he assured her. She wiped the remaining tears from her eyes before she spoke. "I've been pondering about all of this, and I think it would be best if I gave our child to a loving home. I can't tell William I'm pregnant. He always wanted a family, but things are different now. Those dreams died when I boarded that ship in Albannach two months ago. I need to give our baby its best chance and going back there would only endanger his life. Half blood children are often killed by their full blooded siblings, and I can't risk its life. I also don't feel like I can adequately care for it on my own, so when it's born I'll give it away," she confessed, sighing regretfully.
"What if I told you there was a way to keep your child and give it a fulfilling life?" He proposed.
She gave him a quizzical glance at his proposal. "How would I manage to achieve that?" she asked, and he released her wrist.
"Hear me out," he said, holding his hands up in defense as she settled a few feet away from him, intrigued to hear what he had to say.
"You asked me why I wasn't married, and the reason isn't because I don't want to be. A few years ago I went on a wild boar hunt with some friends, and there was an accident. One of the boars charged at me and before I could shoot my arrow, it gored me in the testicles. I almost bled to death, and it took me months to recover. The physician told me my reproductive parts were too damaged to sire any children, so I haven't taken the time to court anyone. It wouldn't be fair to deceive some poor girl into marrying me only to find out we can't have any children," he disclosed leaving her speechless.
"Gaston that's so tragic, but what does any of that have to do with me?" she inquired, her head swimming with queries.
He took her hand and sighed. "Belle, I know that you're still very much in love with your king, but why don't we get married? I'm not expecting us to live the life of a typical married couple because I know that isn't what you desire. But I can provide you with companionship and save you from the town's scorn. When you have your child, the townsfolk would believe it was mine, and there would be no suspicion. You could keep it and raise it yourself without worrying of the dangers your former husband's society threatens," he added, and she blinked unable to believe what he was offering her.
Belle knew she would never truly love him because her heart would always belong to Liam, but what he was offering would benefit her life and that of her unborn child. If she'd never traveled to Albannach all of those years ago, choosing instead to remain in her village, she knew Gaston would've been a more than sufficient choice for a husband. She supposed they would've wound up together anyway based on their history.
"All right Gaston I'll marry you, but I'm afraid I'm only doing this for my child. I can't vow to love you, and I'm sorry, but you already know that." She bit her lip in trepidation, averting her gaze, and he smiled softly, tucking an errant curl behind her ear.
"You don't have to love me, Belle. I have more than enough love to make up for the both of us. I've always loved you, and I've longed for you to return to Avonlea for so many years. I'm grateful to be able to to do this for you. All I ask is for your friendship and a few home cooked meals." He winked, and she couldn't help but smile at his endearment.
"When should we get married?" she inquired, gazing deeply into his honey irises.
"Tonight, when the moon is full and the stars are bright. That's when we'll wed," he grinned, and she couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart at the mention of the moon and stars. She knew Liam would be gazing at the same ones, and it didn't make this any easier, but she had to do what was best for their child, and unfortunately this time her path wouldn't lead to her William.
A/AN: This story is truly breaking my heart, but I can't stop writing it! In the next chapter we get to see more of how Liam and Belle feel about their new marriages. Thank you Charlotte for helping me with that tantalizing first part. Your addition was marvelous. Please review!