I was not originally going to partake in today's witfit, since I am ill. But I guess the plot bunnies show no mercy, even when you're under the weather. So please forgive any errors I may have made, it just wouldn't leave me alone.

Penname: kyla713
Creative Original or Derivative Fiction: Derivative

Rating/Warning(s): M

Notes:

Disclaimer: All copyrighted, trademarked items, or recognizable characters, plots, etc. mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. No copying or reproduction of this work is permitted without their express written authorization.

Prompt: Lust

From the moment she stepped off that carriage, my breath was taken away by the sheer elegant beauty of her. Her long brown hair left loose underneath the fur hat she wore, framing the porcelain skin of her heart-shaped face, she was the most delicate creature I had ever laid eyes on, and I swore I'd loved her ever since.

Yet she was unattainable. Contracted in marriage to James, the Duke of Essex, and I a mere servant to his lordship.

I could only watch from afar as the once vibrant light in her eyes began to fade over time, the smile to disappear almost completely. Simply going through the motions of the life of a duchess, while he paraded her around as if she were some sort of prize.

The only thing that seemed to give her even a brief measure of contentment was her daily afternoon ride with her lady-in-waiting, Alice. Watching her grace and poise upon the mare that had been presented to her as a wedding gift by the Duke, it appeared as if she were literally born on a horse, and I could watch her for hours if I were allowed.

Then one afternoon, I entered the stable after lunch, surprised to find her standing in front of the stall which held her horse. Her hand brushed over her cheek to wipe away an errant tear as the other gently stroked the mane of the magnificent animal before her.

"My lady," I said, making my presence known as to not rudely stare without her knowledge, bowing my head respectfully to her.

"Oh... Edward. You startled me," she breathed out, her hand rising to cover her heart as she jumped slightly at my voice. "I was not expecting anyone to be here."

"Forgive me, your grace. T'was not my intent," I replied and moved to begin cleaning the stalls.

"Please do not call me that," she said so softly, I barely heard her and then turned her head toward me. "I wasn't born into this, you know. I cannot stand all the rules and standards I am being forced to live by, which by all accounts, would forbid me to even speak to you. But here, with Nessie, it's the one place I can feel truly free. I can simply be Bella again. They never demand, you know. Never expect anything from you. Only yourself."

I watched as she gazed up at the horse, staring wistfully. "Shall I saddle the mare for you, then?"

"No, not today," she replied sadly, forcing a smile. "Alice has fallen ill, and is unable to accompany me today. His lordship wouldn't appreciate me leaving the grounds unescorted."

"I'm so sorry. I know how you so look forward to it," I replied honestly, seeing the slight smile appear on her lips.

"Would you mind very much if I remained out here for a short while?" she asked, her hand resting on one of the posts as she leaned against it.

"Not at all," I said, shaking my head and returning to my task.

She was quiet for several moments as she settled herself down on one of the bails of hay, before she suddenly began to speak. "You know, I remember the day I arrived here. I think on it often. Think of you."

I froze in my spot, unable to move or speak.

"You were out there to greet us as we arrived, and I foolishly hoped that you were the Duke. Very foolishly, actually. But I suppose I assumed that he would be there to greet me when I arrived," she said softly, gazing down at her hands in her lap. "I'd never seen him before, though he had somehow seen me. But if he was to be my husband, I would have thought that he would be anxious to see me. But he apparently had a more pressing engagement, and there you were."

"My lady, you really shouldn't say such things," I stammered, unsure of what else to say.

She rose from the bail and made her way toward me. "You always smile whenever you see me. You make me feel, with just one look, more desirable than any touch from my husband. His interest in me is solely for an heir. He receives his pleasure in the beds of his mistresses. I see the looks I receive, even from Alice. As if I should expect this. But I want to feel desired, to be wanted. Do you find me desirable, Edward?"

She stood just inches in front of me, her soft scent assaulting my senses. "Duchess..."

"Bella," she whispered, taking my face in her hands and pressing her soft lips to mine. "Please, Edward. Just Bella."

My lips sealed over hers again, lost in the moment of her lips and body against mine. I knew damn well that I could die for this, but it would be worth it just for this, for her.

"Take me, Edward. Please," she murmured against me and I backed her toward the wall.

As I lifted the skirts of her dress, her fingers made quick work of the ties of my pants. Freeing me from the confines of the fabric, her fingers wrapped around my already hardened erection, letting out a soft moan.

I grasped her hips, lifting her up as she wrapped her legs around my waist and I drove inside her. Her breath caught in her throat and for a moment I thought I might have hurt her, until her hips rolled against mine, pressing me deeper.

"We've not much time. Please," she begged, taking my lower lip between her teeth as I began thrusting against her.

She felt so amazing, like nothing I'd even dreamed of. Her body slid against mine with each of my movements, her breasts bouncing against my chest. We suppressed each other's sounds of pleasure against our lips, each of my thrusts becoming more ragged until I finally climaxed, releasing inside her as her body trembled against me.

Panting heavily, her legs fell from around me and she adjusted her skirts as I did my pants. She passed by me, stopping at the door and turning to face me. "We must never speak of this. We're both dead if we do."

Without waiting for me to respond, she hurried across the property and back to the house. And that was the last I saw of her for weeks.

x-x-x

"Did you hear the news?" Emmett said to me one day, as we were retiring for the evening in the servants quarters.

"What news?" I replied, disinterested.

"The duchess is with child. Guess the old bastard got lucky after all. People were beginning to fear he was sterile. Guess he just needed the right one, eh?"

And suddenly, I felt sick.