Chapter Seven:
Shadow Over England
Whitehall Palace, London
Blair walked along in the gardens, staring out to the iron gates surrounding the palace. When she was in France, she was free to go as she pleased. If she wanted to go to the city, she didn't even have to ask. Her mother had never paid too much attention, after all. However, in England things were different. Since she was engaged to Thomas, a future Prince of England, many kept a close eye on her. It was suffocating and exhausting.
"Lady Blair, would you not like to go inside? The sun is shining down so harshly today," her maid complained, whining from a few steps behind.
"No, I would not like to go inside. I can't likely breathe in there," Blair retorted.
The girls both made noises equal to complaints.
Blair rolled her eyes and stopped by a tree, motioning to the stone bench beneath it. "Go on then, if you feel you shall faint though."
Her maids looked to each other in relief and hurried to sit down. They were fanning each other dramatically, acting quite silly for all to see.
Blair did her best to ignore them so she wouldn't become too irritated and yell. So she walked a few paces away from them, crossing her arms.
"Lady Blair, how are—"
She turned to see who had started to speak with her and stopped abruptly. Two young men from court were headed her way. One was looking quite nervous, his friend saying something urgently in his ear. She frowned, not understanding what was going on.
"Your Grace, did you say something?" Blair asked as they neared.
The man stopped, keeping his eyes from hers. He shook his head and acted as if shamed.
"No, my Lady. Forgive me for disturbing you," he said quietly. Then he and the other man bowed their heads before going on their way.
"Wait, you did not disturb me," Blair started to call, turning around. She saw they had left as quickly as they came though.
"Qu'est-ce que à ça veut dire?" she wondered, shaking her head.
(English Translation: "What was that about?")
"The men seem scared to talk to you, my Lady," her maid giggled, holding hands with the other one. They apparently thought to share a joke.
Blair narrowed her eyes and came closer to them. "Why would they be scared of me? Both those gentlemen back there are dukes. They are of much higher rank," she stated plainly.
The other girl shrugged, grinning. "I do not know, my Lady. Perhaps your Royal stalker has something to do with it," she laughed.
"Mary," the other scolded, grabbing her. "You could lose your head for speaking like that—"
"Shut up, both of you," Blair ordered, highly annoyed. She began to turn away from them, but stopped when she saw what Mary had meant.
Across the courtyard, Chuck leaned up against the wall. He was standing with a few of his mates, but kept a fierce eye on her. It was as if he was watching to see if she did something she wasn't supposed to.
Blair bowed her head, but her expression made it known she was not in a happy. It was a signal for him to come to her. He may have been the Prince of England, but if he didn't want her to refuse to see him the rest of the day, then he would approach her when she wanted him to.
Chuck said something to Nate who turned to glare at her. But thankfully his friend stayed behind and Chuck came across the grass, towards Blair. He stopped before her and smirked. "Lady Blair."
She put her hands on her hips and ruby lips pursed. "Do you mind telling me why those men seemed to find such fear in merely greeting me?" Blair asked, taking on a sassy tone.
He chuckled, "Why would any man in his right mind want to put himself in such danger? I sure wouldn't." He took a step closer to her and pretended to admire the broach she wore. They both knew what he was really appreciating.
Blair scoffed, "You can't put out a claim on me. I am not your wife, fiancée, or even your mistress. Or do you not recall the other night?"
He met her eyes again and then fingered one of her curls. "I am sure you still do." He grinned in a sinister fashion, releasing her hair. "As for this said claim, if I wanted to—I'm the Prince of England. I need no rhyme or reason for what I order, only others should know to obey it."
She moved closer, quirking her left eyebrow. "Oh? And if such an order exist, what exactly would it be?" Blair asked condescendingly. Really though, it took all she had not to show how delighted she was over the matter.
Chuck's expression took on a serious tone and he took hold of her arm, pulling her against his chest.
"I don't like others touching what's mine," he told her.
Blair felt a fluttering in her stomach. She leaned onto him some. She knew it was wrong that a part of her liked him being so possessive, but she told herself it wasn't. Logically, if she wanted him to fall for her then this was something she should be happy about.
She finally regained her composure and put on a coy smile. "Well, if you want to be able to call something—or rather someone yours, than perhaps you ought to spend more time with them," Blair hinted. She nodded to Nate and the other men he had been previously with.
Chuck looked back at them and then to her. His features softened some. "Tell me what you want, sweetheart," he smirked. His voice was partly patronizing, but he did intend to give her what she desired.
Blair smiled, knowing she had his full attention. She stroked her hands down his chest and lifted her eyes to his. "I want to get away from this place, if only for a little while," she requested.
He took her hands from his chest and held them between their bodies, where no one watching could see. "Where would you like to go, Blair? I haven't got all day to figure what you're thinking," Chuck informed her, though he sounded with amusement. It was hard to get upset with her in certain ways.
She dropped the innocent look and spoke plainly. "Fine. I would like to go into town. We're back in London after all. Surely his Highness could arrange it."
"His Highness can only arrange it if you call him by the name he's requested," he returned.
Blair sighed, "Please, Chuck." She pouted her lips and held on tighter to him. The more he gave into her, the more power she had over him—and if she enjoyed herself along the way, well that would be a bonus of some sort.
Chuck stared at her for a few moments and then smirked. "Of course. We shall go at once," he told her. He held out his hand and spoke with a teasing formality.
"Lady Blair?"
"Thank you, your Highness." Blair played right along. She held onto his arm, allowing him to escort her through the courtyard, and smiled proudly to anyone they passed.
XOXOXOXOXO
"Make sure there is something to give Lady Blair shade from the sun. She has a delicate complexion, which should not be damaged," Chuck proclaimed, giving a stern nod to the group of servants. He was watching them set up the open carriage while Blair dressed in something cooler for their trip to the city. He wanted her to be comfortable, so they could be even more comfortable.
"Your Majesty."
Chuck turned when he heard several people greeting his father. He saw Bart coming across the way, towards him. If it wouldn't cause such uproar, he'd turn away from him. He hadn't spoken much with his father since Bart sent Jack away. Quite frankly, he didn't wish to either.
"Charles, what is this?" Bart asked, standing before him. He motioned to the carriage being set up.
Chuck bowed, "Just a day trip to London, your Majesty. Your prince shall be back before dinner, not to worry."
Bart nodded, looking around, and then stepped closer so they could speak more privately. He stared down at his son. "I have heard you were conversing rather closely with Lady Blair this afternoon. Is this true?" he asked.
"I am sure whomever you have watching me has not lied, father," Chuck retorted. He sounded with clear disgust, shaking his head.
Bart sighed, "It does not matter how I found out or who told me. Now, I asked you a question. Answer me." He took on a more demanding tone.
Chuck backed away from him some, but nodded. "I am taking her out to see London. I am sure that is why you came to see me now," he remarked.
Bart did not respond to his accusation, but instead stood back in a formal manner. "You shall take Thomas and Nathaniel with you. I am sure you would rather have them than guards," he ordered, both of them knowing it was not an actual suggestion.
His eyes narrowed, but Chuck was quick to bite his tongue. He forced a smile through clenched teeth. "Of course, father."
Bart nodded, "Very well. Enjoy yourself then. The others shall be down shortly." With that, he walked past his son, not even waiting for a bow. He was only glad Chuck had not caused yet another scene. He also hoped with Thomas along for the ride, he would not cause one with Lady Blair that afternoon.
XOXOXOXOXO
Chuck looked beside him, where Blair sat in the carriage. She hard her arms crossed, lips pursed, and a clear glare set towards Thomas and the others who assembled in the carriage. He found her disdain for her fiancé amusing and didn't try to hide his snide smirk. Instead he touched her shoulder, causing her to turn and meet his eyes.
"Don't waste your frowns on them. You'll get wrinkles," Chuck told her. He winked at her, chuckling some, as he touched her cheek. Then he reclined back in his seat, his arm slipping casually around her back.
Thomas smiled at Blair, but she only stared back at him.
"Thomas," Nate called. He held onto the hands of two girls, first helping them inside, and then climbing in himself. They sat on each side of him, causing one to be between him and Thomas. Still, everyone noticed Chuck and Blair were rather secluded.
"What is it, Your Grace?" Thomas asked, remaining proper.
Nate chuckled, "Told you he was a gentlemen, ladies. Thomas, this is Lady Penelope and Lady Hazel. They're both admirable woman at court. In fact, the Prince knows them awfully well." He looked to Chuck, but more so Blair, grinning.
Blair's eyes widened some and nostrils flared. Then she shook her head, scoffed, and turned away from Chuck some.
"Nathaniel likes to exaggerate. You must forgive me, Ladies—for I cannot remember you," Chuck interjected, warning in his tone. He then rubbed Blair's arm some until she turned into him once more.
"Well all the same, it is a pleasure to meet you both," Thomas said. He bowed his head to each of them.
"As it is to meet you, your Lordship," Hazel replied. Penelope only smiled, concentrating more on getting closer to Nate. The blonde then turned to Blair, shaking her head.
"And of course, I am pleased to meet his future bride. Oh wait, should I ask how this is said in French so she can understand?" Hazel played dumb, looking to the others.
"Je parle Anglais, connard," Blair replied with a condescending smile.
(English Translation: "I speak English, you twat.")
Chuck snorted a laugh and Thomas blushed.
Penelope frowned, "What did she say? Our mothers refused to teach us French. We learned Italian instead."
"She said it is a pleasure to meet you both," Chuck told them, chuckling more so to himself. He was even more pleased when Blair added a giggle.
Penelope and Hazel were both satisfied enough and turned to speak with Thomas and Nate. The carriage entered town, many people stopping their work to bow as they passed by.
"I thought we were going to be alone," Blair remarked. She moved closer to Chuck and spoke at a lower tone so the others could not hear.
He reached his hand up, tucking a curl behind her ear. "We will be next time. I promise," Chuck assured her.
She scoffed, "A lot of good your promises do. I suppose there's a reason honor is spoken of with knights and not princes."
He smirked, "You're one to talk. If I haven't got any honor than neither do you. We're the same, Blair."
Blair rolled her eyes and turned forward, crossing her arms. "Well I was not lying when I said I wanted to be alone with you. Evidently though, you were," she proclaimed, nodding her head.
Chuck's smirk stretched even clearer across his face. He touched her leg and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You know how much I enjoy being alone with you, Blair."
She rolled her eyes and turned her cheek to look at the city they were passing. That was when she saw it happen. The carriage rode right by it, crowds gathered to cover up the scene, but that didn't mean Blair would forget it and go on.
"Stop the carriage!" Blair screamed suddenly, standing up. Penelope and Hazel both jumped and the men looked to her, alarmed. She ignored all of them though, pushing open the door.
"Blair!" Chuck shouted, trying to grab onto her as she got out. Several people looked to him, questioning the informal way he addressed her. He just glared back at them though and followed her out, Thomas chasing after him.
Nate watched both men chasing after Blair. He rolled his eyes, shaking his head. His friend was now literally chasing after that French—
"Nate, can't we go get something to drink?" Penelope asked, touching his chest. She smiled seductively. "I'm sure we can find someone to bring us back…later."
His eyebrows rose and then he smiled. "Of course, Penelope. After you," he offered. They both left the carriage. Well, at least the day wouldn't be all bad.
XOXOXOXOXO
Blair had been staring forward and saw a basket of kittens in the market place. Most of them were white and orange with small specks of black. However, there was a very small one with black fur that had hints of orange in it. A shop man had picked it up by its neck and was about to toss it aside.
"Get out of my way!" she yelled, pushing past people. She was causing quite the uproar, but got to the man just in time. "What do you think you are doing?"
The man glared at her. "Throwing out the evil runt of the litter. He's black, girl. Don't you know anything?" he spat.
"Well I have better eyesight than you. The poor thing has orange in him too, but if you won't keep him then give him to me," Blair demanded. She took the kitten from his hands before he could even object. Her hands cradled the small animal to her chest and she kissed the top of its head. She had always loved cats. Her father bought one for her when she was a little girl, but when he left—her mother had gotten rid of it.
Chuck and Thomas ran up to Blair. The man and several others instantly dropped to their knees, bowing their heads.
"Your Highness," the shopkeeper breathed.
"Why were you yelling at the lady?" Chuck asked. He circled the man, glaring down at him.
The shopkeeper shook his head. "I did not realize her rank, Your Highness. But she has picked up a black cat. I had means to get rid of it," he explained.
Blair held the kitten closer to her and saw everyone looking at her, particularly Thomas and Chuck. "He's not all black," she maintained.
Thomas took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Dear, put the cat down. It's dirty. You shouldn't be near it," he stuttered. He was having a hard time ordering her to do something, but he felt the need. He didn't want people talking about her.
"Non," Blair retorted. She then looked to Chuck, pouting her lips.
Chuck glanced around and then went closer to the shopkeeper. He took out a bag of gold coins and dropped it at his feet. "We'll take the kitten. Now apologize to the Lady so we can leave," he ordered.
The man looked shocked, but nodded. "Ye—yes, Your Highness. Forgive me, my Lady," he breathed.
Blair smirked, kissing the top of the kitten's head again. She walked past a humiliated Thomas, straight to Chuck. He put his arm around her and they made their way back to the carriage. People didn't even wait until they left to start whispering.
XOXOXOXOXO
Blair entered the room, gazing at the roaring fire. His room was the warmest in the entire castle and that was good, especially on such a cold night in England. She had come to see him because she wanted to show him she appreciated the small kitten she now held in her arms. Really she wanted to set the guidelines for their… relationship.
Chuck was reclined on his bed, atop a mound of fur blankets. He was overlooking some jewels, shifting them back and forth, as he sipped a glass of red wine.
She wondered if he knew she was in the room.
"Are you to stand in my doorway all night or shall you come keep me company?" Chuck asked. He lifted his head, meeting her eyes.
Blair smirked and swayed her hips back and forth seductively as she approached the bed. She sat down beside him, putting the kitten in her lap, and kissed Chuck's neck.
He chuckled darkly, petting the kitten. "We caused quite the spectacle in town today. Many at court are talking," Chuck mused.
She pulled back, meeting his eyes. "Let them talk. What can they do? You're the Prince of England, after all. And they have no proof of anything," Blair returned.
"I know that. You're forgetting that it wouldn't matter to me if they did." He reached his hand up and tucked a dark curl behind her ear, then caressing her cheek. "Nothing's going to keep me away from you," he breathed.
Blair smiled, it actually being genuine. She blushed and looked down. Chuck pulled her close, kissing her neck. She stiffened some, worried about how far he would try to take it. She couldn't give it up yet. Even if she wanted to be Queen, she just couldn't—
"Relax, Blair. I just want to touch you," Chuck whispered. He felt her calm in his arms and lowered her to her back. Then he carefully placed the kitten aside and got on top of her. He began to kiss her again, allowing his hands to roam all over her perfect body.
"Chuck," Blair breathed. When he didn't stop or seem to hear her, she pushed lightly on his chest. "Chuck, wait."
He sighed and pulled back, meeting her eyes. "What is it, Sweetheart?" Chuck asked. He stroked his thumb down her chest.
"Do you do this with all the maidens at Court?" she asked. Her doe brown eyes read innocent and she was partly, but not entirely.
He smirked, "You mean buying them kittens, dresses, and jewels? Or perhaps you mean these meetings of ours, where I'm at least half a gentleman?"
Blair pouted, "Don't play with me."
"I'm not," Chuck returned seriously.
She smiled, feeling control slipping from her again. But she didn't even try to stop him when he bent down to kiss her again. She'd never admit it, but deep down, Blair wanted him to.
XOXOXOXOXO
Nate returned to Court rather late. He noticed people were acting different, but no one seemed to want to talk to him. At the least, he got bits and pieces. He had heard Chuck had rejected a very Chuck-like gift from the Earl of Cambridge. Apparently though, he had done something even more outrageous that people would not gossip to him about. They knew Nate was the closest to him and would not risk telling him something that could get back to the Prince. So Nate thought he would go to Chuck, himself.
"Duke Archibald," the servant announced and then bowed his head and closed the doors.
Nate entered Chuck's bedroom with a lighthearted smile. It fell though when he realized they would not be alone.
Chuck sat on his bed by the fire like a King. At his side though Blair hung off of his shoulder. She was stroking his chest while holding up the wine glass to his lips. She had on a white nightgown, but it hung of her shoulders and dark curls spilled down her back. She was smiling coyly even as she turned to face Nate.
"Nathaniel," Chuck smiled, "What brings you to my chambers at such a late hour?"
"Hello Chuck," Nate bowed and then answered, "I actually came to see why you had not accepted your gift from the Earl of Cambridge."
Blair rolled her eyes and rested her chin on Chuck's shoulder. She then stroked his cheek to distract him.
It worked and Chuck turned towards her. He smirked and took hold of her hand. Kissing her knuckles he lowered it to hold in his lap. Then he turned back to Nate and shook his head.
"It would be an insult to the crown if I were to accept a room full of prostitutes from someone so low in rank," Chuck explained, voice serious.
Nate looked from Chuck to a smirking Blair. He scoffed, "That never stopped you before."
"I have all I need here. That being said, why have you not greeted Lady Blair?" Chuck asked tersely, eyebrows rising.
Nate hesitated for a moment and then finally bowed his head. "Lady Blair," he greeted though sounding insulted. Her parents may have been a Duke and Duchess, but until marriage she still fell lower in rank than him.
"Nate," Blair returned casually with a giggle. She then looked around the room. "Shadow?" she called.
Nate frowned, "Shadow?"
Suddenly a hiss was heard. Nate screamed as something small and black came out from under the bed and clawed into his legs. He looked down to see it was a cat.
"Bloody animal!" Nate screamed.
"Stop!" Blair shouted in horror. She jumped off the bed and grabbed the kitten, holding it to her chest. "How dare you!" She glared at Nate.
Nate scoffed, "How dare I?" He shook his head. "You—"
"Nathaniel!" Chuck warned. He shook his head at his friend and then held out his hand. "Blair?"
Blair smiled instantly and took her place beside Chuck, but with Shadow now in her lap.
"She has a black cat?" Nate asked, completely shocked.
"Chuck got him for me," Blair answered with a smug grin. She then stroked the kitten as it purred under her hand, completely sweet.
"Not entirely," Chuck said, reconnecting his eyes with his friends. He then sighed, "If you have said what you came here for then please take your leave. I'm tired."
Blair took her hand from the kitten and stroked back some of Chuck's hair. She kissed his cheek sensually.
Nate stood back, acting some appalled. He then shook his head, "Fine. Perhaps we can speak in private in the morning then."
Chuck looked from Blair to him, but if he had not heard what Nate said. So he simply nodded and showed him off with his hand before coming back to Blair.
Nate watched Chuck pull her into a kiss. Then he rolled his eyes and left, doors slamming behind him that caused the servants to gasp.
XOXOXOXOXO
A/N: So I'm not too proud of this chapter. While writing it, I felt it wasn't that great. Anyways, let me know.
P.S. Pictures of the kitten, Shadow, are on my profile.