Chapter Eight:
Royal Roughness
Surrey, England
"I was quite delighted that you agreed to go for a ride with me, Lady Blair," Thomas declared, turning to smile at her. They rode through the woods in Surrey, well the parts of them under Royal surveillance.
Blair kept her face forward, eyes following the ground as her horse moved. They had been doing this for about an hour and she couldn't be more bored. Her mother had made her go with Thomas. Whether he had done it intentionally or not, he had asked Blair to accompany him in front of Eleanor. Her mother instantly accepted the offer for her.
Thomas frowned, noting that she did not respond. It wasn't the first instance either. His fiancée had been quite distant since the moment they took off. He guided his horse closer to hers, so that their legs brushed against one another's. Then he blushed, shaking his head. "Forgive me."
Something grazed against her leg and she realized it was Thomas upon hearing him. Blair looked up, over at him for mere seconds. "It was only a touch, Thomas. There's no need to upset yourself over it," she assured him.
He grinned with a newfound sense of joy. "You have addressed me by my Christian name. I did not know we were so comfortable with one another. Though it does please me so," he explained.
She bit her tongue, holding in the instant reply that came to her mind. It was that she had grown used to using Christian names with Chuck, instead of formal titles. Well she supposed there was no going back now. She couldn't very well explain without great question as to why she addressed the prince so informally.
Thomas noticed the halt in conversation and worked to once more keep it going. He cleared his throat. "I know that you are aware of your beauty, Blair—"
"That I am," Blair agreed, looking to him. He smiled, starting to chuckle at her response, and with great surprise she found herself laughing along with him. She nodded, gesturing forward. "Well do go on, Thomas."
He found himself flustered for a moment, but then recuperated. "I was only going to tell you that I agree and think it is good you have kept your French sense of style. I know you are to be a Princess of England, but one should always remember their roots," he clarified.
She scoffed, "Until the country you're rooted to goes to war with the new one." She couldn't help her sharp tongue. Her loyalty would always be to France and she'd never be fully happy anywhere else.
Thomas's eyes fell for a moment. He lowered his voice. "France and England are in a good place right now, thanks to us in a way. We should just hope for the best, Blair," he encouraged. He made his best attempts to meet her eyes.
Blair pursed her ruby lips into a pout. She shook her head. "That's your way of saying if England goes to war with France, I'll be expected to show loyalty to England with everything—including my way of dress," she protested.
He sat up; some disturbed by her blunt speak. "You're a lady. We shouldn't discuss such matters in this setting," he denied.
"I will always love France, Thomas. It's my home. England isn't," Blair continued. She stopped her horse and turned to stare him straight in the face. "You do understand that. Do you not?" Her eyebrows rose in question.
Thomas shook his head, closing his eyes. "We will not confer about this. The heat is getting to your head, making you say improper things," he maintained.
Blair was about to further protest when they were suddenly interrupted.
"Well what a surprise! We have found his Lordship and Lady Blair off together in the woods. Quite the scandal," Edmund called, his voice teasing them. He and William rode up on their horses to the couple.
She smiled at them, but quickly hid it when Thomas looked to her. She bowed her head. "Good afternoon," she greeted.
William smirked, "I am surprised you got Lady Blair out here without a chaperone, your Lordship. It could cause some to talk." He eyed Blair, circling his horse around them.
Thomas watched his movements and then shook his head. "I gave her mother my honorable word. And we are in watched woods. As you see, there is nothing abnormal or indecent about the situation," he defended.
"Aye. Even less so now that we have arrived. You of course wouldn't mind if we joined you?" Edmund replied.
Blair frowned, wondering what they were up to. She knew that none of Chuck's friends enjoyed Thomas's company. Why would they offer up their afternoon to him, even if she were present?
Thomas was instantly disappointed. He had liked to have his time alone with Blair. He shook his head. "Actually, we were—"
"The Prince insisted we accompany you…for safety of course," William cut in. He spoke to Thomas, but his eyes met Blair's. They held an underlying meaning they both knew she would understand.
Blair cocked her head to the side some, smirking. She realized what was going on. Chuck was having them watched, spied on. It was amusing really. She had found he was quite jealous when it came to other men, but with Thomas? She thought the Prince knew of her disdain for her fiancé.
Thomas sighed, "Oh well if the Prince insists upon it. We must listen." He looked to Blair to make sure she was okay with it. He found her not paying attention though.
William rode his horse next to Blair's. He reached out a hand, touching the animal's back. "Your stallion needs water, Lady Blair. There is a creek just a little whiles over. Shall I accompany you to it?" he asked, keeping a strong eye contact with her.
She frowned, not first understanding. Her horse was fine.
"I am sure I can take her," Thomas interjected.
Edmund shook his head, quickly cutting in. "No, your Lordship. I must interrupt and say we should stay here. It would not be proper to allow you to go off alone with she who you are to be wed to," he declined.
Thomas nodded, "Oh. Yes, that is proper etiquette. Sweetheart, shall you be alright?"
Blair winced at the pet name coming from his lips. She didn't care what William wanted now. She just wanted to get away from her fiancé. She nodded, "I shall be fine, your Lordship. Let us go, William."
"Very well, my Lady," William grinned. He then rode ahead, leading the way.
Blair followed, not even looking back to wave goodbye to Thomas.
XOXOXOXOXO
Chuck hopped off his horse, bending down to reach into the creek and retrieve some water. He washed it on his face, wiping the sweat off his brow. It wasn't the nicest day for a ride. Leave it to Thomas to drag Blair's delicate skin out into the sun at the worst time possible. He rose and kicked his feet at the dirt, scoffing. But why had she accepted such an offer in the first place? He crossed his arms, pursing his lips. Then he heard them coming through the woods. His eyes rose.
Blair followed William to the stream, her horse just a few paces behind his. She was going to ask him why he seemed to think her horse needed water, but hadn't wanted Thomas to hear. They must have been a while away from him now though. She sighed, reaching a hand up to adjust her hat.
"You shouldn't be out when the bloody sun is beating down like this."
She froze for a moment, wondering if she was hearing things. Then she looked up, eyes widening.
Chuck came towards her, guiding her horse to the stream so it could drink. He nodded at her. "Go on and get down then," he ordered.
Blair took hold of his hand and allowed him to help her. She smiled, kissing him quickly on the lips. She wasn't sure what had come over her when she did it, but there was no going back now.
He smirked, finishing the kiss, and resting his forehead against hers. "I knew you'd be happy to see me," he mused. His voice was a low, rustic tone.
She pulled back from him giggling. "You came out all the way into the woods to find me? What an honor," she mused. Her fingertip brushed against his chest before she pulled away quickly.
Chuck watched her with a smile and then nodded to William. "Go and watch for the idiot. I do not want to be disturbed," he directed.
"Yes, your Highness," William agreed instantly. He then gave a small bow before riding off, leaving the couple alone.
Blair turned back around, shrugging out of her hot riding coat and letting it drop to the floor. She knew she must look a mess. Her breasts were sweating and now visible. She brushed at them.
"Allow me," Chuck chuckled. He held up his handkerchief and came to her, patting at them. "They clearly don't like to be contained." He licked his lips, eying them.
She pushed at his chest, scoffing. "Do not gawk at me like that. You make me feel as if I'm a piece of meat or animal," she retorted.
He smirked, putting that handkerchief in his pocket. "Are they not the same? Animals become meat, which we eat...and I know I'd love to have a taste of you," he mused seductively, coming towards her once more.
Blair backed herself into a tree, feeling his front press against her. She shook her head. "My maidenhead will be given to my husband, Chuck. You had your chance to rob me of it the other night," she said seriously. She had to keep the ideal of her marrying Thomas a constant aggravation in his mind. It was the only way to sway him to get her out of it, to give her what she truly wanted.
The grin fell straight off his face. "Rob you of it?" he spat. He grabbed both of her arms, yanking her up against him. "You offered it to me."
Her eyes widened for a moment, feeling herself short of breath. She got her hands free and stroked his chest soothingly. "I know. It was just my way of saying no. I thought you enjoyed out banter—"
"Not when it's about him," Chuck retorted. He shook his head. "Why did you even go on a ride with him today? Have I not given you enough of my time? Have you suddenly found him interesting?"
"No, of course not," Blair replied. She smiled, laughing some. "And him interesting? Do not be ridiculous."
He looked some relieved, but still kept somewhat of a pout on his lips. "Why then?" Chuck asked, keeping his eyes with hers.
She sighed, moving past him, to sit down on a large boulder by the creek. "He asked me in front of my mother. She answered for me. There was not much I could do and you were missing," she explained.
"I was with my father this morning. I had royal business to attend to." He walked over, sitting down beside her. "Then I finally get away and come to find you gone, off with him," Chuck muttered with clear disgust in his voice.
Blair smiled at him, resting her cheek against his shoulder. He was already so possessive of her. She never imagined it to be so easy. Sure some may have seen his behavior dangerous. If she were to upset him too much, it could be her head, but she was confident in her mission.
He looked down at her, now holding onto him. "I should have Edmund tell Thomas William took you back to the castle. It's too hot for you out here."
"Inside the castle is even more suffocating. And these clothes are the worst," Blair muttered, pulling at her threads.
He chuckled, "Well do not let me keep you from ridding of them, my Lady."
She rolled her eyes, sitting back up. "I shall do no such thing. Perhaps when I return I'll have a cool bath, tie my hair up." Her tone was innocent, but she was being far from that. She knew her words would instantly put a teasing image into his mind.
Chuck eyed her carefully, biting his bottom lip. He wondered if she'd allow him to watch her bathe. It was indecent, but so was there time together. He shook his head. She'd say no, damn woman.
Blair turned back to look at him, smiling. She could tell by his expression that her words had worked. "Take me back to the castle, Chuck? I'll spend time with you after my bath," she offered. Her hand fell into his lap and she took hold of his.
He stood up, pulling her into his arms. "You can bathe in my chambers. My royal bath is much more prestigious than anyone else's."
She laughed, climbing up onto her horse. "Please. You only want to keep your eye on me."
Chuck got onto his, watching her movements with a smirk. "That I do, sweetheart."
XOXOXOXOXO
Hampton Court, Surrey
Blair frowned, blinking her eyes open. She wasn't sure where she was at first. She felt warmness on her back and fur around her. Turning over, she saw she was lying next to the fire, enveloped in fur blankets. She touched her forehead. The last thing she remembered was being in Chuck's tub, soaking in cold water. Suddenly short of breath, she sat up quickly. Looking down at herself she realized she was wrapped in blankets, but naked.
"Relax, sweetheart. I didn't touch you," Chuck's soothing voice came from behind her.
She turned to see him sitting at the end of the bed. He was wearing his white underpants and a white undershirt, but it was left open. He wasn't extremely muscular, but toned. She pulled the fur blankets up further around her.
He rose from the bed, bringing a glass of wine over, and holding it out to her. "You fell asleep in the tub. I came in to find you shivering and practically blue. It was my princely duty to rescue you," he told her.
Blair took the wine, sipping it as she rolled her eyes. "Your princely duty?" she scoffed, setting the cup down.
"Trust me, when I violate your innocence you will be fully awake," Chuck smirked. He sat down beside her, holding up a nightgown. "I had this brought from you room."
"No one saw, did they?" Blair asked cautiously. She held out the blanket for him to hold up as she pulled on the nightgown. It was of course one of her more revealing ones, a white ensemble that hung off her shoulders.
He shook his head. "Of course not. I'm the Prince of England. If I want something done secretly, no one will ever find out," he assured her.
She nodded, tying up her hair and letting the blanket fall. It was then she caught him staring at her.
Chuck had found himself transfixed the moment Blair tied up her hair. He loved it down, curls cascading down her back, but having it up revealed her nape. It was so lovely. It looked like it had been carved from stone and painted to absolute perfection. He moved forward slowly, pulling her towards him.
"Ch-Chuck, what are you doing?" Blair asked. She felt her heart skip a beat as he brought her into his arms. Her eyes closed as she felt his lips on her neck. "Chuck?"
He moved in, finding himself at a loss for control. He kissed her neck, weaving his hand up inside her nightgown. He couldn't help himself. He suckled the sweet skin of her nape, causing the blood to gather under the skin, and bruise. His hand cupped her left breast, his fingertips squeezing it.
Her eyes opened quickly when he touched her breast. She brought her hand up to hold the back of his neck, but her breathing was unsteady. She'd never had a man touch her breasts before. Even when she was fitted for a dress, the tailor was careful where they put their hands.
"It's okay. I am only touching you a little bit, Blair. You must understand I can't help myself," Chuck whispered. His voice was soothing. It could have convinced anyone.
Blair shook her head. It felt so good, but her head told her it was wrong. Was she giving him too much, too quickly? And why was her body agreeing with him so much? She thought her mind was stronger, but now it seemed weaker. She cursed herself, shaking her head. "I—no one's had their hand there before," she revealed.
He chuckled darkly; leaving butterfly kisses up the back of her neck. "I know. I knew that before, when I touched your sweet cunt."
She squeezed her eyes shut. His words were so blunt, but they came so smoothly from his lips. She let her hands fall to his back, gripping his shirt and skin. Clearly her scratching him didn't bother him too much.
Chuck felt her nails pierce the skin of his back. He only smirked though, grabbing her waist, and pulling her into his lap. "Wrap your legs around me," he ordered. "And that's a command."
"Yes, your Highness," Blair replied. She did as told, using her flexibility to please him. It was more comfortable that way. She knew he couldn't get to her without first lifting her. She would know if he was going to try something.
"Your skin is so sweet. Your neck's so beautiful," Chuck mused against her skin. He then pulled back to meet her eyes. He knew he was staring down deep inside of her. She was under his spell, but he felt under hers at the same time. When he looked into her eyes, there was something different. It was a feeling he hadn't had before, in the pit of his stomach.
"What is it? Did I do something wrong?" Blair asked, sounding self-conscience. She couldn't help it. She had a strong game, but not under these circumstances. She was a virgin after all. There was no denying it.
He shook his head, bringing his hand up to her face. He took hold of her cheek and ran his thumb down her lips. "No. Come here," he beckoned. He then leaned in, pecking her lips. "Just do what you feel. Kiss how you feel." It was a new thing for him, having to instruct her. Most others he had been with were whores. They knew every move and he'd seen all of it.
Blair felt a shiver go down her spine, but it wasn't from the cold. She was quite warm. She kissed his lips once, then more passionately. They had kissed on the mouth before though. So she kissed down his chin, around his neck. In the crook of the neck she started to open her mouth, leaving kisses with contribution from her tongue.
Chuck's eyes rolled back into his head. He gripped onto her, his fingertips probably bruising her arms. "That's right, Blair. Keep going," he encouraged.
She smiled to herself for a moment and then went in once more. She kissed a few more times, suckling his skin, and then as if from instinct nibbled on him.
He gasped, feeling himself harden and rise. He knew he was pushing against her. She was sitting in his lap.
Blair moved back instantly, falling out of his lap. She looked at the bulge in his pants and then away quickly, shaking her head. "I—I'm sorry," she rasped.
Chuck grabbed a pillow, covering himself, and standing. "Don't be. It knows what it wants," he muttered.
She blushed and brought her knees to her chest, holding them. "Should I leave so you can—you know? Take care of it?" she asked.
He shook his head. "You're not going anywhere," he spat. Then he stood in the corner. "Get on the bed and pull the curtains. I'll join you shortly."
Blair shot up, not needing to be told twice. She got under the covers, seeing nothing, but his shadow from the candlelight. She turned her cheek on her pillow, knowing she should not look. A proper woman of court she was not, but her father would be ashamed for her having such curiosity in that way. She closed her eyes. How could she think of her father in a time like this?
Eyes closed, she heard Chuck call to a servant. A few words were muttered and then came harsh breaths and moans. She couldn't help herself. She opened her eyes, peaking up from the covers. Chuck's shadow showed his standing body rocking back and forward at a quick pace. His arm was jerking back and forth as well. A servant stood in front of him, holding a bucket.
"Forgive me," she whispered to herself, pulling the covers over her head.
"Bl—Buh—Blair! Fuck! Blair!" Chuck shouted. The sound of him stumbling forward came next and then harsh breaths.
"A towel, your Highness," the servant spoke quietly.
"You may go," Chuck retorted. The sound of the door closed.
Blair opened her eyes, though still under the covers, and heard his footsteps coming towards the bed. She felt him get on and heard him chuckle.
"Hiding from me, pretty?" he asked, sounding amused. He lifted the covers, looking at her. The room was now completely dark. "Trust me. It was an honor I took this way to relieve tension on you part."
"This isn't the first time you've said my name," Blair whispered. She wasn't sure why she said it. It just had slipped out. She stared up at him as if in a trance.
Chuck frowned for a moment, but it gradually became a smile. "Should I ask how you know that, Blair?" he wondered. He didn't sound mad, but instead curious. He lowered himself on the bed to lie next to her.
She shook her head; now realizing it had been a mistake to mention it. "It was just an assumption. I—I didn't see anything," she lied.
He smirked, running his hand down her hair, to finger one of her curls. "You're lying. Your lips don't match your mouth." He chuckled, moving further to caress her cheek. "But whatever you saw, I hope it didn't scare you off. I can be rough." His dark eyes met hers.
Blair was quiet for a very long time. Their gaze seemed to go on for eternity. And then her reply came to her. "I'm still here aren't I?"
XOXOXOXOXO
A/N: I am so sorry this update took so long, but I do hope I still have readers and the chapter was worth it! I have had a lot going on! I transitioned to college, joined a sorority, midterms, and initiation week, got voted to hold a position of the sorority, and now have finals coming up. Seriously, I hope you guys don't hate me, but there are things I need to put first! I promise I will work hard on updating quicker though. If you're still here leave a review with your thoughts!