Chapter Twenty-Three:
Cruelness and Crowns
Hampton Court
Surrey, England
Blair stared at her reflection in her large floor length mirror, though she stood much closer to it than usual. Today she did not care for what her dress looked like, her makeup, or her hair; but instead had practically touched her nose to the glass in trying to get the absolute best view of her latest gift from the prince.
For in that moment, sitting perfectly atop her head was one of the largest and most ornately designed golden tiaras she'd ever seen before. The crown was a magnificent sight to behold, made up of woven and delicate looking gold that positioned and fit like one of her headbands; from there the gold wove into different shapes of flowers and vinery, building in size and extravagance as it reached the top which shaped over her head like a halo or the curved side of a crescent moon. There were countless tiny rubies and diamonds sprinkled throughout the headpiece, as well as a larger teardrop shaped pearl that hung down over her forehead. It had to be the most expensive thing that she'd ever worn, or likely ever owned. Something so lavish was not typically gifted or donned on someone of her station, but one also never refused a gift from the heir to the throne. It would turn heads surely, but with Chuck's permission as well as her current engagement to Thomas, a fellow crowned prince, not a soul would be able to say a thing to her… though behind her back would be another story. Regardless Blair did not care. All she could currently be concerned about or could give any thought to be there in perfect view for her, right through her looking glass. She grinned, reaching her hands up to feel it as if to make sure it was real. Indeed, it was still right there at her fingertips.
"I can tell by your face how much you like it, though I knew you would. It's from France, like you, and all the other pretty little things at court…" Chuck mused, watching her from the bed. He was lounged out on his stomach, propped up by numerous pillows and fur blankets, so he could get a proper view of her. He did not seem disappointed by her reaction to his present.
"It is most exquisite, and so very glamorous. I dare say the other ladies may think it too grand, perhaps," Blair said with delight, sounding as if she would take pleasure in such a scenario. She began to fix her hair to frame the curls around the tiara and her face properly.
"Nathaniel certainly thought so when I purchased it. He called it obnoxious, but do not worry as he does not have much when it comes to taste," he told her.
She rolled her eyes, thinking to herself that Nate knew nothing of fashion. Chuck was much better dressed, as was she. It was actually rather nice to have someone who not only suited well to her taste, but additionally no limit to which he could spend for it. She had never been so spoiled; it was spectacular.
Blair finished fixing her hair and dropped her arms to her sides, swaying in front of the mirror and admiring it some more, before she turned around to face him.
"May I wear it anywhere at court?" she asked, though likely already knowing the answer to her question. Chuck was much more of a show off than she, and he rarely gifted her anything he did not wish for her to parade around with pride.
"Of course, my sweet. You may wear it anywhere you wish, aside from Mass of course. Just make sure you have your ladies care and tend to it regularly. Do not let them neglect in polishing it," he instructed, holding out his hand to her in summons.
"I promise that I will," Blair agreed, walking over to him and taking it. He pulled her towards the bed and she sat at the end of it, looking down at him as if for further instruction.
"I rather like how it looks on you," Chuck flattered, winking at her as he reached his hand up to stroke her cheek.
"Thank you, your highness," Blair responded contentedly, bowing her head to show further means of gratitude. She also could not help, but beam at the compliment as it served her ego in more ways than one.
"Can I tell you something, Blair?" he asked carefully, something more serious in his dark eyes than before; they were indeed like the windows to his soul.
"Of course," she answered back. What was he to say to her? She felt herself holding her breath in anticipation.
Chuck nodded, his head falling for a moment before he inhaled deeply, only to exhale when their gaze met once more. He smiled at her, but it was not a big grin or a mischievous one, but sort of sad really. And then he spoke.
"When I was younger, my father used to tell me how he always wished that I'd had siblings… well, that had survived past the birthing process. Typically one would think this standard for a King to say as more children would only ensure more heirs, but unlike many men who speak of sons… well, he said he'd always wished for a daughter too. He would tell me that I was his heir, the prince, and because of that I belonged to all of England." As he said this he viewed off into the distance, as if to see a different memory or time before him. And then he sighed, shaking the stare away, and turning back to her to continue instead.
"He told me he wanted me to have a sister because girls unlike boys don't have to belong to England, or the people, or the crown. You see he wanted a daughter because he wanted something that was truly just his, to hold onto, and I suspect to replace my mother after she'd…gone. And I used to feel so insulted by this, as if this meant I was not enough. And now… now I think I see it differently. I think I understand why he wanted this so badly," he told her, speaking cautiously. It was clear each word that passed through his lips he felt deeply.
Blair was stunned by his words, moved into silence. It was rare he be so open with her about anything, let alone his father or childhood. He was exposing a layer of himself to her that she'd not seen before, and she was fairly certain not many others, if anyone else, ever had. She had been so caught up in the mere act of his confession that it took this silence for the meaning behind those words to even start to settle in.
"Come here," he breathed, turning over to lie on his side instead.
She moved quickly to recline beside him, situating herself with her back to him. He wove his arms around her and tucked his face in her nape, kissing it, before he rested his chin on her shoulder.
"All my life I've lived towards something, knowing I am to be the King and everything I am in a way belongs to this path, to the crown. And I accept this, without much protest. For why would I? It is not a bad position to be. And yet…" he trailed off, pausing again as if either unsure of how to say what he wished, or whether or not he should.
Blair turned over so that she faced him again, her eyes looking upon him kindly.
"And yet?" she encouraged, coaxing him with both her voice and touch.
"And yet, I want more… not unlike how my father did. I like the idea of having something that's just mine, and only mine," he revealed, bringing his hand up to hold her chin.
"I do not wish to be another bitter old king, Blair," he clarified. As he did so his voice dropped just above a whisper, as if he feared saying it aloud.
"If you do not wish to be so, then you shall not be," she reassured him, trying to hide any shock she was feeling that he'd admitted such a thing to her. He nodded, but she could tell by the look on his face that her words had not been enough to assure him. He still felt conflicted by this, consumed in this thought. Perhaps she should push the subject or try and use the conversation to her advantage while she had him on the topic and unusually vulnerable at that. This would be the smart thing for her to do, the proper next play on her part. So why did the idea of doing so feel so wrong to her? She realized that some part of her, for whatever reason, did not wish to benefit or seek the upper hand in such a moment.
"It is you Blair; you are what I wish to have as just my own. I realize it more in moments like this when I see that I could truly possess your happiness, and it makes me want to have this ensured so permanently," he admitted, his words bringing her from her own thoughts instantly.
She felt as if her heart would explode like gunpowder, shoot out from her body like a cannon and bounce about the room. His words were still cryptic, but there were certain things he had said that one could not mistake, or overlook. The prince was without a doubt officially attached to her, possessive of her even. Now, she really need only steer that passion of his in the right direction. Unfortunately, she knew in order to do this though she could not go about it completely honestly. She would still need to manipulate him some. A man with a calm mind came to good ideas, but to light a fire under him and trigger true action she'd need him to feel a little more critical about it all.
Blair followed this thought by looking down, dropping her eyes from his so that he could no longer use them to gauge her own feelings. She could sense him physically stirring in the bed now, taking notice of her change in demeanor.
"What is it? What's wrong? Did something I say upset you?" Chuck asked, the anxiety building in his voice. It didn't make Blair feel any better about what she was doing, seeing that she was indeed further upsetting him by letting him think he had. Yet, she told herself it must be done.
"Yes, your highness. I am afraid so," she breathed, all while still refusing to look at him. If they were making eye contact it would become much harder to lie to him, carry on with this little charade successfully.
"How so?" He was starting to sound more desperate for an explanation; so she prepared one for him.
She sighed, "Your highness's words have brought me such dismay for they make me feel sad and very so inadequate."
"Why? I do not understand," Chuck interrupted, shaking his head at her. She lifted her eyes to his, though her head still hung with a sense of dejectedness.
"I feel this way because it is not within my power to give your highness what he wants, make it so, or promise you much of anything let alone permanency. As the prince you must know, I am not currently even my own to give to you, not entirely and surely not enduringly," Blair explained. She was reminding him of her engagement to Thomas more or less, and that this was still very much in place and would remain a roadblock to whatever he wanted from her.
Chuck remained very still, but his gaze drifted off from hers. His breathing seemed to slow, so much so that she could no longer see the subtle rise and fall of his chest. He said nothing for what seemed like a great while. Blair began to wonder if she had taken the wrong approach, pulled on the wrong strings, or not properly read the room so to speak. And then the minutes which felt like hours came to an end, and he looked to her again. He shook his head.
"No, I suppose you are not… currently, that is," he said, voice appearing more casual all of the sudden. However, she sensed there was something deceptive about this, and that he had meant something more by what he'd said.
"I am afraid I do not understand what your highness means to imply," Blair spoke up, wondering if perhaps he would just tell her; it was worth a try.
"And you needn't to, or worry with any of this. I am sorry to have troubled you. Please, think of it no longer," Chuck reassured her, though in it he denied her request for transparency. She would have to accept it for now.
"Yes, your highness. If that is what you wish," she conceded, nodding to him.
"It is. Now, let us go and get something to eat. I shall need the strength to hunt tomorrow and I know you should like to show off your crown." He sat up and kissed her on the forehead before climbing off the bed. He offered his hand to her, so that he could help her descend from it with ease.
"Alright, but will your highness still not consider allowing me to accompany you on the hunt?" Blair asked as she took his hand and he pulled her steadily to the ground. She watched his face twist a little in disapproval at her question.
"Absolutely not. As I've already told you, it is far too dangerous, and not a place for young girls. Besides, you have a big day tomorrow as well," Chuck denied, accompanying it with a stern look. Hunting was one of the very few, if only activities, that he did not allow or wish for her to be with him for. It had also not escaped her that he seemed even more adamant about her not being around guns in particular ever since his attempted assassination. Her thoughts were headed towards the tower next when it donned on her that he'd said more than dismiss her request. He had also said she would have a significant day of her own.
"I do?" she petitioned with a frown. She was perplexed by what he could have meant.
"Aye, you do. You have a new lady arriving to court, and I believe you should like to welcome her," he revealed, nodding his head, as he offered her his arm. She did not take hold of it, but instead pursed her lips at him and put her hands to her waist.
"Who?" she retorted, feeling a surge of jealousy. Who could this woman be in which he spoke of? And why on earth did he think she'd want to welcome her?
He chuckled, taking a few steps towards her and reaching out to take gentle hold of both her arms. He pulled them down out of their defensive position.
"Calm down, my sweet. It is, but another gift for you. I have summoned the Lady Serena back to court, with the conditions that you allow her to serve as one of your ladies. I did not think you would object," Chuck told her, as if this cleared everything up; it did not. And this mystery woman being Serena didn't make her feel any better. Perhaps she shouldn't have introduced them...
"Serena? But why?" Blair kept on, feeling a sense of panic. Part of her wanted to throw a fit at the mere idea of Chuck favoring Serena in any kind of way, as it would almost surely end in him preferring her to Blair.
"Blair, please calm down. I do not understand. Are you not happy about this?" Chuck sounded genuinely concerned now, and this made her feel a little better, but her previous doubts were still there, lurking within her.
"No, that is not it," she sighed, her eyes falling in shame. It was embarrassing. She stood there in a crown, and yet part of her was still an insecure little girl.
"Well, you do not look or sound happy." Chuck caught her attention again as he reached his hand up to take gentle hold of her chin; this also forced her to make eye contact with him as they'd been before.
"You are mistaken. It is only that I am unsure why your highness would bestow such a high invitation to the Lady Serena? Did it perhaps have something to do with whatever you spoke of in private, the other day at her estate?" she released alas, laying it all out in the open for him. Her ego would take the hit at admitting to such lack of confidence, but she simply could not take it any longer. She watched as his eyes realized what she was getting at, and she cursed herself when his face fell in disappointment.
"I told you nothing happened, Blair," he reiterated despondently. His hand fell and he released his hold on her.
"I did not say it did," she said quickly, realizing she'd slighted him; it had not been her intention to do so, but regrettably just her own vulnerability getting in the way.
"No, but you mean to suggest something and I do not care for it. Especially when my only motivation was to bring you comfort and make you happy. If the Lady Serena's presence at court will not do that then by all means send her back!" he retorted. When she realized he really only meant to do this for her, her eyes widened and she felt an instant flush of guilt. She stepped towards him.
"No! That is not what I meant—"
"Then do not. I do not care what you do with her Blair. I do not care for her at all frankly, but I see that for whatever reason you do. So do what you will with her. I will support whatever that may be," Chuck relinquished, throwing his hands up at her as if he thought she meant to argue back. He was mistaken for she did not; for now, she could not help, but smile at him.
"I should like to have her with me. Thank you, your highness," she decided, wishing she'd simply ignored the voice in her head and simply expressed her gratitude from the get-go. She could tell this was enough for him, as her thanks seemed to instantly relieve him of any poor mood as well.
"Good. Let us go and eat then. All this talking has made me rather hungry." He gave her a nod and positioned himself at her side, thus offering his arm again to escort her. Blair took it gladly this time, though she turned her cheek to glance at her reflection once more before they'd left the room.
Just as before, there the crown still remained, sitting perfectly atop her head.
XOXOXOXOXO
"Strawberries and cream? Since when do we have this?" Nate called out in delight as he circled around the table to find his place. He had arrived a little later than everyone else which was not entirely unusual, but it still made Chuck wonder in light of recent events if this was due to a reason of significance. However even if that were the case he did not wish to discuss those matters in front of the room, or specifically Blair. He turned his head to the side, hearing her speak as if some part of her had sensed he'd been thinking about her.
"His highness had them imported for me, and the cream is essential when eating them. It's how we did it in France," Blair told Nate, holding her head high as she spoke with a great sense of dignity. It was as if in giving her the tiara he had also given her an even higher sense of boldness in front of others. If Chuck were being honest with himself, he had to admit that he rather liked it.
"Forget the strawberries. I see someone got her gift," Nate nodded, evidently taking notice of her headpiece now too. The blonde rolled his eyes, falling down in his chair, and popping a strawberry without cream into his mouth.
Blair glared at him, obviously not one to miss a slight. Chuck watched as she regained her composure, squaring out her shoulders and sitting up just a little bit straighter in her chair. She cocked her head at Nate, giving him a wicked grin.
"You know Lord Archibald, the color green doesn't at all suit you," she remarked, speaking loud enough so that some of the other men at the table could most definitely hear her.
Chuck was surprised when his friend seemed to remain calm despite her very public insult. Instead Nate shrugged, reaching across the table for a cup of wine and holding it out to her as if he meant to toast her, which was unlikely.
"Well my Lady, I dare say that tiara certainly suits you," he returned. Chuck was confused as to what he could have meant by it, and therefore knew Blair had to be as well. Instead of interrupting he figured he'd allow it to continue and see where it went; there couldn't be too much harm in it. Nate and Blair were always squabbling.
"Really? In what way?" Blair asked skeptically, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Tis as ridiculous as you are, my Lady." Nate smiled to himself, before he retrieved another strawberry, this time dunking it into the cream before he ate it. He sighed in a humming sort of way, as if to express how much it delighted him.
"Though you are right about the strawberries and cream. They should be served no other way. My apologies in regards to such," Nate teased her, chuckling some at the end as he exchanged glances with some of the other men.
Blair's mouth fell open and hung that way for a few moments before her lips began to move much quicker than before. At a rapid rate she began to spew out some very fast and mumbled sounding French. Chuck could make out enough keywords to gather along the lines of what she was saying. When he noticed her cheeks began to flush from all the excitement he reached his hand out to touch her shoulder. She snapped her head around looking at him with venomous eyes he hoped were meant for Nathaniel.
"Calm yourself, kitten," he told her quietly, moving his fingertips across her shoulders; his hand dropped and he began to stoke her back as if to try and soothe out her vexation.
Nate who had apparently heard this despite Chuck's attempts to speak at a lower volume then proceeded to meow at Blair from across the table; this is when Chuck realized his friend was drunk, more than usual, and to be honest found it hilarious, but he could in no way show this in front of Blair. After all he had practically felt her blood chill at the sound. She looked as if she were about to jump across the table and claw Nate's eyes out just to spite him.
"Nathaniel, that is enough," Chuck asserted, the rest of the table and room falling silent instantaneously. If anyone had not been paying attention before, they now surely were. Luckily they were dining in one of the more private rooms and therefore the entire little scene had only unfolded in front of the prince's closest friends at court, and servants who were naturally sworn to secrecy.
"Forgive me, your highness. It was all meant in good fun," Nate complied, bowing his head in Chuck's direction. He was still casting rather amused looks at Blair though. His friend knew Chuck's sense of humor and it was likely Nate could gather Chuck wasn't really all that upset with him, but only reprimanding him for Blair's sake. Still, Chuck would need Nathaniel to take that seriously and act accordingly in order for her to buy it. He cleared his throat, drawing further attention to himself.
"Then apologize to Lady Blair as well. After all I think you of all people should know better than to insult a gift from the prince; should you not?" Chuck chided, shooting his friend a look of his own.
"Of course, your highness. My lady, please do accept my apology. I am used to how we may jest when among just us men. The wine made me forget myself and my audience," Nate apologized with a sigh, turning to direct his attention towards Blair halfway through.
"Fine," Blair retorted, speaking shortly and turning her head as if to imply she'd speak to him no further. It was honestly for the best. Chuck slung his arm around the back of Blair's Chair, tickling her shoulder with his fingertips. He heard her giggle and without even looking at her he could sense her temper had already lightened significantly. He turned his cheek to whisper in her ear.
"Why don't you go and dance? I want to watch," he purred, his voice huskier sounding than before. A smirk tugged at his lips as he felt her body shiver a little at his words and hot breath on her throat.
Blair turned into him, their foreheads almost touching, and gave him a coy smile.
"Alright, your highness. I suppose I do owe you a gesture of affection after all for my latest gift. If you prefer it be a dance, then so be it," she agreed, giggling as her brown eyes teased him further. She then proceeded to stand up and take off, but he grabbed hold of her arm before she could stray. She whipped back around, looking to him in wonderment.
He gathered she was confused as to why he'd stopped her when she was on her way to do his bidding. He pulled her back over to him and down in his lap some. Chuck smirked boldly at her before he pushed his lips up against hers, and kissed her strongly in a full embrace. He felt her heartbeat quicken its pace and she pulled back before he could slip in any tongue.
"You may go now," he said with satisfaction and a nod towards their private band of musicians. He gave her a frisky push out of his lap, chuckling as she caught herself and spun around. She curtsied for him and then gave a look to two of her younger ladies, bidding them to join her. Both of them flocked to her side, and followed her obediently and in synch. He watched protectively as she spoke with the musicians to instruct them on the type of music she wished to dance to, and then once it began her and her ladies joined one another in a more playful, but still very alluring number. His eyes zoned in on only her though as she twirled and whirled about; the way she moved… it was so spectacular. He'd seen so many women dance and yet nothing else struck him quite like it.
"I dare say whatever they teach those girls in regards to dancing in France we must have brought to the English court," Sir William remarked, though he sounded rather more astounded and impressed than attracted or predatory. Chuck was becoming rather certain he preferred the company of young men over young women, not that the prince gave a fuck who he or anyone else well—fucked, aside from Blair of course.
"I think it is more than dancing they teach them, Sir William," Nate chuckled, taking a swig of his wine.
Chuck turned towards him slowly, narrowing his dark eyes at him pointedly. He was about to say something to his friend when William spoke up again.
"And what would you know of it, Lord Archibald? If I remember when we were back in France you didn't fair too well with its native women. Tell me, was it Lady Hazel or Lady Penelope whom you took to bed that evening? You must forgive me as I get them easily confused, seeing how you've bedded them both so plentiful," he jabbed, though his smile still appeared to be a kind one. Chuck and likely Nate also knew this was more to save Nate from Chuck's punishment, minimal embarrassment being the cost.
"It was both of them actually… again," Nate muttered, rolling his eyes as he took another large swig of his wine. Sir Edmond laughed next.
"I thought it was his highness who had two maidens that night?" the man recalled, casting a look in Chuck's direction.
The prince chuckled to himself, glancing at Blair and thinking he was rather glad she was too far from the table to hear their little powwow. He shook his head.
"No, it was indeed Nathaniel that night. I had the threesome back in Italy earlier that year, well among others here in England and elsewhere; but at Valley d' Or I had the brunette, you know the very voluptuous one with the long brown hair," Chuck recalled, remembering exactly why he'd chosen her. It had little to do with her personality or charm and everything to do with her looks and that she was the only other girl there he could find who looked somewhat like Blair.
"Oh yes, I remember her now," Edmond replied, sharing a knowing glance with the other men who undoubtedly also remembered why Chuck had chosen that particular maiden that night.
"Let us not speak of women anymore, but things of man instead… like the hunt tomorrow. Is your highness ready for it?" Nate asked, though it began in a groan about their former topic of conversation.
"Aye, Nathaniel. As my strength has returned to me I feel a lust for blood again, among other things…" Chuck's voice trailed off as his focus found Blair, her body still swaying back and forth to the music seductively.
"Is your highness sure he can stay away all day?" William remarked more so than asking, and earning a smack on the back from Nate in response. It was clear his closest friend was worried Chuck would cancel their pursuit in order to stay with Blair.
"I plan to rise early in the morning, William. We may get a head start and than I have arranged a banquet that evening for when we return," Chuck told him, glancing in his direction, but only momentarily before fixating on Blair once more.
"To celebrate the hunt?" Nate questioned, sounding uncertain.
Chuck shrugged, "If that is what you wish to carouse over, Nathaniel. Though I organized it more so for Blair; she is welcoming Lady Serena to court while we are gone. She will take her on as one of her ladies, promote her to the head one I suspect."
"Serena?" Nate's voice changed, as did his level of interest in the subject manner.
"I told you she was coming," Chuck returned.
"Yes, your highness. I suppose I did not think it so soon is all," Nate explained.
"Well, it was to be a week, but I sent for her early as I thought it best for Lady Blair to get acquainted with her while we are off. I am certain Blair would also prefer to have Serena get settled in before the King and … others arrive back to court."
"The lady must be quite persuasive, receiving what she'd like without even having to ask for it; tis almost a pity women cannot be involved in politics. She may have had a knack for it," Nate remarked though Chuck gathered it was somewhat of an insult. His friend meant not so much to suggest Blair was cunning, but rather that she was manipulative. Chuck's biggest problem with this notion was that it also implied he, the prince, could be worked over by a woman. He did not see Blair this way, but far from it. While he considered her to be intelligent he also treasured the parts of her that were still very much a young, vibrant, and carefree girl. Perhaps Nathaniel needed to be made aware of this. Chuck shook his head.
"I would not have it. Even if it were allowed, bringing her into all that would only bring ruin to her little girl view of the world. I have seen how it is when some girls grow into women, and it is as if sadness then sprouts within them. The world can show itself to be an ugly place, especially for women. I shall keep her from this for as long as I can," he said with certainty. None of the other men responded to this, but frankly Chuck didn't really care or want them to. He was even more immersed in the image of Blair, as she'd turned around and had locked eyes with him as she continued to move about. It was a divine sight, and yet also excruciating. He felt the need to go to her.
"I shall see you gentlemen in the morning for the kill. For now I have some other animalistic desires to give into," Chuck told the other men slyly as he rose from his seat.
His friends all bid their separate formalities and farewells, standing just to bow as he departed from their dinner. Chuck stalked over towards the dance floor, stopping at the edge of it, and holding his hand out to Blair. She spun around one last time before catching sight of him and halting instantly. As she did so the music stopped with her, and Chuck knew it was likely even the musicians had been just as captivated with her. She gave nods to both her ladies, releasing them for the evening, and then allowed him to escort her from the room. They walked down the hall with one another, side-by-side and close enough to share in each other's body heat.
"Did you have fun tonight, Darling?" he asked while they walked. He turned to look at her and could see she was still grinning from ear to her, though her eyes were batting more lazily than before.
"Yes, it was like my own private party," Blair said happily. She yawned shortly afterwards, though it did not seem to hinder her.
"More mine than yours, which is yet another good reason for you to have Lady Serena here at court with you. I should like to see you laughing more, in company you prefer rather than just those that are stationed with you," he told her. He felt she might mind it less having his mates around, were she to also have some ladies of her own, those being ones of her actual choosing.
Blair slowed her pace some, and he of course noticed this. Chuck turned towards her to see she was now frowning.
"You mean to say you want me to have friends?" she asked slowly, as if looking for some deeper and offensive meaning rather than what exactly what he'd said.
"Serena is your friend from before I knew you. What I wish is for you to have friends at court, aside from me of course," Chuck sighed, wondering what wasn't making sense to her. He could tell she was tired; perhaps she was growing cranky from too much wine and not enough sleep.
Suddenly Blair stopped entirely, putting her hands on her hips. He responsively came to a halt, turning around to face her since he had walked past her a little. She was glaring at him.
"Is that what you are, my friend?" Blair demanded, sounding even more irate than before. Chuck wanted to groan in aggravation of his own accord. It was too late for this, and they had been having such a nice evening. He was not going to let her spoil it just because she was a little too drunk now and misinterpreting what he said. He walked towards her and shook his head sternly, as if to try and show her he was not looking for a scene before bed.
"That is not what I meant, and you well know it. We have had a fair evening Blair, do not spoil it for the sake of smarting off," he warned, touching her shoulders in a way that urged her to take her hands off her hips. She stared at him for a few more moments, as if thinking it over herself whether she wanted to continue in her attempts to argue. Then, looking a little paler than before, she swayed forward from where she stood and almost fell up against him.
"Fine… I suppose I can save my subversions for tomorrow," Blair relented, looking up at him with needy eyes and a pout on her lips.
"You only need some sleep, my sweet. As do I. I am to leave early in the morning, after all," he reminded her.
"Will you bid me farewell before you leave?" she questioned, eyes wide and hopeful. "I should not like to awaken and just suddenly have you gone from me."
Chuck smiled, feeling her words warm him. He nodded to her.
"Yes, if you wish for me to wake you before I depart then I shall. But I will say goodbye to you in your housing quarters, favorably from your bed. I do not wish for you to see me off at the carriages as it is to be dreadfully cold in the morning."
"Yes, your highness. That is enough to suit me," Blair agreed. They began to walk beside one another again, though this time she was leaning on him more than before. As they came upon her living quarters he took the lead, guiding her until they reached her bedroom.
"Should I call for one of your ladies to help you?" he offered, noting she was still in total dress and décolletage.
"No. I already excused them for the evening. I shall just sleep as I am," she said with a yawn, heading right for the bed. He sidestepped her, grabbing hold of her by the waist, and shaking his head.
"Oh no you don't, Waldorf. You shall not sleep comfortably that way. Do you not remember last time? You ended up waking me in the dead of night to try and help you undo a corset. I should not like to relive it," he denied, placing her down in front of him.
"But they are gone," she groaned, crossing her arms. "And I am tired."
"No, Blair. You shall not sleep like that. If you will not allow me to call your servants then at least do me the service of offering me whatever help you can while I do it for you. Now, turn around," he instructed. Blair stared at him for a moment in hesitation, but alas gave in, doing as he asked. He proceeded to go through the long task of undressing her, carefully discarding each layer until he'd made it to the last. Once he'd stripped her fully of any clothing she climbed onto the bed before he could get a nightgown for her.
Chuck sighed, shaking his head at her.
"Blair, I told you tomorrow morning is to be cold. As much as I would typically not object to you sleeping without your nightdress, tonight is a safety exception. Come here," he beckoned, pointing to the end of the bed as he stood before it.
Blair rolled her eyes at him, but turned her body around and crawled over to him. She stood up on her knees, looking up at him curiously.
"Hold your arms up," he directed, pulling the white nightgown over her when she did so. When he was finished he carefully took the tiara from her head, taking it over to the table in her room to set it down. He then returned to her, climbing into his usual side of the bed.
"You are quite a lot of work without servants you know," he sighed, feeling her body turn into his as she snuggled up against him.
"And you are bossy with or without them," Blair returned, though her voice sounded as if she were very close to nodding off. Chuck was surprised she was able to come back with a quick response in such a state.
"Then listen to my next order and go to sleep," he chuckled, turning into her to kiss her forehead before he settled himself in. Chuck realized she was asleep before she could even answer anything back to him. He smiled, finding comfort in the feeling of her in his arms, as he too drifted off to dreamland.
XOXOXOXOXO
Waldorf Estate
France
The breeze rustled through the trees as it always did that time of day on her father's estate. Even with her eyes closed, Blair could hear the familiar sound and the whistle of the wind all around her. She smiled, stretching her arms out into the grass and grasping at it just carefully enough so she did not rip it from the ground.
"And when will you leave me thus? Say nay, say nay for shame. To save you from the blame, all of my grief and grame? And will you leave me so? Say no, say no. And will you leave me thus, and have no more pity of he that loves thee? Alas, your cruelty. And will you leave me thus? Say no, say no," a young man spoke passionately, perched over a branch in one of these trees. He was looking down at her, completely transfixed and taken by her beauty and so much more. He waited for her reaction to his poem, one he had written just for her, and one he personally had recited to her in that very moment.
Blair opened her eyes, staring up at the sky, and finding that she could not frown or smile. She pulled one hand into her, resting it atop her abdomen so that she could feel her body rise and fall with each breath.
"Well? Do you like it?" he asked asked, sounding nervous and unsure about it than when he'd delivered it to her. This voice belonged to Thomas Wyatt, a boy she had known since she was little.
She could feel his eyes upon her, and his voice was shaking in the way it did when he was a small child. He was so sweet and innocent then, much more harmless than he could be now that they were growing older. They were still young, but they were not children as they had once been, not anymore, or likely ever again. Blair realized she was still quiet and not wanting for him to notice how deep in thought she'd been she sought to quickly regain her composure.
She grinned in a kittenish sort of way, and laughed a little cynically.
"Am I suppose to like something that accuses me of being cruel?" she returned, cocking her left brow in question. She heard him drop from the tree to the ground and could hear his footsteps dragging through the grass towards her. Slowly he came into view. He was sauntering with a smile as he lowered himself down to sit at her side, leaning over her with his left arm and part of his upper body draped over hers. He stared down at her in a longing sort of way, as if he wanted to touch her, or kiss her, or perhaps even more.
"You are cruel, Lady Blair," he uttered, voice just above a whisper and not sounding at all accusatory, but only matter of fact.
"Am I?" Blair breathed, unable to break her gaze with his. He had always had beautiful, kind green eyes. It had been easy to be infatuated with him as a child, and even now as a young girl she could get lost in them if she were not careful.
Tom did not respond, but instead reached his hand up to her cheek, touching it. Then as his eyes continued to bare down into hers he began to lower his body further, and she realized he was going in for a kiss. Blair turned her cheek to the side and pushed her hand up against his chest. He did not push further, but instead retreated some though he looked very wounded by her rejection.
"You have no claim on me, Master Wyatt," she refuted, now refusing to look at him and trying to hide the small remnants of the smile left on her lips. Perhaps he was right, and she was a little cruel after all. She felt his hand reach up to stroke some of her curls again, and he was most definitely still gazing down at her.
"I have the same claim as every other lover to whom a woman's heart has been freely given," he professed.
Blair rolled her eyes, finally turning enough so that their eyes met once more. She shook her head at him.
"I was a child, and a child does not yet know their own heart well enough to give it. You are now a poet, as I am now a woman. Poets and women are always free with their hearts, are they not?" Her tone and demeanor had gone solemn now and she watched as this registered by his own expression. He frowned at her.
"Blair." He then attempted to lean down to kiss her again, but as before she turned away to rebuff him.
"Stop it, Tom. You musn't." She turned her entire body away from him this time, lying on her side, and giving her back to him.
"Then I was right?" he asked knowingly, and some bitterly. She could feel him still looking at her, wanting her to look back at him, but she would not allow herself to do so. Instead she remained still and cold in demeanor.
Tom sighed solemnly, "You are leaving me."
Blair said nothing, nor would she yet concede to make eye contact again. She figured this encounter would be much easier were she to appear as unmoved and merciless as he'd so often claimed she could be.
"Why don't you answer me?" he carried on, raising his voice in frustration. This was something she did not want, for though they were on her family's land she still did not wish for anyone else to hear or take notice to their argument—least of all her mother. In hopes to quiet him she turned over on her back again, staring up at him as before, but with far less kind a disposition.
"You are married," she answered back in a clipped, but hushed tone. His face fell at this declaration, and she almost felt bad for him over it—almost. Yet, she could not as this was a bitter subject for them—as it had been since the day he'd returned and admitted it to her. She had not spoken to him for quite a while afterwards, and it would probably have been better if she never had again; it was only going to make all this harder now, after all.
"This is true, but I am also separated. As I've told you, I am going to divorce," he defended, shaking his head. "I mean, who isn't married?"
Blair felt a sharp pain in her chest, and she wondered how he could not realize how cruel his own words were. She pushed up on his chest and away from him, rolling over so that she could sit up fully before she turned back to him. She gave him the iciest and remorseless of glares she could muster; and the hurt she felt helped.
"You must never ask to see me again. Do you promise?" she asked, though it came out sounding more as a command than a question.
Tom shook his head again, laughing breathlessly in disbelief.
"And why should I?" he countered. He leaned in, narrowing his eyes, and she got her first look at how much she'd managed to hurt him this time. "When I have just learned what promises are worth."
Blair pursed her lips, blinking a few times, but trying desperately to remain unmoved by anything he did or said.
"Is it another? Is that it? Do you love another?" he questioned, his voice growing louder and more frantic.
She felt something hot and wet brimming in her eyes, but she could not accept or allow any tears to fall. She shook her head in frustration at him and pushed herself off the ground, rising so that she could attempt to try and retreat. Once standing, she turned back and looked down at him with disapproval.
"Never ask of me, and never, if you value your life, speak of me to others. Do you understand?" Her voice was strong, but her words were stressed. She did not wait for him to respond, as she had not really meant it as a request, but a command. With that she gave him a nod, lifted her dress, and took her exit with haste.
"Have you no pity?" he called out to her, but she did not stop.
She carried forward, only quickening her pace in case he had means to follow her. As she climbed over the hill and could no longer hear or see him, she realized he was not chasing after her. He was probably confused, but this was for the best. She knew he was not aware of all that had happened since he'd been away. When she'd learned of his marriage she had decided she would not be one to sit idly by and become either a mistress or an old maid. Instead she had pursued the right social circles and positioned herself before the king just enough to catch his eye. And while she did not wish to be King Francois's mistress either, he could indeed offer her far more than Tom now could, even if he were to divorce. The boy she'd grown up loving had broken her heart, but in a way secured her future. Blair was bound for great things, and she'd promised herself she would not stop at anything to get them.
XOXOXOXOXO
Blair stirred in her bed; still half asleep and not yet full realizing she was waking. Her mind was still far from her, off in dream world occupied with a memory that felt like a lifetime ago. And yet she could still see that pair of deep green eyes looking down at her, longing for her. She felt warm fingertips trickling down her shoulder. Blair smiled to herself, giggling some, and wondering if she were still in that place.
Her eyes opened and above her she saw Chuck standing over her. Reality was confirmed and she quickly remembered herself and where she was. For a moment she had feared she'd said something in her sleep, a name even, and that he'd heard it… but his expression confirmed this was not the case. Chuck did not look as if he suspected anything, but instead was smiling at her in a soft way, a rare sight for him. His eyes still looked tired, but he was already dressed and readied for the day. She was impressed he was able to accomplish so much without waking her, and it made her wonder if he'd returned to his own chambers at some point instead. Either way he had maintained his promise of waking her before he left for his hunting trip that morning, and for that she was most grateful. She lifted herself to a sitting position in the bed, bringing her knees to her chest, as she yawned. It would be best for both of them if she were to try and forget any illusions that had come to her while she slept. Instead she looked towards him, and the future.
"You needn't wake yourself too much, Blair. I shall be gone in just a little while," Chuck told her, reaching his hand up to gently brush some of her hair out of her face.
"I wish I could go with you," she whispered, a bit of a pout forming on her lips. He touched his fingertips to it, and shook his head at her in a stern, but kind way. His eyes were so dark, even when they were being affectionate, and definitely whenever he was heated. They were completely different eyes than those that belonged to the boy of her past, the man left behind in her dreams. They were so contrasting in so many ways, and yet she suspected they'd have similarities were she to think about it longer than she'd like. She shook the notion away, and turned back to Chuck and the present.
"We have discussed this; it is not the place for you. Now, do not spoil our last moments together before I am off. Let me so your smile so that I may think of it while I am away," he coaxed. He sat down on the bed beside her, holding out one hand to her, and using the other to pat his lap.
Blair sighed as she relented in her final attempt at being brought along with him. She did not wish for him to leave in a sour mood, particularly not one he deemed to be caused by her. He was going to be in Nathaniel's company just about all day, after all. And admittedly she felt a little paranoid about her visions of the past. So she gave him the best pair of doe eyes she could must, and the sweetest of smiles, as she climbed from her spot on the bed, and into his lap. She closed her eyes, resting her cheek to his chest, and breathing in his scent.
"There, there. Do not fret. The day shall not be long, and you can do just about whatever you wish with your ladies and Serena once she arrives. You can even call on the royal tailor if you'd like," he proposed, stroking her back. He chuckled, "Though your number of dresses are getting a bit ridiculous."
Blair pulled away from him just enough so that she could look up at him, and smiled. "A girl can never have enough gowns, your highness. You should know that," she teased. Thankfully she was starting to feel a little less strange than when she'd awoken.
"Of course. Right you are, my sweet. Have as many dresses drawn up as you'd like then, alright?" he surrendered with ease, and not sounding at all unhappy about it.
"And some for the Lady Serena?" she furthered, reaching her arms up to hook them around his neck.
He chuckled, "If that is what shall make you happy, Waldorf. Just promise me whatever you do while I am away you shall do so with me in mind. I do not wish to return and find I have reason for being upset with you." His voice got a little more serious towards the end, but he did not relinquish any affection in doing so. He only meant to be protective, as per usual.
"Yes, your highness. I promise," Blair swore, nodding affirmatively.
"Good, I can be off then with little worry," he replied, leaning in to give her a kiss.
Blair saw a flash of the memory that had invaded her mind while she'd slept and she quickly closed her eyes as if this would scare it off. As she did so she felt Chuck's lips crash into hers, his kiss powerful and demanding, as was his signature. Quick not to forget herself, and as if second nature, she kissed him back. While entwined Chuck lifted her up and stood, then setting her back down on the bed carefully. He pulled out of their kiss and gave her one of classic smirks.
"Be a good girl, Waldorf. I shall see you when I return." He kissed her forehead and then turned to leave the room, only stopping again shortly at the door to cast her one more look. She smiled at him, and then he was gone. With any luck he would be as happy to see her whenever he returned, but for now it was still early and a longtime till then. Blair returned to her pillows, pulling the blankets back up over her, and nestling in so that she may try and sleep some more before the day really began. She only hoped this time it be a soundless sleep, and no disillusions of the past to accompany it.
XOXOXOXOXO
Blair batted her eyes lazily as she felt small gusts of cool air being blown in her direction. She looked past the servants who were fanning her, and around to see a few of her ladies and Serena. The girls lounged about the room in different areas, some having their hair tended to, while others just napped. Serena was extended out fully on one of Blair's sitting room sofas, her feet being pedicured by one servant while another held out a dish full of cream, dunking strawberries in it, and giving them to her upon her request. It had not taken long at all for her friend to adapt to Blair's new lifestyle at court. They had already spent most of the day with the royal tailor, each one of them ordering more extravagant a gown than the next. After that they had returned to Blair's quarters to relax, be pampered, and indulge in on some sugary treats. It had been one of Blair's nicest days at court, not involving Chuck. She was starting to think the prince had been right, and that having Serena at court with her would make her happy—well, happier. For she dare say she already was happy, even before her friend had arrived.
"B, I cannot believe this is how you have been living! It is, but a crime that you have kept it from me for so long. I feel most misfortunate in comparison," Serena raved, teasing Blair though the brunette sensed there was a little truth in it. She could tell Serena was in heaven, and not the least bit bashful about showing it.
"Oh please, S. I saw the estate your family has acquired. You shall be set for life. These are just nice little frivolous pleasantries one can enjoy while at court," Blair returned, shrugging as if to make light of it.
Serena laughed, sitting up, and motioning for the servants who'd been tending to her stop. She gave the brunette a knowing smile, shaking her head at her.
"I think we both know that is not true. As we also know these are not things to be enjoyed by all here at court. The prince has given you special treatment, admit it," Serena said with delight, rising from her seat and hurrying across the room to where Blair was. She sat down beside her, though she still bounced giddily with enthusiasm.
"I shall admit to no such thing, as it is not needed," Blair returned, rolling her eyes at how ridiculous her friend was being.
"No, I suppose nothing is needed of you now. All you must do now is lounge about as you wish, and have your all your heart desires. Just look at your new housing quarters. You'd never need leave if you wished it so," Serena went on, then pausing for a moment. She turned towards Blair, quirking her brow in question.
"Or is that it? Are you not allowed to leave here without him? He did accompany you to my estate, after all. Is this all, but a perfect prison designed to keep you here? A man who has finally found his way to make you do as he wishes?" It was oddly hard to tell if Serena was still only teasing her, or rather now being serious. Blair would hope her friend knew to really make such allegations would indeed insult her.
"That is most certainly not the case, S. His highness looks on me fondly, but I am allowed to do as I wish. He said so this—recently," Blair told her, quickly correcting herself near the end before she'd let it so casually slip that they'd been in bed together. While it were likely Serena, experienced as she was, could gather Chuck and Blair were having an affair and all it entailed, she did not wish to so plainly state it aloud.
"If you say so, B. Though it would seem peculiar the prince and men are out hunting while we are confined here," Serena pointed out, sounding and looking as if she'd made some kind of brilliant notion.
Blair scoffed, "You hardly described it as such earlier. You seemed quite content before this discussion began. Do not tell me you have already become bored of this place in not even one days time?" She knew Serena was a bit restless, but she hoped her friend did not intend to leave court. Though as she'd put it the day had not yet passed, but Blair already felt attached to Serena and her presence there.
"I have, but it is not a weariness in which cannot be helped. If we are not ordered to stay here, then let us too rise and go find and adventure outside the castle walls," Serena suggested, giving Blair a mischievous and challenging sort of grin. She stood and held her hands out to Blair, nodding for her to do the same.
Blair stared at her for a few moments, contemplating whether this was wise. While she did have permission to leave she had neither intended to do so, nor did she gather Chuck had thought she would. He was very overprotective when it came to where she went and what she did, sometimes to the point of possessiveness. Therefore it was not hard to make him angry if he thought her to be doing something that was careless or unsafe. Were he to return early or suddenly while they were gone, she could predict he would be displeased by it.
"See, he has tamed you. You shall not leave. I can see it in your eyes," Serena expressed, interrupting Blair's train of thought. The brunette frowned at her both for this, and for what she had suggested in doing so. She stood suddenly in a huff.
"That is not true. I am as I was, and will always be. Let us go where you wish, though it must be somewhere I too wish to go," Blair agreed whilst giving her stipulation. Serena grew the biggest of grins and grabbed hold of Blair's hand, pulling her along. The other ladies jumped up, moving quickly to follow them.
"Are you to tell me just where you are dragging me then?" Blair spoke up, looking around to see if others had taken notice of them as they were practically running through the castle like a pair of crazed children.
Serena laughed, shaking her head. "You shall see when we get there. How else is it to be spontaneous fun if you are made aware before arrival?"
"I did not know it must be spontaneous fun. S, slow down! The other ladies are having trouble keeping up," Blair beckoned, glancing back to see quite a few of them now red in the face. They had exited the castle now, and seemed to be headed towards the river nearby. Chuck and her had picnicked there on occasion.
"They will catch up. Now, rid of your shoes. We shall not need them for what we are to do," Serena exclaimed, kicking hers off without so much as a stumble. Blair looked back to see them left in the grass, and her ladies trying their best not to trip over them in their way.
Eventually Blair discarded hers as well, needing to do so in order to keep up with her friend. Then Serena came to a stop just as suddenly as they began, yanking Blair into a halt of her own. Both girls stood there, catching their breath for a moment, as the other ladies caught up to them. Blair heard the sound of the river, and looked down a small hill before them to see it at the base.
"You have brought us to a river?" Blair asked incredulously, exchanging looks with her other ladies behind Serena's back.
Serena, unbothered, only nodded cheerfully.
"But of course, what better place to swim?"
"To swim?" Blair laughed, finding such a suggestion so ridiculous that it was funny. When she looked to her friend though, Serena did not seem to be joking. Blair's eyes widened and she shook her head, moving closer and lowering her voice. "Serena, we are ladies of the court. We cannot swim in public, and with no supervision at that."
"Says who? And what do you mean in public? There is no one around," Serena argued, motioning to the empty forest that surrounded them. Blair glanced around, noting yes they were alone, but something still told her it was not a good idea… something in her mind that looked and sounded a lot like the prince.
"We should not do this, Serena. It is not proper," Blair further refused, crossing her arms, and stepping forward to look down at the river. While it did look very inviting on such a hot day, she knew this would not make it any less frowned upon.
"Was it proper when we did it back in France then, all those times at your father's estate? Forgive me, but were there not times we even had Tom and some of the other boys along with us? This would be much more proper now than then," Serena reasoned.
Blair's eyes widened at Serena speaking on such a memory aloud. She quickly turned back around, grabbing hold of both her friends' arms.
"You must not speak of such things now. Are you mad?" She cast a nervous look over at her ladies to see if they had heard, and thankfully it did not seem to be so. They seemed to be more preoccupied with their own conversations, and staring longingly at the river as if they too wished for a little swim.
Serena looked from Blair to the other women, it slowly registering on her face what Blair was worried about. The blonde sighed, shaking her head.
"Relax, B. I only meant to speak of it amongst one another. You really are too wound up though. A swim would do you good, and no one else need ever know." Serena then took a step towards the other girls, purposefully calling their attention to her. "Would you ladies not promise to keep it between us were we to all go for a little afternoon dip?" she propositioned.
The other girls giggled, nodding, and whispering amongst one another. Blair rolled her eyes, knowing now Serena had the other women on her side. It was frustrating how easily it was for her friend to be able to get others to follow her, especially when at times Blair had to work so hard for it. She sighed, turning back around to look at the river once more. As she stared down at the rushing, and likely cool turquoise colored water she could not help, but find it harder and harder to ignore the impending heat around her.
"Come on, B. What do you say?" Serena tempted again, appearing at her side with a knowing smile.
Blair sighed, deciding she would give in despite her better judgment. It would be a moment of great fun, after all. And she could use some unwinding. It seemed Serena had already swayed her.
"Fine, but we must be quick about it," she agreed.
XOXOXOXOXO
"That was a fine hunt, your highness. I dare say it felt as good a one as we used to have, when we were younger," Sir William remarked, nodding to Chuck as their horses' road alongside one another.
The prince and the other men had been hunting all morning, and afternoon, only stopping occasionally for food, wine, or rest. They had been quite successful in their venture, the prince in particular making not one, but three fatal shots. This made the day even better for a day where Chuck won or came out on top, would only mean for a better evening for everyone else. If the prince were in good spirits, the rest of the court would follow.
"Are we not still young?" Nate returned, sounding some insulted.
"Not as we used to be, no. If you have not noticed my dear Nathaniel, time only appears to move quicker with each day that passes. And we cannot go back," Sir William said, though he did not seem bothered by it. On the contrary he seemed to be at peace with it, as if he had accepted his descent into manhood fully. And despite what Chuck thought to be his sexual preferences William was one of the few of them married, likely to have an heir on the way any day now.
"That is a pity. Sometimes I think I should like to," Nate muttered, looking off into his own thoughts. Chuck suspected his change in demeanor meant William's words had triggered thoughts in Nate of his parents' recent talk of marriage and such things.
"And what of you, your highness? Do you too miss the old days, or do you welcome the new?" William asked, directing his attention back towards the prince.
Chuck paused for a moment, thinking his friends words over before he responded. In doing so he found himself at a loss of how to initially answer. For while he could look back on his younger days fondly, tales of endless trouble and debauchery; he could not now say honestly that they were better or more favored than the current times.
"I believe I may prefer the new, Sir William. And either way, as they say, the past is in the past," Chuck recited, a certain brunette coming to mind as he did so. He had thought of Blair much during the hunt, so much so it had been initially distracting. He'd found way to manage his thoughts and still be successful at the game though, so it had all worked out regardless.
"If your highness has such feelings on the past then perhaps he would prefer I halt in my findings on Master Wyatt?" Nate mentioned, sounding casual though Chuck was pretty certain it had been premeditated.
"Master Wyatt? As in Thomas Wyatt, the poet?" Sir William interrupted, looking between the two men. The other men following behind did not join the conversation, but Chuck could sense all were now listening.
"Aye, the poet. You know of him as well?" Chuck questioned, feeling a small spark of jealousy in regards to the change in topic.
"Yes, your highness. He owns an estate not too far from my own, back where my wife and family reside. Though if I understand correctly it was newly acquired, and not to be confused with either of his family estates near London or the one in France," William explained, clearly still unaware of why Chuck would want information on said man, but loyal enough to offer it without needing a reason.
"In France? You know of him spending time there then, living there when we was younger?" Chuck furthered, as he and Nate exchanged a look. Apparently his friend had not expected William to have any information on the matters either.
William chuckled, "Yes, I believe it is known he favored the French court, your highness. Perhaps it is where he found his muse for his poems."
Chuck tightened his grip on the reigns for his horse, imagining them instead around another man's neck… a man he did not even know the face of. He sighed in aggravation, kicking at his horse to advance its speed. The other men took notice and quickly moved to do the same.
"I take it his highness would like for me to continue in my search then?" Nate called out to him, looking and sounding as if he already knew Chuck's answer. It was probably because he did.
"Yes, Nathaniel. As I'd like you to do something else for me now," Chuck proposed, nodding his head to the other man. "I want you to send word to Master Wyatt's estate, let him know he has a standing invitation at court. I should like to meet him, should he ever feel compelled to pay a visit. Do you understand?"
"Yes, your highness. I am here to do as you will," Nate answered back, bowing his head to show he would comply with the prince's order.
"Why do I feel as if I have missed something?" William asked, throwing quizzical glances to Nate since he could not do so at Chuck.
"Not at all, Sir William. His highness has only taken a recent interest in English poetry. I believe he only wishes to be now more acquainted with it personally," Nate responded, most likely thinking he sounded clever. He did not.
William laughed, shaking his head. "As if that should bloody clear anything up?"
"Forgive Nathaniel, Sir William. He thought he only need hunt today, not think," Chuck jested, sparing a laugh of his own.
Nate muttered something under his breath, clearly not caring much for the turn the conversation had taken. Chuck was relieved for it though, as he did not wish to think of anyone with the name Thomas for the rest of the afternoon and night, could it be helped. He pointed forward, into the forest.
"We are nearing Hampton Court. We shall stop at the river to let our horses drink once more before returning," he instructed.
"Yes, your highness," the men all responded, mostly in union.
They rode their horses together into the forest and down the trail that led up to the river. Before they reached it they stopped, all climbing down, while servants fetched for their own supply of wine and water. They were just to toast one another with their canteens when Chuck heard something peculiar.
"Do you hear that?" he asked, looking to the other men with a frown. He listened again, and it was confirmed his ears had not deceived him. For it sounded as if multiple girls were giggling and yelling not too far from where they were now.
"It sounds like there are ladies afoot, gentlemen," Nate observed, smiling as he began to realize what they might have stumbled upon. Chuck knew his friend was probably hoping they'd wondered upon a bunch of bathing noble ladies, as it didn't sound too far off from one of Nate's drunken and outlandish ramblings of desired theorized scenarios. The other men had always found them to be amusing, especially when also drinking, though not always so very realistic.
"Shall his highness like to go and investigate, these are the grounds to his castle after all? It would be well within his right and arguably his royal duty," William proposed, never one to deter the other men's fun and fantasies even if they were not his own.
"If his highness does not then I shall," Nate returned, turning his head as another girl's gleeful scream reached their ears.
Chuck sighed, chuckling to himself as he shook his head. He mostly wished to return to Blair more than anything, but he supposed there would be no harm in giving Nathaniel and the other men just a bit of fun before they did. He nodded to them.
"Fine, let us go and see," he agreed, taking the lead.
XOXOXOXOXO
Chuck watched as Blair stomped around in the river, kicking and flailing her feet about wildly as she screeched and giggled. She was accompanied by Serena and her other ladies who had also shed important parts of their gowns, some stripping all the way down to their undergarments, as they played together in the river and mud. They looked like a bunch of crazed children, and yet also the perfect picture of the splendor one felt in their youth. They seemed to be enjoying themselves so freely and thoroughly it would almost be a crime to interrupt them and end the joyous sight. Yet, he knew he should not allow them to continue, most of all Blair, and realistically for safety reasons. Still, he could not help, but feel compelled to watch and chuckle at them a little while longer. He felt Nathaniel approach at his side, and sensed the other men behind. He did not doubt they too were enjoying the view, similar thoughts to his running through their minds. He glanced around at them, cocking his brow in an amused way to show them he felt lighthearted about it. Then he took a step forward, put on a straight face, and cleared his throat a few times as loud as he could. When the girls did not notice or stop, he called out to them.
"Blair Waldorf!" Chuck hailed, alas catching her and all of the other girl's attention.
They instantly halted in their movements, looking up to him and the other men with wide eyes. It didn't take long for all of their cheeks to begin blushing and for them to begin to nervously giggle amongst one another.
Blair stood out among the rest, her chest heaving up and down as she caught her breath. She stumbled a little, but only laughed at it and then ran a hand up through her wet hair to try and sort it out some. Once she realized this task was futile she merely dropped one hand at her side and placed the other upon her hip. She bowed her head at him.
"Your Highness," she greeted, though it ended in a bit of laughter. She had done her best to curtsey, but the river had made it difficult and this had only further tickled all of them.
"Lady Waldorf, what on earth are you and your ladies doing down there?" he beckoned, trying to keep a straight face. His demeanor and tone sounded as serious as he could muster, and he'd positioned himself as if to scold her.
She smiled cheekily, biting down on her bottom lip as if unsure of how to answer. She then looked around, exchanging gazes with Serena and the other girls, before she turned back to him.
She shrugged, "We decided the summer day was so hot that we could only solve it with a swim, your highness. What better way to cool ourselves off then by getting wet?" Her eyes beamed with innocence and naiveté, but he knew better. Chuck knew of her true wit, that she was choosing each word carefully to suit the little game they were playing with one another.
"I see," here replied, and it took all he had not to chuckle at her, but continue to hold it in as best he could. Instead he nodded at her firmly, glancing back at Nate who could not act as well and had to look down with a grin of his own. He then turned back to Blair and held up his hand, beckoning her over with his pointer finger.
"Come here, Blair." His voice helped compose the charade well, sounding strict and like one would when disciplining a child.
Blair only smiled back at him, not looking at all fearful for any kind of punishment. She lifted what was left of her dress and climbed out of the river, coming up the small hill to stand before him. She dropped down the wet clothing and presented herself to him playfully.
"Your highness," she said mischievously, curtseying for him in a very bouncy manner.
"You are very wet. As well as muddy, you know," he informed her, his eyes scanning over her. Really as he did so he was not at all worried about either of those things, but instead relishing in the way her soaked clothing accentuated her form. He had half a mind to send everyone off and have her right there and then, but the small civil part of him managed to refrain.
"Please do forgive I and my ladies, your highness. I did not mean any offense by it, and they only acted on my behalf," Blair returned, giving him the biggest doe brown eyes she could muster. She swayed her body a little bit, pouting her lips at him. Everything she did was stunning, even when completely drenched.
He reached his hand up gently, moving some hair out of her face and capturing her cheek. Then he took off his coat and brought it over her shoulders, wrapping it them tightly. He did this not only for nurturing reasons, but it also conveniently shielded any of her more scandalous parts from the eyes of his men.
"You are forgiven, but that is enough playtime today, I think," Chuck sighed with a smile. She pouted back at him in response and he laughed, shaking his head.
"But your highness—" Blair began to protest, but was silenced when he brought his hand up and put his finger to her lips. He was not harsh with her, still relaxed in mood, but stern in sound.
"No buts, Blair. I and the other men know that if you young girls are left completely to your will that you will only surely hurt yourselves. It is warm now, but stay out here much longer and you could catch a cold, and then a fever. And that will simply not do. Please tell me that you understand, my sweet," he beckoned, hoping that she recognized his attempts at a more tender nature with her. While her actions had not been wise or necessarily safe, he also could not in good conscience punish or yell at her for something he'd so much enjoyed watching.
"Yes, your highness," Blair agreed, though she did so as she exhaled. She was still sulking a bit over the end of her fun, but for that he could not blame her either. He took hold of her hands in his and brought them up to his lips, as he stared into her eyes. It was one of his more affectionate gestures he could give her, especially in front of others as it then became demonstrative. As he suspected it would, it made her smile as a large grin stretched across her face from ear to ear.
He nodded affirmatively.
"Good. You see you are still so very young, so very innocent. And while these are of some of the best qualities a girl can possess and portray, she who posses them should also be protected from all that could hurt her, including her own will," Chuck explained, speaking softer and more so between them than to the others. This was his way of calmly clarifying with her that this little stunt while fun should still not perhaps be repeated or routine.
"But you are not mad at me?" Blair asked suddenly, casting another look back at the other girls before quirking her brow at him in question. She then motioned down to her wet and loose attire below his coat, as if he had not already seen it before.
He chuckled softly and shook his head.
"No darling, I am not mad," Chuck confirmed.
Her eyes lit up with the approval and she bounced a little where she stood. "Then we can do it again some other day?" she asked, sounding both optimistic and exhilarated.
Chuck stared back at her for a moment, finding himself conflicted in how to answer. She looked so delighted by the mere possibility; and in the moments before when they'd first walked upon her and the other girls he had never seen her act so lighthearted about—well anything. He could not so easily deny her of any of this; so he didn't.
"Perhaps with better supervision," he caved with a sigh. He could practically feel Nate and the other men's surprise at this, and he didn't have to turn around to see them giving one another looks about it. It would have bothered him more if Blair's thrilled response hadn't come so soon after to distract him.
She let out a gleeful squeal and jumped up and down, grabbing hold of his arm to keep herself from tripping or falling over. She then threw her head back and turned around to call to the other ladies as she giggled.
"Did you hear that ladies? We got the prince's royal approval for our naughty shenanigans!" She sounded so pleased with herself as she bragged of her pardon to the other girls. Her ladies laughed and whispered amongst themselves in response, still to shy to speak up in front of Chuck or the other men. Serena however waved her hand and made her way for the bank, lifting her slip as she did so.
Chuck nodded to Nate who took off his own coat and climbed down into the ditch to assist the blonde. It didn't take long for the other men to follow, grabbing whatever coats or blankets they had on hand and moving to help Blair's ladies from the river. As they did this Chuck put his hand on the small of Blair's back and guided her over towards the horses so that they could speak with more privacy.
"Am I really not in any trouble, Chuck? There are to be no consequences for my actions?" she whispered, turning to him as they came to a stop. She did not look at all worried, but instead suggestive. He shrugged, and reached his hand up to stroke his horse's mane.
"None that anyone else will be made aware of, other than perhaps the guards who are posted outside your room at night," he clarified with a smirk.
Blair blushed, looking down as she smiled. She then cleared her throat, acting as if to gather herself, as she looked back up at him.
"As always, I resign myself to your highness's will," she told him, bowing her head as she did so. She really did always know just what to say to him.
He chuckled for a moment and then leaned in to whisper to her. "That will not help you any later. You or…your bottom." He then quirked his brow at her, lightly tapping her backside with his open palm so she could not mistake what he'd meant to suggest to her.
Blair blushed, her cheeks turning a bright rosy red as her eyes fell from his.
"Yes, your highness," she complied.
XOXOXOXOXO
Author's Note: Wow! Okay another long chapter, just sort of thirty pages. I do so hope you guys aren't minding these chapters with some length. As always, thank you so, so much to anyone who is taking the time to read and review. I know there aren't as many of us writing or reading Chair fics as we used to, so it really feels good when I read your guys reviews that still are. I am so glad there are still some of you who care and want to read this story. Please let me know your thoughts! Till next time!