Mastermind
I
Once upon a time, the planets and stars aligned as brought forth by the fates. That was the only part of it all that she had not brought forth herself, in fact. After that one moment, it was all her design.
Jonathan felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He was being watched. He could feel it. And it wasn't just because everyone in court was trying to speak to him, being the merchant whose business had saved so much of the kingdom from ruin after the war. Plenty of people were looking at him, but he was being watched. His eyes darted around, trying to find the source of that uncanny feeling.
From her shadowy corner set apart from the rest of the crowd, she watched. She had never seen a man like him before. He was utterly beautiful, his face and his body. And the way he smiled and charmed everyone around him, it was as though he had a magic of his own. Charisma was a sort of magic. But not like hers.
Before he had a chance to notice her, she slipped out of the shadows and made a wide loop around the room. Everyone avoided her. They smiled and nodded politely, but they knew better than to get in her way. They all knew what she could do.
"Good evening."
She saw the King approach from the corner of her eye, so she was unsurprised. She gave her usual friendly smile. "Good evening, Your Majesty. You are well, I trust?" She knew he was well. But it was just good manners to inquire.
"I am. Though I imagine you would tell me if there was reason for me to be otherwise," the King said knowingly.
"I would," she confirmed.
"Have you met Goodman Hart? He is an honored guest with us this evening. I should like your opinion as to whether I ought to bestow a lordship upon him," the King informed her.
She nodded. "I shall speak with him presently." Without another word to the king, she walked away. After all, she had already been on her way to see this interesting new visitor to court. And now it was time for them to meet.
Jonathan got that tingling feeling again and turned around to find himself face to face with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Big, bright eyes that flashed brown and green and gold all at once. Shiny, auburn hair flowing around her face. Slim frame full of elegance and power. In fact, power crackled around her in a way Jonathan had never experienced before. He felt a magnetic pull towards this beautiful woman that he did not quite understand. All he knew was that he wanted to speak to her. He wanted to know her. He wanted to touch her. He wanted…
"Hello," she greeted simply.
"Hello," he answered. "I don't think we've met."
Her eyes flashed as a smirk appeared on her lovely face. "We haven't. But I know you, Goodman Jonathan Hart. Perhaps soon to be Lord Hart, is that it?"
"Is it?" he asked in return. People had been saying that he would certainly be granted honors by the King, but Jonathan never expected or sought after such things. He was content with his business and his independence.
She regarded him curiously for a moment. She already knew that she would not recommend to the King to grant him Lordship. Not because he was undeserving; quite the contrary, in fact. But this man had no need of such things. It made him stronger and somehow even more attractive to know he would never be able to be under the King's thumb. In his favor, surely. But not because Goodman Hart needed the King. Rather, it would be the King who needed Goodman Hart.
And perhaps she needed him, too. Well, not needed. She needed no one. But she certainly wanted him.
"May I invite you to dance?"
His words surprised her, but she didn't let it show in her face. He was trying to take the lead. She could permit him to do so for the dance. That would fit nicely into her plan. He'll be mine, she thought to herself as she demurely accepted his offer.
The second their hands touched, it was like the spark of a flint. Another thing Jonathan had never experienced before with any woman. If she felt it too, she didn't react. She only smiled as he led her to the center of the room where the musicians were playing.
He had skill, and she was pleased about that. He was elegant and light on his feet. And the way he touched her in the regimented movements dictated by the dance made her feel surer and surer of her plan. She wanted him. She would have him.
