Chapter Five

Very glad that it's summer, Christian is still shivering with cold when he emerges from the river, having allegedly ensured that his soul is at least momentarily safe. As expected, his mother is weeping, and his father offers a wink, which draws a chattering chuckle from his son. Someone puts a cloak around his shoulders, Mia is applauding, and Elliot receives a clout round the ear from his father for asking, "Feel lighter, without all that sin?"

And then the many well-wishers offer their congratulations. He responds with appropriate platitudes, but barely registers any of it, because he's used this auspicious and unlikely event to extend an invitation to Anastasia. He finally sees her and approaches where she stands with Lady Katherine. Showing good sense, especially for a crowd of people, the young couple are given a little space, though of course any conversation is public. Christian bows and greets her, "My Lady, thank you for coming."

She curtsies and replies, "Your Highness, thank you for inviting me, and for accepting God into your heart."

He chokes back a highly inappropriate laugh, for they both know that he's done no such thing. He loves her sense of humour. Laughter a breath away, he casts out the rules to declare, "Only for you, Anastasia."

Her eyes widen in surprise, and then he could swear that they darken with lust. Indeed, he can hear it in her voice—no doubt so can others—when she replies, "Thank you, Christian."

Suddenly, he no longer notices the cold, though is again trembling. Before he disgraces himself in this saturated and clinging white robe, he bows and farewells her, "My Lady."

Very much looking forward to seeing Christian at dinner, Ana is surprised to receive an elegant, handwritten invitation to the Queen's private chambers for tea, at her convenience.

That means now.

Yes, thank you. I'm not an idiot.

She shows it to Kate, asking, "What do you think?"

"You've met? I mean, other than for your father's funeral."

"No, not yet." With a rueful smile, she adds, "This hasn't exactly been a standard courtship."

Kate grins and says, "I'm not sure your fiancée does anything in a standard manner."

Remembering that Christian had dropped to his knees and offered his throat at their first meeting, Ana can only laugh and agree, "True." With a slight frown, she asks, "You don't think Her Majesty disapproves?"

"Of you? No. His parents are famed for their solidarity. If either of them had a strong objection to the match, I doubt it would have been brokered. I think it much more likely that she wants to become acquainted with the woman who has captured her son's heart." With a wicked grin, she adds, "Still, when she offers you tea, make sure she drinks first."

Ana swats her arm in rebuke and says, "Don't. I'm quite terrified enough without worrying about being poisoned by my future mother-in-law." And then she gnaws at her bottom lip in distress before saying, "Hang it, I'll go right away, before my nerves get the better of me. How do I look?"

Kate takes a moment to straighten her friend's gown before declaring "Regal," which ensures that Ana is also sporting an attractive flush to her cheeks as she is escorted to the current Queen Consort.

She's announced at the doorway, and enters the room while dropping into a deep curtsy without making eye contact, just as she's been taught. Her Majesty takes Ana's hands to lift her up, saying, "Come, child, you needn't do that when we're alone. We'll soon be family."

At least one of her many fears was unfounded; there is no disapproval here. "Thank you, Your Majesty. If you wish, you may call me 'Ana' in private, as my father always did." Daring to smile, she adds, "Unless I'd displeased him, and then it was 'Anastasia Rose'."

Her Majesty smiles and says, "I doubt that happened very often, and it's a beautiful name, too lovely to save for censure." Gesturing to a nearby table and chairs, replete with a full tea service, she adds, "Please, let's sit, Ana." As they do so, she continues, "I'm sure you're wondering why I requested this meeting, when we'll see each other at dinner?"

It sounds like a question, so Ana replies, "A little, Your Majesty."

Dispensing with any attendants, Ana is served tea by royalty as the woman explains, "Recent revelations, of a delicate nature, have led me to believe that you are aware of my son's...uh, singular tastes when it comes to women."

Ana's teacup rattles on the saucer. By some miracle she retains hold of both, and stammers, "Uh, yes, I'm, um...he told me."

Her gaze fixed on Ana with iron focus, the older woman says, "And Elena before that."

Wondering if perhaps she has been invited to her own demise, Ana swallows and says only, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"And you still want to marry him?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Opening her mouth to say something, Her Majesty then appears to change her mind, instead taking a sip of tea before asking, "You know that they were once lovers? That she...inspired and encouraged his singular tastes?"

"Uh, I knew the first, and suspected the second."

"And were you aware that their relationship began when he was barely fifteen?"

Shocked and horrified, given that Christian's development didn't really begin until he was four years old, her face twists in revulsion at such predatory behaviour when she answers, "No, Your Majesty, Lady Elena omitted that detail, and I've not had opportunity to discuss it in depth with Chr...His Highness."

Apparently satisfied by that answer, Her Majesty's smile is warm, and she pats Ana's hand to say, "You, of all people, may surely use his name. In fact, he tells me that he prefers it, which makes you very special indeed."

Thrilled by this titbit, Ana can't stop the wide smile when she confesses "I like it when he says my name too," and immediately worries that she's being drawn into sharing too much, so returns her attention to the excellent tea, resolving to only answer questions from now on. A moment later, she breaks that resolve, suddenly asking, "Your Majesty, may I speak plainly?"

The Queen smiles and points out, "Surely, that's what we've been doing?" And then she bothers to touch Ana's forearm when she begs, "Please, Ana. My earnest prayer is that we can always be honest with each other."

It's enough that Ana finds the courage to suggest, "I don't think the Lady Elena intended harm."

This time Her Majesty's smile is sad as she says, "By betraying our secrets to a then rival? At the very least, she attempted to thwart an alliance, and it almost led to war between our countries. Since learning of her treachery, I have daily thanked God that she greatly misjudged you."

Trying not to feel too proud at this praise, Ana explains, "But she didn't tell me of his aversion to touch."

Frowning in confusion, the Queen says, "But...only a handful of people know. It's why..." She takes a deep breath and continues, "I made the grave mistake of confessing to Elena how much I feared for Christian. Once he got over his fear of...well, everything, he became angry at the world. He told you what happens, if someone were to touch his naked chest?"

"He confirmed only that he is averse, though I'd presumed it was much more serious than that, to remain a secret all this time."

"And you know how I came to be the one who discovered that secret?"

"You were once a midwife, and still retain those skills. So, when your man discovered Christian as an infant, he brought him to you for treatment."

"For which I still thank God. He was near death. And the marks on his tiny body...Ana, you would weep." She almost does so now, as Her Majesty continues, "Every time I tried to treat his wounds, he would stiffen and stare blankly at me, not even a whimper, and would stay like that sometimes for long after I'd stopped treating him. It was terrifying, but there was no alternative. He would have otherwise died of sepsis or gangrene. He remembers nothing when he comes out of it, as if part of him disappears for the duration."

"It sounds similar to 'devil's breath', a plant that can cause someone to appear as if dead while still breathing."

Her Majesty's eyes widen in surprise and she says, "Your father must have paid for excellent tutors."

Her cheeks slightly warm from so much praise, Ana explains, "He did, but he also had an extensive library, and I've always enjoyed reading."

"Then, when there is more time, I would be honoured if you'd peruse our library."

Genuinely moved, Ana says only, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

She nods, and then asks, "You know what they call him?"

Understanding immediately, Ana confirms, "Guairneán, the old word for whirlwind. I assumed it was because, as near as I can tell, he's unbeaten in combat."

"All true, but the worst part is that he acquired the name as a young boy. When an older child pushed him, he didn't immediately become torpid but instead retaliated. And so he found a solution for his aversion to touch, and an outlet for all his rage. His fear of disappearing means that he's never lost a fight, even against multiple enemies."

Ana can't immediately think of a reply, and then can only say, "That's so sad."

"I've always thought so." Shaking her head, as if shedding the sorrow, Her Majesty continues, "Anyway, I became worried enough to seek Elena's counsel, as I had in the past, and...well, you know what 'cure' she devised for my son."

This conversation is going so much better than Ana had imagined, so she dares, "But he improved?" At the narrowing of the older woman's eyes, she quickly adds, "Your Majesty."

The Queen smiles and says, "Fear not, child, I cannot imagine ever having cause to be angry with you. And, yes, he improved. But at what cost?" Again shaking her head, she continues, "No matter. I've told you all this in the hope that you will do me the kindness of revealing who betrayed my son's most closely guarded secret."

Ana is so shocked that she laughs a little and blurts out, "No one. I worked it out."

Her Majesty looks equally shocked and stammers, "But...how did...? Well, why wouldn't you just say so?"

Smiling, Ana points out, "You never asked."

So Ana gets to hear a queen's laughter. It sounds good, and proves contagious, until they're both reduced to dabbing at their eyes and shaking their heads. Eventually, Her Majesty settles down enough to comment, "Well, at least we've had a pleasant chat. Thank you, Ana."

"My pleasure, Your Majesty, and thank you for trusting me."

"My son trusts you, and that's good enough for me." And then she asks, "You also worked out why this is his most closely guarded secret?"

She can guess. "Because not even that broken little boy would fear a man who might fall into a stupor at his touch."

"Exactly. If it were known, he wouldn't have won that first fight, let alone a prolonged campaign. In case he hasn't made it clear, you must reveal this to no one."

Idly wondering if every member of Christian's family will extract an oath from her, Ana vows, "Upon the Lord, I so swear."

Her Majesty studies her face for a moment, and then picks up a pastry, saying, "Well, that's quite enough drama for one day. Let's just enjoy the rest of our afternoon."

"Your Majesty."

They sip tea, nibble on delicacies and discuss the weather, until a knock on the door draws Ana's attention, so she's looking in that direction when Christian strides in, saying, "You wished to see me?" On noticing her face peering around the high back of the chair, he stops so abruptly that he stumbles a little, and then his eyes narrow in displeasure as he accuses, "Mother, what have you done?"

Ana never knew her mother, who died the day her daughter was born, so she has no way of knowing if this is typical behaviour. But her instincts lead her to her feet, as she commands, "Christian!"

A flicker of guilt passes across his face, and then the anger returns as he demands, "What's going on?"

Her poise returning, Ana places the cup and saucer on the table, bobs slightly to excuse herself, and then approaches him to say, "We are getting acquainted, and you are being insufferably rude."

She can see that her outrage amuses him, which doesn't improve her mood. They're in a silent standoff when soft laughter draws their attention back to Her Majesty, who stands and approaches, saying, "Welcome to the family, Anastasia." Resting a hand on Christian's cheek, she adds, "I've some correspondence to complete before dinner. I'll be in my study. And you two have much to discuss before the wedding."

She's almost to the inner door that presumably leads to her study when Christian says, "Thank you, Mother."

Her Majesty offers a bright smile as benediction and leaves the lovers alone.