𝐻𝒾𝓈 𝒢𝓇𝒶𝒸𝑒, 𝑀𝓎 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝑔 Book 1

#9 "will you look at this?"

The ladies of the Court smiled and clapped, but their smiles were hiding their true feelings. They were all jealous of the farm girl who had won the King's affections. Before you arrived those women had the King's attention, even the married ones. It was no secret that the King had been seen escorting a few of them from parties with their hands perched on his arm. This is part of the reason you knew that your arrangement would work in the first place.

But what you had not taken into account was that the King would present you to the Court as being his. HIS. You let that thought swirl around in your mind after he deposited you at your new seating arrangement. No longer would you have to sit next to Countess 'what's her name' and listen to her boring stories about how her housekeeper was stealing things. You were now sitting right next to the King at his table. So you could now fake a smile as you listened to Dutchess 'what's her name' tell almost the same damn story. What did none of these people trust the help anymore?

The King must have sensed that you were in need of rescuing. He stood and offered his hand to you. "Care to join me in a dance, (Y/N)?"

You placed your hand in his and smiled as you stood. It didn't matter that your feet hurt, you were going to dance with this man. "It would be my please, M'Lord."

He guided you onto the floor and he placed your hand on his shoulder and he placed his on the small of your back. You could feel his fingers move as if he wanted to touch more of you, but he would not with so many eyes upon you both in this large dining room. When the music started you stole a glance around you and realized that everyone else had given the King respect and left the dance floor. Your cheeks heat slightly as you blush.

"Are you ok, my dear?" He asked softly so only you could hear him.

Your eyes widened, did he just use a term of endearment with you? Your heart fluted and you swallowed before you answered him. "I am ok M'Lord. Just a little warm."

He dipped you and then brought you up so that your face was very close to his, "Do you wish to take a walk with me outside to cool off in the night air?"

"Yes, M'Lord. I take a walk every evening before bed." You say to him, feeling as if the room was getting very warm indeed.

He walked you to the table so that you could grab something to drink before you both headed outside. "You can bring that with you if you would like." The King said pointing to her wine glass.

Once outside you start to feel much better. "Thank you, M'Lord. I am feeling much better."

He takes your hand, "I am going to have you sit right here on this bench, and I will return in just one moment. Will you be ok till I return?" You shook your head, and he kissed the back of your hand before he strode off back inside.

You straightened your skirts and watched everyone who walked by in their fancy attire. It was just then that you spot the group of Court Ladies headed your way. The Countess who you had been sitting with at the start of the evening came forward.

"Will you look at this? Are we too rich and fancy for your blood? Or are you too good for us now that you get to sit at His table?" She looked down her nose at you and furrowed her brow.

You raised an eyebrow, "I am not sure why you are mad at me Countess, I am the King's Companion. I will sit with the King if that is what he wishes."

The ladies exchange whispers, "I am sure that is not all that you do 'if he wishes. I bet the King..."

The king cleared his throat and then interrupted them, "What your King wishes is none of your concern unless of course, my wish is to strip you of your title and leave you penniless." He had returned with two flutes of sparkling champagne. "I will issue you one warning as a kindness if I catch anyone... And I do mean anyone saying an unkind word to her or about her. I will see you hang from the gallows. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

The ladies all curtsied and left the King's presents at once before he changed his mind about there being a warring first.

You smile at him as he hands you a flute of the sparkling beverage. "You will like this, but drink it slowly so you don't get a headache." He said softly.