Lady Beth was pleased the king finally took time to get to know her. But she was slightly surprised when she was asked to sign the letter this morning. Her male cousin was a distant cousin, but she was sure her family would offer assistance.
Not many people in the realm cared for King Edward, but news that he was unwell was not good to hear.
Beth had been told that the king liked to play cards, so she unpacked her deck of cards for when he visited her she could recommend that they pay a few hands. And she is so glad that she had done that. Because they were having an excellent time.
He tossed a gold coin onto the stack, "You are quite the player Madam. I apparently need to try a different approach." He said with a chuckle.
Beth laid her cards down with a big smile on her face. "Let's see if you can beat that, Your Grace."
The King raised an eyebrow, then laid his cards down on the table. "It would seem you won this round M'Lady. Bravo!" He clapped his hands.
"We could play for higher stakes next time... Your Grace." She said, her demeanor changing.
The King was intrigued, "Madam... are you implying..."
She leaned close to him, her breasts close to the edge of her dress. "I am here for the king's pleas..."
He cut her off, "Lady Beth, I am truly flattered. And in my youth I probably would take you up on your offer. But I need a wife I can trust to behave like a Lady."
She smirked, "A lady in the public's eye..."
"The late Queen knew when it was appropriate to act wanton, and when to be a lady. And she was a lady most of the time. Yet she was warm, kind... she had a heart like no other."
"Those are big shoes to fill, Your Grace. If you continue to compare every woman to her... you might be living with a ghost for the rest of your life." Beth laid her cards down on the table, "I bid you the best of luck in tonight's endeavors. May god bring you back to us in one piece."
The King bowed his head to her, "I thank you for your cooperation in the matter, let's hope that Edward matches his daughter to your cousin shall we." The King stood, "I would like to keep this matter quiet from my daughter if I can help it."
Beth nodded her head, she stood and placed a hand on his arm, "My offer stands if you change your mind, Your Grace."
He nodded his head and left her room in her tower. He thought to himself, it would have been easier in his youth to allow himself the cardinal pleasure... but he was older, wiser and a father. Plus, if he was honest with himself, she was not the one he wanted.
He was halfway up the stairwell of the other tower before he realized where he was. No harm in telling her himself where he was off to. And ask her the same, to keep Isadora from finding out if at all possible.
He rounded the top of the stairs and collided with Jade. "My Lady!" He caught her as she stumbled.
"Your Grace!" She was panting and seemed very startled. "I was not expecting you."
"I am so sorry. I came to let you know I am being pulled away unexpectedly. You should not worry, but please don't tell Isadora because she will worry. "
"Is that the only reason, M'Lord?" Jade said with a knowing look on her face.
"If anything should happen to me. I am leaving Isadora in your care till she comes of age." With that he turned to leave.
Jade stood stunned by his statement. "Your Grace, Why me?"
He turned around and reached his hand out to her, pulling her to him, "Because... I believe my mind is already made up, M'Lady. But I need to give Lady Beth a fair amount of time." He planted his hands on her hips, trying not to let them wander like he so wanted to. "I am also struggling because I still love my wife... But I am starting to care for you."
Jade smiled at him, "I am willing to wait as long as it takes, and I don't want to replace her, Your Grace. All I am asking for is that you make a little room in your heart for me."
He kissed her, "I believe I can work on that." He let go of her waist and took a step back, "Now I must go... I will be on the battlefield."
Jade watched him walk out of the room, he was tall with a muscular build that you could see even under the layers of material that he wore. He dressed in the usual royal fashion, wearing a chain around his neck to signal that he was royalty. No need to wander around with that heavy crown on your head all the time. She assumed he only used it for ceremonies like her father did.
The difference between her father King Winters, and this King was that King Winters held a much smaller piece of land and also a much smaller army. This King happened to hold the largest kingdom, the largest army, and was in turn also the wealthiest of all in the realm. It could be why he had a choice of five brides not that long ago, she thought to herself. This is why having the King's favor seemed like a living dream. Jade smiled to herself and went to go find Isadora.
YOU ARE READING
ℌ𝔢𝔯 𝔊𝔯𝔞𝔠𝔢, 𝔐𝔶 𝔔𝔲𝔢𝔢𝔫 Book 2
Tiểu thuyết Lịch sửThe King is faced with a tragedy one year after the birth of his daughter. After being in exile for ten years he comes back to his kingdom to secure his place as King and take another bride. His daughter needs a mother, and he still needs a male hei...
