The Star King

The aftermath of battle and the kindling of a flame October 25th 1415

As Elisabeth cried into the straw she heard the flaps to her tent open. Uncurling herself she wiped away the tears not wanting the boy to see her crying. Looking up expecting to see the boy she gave a gasp as Henry appeared.

He held out a cup of ale for her. 

" A peace offering"

 He smiled, but a look of concern was written on his face as he took in her tear-stained cheeks. He came closer. She stood up and took the cup from him feeling her skin tingle as their fingertips touched. She could smell the blood and sweat not just on him but also on herself and suddenly felt self-conscious. 

" Thank you" she mumbled hastily looking away trying to hide her feelings.

She sat back down taking a large gulp. He came and sat next to her in the straw his body so close. He had wiped off the blood and mud from his face but traces still lingered in his hair, she just wanted to reach out and touch it so badly.  She clung to the cup to stop herself from doing just that.

" I came to say I'm sorry and perhaps call a truce?" he said.

His gentle eyes bluey/brown eyes looked so dejected as he studied her but his lips formed a small apologetic smile. She felt a jolt go through her body as his gaze intensified. Sighing, he looked away taking a sip of his ale. Before she could stop herself she laid a hand on his.

 " You have nothing to be sorry for. I am the one who should be sorry. I stepped out of line. I don't know anything about war and I shouldn't have spoken to you in the manner which I did. The truth is you are King and I am. I am."  

She stopped. Looking down at her hand on his. Feeling it's warmth. 

"And I am a traitor's widow and nowhere near your equal."

She took her hand away quickly her heart now racing. Her whole body felt on fire. He was stunningly attractive and yet so fearsome all at the same time. A good leader, a passionate fighter, powerful and strong. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him put down his cup.  She dared not look at him directly, she didn't trust herself. The feelings that had grown for him weren't that of a subject and King. Despite his reputation and despite telling herself over and over again it was foolish to love him, somewhere along the line she had fallen. She couldn't exactly say when she had fallen in love but for weeks he had haunted her dreams and she had thought about him more than she dared to admit and wondered sometimes if he felt the same.  

As she daydreamed his hand suddenly brushed back a loose hair that had fallen across her face his fingertips grazed her cheek. Startled, Elisabeth gasped and turned towards him, as she looked into his bluey/brown crystal eyes she could see something, desire maybe?

" Elisabeth. Elisabeth, you will never be just a traitor's widow. Not to me." He stopped.

 His eyes glistening with different swirling emotions and changing color to a more vibrant blue. Like a crystal blue lake that she just wanted to dive in. His voice so soft and filled with passion. 

 "I never want you to say that again. Please promise me, promise me that you will always speak your mind and never change. Not for me or for anyone. I have never met a woman like you, Elisabeth."  His eyes studying her intently. 

Elisabeth didn't know what to say. Her brain had malfunctioned. She heard the words he spoke but she couldn't quite process them. Feeling her breathing quicken, her loins were on fire. She had never felt so happy. She wanted to run through the camp screaming at the top of her voice.

He leaned in closer and pulled her forward towards him.

 " Promise me" he whispered again putting his fingers under her chin tilting it just right so that his lips could touch hers.

He kissed her gently. His lips were soft and inviting. She could taste the ale.  It tasted of summer fruits and was as sweet as honey. She never wanted this moment to end. The ale she had been holding dropped into the straw as she put her arms around his neck, there kiss deepened filled with intent, desire, and love.

Slowly they both pulled away. There breathing labored. She looked at him feeling herself redden " I promise" she whispered slowly.

" Marry me".  He said suddenly. Elisabeth's mouth opened but no sound came out.

" Elisabeth I love you. I want you and only you by my side" He took her hands in his.

" You want me?" she asked wanting to laugh.

 " Please don't joke. That's not funny!" He let go of her hands abruptly looking hurt.

 " It wasn't a joke. I want you. I don't want anyone else by my side. I want you as my Queen Elisabeth."

" But why?" she said suddenly standing up quickly. She nearly fell over the empty ale cup in her shock.

" I am not Queen material besides my last husband was a traitor to the crown. I am penniless. You really think England will want me as there Queen?" 

Shaking her head she bit her lip before continuing.

 " No. You deserve a proper princess".  He cut her off by getting up and placing his fingertips on her lips.

"At least think about it. Please. I have never met anyone like you and never met a woman I have ever truly loved. I have never felt like this about any woman before. I am asking you as a man just to think about it."

His eyes were filled with compassion and love.

 " I have to go". 

 He said softly, kissing her again gently on the lips, leaving them tingling. His fingers traced lines under her chin. Drawing away he gave her one last look before leaving the tent.