The king insisted that I move to chambers closer to his. The new chambers were larger and much more grand than my previous. It almost mirrored his exactly. Unfortunately, being under his most watchful eye also meant being closer to Michal's quarters and my grandfather's. It did not take long before Michal visited me. She surveyed the room with a keen eye, assessing every minute detail. Her face gave nothing away. It was stoic as usual, but there was a hint of something in her eyes.
Jealousy? Pain? A mixture of both, perhaps.
"Congratulations are in order," she said, eyes finally resting on me. They narrowed in on my growing stomach.
"Thank you," I said awkwardly.
"I hear Abigail has also been blessed," she quipped. The irritation in her voice palpable. I nodded my head, unable to conjure an appropriate response. What was I supposed to say?
"I hope you'll be comfortable here." She said, then turned and exited the room, head held high and feet swift.
I exhaled a stale breath I had been holding since she entered my chambers. I took the rest of the day to settle into my new chambers and oversee the furnishings and my belongings being moved in, all from a comfortable position on my chaise. I filled myself with sweet cheeses and fruits, trying to satiate my growing ravenous hunger. My servants were quick to refill my platter when only a few nibbles could be spotted.
It was almost evening when what I dreaded more than Michal's visit finally happened. My grandfather came to call. If I hadn't had my mouth stuffed with a large piece of fruit I would have told my guards at the door not to permit him. I swallowed the large lump and wiped the edges of my lips.
He bowed briefly. With hands outstretched, palms open he gestured toward the grandness of the room.
"I'm so happy to hear your news. I cannot wait to meet my newest great grandchild. I am at your disposal if you should need anything."
I nodded my head. When I said nothing he began to awkwardly look around. Servants bustled by him as they continued to work at making my chambers my own.
"Well, I see you're preoccupied. I will leave you. I just wanted to say, I'm pr- proud of you, Bathsheba... You've done well."
He bowed stiffly once more before drifting out into the dark hallway. I had never heard him utter those words to me before. Perhaps this child was a fresh start for all of us, not just for me and David. If I could find it in my heart to forgive David, surely I could forgive my grandfather for his scheming ways. There was a reason he had lasted so long in this court- he knew how to survive. I didn't have to condone it or even like it. But I could accept it.
When evening fell and I could not find sleep- not for a lack of trying- I meandered down the short distance to David's chambers. Not only did my hunger become insatiable as my pregnancy progressed, but so did my appetite for things of a sensual nature. If I could not sleep, then I was determined that neither would he.
YOU ARE READING
The Gaze of a King
Historical Fiction*Sacred Crowns- Book 2* Her whole life she had been called beautiful. Glances and envious eyes were always cast her way. But never had Bathsheba expected to catch the eye of her King. And never in her wildest imaginings did she anticipate the trage...
