King Silas and Queen Thea had wed for 5 years with no children. Rumors spread throughout the kingdom that Queen Thea was to blame but was that the truth? Betrayal, lust and sin fill the castle walls at every turn. Will a child be produce or will the...
Winter had made good on her warning signs that she would deliver a storm. It had pounded the castle walls and even under my many layers of royal clothing and blanket my teeth had chattered through the night. A thick layer of ice had formed on the inside of my windows despite the maids keeping my fire roaring all night. I worried for our staff In the lower parts of the castle. Sending them extra blankets and warm stew today in hopes they could keep warm. My mother always raised me to understand a Queen and her castle were only as good as her staff.
"No your majesty, I could not accept this." The maid said who was sent to help dress me. I pulled one of my fur coats around her. "I can't pay for it."
"This castle is getting colder by the minute." I replied. "You need to stay warm. Consider it a Christmas present." Her warm smile made my heart melt.
I had been so caught up in trying to seduce my king and make him want to be with me. I'd lost so many hours feeling sorry for myself being locked away in these walls....I wanted to shake myself of the self pity and no longer be meek. The old king had been dead several years now. Silas made it clear I had free reign and was an equal ruler. No longer would I scurry about like a mouse terrified of its shadow. I was Queen and the only thing good coming from having my heart shattered into a million pieces was I was going to make the lives of my people better. Hannah told me of Silas making her a counsel member, he was really starting to make it hard to hate what he's done to me. In hind site I should be thanking him my child wouldn't be cursed...my eyes fluttered up to the ceiling as if I were to see Felix.
Those tunnels were so damp and cold. Sure he had a hidden room to hide in and thank God in heaven a fire place in it...but I couldn't help but fear he was cold and hungry.
Finishing my dress and hair, I made my way quickly to the kitchen to fetch some food for him. But unfortunately for me I bumped straight into Silas.
"My Queen." He bowed to me in respect.
"King Silas." I bowed back as I saw several servants and guards looking. Nothing puts me and my child in danger more then a kingdom who smells weakness.
"Happy Christmas Eve." Silas said hope in his voice.
"What happy festive day it is." I replied coldly. I wasn't going to wish him the holiday back.
I ran my hand over my belly and his eyes followed it. "How are you feeling ?"
"I have had a little nausea, but it's to be expected. The doctor said everything is well." I replied. Silas may have messed up but this child is just as much his as it is mine. I wouldn't hold any information from him regarding the baby.
"Please allow me to escort you to breakfast ?" He asked holding out an arm.
My eyes rolled around looking for an excuse. "The nausea is quite strong this morning actually, being around any smell right now will just upset my stomach more. I'm sorry."
"Pardon me but I haven't eaten yet today." Jasmines voice both startled me and puzzled me. She had been so very exclusive and quite since the moment she arrived. To approach the king so boldly made me uneasy.
"Well ah..." Silas glanced at me just as puzzled.
I offered direction. "My breakfast shouldn't go to waste. I bet with the holiday our chefs have prepared a feast. The Queen mother and Princess I'm sure are already down there. They have been asking about you and it would be a perfect opportunity for them to find out just who you are."
Jasmine had a nervous expression at my words which made my nerves settle. Silas glanced to me with disappointment then motioned for her to join him. "Of course Jasmine. I'd love for you to join us. "
I watched as he walked away with her on his arm. A strange Sensation fell over me as he glanced back with a sad expression. He seemed to genuinely make effort for me to be comfortable and happy. Did he actually care for me? He clearly had needs in the bedroom I could not fulfill so how would it be possible for him to care about me ? Anger took over as thoughts of Fiona entered my head. None of it mattered now. It was all ruined.
Turning on my heels I made my way to grab a basket full of food that would last a while, a change of clothes from the guards and a few blankets. Sneaking into the tunnels I found Felix curled up next to the small hidden fire place. His eyes lit up at the sight of the basket.
"Queen Thea how gracious you truly are." He said.
"I was worried the cold had gotten to you." I said setting the basket down next to him.
"The only good thing about my curse is I always have warmth." Felix said holding out his hands and creating a small fire with them.
"I'm not sure I'll ever believe that no matter how many times I see it." I sighed.
He chuckled and we both seemed to look each other over. Several long moments passed in silence. I had only ever seen his portrait. I wasn't even sure he had seen what I looked like but regardless it was hard to not wonder what could have been between us. How different our lives would be had we had the opportunity to wed.
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"I can't imagine what my father put you through." He broke the silence. "And.....knowing now what my brother and Fiona have done.....you deserved so much better of a life here."
I glanced down a heaviness falling over me. "I have done my best to be a Queen your country deserves....I'm afraid I have even fallen short of that."
"I know that's not true." Felix said reaching out and taking my hand. "I've been in hiding for a long time in the darkest parts of our world. I've had to live with and around some of the most unfavorable people. Even In their conversations they have nothing but praise for you. And if I might be so bold to include that the rumors of your beauty do not lie."
My eyes snapped up to meet his gaze. His words made me feel warm and desired. I mourned this man for so long. I used to lie awake at night and stair at his painting and wonder what it would be like to be his bride. I had dreams of what our wedding day would be like. I cried for months after laying who we thought was him to rest. Now knowing his full story I couldn't be mad at him. Who knows how many lives he saved. As a Queen I absolutely was proud of him. But as a woman i couldn't help but feel sorry for myself. What saved our kingdoms forced me to live an absolute nightmare. For the rest of my life I would be trapped In it.
Grief, anger and desire bubbled up inside of me. My feet began to move with my heart before my mind could stop them. Standing on my tip toes I pulled his face to mine and kissed him passionately. He didn't pull away from me or resist. His hands wrapped around me and he kissed me back.
After a few minutes I pulled away breathless. "I just wanted the chance to know what that felt like." I whispered. Kissing him once more I took off down the tunnel without a word.
