The Reluctant Princess - a Novella

Chapter 7 - Diplomacy

Elizabeth awoke the next day from what turned out to be a deep slumber. She had been sure she would not be able to sleep a wink, after what had happened between her and Henry, yet she had fallen asleep almost immediately. She sat up as Mildred moved around the room, thinking she felt different somehow. Her body tingled at the memory of Henry's scorching kisses and wondered what other wicked things he wished to show her. She blushed and tried to shove those naughty thoughts out of her mind, but it was too late. Her nipples stood on end as she padded across her chamber to disappear behind the screen. She was not quite sure how she could face her betrothed this morning and pretend nothing was different between them.

Why did she feel as though she would burst out laughing at any moment? After re-emerging from behind the screen, she tried her best to seem calm and serene and quietly and demurely allowed Mildred to get her ready for breakfast and surprised the maid by flatly refusing any face powder. Oddly, her freckles did not cause her any anxiety this morning.

She found herself feeling a little giddy as she approached the dining room where breakfast would be served and mentally rehearsed what she would say to Henry, lest she should seem too affected. In less than 24 hours, she had had agreed to a truce, spent an afternoon actually enjoying herself in his company and succumbed to his attentions a little too readily. She needed to collect herself quickly. Any wrong move would in fact seal her fate and she was not yet completely resigned to the future that had been planned for her.

She approached the long dining table where her entire family was already gathered, alongside the king and queen and several members of their entourage, with one notable absence.

She curtsied to the regents and took her seat, doing her best to hide her disappointment at not finding Henry there and pondered whether she should inquire after the exasperating young man who should be occupying the chair beside her.

The queen addressed her almost immediately, thankfully pulling her out of her reverie.

"How was your ride with Henry my dear?"

Elizabeth bit her lip and felt the heat creep across her cheeks, because if Henry were here, he would most certainly find a way to turn the innocent question into something lewd.

"It was lovely," she replied instead, "I hope to be able to work my way up the blue path on my own someday. Maybe even the black."

"Doubtful," Henry's voice cut in as he entered the room.

He greeted the guests and slid in beside her, taking her hand and brushing her knuckles with his lips, making her shiver. His special greeting pleased her immensely. Something was seriously wrong with her.

"You will have to come out with me for many a ride before you're ready for the black path, Elizabeth," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "I still have so much to teach you."

She narrowed her eyes at him because by now she knew his words had a double meaning and moved to tug her hand free, but he held on a little longer than necessary, holding her gaze.

"How about after breakfast?" he proposed. "I had a mind to graduate you to a more exciting mount... if you think you're ready?"

Elizabeth felt herself go beet red now. Dear Lord, was he still talking about horses?

"I'd love to, your highness," was all she could say.

"I'm afraid I will require your presence in my study after this," The king interjected, "May I remind you that you have duties, son? Duties you have been skirting for weeks now."

Henry only barely held back a grumble.

"I would much rather spend time getting to know my fiancée, father," he replied, making no effort to hide his annoyance.