The Royals of Silvercrest

7

Emberfall Castle

King Shane's POV:

I sit in the large dining hall. Alongside the walls were the black flags. The room is covered in luxurious painting and cloths. A beautiful view that my late wife would have loved to see. The room is lit by candlelight from spots on the walls and tables. I sit upon my chair at the back of the room, eating at a long wooden table alongside Princess Sophia. In the passing weeks since her mother passed, the bright and bubbly girl had become sullen and quiet. I did not know what to say to lessen her grief. The realm pressures me for a wife and to relieve my mistress meanwhile my daughter still grieves for her mother. How much could she truly understand at her young age?

"How have your lessons been?" I ask her

She sits messing with the deer meat on her plate.

"Okay, Your Grace." She replies softly

The sadness in her voice only makes my heart ache more.

I get her attention, placing my hand on her shoulder.

Finally, she meets my eyes.

I gesture towards the young ladies who dance about at court.

"Why don't you go dance?" I ask gesturing to Lady Sarah, the wife of Lord Miles

She walks over, dressed in a silver gown as all the noble ladies did.

Making her way over, she smiles and curtsies.

"King Shane, Princess Ruby, a pleasure as always."

Out of all the nobles, this family was the one I had always been closest to. Miles had been my closest friend as a boy. It was only right to honor him once I became King from knight to Lord. Although they did not yet have children, they spent many nights with us, Miles and I, Lady Sarah spending time with Ruby, giving her female companionship.

"Lady Sarah, how would you like to keep Princess Ruby company on the dance floor?" I ask

"I would be honored, Your Majesties." She says smiling down at my daughter

Ruby smiles back, half heartedly.

"Yes, Father." She says climbing down off her chair and taking Lady Susan's hand.

I watch as Lady Susan brings her over to where there was space amongst all the dancers. Lady Susan spins Princess Ruby around. Princess Ruby lets out a happy laugh, the joy on her face bringing me some peace.

Knowing what I must do, I think about my next steps.

After a few hours listening to music, making small talk with a handful of nobles and downing countless cups of wine, I've decided I no longer desired to be in the company of others any longer tonight. I gesture for Lady Susan who returns my daughter to my side. I thank her. She curtsies and heads off. Taking my daughter in my arms, I make my way out of the dining hall through the door in the back that leads into the castle, my knights barely a stride away as they follow. I first stop at my daughter's chambers which is only a hallway stretch from my own. Once she was older, she would move elsewhere. I open the door, staring at the room covered in paintings of animals, the castle and purple rugs, bedding and so on. It may not be a common trait but the color brought her joy. I pull the covers back before lying her down in the bed. I kiss her on the forehead, say goodnight and exit, closing the door gently behind me.

Two knights remove themselves from the group, standing guard at her door.

With this, I make my way to my own chambers.

Mistress Melisandre 's POV:

I stand staring out my window, the single candle upon my small table the only source of light in the room. Staring out at the rolling hills that loom in the distance, I wonder what my future will hold as the King's Mistress. In truth I had meant to offend his sister's suitor who had disrespected her heavily during their meet. My only regret was not tossing my wine in his face. I hadn't any idea what either had said to King Shane that had caused him to be so riled but now, in the quietness of night, I worry about my position for the first time since I had arrived. There had been much gossip when I'd arrived by the ladies of the court. Some were pleased others angry that the King would move on so soon after the passing of his wife.

I had stayed silent for so long.

A knock at the door interrupts my reflection.

I turn to see an older gentleman, dressed in uniform.

"King Shane requests your presence, Mistress Melisandre." He says

King Shane's POV:

I waste no time lying Mistress Melisandre upon the bed.

I stare at her naked body, her firm large breasts and curvy frame as I quickly undress. I shed my clothes then climb atop her, wrapping her legs around my waist. She opens her mouth to speak but I order her to be silent, still angry. I refocus on the task at hand, pushing deep inside her. I listen as she moans, her walls opening around me. I thrust slow at first but it is not long before I am slamming hard into her, loud moans escaping her as the bed shakes. Her arms grip my shoulders, our bodies glistening with sweat. I finish not once but three times, not stopping until the anger and stress in me resides. Once I am done and have caught my breath, I stand, redressing.

"Where are you off to now, Your Grace?" She asks

"It is not your concern. Return to your chambers."

"Your Grace-" Melisandre begins

Now angry again, I make my way over to her.

I lean in where she lies on the bed, still exposed.

"Watch yourself or you may find yourself at the end of the blade, Melisandre." I whisper coldly

The smile on her face falls and she immediately looks away.

Without another word, she scrambles to her feet, redresses, and exits.