Three weeks. Philomena sighed. She would be confined to this rank and damp room for three weeks.
After her father found her, he dragged her back into the castle, being careful to avoid any prying eyes. He immediately ordered his guards to take her to the castle dungeon without even sparing her a glance. And despite Philomena's pleading, she was pulled to the dreaded room.
She couldn't believe that this, of all things, was her punishment.
***
Philomena walked around her room, that acted as a cell, for a bit before plopping down on her bed in anger. He could've at least given me a change of clothes. Philomena was still in her ball outfit, and it was very uncomfortable, she might add.
If I had known this would happen, I would've never snuck out. The room was cold, damp, and muddy. She could hear the groans of other prisoners in other rooms. Why would Father treat me like this! Simply because I snuck out!?
She resolutely decided to ignore her father for the rest of her life
***
The King was sitting in his throne room when one of his guards announced the Pope had come to visit...wait the Pope!? The King cursed and immediately stood, dismissing all the guards in the room as the Pope entered.
"Greeting Father Abrecan," the King politely greeted.
"My boy why is it that I've been hearing of an affair of yours," the Pope angrily replied.
"Why...I'm not sure...that's why you're here?" the King awkwardly laughed.
"You know full well King Ricard that as a vassal of the Papacy, you shouldn't be ruining the sanctity of marriage-," the Pope uttered slightly louder.
"Yes, yes, I understand. It's just you know, mistakes here and there," the King said, trying to smile.
"No, you don't understand, this is an act against the Papacy Ricard."
"...That truly wasn't my intention...is there may be a way we can work this out," the King smiled, of course it never reached his eyes.
"Well, I have no choice but to, don't I?...As thanks for saving my nephew...from his illness...I'll handle this," the Pope agreed, straight-faced.
"Of course, of course, my Pope, I wish you good tidings," the King heartily laughed, his hands stretching far and wide.
"Don't let me find out about another bastard, King Ricard," the Pope sneered, and turned around walking away.
The King's green eyes shimmered in delight.
***
Soon news of the King's affair changed its course. It happened in the blink of an eye, yet no one questioned it. People were praising the King for bearing multiple offspring, and for his fertility. Albeit, the bastard child was a girl, it could still bring benefit to the kingdom.
People also found out about the Pope's visit to the castle and praised him for his immediate action towards the situation. Many failed to notice that it was all a front, and the Pope instead spread rumors, clearing the King's name.
Corruption at it is finest.
********************
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Heart of Flax
RomanceFinally, I made it to the top. I spent the whole time glancing down, but when I finally looked up, I saw him. His black hair and handsome face stared down at me. His beautiful gray eyes stared into my soul as I stared into his. Adjusting myself upri...
