Forbidden Essence

Forbidden Essence : Spice

A/N:

I appologize for the painful wait dear readers, but I hope the latest chapter is to your liking! (; It took a lot of thinking and erasing and typing. I had to change this one about five times! I just could not get the ending right, and now that I finally have, I am so looking forward to what you all have to say!

I will halt you no longer, but do read my little, but very important note at the end! Now you may read!

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Forbidden Essence

Chapter 24 : Spice

Edmund's chair was empty.

I do not know why I was expecting him, or why I sat in my seat with constant glances towards the Hall doors while the king ate his meat with a jolly glee of a child. I was angry, of course I was. Being caught by Edmund after every notorious unlady like act I did and then being kicked to the curb was not something I was used to. Especially now that he is my husband, the thought that he somehow always knew my motives haunted my conscience.

Perhaps I had a horrific expression at the thought that the King suddenly addressed me, "Dearest daughter, is the food not to your liking?" He spoke as if insulted, snapping me out of my insistent glare at the hall doors.

"Oh no, It is wonderful. I just feel a little sick after the long trip." I bit out. The king rose an eyebrow and leaned back on his large chair, stroking his light beard.

"Or is it your husband's empty chair that has you throwing daggers at the doors?" He smirked and I sat up straight, taking a bite of the food.

"What he does and where he is does not matter to me. If you will excuse me, King Reddings, I would like to retire to my chamber." the king laughed until his eyes grew teary. He dismissed me with a wave of his hand while shouting after my rapid exit from the hall. "Charm him, dearest, or he will never stay!"

I turned to give him a glare before I retired to my room, throwing off the tight corset and ruining my perfectly pinned hair. I curled on the bed with a frustrated sigh.

"Men!" I grumbled with irritation.

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Days passed, and I found myself immersing in a schedule that lacked control and excitement. I could not go riding without a hurdle of guards following me, I could not go for a walk without being escorted like a child - it all infuriated me! I could no longer control what I did, and could no longer pursue what I desired, I was trapped in this place. I did not see Edmund no longer, occasionally I would catch a glimpse, but he would go along his business and I found myself hesitating to meddle. He continued to not come to dinner and I was left alone with the King. The king never went a day without mocking and irritating me. Shocking as it may be, sometimes I would look at the large doors of the dining hall and hope Edmund would march in with his horrid face and mocking countenance and save me from his annoying old hag of a father. Sadly, it never occured.

Weeks passed and I found myself staying in my chamber longer, surrounded my soft pillows and staring at the ceiling. The feeling of uselessness and inability to go anywhere was beginning to chocke me. I sought out Alice, and began to prefer her company over the loneliness. We would stay together much of the day, I would help her with her chores despite her chastising me, but I found myself helpful, something I had begun to think I lacked around here. I was simply a beacon of a truce that prevented war, but the nagging thought of what the king gained from my prescence in his home truly confused me. Whatever may the answer be, the question had slowly been forgotten as months passed and cold wind of autumn began to blow the leaves to the ground.