Nights with a King

Punished

                  

Chapter 5: Punished

I moved my hand slightly. My strength had returned. I slowly opened my eyes and moved my other hand. My legs now moved when I told them to so I slowly rolled onto my side. Yes! I had control over myself again.

"Glad to see you're okay."

I whipped my head around.

"How are you feeling?" Martin asked.

"Fine," I replied.

"That's good," Martin said, yawning. "Who knew Matthew could be so cruel. I bet you were scared last night? Don't worry, you're still as innocent as ever."

My cheeks heated. "I guess I should be thanking you then," I asked, bitterly.

"Indeed you should," Martin agreed. "I don't know why but I've been extremely patient with you. Don't test how merciful I am," he warned me.

"Shall I help you get dressed?" I asked, changing the uncomfortable subject.

"That would be lovely,"

The King didn't even clap anymore. That was my job. I called for the maids and then dismissed them.

"Your Majesty," they said, bowing. "Concubine Anna," they said, bowing again.

"Set it on the table," I instructed. "Then you may leave."

"Yes, my Lady,"

"You learn fast," Martin mused, getting out of bed.

I didn't respond. I picked up the cup and presented it to him. After he was ready, he sat in a chair and waited for me to get ready. Today's dress was a soft green one. The sleeves long but completely sheer. My hair was twisted up and then secured with a gold circlet. Rings, earrings, necklace, who could forget those...

"Suits you," Martin said, holding out his arm.

I hesitated.

"Anna,"

I took his arm and we went to go have breakfast.

"I'm having a dinner party tonight," Martin informed her. "You're going to be there."

"What do I have to do?"

"Act charming. Listen to what I tell you to do," Martin said, nonchalantly.

"Do I have to go?"

Martin gave her a look. "Yes," he said. "Helen will prep you after lunch. In the meantime, you can enjoy some personal time. I have to attend court."

Martin stood up to leave. "Also," he said. "You need to start learning the palace customs. For example, when I stand up to leave, you kneel and send me off. You know this, don't you?"

I got up from my chair and kneeled. "Concubine Anna sends off his Majesty," I murmured.

"Perfect," Martin said, leaving.

I didn't finish breakfast but instead walked down to the shrine.  

"Master Sade," I called when I saw the old monk.

He turned and nodded. "My humble self pays his respects to Concubine Anna," he said, bowing.

"You heard?"

"News travels fast," Master Sade agreed. "The King has not had a titled lady since he was a Prince."

"Do you know who she was?" I asked. "His only other titled lady?"