Wicked Stepmother

My Betrothed

Not long after (and before I could satisfy my hankering for a night-ride, the King summoned me to take tea with him. His daughter's old nurse was present as chaperone, but apart from that it was a private affair. As a chaperone she sat in the corner and sewed hems of things, she in no way intervened in the conversation, but she was there so that even when the servants left us propriety would be preserved.

It was important that I be a virgin on my wedding night, though I wasn't really sure what that meant. What was the secret worm or defilement I could catch off a man if no other woman was present?

"Tell me Kiora, are you happy?" he asked. I struggled for an answer to the puzzling question.

"My Lord, everyone has shown me the utmost kindness" I said

"I would prefer you to address me as Edward when we are in private" he said quietly.

"You are all kindness Edward" was I talking about kindness too much? I felt overwhelmed. How was I meant to talk to this person? This...my betrothed. The King.

"It must be very strange for you coming to a strange land and having to marry someone as old as me" he remarked. I almost dropped my teacup. I put it down slowly.

"My Lord, I am ready to be a good queen" I said cautiously, trying not to show my confusion.

"Yes" he sighed, "No doubt you are."

"My L..Edward. I hope this is not too bold a question..." I began and his eyes looked at me with interest, encouraging me to go on.

"I was told you have a daughter" I said, "about my age. Snow White."

"Yes. A nickname her mother gave her" the king said, drifting off somewhere, perhaps lost in a memory.y

"I have not met her yet." I told him, "Is there a reason for that?"

"She is one of the things I want to talk to you about." the King said urgently, "When I die, she is to be the queen. She is eldest and my heir. Do you understand?" I said nothing but I was thinking fast. This was not at all what I had been led to expect. Finally I said,

"In your country, can a girl...a... a woman inherit her father's position?"

"It has not been known" he said, "But it is my wish. I will need you help and that of any children we have together." he paused as if he realised what an unreasonable thing he was asking of me.

"My family will not be pleased." I said, "For them this marrriage is..."

"I know I am asking a lot" he said quickly, "but what if..." he paused, "I cannot restore your friend...your companion to you."

"Agnes" I said and my heart twisted in a knot of pain. She was only a maid. Did she think of me? Was she angry that I had left? I was angry at myself for leaving.