Atalia

Chapter 2: The Hand

Nathaniel woke the next morning, the sun shining through the mesh curtains that were blowing from the wind entering through the open window. He rubbed his groggy eyes as he sat up, the silk covers slipping down his tan bare chest. He had to kill Lavinia...the queens sister, but more importantly his lost ex lover.

No one knew of their affair of course, he was most definitely not allowed to be fraternizing with the royals in the intimate sense. Over the course of a year they had become close and one night when she had broken down to him, pouring her heart out into his hands everything changed. They were both vulnerable, and she was beautiful...oh so beautiful. He would not deny her what she so needed. Especially when he needed it as well. That night everything changed, once they made love, they were bound together.

For a full month the two continued their love in secret, until one day...

She disappeared.

Nathaniel was heartbroken for years, yet he still served the queen who proved to be more and more heartless as time moved on. He was devoted to the queen, therefore he would do as he was told. He could not get sidetracked on old worn out feelings. If Lavinia had turned into a traitor, there was nothing to hold on to. She was not the same Lavinia he had once loved.

Outside of Nathaniel's room a servant was sent to retrieve him and bring him to the downstairs morning hall to have breakfast with Atalia. The man knocked on the door and spoke with a loud and clear voice.

"Atalia Requests your attendance at breakfast."

Nathaniel laughed through the door.

"Sir, you and I both know it's no request, it is an order."

The servant could not help but snicker a bit to himself.

"What's so funny William?"

He turned to see the Queen standing before him. His face flushed a bright red and immediately he bowed.

"Nothing your highness."

As if to save the servants well being, Nathaniel's door opened.

The queen turned to see Nathaniel standing there, shirtless and smirking.

Atalia stared at him, a bit flustered as she the servants jacket and threw it at Nathaniel.

"Put this on immediately!"

She demanded.

Nathaniel laughed and took the jacket which seemed to be a bit too small for his broad shoulders.

"I'm sorry your highness, I didn't realize my shoulders would be..."

He stepped closer towards her, pushing his limits in an attempt to loosen her up at all the stress.

"Distracting."

His low voice ringing through her ears.

"I am never distracted. No put some clothes on and meet me downstairs for breakfast."

She fixed her corset that suddenly became a lot tighter due to her excessive breathing.

Nathaniel tapped the doorway with his fingertips and smiled, it was no use in trying to make her smile, she wasn't the type.

"Yes your majesty, I accept your request."

He said playfully and for a split second he swore he caught a glimpse of her cracking a smile. Yes he had definitely done something right. He surly believed that he was the Queens only friend, everyone else was too scared to speak to her and she did not let anyone in anyways.