In the Kings Bed

Chapter 1

                                                                The Red Wedding

She sat among people she never seen before. She was the woman spoken of behind the small whispers and side-glances in the corner.

A crown of bright red flowers rested on top of her head. A white gown made out of lace hugged tightly to her body accentuating each curve that she wish she could hide. She was by no means dainty. Her hips were big and round and her full breasts gathered the attention of every man in the room.

Every man except her husband.

He spared her but one glance during the ceremony. His lips kissed her fully on the mouth, but Caroline did not know how to react. The king pulled away too suddenly and the crowd erupted in cheers before she could speak.

Her face was as red as a tomato then as it was now.

The food that was before her was far brusquer than she was used too. She tried her best not to seem rude, but her stomach would never agree with her later if she ate the entire plate.

She looked over to the king on her right. He was speaking to several men confirming that his attention was far away from hers. Not even on her wedding day could the king allow time for leisure.

He had yet to dance with her and that only gave the court another reason to speak ill about her. A future Queen who couldn't tame her King was no Queen at all.

The sound of trumpets caused Caroline to look straight. Entertainers entered the room. A small band playing instruments took center stage and suddenly Klaus' attention was pulled forward.

Jesters stood in front of the grand table and began to perform tricks. Caroline took a moment to enjoy herself. She gasped and applauded at the entertainment before her.

Caroline made the mistake of looking over at Klaus. He was staring directly at her. His gaze startled her, but Caroline's did her best to hold her composure.

"Do they entertain you Lady Caroline?" His full attention was now on her.

She rested her hands on her lap and paused before she answered him.

"I find them quite entertaining, your majesty."

"That was the first smile I've seen from you all day." He said as he took a long gulp out of his goblet. "I should make note to do that more often."

"Tis' not hard to make me smile, your grace." She smiled at him to prove her point.

He leaned in close to her causing Caroline to stiffen. She could feel his breath close to her ear. "You're going to be a Queen, Lady Caroline." She felt the goose bumps on the side of her neck. "I expect you to address me as a Queen."

He hesitated a second before he pulled away.

"Klaus." Her name hummed on her lips. His mouth turned up into a one sided smile in approval before his attention was once again diverted back to his council.

She only sat for a few minutes before a man approached the front of the grand table. "Your grace." He bowed before her.

Caroline placed her hand on her chest. The formality startled her. She was not accustomed to what she was about to become. She nodded allowing the man to speak.

"May I have the honor of escorting you in the next dance?" He asked boldly.

Caroline desperately wanted to. She wanted to say yes, but yet again she was not used to the custom.

Was she to say no? Was she to dance with the King first?

She raised her hand as if to speak, but the King's voice masked her silent one.