Scarlett's Secret

2.3 - The Lion's Strength

Three months had passed and the being inside me was starting to show. Everything they told me that would come with pregnancy did; the moodiness, increased hunger, insane jealousy... well, maybe that last point is due to my developing feelings for the King, not so much our child's existence.

As we lay beside each other in front of the roaring fireplace, I can't help but think of all the threatening letters I had been receiving from the Queen, especially those that included threatening our child before it could be brought to life.

The King could tell, "What troubles you my honey-sweet Scarlett?" he probed, enveloping me in a tight embrace.

"Nothing much my King," I bid confidently, tightening my grip on the bearskin we lay upon, "except for that wretched woman who sits beside you on the throne."

"Scarlett, are you jealous?" He teased, tightening his grip.

"Absolutely not. I am infuriated. That barren woman is pure evil and trying to get in between us," I shot, turning away from him.

"Well my Lady, I don't think much can get in between us now," He began as he rolled on top of me.

I forced myself back on top of him, "This is no laughing matter. I want her shorter by the head. I want her gone, she is going to try and kill our child, I just know -"

"Bite your tongue or I will." He threatened. "Katherine is not only a great queen, but she is popular throughout the land. I will not abandon her just to ease your conscience. I couldn't forgive myself, England would not forgive me."

A tear welled up in my eye, "Then banish her from the Kingdom. Send her away forever."

"I can't do that Scar, you know that. She is my wife." King Henry held my face in between his warm palms. "I barely speak to Katherine, please just be here with me."

"Oh, your grace. Look at the power she has over you. If the lion knew it's own strength, no man could ever control it." I bid, caressing his tired face.

"How dare you. Nobody sways my mind, especially not a woman." He spoke in anger, pushing me away.

"Can you not see how much this hurts me? I will never be above her, she is your Queen, I am your mistress. You will never side with me. To think I thought you were strong and noble. You are scared, so scared of a woman who has denied her country the safety of an heir, and  you keep her by your throne."

"Enough." He spat, sculling down every last drop of his cup of wine.

"Foolish, foolish little girl. How could I let myself think what we are doing is slightly normal or near acceptable. Excuse me." I managed between sobs, before sprinting back to my chamber.

"Scarlett, Scar wait!" Henry yelled behind me.

My overflowing emotions and erratic mind filtered out the King's cries. Rushing back to my room, I slammed the door shut. If only I could lock myself away, how foolish of me to think I ever held the King's heart. No more affection will be turned his way by me. Scarlett pull yourself together, you're here for one reason and one reason only. Bear him a son. Then run, run as fast as you can.