The Mistress

Chapter 10

He led me up the stairs and to the throne room.

"First thing to do today is to be present at the discussion for war tactics."

He stopped walking.

"Remember, they are not going to be kind to a woman being present. Stand your ground, Alex always stands on the king's right. I'm not allowed in."

He gestured to the door, I took a deep breath, then walked into the room. Inside stood the king and his generals obviously waiting and expecting Alexzander.

"Gentlemen," I said and walked to Alex's typical location.

"Who are you," one of the men asked staring at me complete with confusion that mimicked the others, the king included.

"I'm Princess Mariana. I'll be filling in for my husband while he's a war."

Even more confusion, but they decided it was better to just ignore me.

"Well, I think that's it for today Gentlemen," the king said.

As the men began to leave, I slowly stood from my chair heading for the door.

"Mariana."

I turned to the king.

"Yes, Your Majesty," I asked, happy the door had been left ajar.

He didn't say anything, he just stared at me.

"Well, then excuse me."

I turned back to the door and joined Ashton in the hall.

"What's next," I asked.

"Alex would have his fencing lessons. He requested that you attend his lessons and learn a few things," he said barley able to keep himself from giggling, I nodded.

"Alright, show me where."

He led me down the hall and to a room with swords lining the walls, a man stood in the center facing a dummy and practicing different strikes. He stopped when he saw us.

"Ah, Ashton. Have you seen the prince? His lesson begins soon."

Ashton glanced at me before answering.

"Alexzander is away at war. He requested you teach his wife the basics for her safety. May I introduce: Princess Mariana."

Ashton presented me, and the teacher inclined his head and kissed my hand.

"Of course. Let's begin."

I pulled a sword from the nearest rack. He began doing the simple things.

"Now, Ashton, would you help me in a demonstration," he asked, Ashton picking up a sword, agreed with another laugh.

They spared and, unsurprisingly, the teacher won.

"May I," I asked walking over.

The teacher smiled, then said yes. Ashton left the floor as I lifted my skirt with one hand.

"Begin," Ashton said.

"My goodness, who taught you," the teacher asked after Ashton pulled him up from the floor, me having pinned him with not only my sword, but his as well.

"Ashton and I have been friends since childhood, we use to spar for something to do," I told him handing over his sword.

"I don't think there's much else I can teach her," he told Ashton.

"Well, then, we'll move on to the next item on our list."

He placed our swords back on the rack and escorted me from the room.

"So, what is the next thing on our list," I asked looking at him.

"Well, normally Alex would begin doing some of his hobbies, but as you're not Alex, what would you like to do?"

I sighed.

"I wish he was here."

He nodded.

"He is much better at everything," I smiled.

"He'll be back soon. Don't worry," he told me.

"I hope you're right."

"That will be all today gentlemen," the king said the following day after the conclusion of our tactics meeting. "Mariana, stay a moment please."

I turned from the door and smiled.

"Of course. What can I do for you Your Majesty," I asked returning to the table.

"You know, I don't understand you," he said walking around to stand closer to me. "You had me, and then you went and ran away with my son."

A sharp pain crossed my cheek as he knocked me to the floor.

"I gave you everything," he punched the words as he climbed on top of me and began to unbutton his pants.

I screamed at the top of my lungs. Ashton burst in the room and pulled his father off me. I slowly stood.

"I am a married woman, don't ever touch me like that again," I commanded before taking Ashton's arm and leaving the room.