Affair with the King

Part 2

Juan was center of attention at the feast, as he always was, in any celebration. He was in the middle of a grand story when the footmen blew their horns, announcing the arrival of Princess Caterina, from Bravaro.

Juan halted conversation, out of respect to his parents, but was bored by the usual procession of a woman looking for his hand, and her entire court, her parents, and their attendants. The princess was as beautiful as everyone claimed, but he was not interested. There were beautiful women everywhere he looked. He needed more than a title and common beauty to gain his attention. it wasn't until the last of her procession was announced that he finally saw someone who piqued his interest. A woman, unannounced, but who's beauty surpassed any he'd ever seen before.

He stood, greeting the princess, as she took her seat beside his. He was his usual charming self as the evening progressed, pretending to be charmed by the princess. For all the beauty she possessed, she lacked any kind of spark. She was not witty or interesting in any aspect. He was careful to steal glances at the mystery woman in her court, only when the princess was not looking. He tried to catch her eye, but she kept her head down, focused only on attending the princess. 

Juan thought quickly, desperate for a moment alone with her. He turned his charms to the princess. "We must toast. To burgeoning romance. Yet, you do not touch your wine. Do you not like it?".

Caterina smiled at him, pleased by his attentiveness. "I am not much for wine".

"Brandy, then?", he laughed, placing his hand on hers.

She blushed at his touch, but nodded yes. He winked at her, squeezing her hand. He could have called for any one of the many servants waiting to attend to him, but instead he called to Caterina's lady. "You, girl!".

Not realizing she was being spoken too, the girl continued her work. Caterina called her by her name, to get her attention. "Lady Samson! The prince speaks to you".

She looked at him, startled. She was rarely referred to by name. She had certainly never been addressed by a prince before. The princess barely tolerated her. She went largely unnoticed by the rest of the Bravaro royal family, except the for the king. He never used her name, though, when he was groping her, attempting to bed her. She went to the prince, curtsying deeply.  

"Have you been to the cellar?", Juan asked, staring at her intently. When she did not answer, he softened his tone. "Find your tongue".

She shook her head, no. "I have not, your highness".

"Find your way there. Fetch some brandy for your princess".

She nodded, avoiding his gaze. He watched her make her way out of the Great Hall, stopping to speak to one of his own servants before leaving. He waited a few minute, then leaned over to speak in Caterina's ear. "Apologies, my lady. I will leave your side for just a moment".

She nodded, thinking nothing of it. He took the same route Lady Samson did, out of the Hall, making his way to the cellar. He found her there, looking over canteens filled with alcohol. He watched her search for the brandy, pulling it from the shelf.

"Apologies", Juan started.

She jumped, once again startled by him. The canteen slipped from her hands, shattering on the floor. She immediately crouched down, picking up the pieces. "I'm so sorry!".

He went to her, noting how she flinched when he knelt before her. As though she thought she was going to be struck. He put his hand over hers, stopping her from picking up more of the broken ceramic pieces. "Is she unkind to you?".

His touch threw her off, and she forgot her place, looking him right in the eye. He felt strange, as her bright, grey eyes pierced his. He gently touched her cheek. "Your beauty is unmatched. What is your name?".

She quickly lowered her head, removing her hand from his, resuming cleaning up. "My princess affords me every hospitality. I am grateful to be in her service".

"Your name?".

"Sarah".

"Please", he pleaded. "I cannot stop staring at you, thinking of you. Will you meet me tonight? In my chambers?".

She looked at him, all shyness gone, her eyes flashing in anger. "I am not to be your mistress as you court my princess!".

He chuckled at her change in demeanor, enjoying it. Before she could react, he took her face in his hands, kissing her softly. She responded, but only for a moment, remembering her place. She pushed him away, amusing him even further. He pulled her back to him, kissing her more passionately. She fought him this time, slapping him.

She quickly stood, horrified by her own actions. "Apologies, your highness!".

He remained on his knees, laughter in his eyes, grasping her hands. "I'm mad for you, Sarah. I will have you".

"Please, my lord. My princess. She waits".

"As do I". He brought her hand to his lips, then released it. Standing, he pulled a new canteen from the shelf, handing it to her. "Attend your princess. I will gather my thoughts and be there shortly".

She took the canteen, careful to avoid his touch. She hurried from him, but paused in the doorway for just a moment, looking back at him, confusion in her eyes. He met her gaze, his own eyes mirroring hers. She left him, alone with his thoughts.

He turned from the door, hands on hips. He had had women reject him before. Never for long though. He suspected Sarah was going to greet him with a lot more resistance. But, he had gotten a taste for her, and could not stop until his hunger was satisfied.