Affair with the King

Part 3

"Mother! Can't you understand?!", Juan pleaded, frustrated beyond measure. "I do not care for that woman!".

"Oh, Juan!" Queen Annabelle mocked. "You care for no woman, except when she is in your bed. Come now. You are a prince. You are to be king one day. It is time to chose a wife!".

"So let me choose!", he roared, slamming his fist on the table. The Queen jumped at her son's outburst, filling him with regret. He knelt before her, taking her hand. "Apologies, mother. I did not intend to startle you".

"Rise my son", she said, gently. When he did so, she continued. "We have been granted the great fortune of being the royal family. That comes with obligation. Sometimes, obligation also becomes great fortune. Look to your father and I. When I was betrothed, I was miserable. Now? He has been a kind and loving husband. I thank God for him every day. I love him truly".

He sighed deeply, saying nothing.

"Marry her, son. Take mistresses, if you wish, but give her sons", the Queen continued. "Do your duty, as all of us before you have. Your father. He loves you so, and he does not have much time left on this earth. Let him go knowing there will be heirs. Give me the peace of knowing he'll have that peace. Please?".

"Okay, mother. For you", he relented. He had been lucky in that he had kind, loving parents, who desired all their children to remain with them. Most royal families sent their children away as wards. Promises to other families. Annabelle and Ferdinand had never done so.  And, now, it was time to repay that kindness by easing his father's aging soul. 

The Queen clapped her hands happily, making Juan smile. He did love to please her. She hugged him tightly. "Your father will be so pleased! As am I. You are a good son, Juan. You are so, so loved".

He smiled, genuinely. "This, I know, mother. Make the arrangements. I shall show up when needed and do my best to provide many, many heirs". 

"She is in the garden. Go to her? Tell her the news? Be kind. I'm sure you will become fast friends with her".

He raised an eyebrow. "You surely do seize the moment mother. First a marriage, now a friendship? Soon, you will be asking me to love her too!".

"If it's any consolation, we shall have a ball to celebrate. Perhaps a masquerade?".

"Finally!", he exclaimed, "something of my own interests! Fantastic idea, mother!".

She laughed, kissing her son. "Go, be nice to her. I will plan the ball and the wedding".

He bowed to her, kissing her hand. "As you wish, mother".

He took his leave, going to the gardens as promised. He was happy to find Sarah kneeling beside Caterina, both women working on their needlepoint. She looked up at him as he approached, but quickly looked away. He smiled at her timidness. Caterina, however, was not at all shy. She looked him in the eye, smiling brightly. She stood, all her ladies following suit. They all curtsied. 

"My Lord", Caterina said. 

"M'lady", he responded, bowing to her. "Please, sit".

Caterina returned to her stool, her ladies sitting back on the ground around her. Sarah glanced at Juan, blushing when he returned her glance, lust in his eyes. Caterina noticed the exchange, clearing her throat loudly. Sarah quickly refocused on her needlepoint.  "My Lord?".

He looked back to her. "Would you like to walk with me?".

When she agreed, Sarah stood to accompany them. 

"Stay", Caterina said, sternly. Sarah looked surprised, then embarrassed. She quickly returned to her spot beside the stool. 

Juan looked to her, surprised by his desire to comfort her. He had never taken interest in the pettiness or games of women. But, Sarah seemed so small and easy to hurt. He didn't like the way Caterina spoke to her. But, he knew it wasn't his place to say anything. So, he offered his arm and said nothing. 

Caterina took his arm, smiling warmly at him. They began their walk around the garden.

"Our parents are arranging our marriage as we speak. Are you agreeable to this?", he asked.

Her smile widened. "I am m'lord". 

He gave her a sexy smile, patting the hand that clung to his arm. "Good".

"I will be a good wife", she promised.

He knew he should have made the same promise to her, but instead he said, "I look forward to it".

She forced a smile, nodding at him. 

"I would like an audience with each of your ladies. Today. To learn more about my future wife so that I may leave sweet surprises for you in the days leading to our wedding". 

She beamed. "You flatter me, m'lord. I shall arrange for private audiences this evening".

"Why not now?", he asked, eager for a moment alone with Sarah. "Better to meet with them in a public space, such as this very garden. Let me walk with each of them, learning more of you".

She giggled. "If you insist, your highness".

He bowed to her, kissing her hand. "I do". 

He escorted her back to her ladies, taking each for a walk around the garden, making idle conversation of the princess and her likes and dislikes. He intentionally left Sarah for last. She was still seated beside Caterina. He held a hand to help her up, then offered his arm. She looked to Caterina, who nodded her permission.

He waited until they were out of earshot before speaking. "You are easily the most beautiful woman I have ever encountered. I can't stop thinking of you". 

She kept her eyes forward, dropping her hand from his arm. "Your highness, please. This is highly inappropriate".

"Tell me, honestly, that you have not thought of me", he demanded, clasping his hands behind his back. "Tell me and I will leave you alone forever". 

She gave an exasperated sigh. "Of course I've thought of you. I have never been accosted by the man who is promised to the princess I serve. It weighs heavy on my mind".

He chuckled. "That's all you think about?".

She looked him straight in the eye, an eyebrow raised. "What else would I think of?".

"You are bold, Lady Samson".

She averted her gaze, back to the ground. "I'm sorry, m'lord".

"Don't be", he insisted. "It's refreshing". 

She looked at him, thoughtfully, for a moment. When she looked away, she noticed they were flanked by rose bushes. She plucked one from the closest bush, handing it to Juan. "My lady loves roses. She'd be pleased to receive one from you".

"And you?", he asked. "What would you be pleased to receive from me?".

"Peace", she quickly answered. 

He laughed heartily, once again offering his arm. He led her back to the princess, kissing her hand before releasing her. He knelt before Caterina, presenting the rose with flourish.

Caterina accepted it, inhaling it's scent deeply. "Thank you, m'lord. It is beautiful".

"It pales in comparison to your beauty", he flattered. "I shall take my leave. I look forward to dining with you tonight". 

He stood, bowing to Caterina, then nodding at Sarah. Caterina took notice of their interaction, angry. But, she hid it with a smile. She watched Juan leave, waiting until he was out of sight to give a sharp tug on Sarah's braid. 

Sarah gasped in pain. "M'lady?".

"Don't be such an obvious whore in the presence of the prince. You are beneath him and would never be anything but a plaything". 

Sarah looked at Caterina in shock. "My lady, I didn't -"

"You embarrass me", Caterina said, cutting her off. "Do it again, and you will face retribution". 

Sarah noticed all the other ladies watching the exchange, and was humiliated. She nodded, mumbling an apology. Everyone went back to their needlework, Sarah struggling to see hers through the tears that blurred her vision.