Affair with the King

Part 10

Juan spent the day waiting for a moment alone with Sarah, wanting to know why she was absent when he awoke, finally finding it at midday meal. She stood, back to the royal table, collecting waste from the food table. He looked at his wife, who sat beside him, disgusted that she had resigned Sarah to such a demeaning task. 

Caterina felt his glare, but refused to meet his eyes. Juan stood, abruptly, going to the table. He pretended to peruse the contents of the table, creeping closer to Sarah.

"Why were you gone from our bed when I awoke?", Juan demanded of Sarah.

She did not look at him, but he could see the smile form on her lips. She placed her hand on top of his, for just a moment, removing it before anyone could see. "Your bed, my lord. I stayed as long as I could, but my work now begins with the rising of the sun".

"Our bed", he repeated, realizing she did not leave him for anger or regret. Only to do her duties. Duties he had added to by the blatant showing of his affection the night before. "Will you warm it again tonight?".

She turned to face him, giving him a small curtsy, and a sly smile. "As you wish, your highness". She took her slop bucket and left him.

He chuckled to himself, watching her walk away, admiring her from behind. He did not see that Caterina was still watching. He plucked a peach from the table, biting into it as he made his way back to the princess. He took his seat, next to his wife, a wide smile on his face. He leaned towards Caterina, "you are to release Sarah from the servants work you have resigned her to".

"She is mine to do with as I please", she answered, quietly.

"As you are mine to do with as I please", he responded, the smile still on his face. "Let's not make this unpleasant".

Caterina looked at him sharply, but said nothing. They finished their meal quietly, Juan asking her to walk with him afterwards. She had no choice but to agree. They walked through the gardens, to the same pond he'd found Sarah at the night before. He motioned to a bench, asking her to sit. 

"What is this about?", she asked.

Juan plucked a rose from the bush behind her, handing it to her. She cautiously accepted it. 

"I remember this is your favourite flower. It was your Lady Samson that pointed this fact out to me".

"And, it's my Lady Samson that you desire", she spat out. "Not me". 

He sat beside her, taking her hand. "It's true. I do desire her. But, I am a man, like any other. I will desire many women before I take my leave of this world".

She pulled her hand from his, turning away. He stood, moving to sit on the other side of her. Then he lied to her. "But, the Lady does not return my affection. I've tried to bed her many times, to no avail. She has refused me, professing loyalty to only you. She even slapped me for my efforts".

"What?!", Caterina exclaimed, shocked. 

He chuckled, remembering the moment. "Yes. She was quite adamant about refusing my advances". He looked at her. "So, fear not. Lady Samson is not a concern of yours. However, I do not like your treatment of her. Whether she returns my affections or not, you have already marred her face. A face I quite enjoy looking at. The thought of such a vicious, unfeminine wife turns my stomach".

"Last night", she whispered. "You were so cruel".

"As were you", he reminded. "I will be as kind to you as you are to others. One day, you will be queen, and when you are would you rather the affection of your people? Or their fear?".

She stared at her hands, thoughtful. 

"My people love me because I love them. For that, I know they will always be loyal to me. Can you say the same of your people?".

She slowly shook her head no, realizing he was right. "I...I'm sorry. I so wanted a proper marriage. One where my husband loved me as I love him. I was jealous and unkind". 

He took her hand, kissing it softly. "Then make this the marriage you want it to be. It's true, I do not love you now. But, who knows what the future will hold for us. Will you be kind from now on? Not just to Lady Samson, but to everyone?".

She nodded, her eyes welling with tears. "I will, my lord. I'm sorry". 

He hugged her softly, comforting her. "There, there", he soothed. "Today is a new day. Tomorrow an even newer one. I'm sure everything has been overwhelming. Tonight, you should rest. I do apologize for being rough with you and I will allow you time to heal before we resume relations. Would that please you?".

She nodded, sniffing loudly. "Very much, my lord. You did leave me in quite some pain". 

He stood, offering his hand, and leading her back to the castle. "Have the servants draw a bath. Soak in it as long as you desire. We will start fresh tomorrow?".

She looked at him, hoping she hadn't ruined things too much and that there was still a chance for him to love her. He left her outside her chambers, kissing her on the cheek and bowing deeply to her. "I will dine in my chambers tonight, with my men, to discuss the march to Bavaro to announce our marriage. I will see you in the morning".

She curtsied, grateful for his words. "In the morning, then. Sleep well, my prince".

He nodded, leaving her. He was elated, as he returned to his chambers, that his plot had been successful and that the princess would stop being so awful to Sarah. He quickly wrote a message to her. "My love", it read, "everything has been put in place. Come to me, tonight, as soon as possible. I long for you. Your faithful servant, J".

He left his chambers, seeking out his most trusted advisor, Manuel. He gave him the message, telling him to present it to Sarah with as much care and discretion as possible.

Once Manuel was off to deliver the letter, Juan found the attendant who had served him last night. He knew Sarah would be uncomfortable with another set of eyes spotting her entering his chambers. He wanted to make her as comfortable as possible. He gave the boy instructions to attend his room that evening, but not to enter it. He was to let no one in, except Sarah, when she arrived. He was to go to the kitchen immediately to bring food and wine, so it would be there before she was. There would be no interruption that would shame her this time. Once everything was put into place, he returned to his chamber to prepare for Sarah's arrival.