Affair with the King

Part 12

Juan's banner flapped wildly in the wind, leading the long, winding procession from Bravaro to Navarrese. Juan rode, on horseback, at the front of the procession, in excellent spirits. Half way down the group of travellers, his wife to be's banner flew. Near the end of her procession held a horse holding Sarah, Juan's most precious of cargo.

He noticed the trees were in bloom, branches heavy with sweet smelling flowers. He plucked a large flower from a branch and turned his horse. He galloped back, past all his men, Manuel turning to follow him.

Caterina had the curtain of her carriage open, and saw him ride by. He did not look at her. She wondered if something was amiss. When Manuel appeared, she called to him. "Is everything okay?".

He bowed his head. "Yes, your highness. Your prince just feels a need for some excitement".

She nodded, sitting back in her carriage. Manuel sped off to catch up with Juan, who was running his horse at full speed. Juan looked back at him, laughing. "Keep up, old friend!".

Manuel took on the challenge, riding after Juan as quickly as his horse would allow him. Both men reveled in the race, riding right past Sarah. She laughed to see Juan so carefree and happy. Reaching the very end of the procession first, Juan slowed his horse, allowing Manuel to finally catch up.

"Perhaps my friend is older than I thought!", Juan teased, stroking the mane of his horse.

"Or, perhaps my friend is a cheater", Manuel retorted.

Juan threw his head back, letting out a hearty laugh. He sent his horse in a slow trot, back towards Sarah. Falling in line beside her, he handed her the flower, bowing as deeply as being on horseback would allow. "My lady".

She smiled brightly, inhaling the scent of the flower deeply. She tucked it into her hair, behind her ear, thanking him. "You are in very good spirits this day!".

"How could I not be?", he laughed. "My love rides beside me!"

"You must not be so brazen", she hushed him. "Your spirits will be ruined should your words reach the ear of your princess. And, I have to make camp with her tonight. It will be god awful should she find herself in one of her moods".

He rounded his horse around hers, leaning towards her. "You will camp with me, my love. Unless you prefer the company of chatty women?".

"I much prefer your chatter to theirs", she teased.

He laughed, taking her hand and kissing it. She quickly pulled it away, before he drew too much attention to them, but soothed his ego with sweet words. "I cannot wait until we can be free to have your lips upon my skin. Tonight".

"Tonight", he repeated, his lust revealed in his eyes. He leaned to kiss her but she stopped him by placing a hand on his arm. He nodded, giving her a meaningful glance, then turned his horse away from her. "Manuel! A rematch? I'll give you a head start!".

He winked at Sarah before galloping off. The men raced back to the front of the procession, Manuel winning this time. Juan remained in good spirits the remainder of the day's march. Their camp had been prepared in advance and was in full operation. He examined his tent, making sure it was sufficient for Sarah. She would know only the best comforts while with him. He asked for more furs to be brought to make the bed more comfortable, and some flowers be placed around the tent, to soften it's appearance. Then, he removed his armor and chain mail, preparing for evening meal.

He sat with the princess to eat. Regaling her with stories of Navarrese. making sure her glass was never empty. Caterina basked in his attention, finally feeling as though he had an actual interest in her. It did not go unnoticed, by her, that Sarah was missing from the night's festivities. Caterina was sure there was a correlation between Juan's demeanor towards her, and Sarah's absence.

What she didn't know is that Sarah was only absent because Juan had arranged for her to bathe in sweet milk and rose petals and have attendants cater to her every whim. She didn't know, that as he spoke to Caterina, he thought of Sarah, anxious to have her in his arms again. He couldn't be more pleased that she was finally allowing him to treasure her the way she deserved, accepting his gifts and gestures. He was like a child, with excitement, and his good mood extended to everyone around him.

Manuel interrupted the royal couple, whispering something in Juan's ear. He smiled widely at whatever news he received. He turned to Caterina, kissing her hand. "Apologies my lady. I must take council with my men. See yourself back to camp safely, and sleep well. Tomorrow will find the day's ride long".

She bowed her head, disappointed in the end of the evening. "Sleep well, my lord".

Juan left her, throwing an arm over Manuel's shoulder as the two men walked away. They walked to his tent, laughing like young boys.

"It is great to see you like this, brother", Manuel said, affectionately. He would never address Juan so in public, but in private moments, they were friends and equals.

"I am truly happy, Manuel", Juan answered, stopping in front of his tend. "So, she waits for me?".

Manuel pointed to the tents entrance flap. "Right in there".

He looked at Manuel, laughing. "Why am I nervous?".

Manuel threw his arm around Juan's shoulders, teasing him. "A funny thing, love. It can bring even the most fierce warriors to his knees". He pushed Juan towards the tent and left him there.

Juan watched after his old friend, chuckling. Finally, he turned to his tent, ducking under the tent's entrance flap.

Sarah had her back to him, turning quickly upon hearing him enter. He stopped short, taken aback by her beauty. She wore a sheer bed gown, her pink nipples and dark pubic hair visible though it's fabric. Her hair was twisted into a single braid, hanging over her shoulder, across one breast. She had picked more of their flowers like the one he had given her on their ride, weaving them through the braid.

He went to her, slowly circling her. He ran his hand over her stomach. "It's as though the heavens have opened and left their finest angel before me".

"Juan", she whispered, leaning back against him.

"I am absolutely mad for you", he groaned, kissing the exposed side of her neck. "Never have I been so enamored by a woman. I fear you see me as weak in your presence".

"No", she said, turning in is grasp, one hand stroking his face, the other playing with the strings of his shirt. "I only see you for what you are. Strong, brave, kind....".

He kissed her. Softly at first. Each kiss became more heated, her fingers on his skin driving him wild. When he picked her up, she immediately wrapped her legs around him, clinging to him.

As they made passionate love, they did not know Caterina was preparing to visit her husband, in his tent. She planned to seduce him, hoping he would show some affection for her. Her ladies attended to her , dressing in one of her finest dresses, fixing her hair, making her look appealing to men's eyes. Once she was ready, she had a litter brought to carry her through the camp. She did not want to be dirtied by the mud paths that connected camps. She gave herself one final glance in the looking glass before making her way to Juan's tent, convinced he would desire her.