Affair with the King

Part 14

Juan stayed true to his word, riding with Caterina the next day. He listened to her ramble on about herself and her life in Bravaro. The rode the entire day together, Juan giving her his undivided attention.  He laughed in the appropriate moments, gave her a few gentle touches and appeared the attentive husband. Sarah, only a few horses behind them, saw everything. Juan did not look back at her once, the entire ride, but Caterina did. She wanted to make sure Sarah saw everything.  

 When they reached camp, Juan helped Caterina dismount. He held her by the waist as she jumped down, her clinging to his broad shoulders. She kissed him, boldly. He dutifully returned the kiss.

"Thank you for riding with me", he said, still holding her. "I'm glad to know more about my wife".

She blushed, bowing her head. "Will my husband visit my bed tonight?".

He smiled at her. "Not tonight, my love".

Still looking down, she asked, "Will you visit Sarah's instead?".

He sighed, hooking a finger under her chin and lifting her head to face him. "Caterina, I don't desire to cause you any hurt. So, please, don't ask questions you don't want the answers to. I won't break my promise not to lie to you".

She looked at him, eyes shiny with tears. 

"Please don't cry", he pleaded, kinder now than he had ever been. He rubbed her stomach. "Don't be sad. Don't be angry. I will visit your bed soon...and fill your belly with a future king".

Despite herself, she smiled, making him laugh. "See! A smile. It is possible to share those with me!".

She laughed as well, sniffing away her tears. He dropped a kiss on her forehead, telling her he'd see her in the morning. He looked to Sarah before he left, disappointed that he could not catch her eye. As he made his way to his tent, he found Manuel, asking him to bring Sarah to him as soon as possible. 

Manuel found Sarah, setting Caterina's things inside the princesses tent, pulling her aside. "Juan wants to see you. Now".

"I'm busy", she replied, walking away.

He stared after her for a moment, shocked she refused him. He quickly followed her, grabbing her by the elbow. "Your prince wants to see you".

"I serve the princess", she hissed.

He looked at her, unsure of what to say. She raised an eyebrow at him, as if daring him to order her once more. "Will you go to him once you are done with your duties?".

"Fine", she simply said, turning away and leaving him.

He went to Juan, explaining what happened. Juan was confused. "She's angry with me?".

Manuel shrugged, chuckling. "I don't know, but I'm glad she is your woman to deal with. Not mine. She is strong willed".

Juan smiled. "She certainly is. Let's hope I get to find out what I've done wrong before she imposes that will on me". Manuel said goodnight, taking his leave. Juan laid in bed, sipping wine. When Sarah finally appeared, he was drowsy on drink. He reached for her. "My love".

She stood in the entrance. "You asked to see me, your highness?".

He went to her, pouting. "Why are you angry with me, m'lady?".

She shrugged. "I take no offense with anything". 

But, she proved otherwise when he tried to kiss her and she turned her head. "Perhaps you should find your princess if you are looking for kisses".

Realizing she was jealous, and having no filter, thanks to the wine, Juan burst out laughing. She finally looked right at him, her eyes flashing in anger. He grabbed her face, pressing his lips hard against hers. She resisted, pushing him away. But, he was stronger then her and would not relent. Finally, she gave in, returning his kisses. He swept her into his arms, carrying her to the bed. "You have nothing to fear, Sarah. My affections are yours alone. My kisses, my touch, my heart. All yours".

"I saw you with her", she said, stubbornly.

"You saw me doing as you asked", he reminded, laying her down, climbing on top of her. "I am yours to command, and will do as you bid".

"You touched her as you touch me. With affection", she continued.

"She is my wife, Sarah. And she has the power to hurt you. So, I lie to her. I give her hope that she may one day have my affection. I remind her that she will birth a king of nations. I put her in a good mood in hopes that she refrains from harming you". 

She pushed him off her, getting off the bed and going to look out the window. "Is it so easy to lie? To pretend to love?".

"Not to you, Sarah", he swore, going to her, pleading. "When I'm with you, I have no choice but to be honest. My heart is raw and exposed with you. I fear, if I lie, you will know immediately. The moments spent with you are fueled by love, not duty. She will never know the intimacy you do. Ever".

She said nothing, her back to him. He knelt behind her, hugging her from behind. "Please, my love. Don't be angry at me for this. We knew I'd have to play this role eventually. I love only you".

She looked over her shoulder at him. He looked vulnerable and exposed, kneeling before her. She relented, turning to kneel as well. "And, I love you". 

They kissed, passionately, his hands unhooking the clasps on her bodice. She pushed him back. "Promise me something?".

"Anything".

"If you ever love her...or anyone...tell me. Don't let me find out through whispers from strangers. If I do not hold your heart anymore, give me the dignity of knowing?".

He continued undoing her clasps, kissing along her neck. "I will never love another".

She took his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. "Promise me".

"I promise", he said, sincerely. With that, she pressed her lips against his.

"Show me how much you love me", she whispered. "The way you will never love her".

He stood, holding his hand to her, to help her stand. He slowly undressed her, kissing her skin as it became visible to him. Once she was naked, he released her mass of curls, watching them tumble down her back. He pushed them aside, exposing her neck to him. He dropped kisses down her neck and across her shoulder, before kneeling in front of her.

"I am your humble servant, in all things", he swore to her. "But, I am also a slave to my lineage. I must produce an heir. Once that is done, so I am. With her. Please try to understand. I cannot stand that you are angry with me".

She ran her fingers through his hair. "I will try".

He gripped her hips, pulling her closer to him, burying his face between her legs. She moaned loudly, tugging at his hair. He ate her out as though he were starving, both palms flat on her ass, holding her in place. When she came, he took her back to the bed. He crawled on top of her, face slick with her juices, kissing her hungrily. She licked her cum off his face, then smiled at him, sweetly.

"That", he breathed, his hand squeezing her breast between his fingers. "Is only for you. You are the one I crave. The one I hunger for. Your love. Your opinion. It's the only one I value. Please don't ever doubt that.

"I love you, Juan. More than I ever imagined I would. I'm sorry for -"

He kissed her, cutting her off. "Don't apologize, my love. Should it have been you, with another man? He'd be dead at my feet. I do understand your position. And, if you understand mine, we will find a way to prove to each other we are the only ones the other loves. Yes?".

She smiled at him, all her anger from earlier gone. "I can never seem to stay angry with you for long".

They spent hours making love, filled with passion for each other. Juan resolving to never make Sarah feel less appreciated or wanted than another woman, ever again.