Affair with the King

Part 17

Sarah daydreamed as she did her embroidery, catching only bits and pieces of Caterina's babbling. Something about a gift from Juan, arriving with the horse courser that morning.

"I don't know to be sure", Caterina confided, "but I saw him taking a personal interest in the horses. What a lovely gift! Don't you think so, Sarah?".

"Hmm?", Sarah responded to her name.

"Did you not understand the question? It was fairly simple, I think", Caterina mocked. 

A few of the ladies laughed, making Sarah blush in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, your highness. I was so focused on my work...I...I didn't hear the question".

"Well, I wouldn't want you to strain that pretty little head of yours. Take a break. My chamber pot needs emptying".

Sarah looked confused. That was the job of a servant, not a lady in waiting. "Shall I fetch a servant?".

"Shall I fetch a servant?", the princess mocked, in a high pitched voice. "No, you daft girl. Empty it!".

Sarah quickly abandoned her work, collected the almost full chamber pot and left the room, humiliated. She supposed she should be used to this treatment by the princess by now. In a way, Sarah preferred when Caterina would hit her. At least that was done in private and easy to explain away. She moved slowly with the pot, not wanting to splash any of it's contents on her. She ran into Manuel in a hallway, who stopped her to ask what she was doing.

"Oh...um...just helping the princess", Sarah lied.

"Sarah, that's her chamber pot? Why are you doing servants work?". Manuel did not know much of Sarah, other than she made Juan incredibly happy. And, as Manuel loved Juan, he loved her for that. 

She didn't answer, looking at the ground instead. "May I go, please?".

He took the pot from her. "Would you like an excuse to see Juan?".

On the verge of tears from the humiliation, she shook her head no. "He will be angry if he learns of this".

"Then, walk with me", Manuel said. She followed him as he found a servant to dispose of the pot. "The truth is, I don't even know where to put that thing".

Sarah laughed. "Nor do I". 

"You're better now. Juan?", he asked again, offering his arm. 

"You are a good friend to him", she said, accepting. "I'm happy he has you".

"Do you know", he said, leading her to Juan's offices, "Caterina has not once spoken to me since her arrival in this castle, unless to inquire about Juan?".

"You're not missing much", she muttered.

He chuckled. "The point is, you have always made an effort to be kind to me. And, I see how Juan adores you. That is so important to me, as I love him like a brother". 

She smiled, patting his arm. "And, he loves you. He's told me so. Often". 

They arrived at Juan's offices, their presence being announced. 

"Look who I found wandering the halls", Manuel said, presenting Sarah to Juan. 

Juan immediately went to her, a wide smile on his face. "Thank you for delivering her to me safely, brother".

Manuel bowed, and turned to leave. Sarah stopped him, thanking him with a kiss on the cheek. He bowed deeply to her, kissing her hand. He clapped Juan on the shoulder and took his leave. 

"What was that about?", Juan asked, curious. 

She smiled at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You have a true friend in that man. You are blessed". 

"In many ways", he agreed, before kissing her sweetly. "Will Caterina miss you?".

"I have a few moments, just to say hello".

"Good, come". He led her back to his desk, motioning for her to sit. He leaned over the desk, standing beside her, pointing to some plans he had been looking at. "Look".

She looked at them. It seemed like he was building an elaborate cottage. "It looks lovely. What's it for?".

"For us. For you.", he said, watching her for her reaction. 

She looked at him, shocked. "Juan, no. I don't need - ".

He kissed her quickly, silencing her. "I know you don't need it. I know you don't even want it. But, let me give it to you? Please?".

She looked back at the plans, overwhelmed by his generosity. "My love....it's...it's too much!".

"It's not even a portion of what I'd truly like to give you", he laughed. "But, I know I am pushing my luck, even with this. Let me spoil you, my love. Just a little?".

"When would I even have a chance to use it? I live here".

"It'll be yours, to do with as you please, but I hope you will allow it to become an escape for you and I. A place no one else can touch, where no one can bother us". 

She looked from the plans to him, and back again. "Juan..."

"You are infuriating!", he said, but with smile on his lips. "Any other woman would jump for this chance. But, you? You drive me mad!".

She smiled back at him. "And, you drive me mad, treating me as though I am any other woman".

He laughed, admitting defeat. "Fine, my love. I will build this cottage, and it will sit, empty. Until you decide what to do with it".

"You are so stubborn, my sweet prince. I accept your gift".

"Really? I can write the deed in your name?".

"Keep it in yours", she insisted, making him groan in frustration. She stood, placing a hand on his cheek. "But, it will be ours. Only ours". 

He kissed her hand, relenting. "Ours, my lady". 

"I should go", she sighed.

"Yet you stay", he teased, hugging her against him.

"If I could stay in these arms forever, I would", she said, pushing a lock of hair off his forehead. "It's my most favourite place to be". 

"You're okay?", he asked, sensing a bit of sadness in her voice.

She smiled at him. "I love you".

He took her face in his hands, searching it for clues as to her true demeanor. "Hmmm...".

She laughed, standing on her tiptoes to kiss the tip of his nose. "Are you questioning my love for you?".

"Never", he said, showering her face with kisses. 

"I must go", she said, finally. 

He walked her to the door, "Meet Manuel later today? Let him bring you to me? I have something else I'd like to show you. Something I think you will like".

"I will", she promised. "But, remember, just a little spoiling".

"Never", he repeated, a mischievous smile on her face. He pulled open his door, kissing her hand then rubbing it against his cheek. They said their goodbyes, Juan disappearing back into his office. 

At the end of the hall, sat the princesses chamber pot, empty and clean. She smiled, picking it up and carrying it back to Caterina's chambers. As sad as she had left the princess, she returned to her doubly happy, and nothing Caterina could do would ruin that.