The Cruel King and The Captured Queen

Chapter 9 - Part 1 - Marketplace

The early morning light wakes me, today like many days during her stay here Margaret comes tumbling into my room. Bouncing around in her excitement she grabs an outfit and tosses it at the bed. I have become her personal form of entertainment. Though, she makes this stay slightly more enjoyable and less miserable. Together, we have visited locations within the castle grounds rather than my usual hiding away and sulking.

Lady Margaret pulls me from my bed, in her chaotic rush to start the day I just barely have time to put the clothes on. Quickly, she tugs me downstairs towards where all the Lords were having breakfast. Skipping cheerfully into the room and all heads turn towards her. Leaning against the door frame I watch as she knees before her husband, Lord Edward, sitting in a lounge chair.

It is humorous to watch as she whines and glides her hands along his chest in seduction. Many lords have ceased their conversations leaning forward in their seats as they watch the eccentric woman. Chuckling as they drink their morning wine. The King smirks in amusement as he pops a cranberry into his mouth to cover up the action. Lord Edward's face begins to turn red as she mercilessly embarrasses him, sitting on his lap and drinking boldly from his glass. Her cunning strategy to manipulate him. Quickly, Edward agrees to her desires, just to get rid of Margaret. God only knows what a mockery the men will make of him when we leave.

Smiling triumphantly she glances at the King in a silent request to take me with her. His eyes briefly flicker in my direction before he gives the nod.

We leave abruptly towards the Willbridge Market. It is said to be the largest market in all Alexandria. As we wander down the crowded street, I take deep breaths trying to contain my desire to scream in delight. I couldn't see more than two steps in front of me, yet I felt free. My first time outside of the castle walls. Freedom sent my body into a wild frenzy, jumping to get a glimpse over the heads of the slow-moving crowd. The air felt fresh and light compared to the smokey air coming from the fire in the hearths in the palace.

Meeting Margaret has been my sign from God, telling me things were going to get better. Locking arms with her, she giggles, "Did you hear what happened last night?"

"Not everyone is up as early as you, Margaret."

A donkey tugs a cart by, and everyone shuffles out of the way. The loud clopping of the hooves and the tumbling of the wheels against the stone street deafens me. Margaret screeches into my ear, "Supposedly, Queen Katherine went to the King's chambers last night."

Quickly, I yank Margaret behind the passing cart and escape from the crowds into a view of the endless market street. Clusters of people move around the road under the shade of the tall cobblestone buildings. Connected by white sheets to protect during the afternoon sun. Carts and tables littered with endless supplies of unique colours and shapes.

I glare at Margaret, "Those maids will turn anything into gossip."

She shakes her head, "You don't understand. The King was not even in his own room. The Queen is disgraced!" She leans into my ear and whispers, "and you know where he was."

"Honestly, I have no idea where the King was last night," I laugh out my lie.

My mind flashes to the memories of when King Thaddeus and I, twirling together, in yet another dance. Evenings in the library quickly became our oddly intimate time together. Soon after our first dance a week ago, I had learned quickly to stop being surprised by his arrival, and rather long for it. But he wasn't the King in the library, he was the Traveller. Outside of the room, I feared his decisions. He is a married man with no heir, and I, a simple farmer.

"If that's how you want to play this, then tell me where were you last night," she eyes me suspiciously.

"In the library, like every night," I admit the truth leaving out that he does visit me there in secret.