Affair with the King

Part 22

Sarah thrived under Annabelle's command. The Queen Mother was kind and became a fast friend to Sarah, who was so grateful. Annabelle reminded her she was a woman with position, not the lowly servant Caterina had made her come to think of herself as. And, her other ladies were just as welcoming to Sarah.

She and Juan no longer hid their relationship either. He announced her as his mistress at the coronation, despite Caterina's protests, and they were well received by court. Sarah moved from her chambers, into Juan's suites and they spent every possible moment they could together. Annabelle, who was still mourning the loss of her husband, and wished to spend a lot of time alone in prayer, gave Sarah as much freedom as she wanted. She was found at Juan's side more often than Annabelle's.

She was currently in their suites, sewing a shirt for Juan, a job usually reserved for a wife. Since Caterina had never taken an interest in making Juan's clothes, Sarah happily took over the job. She was surprised when Juan burst into the room, appearing angry.

"Ouch!", she exclaimed, pricking her finger. She quickly sucked the blood that appeared off, then asked him what he was doing.

He went to her, taking her hand and kissing her finger. She smiled at how sweet he was too her, even though he was clearly in a foul mood.

"What it is, my love?", she asked.

"Nonsense", he said, with a wave of his hand. "Some strife on a border town. There will be a battle, and I must support".

"What? No!", she protested. "You are the king! Why would you dirty your hands with such a small matter?".

"Our border towns are important, my love. If the king shows up to defend one, our enemies will know we do not take assaults on our borders lightly. It will make them hesitant to attack again".

"But you could be hurt. For nothing!", she complained.

"Not for nothing, my love. For my people".

She sighed, softening. She tickled her fingers over his jawline. "You are a good king. A good man".

He wrapped his arms around her waist. "You have nothing to fear, Sarah. I will go, and I will come home, as I have many times before".

She looked at him, uncertain.

"There is one difference between then and now", he said, eyes searching her face. "Now I have the most beautiful, loving, and kind woman in the world awaiting my return. I've never had incentive to return before, yet I always did. God himself couldn't keep me from returning to you".

"Don't say such things", she quickly shushed him. "God hears you!".

He laughed, taking her face in his hands and kissing her. "I will leave in the morning. Will you spend our evening together being sad and worried?".

"Yes", she said, stubbornly, making him laugh even more. "But, I shall hide it well".

"Shall we have a picnic?", he suggested.

Her face lit up, "Yes! That would be wonderful!".

He offered his arm, leading her out of their suites.

"Have Lady Samson's stallion prepared. Mine as well. We're going riding". He instructed one of his guards. He took Sarah into the kitchen, happy to find Maria busy at work. He released Sarah's hand to hug Maria warmly. "Maria, my love, you have yet to meet the queen of my heart. Maria, Sarah. Sarah, Maria".

Sarah curtsied to Maria, happy to finally meet the woman Juan had spoken of often. She clasped Maria's hand in hers. "I feel like I already know you, I'm so glad to put a face to the name. Juan adores you".

Maria touched Juan's face lovingly. "And I adore him. He did speak of you before, but never of your beauty and grace. How lovely you are!".

Sarah blushed under the praise, lowering her eyes.

Juan hugged her from behind, kissing her temple. "She's quite modest too", he teased. "Maria, I'll leave for Mancuria tomorrow morning. Tonight, my lady love and I will take a picnic to the lake. Would you prepare it for us?".

"She will not!", Sarah admonished. "Look at all the work she has before her! We are capable. We can prepare our own food!" She left his embrace, moving around the kitchen, collecting supplies for their picnic.

Maria gave Juan an amused glance. He shrugged, smiling sheepishly at her. He sat on a stool, watching two of his three favourite women move around the kitchen of the castle that was now his. He felt truly blessed. Once Sarah had collected all of their favourite foods, she packed it into a basket Maria provided her. Both Juan and Sarah thanked her, and left.

"Do you think she liked me?", Sarah asked, as they strolled through the castle, Juan carrying the basket.

"I think she loved you!", he said, a twinkle in his eye. "Who doesn't".

As if on cue, Caterina appeared, flanked by her ladies. Sarah immediately stiffened at the sight of her, uncomfortable. Juan placed reassuring hand on her back.

"Husband", Caterina said, curtsying.

"Caterina", Juan returned, nodding.

She looked at the basket in Juan's hand. "I see you she has you looking ever the fool. Doing her bidding as though you're her servant. Surely you hear the gossip?".

Sarah's face turned bright red, as she hung her head.

"I've heard the gossip", he said, not missing a beat. He gently rubbed Sarah's back. "Set upon the castle by your own lips. Have you heard the gossip about yourself? Jealous? Hateful? Barren?".

"Juan", Sarah said softly.

Caterina paled at the last insult. She gave Sarah a nasty look. "I don't need a whore like you speaking on my behalf".

Juan suddenly grabbed her by the arm, surprising everyone. Sarah immediately put a hand on his arm to calm him.

"You will address Sarah with respect", he said through clenched teeth, tossing her arm aside. "If you find you cannot, perhaps some time in a nunnery can help you resolve to do better".

He calmly offered Sarah his arm, leading her past Caterina and her ladies, who all stood in stunned silence. Once they were out of earshot Sarah told Juan she wished he'd be kinder to Caterina.

"She does not deserve an ally in you", Juan insisted.

"Surely she wasn't always so wicked. Don't you wonder what she must have went through to become that way?".

He kissed her, lovingly. "You are the sweetest woman alive".

She smiled under his praise. "And, you the kindest man...when you want to be. Be kind. Always".

He promised he would try, as long as she promised to put Caterina out of her thoughts and enjoy the rest of the day with him, something she easily agreed to. They rode off, side by side, to enjoy their last night together.