Affair with the King

Part 26

Juan watched as a rider approached, at a leisurely pace. He thoughtfully bit into an apple. He did not hear Sarah approach, but basked in her touch when she gave it.

"Is all well, my love?", she asked, looking to the rider.

Juan finally tore his gaze away from him, to look at her. "A rider. From Bravaro. Seems my dear wife has a visitor".

Her eyes searched his face, seeing it tense with worry. "Why does it bother you so?".

He shook his head, thinking. He touched her face, gently. "My love. Have I ever told you of my mother's lands?".

"You have not".

"I spent much of my childhood there. I think you would enjoy it. Certainly, mother would be happy to return -"

Sarah smacked his hand away. "You wish to send me away?!".

"No", he quickly began to explain.

But, she would have none of it. Her hands flew to her stomach. "I am barely swollen with child and you already tire of me?!".

"No!", he insisted, reaching for her.

"Which one?", she demanded, stepping away from him.

"Which one what?"

"Which girl have you set your sights on? Who inspires you to rid yourself of me?".

Realizing she misunderstood him, he became amused. He grabbed for her, wrapping his arms tightly around her. She struggled to break free from his grasp.

"And, if I tell you who inspires me to send you away, what will you do with them?".

"Send them to your mother's land. So they can be happy".

He laughed heartily, enraging her even more. She raised a fist to beat against his chest, but he caught her hand, kissing it. He placed her hand on her stomach, covering it with his.

"It is our child who inspires me", he told her, lifting her chin with his free hand. "And, you, no matter how big your belly grows, have my devotion, and my heart. Only you".

"Then, explain yourself".

He looked back out the window. "I don't want to worry you".

She broke from his grip. "Then I will kill you".

He burst out laughing. "My lady's temper grows with her belly. You do know I am king, yes? And, to speak out against your King is a crime?".

"Juan. Stop. Tell me your concerns. Now. Or, I will leave these chambers and not return until you do".

Knowing that threat was a real one, he relented. "Caterina has not mentioned any visitors. She is angry. With me. No doubt with you. She thinks you've stolen her life. I worry that she is plotting something. I worry for you".

She sighed, returning to his arms. "I won't go".

He kissed the top of her head. "I will not force you. But, until I know more of this rider, and what Caterina has planned, promise you will allow either Manuel or myself accompany you at all times? Maybe it is just an innocent visit. Just humour me until I know for sure?".

She looked at him, her face free of any concern. "I am safest beside you. Do not ever think to send me away again".

He took her hand, kissing the inside of her wrist. "Surely, you won't fault me for worrying about you and our child? To send you away would mean torment for me".

She finally relaxed in his arms, laying her head on his chest. "I will be careful, but this is my home too. I will not be a prisoner here. You must allow me freedom to be alone if that is how I choose to be".

"Will I ever win this argument with you?".

She looked up at him, smiling. "Never".

"Fine. You win. For now".

"Only for now?", she teased.

He swept her off her feet, into his arms, making her squeal in surprise. As he carried her to their bed, he showered her face with kisses.

"You are entirely too stubborn", he said, carefully laying her down. He climbed on top of her, kissing her more.

She stretched her arms behind his head, playing with his hair. "What will you do when I am too big for you to carry all over the place?".

He moved his lips down her neck. "Then I will fuck you where you stand".

"Juan!", she gasped, laughing.

He tore at her bodice. "Why do you wear so much damn clothing?!".

Outside their room, Caterina moved down the hall. She paused for a moment, by their door, hearing their laughter ring louder. It took less than a moment for the laughs to be replaced by moans. She paled, feeling the eyes of the guards at the door, on her.

Quickly, she continued on, to meet her visitor.

"Leo!", she gasped, when she saw him. She rushed into his waiting arms. Leonardo was her cousin and closest childhood friend.

Leo hugged her tightly. Caterina had written him often, telling him of the mistreatment by Juan. He stepped back, still holding her.

"All this misery", he told her, "and not a mark of it had touched your beauty".

She lowered her head, shyly. Leo often flattered her growing up, and she enjoyed it. He was very handsome as well, but he was not a king. He would never be one. However, she knew he would do anything she asked, because of his affection for her. He was strong, had many men loyal to him, and was her only true hope in getting even with Juan. She would feign love and desire for him, in order to manipulate him. The same way she was convinced Sarah stole Juan.

"Oh, thank God you are here!", she cried, resting her head against his chest. "It's been absolutely horrid here!".

They held each other, until there was a clattering of guards passing by. Caterina quickly pushed him away.

"We must be careful", she insisted. "I have no room for error. We must act as though this castle is full of spies".

"Let them spy", Leo scoffed, pulling her back to him. "I fear none".

She gently touched his face. "I could not bear the thought of harm coming to you. Please, sweet Leo. Save your affection for discreet moments?".

He agreed, reluctantly releasing her. He offered his arm, which she accepted, smiling at him. She led him towards her chambers, where she had food waiting for him. They'd chat, put on a show for her ladies, for now. But, soon, she would begin to plant the seed in his head that would right all the wrongs done to her because of Sarah.