Nefarious (A Completed Steamy First Book To A Series)

An Medicine Bán (The White Witch)

Anna

A dress was delivered to my quarters and I was promptly dressed by my temporary lady and others.  It was wool but plaid and ugly within the layers.  It is by far the most hideous dress I've ever seen. 

"The King requested her hair up for tonight's festivities." One lady said. 

My hair is quickly thrown up but as I am stared at, one lady pulled it out and redid it leaving most up but a long thick curl is left in the back then thrown over my shoulder.  I love the hairstyle but the dress is horrible.  Even the cleavage created by my corset was far too much which I am sure the King ordered.  Such a dress would not be put on a virgin, if only they knew the truth. 

The door opened and a man announced the arrival of the king.  We all curtsy just as he walked in and his eyes zoom straight to me. 

"I thought I made myself clear, she is to wear her hair up." He said and I know the lady could easily be punished.

"My hair choice is of my own.  Wasn't it you that requested my comfort?" I asked and he hesitated before he nodded.

"The dress isn't what I imagined." He said. 

"Yes, I share your disappointment but there are no other options," I said.

"No, I fancy the dress but the lass wearing it leaves nothing to the imagination." He looks in all the wrong places.  "This is not formal for a virgin."

Is it present in my scent?  How does he know?

"My virtue is not of the question otherwise I would not wear such revealing dress " I responded. 

"The marriage to your prince must have indicated such to the man responsible.  I will send word of your virtue." He said.

I hate this man.  He is so insistent that Daniel did not take me as a wife and it is none of his business what happened in our marital bed.  I glared at him and he only smirked like he has beat me at a fine game of chess.  This is no game, this is my life.

"Shall we?" He stuck out his elbow for me to take his arm, I wanted nothing to do with it but had no choice and stepped forward.  "You will be the center of attention as the white witch of A Stór, the great hope of the people." He said.

"What does that mean?" I asked.

"They've heard talk of you, the fairy-dusted eyes that memorize men into submission." He said as he walked with guards in front and behind us. 

"If that were true I would be back home by now, wouldn't you agree?" I asked.

"Of course, but many remember my mother and A Stór is known for its kindness." He said.

"Why would my kindness weigh any bearing on them?  You are their king after all." I reminded him.

"I guess their good fortune as far as you are concerned is yet to be seen." He said and I stopped walking and glared up at him.

"It's nothing to worry about, let's just enjoy the evening." He started walking again but I can't help but wonder what he is saying.  I will do nothing for his kingdom. 

We arrived at the dining hall and we were announced as King Charles II and Princess Annalise of A Stór.  The whispers as they happened all at once were louder than intended as the king led me to a table and pulled out the chair.  I sat as he pushed it in then he whispered in my ear.  "Soon this room will be fit for a King."

He sat next to me as a fine wine was poured into our glasses.  The room was stone without much color and the walls dingy.  Many of the men of noble right were dressed appropriately but others looked as if they came fresh from a pigsty. 

The king reached for a piece of fruit.  "Things will change soon." He said.

"Why does my opinion of your kingdom seem to be of your concern?" I asked.

"I have sent for your father to start negotiations for a peaceful agreement." He said.

"My father is coming?" My heart raced.  "He will negotiate for my freedom," I warned him.

He said not one word and raised his glass to me and encouraged me to raise mine.  "To a peaceful alliance." He said.

I'm unsure I want to toast to such a thing.  What about my vengeance?  I hesitated and he glared at me.

"My brother has the potential to be a very cruel man and is the next heir.  Your vengeance will only cost not just your life but the lives that you hold dearest.  He will pledge alliance to Cruálacht and A Stór will no longer exist.  An alliance with me is your only option."

I am still not knowing if I should believe the man. 

"I do not want a war with your father, only his alliance.  Once you meet my stepmother my prophecy will ring true to your own ears.  Don't make a fool of me in front of my people." He warned so I picked up my glass and lifted it to say a cheers to something I cannot believe true.

I will decide the fate of him once I see for myself the truth.  If he is being honest I just may have two lives to take and leave Cogadh in ruins.

We were served a fine dinner over the loud inappropriate behavior of his court.  Women were flaunting themselves to less desirable men, cheers were spoken and whispers of the white witch were heard.  That was until I heard the one sentence that sent a cold chill down my spine. 

"The white witch will become queen and Cogadh will be saved."

Those words did not come from the room before us but behind me where his servants stood at attention.