Ruple And Evelyn (Codex Grandomina Volume II)

Chapter Twelve: "The King What Sinned"

~ CHAPTER TWELVE ~

"The King What Sinned"

It was August now; the rains had passed along with the snows, and the howls of the ghoul dogs. Stability was taking hold in Grand London, and, as the evening light faded over the western mountains, Ruple rose from his organ after hearing a knock at his door.

He made across the room, his clothes loose and his shirt untied from the heat. Out of his window the sounds of revelry from the newly invigorated theatre district drifted in on the breeze. He opened the door to find Alice, his personal maid, standing on the threshold. Her pale skin was dewy from the summer heat, and strands of golden hair lay wet against her forehead.

"Hello, Alice," he said, eyeing the girl before him with apprehension. "What brings you to this forgotten part of the world?"

"I was wondering... Ruple... whether you were well. Other people in the Palace haven't seen you for months, and those in the city grow restless to see their beautiful king..."

"Well you can see that I am fine and fit, can you not? To anyone that asks of my health, you must say I'm quite happy; I will be freed from this workload shortly, and then back to my people I will go."

"Yes, Your Grace... I mean... Ruple." She stood waiting on the verge, her slender frame trembling as she clasped the towels she had brought.

"Was there something else Alice?"

"It's just that, my lord; I hate to think of you all alone up here. And a man... Well, a man can sometimes drive himself to insanity alone. Without a woman to hold him, if you understand?"

"I'm sorry?" Ruple's blood pressure rose, suddenly aware of the burning heat in the chamber.

"What I mean, King Ruple..." She glanced warily behind her. "Is that I'm so very grateful for the kindness you've shown me... And, I simply can't bear to imagine you laying abed alone night after night. I just want you to know that my body is yours... Should you wish it..."

"Has somebody put you up to this, Alice?"

"No..." she uttered with sincerity. "Why shouldn't I wish to please my liege?"

Ruple stepped forward and slammed the door shut behind her. She jumped at the sound, her eyes glowing with a mixture of longing and fear. He laid his hand on the small of her back and brought her toward him, kissing her hair and neck with a craven hunger he had hidden from himself in the months since he had returned to Grand London.

Now he allowed it to consume him.

He brought his hand down over her collar bone, and ripped her dress open with strength he had forgotten he possessed. As his lust rose, so did his anger at this beautiful young girl who was willing to become little more than a whore for him. How could someone so charming and sweet make him rage with desire and anger at the same time?

I am a monster... And no better than she. Was I not Antonia's whore? Did we not make an exchange? Antonia's payment was saving me from my innocence. This world is not a place for the innocent. Why should I keep the truth from Alice?

He pulled the remnants of clothing from her body and felt his way about her with his mouth, the taste of her sweat sent his heartbeat racing as if he was on the brink of death.

With an animalistic roar, he stood and threw Alice onto the bed. She yelped out in sudden panic. He climbed on top of her and held her against the sheets, his muscles straining to hold her down. He could feel a compulsion from something deep within him, willing him on.

"IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED?" he yelled, his eyes wide with rage as a long hidden violence riled to break free from his conscience.

"Not this!" she sobbed, fear etched into her face.