The Princess and the Protector

Part 1

"Lets just stay in bed."

She looked up to the man beside her. Ruffled hair, blue eyes, hollow cheeks with a goatee freshly-cut that revealed his sharp bone structure. Features only lucky men could keep at a miserable age of 40. So oddly attractive. She thought.

"I have to go. Jonathan is waiting for me at the castle. Says he'll bring Nathaniel and Monika with supper." Her petite body remained cupped by the lean arms of the kingdom's lord protector. Sir Markus the II.

"Ashley, why won't you just severe ties with this imbecile? And you know I don't just mean emotionally. You are the next successor of Fabramond by blood. The throne will wait."

"Markus. You know I cannot do that. He is the father of my children and the face of the throne, with half the soldiers lining up their lives to marvel him. I may have all control but he has the hearts of the villagers."

The lord stroked her cheeks and tucked the strands of blonde hair behind her ears. He smiled. "But he doesnt have yours. Doesnt he?" Her insides curled up at the sound of his voice as it sent her heart into overdrive. "You seem to speak so fondly of your childhood friend." She replied. Why did she have to fall in love with the head protector of her kingdom? What did she see in this middle-aged man? Maybe, it was the way his hair parts in the middle or maybe, it was the irresistible gleam in his eyes. Boy, does he pack a punch.

Suddenly, the uninvited thought of the taboo in their relationship crossed her mind. She got up, dressed and picked up her tote. "This isnt going to work Markus." Markus watched his lover flutter out of the luminous bedroom, reclaiming the warmth of her company, now leaving him alone with empty arms, and a much bigger bed.