The King's Mistress

Chapter 2

Days went by after that first night. I became less and less important to King Leo. King Leo began to spend time with more women. The only difference between them and me was he never kicked me out on the 2nd night.
Every night I would lie in our bedchamber alone on those nights he spent with those girls. He had one on occasions when he was unsatisfied with me. I spent most nights alone with just a book and a fireplace. I would curl up against Leo's pillow using it as a doll to hold as I slept. This reminded me of my childhood with my father and sisters.
Leo came into the room and got into bed. I stayed on my side looking at the wall. He didn't smell of vile women instead he had a light sent of alcohol on him. I turned my head lightly to him to take a glimpse at him. He looked fine but his face was worn and tired looking with black circles under his eyes.
I turned to him fully and reached out and touched his face. Leo was awake but he didn't move or open his eyes. I looked at his lips...I thought of those women that kissed him. I backed away.

One day Leo went to the battlefield to lead his troops into battle. He dressed in his golden armor. His men mounted their horses and began to pack for their journey. Leo was almost ready as he headed down the corridor to the side exit closest to the stable. I ran out of my chamber in fear of not seeing him again. I ran down the corridor and I could see the hint of his golden armor move down the stairs to the door.
"Leo" I screamed forgetting the promise I made not call him by his name in front of his servants.
Leo turned around to see me running. I tripped falling at his feet.
I raised myself off the ground. Leo holding onto my arm. I dust myself off and look up at him.
"You didn't say goodbye to me" I said as my hand reached out to touch him. "I must go" Leo said.
"No...please don't go..." I said.
"The servants will take care of you there is no need to worry" he said.
"No I'm not worried about that...I don't want to lose you....your the only one I have left" I said.
My father had grown sick and died leaving my sisters to my aunt far off in a different country.
Leo let go of my hand.
"You have no faith in your king's strength?" Leo said slightly angry.
I swallowed my tears. "Just come home safely" I said. I let myself embrace him before I quickly walked away hiding my tears.

You must think me mad crying for a King who cheats on me almost every night. The truth is he was all I had. This castle was the only home I had. I didn't want to lose everything again.

The battle went on for months. One night I sat down and wrote Leo a letter telling him of the castle progress since he left. The letter would be taken a few miles away to the battlefield and placed in the King's tent.
Leo would write back after nightfall and have the letter back to me before noon.
One night I sent a letter and not one was returned for days. Finally word was sent by his scribe telling me that he had gotten injured and was being treated. He suffered a great gash in his side from an arrow. He would return home soon to rest.
The morning the carriage pulled up was the first time I had ever seen so many servants come to their king's aid. He was supported by two knights into the castle. He was being stubborn wanting to walk to the castle. Once inside they took him to the bedchamber and placed him in bed.
I was afraid to look at him for fear of crying. His stomach was bandaged from his waist almost to his chest.
When night came he sent for me to see him. I walked in slowly coming over to his side.
"I'm back like you wanted" Leo said. " I didn't want you hurt" I said touching his cheek.
I noticed the blood soaked bandages. I made an effort to rewrap new bandages to his wound.
Leo sat up as I began to wrap the bandages. He yelped in pain as the cloth irritated the wound.
Afterward he wanted me to stay. So I laid there beside him petting his hair as he laid motionless. He looked up at me and gave me a smirk.
That was the first time I really fell for the stubborn king.