Time has flown by since the coronation. Daniel and I have been busy handling state affairs while Dante has been busy planning the Royal Masquerade. Daniel and I have been inseparable since our wedding night. I think he fears if he lets me out of his sight for too long, something may happen. No one has been able to find Elizabeth. She has simple disappeared. There was enough proof indicating she did in fact commit regicide. Elizabeth and her father have been stripped of their lands and titles. We haven’t decided what to do with it yet.
The Baron was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. He asks daily for an audience with me. I was about to go last month, but Daniel all but forbade me from going. It was the first real argument we’ve had. I didn’t like arguing with him over anything, especially the Baron. The problem for me was the actual “forbidding me” to do something part. No one forbids me to do anything. I am a grown woman and a queen to boot. Unfortunately, I was out numbered when Dante sided with him. So much for Dante always having my back.
I will eventually get around to seeing him without anyone the wiser.
The castle when we first arrived seemed cold and lifeless. I know this was my father’s home for decades, but there were no personal touches of his time here. Daniel and I decorated our chambers with our personal touches. I added a few pieces of furniture here and there throughout the large castle trying to personalize it more. Dante has been a major help with this.
The day after we arrived, we opened the castle to all, aristocrats and commoners alike. Everyone was mourning the King as much as me. The commoners were the most respectful and came by the droves. At first Robert, as I’ve come to call him- the commander of the Royal Guard, argued about allowing the commoners too close to the body. I respected him for wanting to protect my father even in death, but I told him the aristocrats offered more of a threat to him then the commoners. Daniel agreed with me. But Andrew was always on guard watching for someone to make a mistake.
I thought when we buried him, he would be in a cemetery somewhere far away. When we followed my father on his final ride through the country, allowing the citizens who couldn’t come to the castle to say their final farewells, I never expected it would end in our back yard, literally. The Royal Cemetery is nestled between two large ash trees up on the northeast hill.
The guards removed the casket and carried it to his final resting placing. The casket was lowered into the ground almost an hour after the Cardinal had started praying. After everyone left, Daniel and I stayed to say our final farewells in private. We sat on a bench near the grave for what seemed like an eternity not speaking, both lost in our own memories. I decided then that when things settled, I was bringing my mother home to rest beside her husband. She deserved to be honored as much as him.
The next day Daniel, Dante and I went through my father’s chambers. It was probably the saddest day to date. Daniel and I decided it would be the room we occupy. Even in there, there was nothing that hinted at him as a person. Everyone knew him as the King, but no one truly knew him as the man. The only one who did was my mother. Daniel did a little, but my father obviously hid much from him. It was clear that my father hid his true self from everyone after my mom left.
I hoped in his room there would be something hinting that he knew I existed, but I was disappointed when there wasn’t. He didn’t even display any of the numerous pictures I had given him over the last few months. I couldn’t even find the scrapbook I gave him for Christmas. Nothing.
It took us no time cleaning out the room. The staff wanted to remove his things and replace them with ours, but I told them it was something I had to do as his daughter. They relented eventually. The last box in the closest was my undoing. It was labeled ‘Bridget’ making my heart stop. I felt the blood drain from my face. My hands shook when I lifted them to take the box down. Daniel happened to come in at that moment and saw my reaction. He reached for the box.
“No!” was all I said.
Daniel stopped and looked at me then turned to look back at the box. He noticed the label on the box and his compassion filled eyes found mine again.
“Oh sweetheart, let me get that box.” He said softly.
After a couple of minutes of trying to control the emotion threatening to overwhelm me, I said, “No, I want to keep it right where it is. Some day when the wound isn’t so fresh, I’ll take it down and learn about my mother and father through whatever is in that box.”
That was two months ago, I still haven’t glanced at it. The room finally feels like ours. There are pictures of us and our things hang from the walls along with pictures of our families.
Daniel’s siblings came home for the funeral, but left the next day because of end of term tests. They all promised to come back well before the ball, but as it happened again they only arrived last night. We planned on spending the day with them helping them situate into their rooms here at the castle, but again state matters took precedent. Basically, we have not had the time to spend with our family.
They will only be here for a few nights before they head back to Balwart. We still have two more nights with them and Daniel is determined to spend time with them. They are looking forward to going home and spending time in their ancestral home.
Daniel and I have become well acquainted with each other’s body. Our passion filled nights are not long enough when the sun finally shines through the windows. Daniel has taken me in many different ways throughout this room. We were drinking a bottle of wine the other night after a long day in our offices, when we both decided the throne room was next.
Tonight, we decided to sneak down there like two horny teenagers. We avoid the guards. The room itself is open with walls reaching thirty feet up until they hit the ceiling. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the gardens. It is breathtaking at night. You can see the clear night sky, full moon and brightly shining stars.
The challenge would be keeping me quiet because we found out I like to scream in the throes of passion. Daniel threatened to gag me if I was too loud and the thought of him gagging me added another layer of lust I didn’t expect. As soon as we enter the room, Daniel starts kissing me. He walks us back until I’m forced to sit in my throne.
Passionate kisses lead to more intimate fondling. The sash of the black robe I’m wearing disappears mysteriously. The silkiness of the robe slides open revealing my body beneath. Daniel leans back on his haunches gazing upon my naked flesh. My face flushes when his eyes met mine.
“You are exquisite.” He mutters before kissing a trail from my neck down, worshipping my body.
If anyone enters now, they would receive a show that had no pause or stop. This is a non-stop train to heaven. Ours is a true love match, unlike most of my ancestors. My body speaks only to his as it has never spoken to another. His lips meet my hot flesh, devouring me. Our eyes lock as he looks up from his position. My chest heaves and my breaths are shallow. He pushes me over the edge with his mouth. I bit my lip to stop the scream threatening to erupt. The coppery taste of blood floods my mouth.
Daniel quickly rises, kissing me hard. I taste myself on him. He enters me forcibly and it feels like home every time. He claims me as no one ever has, taking all of me, filling me so completely I want to weep. He owns my body, heart and soul.
His movements become more erratic the closer he is to the edge. I meet him thrust for thrust. When he crosses the finish line, I am right there behind him again. He rests his head in the crook of my neck with his arms wrapped tightly around me. This is one of the top ten memories I will own.
“You are my heaven, sweetheart.” He says worshipfully. “I never knew heaven could be this close. I understand now why the Catholic Church considers it a sin to do this before the sacrament of marriage.”
“You have the sweetest pillow talk I have ever heard.” I reply dreamily.
He leans up raising one brow questioningly at me.
“Who’s been having pillow talk with my wife?” He responds playfully.
I blush at his remark. “You know what I mean.”
“Let’s get back to our room before someone comes and discovers what the King and Queen actually do in the throne room.”
I stand, but nearly fall forward feeling suddenly dizzy and lightheaded. Daniel quickly catches me, concern etched on his face.
“Are you okay, Baby?” He asks.
“I’m fine. I must have skipped a meal today with everything that’s going on. Let’s make a pit stop in the kitchens.”
Daniel places his arm around my waist assisting me to the kitchen. The kitchen is vast. When we first arrived and I met with the cook, the head maid and butler, we discussed what types of meals Daniel and I would prefer. They all thought I would like more American type foods, but I told them I was really open to trying anything. I did ask that they have on hand munchies, explaining that I sometimes liked to get up in the middle of the night and munch. They were appalled when I told them I would make my own snacks without bothering them.
We grab a tray, bringing it back to our chambers. On the way up the stairs, we pass a few guards and I blush when I realize I must have that recently sexed up look about me. At the top of the final landing, another wave of dizziness overtakes me. I clutch Daniel’s arm to keep from falling. The guards is quick to assist us. Suddenly, the room starts to swim and I break out in a cold sweat.
Two other guards, hearing the commotion the tray created when it dropped, came over to help. Daniel swiftly picks me up, cradling me to his chest and strides to our chambers. The guards at our chamber doors open them seeing Daniel carrying me.
“Sir, is there anything we can do?” One of the guards ask.
“Call the doctor. Bring him to our chambers now.” Daniel demands.
“No, I’m fine Daniel. I just need some food.” I countermand looking at the guard. “Don’t get the doctor. I just need the tray of food we were bringing back. Could you have someone bring that immediately?”
He looks to Daniel who sighs. The guard nods quickly before leaving.
“Thank you.” I yell at his retreating back.
The other guard closes the door when he realizes there is no immediate emergency. Daniel sits on the bed next to me still looking concerned and guilty.
“I’m sorry. I have been monopolizing your time when you should be sleeping.” He says apologetically.
“Don’t you dare feel sorry for anything. If I didn’t want you making demands on my time, I would have said something.”
“It’s too much. You never have time for rest.”
“We knew this would happen. There is still much I must learn and things needs to be done. I have to remember to eat throughout the day.”
“I’ll make sure that both AnnaBelle and Dante know.” He says. “Are you sure I shouldn’t get the doctor?”
“No. I’m fine. If I thought I needed him I would send for him.” I answer. “I can’t afford to get sick now. There’s too much at stake.”
“Don’t worry about that. It will get taken care of.”
“How can I not worry? They want to take Farquadt from us.”
England has been trying to take Farquadt away from my ancestors for centuries. Recently with the political unrest, their attempts have been stealthier and bolder. Daniel and I came across some documents that we were asked to sign when we discovered the plot. The Purists have been helping the English sneak their way into our government contracts. If Daniel hadn’t known the holding company, they would have succeeded in a coup by calling in our debts. After we removed those in favor of selling out our country, the House of Lords has been more agreeable.
“But sweetheart, staying up all night won’t help the situation. I feel you tossing and turning all night, even after I have fucked you into submission.” He says rather bluntly.
I blush at the intimate memories we’ve shared every night since we arrived two months ago, except for the second week we were here when my monthly friend visited. My heart rate increases as I realize what I just thought. I haven’t had my period in six weeks.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
No, it couldn’t be. I’m just stressed about everything that has happened. Stress can do that. I mean I recently started having sex- there’s no way it happens that fast. I try to calm my rapid heartbeat and slow my breathing before Daniel notices. He strips out of his pajamas and climbs into bed behind me, pulling me tight against him. His arms snake around my waist and his hand rest across my belly. I stop myself from stiffening at the gesture. There is no way he can know when I only thought it myself.
First thing tomorrow, I am going to visit the doctor without Daniel or Dante knowing. AnnaBelle must carve out time for me when Daniel is occupied. I need to know for sure before I tell Daniel. There’s no way I can be pregnant. Absolutely no way.