Authors: Aubrey Moyes
When King Kit Bataran returned to the castle, I felt a wave of relief wash over my entire being. I didn’t care to know what had happened in the forest. All that mattered in this exact moment was that my husband, the king, was home safe. He reached over and placed his strong hand against my cheek, pulling me in for a kiss. When he let go he said, “I promise to love you.”
The baby cooed in the corner awaking in his father’s presence. Kit smiled over to me before gently picking him up. “Say hello to Erroll.” I told him.
“My son. Prince Erroll Bataran.” He pulled me closer with baby Erroll in his arms and I breathed them in. These were the two men in my life that I would do anything to protect. For them my heart raised its guard, to protect the radiating love inside of me.
THE END
Chapter 1
“Princess, you have a visitor. Your uncle has left for the day, but I do not believe that he wouldn’t be very happy with the person that is standing at the door. We both know how he feels about Michael. I don’t know why they have this animosity between them, but you’d think from the way that they stare at each other with daggers that it’s something personal.” Elizabeth was a loyal handmaiden that had always there for Samantha for anything that she desired. It didn’t matter what her Uncle Phillip dictated. Her duty was to the princess and nobody else. This was made painfully clear to her by her parents, who were gone on a long journey to negotiate a peace treaty that would bring the English the freedom that they didn’t have before.
“I hate to say this, Elizabeth, but your place is not to question anything that I do. Michael is here at my request and I expect you to treat him with kindness. Do fetch us some tea and bring it to the study. I’ll be down shortly. Make sure that he’s comfortable and that you do not let him wait at the door like some common peasant.” Samantha had known her standing from the moment that she was born. There were no other siblings and being a princess had made her a commodity that was sought after by many empires.
“I really don’t want this responsibility thrusted onto my shoulders. I don’t want leadership, but I can’t allow Uncle Phillip to think that he holds all the cards. I have to do something and the only person that I can trust is Michael. He has always been there for me. I think that he would stand in front of anybody that was going to do me harm and that includes my uncle. What I want most is to find a man that is worthy of me. It’s hard to think that there could be anybody like that out there. Those that have tried to gain my favor have found that I am a little bit more than they can handle.” Samantha dresses demurely. Her dress is a flamboyant red and gold brocade that follows a train down the stairs behind her.
She has learned through proper etiquette that she can walk with a regal bearing. She does not stumble over the layers of fabric that almost wrap around her ankles with each step. The headdress signifies that she is royalty and those that stand in front of her know that they have to bow in her presence.
She enters into the room with her spun gold hair tied into a bun. She has a natural beauty that does not require any kind of assistance.
Her porcelain skin is the first thing that Michael. He stands and bows to give her the proper do that she is deserved.
“I was a little surprised to hear from you, princess. Your uncle has been very clear that I should not darken the doorway of this estate ever again. I’m taking my life in my own hands by coming here at your request. It must be very important, or you wouldn’t have gone to this kind of measure.” He sees her beckoning him to sit down and she does the same with her eyes now narrowing on his.
“It has come to my attention that my uncle is trying to usurp my authority. Rumors are abound that he’s making allegiances with those that are going to try to take over the English Land. I will not tolerate such disobedience and his obvious intent to take what is rightfully mine. I know that you’re not going to like this, but I need your help. I take no delight in any of this. I used to care for my uncle, but he has become bitter and power hungry” “I don’t exactly know what his response is going to be to my query. Michael has always had my back, but this may even be beyond his ability. I don’t want to put him into a position where he’s going to have to fight for his own life against my uncle. That’s a battle that he would not win, because my uncle is professional fighter and knows how to deal the final death blow.
“I get this feeling that I’m not going to like what comes out of your mouth next. Be careful, because we both know that walls have ears. There are those that are probably conspiring with your uncle, as we speak. They put their trust and favor with the person that they think can lead them. No offense, but you are only a woman and that hampers any kind of respect that you are looking for. Your people need a leader and somebody that is going to be able to fight and protect them at a moment’s notice. Wait a minute, you’re not suggesting what I’m thinking that you’re suggesting?” Michael stroked his beard, feeling the bristles and contemplating the possibility of a woman going into battle.
“I know that it’s unheard of and it has never happened in history, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t happen at all. A new day is arriving and comes with it a new leadership that needs to take a stand where it matters. You’ve all, but alluded that you know of people in low places. I don’t know if that’s the contention between you and my uncle, but I am not one to pry into personal matters. I do need you to introduce me to somebody that will be able to teach me the finer arts of battle.” “I really don’t have any reason to get blood on my hands. I’ve never had been desire to step in between an altercation between one or two parties. I’m a dainty flower and it’s time to harden my resolve and be ready for whatever my uncle brings against me. I would love to have a strong man to do that for me, but that doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon.”
“I might know somebody, but he’s not going to do it out of the goodness of his heart. He’s going to want something in return and it’s not going to be something that you’re going to be willing to give up easily. That being said, I’ll be hesitant to make the introduction, but I’ll do it nonetheless.” He was wearing a suit of armor, but nothing of the degree that the royal blood line would wear on any given day.
The sound of hooves coming ever closer was a good indication that Uncle Phillip was on his way home. There was no way that Michael could be caught in the house and the only way to prevent it was to usher him out the back door and away from prying eyes. “Get in touch with whoever you need to, Michael. I want this to happen by tomorrow morning. Uncle will be away. I have a feeling that I really don’t want to know what he’s up to. He has all, but said that he might be a few days or even a few weeks. That should give me an abundance of time to learn the finer art of defending myself.” “I really don’t know if that’s enough time, but I do have the legendary blood of my father running through my veins. If anybody can learn quickly, it should be me. I might be naïve in thinking that, but I have no choice. Whoever Michael gets to train me, I will become a student of human nature. I feel that I have a warrior spirit and I’ve yet to tap into my potential.”
Uncle Phillip walks by the study and doesn’t even bother to look in to see if anybody is there. He has heard from a source that Michael has paid a visit. He searches the house and finds Princess Samantha in deep study. He looks at her questioningly, but does not go any further than that. He has not want to overplay his hand, but he knows that eventually he’s going to get everything that is coming to him. Nothing is going to stop him and no little girl is going to be a match for a man of his caliber.
Princess Samantha senses that he’s standing at the doorway, but he does not say anything. She gives him no satisfaction by saying anything in return. She hears his footsteps moving down the hallway and away from any kind of confrontation.
She hopes that Michael will come through in the end, but there’s really no telling. She fears for his safety and knows that it's possible that he and her uncle will get into it. Uncle Phillip is determined and the look in his eyes every time that the square off at the supper table is very telling. There is hatred that wells inside of him. Even though she does nothing to make him feel that way, it still burns him every time that he sees her.
“Uncle Phillip will never give up. I know that deep down and I have done nothing to prevent him from doing this English countryside herm. I can’t idly stand by and wait for the other shoe to drop. I need to do something. If Michael can’t help, then I will seek out somebody that can. I am royal and they will do my bidding, or face the consequences. I don’t mean to be mean spirited, but sometimes you have to show some force or risk losing the respect of the people.” Samantha turned in for the evening with visions of what it’s going to be like to handle a sword in the palm of her hand. She has never picked up a weapon in her life, but she thinks that because of her legacy that she will be able to take to it.
Chapter 2
Not opening her eyes, she said under the cover of her pillow. “I’ll be perfectly fine on my own. I have Elizabeth tending to my every need. I certainly don’t need Jeffrey skulking in the shadows watching my every move. If you insist on letting him stay here, then he’ll find that I will be a most ungracious host. He’ll curse your name when you come home, because he will be frazzled and pulling out his hair by the roots.” “I want him to know where I stand. It’s the only way that I’m going to get it through his thick skull that I can take care of myself. He doesn’t believe that and it’s the only reason why he’s going against me. He thinks I’m weak and fragile and I’ll break at the mere notion of a fight. That may have been in the past, but I’m starting to learn that there comes a time to have a thick skin.” Samantha moves to a sitting position in her bed, her night dress covering the most important parts.
It’s not lost on her the way that Uncle Phillip stares unabashedly at her. It makes her think that he’s undressing her with his eyes and thinking obscene thoughts that are going to get him into trouble, if voiced in public. She grabbed the sheet and covers herself up to her neck, feeling slightly exposed and vulnerable in his gaze. His leering presence and the way that he licks is lips suggestively makes her cringe at the very notion that he would want to touch her in any way.
“It really doesn’t matter what you want little one. Jeffrey will be staying here. Anything you do will be reported back to me. Remember that and do try to give him the courtesy of not trying to slip his watchful eye. He has learned from the knee of the master and that is something that you should not take lightly. I’ll be back when I can and I do hope that you try to stay out of trouble. I know how hard it is for you to do that without your parent’s here to keep you on a short leash. You may not like Jeffrey, but he is a necessary evil in a world that is unpredictable at the best of times.” Phillip turned and walked away; hearing her grumble underneath her breath and knowing that he had forced an emotional response.
Samantha shivered; feeling like somebody was walking over her grave. Uncle Phillip had been increasingly weird, as of late. His attention was growing slightly concerning and there were times that he would appear out of nowhere. Samantha did not want to be undressed for any length of time, in case he found her in that state. She felt like it was just a matter of time, before her Uncle was going to take matters into his own hands. He had touched her on several occasions, by accident or otherwise, it was still inappropriate and had to be called on the carpet. She would give a detailed report to her parents on their arrival. There was no telling when that was going to be.
“I heard that exchange and I’m not sure what to make of it, princess. There are times that he seems kind, but there are increasingly more times that he looks like he would like to have his way with you. I don’t think that he’s particularly attracted to you. It could be just a matter of getting one over on his brother, your father the king. This might be his way of getting his pound of flesh. If I were you, I would keep your doors locked and something heavy handed by your bed. Anything can be used, as a weapon.” Elizabeth felt that sexual heat in the air. It was obvious from the way that Phillip was looking at the princess that he had impure thoughts that went beyond a caring nature.
“I need you to do me a favor, Elizabeth. Jeffrey will be downstairs. I want you to keep him busy for the rest of the afternoon. I know that he has a crush on you. You may not realize that, but I think it’s high time that we use that to our advantage. Don’t worry; I’m not suggesting that you sleep with him. All I’m suggesting is that you play your feminine wiles on his obvious infatuation. Take him for a picnic and wile away the day looking into each other’s eyes. If you have to make out with him, then I don’t think that a few kisses and a little manhandling are going to hurt your disposition.”
“I don’t like that you’re trying to use me in this way. I will do it, as a courtesy to you. Besides, I’ve never liked your uncle. He makes me feel like he wants something more than just a casual acquaintance. I can’t say for sure, but the telltale bulge in his pants is a good indication that his motives are not entirely clean.” Elizabeth knew that Samantha was up to something and that Michael had been privy to whatever was on her mind. She had tried to ease drop at the door, but the only thing that she could hear was muffled exchanges. It wasn’t like she was going to use it against her. It was more to the fact that she wanted to be forewarned, in case she had to act on the princess’s behalf.
“I’m sorry that you feel that I’m using you. You are after all in my employ and what I say goes. Do this for me and I will make sure that you have everything that you and your family need to live in relative comfort. If that’s not a good incentive, then I don’t know what is.” Elizabeth and Samantha went downstairs to find Jeffrey already eating what the cook had prepared. His hands were digging into the sausages like some kind of caveman. Both girls had to look at each other and cringe at the very notion that he could even come close to finding a girl to put those dirty hands on.
“I have a lot of studying to do. I would appreciate that you stay out of my way and not be under foot. Perhaps you can find something better to do with your time than to spy on me for Uncle Phillip.” “That was my cue to Elizabeth to jump in and make a suggestion about going for a picnic. I felt a little sick to my stomach that I would resort to using a friend, but she was willing. I’m not sure that I would be under the circumstances. His foul breath and that mole underneath his nose made me want to curl up into a hole and die. I would rather have anybody touch me, other than that uncouth and uncivilized man with no manners.
“I think that Jeffrey and I should get to know each other better. I’m going to fix us a picnic and he’s going to take me to a spot that will be magical. I believe that I can get the cook to make some of his favorites and have them ready and at hand. After I finish my daily chores, I’ll be more than ready to relax for the rest of the day. You have afforded me the day off and I plan to take full advantage of it. It’s a beautiful day and I would love to have somebody to accompany me.” Elizabeth bent over, showing her bodacious breasts. The way that his eyes grew wide only signaled that she was on the right track.
Jeffrey almost spit up the sausage that was in his mouth. Those mounds of flesh were something that he had always coveted. Elizabeth was a comely young lady that was in need of the comforting presence of a man that knew had to handle his business. “I’m more than happy to keep you company. I’m sure that the princess will not get into any trouble, while we are gone on this adventure of ours.” “He was directing his comments towards me and I could see in his eyes that he was telling me without words that there would be consequences to my actions. I’m not sure what that would entail, but I really don’t have any desire to find out.”
Samantha waved his obvious curiosity away with the back of her hand. She stormed off in a huff, pretending that what he had said had gotten underneath her skin. Samantha wanted to be ready for Michael. He was due to arrive in about ½ hour. He had promised that he would have results and she had no doubt that he would have found somebody suitable to train her.
She waited in her room, until she heard the fake giggling of Elizabeth and that of snickering from Jeffrey. They left the house together in search of a spot underneath a tree to enjoy the day.
Hearing the telltale knock down stairs and knew that Michael was announcing his presence. She had dressed in her father’s clothes in disguised from any spies in her Uncles favor. She wore a knit cap that kept her face obscured and her hair bundled up underneath. She opened the door to face Michael, who gave her the once over. It made her almost laugh at the absurdity of what she was wearing.
“Let’s go, before I change my mind and decide that you are completely out of your mind for even thinking about doing something like this. I went back and forth on this all night and I tossed and turned and came to the conclusion that you are headstrong and stubborn like your father. It’s not a trait that is very attractive, but is necessary for a leader to stand strong and be ready for just about anything.” Michael lifted her easily onto the horse and they galloped out of town and away from those that would be able to tell Uncle Phillip what they were up to. To any passerby, they would look like two young soldiers in the prime of their life going out to spar with one another.
“I know that this is an imposition, Michael. I also know that you would do anything for me and sometimes I take you for granted. I hope that you know that it’s not my intention to make you feel that way. I admire your loyalty to me and to my father. Your guidance and trust is the one thing that he told me that he needed in his life. It’s possible that my uncle doesn’t like you, precisely for the reason that you are in such high regard with his brother. My father treats you like royalty, but when he’s not around, you are not pushed back down to your true status in life.” “I understand why my father likes Michael. He tells it as it is, does not mince words and cares not for anybody’s opinion. With soldiers standing beside my father telling him what he wants to hear, Michael is the only one that keeps him grounded.”
They moved at breakneck speed, taking to the trails less traveled, until they came to a clearing in the distance. Sitting beside his horse and leaning against a tree was a Highland warrior in the highest standing. His name was Finn Macdonald. He had been friends with Michael for some time. For a British lad and Highlander to be friends was almost unheard of. It came upon the respect of holding both of their lives in the palms of each of their hands. They had saved one another from possible death too many times to count.
Finn was very much disturbed and had no interest in training a woman. He was only making the effort to meet her, but he knew deep down that he would never relent. It was not, until he got a sight of her that things began to change. It wasn’t just that she was a beauty, but there was a raw sexuality that made him grow inside of his pants despite any of his misgivings. He had never had relations with those of the English. He believed that the women were mild mannered and really didn’t suit his animalistic tastes. He liked to take control, roughly demanding satisfaction in the ways of the heated flesh.