Duchess to Princess

The sun peeped through the clouds. The morning was crisp. Yet he had the warmth of her body. She giggled fiercely as she went up and down the length of him. “Your future is beautiful, Jarl Sigurd.”

His hands cupped her breasts. He smiled, “Is it?”

“Yes.”

He rolled her. He pressed deeper. The future was the future. He wanted to indulge in the present and she wasn’t his woman, but she was there.

After a vigorous morning workout, Jarl Sigurd went to the river to bathe. His friend joined him, “Morning.”

“Morning, friend.”

“You had an interesting night,” said Sven with a raised eyebrow, “I take it you have abandoned your idea of being with the African and Portuguese woman.”

“Not at all. Last night was last night.”

“And this morning?”

He chuckled.

“The whole village heard you. I must say…I’ll have to find out what you are eating and drinking.”

They laughed, “I’ve always had a fierce appetite for sex. It is good exercise.”

The men were getting cleaned up for a ride out to Wessex. They were riding out for the wedding of Lady Darleen and Prince Michael. Sigurd smiled, “She’s going to be there.”

“I know. Are you bringing Astrid?”

He shrugged, “Perhaps.”

“You should.”

Sigurd nodded.

*****

Wessex

The town bustled. It was a happy occasion. People came from surrounding kingdoms to see the young prince get married. Flowers of all kinds, red, white, pink, lavender, and other bright colors accented the room. Queen Diane walked about making sure everything was ready for her son’s big day.

Princess Agnes followed close behind, “Have you heard anything from King Henry on my marriage to Prince Joseph?”

Her mother stopped, “Your father received word.”

From the stale look on her mother’s face, she knew the proposal was rejected, “What am I to do?”

She touched her face, “Do not worry my dear, I’m sure we’ll find you a match.”

Agnes sighed. Her mother was off to the next task.

*****

There have been horror stories about difficult brides. Many of them exaggerated comedic stories and some tragically true. Darleen tossed a hairbrush across the room, “This is awful. Do it over.”

The servant was near tears when the queen walked in to see if Darleen was ready. “Darleen?”

“I do not like my hair,” she stated plainly.

Her hair looked fine, but she was extremely moody. The queen huffed, “Your hair looks fine. Now people are arriving. It’s almost time," she said as she placed a pin into her hair and fixed a few curls. “See, there you look like a princess. Now act like one.”

Darleen nodded. It was time. “If only you were here to see me, Mother. I am marrying a prince.”

She took a deep breath and smiled.

****

The ride to Wessex was quiet. Winfred had mixed feelings about attending the wedding. The carriage stopped, and they exited along with Yande and Liam. They saw Jarl Sigurd and his companions.

“Princes Liam and Oswald. You remember Sven, Loki, and Harald.”

Liam nodded, “I do. How is everything going with the new settlement?”

“Very well,” Sigurd replied.

They shook Oswald’s hand and later Sigurd introduced his sister Ida. Yande shook her hand and smiled, “Pleasure to meet you, Lady Ida.”

She nodded, “You as well.”

Sigurd introduced Astrid, she stared at Yande. They felt each other’s gift. Yet no words were spoken. They smiled and proceeded to enter the castle with the rest of the guests in attendance.

*****

It was a time to be happy, but his nostrils flared, and his neck was hot. He was in his office with several men. It was the fourth time his fist contacted the wooden desk. The men jumped. King Henry nor King Oswald was in attendance. All the other Kings had met with him and agreed to join him. To be under one rule but not those two.

“I find this insulting!”

The door swung open. His wife eyed him, “Edwin. It is time.”

He nodded, “I’ll be out shortly.”

She ordered the men to leave. The door closed. She walked over to where he stood next to his desk with papers strewn about the floor and the jar of ink toppled over, “You are so close my love. Don’t lose sight.”

A few deep breaths and he nodded, “You’re right. Let’s go see our son wedded.”

They left his office and walked hand and hand. It was time. Everyone was in place. She looked remarkable. Lord James’ heart was overwhelmed with joy. A single tear escaped his right eye. He wiped it away quickly.

There were prayers, then vows. Then more prayers. It was done. She looked at Michael, “I am a princess now.”

“Indeed. My princess.”

Darleen looked out to the crowd. She wanted to see her cousin, but her eyes saw two faces that she had hoped not to ever see. They nodded. She gulped. What are they doing here, she wondered. It was Loki and Harald, her Viking lovers.

Harald whispered to Sigurd, “That woman there. The new princess of Wessex. She was the one we spoke of.”

“I thought her name was Abigale.”

He scoffed, “Apparently she likes playing games.” He winked at her from across the room. She quickly turned her head.

Not far from Princess Darleen was her new sister-in-law, Princess Agnes. Her eyes were fixated on him. Her friend whispered, “Are you staring at Oswald or Liam?”

“I am a princess. I have no need to stare at any man.”

Her friend chuckled, “It’s a good thing. The older one is married and the other soon will be.”

“How do you always know such things, Penelope?”

Penelope always had the tea. She found having valuable information came in handy. “I am well informed.”

Agnes rolled her eyes as she watched Penelope prance across the room to converse with the next high society noble. Her eyes shifted back to him. She couldn’t help but study him from across the room. His jet-black hair, his soft blue eyes. His smile. Suddenly she was wet below imagining him. She saw Yande step away to dance with Darcy. She grinned as she made haste toward his location and casually bumped into him, “Oh, I am terribly sorry. I can be so clumsy.”

He chuckled, “It’s no problem, Princess Agnes.”

She smiled, “You know of me?”

“Well, I assumed you were the princess. You were standing with the King and Queen during the ceremony.”

A cutesy laugh escaped her mouth as she touched his arm, “You are very wise. And such nice strong arms.”

“Thank you. Most of the time I am wise, but on occasion, I can muff things up.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

The song was over. Yande and Darcy returned, “Princess Agnes, meet my future wife, Lady Yande.”

Yande bowed, “Princess Agnes, please to meet your acquaintance.”

“You are not Saxon.”

“No.”

Her eyebrows lifted, “What are you? I’ve not seen anyone with your characteristics. The way you dress. It’s far too colorful and your accent—”

“Eh hem,” interrupted Darcy, “please forgive Princess Agnes. She does not have the pleasant disposition that her brother acquired from their mother.”

“I was only stating what I see.”

“Sometimes it’s best not to say anything if all you can be is rude.”

Michael and Darleen approached. “Ah yes, here they are. Pince Michael and Princess Darleen.”

Agnes made a face at Darleen. Darleen made one in turn. “So happy you all made the journey here for the wedding.”

Yande nodded, “You look lovely Princess Darleen.”

“Thank you. And my cousin. She has not congratulated me yet. Where is she?”

“With my brother,” replied Liam.

“I see. Please have her see me before you all leave.”

“I will.”

Darleen and Michael walked to their next guest to express gratitude. Darcy held Yande’s hand, “You and Prince Liam will stay here tonight.

“Darcy, you don’t have authority to invite anyone to stay in the royal castle.”

He huffed, “I’m sure the king wouldn’t mind,” he said through his teeth before turning back to Yande, “I will work on your portrait for the next three days. You can return to the north with a beautiful gift.”

“We will find an inn in town. We would not impose on such short notice.,” replied Yande.

Darcy nodded, “I have a place. You can stay with me.”

“Thank you, Darcy.”

“It will be my pleasure. I’ll leave you to it,” he said as he looked at Princess Agnes, “Well, come Agnes. These love birds need time to enjoy themselves.”

She sucked her teeth and sashayed away. Yande chuckled, “I think she likes you.”

He took her hand, “You are my only focus.”

“You don’t think she’s pretty?”

“She’s lovely, but she’s not you.”

She blushed.

******

There they were again, face to face. Oswald stepped away to give them space to air their grievances. Winfred still insisted that something didn’t add up. Godgifu assured her that everything was as it was. Winfred shook her head, “How could you just remarry? My father wasn’t in the ground before you decided to move on.”

“You must understand, Princess Winfred. You know how things are for a woman. I need to have the protection of a man. You know this.”

Winfred hated to admit it. She sighed, “How is he? Are you happy? I remember Uncle James being so bitter and cold towards my aunt. He wasn’t even there when she died.”

She **** out a smile, “I am strong. I will manage. How is Prince George?”

“Well, he’s no longer a Prince. Now is he.”

She sighed, “I am sorry.”

She shook her head, “The time for apologies is been over. Let’s stop this madness. I understand you are only doing what you must. I know how much you loved my father.”

She smiled, “Charles was my life.”

Winfred touched Godgifu’s belly, “I want to be in my little brother or sister’s life. We should not be estranged.”

“You have just made me so happy.”

They hugged tightly and Winfred left the former Queen in the room. Moments after she left, King Edwin appeared with a huge smile. “All she needed was a little time.”

Godgifu glowed, His eyes danced across her skin. She knew what he wanted but did they dare attempt such a sinful act right there in one of the private rooms, as his wife, the Queen entertained guests at their son’s wedding?

They embraced. They kissed wildly. He spun her around. The dress was hiked up over her hips and he drilled rapidly unaware that a pair of eyes was fast on them.

*****

They followed her to a quiet corner. They stood behind a curtain. She looked beautiful in her gown. Their arms were folded, “I knew there was something different about you,” said Loki.

She huffed, “What are you doing here?”

He laughed, “Why so cold?” he asked as he reached for her and kissed her mouth.

She pushed him away, “I am not that kind of woman…anymore.”

Harald laugh, “You name isn’t Abigale.”

“Obviously. You must not speak a word of anything that happened between us in that village. Why are you even here? You’re not going to raid this castle, are you?”

They laughed.

“Of course not. We are now friends of the Saxons. We have a new settlement near East Anglia,” replied Loki.

“Really?”

They nodded.

“Such a shame you're married now. You were so much fun,” said Loki with a grin.

“That was before. I cannot engage in such behavior.”

“Are you sure you couldn’t indulge us one last time?” asked Loki.

She smiled.

*****

As Winfred was on her way back to the festivities, she heard some faint sounds. Curiosity got the better of her. She followed the path, saw the boots of two men, and heard the blissfully tawdry moans of a woman. “Should we call you Darleen or Abigale?’” asked Loki.

“Ahhhhh, don’t call me anything. Just satisfy me!”

“As you wish.”

Winfred’s jaw hit the cold stone floor. She had to pick it up. Slowly she walked away until she found Prince Oswald. He stared at her, “What is wrong?” he asked with concern.

She shook her head, “Nothing. I need a bit of fresh air. I’ll be right back.”

Yande could feel her energy was off, “I’ll walk with you.”

Oswald nodded, “Thank you, Yande.”

They walked until they were outside in the courtyard. There were beautiful flowers and bushes. “What is the matter, Princess?”

“Please, Lady Yande, when we are alone, I’d like you to call me Winfred.”

“Winfred. What happened?”

“I saw and heard something that I wsh I had not.”

“Like?”

“It was Darleen. She. She. She was having. She was you know—”

“Having an intimate moment?”

She nodded rapidly, “It wasn’t with her husband. It was Loki and Harald. And from what I gather…it was not the first time.”

Yande was not surprised. She knew Darleen was loose as a goose, “Darleen is no longer your concern. Leave her to her shenanigans.”

“You’re right. But what if? There could be a child. It wouldn’t be Prince Michaels’ baby.”

“She is already with child.”

Winfred’s jaw dropped again. “You saw it?”

“I did. But the child is my brother’s. That is why I must stay close to her. I’ll need to be there when the child is born.”

“What will you do?”

“Send the child to Portugal to be raised by my parents. The child can’t stay here. It will be obvious the child is not the Prince’s child. I need you to be somewhat cordial to her.”

Winfred nodded, “For you. I will do it. I will be nicer to her.”

She hugged Winfred tightly, “Thank you.”

****

The moment she finally arrived. It was late. There was an audience. They watched as Prince Michael mounted her. She acted perfectly. She pretended that it hurt a little. She even had the vile of blood spill on the sheets to make everyone think it was her first sexual encounter.

King Edwin smiled, “That’s my son. Look at him.” He was impressed with Michael’s staying power and how he moved to please his woman.

The Queen nudged him. Princess Agnes watched in awe. She longed for the day she could have her center filled. She looked across the room and saw Prince Liam standing next to Yande. Their eyes connected for asecond. Liam looked away. She smiled inside, he wants me. I know he does she convinced herself.

*****

Time to return home. Princess Winfred and Prince Oswald hugged Liam and Yande before getting into their carriage. They waved to them as the driver snapped the reigns and rode off. Sigurd shook Liam’s hand, “We’re staying at an inn tonight. You’re welcome to join us.”

“We’re going to a friend’s tonight. A painter. He’s doing our portrait as a gift.”

Sigurd smiled, “I am sure it will be lovely,” his eyes caressed Yande.

She nodded. Astrid hugged Yande, “You and I have much in common,” she whispered.

Yande nodded, “It appears we do.”

“We’ll talk again soon.”

“We shall.”

Afterward, Yande and Liam were greeted by Darcy who was quite full of the spirts. “Come my good friends! Our chariot awaits!”

They chuckled. “It seems our friend has indulged in a few glasses of wine.”

“Only a few?” Yande questioned.

They chuckled. Darcy hugged them ans they walked toward rhe carriage. They got in and went on their way.

****

Even in the darkness, she could see the beauty of the lush land the small cottage sat on, surrounded by trees. The carriage stopped. Darcy smiled, “We’ve arrived my friends.”

He left the carriage first and later, Yande stepped out with his aid. Lastly, Liam stepped out. They strolled up to the solid wood door. “It’s not much,” he stated as he opened the door.

Yande stepped inside and took in all of the art. Some completed, others still in progress, “It’s beautiful. I’d love a small home with the love of my family.”

“Well, this little cottage will be a dedicated studio. I am moving a little farther. I want to be away from all the noise.” He looked at Liam who stood close to Yande. He approached them and smiled. He touched their faces. It was slightly awkward for a moment. Then Darcy smiled, “The bedroom is over there behind you. I’ll be here."

“Yande can have the room. I’ll make myself comfortable out here with you.”

Yande bowed slightly, turned, walked through the door, and closed it. The room was fragrant. Surprisingly delicate for a man’s resting place. The bed nearly spanned the space of the room. There were nice fluffy pillows, pristine white sheets, and a beautiful velvet red blanket at the foot of the bed.

Slowly, she removed her garments. “Too colorful,” Yande said with a giggle.

“Be careful around that one,” her great-grandmother Abosede’s voice sounded.

Yande nodded, “I will.”

She was nude. She walked around the room in search of something to slip into. She rummaged through a drawer. She found some shirts. She moved around the garments until she found one she liked. Upon pulling out the shirt, a stack of letters fell onto the floor. She didn’t have to read them, She felt the energy of the person who wrote them and for whom the letters were written.

Quickly, she shoved the letters down to the bottom of the drawer.

****

Darcy stripped down to his long white shirt. Liam was frozen. Darcy chuckled, “I promise not to bite, Prince Liam.”

Liam smiled. He got comfortable and sat on a nice cushion chair. Darcy tossed Liam a blanket and later poured himself a cup of wine, “You know my parents have a vineyard back in Mercia. We make the finest wine…some say even better than what the Pope drinks in Rome.”

Liam nodded, “Perhaps I can get a bottle to take to my mother and father before I leave.”

“That will be arranged. For you and the Lady Yande, no charge.”

“You’re kind. We appreciate your generosity.”

Darcy lay on his side on a couch with one leg up. He sipped. “I am fond of Yande. I love beautiful things.”

Liam sat up, “What exactly do you mean?”

Darcy sat up. He placed the cup down, “I mean no harm. I promise you. I would like for us to be great friends. The truth is, I am in love with someone. We can never be together openly.”

His face saddened, “I am sorry. Perhaps one day—”

He laughed, “Off for honeymoon at first light.”

Liam nodded, “I am certain a man of your status will have no issues finding another match.”

He sighed, “That is true but as you know, the heart wants what it wants. I love what you and Yande have. It’s pure. It’s refreshing. I admire you both.”

“Thank you.”

“You are quite welcome,” he said before grabbing his blanket and pulling it up to his face, “I am tired, I will rest now. Pleasant dreams. Dear Prince.”

Liam sat in the chair. His eyes closed but he could not sleep. An hour went by. He heard the gentle roar of Dracy sleeping not far away. Liam peeled off the blanket and stood. Quietly, he tip-toed to the door, and slowly the door crept open. He saw her resting peacefully with her back to him. The door closed and he continued until he slipped under the covers and felt the warmth of her body.

His finger found her. He played until she moaned sweetly. She turned. He placed his finger over his mouth. She nodded. Just as she was about to roll to her back, he whispered, “No, like this, my love.”

He pressed his way inside and moved slowly. They were quiet hoping not to wake Darcy. Their lips touched. He took her hand and placed it at her entrance and said, “Touch.”

So she played as he stroked. When he felt the first shudder, he rolled her onto her belly and she felt him behind drilling away. She buried her face into the pillow to muffle her moans and finally, he pressed hard and released. He stayed in position for several seconds jerking and panting.

Slowly he leaned in and kissed her neck, down her spine, and her pretty ass. She turned to see him. They kissed for a few moments, “I have to go,” he whispered.

She nodded.

When Laim stepped outside, he saw Darcy’s eyes on him. He gulped. Darcy smiled, “Your secret is safe with me.”