Prince Liam is Smitten

Lisbon, Portugal

It was early. The carriage pulled up in front of the entrance of the castle. King Tomas and his oldest son Prince David were outside. Their eyes widened when they saw Prince Cristian step out of the carriage. The driver of the carriage snapped the reigns and the horses trotted away.

King Tomas approached Prince Cristian, “I thought you’d still be on your honeymoon.”

“I cut it short when I heard the news of my aunt. How is she?”

“Are you sure that’s why you returned so abruptly,” Prince David questioned him.

Prince Cristian scoffed, “I also heard Yande is alive. How?”

“It’s a complicated story but the men as you know were punished for their crimes.”

“Since you have not come to see my mother, you should know that Yande is at the coast with her father and brother. They are leaving. Perhaps if you left now, you can catch a glimpse of her before she sails off,” Prince David sneered before marching away.

King Tomas sighed, “Please excuse my son. He hasn’t been in the best mood since we learned that the Queen is very ill due to this sudden affliction.”

“How ill?”

“She will not live past next spring.”

He gulped, “I am so sorry uncle.”

He nodded, “Go on and see her before it’s too late. I know you wish to say goodbye.” He touched the young man’s shoulder and went back inside.

****

You could hear the birds squawking. The smell of the ocean water filled her nose. She smiled. Samba touched her shoulder, “It seems like forever since we’ve been on the water.”

She nodded, “It does.”

He continued aboard the ship as she stood on the shore taking in the last moments before sailing off.

“Yande!” she heard repeated several times.

Her eyes darted in the direction of the sound. She saw him. Her heart pounded in her chest. He got closer. His blue eyes gazed into her green eyes, “Prince Cristian? What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be on your honeymoon.”

His hand touched her face. Her skin was soft and felt warm under the light of the sun, “We’re supposed to be on our honeymoon.”

She shook her head, “You are married now. You have a wife.”

He leaned in. She didn’t move. His lips pressed to hers. She pulled away, “We must not allow ourselves to dream of things we cannot have.”

His eyebrows furrowed, “I had to see you. Please forgive me for marrying another.”

She smiled and touched his face, “I am not upset with you.”

“I have tried not to hate her. She **** this marriage upon me for her good. And now I hear she will die before next spring. I do not care,” he admitted with watery eyes.

She kissed his forehead, “Don’t hold the hate in your heart. Your wife is a good woman. Give her a chance. She does care for you.”

Her father called her name. She kissed him one last time before they said goodbye.

*****

East Anglia

His large hand rested on his round belly. His crown had many fine jewels. King Henry looked at his men sitting around the meeting table. They discussed the finances and later discussed how King Charle’s kingdom was unified with the kingdom of Northumbria.

“That old turd. He has his eyes on my land,” he sneered.

Lord James spoke up, “Your majesty, things have been quite peaceful as of late. You need not worry about King Charles. He’s a lot more seasoned than he was. I heard his Queen is expecting a child.”

He let out a boisterous laugh, “He’s had far more luck than he deserves,” stated King Henry firmly. “He could have easily married his daughter with my son,” he said as he looked at his handsome only son, Prince Joseph.

Joesph nodded in agreement. He always thought of himself as the better catch than Price Oswald who was known to get around. He was far more tamed with his cock. Lord James sighed, “Many eligible ladies are looking for a husband.”

“Yes, but none of whom are Princesses. I want the best for my son. He deserves the best.”

“Thank you, father”

“Of course, son.”

The door opened, and the queen entered. The men stood to greet her. The King smiled. He had a lovely wife. “Yes, my queen?”

Prince Joseph smiled. He loved that his parents had genuine love for each other.

“I was hoping that all this,” she waved her hand, “royal business would be handled by now. It won’t be long before my family from Portugal arrives.”

He nodded, “Yes. I lost track of the hour.” He stood and dismissed the men. Many of them left except for his son and Lord James.

Queen Olivia had the prettiest skin with a slight tint. Her dark hair was in luscious waves down her back, “The kitchen is preparing a feast. I have invited the royals from Northumbria to dine with us.”

Prince Joseph made a face, “You invited that scoundrel Prince here.”

“Now Joseph, please. Mind your tongue. There is no need for all the hate. As I said before, your match will come soon enough.”

“Yes Mother,” he replied, yet he wasn’t completely satisfied.

“Your sisters are ready. You should do the same,” she encouraged him.

He nodded and left.

She smiled at Lord James, “How is your lovely wife, Penelope?” she asked.

“She is well, your majesty. The baby will be here any day now.”

“What a joy,” she replied with a smile.

*****

Yande stared at the coast. It was time. Samba placed his hand on her shoulder, “Are you all right?” he asked with concern.

“I am.”

“You have been restless.”

“Visions.”

He nodded, “Well, we are here now. Maybe your mind can rest. Being out on the water with nothing to do gives it too much time to wander.”

She chuckled, “This is true.”

She had conflicting visions disturbing her spirit. Two men. Her heart was being pulled in two directions. She shook her head. _What does it mean? _She wondered.

Both men reminded her of the sea. Cool, calm, comforting, peaceful, and yet, they possessed a quiet rage that could destroy. She shook the visions off and gathered her things before leaving the boat.

*****

They were camped out in the woods. Harald stood talking with Jarl Erik, “The kingdom is small and should be easy to subdue. All we have to do is wait for the perfect time.”

Jarl Sigurd was by a stream of water when he saw a small group traveling through. He saw her. It was as if time stood still. Her hair. The curls, the way it flowed as the wind blew. Her eyes shined a bright green. He was still. He watched as she left the group. Her voice was melodic, “I shall only be but a moment,” she said to her companions. She stopped by the stream and took a deep breath.

He heard her chanting in some unknown tongue. His eyebrows furrowed. Harald approached and placed his hand on his shoulder, “Well, well, that’s a nice piece of arse.”

Jarl Sigurd turned to him in disgust, “Watch your filthy mouth.”

Harold cleared his throat, “My apologies. I didn’t know you were such a gentleman.”

They saw her pause. Her head turned right. They hid. She shrugged and left the creek. They watched as she walked with such commanding elegance. “Where do you think they’re going,” Harald asked as he and Sigurd walked back to where Erick stood talking to Sven.

“I cannot say. There are not of these lands.”

“Who?” asked Sven.

“We saw a small group headed that north. They were speaking some language I’ve never heard.”

Jarl Erik nodded.

“I say we slit their throats and take whatever they have,” said Harold with a wild look in his eyes.

“We will not.” Sigurd stood firm as he eyed him, “Our business is not with those people. Let them be.”

Jarl Erik saw how adamant Sigurd was, “I have to agree. Such a small group. There is no honor in taking advantage of them. We kill only when needed and take only if negotiations fail.”

Harold grunted, snorted, and then spat near Jarl Sigurd’s boot. He walked away grumbling. Sigurd shook his head, “I know he is your kin, but he is quite the fool.”

Erik chuckled, “Sadly he is mostly braun and very little brains.”

Sven chuckled, “Was she at least pretty?”

They saw how Sigurd’s eyes shined. His cheeks nearly turned five shades of red. Sven placed his hand on Sigurd’s shoulder and rocked it playfully, “You should not have eyes for another so soon. Were you not recently wedded?”

Erick laughed, “He can have two wives...like me.”

Sigurd smiled, “I like the sound of that.” His mind flashed to the day he was married. He sighed. It was the first time he thought about Yana.

“Well, I suppose we should head back for the others,” said Jarl Erik.

*****

As they marched along the narrow dirt path, a vision clear as day came to Yande. The man’s blue eyes gazed upon her. She saw the intricate details of the markings on his neck, chest, and arm. It was him again. “Who are you?” she asked softly.

He smiled and the vision left her. She sighed, “How much longer?” she asked her father in Portuguese.

“Not far. We will be there shortly,” he responded joyfully.

*****

The land was lush. Yande smiled when she saw all the trees, and the flowers in the garden, “It is beautiful,” she commented merrily.

The Royal family greeted them outside of the castle. Queen Olivia’s smile went from ear to ear, “Cousin, you and your family have arrived,” she said as she surveyed them, “wait, where is your beautiful wife?”

“Unfortunately, she was not feeling well enough to make the voyage.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes. She is with child.”

“Oh that is splendid,” she stared at Samba and then Yande, “My how you two have grown. Simply beautiful.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Yande and then Samba.

Yande reached for something out of a chest they brought with them, she presented it to the King, “For you, King Henry. It is from my mother’s homeland.”

He smiled as he surveyed the sword, “This is quite lovely, Lady Yande, Thank you one thousand times.”

She bowed and then gifted the Queen some fine fabric.

Twin girls stood by eagerly, “Cousin, did you bring anything for us?” they asked sweetly.

Yande smiled, “Of course I did. I couldn’t forget the prettiest girls in all of England. She handed them pretty ribbons and combs for their hair and two pretty dolls.

Exicted they accepted their gifts and thanked her. The Prince stood next to his father. Yande reached for another item, “And this is for you, Prince Joseph,” she said as she handed him a beautifully crafted crossbow.

“With gratitude, Lady Yande,” he said as he accepted his gift.

“You’ve traveled such a long way, come inside and rest awhile before the feast. We have guests arriving. One who is a big admirer of your writings, Lord Joaquin.”

“Wonderful.”

*****

Lord Edgar stood outside surveying the fine crossbow that Prince Joseph recently received, “This is remarkable. Do even know how to use it?”

“I do not. I’m sure it isn’t difficult.”

They looked out to where Yande stood by the fountain reading stories to the girls. Lord Edgar smiled, “She is quite lovely.”

“Who?”

He chuckled, “The Lady Yande. Portugese and African. Her skin. Her hair. Those full lips. And her hips.”

The prince rolled his eyes, “You seem more interested than I. Why don’t you take her?”

“Well, my dearest friend, if I wasn’t already married, I’d certainly ask for her hand.”

He scoffed and risk it?”

“Risk what?”

“You know what. Her mother is African. Any of your babies could be born with brown skin.”

“Who cares?”

“I care. Besides. I want power. I need to marry a princess. Or even a queen.”

Lord Edgar’s eyes widened, “Well then. You are reaching for the stars.”

“My father taught me to always reach for the stars.”

Lord Edgar nodded, “Any prospects?”

“There is the Princess in Wessex...”

“But?”

“You know my father loathes the King there. I, on the other hand, believe this would be the best match. It would give us a better political advantage.”

Edgar’s left eyebrow rose, “Over whom, exactly?”

“No one.”

Edgar smirked, “Are you still a little hurt that you were not chosen to marry Princess Winfred?”

“I am not. I am over it.”

Edgar smirked.

“He’s coming here tonight. All of them.”

“Princes Oswald and Liam. Too bad their mother never had any daughters. I am sure they would have been beautiful.”

“Perhaps.”

*****

The door opened, and Sam went inside and looked around. She wasn’t there. He smiled as he peeped out the door and had his lover sneak in. The door shut. They tore at each other’s clothes. Two strong bodies stood close as their lips touched, “You are my forever love, George,” Sam said with choppy breaths.

George lifted Sam, placed him on a table, and pressed his way inside. Sam grunted. His eyes were fast on his lover. George made fast work. They grunted and nearly cried in each other's arms. “wouldn’t it be beautiful if we could love freely,” George said.

Sam nodded slowly, “I wish we could.”

Thomas pulled out of his messy ass, pulled up his pants, “I must leave.”

Sam nodded, “Discreetly.”

“Of course my love.” He went to the door, opened it, looked out, and hurried on his way.

Abigale saw when George left their room. She sighed as she hurried to find Oswald. She saw him with Princess Winfred and Lady Darleen as they were preparing to leave with the King and Queen. He saw her anxious look and nodded.

He excused himself as the others went outside to board the carriages. He found her in a dimly lit corridor, “What is it?”

“When will you return?” she asked impatiently.

“Sometime tonight, I suppose.”

She huffed, “You love her.”

He sighed, “You are here in the castle close to me. Is that not enough?”

She shook her head, “I remember when we first started how you said you had dreams of changing things. So people could marry whom they wish.”

His head hung, “I do not know what you want from me. I am doing all that I can.”

She shook her head in aggravation, “No. You are being Oswald. The man that loves to frolic from one woman’s center to another.”

“Don’t dare speak to me that way.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall mind my tongue.”

He nodded and walked away.

*****

As Oswald left the castle, he saw his brother, “Glad you decided to join us,” he said to him as they paused briefly.

Liam sighed. He looked at the carriage where he would have to ride with Darleen, Winfred, and Oswald. “This will be awkward.”

“Don’t be afraid. She’s not so bad.”

“I am not interested in her that way. And won’t ever be.”

Oswald sighed, “You never know.” He thought of Winfred. He smiled, “I never thought I’d fall in love with Winfred. I married her out of duty but she is rather pleasant.”

“Yes. She is. However, Darleen is not. We have nothing in common.”

“Just give it time brother. You may change your mind.”

****

They couldn’t arrive at the castle in East Anglia fast enough for poor Liam. He spent most of the journey trying to scoot away from Darleen who kept inching closer to him. Her hand even grazed his knee and upper thigh a couple of times.

Once they left their carriages, they were escorted into the castle to the dining room where the King and Queen greeted them. Plesantries were exchanged. However, Prince Joseph wasn’t as warm to them as he could have been.

“Prince Joseph and Lord Edgar,” Oswald said with a smile.

Lord Edgar bowed, “Prince Oswald, and the lovely Princess Winfred.”

“Yes, meet my wife, Princess Winfred.”

He reached for her hand, “Your Majesty. I see congratulations are in order.”

“Thank you, Lord Edgar.”

Prince Joseph rolled his eyes. Prince Liam stood by watching the exchange. Lord Edgar smiled, “Is this your wife, Prince Liam? I didn’t know you were married.”

Darleen smiled. Liam shook his head rapidly, “I am not married. She is the princess's cousin.”

Darleen sighed but she maintained her posture, “I am Lady Darleen of Mercia.”

He kissed the top of her hand, “It is a pleasure, Lady Darleen of Merica.”

Queen Olivia smiled, “Come, I want to introduce you to my cousin and his children from Portugal.”

Princess Winfred's face lit up as they walked over to where Joaquin stood with his son and daughter, “Lord Joaquin and his children Lord Samba and Lady Yande.”

Liam was frozen when he looked into her eyes. His heart pounded in his chest. His ears rang. He watched as everyone spoke and exchanged pleasantries.

“Liam, Liam,” he heard several times as he stood in a daze.

“Are you alright, son?” asked his mother Queen Margaret.

“Yes. I am. It’s a pleasure to meet you Lord Joaquin and your lovely lovely children.”

Yande blushed. Samba whispered in her ear, “I think he is talking more about you than me.”

Darleen whispered to Princess Winfred, “That dress she’s wearing is quite atrocious.”

The Princess pretended not to hear her. She engaged in conversation with Lord Joaquin about several books that he had written in which she had read.

He smiled, “You flatter me, Princess Winfred, I don’t think my children have read as many of my works as you have.”

Yande made a face, “It’s because we were there for most of your adventures. No need to read what we have already lived.”

Prince Joseph eyed her, “You speak very freely, Lady Yande. The women here don’t typically do that.”

“Hmm. I am not a typical woman Prince Joseph.”

“Noted.”

“I appreciate a woman who speaks freely and has her mind about things,” said Prince Liam.

“Then I suppose I should leave you to what you like. If you will excuse me,” he said before walking off.

Lord Edgar nodded and followed him to their table. Everyone found their spots at their tables adorned with beautiful cloth, candles, shiny gold cups, and eating utensils. The servants brought out the food.

Yande sat in between her brother and Princess Winfred. Across from her was Lady Darleen and Prince Liam.

Yande looked at Winfred, she could sense the child in her belly. She knew what it was. Winfred saw how Yande smiled, “Do you wish to have children?”

“I did. Not so sure anymore. I have had a rather tumultuous experience with men as of late.”

“Don’t let that discourage you. I’m sure there is a love for you," said Princess Winfred encouragingly.

“Thank you, Princess.”

“Did your mother not want to come to England?”

“She usually accompanies us, but she too is with child. Her sickness has been more than she can bear.”

She nodded, “I understand the first few months can be dreadful.”

****

After the feast, Yande watched as people danced. She stood next to Princess Winfred watching the festivities.

“May I ask you a question, Lady Yande?”

She turned to her with a smile, “Of course.”

“I know this is going to sound strange, but—”

“May I have this dance?” asked Prince Liam.

Winfred smiled, “Go on.”

Yande placed her hand into Liam’s. They moved about doing the formal dance. “You dance very well, Lady Yande.”

“Thank you, Prince Liam. I am impressed with your skills as well.”

“What did you mean earlier when you said that your experience with men has been traumatic?”

“I do believe the word was tumultuous.”

“Yes. You are correct.”

The dance was over. They bowed. “let’s walk a little, shall we.

He nodded as they went to a quiet corner. “I was engaged to Prince Christian of Spain. But his aunt. Queen Marie hated me. She had men kidnap me. They were going to kill me. I was lost for days. By that time...Cristian was married to another.”

“That’s awful.”

“Yes. It was.”

“Well, as the Princess said, you shouldn’t give up on love so easily.”

She blushed, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Yande looked across the room. She saw Lady Darleen all over Samba. Her face went sour. Liam looked across the room, “Ah, Lady Darleen, looks as if she’s on to her next prospect.”

“My brother will be no prospect of hers. He will return to Portugal to be a member of our uncle’s court.”

“Then just advise your brother to be careful.”

“Samba knows better.”

“I hope you’re right.”

She sighed. She hoped she was right too.

*****

As the night progressed, the people drank and became freer. Oswald approached Liam and pulled him to the side, “You’ve been spending a lot of time with the Lady Yande.”

Liam shrugged, “Is that a problem or were you thinking of putting a baby in her belly too?”

Oswald folded his arms, “Now, relax there dear brother. Why so smug?”

“My apologies.”

Oswald nodded, “Is she the one?”

Liam smiled, “I am intrigued. Greatly.”

“You know she’s only here visiting from Portugal for a short time. Best not to get attached,” he said before walking away.

Liam sighed. He caught a glimpse of her from across the room. Her shoulders looked sweet enough to kiss. She smiled. He returned the smile.

Standing not far from Yande was Samba with Darleen, “Lord Samba, you are a riot. My goodness, I haven’t stopped laughing since we started talking.”

Yande walked over to them. She touched Samba’s arm, “Permitam-me que vos fale.”

He eyed her, “Que passa.”

“Sozinho, por favor,” she insisted.

“Lady Darleen, please excuse me. I shall return as soon as possible.”

Darleen stared at Yande who looked into her eyes. There was a darkness inside her and around her. It disturned Yande’s spirit. She wasn’t sure why Samba couldn’t sense it but then again, he was thinking with his cock and not his head.

They stepped away out of hearing range. “what is it Yande?” he asked impatiently.

“Samba. I know you are a man now and that you may have certain urges—”

“Yande. Stop. I will not discuss this with you.”

“And why not? I am your sister.”

“That’s precisely why. You do not need to concern yourself with my intimate matters.”

“A darkness surrounds that woman. No good will come of you dealing with her.”

He scoffed, “I see. It’s okay for you to warn me about the things you see. Yet when I warned you about that foolish relationship that almost took you to your ****, you dismissed me.”

She gulped, “Samba—”

He walked away. She watched him go back to Lady Darleen. Prince Liam approached her, “How are things?”

“I am not certain.”

He nodded, “I don’t know how long I’ll have with you but I was hoping that you would visit Northumbria tomorrow. Come and see our lands. I too am a writer. I would love for you to read some of my stories and poems.”

“I would love to.”

He reached for her hand and kissed the top of it, The King and Queen invited us to stay until morning. Are you any good on a horse?”

“I am. One of the best.”

His heart leaped in his chest.