i could see Sir Kern nervously shifting from foot to foot. i wasn't surprised that he had petitioned the Court. i had been tempted to do the very same thing but thought i shouldn't push my luck. i could see that Lord Elrik was a bit in shock from news that i was a Princess. To be honest, i was a bit in shock about it too. Lord Ulrich had a lot of explaining to do now to the Courts for his treatment of me.
"Lord Elrik, We do hope that You will not take to rescuing others by kidnapping them from their place of guardianship. Next time, should there ever be a next time, petition Our Court for an audience and We will hear the matter promptly. With Lord Ulrich being unable to give his blessing upon this union, We will be taking temporary guardianship of Princess zara. The Princess will, however, remain in residence here and will be married within a season. You will send word to her Grandfather and invite him to attend the ceremony. We, of course, will be moving the Court here for a time and will see that accommodations are prepared for Our continued stay."
"Yes, my King, I will do as You have asked of Me. I must say that it is a shock to find out that zara is a Princess but I assure that I will take good care of her. I do hope that her Grandfather, the King, will not think this a poor match since I am not of high nobility but I will assure him that I love his daughter and only want what is best for her."
i could feel the happiness coming from Lord Elrik and the King. This was a winning situation all around. Both of Them were getting something They were wishing for. i wasn't quite sure what a season at Court entailed but was sure that E/everyone would show me along the way.
"We have all ready begun negotiations for the union. You as the suitor need only continue them with Our continued involvement. Do not fret about Your station within Our Kingdom for I assure You that I wish to keep an alliance with her Grandfather, and who better than the man who rescued her from a cruel existence. That fact alone does a world of good to Your standing. Depending on how Lord Ulrich's trail goes, You may be finding Yourself with more land and a better title. We will not make any promises just yet concerning that though."
i was really excited about how my life was turning out. i was really thankful to King Edward to listening to the things that i had to say in my letter to him. i could see that Lord Elrik was pleased as well by these turn of events. Sir Kern couldn't help but smile as Lord Ulrich and Prince Zarn were getting just what they deserved. There was still Lord Ulrich's trail to get through but i knew that despite its unpleasantness that i would be safe and comforted.
The King sat and talked with me alone for a while. i was surprised at how at ease i felt in his presence. Some folks told me that being around a King could really make one nervous. i, however, just saw a man not a King. i still spoke to him with respect but i treated him like a person. i think he found that rather refreshing. Tara was going to be assigned to me until a lady in waiting could be chosen properly.
The King talked to me about what the upcoming season would be like and what to expect from Court life once the Queen had arrived. He didn't want there to be too many surprises. He, also, prepared me for the fact that some of the Queen's ladies had never been around a Cat Person before other than from a distance at Court. This would be a new experience for them as well and to have some patience. The Queen would have a private audience with her when she had arrived and was settled.
i half expected the hallway to be empty except for the guards when the King finally dismissed me. i was happy to see Lord Elrik standing there talking with Sir Kern. It was like He was waiting for me. Without a word, He scooped me up in His arms and carried me off to His chambers. i tried to contain a smile but i couldn't. The guards pretended not to see U/us go off T/together.
Once the door to His chambers was closed He set me back down on my feet. The first thing i did was kneel up beside Him. i don't think He expected me to do that but He smiled down at me and caressed my face in His hand.
"you are such a treasure Princess zara. Never did I suspect that I had given My heart to one so noble. I do hope that you can love this lowly Lord."
"M'Lord, You will never be lowly to me. A title in all honestly means nothing to me for i was not raised to be a Princess. It is foreign to me. i do know one thing that i do want with all of my heart. i wish to serve You. i don't care if it has to be a special secret that the servants whisper about. i simply wish to be Yours."
"you are Mine zara. you always have been Mine and soon I will not have to hide what it is that I feel for you. I do hope that your Grandfather will give U/us his blessing but even if he does not you will be Mine."
"W/we don't need the permission of some man that neither of U/us has ever met. i know that the King wishes for U/us to seek permission and W/we can do so simply to make the Court happy, but as You have said no matter what i will be Yours."
He leaned over and kissed me firmly on the lips. He went and sat down beside the fire and patted His lap for me to sit upon it. i smiled at Him and nuzzled against Him while listening to the beat of His heart.
"Master, how may Your slave serve You tonight?"
"Well for starters zara...you are over dressed to be sitting in My lap."
.....and so ends Chapter Ten.
