When the rains dried up, and the famine spread over the land, many families faced extreme hardship. Her parents, with six children to feed, tried to cope the best they could, selling off their extra cattle and even taking in boarders that would pay in either money or work for their bed and meals. Tabitha was a young girl, and didn't know much about such things, but one day her parents called her into the great room.
They explained that they were having many struggles with trying to make ends meet. Although she was only 12, Tabitha was a bright young child and this did not surprise her.
Then her father said something that surprised her. He softly explained that the King had put out a call for young girls to come to court to be trained as ladies in waiting for the Queen. The King had promised they would be brought up under palace control, and given an education and fair treatment. Although they would not be paid, the families that sent them would receive a huge stipend, and would be looked upon favorably by the court, having made this ultimate sacrifice. Her mother was silent, holding back tears, she knew. Her father was sad too, although he said he didn't see anything else they could do about it.
Tabitha couldn't believe what was happening. She would leave and travel with a chaperone many miles away to court. The idea seemed preposterous to her, why did they want to send her away? She cried a little, and then saw how upset her parents were, so she tried to make the best of things.
"Don't worry mama, I'll make you proud!" She said, and gave her parents a hug and went to pack her few belongings. Then she walked down to the village and said goodbye to her relatives and friends in the village. Then she came home and went to be early, although sleep eluded her. She was to leave at down at the next morning.
The sun rose as it always did, and a royal coach picked up Tabitha. There was an older woman who was somewhat cross as her chaperone. Tabitha gathered this was not her first charge to be picked up. It was sad work, although at the same time Tabitha was somewhat excited too. What would it be like to live at court? Would she fit in? How would she know what to do?
After a ride of several hours, she was taken to the palace, and the splendor of the place dazzled her eyes. She could hardly believe the gold-leaved ceilings, the ancient artwork, marble, the ornate tapestries. She had only seen such things in books and now she was here. It was like a dream!
She was taken to the training center for future court workers. First she was given a bath in water that was as clear and cold as a running stream, then a thorough medical inspection. Then she as given some simple clothes and a small cot was assigned to her. She was to train for several weeks before attending any event at court. They said this was to avoid embarrassing the King and his family, and she would know when she was deemed worthy when she was moved out of the training center and into court.
The next few weeks were a blur of activity. She was woken at dawn, and the morning was spent in studies. Then she had a half hour free for her lunch, then the afternoon was spent doing chores or studying or helping out on some task or another. She found that, although she missed her family and friends terribly, it was not uninteresting and she picked up things fairly quickly.
Then one afternoon she was taken to meet the Queen. She was dressed more formally and given some special grooming so she was deemed worthy of her attention. They told her not to speak unless spoken to, and to curtsy and be extremely polite, no matter what. She did all that, and met the Queen, who she found to be kind and very beautiful.
As they were coming back, the King and his entourage happened to pass by in the hallway. Everyone stopped to bow, and Tabitha instinctively did the same. But when he passed nearest her, she raised her eyes to look directly at him. He stared right back at her, astonished at her young beauty. She was stunning, one of the most beautiful creatures the King had ever seen. Long thick black hair, and eyes that were so light blue there were almost transparent. An elegant, aquiline nose, full, pretty lips, and a figure that was slim with budding curves already. Fair, ivory colored skin, with beautiful shadows and light whenever she moved. He was captivated the moment he saw her.
He made discreet inquiries, and told his court assistant to bring her to him when she came of age. He seemed a little peeved that although she was quite beautiful already, she was still only 12.
The next few years passed fairly smoothly. Tabitha gained an education, and much experience in dealing with the customs and practices of the palace. She was
well-liked, and her beauty grew even more stunning with each passing year.
Then when she turned 18 she was called to a private meeting with the King. She was astonished, what on early could he possibly want with her?
She was led into his chambers, and given some wine and cheese and delicious biscuits. He came in a few minutes later, and told her to relax, they were alone now and she could be herself. He talked to her softly for a few minutes, and she found she started to feel comfortable and enjoy his company.
Then the king, who was well into his 50's, took her hand. "Tabitha, do you remember the first time I saw you?"
"Yes, my Lord."
"You were beautiful then, even at age 12. And now you are even more beautiful. Tabitha, I would like you to be my consort, would you like that? You would be the envy of all at court. And I would be very gentle with you, I know how young you are."
She found herself blushing deeply and whispered, "Yes my Lord."
Then he abruptly got up and left, telling her, "Good, I will call for you soon."
The next few days passed uneventfully, and then late one evening she was brought to the King's bedroom. She was given a beautiful new dress, which showed off her budding breasts prettily, and a special comb for her hair, and was groomed, perfumed, and bathed thoroughly beforehand.
She waited patiently in his chambers while he finished up his court duties, then he came in. He didn't speak, but just changed out of his heavy court clothing into a lighter velvet gown.
The King gave her more wine, and she felt her head start to spin. He had some too, and then took her hand.
"How are you, my darling?"
"Fine, my Lord,"
"Tabitha, have you ever been kissed before?"
"No my Lord, just by my parents."
"Come here then and I will show you how nice it can feel."
Tabitha moved closer to him, he was on his huge bed and had taken off his robe.
He gently kissed her, and then started to touch her breasts. He told her to take off her dress, and she did, blushing furiously. He asked her to stand before him, naked from head to toe. She was embarrassed, and covered herself.
"Move your hand away, my sweet."
She stood here, shivering, naked and exposed. She could see his huge erection, and he sighed.