This was originally set to be a stand alone tale, however so many asked or rather begged me for some more, and I realized this short story has a few episodes in it yet. I really enjoyed writing this, it's easy when I have a huge crush on Varian.
The Ride
Life went on as usual after my dalliance with the King. At least that's what I told myself. I served at his table, worked long hours, lived quietly in my modest quarters, and wondered if he would ever call on me again? I was after all in a state of shock for a few days afterward. Moving through my assigned tasks without ever being in the moment. This often caused me to be scolded by the housekeeper and the other maids. I found this unpleasant, for I had never liked confrontation however small. I did my best, and yet he filled my sleep, and my waking daydreams, this man larger than life. The most powerful man in the kingdom.
What had happened to me didn't really sink in until payday. I stood in line with all the other house staff waiting to receive my monthly stipend. The housemistress was a rather controlling woman, that we simply addressed as Mrs Miller. She was very formal, though I did know her first name was Katherine, but none of us underlings dared call her that. She was thin, with straight dark brown hair drawn back in a tight bun, her face constantly pinched in an expression of a scowl of disgust, or perhaps disapproval. She was difficult to please, something we all labored to do.
"This can't be right." I heard her say as I approached her for my payment. She again took up the pay list on her desk and squinted at the parchment that lay there. I was sure her eyes were bad, she seemed to endlessly peer at the dark inked figures that were listed there. I could see my name clearly written in black ink even from this distance. "I will have to speak with the paymaster," she finally announced looking confused and flustered, and I was turned away empty-handed. I sighed and hoped my parents would be able to survive until this issue was resolved.
Later that evening I was preparing to make my way to my room when Mrs Miller met me in the hallway. It had been a long and arduous day, and I hoped she had not stopped me for yet another of her lectures. I had ensured all my tasks were complete, and organized for my early rising tomorrow, and on seeing her there I once again ran my mental checklist of everything she had asked me to do before retiring. I could not think of a single task I had neglected.
The shadows were long and dark, as the candles and lamps were used far more sparingly in the servant's quarters than they were in the main palace. "Mary, your pay issue has been dealt with." That was all she said to me as she begrudgingly placed the heavy gold coins in my hand. I looked down, frozen, at the currency weighty in my palm, and then back at Mrs Miller as she gave me a look of scathing disapproval. Happily, she didn't say anything else but turned and departed down the darkened hallway. I stood there quietly alone, again listening to the loud beating of my own heart.
I usually earned ten silver coins a month. I sent eight home to my struggling family in Westfall and judiciously saved two. Three gold coins lay there, warm and heavy in my hand. A total sum of three hundred silver coins, well over a year's wages! I had always tried to better myself, I could do simple math and read unlike many of the servants here. With a start, I realized if I had not been able to read the King's note...This unusual circumstance may never have been...
Dwelling heavily on the merit of self-education I slowly meandered down the half-dark corridor to my room. It was located in the lower part of the castle, as were many of the servant's quarters. I was lucky though, mine had a pleasant if rather small window, just above garden height, where if I looked out I could see the flowers, and herbs swaying in the flowerbeds beyond.
I stared out of this window as I bounced the coins in my hand. They made a pleasing clink as I did so. I wanted to share my newfound fortune with my family, it was after all my first reaction. However, I realized, how would I explain my sudden acquisition of these riches? I had not even worked here for one year. It was not like I could even have feigned saving this amount of coin in such a short time. An admission that I possessed three gold, could easily see me branded as a thief. The more I thought about my situation the smarter it seemed to tell no one, at least not yet. Sighing at the complexity of my lot I secreted it away in the battered tin, along with my silver savings.
I slept fitfully still dreaming of him, wondering if I would ever see him again? Then admonishing myself for my foolishness.
Of course not. I was a serving maid, and I should never have looked at him so boldly in the first place!
*****
Life in the underbelly of the palace, beyond my clandestine interlude with the King, became difficult. It was not long before all the palace staff that I worked with were mired in gossip about me. They acted differently around me than they had before. They didn't meet my eyes, and I often caught them whispering my name in hushed voices. I had never been particularly close to anyone that I worked with. Coming from the desperation of Westfall I was a complete stranger in His Majesty's service. I had felt that I was at least accepted by the other serving girls, except perhaps Anne. She for whatever reason had never taken a liking to me, and after a time the feeling was mutual. We still had to work side by side, but much went unsaid between us.
I was uncomfortable and very isolated. It was the loneliest I had ever been, and I began to rue answering the King's late-night request. It seemed that now I was an outcast and the subject of lewd ridicule. Part of me dearly longed to return home, but I knew it was not a possibility. I was the only one keeping my family fed, a responsibility that hung heavy on my young shoulders.
However, all were not terrible toward me, and one man in particular was a blessing. Jerome the lead stable boy, whom I had become increasingly fond of. He was a year or two older than me. I had I confess liked him from the first. He had honest brown eyes that always smiled, a thick and unruly mop of sandy blond hair, and an easy way about him. Which put him in good stead as he handled the King's flighty war horses. Jerome was very young to be placed in such an important post. Further proof to me that he was responsible and kind. We had done nothing untoward; however, I had begun to let him know in no uncertain fashion that I was interested. He was accessible, very pleasing visually, and pleasant to be around. I was sure my family would be thrilled with such a match if it was to eventuate.
The other serving girls never volunteered to make the long walk to the stables. They complained it was far, that their shoes got ruined in the mud, and that the horses smelled. Though I didn't mind, I loved the stables and the noble animals housed there. Jerome would often give me a tour as I presented him and the other stable hands with their lunches. I would walk along the stalls gazing, and if I could attempt to pet the soft noses of the horses housed within.
Some were friendly but others were aloof. I wanted to stroke them all and hoped in time I could persuade even the shiest ones to trust me. I had always loved horses. Father had one of his own, he was a big heavy bay horse with a white blaze, white socks, and a flowing black mane and tail. He had told me that he was a retired war horse, his name was Mack. He pulled the plow that tilled the corn patch, and the family rode him everywhere.
I needed to return before Mrs Miller found yet another reason to admonish me. There was a lot of silver that needed to be polished and I particularly hated the task, but I know her displeasure at my absence would in all likelihood see me set this very duty before sunset. However, the stables drew me and I always procrastinated my leaving. I looked down and noticed the hem of my dress was soiled and wet, and the toes of my shoes were as well. I would have to try to spot-clean them later. It was a nuisance, but the stable visits were worth the extra work.
I was about to leave when I looked over into the end stall and noticed the most beautiful horse I had ever laid eyes on. He was a deep dark charcoal gray, as to almost appear black. He was large, some eighteen hands in height with a long lovely mane and forelock that covered his eyes and almost reached to his velvety nose. His tail flowed in wavy rivulets to brush the floor. I could not resist making one last friend, that damnable silverware could wait.
I tentatively put my hand in between the polished brass uprights. Hoping to beckon him over. The majestic horse's head shot up, and his ears pricked forward. He blew a loud puff of air from his nostrils and I was ill-prepared for his sudden exuberant forward charge in such a tight space, as he shot toward my outstretched hand. I pulled back in fright and almost fell ingloriously, and if it were not for Jerome who was standing right behind to catch my fall, I would have slipped painfully backward on the damp flagstones.
I looked down to see the young man's arms and his strong hands resting on the ever-so-slight curve of my belly, his strong fingers entangled in the folds of my crumpled dress. They were only there momentarily though, as I regained my feet and my decorum, as I brushed down my dress and turned, heat rising in my cheeks to face the young man who had saved me.
"That is Wraith." Jerome announced, looking almost as flustered as I felt. "He can be a little exuberant when he sees a new face. I'm sorry, I should have warned you. Wraith is one of the most important horses here in the stable. He's the King's primary warhorse, used in ceremony and in battle." I nodded, still fighting to compose myself, though I did find Jerome's concern and brief embrace more than enjoyable.
"He's stunning," was all I could bring myself to reply with as I turned to leave. The episode had left me rather flustered and somewhat breathless. However, I made sure to leave Jerome with one of my prettiest smiles and promised I would continue to deliver the daily lunches without fail. Jerome seemed pleased as was I.
*****
Jerome and his equine charges were the bright spot in my days, but the King still ruled my nights. I lay in my cot and often revisited the singular night of wanton passion I had experienced at his expert hands.
Why had I so easily surrendered myself, and walked into the veritable Lion of Stormwind's den?
However, there was no undoing my bold notion. All I could do was continue on.
I served him and his son nightly at his table, however he never did once glance at me. It seemed as though I had returned to have no more importance than a piece of furniture. I wondered how a man could do that. Share something so intimate and real, tell me of his troubles and deepest thoughts, and then treat me as though I did not exist? If I had been a finer lady I would have been angered, but as a serving maid what could I have expected? This was the reality of a girl like myself, I must accept it and move on. Kings didn't tarry with women like me, small folk. I would instead have to work harder for Jerome's affections. Marrying the stable boy would be my goal.
In the weeks that followed, as the summer turned to crisp fall color, splashes of orange and cadmium burgeoned amongst the pervading yellows and warm ochres. I did my best to let Jerome know of my interest, but I still received no more than the most cordial politeness from him. His reaction to my overtures was maddening.
