Chapter 1
Standing at my bedchamber window, I watched. The King, my father, had his knights out in the courtyard sparring, preparing for war. Information was brought to my father just last morn, announcing that the Scots were going to attack in a month’s time.
However, I wasn’t watching the knights because I wanted to join them. No, I was watching them because Sir Tanner was out there.
From the moment Sir Tanner was inducted into the Knighthood by my father, I was smitten. He had skin that had been kissed by the sun, hands calloused from hard work, a well muscled body, hair that fell in lush, golden waves to the top of his shirt collar, and piercing blue eyes that reminded me of the summer sky. He was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen.
Of course, all of the members of the knighthood were constantly roaming the castle grounds, and the castle itself. They were mostly running errands for my father, or were in meeting with him. I had my Princely duties of sitting in these meetings as well, in preparation for when the throne was mine. Needless to say, I was able to observe Sir Tanner a lot.
During these meetings between the knighthood and my father, I listened to them, of course, but at the same time, I could not help but memorize all I could of Tanner. The way his eyes had lines at the corners when he smiled or laughed, the wonderful dimple he wore in his left cheek when he smiled widely, and even the lines that formed between his brows as he concentrated on something all had me mesmerised. I unashamedly wanted this man.
Startled, I turned around to see William, my personal servant, enter the room. He sat down in my desk chair, pulled some parchment out of my desk, and proceeded to write. William had been assigned to me two years ago, but only in the company of others was he my servant. He was my greatest comrade and confidante. I told him anything and everything.
My father chose William to be my servant and protector because he was the biggest commoner among the kingdom. He was trained to fight, and fought well. He was a big man, tall and muscular, with black hair and eyes so dark, they looked black as well. He looked very intimidating, and I must admit, when he was first assigned to me, I was afraid of him. But, as we conversed and learned each other’s personalities, I realised there was no one I would rather have with me than him. He was kind and thoughtful, gracious and funny.
“Are you writing Miss Amelia?” I asked him then, and he smiled over at me.
“I am, but I will only deliver the letter if she agrees to me tonight.”
“So, you’re asking her, then?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.
“Yes,” William smiled wider. “I received permission from both her father and His Majesty just this morn.”
“I am so happy for you, William,” I told him, and meant it. Miss Amelia was a very lucky woman.
“So,” William said, rising from the chair and laying the quill next to his letter. “What had you so captivated when I entered the room?”
Smiling, he walked to the window and looked out. I knew what he was seeing, and I could feel my face reddening. William knew of my preference for men, and of Sir Tanner in particular. Surprisingly, he accepted my choice and never slandered or ridiculed me. This was one of the many reasons I was so close to William; he never judged, and he kept my secret. If anyone learned of my preference, I would be executed, especially if my father knew. All sodomites were executed, royalty or not.
“Ahh, I see,” William jested, wiggling his eyebrows at me.
“William, stop,” I said quietly, walking away from the window. Sitting on my bed, I wrung my hands together. William watched me for a moment, then pulled the desk chair over in front of me.
“What’s wrong, my lord?” he asked softly, sitting on the chair and propping his elbows on his knees.
“Why must I want what I cannot have, William?” I asked dejectedly. “Tonight, at my birthday celebration, my father is expecting me to choose a maiden to court. After tonight, I have a month to decide and tell him.” Looking down, I whispered, “There is only one I want.”
William rested a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I know, and I have devised a plan for you two to be alone tonight.”
“What?” I asked, looking quickly up at William. “Surely you jest.”
“No,” William smiled. “As soon as you are finished eating, excuse yourself and go out of the ballroom into the hall. Your father will send me out there with you, and I will bring Sir Tanner.”
My eyes widened. “But Father will suspect-”
“He won’t,” William cut me off. “I will explain to His Majesty that I might need extra protection because of the festivities tonight. Thieves will be lurking around the castle.”
“They will,” I agreed. “That is a brilliant plan, William. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome, my lord,” William said with a smile. “Now, have a rest before the celebration and I will wake you in a bit so you can have a bath.”
Nodding, I moved fully onto my bed, settling against the pillows. William removed my shoes and sat them on the floor as I yawned. The heat of the day always made me drowsy.
With the assurance that he would be right outside the door, William took his quill, ink, and paper, and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. It wasn’t long until I was drifting off to sleep.
~~XO~~
Light blond curls were tickling my cheeks while we kissed. I was in heaven as the taste of Sir Tanner filled my mouth and his smell, musky and rich, invaded my nose. I was surrounded by him, and I wanted more. White roses from the gardens floated around us in the moonlight. Heaven must be like this.
Soft lips trailed down my spine mixed with a fullness I had never experienced before. Sir Tanner, filling me, was my Eden. Slowly, reverently, he thrusted, assaulting my ears with noises I gladly echoed.
Lying in the afterglow, we tangled together, with Sir Tanner’s damp curls against my equally damp chest. It was then that I heard the most beautiful words ever spoken.
“I love you, Braden.”
Snapping my eyes open, I looked down and quickly covered my straining hardness, easily visible with the light doeskin breeches I wore. My brow was damp, and I was trembling. Did I really have that dream? Gods, yes, I did, and it made my heart constrict in my chest knowing that it would never be reality. Or could it? I was heir to the throne. Why couldn’t I get what I wanted? I could always tell Father that I wanted Sir Tanner as my personal protection, along with William. If he cares for me as much as he says he does, could or would he refuse me? I didn’t think so.
Getting out of bed, I walked to the open window in hopes of a breeze to cool my flushed skin. There was none so I went back to sit on my bed. I felt as if I was in severe trouble. Every thought was tainted by Sir Tanner, and now my dreams were too. I could not concentrate on my duties, sitting in meetings and talks, helping my father, like this. Sir Tanner was unattainable, and I needed to stop these feelings and thoughts. If I did not, England would suffer.
Taking a deep breath, relieved that the hardness in my breeches was gone, I swore to myself right then that I would be the heir I was supposed to be. I would make my father proud and be the ruler he expects of me. Vowing to myself that I would be determined, I pushed my thoughts and feelings for Sir Tanner to the back of my mind. I would be alone, but I would be strong, and respected.
Rising from my bed, I went to the door and opened it, startling William. He looked at me with his hand on his chest. “My lord!” he exclaimed. “You frightened me! Are you well?”
“Yes, William. I just wanted to tell you I want my bath now.”
“As you wish, my lord,” William responded and I closed the door to my chambers. It wasn’t long before William knocked on my door, and I pulled it open to let him and the other servants in, each of them carrying buckets of steaming water. I sat in my desk chair, watching as they filed past, each of them nodding to me in turn. To them, they were getting a privilege, being allowed into my private chambers, and they acted as such. Watching them act like that did not make me feel superior. If I told my father that, he would scoff at me and tell me I should act like the heir I am supposed to be. My father was a pillock.
