Chapter 5

Maddoc paced a little at the front of the banquet hall. As groups arrived, they would come in to be announced and greeted by him, his mother, and his uncle. He had arrived first, anxious to start accepting the visitors and hoping one party was early so he could, at last, see Anwen. It had been a hard week dealing with the Parvilian princess. The more time he spent with her the less he liked her.

She was beautiful and intelligent. She could be charming, but underneath it all, Maddoc saw who she really was. She was a spoiled woman who was used to getting what she wanted. Even though she spoke with him constantly and flattered him, Maddoc knew she had no real feelings for him. He wasn't sure if she was even capable of feeling much at all. She only wanted to marry Maddoc because of his position of power.

She was not who he wanted as a wife, and he didn't care how perfect his mother said she was for him. He listened to her reasons, telling him a wife like Princess Meira would help him make hard decisions. She would help him deal with the higher lords of the kingdom as she was raised to know how to navigate a difficult court. His mother told him he would have to be heartless in some of his commands for the good of the kingdom. She believed Princess Meira would help harden him to that reality.

Maddoc didn't believe any of it. He knew he would have to make difficult decisions, and who was better than Anwen to help him? She had been making hard decisions for her kingdom for years. He knew Anwen could charm anyone, even the most snobbish lord. Above all he knew Anwen was kind and cared about everyone in her kingdom, high and low. He refused to believe he would ever have to be heartless in his commands. With Anwen's help, he could be a king who looked out for all his people.

"You seem unsettled, your majesty," said Matthias as he stood to the side.

"I am, and I am sure you know why, Matthias. I am not sure how I will graciously meet all the people coming, knowing there is only one I wish to see."

"You will do it because it is your duty. I think your princess is worthy of a king who does his duty, don't you?"

Maddoc laughed a little. "You are becoming bold with your king."

"I only wish to serve you, your majesty. If you do not want my advice, you can let me know. I will stand silent and only watch out for your safety."

"No, I like it better when you tell me the truth. I wish more people would speak the truth to me. It would help me run the kingdom if the lords didn't keep secrets."

"I am sure many kings before you had wished that, but it is not human nature. You will have to learn how to find the truth even when it is hidden by lies and pretty words."

"Very true, Matthias, and hopefully I will have a wise queen soon that can help me." Maddoc stopped pacing and adjusted his shirt and crown. "Here comes mother and uncle. I suppose it is almost time to begin."

"Back to standing silently and watching. Take courage, your majesty. You will see your princess soon."

"You look well, my king," said his mother as she took her place by his side. "You seem to have taken care with your dressing today."

"We are greeting the most important people in our land, mother. Shouldn't I look like the king that I am?"

"You should," said his uncle. "I hope you will act like it as well. The Parvilian princess will stand with you today. People need to get used to seeing her by your side."

Maddoc rolled his eyes. "That is nonsense. All you will do is start talk that will come to nothing. I am doing as you both asked and getting to know the woman, but I find she is not to my taste."

"Your taste doesn't matter much," said his uncle. "I believe you have shown you can bed almost any attractive woman no matter her station or attitude. You should have no trouble producing an heir with the princess which will be the main duty you will have with her."

The queen took a loud breath. "She will improve once she is secure of your affections and her future, Maddoc. Do not dismiss her yet. She is trying to impress you and show you she is capable of being a great queen. Once you are both settled as man and wife, she will not try so hard, and you will like her better."

"I will not try to speak reason to either of you today as I don't think it will do any good, but I do not wish for you to be surprised when I pick another to be my queen. It is my decision in the end, and I will follow my heart." Maddoc looked up as the door opened and the Parvilians walked in.

"That is nonsense, but we will speak of it another day," said his uncle, putting on a smile. "Today you will do your duty and greet all your guests with your Princess Meira at your side. There will be no sneaking off or showing particular attention to anyone specific."

"Do not worry, uncle. You will find no cause for complaint today." Maddoc tried to smile as Princess Meira walked up to him.

"Good day, my king," she said with a pretty curtsey. "I am very happy to help you receive your visitors."

Maddoc said nothing as his mother stepped forward a little. "And we are all thrilled to have you with us. Stand here between me and the king. You both look very well together."

The princess beamed as the door opened to let in a large party. Maddoc looked up in interest, but it was not who he was waiting for. He greeted them and the many groups that came after. Before long, the hall was becoming full of people talking and laughing. Lunch was coming soon, and Maddoc was anxious that the Lucidalans had not made it. He hoped nothing had happened to detain them.

"Is that everyone?" asked Princess Meira. "I hope lunch is soon. I am starving."

"I think that should be just about all the groups expected," said Queen Evalin. "We could start bringing in the food."

"There is at least one left," said Maddoc's uncle. "The group from Lucidala is not here, and I would like to give them a little more time. I believe we owe them at least that."

Maddoc looked at his uncle in surprise to see the man adjusting his own shirt. He smoothed back his hair and looked at Maddoc.

"I am surprised you noticed, uncle."

"I am anxious to see the princess again. I enjoyed my conversations with her while she was here this fall. I hope to spend much of my time with her. I told you she and her kingdom would be taken care of, and I will see to it. I have been writing her aunt, Princess Roslyn."

"You have?" asked Maddoc. "Whatever for?"

"Just to keep improving relations, my king. Do not worry. All will be well."

Maddoc opened his mouth to inquire further when the talk in the hall died down a little. He looked over towards the door to find many in the crowd staring. He could soon see why. The Lucidalans were an attractive party and many in the room had never seen them. Maddoc stepped forward a bit and saw the Queen leading the way with Anwen only slightly behind her.

Queen Eira looked radiant in a red and gold gown. Her golden hair was pulled up, and her jeweled crown set perfectly on her head. Many men in the crowd young and old seem to follow the queen's movements with their eyes. Maddoc knew the other members of their group were also impressive in their looks and dress, but once he turned his eyes on Anwen, he could not look anywhere else. She was even more lovely than he remembered.

She was clothed in red and gold to match her mother. Her golden wavy hair was down and flowed all around her, reaching almost to her waist. On her head was a golden tiara with red jewels. She was looking up at him, her honey-colored eyes wide and shining. Every part of him itched to jump off the raised dais he was on and run to her. He wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her. He wished he could take her from the room and spend every moment with just her. He moved forward a little more as the princess next to him put her hand on his arm.

"Is that the Lucidalans?" she asked.

Maddoc turned for a moment and looked at her. He nodded before turning back to look at Anwen.

"And which one is Princess Anwen? Is it the tall young lady with blonde hair next to that man?"

"No, that is Princess Gwendolyn. Princess Anwen is next to her mother, Queen Eira, in the front."

"Do you mean that little creature with too much hair?" Princess Meira laughed a little. "I met the princess when we were children. I don't think she has grown at all since then. She still looks like a child."

Maddoc sighed loudly but mostly ignored her. He kept his focus on Anwen as the group was introduced while they stood in front of him. They all curtsied and bowed, and Maddoc returned them with his own bow.

"Welcome, Queen Eira," he said pulling his gaze off of Anwen and looking at the queen.

"We are very pleased to be here, King Maddoc. My court and I are looking forward to your Winter Festival."

"It is very good to see you again and your daughter," said Maddoc.

"It is good to see you as well, your majesty," said Anwen with a smile. "I hope you have been well."

"Mostly," said Maddoc.

"I am very happy you have come, princess," said Prince Korben causing Maddoc to look at his uncle. "I hope you will enjoy your time here."

"I am sure I will. Everyone was very gracious and welcoming last time. I am looking forward to renewing all the friendships I made before."

"Here is someone I believe you might know," said Queen Evalin. "I would like to reintroduce you to Princess Meira of Parvillia.

"It is nice to see you," said Queen Eira. "I look forward to seeing your father as well. I have not seen him in years."

"He is just over there, your majesty," said Princess Meira. "I will take you to him now and speak with your lovely daughter. I do remember her."

"I remember you as well," said Anwen. "I will be happy to renew our acquaintance."

Princess Meira walked off the dais and to Queen Eira. Anwen gave Maddoc a long look before she walked off with the princess, their court following them. Maddoc's mother called for lunch soon after and platters of food were brought out as everyone found a seat amongst the many tables set up. Maddoc walked around speaking with different people. He kept his eyes open for Anwen, hoping to be able to speak with her for just a few moments.

He found the table where many of the Lucidalans were sitting. He was surprised to find Queen Eira sitting next to King Brone as they ate. He saw that Princess Meira was sitting by Princess Gwendolyn and both seemed to be chatting happily. He nodded at Lachlan but did not see Brennan or Anwen.

"Would you like to sit with us, my king?" asked Princess Meira. "I am sure we could make room."

"No, thank you. I should move on and speak with others. Enjoy your lunch." Maddoc hurried along before she could insist further.

He moved from table to table, stopping a few times to exchange words with those he knew. He was greeted by Elias in the middle of the room.

Elias moved very close to him. "If you are looking for your princess, she is on the left side of the door. I had hoped to eat lunch with her but found her very well attended at the moment."

"Attended by whom?" asked Maddoc.

Before he could answer, Elias was approached by a young lord and lady. Maddoc left him to his conversation and walked over to the left side of the room. He finally spotted Anwen sitting at a table with the king from Bellican. She sat between her friend Brennan and a young man, Maddoc couldn't place. He hadn't been with the Bellican king when he was announced.

"King Maddoc, come meet my wayward son," said King Garreth of Bellican. "I begin to think he was lost before he walked in with that wonderful group from Lucidala."

Maddoc looked down at Anwen who grinned at him. "Princess Anwen, you didn't rescue another traveler, did you?"

"She did," said the young man next to her. "I am Prince Rillian, your majesty, and I believe you and I have something in common now. We both owe our safety on the road to this charming and beautiful princess."

"It might become a full-time activity for me, rescuing young royalty on the open road. Perhaps instead I shall travel kingdom to kingdom and teach young men proper defense and safety so I can prevent such things in the future."

"I believe you do enjoy instructing young men, princess. I had plenty of your lessons on our travels," said Maddoc.

"Which I am sure you grew tired of," said Anwen shaking her head. "I am not sure I am a very good teacher."

"I believe you are, princess," said Prince Rillian. "You taught me much just in the past two days, and I look forward to your further instruction."

King Garreth laughed. "If she can turn you into something presentable, Rillian, I will call her a miracle worker."

"Father, I am not even sure someone as gifted and lovely as this princess could save my brother," said the king's oldest son, Robert.

"I would like her to try," said the king. "I hope I can convince you, Princess Anwen."

Anwen laughed. "I find Prince Rillian is already a gallant prince and amusing man. He just needs some polishing around the edges. He is young so there is hope."

"Perhaps the right woman would finish him off correctly," said Prince Robert as he glanced at his father.

Maddoc did not like anything that was happening before him. Prince Rillian was much too familiar with Anwen, and the king and older prince seemed to be encouraging it. Anwen did not seem to be opposed to the prince's attention, but what did he expect her to do? He tried to control his breathing and keep a smile on his face.

"King Maddoc, I see you have found Princess Anwen. I have been looking for her myself," said Prince Korben as he walked up to the table.

"Would you both like to join us?" asked King Garreth. "There is room."

"I will be happy to join you, but I am sure my king needs to move on and speak with his other guests. It is his festival after all." Maddoc's uncle turned and gave him a meaningful look.

"Yes, I will need to speak with others before I eat. I am pleased to meet you Prince Rillian." Maddoc paused and looked at Anwen. "I hope to spend much time with you all as the festival goes on."

He moved on, trying to speak with many of his guests. His gaze repeatedly went to the back left corner, trying to see Anwen. It was not right that he was not by her side. Now that she was there, it was torture to not be able to touch her or speak with her. He kept reminding himself soon he would be able to greet her properly. He could kiss her and show her just how much he had missed her.

Lunch finally ended and the groups started to disperse to settle into their rooms. Maddoc took the opportunity to rest in his room for a bit. As he walked towards the stairs, he happened to see Anwen not far ahead of him, speaking with her mother. He quickened his pace to catch up with them.

"You are sure you do not need a servant, Anwen?" asked Queen Eira as she walked with her daughter. "I can certainly spare one of mine. Gwendolyn does not need two either."

"I am perfectly fine, mother. I have been ensured I will have someone from the palace staff to see to my needs."

Her mother looked like she would say more to her daughter when she looked behind her at Maddoc. "King Maddoc, I hate to put an additional burden on your staff during this busy time. I can provide a servant for my daughter. You do not need to trouble anyone."

"It is no trouble, your majesty. My head of household wishes to see to the princess. I could not run this palace without Mrs. Owens so she must have her way. She became fond of Princess Anwen from her last visit." Maddoc moved up a little more so he was walking between Anwen and her mother.

"If you are sure, then I suppose it will do, but if Mrs. Owens finds she cannot give time to my daughter, please let me know. I am happy to see to all her needs."

"As am I, Queen Eira," said Maddoc with a small smile. "I want Princess Anwen to have her every wish and need met. She will not be a burden on me or my staff, ever."

"Very well, though I do wish she were closer to me and the rest of my court." They walked up the stairs and stopped at the second floor. "I see she is here on this floor, and I and the rest of my group are on the third."

"I am sure Mrs. Owens thought I would be more comfortable here in the room I am used to, mother. Also, as large as this palace is, it does not have infinite rooms. I was probably placed here out of necessity."

"Let me see you settled in," said Queen Eira.

"No," said Anwen quickly. She glanced at Maddoc before smiling at her mother. "I mean you must be tired and have your rooms to see to. I am sure Mrs. Owens is waiting for me. All I wish is to clean up a little and rest for a few hours until the opening ball tonight. As you said the other day, mother, I am a grown woman and can take care of myself."

The queen hesitated but then nodded. "Alright. I will come to your room before the ball so we can go down together. I might come a little early as there is much, I wish to talk of with you."

Anwen nodded. "I will see you soon, mother."

The queen made her way up the stairs as Anwen looked at Maddoc while others passed them.

"Can I escort you to your room, princess? I believe we are headed the same way." He offered his arm to Anwen.

"I am happy to walk with you, my king," she said quietly as she took his arm.

Maddoc closed his eyes for a moment, fighting the urge to pull her close. There were people all around, and who knew when Princess Meira would seek him out. He didn't care if anyone knew of his feelings for Anwen, but he would not like her to be a target of Princess Meira's anger or anyone else's until they were safely betrothed. As they walked closer to Anwen's room, the people around them lessen. Anwen was softly moving her hand on his arm. He pulled her a little closer as he took a deep breath. He breathed in her familiar lavender scent.

"I hope you will rest well, princess," said Maddoc as they arrived at her door. "Feel free to dismiss Mrs. Owens as soon as you like."

"I plan to send her away directly. I know she must have many things to do, and there is not much I need."

He nodded as he let go of her arm. She looked at him before she opened her door and disappeared into her room. Maddoc hurried to his room. He walked in and immediately dismissed Evan, telling him to come back in a few hours to help prepare him for the ball. Maddoc took off his crown and carefully placed it on a nearby table.

He looked in his mirror to make sure his hair was in place. He stalled for a few minutes, pacing his bedroom, waiting for Anwen to have time to greet Mrs. Owens and dismiss her. When he could wait no more, he lit a candle from the fireplace and opened the panel on his bedroom wall.

He walked through the dark passageway until he came to the end. Pushing open the wall, he looked out. He couldn't see or hear anyone. He opened the wall a bit more and stepped out. As soon as he blew out his candle and put it down, he became aware of Anwen leaping towards him. She threw herself into his arms and he caught her, immediately kissing her lips.

"My love," he groaned as they separated for a moment. "It has been much too long."

"I have missed you, my king," she said breathlessly before he closed the gap between them and kissed her again.

He had thought to spend time speaking with her. He had planned to wait until the evening to love her so he could have plenty of time, but as her hands went under his shirt, he found his raising her skirt. She pulled him to her bed, and they both fell upon it, Maddoc hovering over her as he kissed her.

She arched up as Maddoc moved his hands to her back. He unlaced her gown as well as he could before moving it down as he kissed her neck. She helped him take off his shirt as he sat up.

"Anwen, are you sure?" he asked as he looked down at her. As lovely and tempting as she looked, he wasn't sure he could stop if they went much further.

"I am very sure, my king. I cannot wait a moment longer. You can think me quite wicked if you would like."

"No," he said as he leaned down and kissed her. "I think you are everything good, my love. There is nothing I want more than to love you at this moment."

"You told me in your letters you would show me the thoughts you had of me while we were apart. I have been looking forward to your attentions for a while."

"Anwen, if I am going to truly show you it will take much longer than we have now."

She laughed a little as her hands moved down his body. "You can get a good start this afternoon and finish your demonstration tonight after the ball."

He went back to kissing his way down her neck and beyond as he pulled down the bodice of her dress with one hand while pulling up her skirt with the other. He spent the afternoon loving her, hoping she knew all he had to show her could not be done in just one day. He planned to spend a lifetime showing his love for her, and he doubted even that would be enough.