Chapter 7
Maddoc woke up in a wonderful mood. He knew it was only because he held his beautiful, beloved princess in his arms. She tried to roll over as if she would leave but he tightened his grip on her, not wanting her to go. He knew when their day started, he would have limited time with her until it was over.
“Maddoc, I have to get up. Mrs. Owens will come for me soon, and we both have to go down to breakfast.”
“But I don’t want you to let you go. As soon as I do, I will not be able to hold you again until we retire for the evening.” Maddoc kissed the side of her face. “How shall I go all day without being able to kiss you.” He ran his hands down her body. “Do you think I can keep my hands off of you until late tonight?”
She turned and faced him. “I shouldn’t say it, but I am sure we could find a moment or two to hideaway for a few kisses. There are a lot of people about, but this is a large palace with extensive grounds. The weather hasn’t been very cold.”
He smiled down at her. “I don’t believe you visited the gallery on the third floor in the west wing while you were here? It is at the very end of the wing and barely anyone thinks to go there. There are many interesting portraits and statues there as well as some dark corners. One could get lost in it for hours, and no one would find them.”
Anwen laughed. “I think I might enjoy visiting it after lunch today. I should like to see portraits of your ancestors.”
“I haven’t been in a while so I might find my way up there. It will be good to get away from the crowds for a bit.”
He leaned forward and kissed her as his arms wrapped around her and brought her close. She kissed his jaw and then his neck before moving down leaving a string of kisses along his chest and stomach. Maddoc laid back and sighed, thinking after mornings like this, he defiantly could not imagine letting her leave without having her promise to be his wife.
He emerged from his room later feeling less dread than he thought he would at facing the day. He would have to deal with the Parvillian princess and others he didn’t wish to see, but with the remembrance of Anwen’s kisses and other attentions still fresh on his mind, he believed he could make it through until at least after lunch.
As he walked down the hall, he spotted Anwen and her mother walking close together, talking as they made their way towards the staircase. He hurried to catch up with them.
“Good morning, your majesty, your highness,” he said causing both women to stop and turn around.
The queen gave him a charming smile, her golden hair pulled up into a bun. Anwen gave him half a grin as she curtsied to him, her long wavy hair loose around her shoulders.
“Good morning, King Maddoc,” said Queen Eira. “I hope you slept well.”
“I had a very good night of rest.” He cut his eyes for one second at Anwen. “I hope you and the princess had a restful evening.”
“I did once I got to sleep,” said Anwen. “It is always hard to get settled into a new bed the first night. Once I did sleep, I found I slept very well.”
“My room is pleasant. I feel very refreshed this morning. The princess and I were just going to breakfast. It might be a little early, but we are both early risers.”
“I am going that way as well, please let me escort you both.” Maddoc moved forward as the two ladies split apart.
He offered one arm to each of them, and they took it. He smiled at the queen before looking down at Anwen and taking a deep breath. Her wonderful smell of lavender filled his senses, and he was taken back to their wonderful activities of the night before and that morning.
“I do hope breakfast is ready. I find myself quite famished this morning.” Anwen gave Maddoc’s arm a quick squeeze.
“It was probably your exertions of last night, princess,” he said as Anwen looked up at him quickly. “I believe you danced almost every dance.”
He enjoyed watching Anwen’s cheek blossom pink as the queen spoke. “You were very popular, my dear. I dare say more than you would like.”
“There will always be a few partners to have at a dance that are not enjoyable,” said Anwen. “It only makes me appreciate the pleasant ones more.”
“Did you have a pleasant partner or two last night, princess?” asked Maddoc.
“Oh, yes. I always enjoy dancing with Lord Elias. He might be the best dancer I have ever paired with. His conversation is delightful as well.” She glanced up at Maddoc with a smirk on her face.
“I know the lord enjoyed your company as well. He let me know how much in a very detailed way.”
Anwen laughed merrily, and he almost thought he heard the queen give a small chuckle. If she did, she composed herself quickly and said, “I am sure you enjoyed Prince Rillian too. I believe I saw you smile and laugh plenty with the young man.”
“Of course, I enjoyed dancing with him. He is nice to look at and a good dancer. He is easy to converse with.”
Maddoc frowned and sighed a little. “I do not know the prince. I shall have to spend some time speaking with him.”
“I think you will find that you will like him, your majesty,” said Queen Eira. “He is a very pleasant young man. I am not sure what his future plans are, but if it included my daughter, I believe he would take good care of her.”
“Mother,” said Anwen a little harshly. “I have no plans for the prince beyond friendship, and I am sure he feels the same.”
They walked down the stairs and towards the banquet hall where meals would be served during the entirety of the festival. They stopped at the door, and Queen Eira let go of Maddoc’s arm. “We will see, my dear. You know all I want is for you to be truly happy and taken care of. You will have a large burden someday, and I want you to have proper support.” She looked up at Maddoc.
“I am sure whoever wins your charming daughter’s heart could do nothing but all it took to see that she has all that she needs. I can’t imagine any man not wanting the princess to be truly looked after.”
The queen smiled a little. “I wish the same for you, King Maddoc. You have a large responsibility for your kingdom. I hope you find a queen that will see to helping your rule well.”
“I believe I am well on my way to finding what I need, your majesty.”
The queen nodded. “I will go find a place to sit. Perhaps I shall spend a bit of time with your mother since she is already down, King Maddoc.”
She turned and walked away from them as Maddoc looked down at Anwen. “I can never tell if your mother likes me.”
“She likes you very much. Trust me, if she didn’t, she would let you know straight away. She is only concerned about my future.”
“I will have to find a way to show her your future is very secure with me,” said Maddoc.
“You shouldn’t say such things in public. Someone might hear you,” said Anwen though she was smiling up at him.
“I do not care. Perhaps it would hurry along the announcement I am desperate to make.”
“A few more weeks, my king,” said Anwen softly. “Now go and sit with your princess as she is looking over here as she whispers with my cousin. I suppose they have become quick friends.”
“And what shall you do with your morning?”
“I shall spend time with Lord Aidan, and then go start a task I promised Elias I would do.”
“What have you promised Elias?” asked Maddoc as Anwen let go of his arm.
“I will tell you later, but I think you would approve if you knew. Now go have a good morning. I hope to run into you later. Perhaps in the gallery?”
He nodded. “I wouldn’t miss any opportunity to see you.”
She curtsied and walked towards a table that held Lord Aidan. Maddoc took a deep breath and walked the length of the room to sit towards the front at a table with Princess Meira and Princess Gwendolyn.
“Good morning, my king,” said Princess Meira as he sat down.
“Good morning Princess Meira, Princess Gwendolyn,” replied Maddoc as he started filling his plate with food from the platters in front of him.
“Did my little cousin not wish to join us?” asked Gwendolyn.
“No, she wanted to spend time with Lord Aidan, I believe.”
“How did you happen to escort her and her mother this morning, anyway?” asked Princess Meira.
“We were all walking down to breakfast at the same time, and I offered. You must know how much I owe the princess.” Maddoc poured some tea.
“You should be careful showing attention to her, my king. Princess Gwendolyn believes her cousin might have a small infatuation with you. You do not want to raise hers or anyone else’s expectations with your friendly gestures.”
Maddoc took a sip of tea to give him a moment to compose himself. How badly he wanted to tell this woman just how much attention he wished he could show Anwen no matter who was watching. “I believe Princess Anwen knows exactly where I stand with her. I am not worried about showing her too much attention.”
“I suppose she does have enough suitors as it is. I know your Lord Elias singled her out for the first dance, and I can see Prince Rillian sitting by her now.” Prince Meira stretched to look over the people who were filling the hall.
“There is another as well,” said Princess Gwendolyn causing both princesses in front of him to giggle together.
“What do you mean?” asked Maddoc.
“Your uncle has asked my mother plenty of questions about Anwen. I see now how he watches her. I know he is a little older than her, but he is a prince of Calumbria. I suppose she could do worse.”
Maddoc put down his fork for a second and looked at Gwendolyn. “I am sure Prince Korben has no real interest in your cousin except friendship. He is almost twice her age.”
Gwendolyn shrugged as she swallowed her food. “People with much bigger age gaps have married before. My mother has talked of the match favorably, and I believe wishes to speak with my aunt about it soon.” Gwendolyn suddenly laughed and looked at Princess Meira. “That means she would be your aunt.”
Meira laughed as she reached out to touch Maddoc’s arm. “Oh dear, that would be awkward. Wouldn’t it, my king? But I suppose we shall have to see what will happen. Perhaps she will be able to catch the continued interest of Prince Rillian or even Lord Elias. Though for your sake, dear Gwendolyn, I know it would be better if she married Prince Korben.”
“You aren’t supposed to speak of it, Meira. Even if she does marry him, she could still claim her crown.”
Maddoc couldn’t believe what he was hearing. First how dare Princess Meira assume he would marry her, and then could it be true that his uncle wanted to marry Anwen?
“I don’t know what either of you is speaking of, but my uncle has said nothing of it to me. You are forgetting that I am the King of Calumbria, and all final decisions about anything come from me. Princess Meira, please do not speak of our betrothal like it is settled. It is not and likely never will be. Princess Gwendolyn, I don’t pretend to know the workings of your kingdom, but from what I understand, Anwen will be your queen.” He stood up. “If you both will excuse me, I wish to take a walk and find a time to speak with my uncle.”
Maddoc stood up before either could respond. He walked from the room and out into the halls of the palace. He met several people as they walked toward the banquet hall, but he was in no mood to speak with any of them. There was only one man he wanted to speak with, and it would not be a pleasant conversation. He finally found his uncle coming towards him walking with Princess Roslyn.
“Your majesty, why aren’t you at breakfast?” asked his uncle.
“I was looking for you. I need to speak with you, now,” said Maddoc.
“Surely, it can wait until after the meal is over, or join me and Princess Roslyn at a table. You can talk over your matter there.”
Maddoc looked at the princess. She gave him a cold stare. He did not like her, and the feeling seemed to be mutual. She had kicked him out of the palace in Awbrey after all. “I am sorry, uncle, but this cannot wait, and I need it to be private. You will walk with me to my study, now.”
His uncle stared at him for a moment but then gave a slight bow. “Yes, your majesty. Princess, I shall join you at breakfast in a moment.”
She turned and smiled at him before giving Maddoc a short curtsey and walking towards the banquet hall. Maddoc moved towards his study, his uncle following in his wake. Once he made it to the room, he opened the door and strode in, moving behind his large desk. His uncle closed the door and walked over to stand in front of the desk.
“Now, what is this about?” asked Prince Korben.
“Do you have intentions towards Princes Anwen, uncle?”
Prince Korben blinked a few times before clearing his throat. “I have told you how very enchanting I find her. I have also mentioned I would see to her being taken care of. I have not hidden my admiration of her from you.”
“You think you can actually marry her?” asked Maddoc leaning forward on his desk.
“I may have some plans in motion to secure her hand, but nothing is settled. I don’t need your permission to marry, so I don’t see how this concerns you.”
“You know very well how this concerns me,” said Maddoc angrily. “Let me be very clear; you will never marry Anwen. It is impossible, as she is as good as betrothed to me.”
“Has an announcement been made that I have missed, your majesty?”
“You know there hasn’t because I promised Queen Eira and my mother that I would wait until the end of the Winter Festival. I am quickly seeing that I cannot wait. I am tired of dealing with Princess Meira, and I will not let you even try to impose on Anwen.”
“What does the princess say? Is she ready to declare her intent to marry you?”
Maddoc hesitated. He believed Anwen wanted to marry him. She had said she did, but she also said she wanted to wait. She wanted to see the deal he had made with her mother through.
“I take it she is not ready, then. She is wiser than you are. I knew she was, but this shows it.” The prince took a deep breath and gave Maddoc the closest thing to a kind smile he had ever seen on his uncle’s face. “Maddoc, I know you think you love the woman, and I am sure you are fond of her, but you must see you cannot marry her. She knows it. She may not admit it, but she knows it. She may not want to give you up, but in the end, she will do what she knows is right.”
“I believe she will as well, uncle. She will choose to be with me because it is the only thing that is right. No matter what, I know she shall not choose you.”
“She is a princess, Maddoc. She will do as she is told by her mother and queen. She will do what is best for her kingdom. You seemed to have learned much from her. Perhaps you should learn that lesson as well.”
“You think her mother will approve of you as a husband? You think she would force her daughter to marry you?” Maddoc shook his head. “You are don’t understand what a loving mother is like. The queen loves her daughter, and she will not do something that would make Anwen so unhappy.”
“I do not believe I will make the princess unhappy, not in the end. I will provide her with a stable home. I will treat her very well and see to helping to secure her kingdom.”
“What of love, uncle? What of feelings? Anwen will not marry where her heart is not attached.”
“She will when she sees what she thinks her heart wants is not an option.”
Maddoc closed his eyes. How could he make this man understand? “I will not marry Princess Meira. I will marry no one but Anwen.”
“Very well, your majesty. I cannot change your mind, and you cannot change mine. At the end of this Winter Festival, I believe both of us will be betrothed. I guess we will see how it plays out.”
“Know this, uncle, I am destined to be with Anwen. It is my wish and hers. I am very secure in her attachment to me.”
“Then you should have no issue with me or any other man spending time with her. If you are so secure in your future with the princess, then why are you even bothering to argue with me?”
“I worry what you will do to get what you want. I warn you, if you hurt her in any way, or try to force her hand, it will not end well for you. I do not wish to be at odds with you, uncle, but she will come before anyone or anything.”
“She is in no danger from me. Now, can I go eat breakfast, your majesty?”
“If we are clear, then you can go.”
His uncle gave a small smile. “I believe we are very clear, my king. I wish you luck in getting what you want, but I really hope you get what you and Calumbria need.”
Maddoc sat down heavily in his chair behind his desk as his uncle walked out. He was sure Anwen wanted to be with him. All he had to do was convince her to let him announce their betrothal. He knew he had made a promise to Queen Eira, but the only thing that mattered was securing Anwen’s hand. Once she was officially tied to him, he could do everything in his power to keep her safe.
He tried to stay away from others for most of the morning. He spent some time in his study looking over some correspondence he had received about the southern area of the kingdom. His lords from his council were doing what they could, but there was much to be done. There were many without adequate housing, and the southern lords were not being very helpful. It was suggested Maddoc might need to make the trip down himself to speak with the southern lords. He hoped it could wait until after the Winter Festival or at least until things were settled with Anwen.
At lunchtime, he could hide away no more. He went to the hall and found Elias sitting at a table with a few other young lords. Maddoc sat down next to Elias as the lord poured him a cup of wine.
“Where have you been all morning?” asked Elias as he stared at something in the distance.
“Working. Just because it is a festival it does not mean things in the kingdom stop,” said Maddoc trying to see what Elias was looking at.
“True, though perhaps you had other motives as well. Your Parvillian princess has asked me twice where you might be. I warn you, she spent some time talking with Princess Anwen, and she did not look pleased with the conversation.”
Maddoc gave a short laugh. “She probably could not intimidate Anwen as she thought she could.” He looked at Elias. “What are you looking at?”
“Your princess is performing a task for me, and I am wondering how it is going. She’s just over there at that table.”
Maddoc looked to see Anwen between Lady Alys and Lady Lona. They were both looking at Anwen as she talked animatedly. “What is it she is doing for you?”
“She is getting to know the two women I am courting. I want her opinion on who I might take as I wife. I can barely get the ladies to talk to me, but I thought they might open up to the princess.”
Maddoc shook his head. “Can you not decide between the two of them? I am not sure that bodes well for a happy marriage with either of them. Perhaps you should drop them both.”
“I might, but Lady Alys is very lovely and comes from a very good family. Lady Lona is very rich and not too bad to look at. One of them might do very well if I could get to know them at all. I am usually very able to draw out young ladies, but these two seem scared to do something to displease me. I need to know if it is natural shyness or something else that will entrap me with some shrew.”
“I cannot feel sorry for you, Elias. Once you make your choice there is nothing in your way to marrying the woman you want. I am not sure I approve of you drawing the princess into your schemes, but if she is willing, I suppose I shall allow it.”
“Am I supposed to feel sorry for you, my king?” asked Elias softly so he would not be overheard. “You have captured the heart of one of the most impressive women I have ever met. You talk of difficulties, but in the end, you are assured of a very happy marriage to a very amiable woman.” Elias took a sip of wine. “I imagine she is very passionate as well, but I don’t suppose you will give me any details.”
“No, I will not.” Maddoc watched Anwen for a moment as she made both women laugh. “My road to happiness is not assured. I found out something today that makes me wish I could get Anwen to agree to announce our betrothal this very moment, but she will want to fulfill her mother’s request.”
“What did you find out?” asked Elias as he turned to look at Maddoc.
“I’d rather not say at the moment. I need to keep my head about me in front of all our guests, but the news is what made me hide in my study all morning.”
“That bad?” Elias poured some more wine into Maddoc’s cup.
“You have no idea,” said Maddoc as he took a long drink.
Maddoc sat at the table eating and talking with Elias until he saw Anwen get up from her table. He watched as she walked out of the room, stopping a few times to speak with her mother, Brennan, and Prince Rillian. Once she was gone, Maddoc looked at Elias.
“I have to go, Elias. If someone asks where I am, tell them I am either resting or working in my study. Let them know I will be occupied until supper,” said Maddoc as he stood up.
“I think I can guess who you will probably be spending your time with, and I owe her. Therefore, I will make sure your presence is not missed the best I can. I will make sure no one disturbs you until supper.”
“Thank you, my lord.”
“Enjoy your afternoon, your majesty.”
“I believe I shall,” said Maddoc as he walked off.
He hurried from the room before anyone could delay or follow him. As he walked through the entry hall, he made sure no one was behind him. He saw Matthias looking at him as he stood by a wall. Maddoc walked over to him.
“I have plans to tour the gallery with a special guest this afternoon. Can you make sure I am not disturbed?”
Mathias nodded. “Of course, your majesty. I can close off that end of the wing if you like, though I doubt anyone ventures down there.”
“Just watch for anyone who might be snooping around looking for me. I do not wish to be found, at least for a little while.”
Matthias nodded again, and Maddoc walked quickly up the stairs. When he got to the third floor he turned to his left and walked down the long hallway past many doors. He eventually came to a set of double doors. He looked behind him to make sure no one was around before opening one and stepping in. He started walking around the large space, trying to find Anwen. It was so quiet and rather dark due to the cloudy skies outside. He turned corner after corner, even whispering her name in an effort to find her.
He finally spotted her at the very end of one side of the gallery. She was looking up at an old, large portrait that was visible due to the weak light from a nearby window. Maddoc walked over to stand next to her and looked up at the painting. It was a man and woman. Obviously, they were a king and queen as they both wore robes and crowns. The man looked much like the other kings in the gallery with dark hair and blue eyes. The woman was very pretty with dark blonde hair and deep brown eyes. They both looked very young in the painting.
“Maddoc, do you think this could be the life-giver from Lucidala that came and fell in love with the son of the king?”
Maddoc stepped a bit closer to the painting but could find no plague telling him who they might be. “I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”
“She looks like someone from Lucidala with her hair and eyes. If she truly married the prince and became the queen, it would make sense that she would be here somewhere with her king. I confess, as soon as I walked in here, I only looked for two paintings. Once I found the first one, I searched until I spotted one like this.”
“I am not sure if this is the queen from Lucidala. Until you told me of her coming to my kingdom as a life-giver, I had never heard the tale. It was over five hundred years ago, correct?”
“Yes, we sent her to help with sickness in your kingdom, but she stayed because she fell in love. Your kingdom was to send back a daughter or son eventually. A princess was born with the Gift, but she disappeared. Your kingdom shunned us after that until recently.”
“Perhaps it is her. She is very lovely as are most Lucidalans I have met, especially their princess,” said Maddoc as Anwen turned and smiled at him. “What was the other portrait you looked for?”
“The one of your father. I wished to know what he looked like. You look much like him, though I think you have your mother’s smile. I have not seen her smile very often, but when she does, she reminds me of you.”
Maddoc took her hand. “One day your portrait shall be in this gallery.” He pulled her close and ran his fingers through her long hair. “I will insist that at least most of your hair is down.”
“It wouldn’t be very proper for an official portrait. I wear it down too much as it is. I am sure most of your visitors think I am rather wild.”
“I would never see it up if it were my choice,” said Maddoc as he moved her hair off her shoulder. “Except on occasion I do like to see your lovely neck and have easy access to it.” He bent down and placed a kiss on her exposed neck as her hand played with his hair.
She gave a small laugh. “How long do you think you can disappear in here?”
Looking up at her he put his hands behind her back and tried to find a way to undo the back of her dress. “I told Elias to make sure everyone knows I am busy or resting until supper. I asked Matthias to make sure no one disturbs us in this part of the palace.”
He found a few buttons at the top of her dress and undid them as she stared at him. He found the ties of her dress, and she moved very close to him, putting her hands on his chest. “I should probably stop you. You will grow tired of my favors quickly if I let you have access to them whenever you want.”
He stopped for a moment and brought one hand up to cup her cheek. “I will never tire of loving you, Anwen.” He kissed her softly as her hand moved up his chest. He rested his forehead against hers. “You must be my wife. I cannot accept any alternative. Tell me you want to marry me.”
“You know I want to marry you, Maddoc. I have told you many times.”
“Then, let me announce it tonight. I will speak to your mother first. I will convince her there is no other way. The Parvillians can grumble as much as they like. They can leave for all I care.”
She shook her head lightly against his. “What about some of your lords who will be angry? What about your mother and uncle? Maddoc, I do love you, but I have to be sure this is what is best for you. I cannot let me be the reason you are hurt in any way.”
“You could never be the reason for anything bad, Anwen. Even if I have to endure some pain and annoyances, it will be worth it, if I have you. My mother will come around. I know she will. I am close to throwing my uncle out as it is. He wants you for himself.”
She did not seem to be surprised. She stood up a bit and nodded. “I had a feeling he had some plans for me. He has let me know in many ways. I have tried to ignore them, but I will have to be more forceful.”
“If you are officially betrothed to me, it will not matter how much he tries to inconvenience you because I can be at your side almost constantly. Once we are married, I can send him away.”
“You said there was trouble in your kingdom. There is disease in the north and unrest in the south, is there not? Right now would not be a good time for you to aggravate your lords and uncle.”
“What can I do to convince you, Anwen? I will do anything within my power to make you see I need you by my side forever.”
“Do you see an end to the unrest in your kingdom any time soon?”
“I have sent many supplies and healers to the north. I believe the situation is already improving. I have lords in the south working to end the unrest and help those who are without housing. It is not going as well as I like, but I believe it can be worked out before too long.”
She nodded. “Give me more time to convince my mother. I can do it. I think I can easily get the Dunnes to accept it as Lord Aidan already believes we shall be wed. You work on the situation in your kingdom and try to settle something with the Parvilians. I do not wish for them to oppose you because you spurned their princess. You can even try to speak with your mother. I know everything can never be perfect, but I want us to do all we can to prepare.”
He sighed. “You will marry me though, won’t you? Tell me before long, you will agree to be my wife.”
She kissed him. “I cannot be without you, so I will give you my promise. If by the end of the festival, you still want to marry me, you can announce our betrothal. We will deal with whatever consequences we have to.”
He smiled before he kissed her. “I will always want to marry you, Anwen. If I have your promise, it is enough for me. You must be careful, though. I am not sure what my uncle has planned, but he seemed confident.”
“Men often think they can get whatever they want from a woman, but I am strong. My mother will not force me into anything. You have my promise, Maddoc, and I will not go back on it.”
“Then you will be my queen,” he said as he pulled her close to him and started pulling down her dress.
“I will, and you will truly be my king.”
“I already am,” he whispered into her ear as he finished pulling down her dress.
She kissed him as they collapsed on the floor together. Maddoc believed he could face almost anything as long as he truly had her promise.