A Royal Romp!

[Snuggle Bunz]

A Royal Romp! (Prettymuch intended only for Redecker and myself)

Anne stood in the center of her lavish apartment, the grey stone walls were decorated with lovely woven tapestries, her windows a beautiful collage of stained glass and beneath her feet a rather exotic white bear fur rug. With all this she was utterly and completely miserable. Her feet were swollen and her back ached, her once heart shaped face was now more cherubic with the pudge of her condition settling in her cheeks; only her personal servant had dared, in all her infinite dimwitted wisdom, to call the Princess “adorrible”.

Anne had gained her pregnancy weight well, and it suited her, she was no taller than any average woman but her thick hips and heavy bosom managed to do more than put a strain on her seamstress’s creativity. Oh she had plenty of new frocks, but in recent weeks she had been feeling so laden with her burden that she had let in some of her husband’s cruel comments about her appearance. Anne threw back the thick braid of flaxen hair to let it settle between her shoulders, the tip tickling the nape of her back.

The princess frowned and stared at the door to her bedchamber, “I simply cannot bear one more minute locked away like some...some…bird!” She threw her hands up in exasperation, nearly backhanding the young woman standing beside her. “I was never so foolish as to think I could marry for love, but at the very least I had wished my husband would hold some fondness for me. I am little more than a despised pet!” She moaned while looking to Yvette her lady-in-waiting.

Not more than a year had passed since her family had received the arranged marriage proposal of King Othgar. She was of suitable breeding and fair in looks, the arrangement had gone through rather quickly though. She had been suspicious when she received her own apartment in the castle so hastily, but when it had taken a matter of months for her husband to bed her Anna had been all but devastated. The man quite literally had his head in the stars so often his hobby bordered upon obsession, but that wasn’t the worst of it. Prince Louis’s proclivities delved into areas that made Anne almost grateful for his. When she had taken his seed he had left her the castle staff to manage.

“Perhaps a walk your majesty? We could go to the stables and feed Arthur, it has been a few days and I am certain he misses you.” She chirped, with big brown eyes and mousey brown hair gathered back in a snood the servant was indeed charming in a simple manner.

“I do so miss riding…” Anne mused; it had been many months since she was permitted by the royal physician to do much more than loaf about her room. If he had his way she would be tied to her bed, but the man had learned which battles to fight with the fair haired princess. She now looked down to her swollen belly, heavy with child her past times had been taken away one by one, at least she could still dote upon her steed. “I think that will do Yvette, come help me with my gown lest I roll down the stairs.” She joked bitterly as the girl opened the chamber door and gathered the blue silk of the princess’s hemline to help her down the steps.
*****

In the dead of summer the sun was high and unforgiving, the specially made dress that Yvette had so dutifully assembled upon her Princess was now being plucked at, tugged out of shape and wrinkled while the sweltering pregnant woman fussed. Anne all but waddled the last yard to the stables before leaning against a post to suck in a steady breath. There was no way she could have cared any less that the stable hands were staring at her, she simply turned to her servant with a rather amusingly frustrated face. “I believe I will have a talk with my seamstress tomorrow, lighter fabric. I need lighter fabric.” She flapped the sleeves of her dress with a rather colorful and unladylike word that caused Yvette to gasp then giggle. “I’ll fetch some water your highness, then we can feed Arthur.” She bobbed a little curtsey.

“Oh! Perhaps you might bring a few of those dates and goat’s cheese with you?” Anne gave an almost guilty smile before Yvette nodded and took off. With a heavy sigh she pushed from the post and began moving towards her horse, upon seeing his mistress the ghostly gelding gave a little snort and stuck his head out of the stall. “Ah my love you look well.” She gathered his great face into her arms and pressed her cheek to his velvety nose.

Upon Yvette’s return Anne had bade a stable hand to bring her horse from his stall and had waddled, puffed and trudged her way to the middle of the pasture where a great tree stood. She had even managed to make it to the ground all by herself…in part…ok the boy had helped and there may have been some grunting involved. By the time Yvette had found her Mistress again Arthur was grazing contently and Anne was resting, now half propped up by cushions the servant had fetched.

A soft wind picked up the strands of gold that had escaped Anne’s braid, tickling her cheeks. “Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness but the cook wouldn't allow me to bring you your dates, he said that he would send a boy out for them shortly…I did nick some sweet biscuits and some cool water.” Yvette’s frustration was waved away by a pouting princess, she instead took comfort in the peacefulness of nature while the servant girl fussed over her and set up their impromptu picnic.

 

[Redecker]

The great castle kitchen was a hive of activity. Already the great effort of assembling the nightly banquet had begun; a staff of dozens swarmed about like bees, carrying sacks of vegetables, fetching kettle after kettle of water, and sifting whole sacks of flour. In the great hearth, teams of kitchen drudges were hoisting two whole bullocks onto the enormous iron spits.

Connor wasn't doing anything, or at least anything productive. The young man was leaning as casually as possible against a wall near the stairs, waiting for Becky to come up out of the wine cellar. Red-headed Becky, with that wicked smile and, if overheard gossip were to be believed, a wicked imagination... The cook had sent her for two gallons of sweet red for the sauce, and when she came struggling up the steps trying to clutch the two heavy ceramic winejugs, it was "here, let me give you a hand with that" time...

He ran his hand through his tousled black hair and let his imagination run on optimistically from the consequences later on of rescuing her from the two heavy jugs. Course, I wish I were rescuing someone with t-

"Boy!!" came a familiar bellow. Connor grimaced and turned about.

Grosvernor, the old Master of the Pantries, was carrying a silver dish covered with a thin cloth. He was a tall, very thin, sallow-faced man, whose every feature seemed to sag with the strain of long years spent serving the royal household. Most of the other servants and messengers called him "Sourpate" behind his back, but Connor had always respected and even rather liked old Grosvernor. He had learned some time ago that the old man simply addressed everyone as "Boy" because he simply had no memory for names.

There was no hope of hiding.

"Sir?" asked Connor with a sinking feeling. Becky would be here any minute...

"Boy, Her Royal Highness the Princess Anne has requested this refreshment." Grosvernor paused, then held out the dish, apparently thinking that illustration was needed. "Convey it to Her Highness' picnic luncheon out behind the Birch Paddock."

Connor's fond imaginings evaporated. Secretly gritting his teeth, he gave a halfhearted bow and took the dish.

The young man threaded his way nimbly through the familiar corridors, making for the door nearest the stables. Princess Anne? Connor could not remember ever actually having seen her. Pregnant, he recollected. There would probably be a feast to celebrate the child's birth -- more work in the kitchens. A lot more. Connor resolved to scheme his way into some other temporary duty before that.

Absorbed in designs to convince someone that he was actually a bootblack or carpenter's apprentice, Connor barely noticed as he emerged into the sunshine and trudged across the field towards the figures established on a royal blue blanket and surrounded by cushions. Suddenly a glint of gold caught his eye, and he looked up.

She was lovely.

The Princess lay partially propped up on richly embroidered cushions, nibbling on a biscuit. She paid no attention to Connor as he approached, apparently enjoying the landscape. But Anne's posture emphasized her condition, and Connor was so struck that he almost walked onto the blanket.

She was pregnant, gloriously pregnant. Glowingly pregnant. Every inch of her, from the belly that strained against her gown to her plump, exquisitely curved cheeks seemed stuffed to bursting with ripe fertility and femininity, radiant in the summer sunshine.

Connor swallowed, taking in the magnificent sight. His gaze drifted helplessly to the clinging bodice of Anne's gown and the two huge, creamy mounds that swelled proudly from it, as if begging all the world to come to kiss and suckle at them...

You're staring down the dress of a royal princess, came the quiet and oft-ignored voice of reason.

The young man's gaze snapped instantly to his shoes, and he bowed. "Your Highness' refreshment," he said, remembering the platter.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

Yvette was chattering nonsensically again as Anne's silver eyes wandered over the distant rolling hills. A look of longing painted her face as her hands came up to idly stroke over her burden; shifting with a small grimace Anne plucked another sweet and wrapped her lips around it. Another month...one more and I might travel those hills myself. Logically it would be longer than that before she was relieved of her condition, for even after a babe was born the mother needed time for her strength to return. Anne groaned aloud and brought Yvette's attention to her.

"I apologize I am doing it again am I not?"

The princess smiled softly, "Yes, but I do not mind. Might I have more water?" She held out her hand as the dutiful servant filled it with a goblet which Anne nursed in the searing heat. It was her handmaiden who first spotted the young man, and turned from the Princess, examining the boy, she took note of just where the boy's eyes lingered but she kept it to herself.

"Are you the boy that big ox was to send for?" Yvette rolled onto her knees, smoothing her skirts before pointing to a spot upon the blanket within her reach. "Put it there, her majesty has been waiting." The silly thing sounded almost important, but anyone who knew her would count it up to her lack of wit.

Anne did turn finally from her musings, those cool grey eyes landing upon the young man as he knelt in the grass to set the tray down. Plump and pink lips turned up into a warm and curious little smile, "Well then who might you be? I've not seen many of the castle's servants, with my condition." He was quite appealing to the eye, his dark hair was so thick and looked so very soft. Anne did love soft things, her furs, Arthur's nose...she did her best to ensure she herself was quite soft to the touch. Not that anyone but she enjoyed herself.

The princess shifted then, awkwardly at first she placed her hands upon her cushions before Yvette was there with an arm about her back to prop another pillow behind her mistress and smooth out her skirts. "Thank you Yvette. So tell me young man, have you other duties in the castle save running errands?" She was quite bored indeed, and Anne had never been so lofty as to deny the company of those who served her, "Tell me might you have any stories to share with us? I have had so little excitement these past few months. Oh do join us, for a few moments, if you have a tale to tell that is?" She looked to him a curious and slightly mischievous sparkle in her eye, she was a bit unusual, then again she was cloistered away so often that she was rarely a burden upon the propriety of her keepers.

With curiosity piqued and out in the sunshine Anne's spirits were beginning to lift. She wiggled stocked feet from beneath the golden hem of her gown and gave a little squeal of delight when Yvette presented her with one of her favorite treats. Giving pause she looked towards the errand boy as if wary he might laugh at her simple delight, then as if daring him to she bit into the sweat and creamy treat; possibly paying more attention to the food for a moment than the young man. Who was to blame her? She would likely sit on anyone who tried, that would certainly teach them a lesson.

 

[Redecker]

"Highness," whispered Connor almost inaudibly. He knelt, deftly placing the dish on the blanket. The young man swallowed, keeping his gaze steadily on the ground as he came close to her.

And then she addressed him. Connor looked up sharply. Somewhat to his surprise, his gaze was captured by her sparkling silver-grey eyes.

"My name is Connor, your Highness," he said, trying (with fair success) to keep his voice calm and even. Connor hesitated before speaking further, then, surprised, sat down gracefully at her request.

A story... a tale to tell... A story...

His wits deserted him as Connor shot a quick glance at her, catching sight of Anne just in time to see the morsel disappear between her plump lips.

"I... see your Highness is eating cheese," he began, then paused, dumbfounded at himself.

You just said what?

Hastily he went on before his courage failed. "Perhaps your Highness has not heard the tale of King Edward's Banquet? It was some three score years ago. King Edward -- your Majesty's husband's great-grandsire -- was at the time of greatly advanced years. Both his eyesight and his wits were beginning to fail him."

Connor stole a quick glance at Anne, to try to gauge whether he was boring her.

"At any rate, the King was hosting a great dinner in this castle. Full fifty of the great nobles of the realm were in attendance. The King had nodded off once or twice during the dinner. No one disturbed him, of course."

"Finally the servants brought in an enormous wheel of cheese, which they sat down on the table. King Edward looked up at this, and blinked, and then politely bid it good evening."

Connor grinned in spite of himself.

"He apparently mistook the great cheese for his wife."

Seeming a little more relaxed, Connor stretched out one leg. "No one knew what to say, so everyone politely ignored the King. The problem was, the King grew angry at the noblemens' rudeness in failing to greet the Queen. So everyone had to rise, bow, and bid the cheese good evening as well. Then the King conversed with it further, chatting about palace affairs, the weather, the Queen's horse, and goodness knows what else. Edward's own imagination filled in her responses, it seemed, for he listened politely and answered the cheese's questions in turn. This was not enough, though, because it became apparent that the cheese had begun asking questions of the guests as well."

"The assembled nobles were forced to guess at whatever Her Majesty the Cheese had asked, and glancing at one another, stammered out replies. King Edward smiled and nodded, adding his own comments from time to time, or laughing when he imagined the cheese had said something particularly witty. They passed the entire evening -- a long, long evening -- in this way."

"Eventually the King nodded off again. As one, the guests frantically gestured to the servants to remove the cheese. When the King awoke again, they explained that the Queen had felt faint and had gone to lie down. Nobody mentioned Her Majesty's comfortable new lodgings in the cellar."

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

Anne gave the boy a startled look, mid-chew as he so blatantly narrated her guilty little pleasure. As he stammered she began to chew again and swallowed around the mouthful. Yvette even stared at Connor, dumbfounded as she drizzled a bit of honey over the next piece for her Mistress. "And dates." she added, The princess merely turned wide and bewildered eyes over to the girl before snatching up the next piece.

The princess held still as the lean, male form moved close, she had a mind to reprimand him but her body stopped her mouth from opening. The story began, and dragged, she offered awkward sounds of amusement; occasionally laughing at Connor's discomfort for he did seem to be quite dumbstruck or a little slow.

When his eyes turned to hers she offered a quick reassuring smile, she was kind and did not wish the poor thing any more discomfort than he was in at present. What an unusual peasant...what an unusual story. Is it common to tell tales of food? Perhaps he is hungry. With that thought she looked down to her tray of scrumptious little stuffed dates, sweet and savory, creamy...it had been a few days since she had asked for them. To part with one...and to someone other than her handmaiden; she dismissed the idea and wrapped her sweet lips around another morsel that Yvette handed her.

With the clean hand that had been resting on her belly Anne reached up to pull her golden braid over her shoulder to trail down over the swelled tops of her breasts, bared by the rectangular yoke of her dress. When Connor had finished his peculiar tale the Princess looked to Yvette then to the boy and smiled again, "That was quite a tale, we thank you. Now perhaps you might tell us if you have more uses than an errand boy and bard?"

The Princess took in the look of him, a nice jawline, good strong shoulders beneath his tunic and the lines below seemed quite appealing. Deciding she might enjoy having this one around she thought for a moment, if he was indeed useful she could find reason to keep him. "Yvette...would you fetch me some milk tea?" An unusual thing to ask for, to be left alone and with a man was questionable, but in her condition who could possibly think it scandalous?

"Your majesty?" Yvette questioned.

"Oh Yvette, you know me so well and I trust only you to see to my tastes." she grasped the servant girl's hands and gave her a sweet imploring smile. "Connor will look after me, correct?" She looked to the young man in hopes that he would play along. That was enough, with a chipper bob of her head Yvette rose. "Thank you, Yvette."

The Princess heaved a sigh when the doting girl was out of range, leaning back against her cushions she suddenly gave a little squeal, reaching for a moment towards her feet. Alas she was unable to reach the blasted things, with a frustrated and somewhat sheepish sound she reached for Connor, "Help me to my feet, I cannot feel them." Pale little hands wavering above his shoulders the plump little woman gave him an imploring and slightly impatient look, unless he had something more efficient in mind she needed to alleviate the aliment.

 

[Redecker]

"That was quite a tale, we thank you. Now perhaps you might tell us if you have more uses than an errand boy and bard?"

Connor bowed his head, keeping his eyes firmly away from Anne's golden braid as it rose and fell with each breath. He was considering what to say in response when Anne dispatched Yvette to fetch milk tea. Hmm?

The Princess seemed to want him to agree, so the young man smiled and nodded confidently at the handmaiden. "I will look after Her Majesty." He watched Yvette rise gracefully and depart. Nice, but compared to the Princess, meh.

At the Princess' squeak he glanced over at her and sat up alertly. For a moment Anne leaned forward in a futile attempt to reach her feet, and Connor's breath caught. For a split second Anne's swollen breasts spilled forward from her tight bodice, the huge spheres of pale milkflesh pillowing against the huge taut globe of her belly. Everything jiggled enticingly at her sudden motion, and he was aware of a sudden aching pressure squeezing tightly at the front of his leather breeches.

Connor cursed silently at himself for looking. As long as I don't have to stand up for a while, he thought, inobtrusively brushing a loose fold of his tunic in front of the treacherous bulge.

"Help me to my feet, I cannot feel them."

The young man winced inwardly.

As the Princess leaned over and made to place her hands on his shoulders, he deliberately tried to avoid looking at her. But the beautiful maid was so near... Connor could smell her faint attar of roses, and fancied he could feel the warmth from her huge belly. He made hesitantly to take hold of her wrists to steady her, holding out large, slightly calloused hands.

A way out to avoid standing up suddenly sprang to mind.

"If your Highness' feet have gone to sleep, I could chafe them gently until the sensation returns," Connor said.

After an instant he realized what he had just suggested.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

The Princess caught a slight downward turn of his lips, she wondered if he had an aversion to touching her as well. Are women truly so repulsive when bringing life into this world? With a small sigh she decided that at the least she would hold him to his duties, and as they were at present, he would serve her how she saw fit.

Warm little hands locked onto his wrists as Connor slid his shoulders from her reach, making to brace herself against the upcoming movement Anne was halted by the young man's suggestion. She had bid her handmaiden knead into the flesh of her swollen feet, but the girl had little talent for it. The Princess primarily ended each session in short tempter due to her servant's weak fingers; the prospect of Connor's fingers... Curiously Anne ran her own down over his calloused palms and over the length of his fingers, they showed promise but this was a delicate situation.

A particularly cruel twinge of cold ran through her tingling foot making up the fair-haired woman's mind. "Yes, please do Connor." She released his hands to settle back into her cushions with a bit of a wiggle, sending her breasts trembling the silken fabric of her shortened bodice.

With large eyes Anne watched the young man, a thrill ran through her, this was quite naughty but she could not help that her body needed so much more care than she knew how to give it now. Surely she could not be blamed, it was her condition after all.

Silver flecks in her irises caught the light, nervous fingers caught her braid and began to smooth over it before she reached down to smooth her skirts, there was truly no need but it calmed her. Chubby little toes wiggled out from her hemline, her stockings were soft and a pale cream color adding a thin and slippery boarder between their flesh when he did lift her foot.

I do wonder how it will feel...surely it must be different with a man's hands. The Princess stole another glance of his fingers, they looked quite capable. Capable even of other things. Anne squirmed where she sat at the thought of just what it would feel like if his hands were to knead all of her sore muscles; that thought stained her cheeks a gentle pink.

 

[Redecker]

With a mighty effort, Connor tried not to notice Anne jiggling back into her seat.

"Highness," he said quietly, taking her stocking-clad feet in his strong hands. He had never touched stockings before, and ran his fingers back and forth for a moment, feeling the material. Her feet are so soft, he thought, squeezing her toes together in his hands.

I can't believe I'm getting to do this, Connor thought. At once he set to work, strong thumbs digging into the balls of her feet and rolling and soothing, fingers sliding powerfully up and down her arches, kneading out the tension. The princess' feet felt swollen and tense as he worked, soothing now her insteps in his firm grasp.

"Is that any better, Highness?" Connor asked, daring to look up. His hands paused at the tops of her insteps, just barely below her ankles.

Silently he cursed at the sudden impulse to run his hands further up her shapely legs, and the heat stealing across the back of his neck.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

The Princess did have her vices, and one was her love of almost anything soft, her stockings were another of her joys; a luxury to be sure but she felt that they offered her a little something even if she was the only one who ever saw them. Oh but the errand boy saw them, and seemed to enjoy them almost as much as she.

Anne wriggled where she sat, giving a delicate sigh before leaning her head back against a cushion; Lord this feels positively sinful... For a moment she tensed, then wriggled down an inch, smiling to herself mischievously. She was doing nothing sinful even if a passer-by might think so. Luckily there were none but her steed and he only rarely stole a glance at them with casual disinterest before filling his mouth again with the rich grass.

"If you would, Connor..." She was enjoying saying his name, "Please my arches..and my heels. Good heaven if only men had to bear children such things would become a paid service." she laughed at that before turning wide eyes to him, "Oh what a splendid idea! Would you, that is, like such duties? I would compensate you of course, I'm not quite certain what your earnings are but I am certain I could pad your coin purse just a bit this month."

Lifting a goblet left behind she sipped her water, hmm this was turning out to be a better afternoon than she could have anticipated. A thought occurred to her, "Although, I must beg your discretion and diligence if you accept. While my ...dalring husband has many duties that keep him at bay he would not take kindly to a man servant..." She made a face at that but kept her mouth shut, lifting her lashes to watch Connor as he worked, imploring him silently to say yes.

 

[Redecker]

Connor paused his ministrations as the Princess spoke, then glanced up again, the surprise evident on his face.

"Highness, I would be honored," the young man stammered. "Compensation... ummm..."

He occasionally managed to earn a penny here or there performing some manual labor, but usually he simply got room (a corner of a room shared with eight other boys) and board (whatever he could steal from the kitchen).

"... five shillings for the month?" he ventured. "I mean, up until you... you know, you..." The servant found himself blushing.

The strong fingers circled Anne's sore heels again and again, massaging and soothing. "Your Highness may rely upon my discretion, of course. I have some experience in sneaking about the castle without being seen."

He paused. "That is, being quiet and... inobtrusive... that sort of thing. You know."

A distant figure appeared at the edge of the field, carrying a basket of milk tea.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

Carefully she watched the shock on the man's face before he eagerly accepted, she wasn't so vain as to think anyone should grovel to ...well touch her feet but she understood his respect. A soft smile lifted those pink lips, "Make it seven should you preform well."

Anne had the presence of mind to maintain a relatively calm reaction to his ministrations, but inside she wanted nothing more than to moan. She had been hobbling around on those fat stumps for months and God help her but she wished the whole ordeal was over. No one had given her proper information and what she experienced was not quite within the rule book. Her body had been aching for months, not simply due to her babe, but her womanhood gave her little rest.

His touch felt good, a little too good, Anne couldn't help but take a breath to steady herself as she spotted a familiar form approaching. Offering the handmaiden an innocent smile she flexed her foot and slid her left toes into his lap accidentally in her attempt to give his fingers another subject. The side of her foot brushed over a lump in the leg of his britches, for a moment the Princess thought to question Connor, but she bit her tongue as Yvette could yet see nothing. It would be their little secret; the color tinted Anne's cheeks and she made a fanning motion, "Oh thank you Yvette, it is quite hot today but this little trick might help."

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

Carefully she watched the shock on the man's face before he eagerly accepted, she wasn't so vain as to think anyone should grovel to ...well touch her feet but she understood his respect. A soft smile lifted those pink lips, "Make it five this week should you preform well."

Anne had the presence of mind to maintain a relatively calm reaction to his ministrations, but inside she wanted nothing more than to moan. She had been hobbling around on those fat stumps for months and God help her but she wished the whole ordeal was over. No one had given her proper information and what she experienced was not quite within the rule book. Her body had been aching for months, not simply due to her babe, but her womanhood gave her little rest.

His touch felt good, a little too good, Anne couldn't help but take a breath to steady herself as she spotted a familiar form approaching. Offering the handmaiden an innocent smile she flexed her foot and slid her left toes into his lap accidentally in her attempt to give his fingers another subject. The side of her foot brushed over a lump in the leg of his britches, for a moment the Princess thought to question Connor, but she bit her tongue as Yvette could yet see nothing. It would be their little secret; the color tinted Anne's cheeks and she made a fanning motion, "Oh thank you Yvette, it is quite hot today but this little trick might help."

 

[Redecker]

"Five this week alone, Highness?" Connor sounded genuinely surprised. "Thank you, I will certainly --"

He drew in his breath suddenly as Anne's foot slid across the bulge straining at his breeches. The pressure against his aching length felt exquisite. No privacy at the bunkroom, and I don't remember the last time I was with a woman, he thought suddenly, suppressing a groan of pleasure. I feel fit to burst...

Connor suddenly remembered his anticipated liaison with Becky from the kitchens, and recalled to mind how her shapely hips looked climbing upstairs... but the mental image seemed pale and vague compared to the reality of the fertile goddess reclining in front of him. I hope she didn't notice... but how could she not have? God, she's so hot, and --

He sat up deftly at Yvette's approach, shifting his leg to conceal his bulge.

"Yes, Highness," Connor said, pretending that she had been telling him something.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

Oh this was deliciously wicked, she had quite the feeling of what she had just brushed against. The first test of his character the servant passed, adding to her feeble concealment of her embarrassment. Well done Connor, well done.

"Yvette.." she was handed some milk tea and graciously accepted the finery and saucer, "Thank you, Yvette I have decided to meet with the Prince this evening, perhaps after dinner. I would like you to lay out something fetching," Her massage had ceased and she did notice with a little pout but it was likely best Yvette did not witness such an event.

"...perhaps we can appeal to him in some manner." she muttered under her breath. Sipping at her tea in silence for a few minutes she finally sighed and gave her cup to Yvette. "Thank you Connor, for looking after me. Perhaps I might call upon you at a later time, I'm certain you have other duties to attend to, but before you leave might you help me to my feet? I am certain my weight will be less taxing upon you than my poor Yvette." She gave the girl an apologetic smile.

"Oh no your Majesty, I.." Yvette defended.

With an understanding wave of her hand Anne smiled again, "We both know the truth. Come now Connor, make yourself of use again." she looked to him with soft eyes, her hands reaching for him.

 

[Redecker]

Connor executed a surprisingly elegant bow, studiously copying courtiers he had seen in the castle, then gently helped Anne to her feet. The sensation of her body pressing against him just for a moment as she hoisted herself up was marvelous.

With the watchful eye of Yvette on hand, however, there was nothing else to be done. Connor mumbled something respectful and made his exit.

She was just being polite, he began to convince himself on the way back across the fields. You'll never see her again. You probably should have gotten some money in advance.

The exhilaration of his encounter with the princess began to give way to a slight gloom as Connor approached the castle and his usual routine. He paused for a moment, scrutinizing the door to the kitchens. I'll be put on ash raking duty if I go in there.

After a moment he skirted the apple grove and pushed his way through some brush to a disused cellar hatchway. The massive wooden doors were rotten, and the rusty hinges protested as he carefully pried one open. Glancing around to make sure no one had noticed, Connor eased his way inside, skidded down a short slide on his knees, and landed neatly in the root cellar.

The young man leaned against a bin of turnips and finally allowed himself a long sigh of relief that no one had seen him enter. Now just need to pop up the passage, and sneak up into the old musicians' gallery.

He opened the cellar door confidently, and was startled to immediately come face to face with a woman.

It was Mrs. Bleffel, who minded the royal pantries. Somewhere around forty and auburn-haired, she always had a crafty, knowing look in her eye. Her shapely figure was somewhat spoiled by her typically sloppy dress, but she made up for it with a bawdy insouciance of gaze and manner.

Mrs. Bleffel was holding a wicker basked in one hand, and Connor could see (and smell) at once that she had been into the wine again.

"Well!" she said loudly, with a crooked grin. "Came down for some parsnips, but I found something else I'd like a bushel of instead..." She leaned against the door frame, running a finger teasingly along her low bodice in a manner that looked a little odd in a woman of her age.

"Hello, Bess," said Connor cautiously. His body, denied both the long-anticipated Becky and the lush Anne, responded at once, but Connor realized that he felt actually uncomfortable and a little embarrassed by her advances.

"Hello yourself, stud," the woman smirked, leaning forward and, before Connor could say anything, giving the bulge in his breeches a firm squeeze. "Aww, this fellow seems all worked up. I know how you young men get. Want to let him come out and play?" She gave him a tipsy grin.

Connor started to edge past her as deftly as he could. "Look, Bess, I... I can't... I'm supposed to get right back..." he muttered.

"C'mon," Mrs. Bleffel pouted slurringly. "How about a little quickie down in the cellar. Just a little in-and-out? I'll even let you put it in my bum again, if you like." She giggled lewdly and wiggled her hips.

"Uh, maybe tomorrow," said Connor, squeezing past her into the hall. "Cooks'll have my hide if I'm late with the, um, garlic." He patted an imaginary cargo in a pocket obscured from her view, then darted quickly away before she could say anything else.

The corridor ran a long way under the castle, ending at a large stone stairway that led up into the kitchens. Noise and fire-light poured down from above. Connor ducked back behind the stairwell, to a small wooden door. Squeezing through this, and groping about blindly in the darkness, he found another which led onto a very small spiral staircase. This wound up and up to a disused landing where, after glancing about for a moment, Connor sprinted across and slipped up a short flight of stairs.

He emerged onto the old musicians' balcony, a small box overlooking the main hall long since superseded by a larger gallery on the other side of the room. Connor kept his profile low, so as not to be seen by the small horde of servants preparing the hall for the night's dinner, and made his way over to a neat heap of discarded tapestries and torn feather pillows. There he stretched out with another long sigh of relief, looking forward to a long nap.

Try as he could to relax, however, he could not banish the thought of Anne from his mind -- the feel of her soft feet in his hands, the strain of her swelling bosom against her gown...

Connor growled and turned over. What the hell was I thinking turning Mrs. Bleffel down? Not enough privacy to do anything about this up here...

He tried hard to think about something other than Anne's ripe belly and broadening hips, though the pent-up need of several days made it almost impossible to calm down or get comfortable.

Finally, however, he managed to drift off to sleep.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

The Princess gave the servant a smile as he hefted her awkward weight, for a moment locking eyes with him; the breeze caught them both in it’s gentle caress, Anne felt more relaxed, even pressed so close to the young man. She dropped her lashes and looked away from Connor when she regained her footing. Yvette moved in to take her forearm leaving Anne to watch as Connor slipped away; she rubbed her belly thoughtfully.

The day wore on, Anne had taken to her nap quickly but a bit restlessly; she could not help but ponder both the implications and possibilities of enjoying Connor’s company. He did not appear to be troubled when he touched her, in fact quite the opposite. When she had touched him he had been quite aroused; Anne blushed and smiled as she wiggled beneath the sheet. A particularly delightful sensation ran between the Princess’s thick and creamy thighs when she gave into the thought of having Connor massage more than simply her sore feet.

She pulled the cover over her bare bosom to feel the thrill of the silken sheet whisper over her aching nipples. She took her naps nude, more work for poor Yvette but far more comfortable for the servant girl’s Mistress. Alas there was little she could do about her own state of arousal, well there was something but maneuvering herself was getting quite difficult as of late. She resolved herself to working her thighs together, stimulating herself till she drifted off.

“Your Highness…”

Anne grumbled and smacked her lips, still in the clutches of sleep.

“Your Highness, it is time to rise if you would…I’ve brought you something.” The fair haired mother did not wake willingly, Yvette had learned a few things and she produced a bundle from her dress pocket. Unwrapping and passing a large unrefined chunk of something dark and rich Anne’s nose.

CHOCOLATE. Anne’s brain screamed she wake but when she obeyed she found herself wet, uncomfortably so and not merely betwixt her legs, Anne made a distasteful face and rose form a puddle of drool on her pillow. Realizing it she quickly wiped and hid her mouth as Yvette helped her sit up. Up she went, Yvette stood her there by the massive four poster canopy bed before popping the sweet into the Princess’s waiting mouth and scooting off to a massive wardrobe.

“Please remind me of the last time I saw my feet.” She grumbled when her mouth was clear; Anne wobbled there looking down to her swollen breasts, her vision filled with her belly and she rubbed it fondly. “Be quick will you?” she murmured to the smooth roundness.

Yvette just smiled and moved to Anne’s side, “I’m certain you will see them again soon. “ she began helping the princess into her undergarment. “This morning, you mentioned you wished to speak with the Prince, shall I fetch him after his evening drink?”

“Yes Yvette, thank you. Might you also fetch the errand boy for me when I am through with my husband?” After a moment she added, “I believe he might be of use where my husband is concerned.” She feigned an excited smile, “I’ve a surprise for my fair prince.”

Dinner was an uncomfortable affair, the table was far too long for so few people in Anne’s opinion, the king once so mighty and stalwart sat hunched in his ornate chair. Time and duties had taken their toll, his face withered and covered with a thick beard, his eyes once a bright blue held a milky tint, and his once infallible sense of perception was a bit spotty to say the least. In fact he sat at the table attempting to spear his meat with a spoon.

The princess looked fondly upon the elderly patriarch before being drawn into the cross hairs the Queen. The Prince lounged with exaggerated boredom, slender limbs draped across the arms of his chair. His pale blonde hair was cut to his shoulders and his face was kept clean shaven as if clinging to his fascination with youth save the perpetual expression of disgust; Anne often felt uncomfortable when the young man did choose to take her into his sights.

Carlotta was a thin, shrewish woman, drawn thin and her lips pinched; Anne could only assume it was due to the bile that coursed through the woman’s veins. Her greying hair was woven neatly behind her skull, pulled just a bit too tightly at the temples.

“I recall my confinement while my darling Louis grew inside of me I accomplished some of my better stitch work. “ she shot a glance to Anne judgmentally, “I simply cannot imagine why anyone would handle such a violent and filthy beast instead. The servants are there to tend to the beasts, a young lady need not concern herself with such things.”

Anne frowned and remained silent; it would not do to throw any more wood onto the fire. She feared any true upset would give the vial woman reason to lock the Princess’s apartment door.

“I’ve made a discovery mother…” Anne tuned her husband out with great effort as he rattled on about the stars and his contraptions. A small boy appeared at his side when he finished his meal, tiny hands offering a chalice of sweet wine. Louise smoothed his fingers through the boy’s dark curls with relish, tracing his fingertip beneath the boy’s chin before he was sent off. Anne could not look, she turned her eyes to her stew, mechanically excusing herself.

The Queen's attention diverted, the Princess was able to slink away, she bent to kiss King Othcar's cheek and faded away. Yvette was awaiting her the archway leading, "I must ask that you fetch the Prince, when he leaves the table. Please ask him to my apartment. Have you spoke to that errand boy?"

"Not yet Princess." she looked into the warm grey eyes of her Mistress and smiled, "I will help you to your room and go fetch him."

"Very well..." Anne held onto Yvette's arm while she made her way up the stairs, she attempted not to imagine how inelegant she had become but it was difficult to ignore. She sighed when she was settled into a chair in the living area of her apartment, despite the heat of the day the land cooled quite a bit at night and Yvette had seen to the servants lighting a low fire for the Princess to enjoy. Good girl.

 

[Redecker]

He was alone in the castle dairy with Becky. She was pregnant -- it was odd he had never noticed it before -- hugely pregnant, a ripe swollen belly straining at the taut linen of her plain kitchen dress. Becky was sitting at one end of the long cheese counter, slowly rubbing her belly and gazing at him with heavy-lidded eyes.

"You like me big, don't you, Connor?" she said huskily, tracing one fingertip around the insistent bump of her navel and twirling another finger in her long black hair.

Connor muttered a reply, just watching.

"Oh, baby," Becky whispered, suddenly cupping her breasts. They were enormous compared to what he remembered, vast and plump. Somehow her fat nipples were already poking out of the top of her bodice. "They're so heavy, Connor. I'm so full of milk." She looked at him pleadingly. "Won't you please suck from me?"

Connor moved towards her then, or at least found himself lying with his head in her lap. Becky smiled down at him, pinching and tugging at her nipples, then lifted one huge breast and pressed it to his lips. It seemed gigantic - bigger than his head. At once sweet, thin milk poured into his mouth. The girl gave a low gasp of delight as Connor began suckling at her erect nipple. "Drink my milk, baby. You're making me feel all better. Go on and suck it all out."

After a time passed -- he wasn't really sure how long -- Connor was suddenly acutely aware of his aching need and sat up. Becky seemed to know exactly what he wanted, because she hopped down -- surprisingly nimbly for a woman in her condition -- and bent slowly over the table, tugging up her skirts. Instead of her stained linen kitchen dress, she now seemed to be wearing a lovely gown of rich and royal color.

Becky looked back at him and winked as Connor fumbled with his laces. "I think drinking my milk made you fill up with yours, baby... come give me what I need." He yanked down his breeches in a flash, seizing the girl's broad, plump backside. In an instant he had plunged himself inside her clinging depths.

She gasped again and leaned forwards, her huge breasts pillowing against the counter, round pools of milk forming under each before dripping to the floor in twin rivulets of white. Her ass wriggled hungrily against his throbbing, overloaded balls. "That's it, Connor... be my stallion. Fuck me... yes... yes!... fill me, breed me, pump all your seed into me and make me even bigger..."

As Connor ravaged her, she threw back her head, shaking what was now long, flaxen hair...


Connor was awakened abruptly by the sound of a creaking step, at the bottom of the stairs that led up to the musicians' gallery where he slept. Years of life in the castle surrounded by sometimes brutal fellows had given him catlike vigilance, and the young man sat up and ducked behind a large, broken chair, his head rapidly clearing.

An enormous disappointed erection strained at his breeches as if urging him to get back to the dream, and he felt edgy and irritable. "Who goes there?" Connor called out.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

A little face popped around the corner, Yvette entered the musicians' gallery cautiously, floor boards creaking.

"Errand boy...er Connor that is...? Please come out the Princess requests your services."

She pulled her skirt hemline away from a particularly dusty looking floor and smoothed the mousy brown hair beneath her snood. She waited for the boy to pop his head out form where he was hiding before continuing.

"She'll be expecting you in an hour or so before bed..." she looked him up and down a moment with a peculiar look, "Her apartment is in the west wing of the castle. The Princess needs her sleep...so do not dawdle." she added with a little heir of authority.
*****


Anne sighed as she stroked her belly rhythmically, it was what pregnant women did after all; spend all hours moaning of cravings and rubbing their burgeoning bellies. It was not that she was ungrateful, indeed she had so very much to be thankful for in her new home it was simply that she missed the freedom, even if small of the time when she was unwed. She missed having something of her very own, something secret and cherished. The sad realization she had come to was that her new position was merely that of a glorified breeding sow. She frowned softly at that before her musings were interrupted by a stiff rap on her door. Large silver eyes floated to the handle before she struggled to her feet and moved to open it.

Prince Louis strode past her with all the flourish she had come to expect of the foppish man, what troubled her more was the small figure that heeled at his side. He brought one of his 'pets'...has he no regard for me as his wife?! Anne tried to maintain a smile as she looked from the dark haired boy that had made his reluctant appearance at dinner; instead she focused on the face of her husband.

"Good evening my Prince, I hope you will forgive my early departure at dinner. Would you like to sit with me a moment?" like any good hostess she swept her pale little hand towards the two grand chairs before the fire, plump with stuffing.

 

[Redecker]

Connor came into view, leaning against the large chair in a very odd posture.

"An hour before bed? I'll present myself at the Princess' apartment then." He tried to sound confident and reliable. "Do not worry, fair Yvonne, I will be punctual."

*****

"Hrrrm, I suppose," sniffed Prince Louis, shaking a wrinkle out of one lace cuff. He snapped his fingers at the young page, pointing by the door, and took one of the grand chairs, draping himself casually across it. The page stood at attention, looking straight forward at nothing.

Arranging himself comfortably in the chair, the Prince's eyes went to Anne once, travelling quickly down her form to take in her resplendent belly. He looked away with unconcealed disgust.

"Well, Anne." Louis took out a small snuffbox, which glittered in the firelight. Fiddling with this, he asked coolly, "I trust you are well?"

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

Anne followed suit, easing herself back into the opposite chair she had been sitting in, "Yes, husband thank you. Your heir is eager to come into this world." Grey eyes scanned the stoic pageboy before moving back to Louis.

"You mentioned at dinner that your studies were going well, that is good. " Small talk, Anne hated it, she found it so difficult to converse with this man. She made a half-hearted attempt, knowing they should be seen together at some point "Perhaps you might like to go for an evening stroll this week? If you have the time, I would enjoy learning of your discovery." He dipped into the substance of the small box and scooped it into his nostril, delicately wiping it clean with a kercheif.

Looking away dejectedly Anne rested her hand upon her belly, "I will not waste your time, however I did ask you here for a reason. May I ask that my allowance be forwarded to this week? I have need of a few items." She would not elaborate, she knew he would not care to hear. Anne stroked through her hair, a thin braid from either temple conjoined over the loose, golden mane that ran down her back and splayed over her shoulders.

 

[Redecker]

Louis looked up from his snuff for a moment as Anne mentioned his studies. For a moment, he seemed almost enthusiastic. "Yes, I am completing a comparative study of retrograde motions in..." The Prince paused, then waved his hand dismissively, his lace cuff flapping about. "Well, it's all very complicated."

He busied himself with his snuff for a moment, before snapping the little silver box closed. "Hrrrm," said Prince Louis, clearing his throat and gazing around the room as if desperate to find something else to look at. "Hardly think walking about is advisable in your state... you should be in your confinement, as Mother said." Her husband set his lips in polite distaste. "Surely strolling cannot be comfortable for you at such a size anyway."

Prince Louis inspected his nails, then glanced up again at the mention of money. "What? Yes, yes, of course... I am sure you are in frequent need of more comfortable clothes." With a final glance at Anne's figure that implied that she should be ashamed of having let herself go, he started to rise. "I'll have the exchequer make the arrangements."

"Well, if there is nothing else...?" Prince Louis rose primly from his chair, nodding to the pageboy with a thin smile.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

Anne listened with a warm little smile on her face, though when he waved off her possible comprehension of such an interest the frown thinned and fell. Her heart fell even more when he dug into her, dictating propper activities for her.

Swallowing before composing herself the plump little Princess smiled, "Yes of course, husband." she almost choked on the word. How had it grown so bitter to taste in her mouth? She pressed her skirts over her belly, though not fully hiding it, possibly obscuring a bit of it from his view. This was in part for him, had the man no regard for her sacrifice?!

"Thank you, I should greatly appreciate" she saw the smile Louis gave the boy, "... it." Looking towards the fire she slowly pushed herself up and made her way to the door to see them out. "I wish you a good evening." She wanted little more than to be alone at that moment, she prayed the deplorable man would walk more quickly.
***

Alone, the Princess meandered back to her chair and sank into it, her eyes welling up and overflowing onto her cheeks. She allowed herself her tears, but was interrupted when Yvette knocked and entered the room.

"Your highness...? Are you ill?" she moved to her mistress' side and knelt, clutching her sleeve as she sniffled.

Looking to the servant girl miserably she just groaned, "Help me undress...then leave me. I will not need you till morning." She began struggling to her feet.

"But....Yes your highness..." Yvette pushed aside the concern of her previous task, her mistress was quite distressed and at that moment little else mattered than making her comfortable. She was a good servant in such a manner, dutiful and seemed to put her heart into what she did for the fair-haired princess. She undressed the woman and helped her into a lovely night gown, lace and satin ribbons decorated the neckline and cuffs.

Anne tugged open the neck of the gown, leaving a long V of bared flesh as she settled back into her chair before the fire. "Now leave me Yvette." She propped her feet upon a cushioned foot stool and was left in her morbid silence, closing her eyes Anne attempted to ignore her feelings they would not serve her well in her situation.

Not a half an hour passed before she heard another knock at the door, with a voice scratchy from tears she called, "Enter..." Turning in her chair with a cross expression, her pale hair floating in wisps about her temples and forehead while thick waves flowed down over her shoulders, framing the swollen flesh that hid beneath her gown. Tear stained cheeks were wiped with the sleeve of her gown as she looped up, "Yvette I asked.." but she was not looking at Yvette.

 

[Redecker]

Connor eventually made it.

He had gotten scarcely a pace down the hall from the narrow gallery steps when he heard Racet and Jake from the kitchens thundering up the main stairway. There was nowhere to flee to without revealing his sleeping-place.

"There he is!" bellowed Racet as they came around a corner. A smirk creased Jake's pudgy face. "We found 'im, Corbaggis!" he called down the stairway.

Face flushing hotly, Connor stood his ground as the two approached. "Need something?" he managed.

Connor did not manage to evade Jake's huge hands clamping around his upper arm, but he did manage to twist out of the way of the fist which came seeking his gut. The blow glanced smartingly off his ribs, putting him off-balance to guard against Racet's kick from behind. Connor's knees buckled, but he was held upright by his arm.

"If it isn't Bug. 'Ello Bug!" hollered Jake, pressing his face so close that Connor could see the blackened shreds of vegetation stuck between his teeth.

"Why, if it isn't!" yelled Racet, moving forward and planting his face opposite. "It *is* Bug!"

Connor forced his gaze steadily at a point on the wall, ignoring the pain in his ears.

"We've got a little job for you, Bug!" screamed Jake, his face twisting into a grin.

"Yes we do!"

"Tell him about the job, Jake!"

"HEY!" screamed Jake, looking annoyed at Connor's stoicism. "Maybe you're not paying attention!"

Racet raised a fist threateningly, aiming it at Connor's midsection again. "Pay attention, Bug!"

"There's grease in the kitchen chimney, Bug!"

"Yes, there is, Jake!"

"And somebody's going to have to crawl up there and clean it out, before there's a nasty fire, Bug!"

"A little big dangerous, wouldn't you say, Jake?"

Connor set his jaw, staring at the wall.

"I guess it is, Racet. Fireplaces are dangerous places, aren't they, Bug?"

"So it looks like somebody is going to have to do this little job. And, fortunately for all of us, we already told Mr. Whimset that you volunteered, Bug!"

"And it certainly would be unfortunate if Bug failed to do his job, wouldn't it, Racet? Mr. Whimset is always so very free with his floggings."

"Why, yes, Jake, and- urgh!" Connor's elbow connected with Racet's nose. Jake's grasp had finally grown loose and lazy enough that Connor could lunge directly towards him, jumping off Jake's instep and propelling himself towards the stairs.

Pursued by howls of outrage, Connor fled down the main stairs towards the passage that led to the Hall of Armor. He ducked through a subpantry, nearly bowling over a nearsighted old man carrying a tray of raisins, and wrestled open a huge cellar door, propping it open temporarily with his foot.

Connor braced himself, gritting his teeth as the sounds of pursuit grew nearer, and slowly inched a tun of wine out of the way, revealing a tiny door set into the wall. This he yanked open, nearly tearing the aged hinges out of the wood, then judged his moment.

The angry Jake and Racet reached the entrance to the subpantry, shoving aside the man with the raisins. In a trice Connor let go of the huge oaken cellar door and ducked nimbly through the tiny concealed entrance. Jake and Racet entered the room just in time to see the cellar door close, and drew the obvious conclusion.

Connor waited, panting, in the secret passage while the two bullies thundered down the cellar steps, then looked around. The little corridor was pitch black, of course, but judging by its position must run under the solarium and up by the old lumber-room.

After that it was a relatively simple matter to, moving carefully with hands running along the walls, make his way to a loose panel in the back of an old dumbwaiter. The young man listened carefully, then squeezed himself in and carefully hoisted himself up to the level of Princess Anne's apartment.

He paused for a long moment in front of the nondescript door, decorated only with a silver torch sconce by its side, brushing the cobwebs from his clothes. Connor hesitated twice, then knocked gently on the door. The sensation that came over him at hearing Anne's voice summon him was unfamiliar, but he swallowed and eagerly pushed open the door.

Connor stood in the doorway. He looked with surprise at Anne sitting in her gown and started to say something, but the words died on his lips.

 

[Snuggle Bunz]

"...Connor."

For the longest time the Princess stared with ruddy cheeks and red-rimmed eyes. His own cheeks seemed a bit flushed and he had a bit of web stuck to the thigh of his breeches. The look on his face shook her from her stupor and Anne turned self-consciously away to tuck back into her chair; she wiped furiously at her face with a sniffle.

"Pardon my appearance...it has been a long night." swallowing around a lump in her throat the Princess waved him over. "Join me. I must admit I had forgotten that you were due..." In truth she welcomed the distraction, though weary and a bit downtrodden after her visit with the Prince she chastised herself for expecting any more from the man. Connor on the other hand, a bit of attention from him would certainly lighten her mood.

"Have you been cleaning this evening?"

The ivory nightgown was fussed with as she arranged it to the best of her abilities to maintain...oh bugger it, she just dropped her hands to the sides in frustration. Anne pulled a long lock of flaxen hair before her belly to play with it, the rest framed her chubby cheeks giving her a rather endearing appearance. Her glistening, wide eyes captured Connor's own and held him for for a long moment before she finally asked, "Connor would you do for me what you did this afternoon?"

Little toes wiggled bare atop her cushioned foot stool, she would of course move them, but for that moment her feet peeked from the lace hemline of her night gown just begging for attention. Perhaps if he stayed a bit she would not feel so very much alone, juvenile perhaps but she was young and isolated. Please...touch me. she begged him silently, a shameful thought at that, her cheeks grew pink.

 

[Redecker]

Connor blushed as he entered and quietly closed the door. "Just a little, Your Highness... I apologize if my appearance is unseemly." Mentally he kicked himself for appearing before Anne in such a state. Actually, you always look like this, he thought with an inward sigh.

His voice trailed off as Anne's glistening eyes met his. Connor didn't know what he saw in them. Pain? Impatience? She was hesitating about something.

"Connor would you do for me what you did this afternoon?"

Thoughts of this afternoon's dream flashed into Connor's mind, and he stammered slightly before saying, "Of course, Highness."

He crossed the room to where Princess Anne sat, bowed, then knelt before her footstool. From that vantage he slowly looked up, gazing at her across the smooth, pale pink of her toes, then the long, lacy expanse of the nightgown. Surely she could feel his heart pounding. It all felt like he was still in a dream. Thinking and reasoning was useless. This could not really be happening; he could not really be sitting here in Princess Anne's own personal apartment, preparing to actually caress her person.

His gaze finally met hers. Oh, he suddenly realized. There is loneliness in her eyes.

There was a long pause.

"Which foot first, Highness?" Connor said softly.