Royal Duty

[intriguess]

Princess Melinda was dreading this day ever since she understood what the word betrothed meant. She had recently celebrated her 19th birthday and she was to meet her intended as soon as travel was arranged.

She wasn't sure where they were to meet, his palace or her own. Her parents were pushing for a wedding as soon as they met and she dreaded meeting him.

It wasn't that she was against getting married, just that being an only child and being promised in marriage since before she was born. It was like a dark cloud hanging over her head. Her mother had not been able to have any more children and her father had wed late and was now in his seventies and failing in health. A portrait of her betrothed had been sent every year since she turned 10, and she found herself envious of her attendants who were happily flirting and falling in love.

She was a far cry from the innocent princess and now she was faced with meeting someone who was and is a perfect stranger. She had at one time hoped to write to him but somehow it had never happened.



OOC so Prince Charming can be whoever he wishes, PMs appreciated but not required.

 

[slowandeasy]

Prince Peter paced the floor in his fathers palace. "Some day soon this would be all mine". he thought as he gazed out his bedroom window. From here he could almost see his father’s entire kingdom. To the West, in front of him, the fields and pastures stretched out to the mountains in the distance. To the South, a large crystal clear lake glistened in the afternoon sun. To the East, the orchard and gardens gave way to a forest of green trees that teemed with birds and animals of all sizes, colors and descriptions.
To the North, which he viewed when he turned around and walked to the other side of his room in the aplace turret lay the village where the king’s loyal subjects lived and prospered.

His father was a good king, ruling with a firm but gentle hand, treating his subjects fairly and providing them with a network of trade with the friendly neighboring kingdoms and commanding an army of loyal soldiers to protect them from unfriendly ones. Thus it could be said that all was well within the kingdom and aside from an occasional disagreement or a minor conflict everyone was happy and made their contribution to the betterment of the kingdom.

And so Prince Peter grew up happy and content, horseback riding in the fields and pastures, swimming in the lake, roaming the woods and gardens and occasionally visiting the village where he was admired by one and all.

On his eighteenth birthday however he was introduced to the more serious side of being a prince and the only heir to his fathers throne.

As he was expected to someday be the king, he needed to learn the responsibilities and duties of being king. His father asked put a wise old friend to be the prince’s tutor to instruct him accordingly.

Prince Peter eagerly looked forward to the old mans teachings and being rather quick thinking soon learned most of what was expected of him.

Four years went by quickly, It was time his father and mother said for him to marry, “One must have a Oueen to run a kingdom well. Your subjects will respect you more and besides you need to provide an heir for the kingdowm once it belongs to you." As you know, a princess has been selected for you and we have made all the arrangements."

Prince Peter had mixed feelings about this arrangement, his observations while in the village and discussions that he had with other young men led him to believe that one had to fall in love before he married. How could he fall in love with a woman he had never met? It was true, he had a number of portraits painted by the most reputable painters of his intended bride. she had grown more comely with every picture he received. At nineteen she was most attractive and though he enjoyed looking at her latest picture, he could not bring himself to say that he had fallen in love with her. And what of Princess Melinda. Pictures of him had been sent to her also. Could she fall in love with his picture? He was not hard to look at Dark brown shoulder length hair, surrounding a strong featured face with deep blue eyes. Dressed in his finest clothes he was a dashing figure. Not overly tall, but broad shouldered and thin at the waist, she was sure to think of him as attractive also but .....

In two short days she would be arriving by carriage at the palace and he had been told that the wedding would soon follow. Everyone in the kingdom was talking about it, knowing it was to be a most extravagant event. It was his duty to accept these arrangements, he loved his father and mother dearly and wouldn’t dare to deny their wishes.

He knew also it would be good for the kingdom. The union of the two kingdoms would be of benefit to all. And what of him and Princess Melinda would they fall in love when they met? would they find passion and excitement together? Would they be able to provide an heir to the throne? Would they know how to make each other feel love?

Peter had his doubts. He knew it would be awkward. He had experience in these matters, his tutor had seen to it that he have experience in the bedroom. Talented young women from time to time were provided for his education in the skill of lovemaking. But they were commoners. Would what he had learned from them work with a real princess? Would he be able to please her as much as he seemed to please them?

Deciding that all these unanswered questions were getting him nowhere, he concentrated on thinking about the importance of the kingdom. About the prospect of someday uniting the two kingdoms as one. He would need to be a wise and good king like his father in order to accomplish all of this.

The next two days went quickly, the carriage was to arrive soon. Hundreds of people lined the road to the palace to welcome Princess Melinda. In the grand hall Peter along with his mother and father waited expectantly for the princess and her attendants. Suddenly a hush fell over the crowd, the great doors opened and the guards announced with a flurish of their horns her arrival.

 

[intriguess]

Princess Melinda

Her bridal trouseau had been sent with her, garments of every imaginable color, fabric, and purpose.

A shimmering satin pearlescent wedding gown along with the matching shoes, jewelry and undergarments was the worst, for it implied the wedding. Other garments were more functional rich red brocades, violet damasks, emerald velvets, dresses for any type of weather. For there was evidently more travel planned for right after the wedding so they could be ALONE together. Her mother had mentioned grandchildren and when she had turned red she had merely stated it was possible.

That was when she noticed other garments, garments that would never be worn outside of the palace. They were intended for enticement, or so her maids giggled when they had folded them neatly away. Garments made of fine imported lace, sheer silks, and items that she wasn't even sure how they were to be worn.

Melinda's hair was arranged to look it's best, her gown a brilliant sapphire blue with silver embroidery. The neckline was lower than she normally wore but the pale skin of her breasts was accented by a diamond and sapphire necklace with one perfect stone that was nestled between her breasts. She felt like she couldn't even breath as the doors opened. She had knowledge of men and their wants, but could barely bring herself to imagine such animalistic grunting could be pleasurable. She had read at length and had found several tomes enlightening, but would he be the type to treat her according to her station and respect, even OBEY her desires?

She hated to even think of the common whores he had undoubtedly been tutored with and what such women had taught him. She had snuck out of the castle once and sought one out to find out what tricks they knew.

The lady she had found had retired, by choice as she had finally gotten pregnant. She was beautiful, over thirty, and had shown her much more than Melinda bargained for including the way her own body worked, how to be ready at any moment, and how to deal with him if he were to be animalistic as well as some techniques to tame him if need be. Her body shivered slightly at the memories. As the light shone in, she wondered if she would ever feel the joy of a child growing inside her.

The crowd hushed as she was helped from the carriage, flower petals were strewn at her feet as she walked the last few steps to her intended groom. Her royal advisor had encouraged her to greet him with a kiss, and right now with everyone staring she did as was expected and lightly kissed him on each check. His portrait did him little justice and she once again wondered if he would be a beast or a lamb when they were alone.

 

[slowandeasy]

The prince was a bit taken aback at the touch of her lips on both his cheeks first one and then the other. He knew of course that this was a ritual and he returned the same two kisses in the same chaste manner. Perhaps it was the sudden physical contact with a woman he only just met that startled him. A contact that reminded him of the pleasure of a woman’s touch, a contact that stirred that familiar feeling of arousal deep inside his body. It would have left him speechless if he hadn’t been prepared for this moment.

“M’Lady’. he said softly as he bowed, forcing his gaze away from her penetratingly beautiful blue eyes and soft pale skin. He took her hand gently and guided her to her seat next to his mother. “Welcome to our kingdom. It is my pleasure to introduce you to my mother, the queen and my father, the king.” The rustle of her clothes caught his attention as she leaned over to sit and he gaze was once again drawn to the soft curve of her shoulders, the hollow of her throat and her open bodice which revealed the soft swell of her breasts and between them a sparkling blue sapphire stone suspended from a silver necklace. Again his prepared speech saved him from revealing his obvious arousal.

He turned to the crowd gathered in the hall and spilling out into the courtyard. In a loud firm voice he announced to all who were in earshot. “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN I PRESENT TO YOU.... PRINCESS MELINDA.! SHE HAS GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTED MY HUMBLE PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE, PLEASE WELCOME HER TO OUR KINGDOM! TOMORROW WE WILL BE WED, JOIN US THEN IN A CELEBRATION OF HAPPINESS AND JOY. UNTIL THEN RETURN TO YOUR HOMES TO REST AND PREPARE FOR THIS AUSPICIOUS OCCASION.”

A rousing cheer and much applause echoed though the room and then silence as the prince’s orders were carried out and all but his guards and personal servants, the princess’s attendants and advisors left the great hall. Sitting down next to the princess he turned to her. “I trust you had a pleasant trip M’Lady I’m sure you are tired and need some time to rest, I have been told that your parents will be arriving soon and you may want to share some time with your mother also, but if you will indulge me I have a few gifts I would like to present to you, nothing that would compare to the generous dowry your father has provided me, but just a few tokens of gratitude.


The Prince hesitated as a servant brought a large chest forward. In fact he knew little of its contents as they were prepared by his tutor who had assured him that the Princess would be delighted in more ways than one. He had however been instructed as what to say when they were brought out.

“I trust that you will find these gifts useful as you get to know me and as we explore the many facets of our life together.”

The servant removed a silk gown shimmering with every color of the rainbow. To be worn, if you have the desire to swim in the lake just to the West of the palace.” the prince said blushing a little as he realized it would be completely transparent when wet and reveal every delightful curve of her body.

Next, a riding habit of dark crimson silk and tawny leather. a jaunty feathered bonnet, black leather boots and several riding crops of various lengths and styles “ I hope M’lady likes to ride.” he said shyly. “...as much as I do.”

Further down in the chest an assortment of leather cord, colorful feathers, pieces of soft fur and smooth shinny lengths of wood carved in what appeared to be elongated mushroom shaped fashion. The prince was at loss to elaborate only that they were things from the forest to the East.

At the bottom of the chest a smaller box, when opened revealed an assortment of scented candles sticks of incense, strings of colored beads and aromatic soaps and perfumes. “Samples of craftsmanship from the village” The Prince said softly.

Glad that the gift giving was finished he addressed Melinda’s attendants. “In the North tower Princess Melinda’s room has been readied, here she can take a bath and attend to her personal needs, she will have complete privacy. My room is in the south tower. Tomorrow after the wedding we will share the Bridal room, Until the time of the wedding tomorrow, as is the custom, you must be sure that we not see each other.

He rose quickly and bowing first to the Princess and then to the King and Queen, he said.’ I have some business to take care of and so with your permission, I would take my leave.”

 

[intriguess]

Princess Melinda

The gifts were a surprise to her, but she accepted them graciously. Her parents were travelling much slower due to her father's poor health. They would be here before the wedding. The words bridal chamber sent a ripple down her spine and she wished she would be able to check them out ahead of time. She listened as he excused himself and she nodded in agreement.

She ordered the chest to be sent to the bridal room, and felt all eyes upon her as she headed off to her rooms for the night. She had been able to surmise little about Prince Peter so far, he obviously had the training to mask his emotions as he had spoken eloquently revealing nothing.

She had been surprised that they were to be kept separate until the wedding. It was probably best, otherwise she might bolt. She did not want a bath, and she quickly dismissed her servants under the pretense of needing time to adjust. She really just wanted her last moments of freedom to be hers alone.

She had a view of the lake, she noticed it was quite secluded as if made for private rendez vous. She recalled the gown, not that it would be much good when wet and she felt goosebumps rise on her arms. The other gifts were of more interest, and she wished she had brought the chest with her.

Oh well it would be something she could share with Prince Peter perhaps, they would go riding together, or.......she bit her lower lip and began undressing. The dress was for show and not the most comfortable garment.

The bath water was still quite warm and she slipped into the tub and added more flower petals until the water was covered with them. A knock at the door startled her, she was a stranger in a strange land and here she would remain. The knock grew louder and she wondered who it was, she had locked the door from the inside and no one would dare disturb her until it was time to dress her in the morning.

She could smell food, and she realized she was very very hungry. She stepped out of the tub petals clinging to her pale skin, she grabbed a heavy wine colored robe and wrapped it around her body.

She unlocked the door and opened it....

 

[slowandeasy]

Prince Peter

After taking care of the usual business of the day Peter took his customary stroll down to the lake He looked up at the south tower and thought he saw a shadow pass in front of the window. He looked quickly away knowing it was probably Princess Melinda and he did not want to break the rules. As he looked out over the shimmering water, he couldn’t help but think of her again. He imagined her in thewater dressed in that multicolored gown that did little to hide her voluptuous body. She was beautiful he had to admit and very desirable, much more so than her portrait had revealed. Was he in love with her already or was his body playing tricks on him asking for release? It had been a while since a woman had come to his room. Was it only lust that caused him to want to reach out and touch the vision in his mind? He sighed, right now he’d be content to watch her. See her move seductively, her breasts pressed against the translucent cloth, the hint of her sex between her thighs as she moved.

As he returned to the palace, the smell of food brought him towards the kitchen where he saw his mother followed by a servant carrying a silver tray. “For me.” he said teasingly. He knew of course as his mother was heading for the North tower that it was not. As she brushed past him ignoring his comment he said teasing again. “Here, let me take it to the Princess.”

His mother scowled. "You know, son, it is forbidden for you to be with her tonight, she’s probably busy with her bath anyway. A vision of Melinda in the prenuptial bath, her pale skin surrounded by rose petals, her body glistening wet in the candle light made Peter shiver. “If only...” Then he dismissed the vision from his mind and headed for the kitchen to ask that his meal be brought to his room. He headed for the south tower.

____________________________________________________________________________

The queen knocked and then knocked again, when the princess did not answer the door. For a moment she thought maybe she should just have the servant set the tray down but she did want to talk to the girl tonight. She knew the poor child would be missing her own mother and would be feeling lonely. She dismissed the servant and waited patiently.

When the door opened she stepped inside and set the tray on a small table near the tub. “Excuse me for disturbing you bath my dear she said, I brought you something to eat, you must be famished” She looked around, “What! No servants to help you with your bath. Well, then I will just have to do it. Have something to eat and then we will finish your bath”

 

[intriguess]

Princess Melinda

She was hungry, but being faced with her busy body soon to be mother in law who seemed to think servants had to do everything unnerved her. Everyone else bathed and dressed by themselves, it made her feel like a child to have them around. The queen made her feel like a child, practically ordering her around and inviting herself into the room and take care of her.

Melinda held the robe securely and said she'd rather not have company, "My mother always said that when all the servants are around you talking it's hard to think for oneself. Right now I really want to be able to hear my own thoughts."

The queen seemed not to hear anything as she went around straightening out the bed, laying out a nightgown, refreshing the bath water.

Melinda lost her appetite and felt like a chess piece being moved around the board. When the queen raised her voice, Melinda realized she had spoken to her.

"Get back in the tub dear so we can finish."

It was a command and one that Melinda intended to refuse, she was not about to let this woman run her life. "I'm really, really tired. I just want to go to bed."

"Well then I'll help you get dressed." It was patronizing, and Melinda did the only polite thing.

"I'm used to taking care of myself, I haven't been fussed over like this since I had I was sick as a child. I'm not a child and I'm not an invalid. I'm sure you understand a young bride's wish to be alone." With that she added her own patronizing smile and managing to usher the woman out of the room.

When the lock was back in place she breathed a sigh of relief and wondered what Peter must be like if his mother treated him like that.

She went to the window, wishing for wings for a moment and that this would be her last moment of freedom. Melinda decided that she would do what she had only dreamed of then. She slipped the robe off and let the moonlight play on her skin. Her fingers lightly ran along her skin, before moving to the bed and putting on the soft nightgown. She wore it merely because servants would be back in the morning and it would be unseemly for them to find her skyclad.

Melinda wished for a simpler life, that she could love whoever she choose. Her fingers ran along her skin she wouldn't even have this much privacy in the future.

 

[slowandeasy]

Prince Peter

In his room the Prince found his meal waiting for him. He ate quickly sad to be alone but knowing after tonight it would be different. He gazed wistfully at the North tower window wondering if Melinda was doing the same and if she was feeling just as lonely as him. Maybe his mother was with her so she wouldn't miss her parents on this last night of her freedom. Then again, his mother could be a bit overbearing at times, he wished he had taken Melindas meal to her. It might have been good for them to spend some time alone before the wedding but it was forbidden and he felt obligated to live by the rules. ...Still there was so much he needed to learn about his future bride before they became man and wife, before they made love for the first time,.... Peter had a hard time even thinking about how it would be to make love to a Princess, would it be different? Would she expect something more than what his previous experiences had taught him?

The questions once again went unanswered as he undressed and washed in the basin of warm water that had been sent to his room. He looked again toward the north tower window seeing the light on, he couldn't help but notice the naked body of the Princess siloueted in the light. He shivered feeling that all too familiar arousal, and then looked quickly away. When he looked back the vision was gone, had it been real or just his imagination. He closed his eyes and brought the picture back into his mind. Of course, it was Melinda even though he had not seen her naked before he knew and he didn't feel bad about breaking the rules for one more glimpse of her. For tonight it was enough just to see her. Tomorrow they would be man and wife, there would be more, not only would he be able to see her but he would be able to touch her, make love to her, hold and comfort her. But tonight after this one last brief glimpse he could sleep and dream about tomorrow. He pulled on his night shirt, blew out the light and crawled into bed. A few minutes later, he was sleeping.

 

[intriguess]

Princess Melinda

She slept fitfully and was awaken by her personal attendants swarmed into her room. She was being groomed, dressed, and fed, it was all a blur of motion and she asked about the queen. Who was luckily too busy with last minute wedding details. Her own mother had not arrived quite yet as her father had been quite ill on the trip.

She wondered what would happen once her father did pass on, how she would adjust to ruling with Peter by her side. Then suddenly as they appeared they all pulled away.

"You look stunning," each one said in their own way and a mirror was brought forth. Her hair was braided with silken ribbon and tiny pearls down her back. Her dress fitted her snugly, her breasts nearly spilling out except for a thin layer of sheer material with tiny pearls sewn into it. For the first time in her life she felt regal. Then when her mother slipped into the room and placed a strand of perfect pearls around her neck.

She looked at her mother, who had tears in her eyes, and whispered, "I'm afraid to hug you and ruin your dress." She smiled back and carefully headed down the stairs, attendents holding the train of her dress as she headed to her doom.....or her salvation.

 

[slowandeasy]

Prince Peter

A gentle breeze from the south window woke Peter and he stretched and yawned lazily before the realization of the importance of this day entered his sleepy head. He jumped up quickly, there was so much to do. True his father and his advisors had told him to relax, that they would take care of everty detail. He hoped that was true, the day needed to be perfect, for his family for his loyal subjects and for his new bride and her family. this new alliance was vital to the prosperity of both their kingdoms. He went to the East window. the bright morning sun greated him. It would be a perfect day he mused, the short ceremony would flow into the great feast with the best food and drink the finest musicians and entertainers the most agile and talented dancers. The day would be perfect. He would relax and let the others take care of the details.

And what about his wedding night he continued to muse. Would that be perfect also. He looked at the portrait of the princess that hung on the wall of his bedroom, the latest and best painting he had received. The artist had painted her well, yet Peter had much to learn about his new bride that a picture could not reveal. And about himself. He had heard stories about unfulfilled and joyless wedding nights particularily ones resulting from prearranged marriage such as his and Melindas. He shuddered at the thought of this happening and vowed he would do his best to prevent it.

He reached out to the portrait and softly touched the canvas, his finger tracing a path across her cheek, her chin and the hollow behind her ear, back again to her mouth, her lips and then dropping to the gentle curve of her throat. His other hand joined in as if to spread the fabric that enclosed her shoulders and expose more of he soft delicate skin. His memory of her naked body in the window from the night before created an image of two full, firm breasts beneath the cloth. He shivered in anticpation suddenly very much aroused by the prospect of the reality of his wedding night. yes, he would do his best to make that event perfect also.

------------------------------------------------

The morning passed quickly. His servants had brought him breakfast and had helped him dress. The bells tolled out at noon announcing to everyone in the kingdom that the wedding was about to take place. In the great hall there was silence. All rose as he entered and took his place. The music began and everyone turned to see the Princess began her journey to the front. Peter watched her come forward, she was beautiful.

 

[intriguess]

Princess Melinda

It was like a haze was pulled over her, as she walked down the aisle. The courtiers, subjects, other nobles, all faded away as she walked slowly down the aisle. It was crowded to capacity and she felt all eyes upon her as the music played, each note, each step bringing her closer to Prince Peter. The ceremony was undoubtedly perfect, but she found herself staring at Peter, sizing him up wondering if their would be pleasure or pain tonight. She prayed to be able to summon her passion, rather than resorting to false means to endure it. She once again wondered about his experiences, did he expect her to act like a common slut paid to satisfy him? She kept her composure and answered as expected her hands kept from trembling only by his warm hands upon them.

She was indeed nervous, but strove to get through the celebrations, wondering how long they would be expected to be in attendance of the celebrations that would undoubtedly last well into the wee hours of the morning. The ring felt foreign upon her finger, the dazzling diamond undoubtedly worth a small fortune.

She expected a chaste kiss, but she was determined to start the marriage off on the right foot. So when he cupped her chin for the kiss, she ran her hand along his neck and pulled him in for a long soft kiss. Their were no fireworks, but she felt a tingling run down her spine and when she looked in his eyes she saw and felt his relief. She suddenly realized he was probably as nervous as she was, and she felt more confident in facing their future together.

Then they were walking back down the aisle, hands joined shouts and hurrays all around. People bustling about as they received their guests. She was pleased to see several familiar faces and noticed that while the wedding was over the ceremonies had just begun. It seemed like an eternity before they were done and finally headed for the banquet hall.