Royal Machinations

[wideeyedone]

Jane felt her heart thunder in her chest when she saw William fingering a rose from the same stem she had stolen from the night before.

"I see our friend is hungry, he and his lady were no where to be seen last night." Jane's voice was light and happy. The light of William's smile added to her own. Jane held out a loaf of bread to William. "I think he has begun to associate us with food, I didn't want him to be dissapointed."

Jane tossed a hunk of bread into the pond. The swan greedily snatched it out of the water.

"I hope my message wasn't too forward, but between errands for the Queen and my father attempting to kindle a romance with Count Ballantine, I have not had a chance to talk with you and I have missed you."

Jane found herself fidgeting with her skirts and looking at the ground instead of at William. Her cheeks were flushed and unconciously she was biting her lower lip. This is what she had wanted, she had longed for her friend and now she found herself at a loss.

 

[marauder13]

William saw that Jane carried with her a loaf of bread, warming to the consideration that she showed to the swans that dwelt near their preferred meeting place.

"I see our friend is hungry, he and his lady were no where to be seen last night. I think he has begun to associate us with food, I didn't want him to be disappointed."

"He is indeed a clever fellow, having trained us well to meet his dining needs." He briefly watched the graceful bird's less graceful lunging for the bread Jane tossed to him. It reminded him of many courtier's attempts to grab something they wanted when within reach. Foregoing the facade of grace and courtesy only to lunge frantically lest whatever is taken away.

"I hope my message wasn't too forward, but between errands for the Queen and my father attempting to kindle a romance with Count Ballantine, I have not had a chance to talk with you and I have missed you."

William found himself smiling again. Her father was not trying to kindle anything between the two young people, except for Armitage's interest in Jane so he would marry her. William wondered how Jane would react if she knew he was actively trying to get the two better acquainted so that something more would blossom between them before Armitage stepped forward to ask for her hand in marriage.

But then he was greeted with a very shy, reserved and slightly anxious friend staring at the ground and seeking to fix some unknown flaw in her dresses with her free hand. Seeing her so unhappy so soon worried William. He stepped forward, cupping her chin with his hand, raising it to ask her what was bothering her. But the feel of her skin on his fingers warmed him subtly all through his body. By the time she was facing him, his heart was beating a little faster, and the question he was going to ask was banished from his lips. He leant down, taking Jane in a tender kiss. She was afraid, and he wanted nothing more than to banish her fear. The kiss was the only way he thought would be able to do that. Just his lips against hers, warm soft flesh pressing gently showing the young woman that she was important, cared for and cherished.

When he raised himself from their kiss, he looked straight into her eyes. "Jane, you are very special to me. You are the only person I know who has ever wanted to know William. Not the King, nor nobleman, neither man of power, prestige nor lineage. No matter where life takes you from here, Jane, you will always hold a special place in my heart as someone who likes, and wants to know, me."

He took her hand, and led her to the bench to sit. He took some of the loaf from her, tearing small pieces off and throwing them to the swan. He glanced back at Jane, starting to relax and control how he was reacting to her presence. He could not deny her physical beauty. But it was the inner her that appealed to him more; the person within that beauty. She was young, a virgin still and very unwise in the ways of the court. He could so easily have her in his bed if he so chose, with or without her Father's knowledge or permission. But he would not do such a thing to her. Not after showing him such respect and gratitude.

"Life in Court as you thought it might be? Or does it carry aspects that you did not think of? Is there anything that you are grateful of?" He reached out, taking Jane's free hand in his own, holding it gently, trying to comfort his friend in her time of suspected need. Even that simple touch was reminding him of how her lips felt on his, and he started to imagine how her skin would feel under the touch of his lips, and the bathing of his breath.

 

[wideeyedone]

Jane felt her heart quicken when he held her hand, his kiss still in her thoughts.

"I love life at court in the sense that I love meeting new people, and being here with you. I enjoy attending the Queen and sewing for the poor. However, last night I upset my father. He felt I had asked for Prior's attention. He told me that I am his last asset to sell." Jane allowed herself to lean against William, her head leaning on his shoulder.

"I know I was brought to court so that I could be married. However, I am beginning to feel a bit like a horse taken to auction. I know there are financial matters at hand, but he seems more frenzied than that. I am not sure how to please him." Jane sighed deeply. She held William's hand tightly and with her other hand she tossed more hunks of bread out to the swan. It was peaceful in the garden, the sunlight filtering through the green of the leaves over head.

Jane looked up at the leaves, a slight breeze making them sway back and forth.
"I think my father has settled on Count Ballantine. He seems like a nice man. I don't know him well, but he is friendly." Her voice drifted off, she wanted to tell him that Jason didn't make her heart thunder like William did. Nor had Jason ever kissed her or touched her. But she knew she shouldn't say these things, so she kept silent.

 

[marauder13]

William casually tossed pieces of bread to the swan while he listened to Jane speak. Her voice had a natural flow to it, one what was not guarded, or with the subtle tones and inflections that a polished courtier had when trying to mask the true meaning of their words. It was something he valued deeply, just having someone willing to speak their mind openly without putting too much thought into what they were saying.

He felt a little sorry for her as she leant against him. Hearing herself being referred to as an asset, openly no less by her father, must have been a painful experience for the young woman. Of course she was brought to court to find a husband that would help elevate her family's position through a good marriage. The Larrimores were well connected, with good income and a worthy reputation. Fowler worked hard to hem the man into a tight spot, in order to get what he wanted. Not even the best of situations could prevent such from happening, particularly when Lord Larrimore tried to strengthen his wealth via some risky ventures.

"I think my father has settled on Count Ballantine. He seems like a nice man. I don't know him well, but he is friendly."

There had been a change in her voice as she spoke. William had been around too many people who bent the truth, projected the truth in a way that presented a different view if one was not too careful, as well as ones like Jane who were not saying everything they could. He lifted his head slightly, bringing the hand that had been throwing bread to gently cup Jane's chin. He lifted her head up, guiding her face to look at him.

"Jane. When were are here like this, just the two of us talking, I would feel far more at ease if you would speak openly to me. If there is something that you are not wanting to tell me, please say so. It was very easy for me to notice that words were left unsaid just then. Is there something that concerns you about young Armitage?"

William let his hand drop, slowly from her face, allowing it to come to rest in his lap. "Jason is a good man. He comes from a long line of stout, level headed rulers, and all the men of that family have been gentlemen. He is being rather respectful of you, Jane. Don't let that be a mark against him. I can't blame him for wanting to be careful, and err on the side of caution when it comes to someone like yourself."

He brought his hand back to her face, his fingers carefully catching a loose wisp of her hair, hooking it behind her ear. "As for your father, he is nervous about the future of his family. With men like him, nerves make them snap, snarl and bark. Don't take it personally when it happens. Remember, you have some good friends in Court now.

Please, Jane, will you confide in your good friend William about what else is troubling you?"

 

[wideeyedone]

Jane closed her eyes as William's fingers brushed against her skin, smoothing her hair into place. It felt was just what she wanted, just what she had hoped to find with him in the garden.

Jane tried to make herself well spoken but her words came tumbling out." William, I know that Jason is a good man. He will be kind to me. Kind." She paused on the word for a moment or two. "But will my heart pound when he touches me? Will I remember the texture and taste of his kisses for days?"

Her senses were filled with the moment. The feel of William's hands, the smells and sounds of the garden, her pounding heart.

"I don't have to marry Fowler and for that I am ever so grateful. I will be a good wife to Armitage. I will honor my family, but I..." Jane fumbled for the right words.

She brushed her lips against his. "I have a taste for your kisses and how you make me feel. I know I shouldn't. I know I am being a silly girl. But I hesitate about Jason, because I doubt that anyone can make me feel as you do." Jane looked up at William her eyes filled with emotion. She pressed the back of her hand to her own cheek, she could feel the heat of her flushed skin. She knew she was being ridiculous, she knew she was throwing herself at the King.

 

[marauder13]

William looked at Jane in a whole new light. Gone was the friend that he enjoyed the company of to help wash away the layer of filth the Courtiers seemed to leave on him. In her place was someone even more precious. He admitted to himself that he had deeper feelings for the young woman, feelings unlike any others he had felt with any other woman he had been with.

"Jane, you awaken desires in me that other women have, but for reasons totally different. With them, it was to take care of desires of my own, to deal with my needs that weren't being met. With you, I want to show you the joys of what a man and a woman can share together in the most intimate of ways. To show you how much you mean to me. To give you gifts that you deserve."

His heart raced as he embraced her firmly, holding her close. He took in her scent with each breath, filling him and lifting him to a more blissful place. He turned his head, finding her neck. He trailed kisses from the base of her neck to just below her ear, before crossing her cheek and kissing her lips once more.

"Jane, I know that I am your King, and that I could more or less command you to share yourself with me. Or use that prestige to overwhelm you, or even your father to get what I desire. But, that would defeat the reason for wanting to do it. But as William, a man, I would like to show you what wonders await you. Wonders that I am sure that Jason would show you and let you experience too."

William felt himself blush. He never approached a woman on a near equal footing before, and it made the normally confident man nervous. Every other woman he had, including his wife, was negotiated from a position of strength, where she had little choice but to concede to his wishes. Even his mistresses, all of whom wanted to share his bed eagerly, did so because he more or less demanded it of them. Jane, he had come to know as a person. She became a friend. He had few friends, and as a result, he never took them for granted, no abused their friendship.

He took a chunk of the loaf, sending small pieces to the swan while he let his troubled thoughts try and settle. He couldn't look at Jane while she thought on what he said. He was torn. He wanted her to say yes, he wanted her to say no. One thing he knew for certain. He would rejoice in her answer, lament in her answer and live with it.

 

[wideeyedone]

Jane quivered in William's arms. She heard a hungry sound escape her lips when he kissed her throat. She wanted to press as tightly as she could to him. She wanted to be enveloped in his warmth. Jane started to speak twice and she choked on the words. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Then her eyes met William's.

"Love me." She whispered as she kissed William. She knew she was a willing participant in her seduction. "William, the rest... my father, my marriage... I don't want to think about those things anymore. Just love me."

Jane kissed the warm skin of William's throat. She slid her arms around him. She felt loved and secure in his arms but she also felt on the cusp of adventure and discovery. Jane had been a pawn in her father's machinations for so long. She knew it might not last, but for a while, she wanted to decide for herself.

 

[marauder13]

Seeing Jane's eyes turned towards his, he had a gut feeling something big was coming. He held himself in check until he finally heard what she had to say.

"Love me."

He felt that everything solid had been taken out of him in that moment. The overwhelming relief that flowed through him was unlike anything he had felt before. Then the loving touch of her lips against his sent him to a blissful place he had been so few times before. He let no thoughts interfere or detract him from what her kiss brought him.

"William, the rest... my father, my marriage... I don't want to think about those things anymore. Just love me."

"I can do that for you, Jane." His voice was a hoarse whisper, barely controlled as Jane kissed his neck. He held her firmly in his arms for what felt like an eternity before he released his hold of her.

"More for your protection than anything else, we need to be very discrete, Jane. It will take some time to organise a place for us to meet where I can show you what joys await you with your husband. Believe me, if you do some of what I show you, you will experience the rest of what I show you.

"Please, please know this, Jane. Many may see this as a cruel use of you by some one more experienced and knowledgeable. There will be many tongues that will say such if they ever find out. Or they will speak of how you seduced me to gain favour for your father, or as a reward or even a price. None of that is true. This is something between two close friends who love each other dearly."

He smiled warmly as he kissed her forehead tenderly. "Go now, Jane. Go about your normal daily duties. You will receive word from me on where and when we will meet next. Do not panic if it takes some time. It will happen. Now, go."

William watched her depart, his mind in turmoil about what he was going to do. She was not just going to fill a physical need for him, he was going to fill a deeper need. But even as he thought of that deeper need, his thoughts strayed to Marielle. She had been different to him, more open and in some ways understanding of him and what he needed of his wife. She was enjoying his company more, or at least rejecting it less. He was feeling something more akin to friendship to her in recent days. Similar feelings to what he had with Jane earlier in their friendship.

"Could it be that I am falling in love with my wife?"

 

[wideeyedone]

Larrimore was awaiting Jane's return. His face was hard when she came into the appartment.

"Your brother and his wife are going back to the country. Abigail's condition can't be hidden much longer and I have invented some business that Josiah has to take care of. The maids are helping Abigail pack, you need to say your goodbyes."

Jane rushed to Abigail's chamber. Abigail was directing the maids. The room was almost packed. Abigail smiled at Jane.

"Don't look so upset. This is only temporary. I will mend fences with the Queen, you will be wed to Armitage if your father has his way, and it will all be fine." Abigail hugged her tightly. "Jane, you are warm and flushed. Do you feel alright? Or were you off with Armitage?"

Jane shook her head, even though her heart was spilling over with emotion, she knew she had to keep her own counsel. Abigail would never understand and as much as she loved her, Abigail would be loyal to the family name.

In just a few hours, Josiah and Abigail left for the Larrimore Estate. Jane longed to see William. Her family's quarters seemed cold and lonely with Josiah and Abigail gone.

"Gregory Prior has asked for Marisol Pellam's hand. She is a widow. He was one of the better prospects in my opinion. He is close to the Queen. The Price boy is smitten with the irritating little Gilden girl. I hope we can get Armitage to make his move."

Jane listened to her father prattle on. She wasn't sure if he was chattering to her or to himself. Jane made sure that her face looked attentive, but she had no interest in the intrigue her father was designing. She was thinking of William's fingers on her face and his kiss.

 

[marauder13]

It would be a week before William could meet Jane again for them to show their affection for one another. There was much to organize to ensure that he was discrete enough to protect Jane from the vultures of the Court. But he had a few people who's loyalty was beyond question, and their ability to be discrete was bordering on magical.

There was a place near the castle, that the royal family owned, but rented out to others as they needed for short terms. The house was not in use, and it was easy for someone to be brought in and out without drawing attention to themselves. It was well furnished, but not opulent. It would be the perfect place for William and Jane to have the privacy they needed.

William had sent Maria to fetch Jane, as Jane had been forewarned earlier in the week. Maria's father was a soldier, who's life was saved by the king in battle. William saw one of his own about to be slain, and killed the enemy before the killing blow fell. The soldier lived through the battle, spoke of the deed to his family. His daughter swore to serve her King loyally, as thanks for saving his life. William treated the young woman well, cementing the loyalty further.

William was wandering the main room, pacing nervously in fine clothes of a rich member of society. At times, he could slip away from the castle, and not be recognized by his subjects. Most of his time, he was dressed in such a way that he was more noticeable as King by his garb that by himself. A fact that he was taking the greatest advantage of.

His pacing ceased as he heard the door at the rear of the house open. While his body stopped, his heart picked up to replace the motion lost in his standing still. He looked toward the doorway where he would see Jane enter when she had finally arrived.

 

[wideeyedone]

Jane had spent the days preceding her meeting with her heart fluttering. Maria had explained how and when she would meet William. When Maria approached her, she thought that her words would be tainted with judgement. However, Maria had been gentle and reassuring. Maria had reminded her to wear a simple dress and loaned her a simple cloak that would hide her hair and most of her face.

Maria guided Jane through the woods. But when they arrived, Maria just squeezed Jane's hand and retreated up the path, promising to return in a few hours.

Jane took a deep breath and the opened the backdoor to the house. She did her best to not make noise entering the house. But when she saw William waiting for her, she ran to his arms. She pressed herself to his body.

"You are all that I can think about, William. I have missed you so." She pressed kisses to his throat and his cheeks. Her enthusiam was almost childlike but she was also full of desire. She could feel her body, more warm and more alive than ever before.

"No one saw me leave. My father is too busy trying to ensnare suitors for me, that he won't be home for hours. For now, I am all yours, William."

Jane closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her heart was racing. She melted into William's embrace.

 

[marauder13]

William spread his arms in readiness as Jane ran to him. he wrapped his arms about her, holding her firmly, embracing her with all the love he held for her in his heart. He closed his eyes, just feeling her within his arms. He never felt the same way about any other woman in his life. In that moment, he felt so alive, so special.

"You are all that I can think about, William. I have missed you so."

"And I have missed you too, Jane. I have been looking forward to this moment, but I have also been scared of it too." He laughed softly. "I have never been with someone I have loved before. I want this to be special for you, and for you to remember it for the right reasons. There is so much to show you and for you to experience and feel."

"No one saw me leave. My father is too busy trying to ensnare suitors for me, that he won't be home for hours. For now, I am all yours, William."

"Well, I shall make sure that I use this time well, Jane."

William felt Jane's body lean further into his. He wasn't sure, but he thought he could feel Jane's heart beating against his body. But her closeness awoke in him the desires he had concerning her. Not just of a man for a woman, but of a lover for their love.

"Come, Jane, let me show you the wonders that men and women can share when intimate."

He released her from his embrace, extending his arm to her, ready to lead her to the Master bedroom where many secrets would hopefully be revealed to her.

 

[wideeyedone]

Jane allowed William to lead her to the bedroom. She unbuttoned her gown with her fingers shaking. Maria had told her to make sure that she dressed in a gown that she would not need help with since there would be no maids to attend her. She untied the ribbon holding her hair back. She shucked off her dress and beneath it she wore her most delicate shift. Jane was so very nervous and she looked over at William he was smiling at her, looking bemused.

"I am doing this wrong, aren't I?" She felt her cheeks flushing. She turned to William and went back to his arms. She snuggled tightly against his chest. "I just want to please you. I want...." She stammered. " The women you have.... they are so beautiful and graceful. And I am just " She shrugged her shoulders and just rested against him.

The rain began pattering against the roof of the cottage. Jane took a few deep breaths and allowed William's touch to soothe her and coax her with his touch. She found herself turning her face up to him and kissing his jaw. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his lips sweetly.

 

[marauder13]

William looked about the room, checking once more that the room would meet the purposes he had in mind. The bed was suitably large, well made and comfortable. William was nervous about what was about to occur. His other paramours were just ones who were satisfying his needs that weren't met by Marielle, but Jane was someone he loved.

'I love this young woman. I don't lust for her, I actually love her, and I want this to be just right for her. Se deserves nothing less.'

William turned as he heard a rustle of fabric. He saw her pull the ribbon free of her hair, letting it cascade freely,framing her face in the most beautiful manner. It was followed by the most delicate of movements that saw her simple dress descend to the floor. He couldn't help but smile at her. She was beautiful, anxious and eager all in one amazing bundle. She was clad in fabric that somehow hid her from his sight, while firing his imagination as he became more aware of the truth that her daily attire hid so well.

"I am doing this wrong, aren't I? I just want to please you. I want.... The women you have.... they are so beautiful and graceful. And I am just."

"Doing this wrong? Hardly." He wrapped his arms about her again, giving her the comfort she so desired. "You have denied me of some of my pleasure in removing your dress, but that is of little importance in the grand scheme. But don't concern yourself with others, Jane. You have something that they never had and will probably never will. You have my heart."

William relaxed as the sounds of rain began to be heard. The dimming light plus the gentle patter of the rain made the room feel more intimate and cozy. He felt Jane relaxing against him, her nerves fading away. Jane's lips touched his jaw, sending tingles through his body. A soft sigh filled the air about them as he let the younger woman explore him slightly. William pulled his head back slightly, allowing him to return her kiss with one of his own that came to rest on her forehead.

He caressed her cheek, taking in the expression of her face, smiling to her in a reassuring manner. "Jane, it is time for you to see some more of me. Please, feel free to touch and kiss whatever you like. Don't be afraid, but also don't feel you have to do anything."

He worked on his shirt, loosening it until his chest and belly were partially exposed. He removed the shirt carefully, placing it on one of the chairs. His chest and shoulders were broad from his days of fighting, and he was starting to gain the slightest paunch due to his easier life, but the King still kept himself fit. His chest had a light scattering of hair, and was free of any blemishes and scars.

"Come, my love, learn a little more of my body, and see what joys you may find."

 

[wideeyedone]

Jane snuggled in tightly against William's bare chest. Her fingers trailed through the light amount of hair on his chest.

"Your skin is warm." She murmurred. She kissed across his chest and stood on her tip toes to kiss across his collarbone and throat. She could feel her own body heating as she touched his skin. She didn't just kiss him, she brushed against him with her cheek, her silken hair brushing against his skin. Her breasts brushed against him through her shift. She could feel the peaks of her nipples stiffen through the fabric.

This was new for Jane, but she wasn't frightened. She was just eager and excited. She could feel the heat pooling in her belly. She wanted more. SHe wanted to feel his hands and his mouth on her skin.

Soft, needy sounds escaped from her throat. Her fingers explored the strength of the muscles under his warm skin. Her fingers slid up and down his sides. then she wrapped her arms around him. She embraced him, holding him close.

She rested her head against his chest.

"I love you, William." She whispered. She did not need him to acknowledge it, she just needed to say it.

 

[marauder13]

William adored the way Jane was touching him, feeling him with her hands and body. Skin tingled and heated up under fingertips and lips. Murmurs of delight escaped his lips as she continued her initial explorations. He loved the soft brush of her hair, as well as the rough passage of her hardened nipples while she pressed herself close to him.

Soon, he heard her own murmurs joining his, stirring the blood and adding more warmth to the fire burning within. More fingers sliding across his skin left him wanting Jane more than ever before. His own arms encircled her when she hugged him.

"I love you, William."

The deep breath rocked Jane's head slightly. "I love you, Jane."

He released his hold of her, taking a small step back. He looked at her clad in the thin fabric, his heart racing. His hands found the bottom hem. His fingertips found the outsides of her legs. With care not to damage her clothing, he lifted the final barrier between his eyes and her body. The fingertips continued to brush her soft skin as he lifted it higher and higher.

His eyes remained on hers, despite the desire to see the gift she was giving him. He wanted to know how she felt as he probably became the first man apart from her father to see her thus. Within the eon stretching moments that passed, he had her undergarment in hand, which he dropped to the floor to join her dress.

His hand found hers. He led her to the bed, laying her down on the soft surface. Only then, his eyes left hers to admire what she was about to share with him.

 

[wideeyedone]

Jane had expected to feel self concious when William saw her undressed, but instead his gaze made her feel like a goddess. She propped herself on one elbow and did her best to stay still as William looked at her. She felt his gaze wash over her. She felt her blush deepen and she couldn't help but smile. As excited and aroused as she was, she was with William. She felt at home in his arms and in his sight.


Jane felt the peaks of her breasts harden in the cool air of the bed chamber. She shuddered just a little and the chill made her giggle just a little.


"Come to bed, Love." Jane whispered, reaching her hand out to him. Jane rolled back, her dark hair spilled around her like a halo. She wasn't afraid at all, just eager and excited.