The Widowed Lord

[heartofcourage]

"About myself?" Caroline asked as they sat across from each other and he wanted to know things that a husband would know about his wife. "Well, I was born in Paris. My mother is the king's mistress, but I suppose you know that. My full name is Caroline Amalia Charlotte Louise. I enjoy white gardenias. I'm not picky when it comes to food. I love reading. I love music. I was sent to you because my sister, the Dauphine, thought I was having a relationship with her husband. One innocent kiss and I was sent away."

"If you wish to know something more personal, I have a birth mark on my inner right thigh. I've had sex with two men in my entire life. I enjoy romance, but I don't need it in my life to make me feel complete." She said softly, not really sure what else to say.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

He leaned in as she spoke his eyes watching her as she shared part of her story. A faint blush creeped onto his cheek as she talked about intimate things specifically the birthmark and who she had sex with. For some men it was a strike against a woman that they weren’t chaste or virginal but for him it was a small blessing. It spoke to him of maturity and a very small part of him was also pleased that she wouldn’t be a novice in bed.

Why did he think that? He didn’t have any plans to ever engage in any carnal relations with her. Even if the idea of that birthmark lingered in his mind….
He shook himself out of his dirty thoughts and cleared his throat.

“Thank you” He said smiling at her “I suppose I should share as well”

“Your mother will probably ask about my hobbies and shared interest” He began standing “I enjoyed or well do enjoy nature and going outside. I hunt but not a lot but if she asks I’ll express interest in it. You and I have spent most of our time since getting married locked in the room together where we have enjoyed wild and wanton sexual relations”

 

[heartofcourage]

"Stefan, she's not an imbecile. She'll know that we haven't been having sex. Her entire livelihood has been based around sex." Caroline said with a long sigh, looking at him as he tried to lighten the mood. "You don't have to pretend that this marriage is anything but a convenience. That's what it is, after all. We don't have to lie to her about anything."

 

[EroticLiteracy]

“Are you the kings daughter or what?” Stefan replied raising an eyebrow as she further discouraged the idea of “faking it”.

“I am surprised you would be so quick to throw in the towel” He said rising up and giving her a serious look “Your mother is good at bending the king to her will but she isn’t the only one skilled in the art of subterfuge. There was once a time I was the kings most trusted agent and she knows this. Your mother is coming and together we will greet her as husband and wife. We will make sure any fears she holds in her heart about your wellbeing are put to rest and that is that. Now it is getting late.. Would you like to go to bed with me?”

 

[heartofcourage]

"Of course I'm his daughter." Caroline had more than just a passing resemblance to her father. She was near the spitting image of the king with a few of her mother's features thrown in for good measure.

She was stunned when he announced that he had once been the king's topmost agent. She wondered if his first marriage had put a stop to all of that. She must have been an amazing woman for him to have mourned so deeply and given up everything.

"Stefan..." she started to protest, cut off when he made the offer to go to bed with her. "Excuse me?

 

[EroticLiteracy]

He laughed shaking his head and enjoying far to much the look on her face.
“Your my wife are you not?” He said raising an eyebrow at her “Your mother is coming and so we are going to have to get used to sleeping with each other”

He beckoned her with his hand and turned not bothering to wait and see if she would follow. He climbed up the steps of the manor trying to still his rapidly beating heart. This would be his first time sleeping with anyone but his wife. Well technically she WAS his wife so it would be his first time sleeping with a girl that wasn’t Elise.

“I have to do it” He said to himself and the specter of his wife “It is the least I can do for her”

He moved towards the bedroom he was now “living in” and opened it. The room was already made up with his things laying out. He walked over to it and ran his fingers over his sleep clothes sighing softly and preparing himself for what was to come.

 

[heartofcourage]

Caroline was still stunned when he left the room, beckoning her to follow him. She thought that he was absolutely insane. He had been the one to make such a big deal over the fact that he wasn't going to treat her as his wife. He was still haunted by a ghost, but he seemed to want to help her with her mother's upcoming visit. It was all so confusing.

After a while, she made her way to her rooms, stopping when she saw Stefan there, his clothing laid out on the bed. "Stefan, I mean it. You don't have to do anything to impress my mother. She won't care that we aren't living as a married couple normally would. She would understand."

 

[EroticLiteracy]

“I’m not doing this to impress your mother” He said his tone patient as he turned to face her. His bright eyes regarded her intently as he spoke. For the first time since she knew him he looked present and intense. His strong jaw moved as he talked his chin thrusting out.

“Your mother will want to make sure you are okay and being properly taken care of” He told her gently “And while I know that doesn’t mean we have to sleep together she will be concerned if we aren’t. I am doing this for you and for us”

He smiled at her and then moved to his side of the room. He reached out unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off his body. His muscular shoulders rolled as he tossed the shirt off.

 

[heartofcourage]

Caroline didn't say anything else as he turned and moved to his side of the room, unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it off his body. He was still a handsome man, muscled and firm even though he carried extra weight around his belly because of his drinking. However, she had to remember that even though they were married, they were not living as husband and wife. It was all for her mother's benefit when she arrived.

She let out a long sigh as she turned and opened her own wardrobe, pulling out a fresh nightgown and robe. She started her nightly routine shortly after, brushing out her hair after unpinning it, setting aside her jewels, and undressing. Once she was clothed again, she went to gather her evening snack from the kitchens that the cook always had waiting on her. That evening, it was a tray of meats and cheeses, something to share if she wished. When she came back, she glanced towards Stefan before she made her way towards the wide windows that overlooked the forest beyond.

"You're welcome to join me. I usually snack and then read before bed." Caroline said, knowing that she sounded like an old maid by admitting that.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

“You like to snack before bed?” He said his tone one of surprise and pleasure.

“I sometimes do as well” He explained reaching out for one of the meats before popping it into his mouth.

“Please feel free to read” He told her gesturing as he moved into the bathroom “I have no wish to interrupt your night time rituals!”

He came out a few minutes later water dripping from his washed face. He pulled on his sleep shirt clothing his muscular chest before sliding into the bed.

“What are you reading?” He asked grabbing a few more pieces of cheese and meat and settling back on the pillows. He found himself relaxing despite himself enjoying her company and not going to bed alone.

 

[heartofcourage]

Caroline glanced up as he asked her what she was reading, helping himself to her snack as if he didn't have a care in the world. "Just something I found in your library. I think I've probably read half of the books in there by now."

She had been reading a lot, even though she had always enjoyed the hobby in the past. It had been taken to a new level in her new home where she was much more isolated and more lonely. In fact, his staff had mentioned bringing her more books when they went to the market, but she had insisted that they wouldn't spend the money on anything for her.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

"Something you found in the library?" He said arcing his eyebrow "you've literally named thousands of books with that sentence!"

He surprised her by reaching out and grabbing the book. He flipped the front page up his eyes scanning the tittle before a knowing light graced his eyes. He chuckled and let it go unaware that the movement of his body had temporarily placed him on top of her.

"That is a good one!" He said nodding his head "I am sorry there isn't more for you to do around here! Perhaps in the coming week we can book a trip to the city nearby"

 

[heartofcourage]

Caroline was startled that Stefan was suddenly so interested in interacting with her. He rolled to her side, laying over the top of her briefly as he saw what she was reading. He had gone from cold and uncaring to making an effort to get to know his bride. She knew he was still haunted by the first wife that he had loved so dearly and she didn’t want any him to give up on her.

“You don’t have to do that. I’m perfectly content with what we already have.” Caroline commented as she took the book back and marked her place in it. “I bide my time exploring the grounds. There’s more than enough to do here without getting bored, even as isolated as we are.”

 

[EroticLiteracy]

"Everyone needs some change in scenery" Stefan remarked stretching back out on his side of the bed.

"Besides I'm sure the staff would like to get us out of the house for some deep cleaning" he remarked reaching for the water jug on his bedside table and pouring himself a glass. Once the water was poured he brought it up to his lips taking a measured sip before sighing.

"When your mother comes we can take her to the ruins situated by the mountain" he said settling into the pillows "it used to be a church before a fire took it down a century ago."

 

[heartofcourage]

“My mother isn’t one for adventure. Perhaps you can convince her but don’t get your hopes up.” Caroline said with a rueful smile.

A week later, an ornate carriage rattled its way into the courtyard in the middle of a thick mist. It seemed that the weather had turned dreary and cooler, signalling the changing of the season. Caroline stood in front of the manor house with Stefan, waiting for her mother to emerge. True to form, like the grand dame that she was, Genevieve exited with a flourish.

“Mama.” Caroline said as she stepped forward to greet her, kissing her cheek. “Welcome to my new home.”

Genevieve’s dress was made of the finest materials imaginable. She looked much younger than her true age and it was clear where Caroline got her fair complexion from. She was a stunning woman with sharp eyes, taking in everything like a hawk.

“It was too long of a journey. I could strangle the queen for insisting you come all the way here.” Genevieve murmured, glancing over Caroline’s shoulder to Stefan. “But your husband is very nice to look at.”

 

[EroticLiteracy]

"I would hate for you to choke her out for brining your darling daughter to me" Stefan replied coming forward in his best navy blue dress and freshly shaved.

"She has been a true joy and delight in my home" Stefan said coming over to his wife mother and taking her hand. He bowed low and gave it a slight kiss before stepping back and gesturing for the servants to come in and take care of the bags. They moved quickly grabbing her luggage and bringing it into the home.

"Unfortunately a dispute on my land needs to be looked at" Stefan said nodding at the two ladies "I received the summons this morning and most go take care of it! However I should be back within an hour or two"

Stefan leaned in to kiss his wifes cheek before turning on his heel. He moved away to the stables and second later tore onto the road in a black mustang.

 

[heartofcourage]

"He's a handsome man." Genevieve said as they both watched Stefan ride off on his black horse. "Does he treat you well? He seems friendly enough."

"He treats me just fine." Caroline said as she led her mother into the manor. "He leaves me be most of the time and he's kind. I don't think you will have any worries about Stefan."

"And he takes care of you completely?" Genevieve asked, giving Caroline a grin as her daughter gave her a side look. "Forgive me for being nosy, my love, but it's my duty. I want grandchildren one day and that is the only way that it will happen."

"Again, you don't have anything to worry about, mother." Caroline said with a long sigh, guiding her into the parlor to sit and relax after her journey.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Her mother glided into the room and sat down. Her eyes regarded her daughter studying her for several seconds in that way only mothers (and spies) could do. She took the drink offered by Christopher and thanked him before politely asking him to leave the room. Christopher did so sparing one last look at her before disappearing out the door.

"There were rumors your husband was a bereaved widow" Her mother said leaning back and studying her "That he was to busy pining over his dead love to be a proper husband to you. Is that the truth?"

 

[heartofcourage]

“He still loves his former wife, yes. I don’t blame him. This wasn’t a marriage that either of us chose. If he wants to mourn for her, who am I to stop him?” Caroline asked as she took a seat and looked at her mother long and hard. “Mama, I don’t need sex in my life to make me feel complete. Stefan and I have a friendly relationship. It’s probably the best that I could have hoped for when father first told me that I was to be wed to one of high ranking lords.”

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Her mother starred at her for several long seconds before rising to her feet and slapping her daughter lightly acorss her face.

"What is wrong with you" Her mother hissed shaking her head.

"I thought I raised you better than that" Her mother said placing both hands on her shoulders "You are my daughter! The KINGS true heir. Do you wish to be stuck out here for the rest of your life? Do you not wish to get into your fathers graces once more?"

She waited for her answer before continuing "You were trained as a mistress of seduction. You were taught by the best ME. You must do your duty and carry Stefans child. He was once the kings best friend and you can use that to your advantage"

 

[heartofcourage]

Caroline was stunned as her mother slapped her across the face, her entire demeanor changing as she berated her for not doing more to seduce her husband. “Father has an heir with the queen. I’ve never been in the line of succession.”

Caroline was so thoroughly confused when her mother shook her by the shoulders and insisted that she needed to carry Stefan’s child as soon as possible. She knew that was how her mother had caught her father in her web, but it wasn’t really the kind of life that she herself wanted to live.

“Mama, I fear you’ve lost your mind. It’s not so bad here. Lonely sometimes, sure, but it’s not the end of the world.”

 

[EroticLiteracy]

"I cant believe your being so blase" She said shaking her head.

"I didnt train you and guide you all those years just for you to come to the country side and lose your teeth" Her mother said rising and throwing her hands up as she moved to the door.

"You have royal blood in you" She reminded her as she opened the door "It would behoove of your to remember that my dear and how much you loved the court and city"

And with that she left and headed upstairs to take a nap.

 

[heartofcourage]

Caroline sat quietly for a long time after her mother had retreated. She did like Stefan, but she didn't know if she wanted to trap him in the same kind of relationship that her mother had with her father. It was one built on lust and social climbing. She wanted a stable marriage with a man that adored her. Heirs were something that had always been talked about by her mother, but Caroline had really never seen it as serious.

She stood and moved towards the window looking out over the forest covered landscape. It was a far cry from the city that she loved so much, but her husband didn't seem interested in going back to Paris. Perhaps she did have the power to change that. She knew her mother would never stop her hounding until she at least tried.

Maybe that was why she told Christopher to send Stefan to her rooms when he arrived back from his business dealings. She had changed into a filmy nightgown that was barely big enough to continue her breasts. Everything seemed more wanton that way, she thought to herself as she lay on the bed and positioned herself so that the first thing Stefan would see when he walked in the door was her fingers buried so deeply in her pretty little pussy. She pleasured herself slowly and deliberately, keeping that fire burning in her so that he would see just how sensual she could be and perhaps be bold enough to forget the memory of his first wife and consummate things with his new one.

 

[EroticLiteracy]

Taking care of the dispute took the better part of the day for the older lord. His people were good hard working sort but sometimes got wrapped up in what he liked to call "petty disputes". When that happened he didn't mind coming over, knocking some heads around, and taking care of business.

It also gave him time to compose himself for his new "mother in law". By the time he and his wife were married her mother was already dead due to a bout of influenza. He wasn't used to dealing with in laws especially not one he had prior history with.

There was a time when they were partners of sorts. He never had sex with her but given his unique position with the king their working together made sense. A part of him wondered if it was her doing that brought her daughter to him. She always had a soft spot for him and thought more of him and his abilities in court.

He reached the house around the afternoon and was told by Christopher to head up to the room he shared with her. Lancer blinked in confusion but took his advice and hurried up instead of greeting his guest.

"Is something wrong darling?" Lancer asked opening the door and stepping in. He moved through the threshold the sound of her pleasuring herself meeting his ears as he stopped and his eyes widened.

He took her in his eyes raking over her body. His mouth hung slightly open his tongue flicking out and wetting his lips as he watched her play. Desire that his body all but forgotten bloomed inside of him causing his cock to throb and him to take a step forward.

"What are you doing?" He asked his voice hoarse "Why did you havem e come in if you were going to be pleasuring yourself?"

 

[heartofcourage]

Caroline heard him enter the room, his voice calling out before his movement suddenly stopped. She turned her gaze towards him, watching as he looked her over and her very obviously had a reaction to her pleasuring herself. She licked her lips as they suddenly went dry, a soft sigh leaving her lips as her fingers caressed her throbbing clit. Wetness coated her fingers and her desire was very evident as she lay there with her legs splayed for his attention.

"Do you not like what you see?" Caroline asked so innocently, sinking her fingers back into her body with a heated moan. "Do you want me to stop?"

Her blonde hair spilled around her head as her eyes locked onto his. He was very obviously interested, but he seemed rooted to his spot. She needed him to take those last few steps.

"Don't be afraid, Stephan. You can touch me too." Caroline purred.