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The Company Thou Keepest	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: G through L > Hollow Crown, The Views: 2262 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to "The Hollow Crown Series" of the BBC, Nor the rights to Henry IV nor Henry V of Shakespeare. I make no profit from this story other then the enjoyment of my writing it and others reading it. I recieve no money from this st

Chapter List
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Summoned
            “I cannot go to the castle. Prince Henry told me I’m never to go there.” Rayne said standing with the messenger that had been sent for her accompanied by guards. “His majesty forbids it.”
            “The King himself summons you this very moment. You must come at once.” The guards surrounded her and marched her from the apartment to take her to the castle. She was terrified, as she could only imagine the loss of her head in moments to come, or worse. Rayne had the sick feeling she was being marched to her death.
            “Where. . . . where is the prince?” She asked nervously.
            “He’s gone riding today.” It was all there was time to be said as she was hustled out of the house and into the waiting carriage meant to keep things as discrete and as quiet as possible.
            Meanwhile, Poins and Hal were riding over the country side as the messenger had told Rayne. The Prince was in exceptionally high spirits all morning. He’d spent the last three nights uninterrupted and alone with Rayne, making the most of every second. The sun seemed to shine a bit more, the air smelled a bit sweeter, and it was simply a glorious day.
            “What has put you in a fine humor this day my lord?” Poins finally asked.
            “A girl.” He said simply a smile sweeping his face at the thought. “A goddess who doesn’t know she’s descended from above and walks on such unworthy ground to lie below her feet.”
            “Ah. You still fancy that girl, Rayne, Mistress Quickly’s niece. I would have thought you would have tired of her by now.”
            “You have no appreciation for the finer things in life, Ned. Keeping the company of career wenches is far different from keeping the company of a young lady.” The Prince said.
            “Except Rayne is no lady, sire. She’s a peasant, born of peasants, descended from peasants. Your father won’t let you keep her company for long.” Poins warned.
            “He has more important matters to concern himself with then who shares my bed. It’s not as though he himself hasn’t had numerous mistresses on occasion. I imagine the fact I spend my days with Jack Falstaff and Ned Poins are far more distressing.” The prince gave a wink and a grin when he goateed Ned and they turned their horses heading back for the castle.
A Life Change
            One of the maids dressing Rayne finished lacing the sleeve of the lavish white and crimson velvet gown. Another was putting roses and baby’s breath in her hair, and a third had put a necklace of crimson colored jewels around her neck that fit tight against her throat and earrings to match. From the moment they had reached the castle, she had been thoroughly bathed from head to toe, her teeth cleaned with a rough powder until they were gleaming white, and her nails almost immaculate with not a trace a dirt around or under the nails. She had never been so completely clean in her life. All the while no one was talking. Just working on her like a team of stable boys on a pony that had been left out in the mud and rain.
            The maids were each finishing their tasks then leaving the room and when the last one started to go, Rayne quickly reached out grabbing her arm. “Please, what is happening? Why have I been brought here? What is all of this?” The woman just bowed and silence and left the room. It was maddening causing her imagination ran wild with terror. She stood and hurried over to the door pulling it open but found guards on either side of the door, not allowing her to leave. One pushed her back in the room and pulled the door closed.
            Rayne could hardly believe it, and she covered her eyes sighing in frustration. Where was Henry? Did he order this? Why would the King himself send for her? Was she going to meet the king? She was nearly in tears scared out of her wits.
            A short while later, she was sent for again. Once more escorted by four guards out of the room and to the royal chapel that was part of the castle. She found herself out of her element as she saw Lords and Ladies, Dukes and Earls in the hallways as she passed them, even bishops that apparently lived in the castle, making her nerves even worse.
            Upon entering the chapel she was taken into a side room where a very small group was gathered. The King, The Cardinal, two to three others whom she did not recognize, and her intended, the Duke of Norfolk. Her eyes were wide and her knees were weak, and all she could do was instantly kneel before them, her eyes frozen on the floor.
            The King arched a brow seeing her for the first time, and as had been described to him, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Her skin was fresh, pink, and flawless, her lips the color of roses, her eyes sparkled like emeralds, and her hair blackest onyx. Her long slender neck put the jewels she wore to shame, and she was quite buxom for a young woman of her age. Perhaps part of it had to do with the bodice she was fitted with pushing everything up into clear view.
            “On your feet girl.” The King commanded, and instantly she stood holding her hands in front of her, her eyes still frozen on the ground afraid to look up. The King walked around her looking her over. It was plain to see now how a young man like Henry could be bewitched by such a beauty. “Do you know that I could have you beheaded for seducing the future King of England like you have done?” Her eyes went wider but still didn’t looki up. “Because of you, my sons bastard child grows within you. Stolen from the loins of royalty by a peasant. You should be ashamed. If I were a cruel man, I would lock you away in the tower with only vermin to keep your company, and never again to let you look on the light of day.” He came to a stop standing beside her. She smelled fresh and clean, her hair had the scent of flowers, she was lovely. “You should be ashamed of your actions.” There were tears in her eyes, and she could hardly hold them back. Her entire body was shaking and she’d never felt such fear. Ashamed? It was such a light word for what she felt. “Dry your tears girl.” He commanded before walking passed her, “It’s your wedding day.”
Missing
            “Maid,” Prince Hal said stopping the chamber maid as she was carrying fresh linens to the bedchamber. “Where is thy mistress? Has she gone out today?” He’d been through every room in the apartment twice, finding no trace of her even when he called out for her repeatedly.
            The servant bowed, “A messenger from the court came with an escort and took her to the castle by the Kings order.” She explained. The smile that had been on Hal’s face for days melted away at this news.
            "When was this?" He demanded.
            “This morning sir, it was nearly 9 when they came for her.” At once the young prince hurried out and mounted his horse. Turning towards the castle he dug his heels into it's sides and moved at a full flat dead run. It was nearly 8:00pm now, the sun had just gone down. He wasn’t certain what this meant, but as furious as his father had been with the entire affair, this action did not bode well.
            When he reached the gates he flew from his horse running inside, through the corridors and hallways he went to his father's chambers bursting through the doors. The King was taking his supper and arched a brow seeing Henry’s bold and blunt entrance into his chamber. “What madness has taken you to enter my room in such a way?” He demanded.
            “My mind and body know of how one should act in the presence of the King of these realms, but my heart is to overwrought to recall them.” Hal said honestly.
            The King had been expecting this and waved all others in the room to go. When they had gone, the doors were closed leaving the King and the Prince alone. “It’s not hard to know why you are so angry. This is about the wench that carries your issue within her.”
            “Where is she? Father, please. What has been done with her? I have been looking for matches as you so desired of me, but it takes time to find a good fit. She shouldn’t be punished for that which was not her doing and for which she has no control.” The Prince advocated in her defense.
            The King stood looking at his wayward son, and walked towards him, “The only reason she is not dead is because of the royal blood within her womb. For reasons and forces beyond even my comprehension, luck and good fortune follows you like a stray mongrel. The Duke of Norfolk has returned from abroad but a few days ago. He has gracefully saved you from your foolishness, and fortune has bestowed itself on the wench.”
            The Prince eyes were wide as he starred at his father. “Where is she?” He asked again fearing the answer even more then before.
            “She and James were wed this afternoon and are preparing to leave for Norfolk in the morning.” The King answered in a stern tone.
            Hal could hardly believe his own ears, he was in a state of utter shock. How could this have happened so quickly, in just one day, without his knowledge? “How . . . could you have done this to me? She was mine father, she belongs to me!” He exclaimed.
            “God save me from such a foolish child who has such deaf ears, did you not hear what I have said? A peasant married to a Duke with such wealth it puts all others to shame? The lands and titles he possesses he is worthy of far more, he could easily have found a companion of his own station, but instead he chooses a peasant girl to be his bride.”
            “Why could you not tell us that this was your plan? Given us some warning? A moment of grace? Could I not have stood witness to her vows as she made them?” He pleaded.
            “Rather than give more weight to this farce I thought it best to get it done quickly and quietly, and no, I did not think you needed to be told. This matter has been resolved and his now closed, and I never want to hear of it again. If you insist on fraternizing with such company, for Gods sake I’d advise you to be more careful in the future.” The kings voice was stern. “Thank God you’ve been delivered from foolishness.”
            Tears had formed behind Hal’s eyes, but his pride would never let them fall. “Father, . . . you have no idea what it is you have done.”
            “Enough of this, Henry. Never let a woman of any sort rule your head and steal your senses. You have had your fun with this girl, taken what pleasure you wanted, now it’s time to forget her. In the years to come you may have mistresses more suited to your station if you so desire, and when you marry it will be for political gain. You duties as King don’t allow for such nonsense as ‘love’. It’s a young man’s folly, and you will move past it soon enough.”
            The Prince clinched his jaw, infuriated, angry, and hurt. Without another word he made his obedience before turning and leaving the chamber. He couldn’t bare to listen to his father speak to him like a child for another moment.
Midnight
            Now that she was married, Rayne was allowed a little more freedom in the castle even though she remained under the watchful eye of the guards in case the foolish thought to run passed her mind.
            She couldn’t sleep even though she was to sleep in a separate room from her new husband tonight. Apparently they would not share a bed until they returned to his home in Norfolk. It was a daunting thought, and her heart was heavy. Rayne didn’t know what to think or how to feel. She was just sort of numb from the whirlwind of the day she was caught up in.
            Going down a corridor she found an open balcony and moved out looking over the countryside. Down below was a view of the royal gardens. Not terribly in bloom this time of year but it was still very lovely. Her mind was awash with everything that had happened today, everything she was told, everything she wasn’t told. Most of all how her position in life had just changed completely. She wasn’t certain what she was, but she was a peasant no longer.
            “I take it sleep evades you as well.” Rayne turned to see the Prince standing near the doorway having been walking the halls himself until he caught her movement out of the corner of his eye on the balcony. Without missing a beat she flew into his arms and he embraced her tight against him. He held her close only imagining what her day had been like, and he, the only one who didn’t look down on her for her birth nor the child within her, was nowhere to be found. “Hal, where have you been, my lord?” She asked tears streaming from her eyes. “I was married today, to James, the Duke of Norfolk. I’m to be taken there, to live with him on his estate.”
            “I know.” The Prince said solemnly. “It seems rather than allow me the chance to find someone for you to marry myself; father took matters into his own hands.” He looked into her eyes as and kissed her tenderly, as upset if not more then she was. Perhaps it wasn’t proper to kiss a married young woman on her wedding night, but when that woman had been stolen away from the one who truely cared for her . . . the rules did not seem to matter.
            “When they sent for me and brought me here this morning, I thought it was to kill me. No one would tell me what was happening, and the King . . . the King was beyond furious with me. I thought my life had come to an end.” She looked up at him, “But then when I was taken to the chapel, he gave his blessing and I was married to the Duke of Norfolk by the bishop.” More tears streamed from her eyes, “I didn’t know what to do, how could I say anything but answer yes as I was commanded to do by his highness?”
            “Shhh.” Prince Hal said pulling her against him embracing her tightly, “There was nothing else that you could have done, Rayne. Even if I had been here I couldn’t have stopped this travesty. What is done, is done and there is nothing that can undo it.”
            Rayne was silent for several moments, “What’s going to happen to me now?” She asked softly as Hal still held her tight stroking her hair.
            Hal sighed, “Tomorrow you’ll leave for Norfolk.” There was no complaining about it now, it wouldn’t help either of them both of their hearts were broken. “You’ll be the lady of the house, a Duchess. The Duke of Norfolk is one of the wealthiest land owners in the kingdom. I imagine you will be educated in the ways of your new life, the ways of the court; you’ll have everything you would never have dreamed of in your old life. You’ll be taken care of for all your days, you’ll never want for anything ever again.”
            “Except for you." Rayne whispered as she closed her eyes and tears slipped down her cheeks as she rested her head to his shoulder.
            The Prince was silent, inside he was furious and enraged beyond all reason how all this had come about. His father had complained constantly about his life and those he kept company with, but he had stayed out of it and his decicions for the most part. For him to suddenly step in and so completely interfere with his affairs like this was infuriating.
            Reaching in his pocket he took out his handkerchief and dried her face, wiping the tears from her eyes as he sighed, “We always knew that this day was going to come my darling.” He half smiled trying to put on a better face for her, “You and Mistress Quickly attempted to instigate it months ago when I stopped you and brought you back here myself.”
            “You should have let me go then.” Rayne said softly.
            “Nonsense. We’ve had these last few months to ourselves. Months I wouldn’t trade for all the world. And this match is unprecedented, unheard of for someone not of noble blood. Your aunt could not have arranged no better match in 100 years . . . .” He paused holding her hands in both of his feeling how cold they were, rubbing her fingers and palms to warm them. “ . . . perhaps this, my child is the one gift I could have given you to change your life for the better. Look at the fortune that smiles on you now because of it.”
            Rayne looked down embarrassed by his words. She remembered everything the King had said when he scolded her. “The child I stole from you.” She repeated her eyes turned away ashamed.
            Hal’s brow furrowed at this when he heard her say it. He touched her chin raising her face looking deep into her eyes, “I gave you my child, and gladly.” He stated, “You stole nothing from me, Rayne . . . nothing apart from my heart.” He confessed. They starred into one another’s eyes as he held her hands against his chest. Then they found themselves tasting each others lips, desperate to savor each other once more. Prince Hal wrapped his arms around her lifting her from the ground, the length of their bodies pressed together.
            “I’m afraid.” She whispered clinging to him tight.
            “Don’t be.” He whispered back into her ear, “You have nothing to fear.”
            Rayne looked up at him, “Will I ever see you again?”
            The Prince smiled, “I have no doubt we will meet again. I will see you at court of course. Perhaps when I am King . . . “ His words trailed off incapable of thinking that far ahead. He wasn’t ready to let go of her, but they were powerless in this matter, he held her tighter kissing her again hungrily. “Shall we spend our final night together? Or must we be subjected to such torture by being kept separate under one roof?” Prince Hal said out loud to himself the words he was thinking. With her newly spoken wedding vows, there was now laid down moral ambiguity that hadn’t been an issue for them before.
            “I am married now, my lord. Such an act would be a sin against the church and against God.” She whispered another tear escaping.
            The young Prince scoffed slightly looking into her eyes, “The only sin committed here on this night is that a young beautiful maiden, a new bride being sentenced to spend her wedding night alone in her chamber. When her body should be worshiped as the Greeks did worship Aphrodite. No less pledge would be worthy of you.”
            Rayne looked deep into his bewitching eyes feeling helpless. She had no idea who Aphrodite was being ignorant and uneducated but she was to embarrassed to say so. They found themselves locked in another kiss in desperate need and desire. “I love thee Henry.” She whispered in the quietest voice, the words themselves afraid to be heard.
            He cupped her face in his hand, “Return to thy chamber and prepare thyself for bed quickly.” The Prince kissed her again, then kissed her hands once more, “Go now.” Rayne nodded and flew from the balcony back to her chambers as she had been commanded. Hal watched her go before turning to the other direction to take a different route hurrying to meet her for their last night of passion together.
New Home
            Two figures sat at the long table that was filled with food of every sort. Such delicacies and fine game the likes of which she’d never seen before. But her plate and cup remained untouched. The Duke had noted her deathly silence since leaving London. An unmistakable ghostly presence of heartbreak in her eyes.
            He was not without a heart, and was young once himself. Young love was heaven of course, but also could be more destructive and painful then wars that tore against the fabric of entire kingdoms.
            “You must eat, M’lady.” The Duke encouraged. “Even if your heart desires it not, you must nourish the life you carry within you.” He advised.
            She was silent and didn’t respond having been holding back her tears all day from the moment she watched from the window of the carriage that took her from London, seeing Hal on the battlements watching her go. Rayne was exhausted of crying. The Duke stood from where he had been sitting and walked around the table moving to sit down beside the distraught young woman.
            “Rayne, you have nothing to fear here. No one will speak ill of you, or look down on you because of your past. It is over and done with now it no longer matters. You are the lady of this house, and are to be treated as such and with respect.” Reaching for her hand he rested it over hers. “It’s not a secret to me that you love the Prince, in a way far more profound then a subject holds in their hearts for their soverign. It goes far deeper then that. I know that you asked him for nothing and attempted to flee without anyone knowing of the secret of royal blood you carry in your womb. All these things tell me more about you, your character and your heart then months of conversation would ever reveal.”
            “Are you not . . . are you not angry I am not of noble blood? A peasant born of peasants. Uneducated, and know nothing of your world but how to serve?” She asked softly.
            A smile swept his face, “You’ve already shown me more than you know young Rayne. All will be remedied very soon. I have sent for some of the finest tutors in all of England who will begin to arrive next week. You desire knowledge and education and you shall have it. All you want and more.. Before the year is out, you will be a knowledgeable and well read young lady that no one will look down on for any reason. Together we will discover what skills you may have, and make them better.”
            Another quiet moment passed before she looked at him, “Why would you do such things for me?” She was confused from the moment they were wed, not understanding anything of what was happening.
            He smiled, “I saw something in you. Something that cannot be put into words. Something special and rare, even before the young Princes indiscresion was known to me. You are beautiful, and young, and there is so much potential within you. I wish to nourish and encourage that potential. To make you into a strong woman, who no one could mistake for a commoner. When we return to court, no one will question you are truly a noble Duchess, worthy of her title and place in my house hold.” He paused as their was more to his overwhelming generosity, “I am old. My wife is gone, my sons are dead, my house is nothing but empty chamber after empty chamber. It needs a woman’s touch.” He looked at her, “And you, I truly believe will bring life to this house, and the joy that I have missed so these many lonely years.”
            “I fear your hopes for me are far too high sir.”
            “We shall see.” He smiled, “You’ve a keen eye, a fine wit, and I have no doubt in my mind and heart, soon you will be someone completely different then you are. Fear will be a forgotten memory. I promise you this.” He kissed her hand and patted it reassuringly.
Crash Courses
            As promised, it seemed as though tutors by the droves came to the castle, and it wasn’t long before Rayne’s schedule was tight from the first moment she woke in the morning, until late after night when one should be well asleep. Everyone moment of every day was filled.
            The first thing that had to be taught to her before they could progress further, was reading and writing. Something that she quickly excelled at far beyond expectations. She had always wanted to read, and to write was like a dream come true. Her writing was elegant with every swirl and stroke of the quill, and it wasn’t long before she was reading book after book as though she had been doing so since birth. There were so many things she didn’t know, just sitting in books waiting to be read. The Duke was pleased by this as she would now be able to take on the duties of correspondence in the house affairs as the Duchess should.
            Her next subject was history which she enjoyed thoroughly, more books for her to read more things to learn about the people and country she had lived in her whole life yet had no idea about. She lapped up the knowledge with a hunger for more. Rarely was she seen walking through the hallways without a book in her hand, engoraged in the words on the written page.
            The behaviors and protocols of the court were a bit different. They had to be taught to her by example, and the rules she was to follow was endless. Everyone had to be addressed by their proper title, proper obedience had to be shown, the right words had to be said or the embarrassment wouldn’t just be her own but the Duke’s as well.
            Despite all the pomp and circumstance that went with court behavior, she found something delightful, the dancing. She needed to learn all the dances of the court inside and out, and she picked it up as easily as one would take a breath. It fast became her most favorite activity, with the fun and utter joy it brought her how could she not want to do it from morning to night.
            But there was still so much to know, and she was eager to learn whatever came next with excitement and enthusiasm. The Duke was exceedingly pleased with her progress, there was no doubt in his mind she would be such an apt student. Much to his surprise, what she truly excelled at, was horsemanship. She rode a horse as though it was an extension of her own body fast and hard across the fields and bright grin plastered on her face from beginning to end. Not particularly an activity for a lady, but she enjoyed it so much he couldn’t deny her.
Labor Pains
            Then, the day came when she could no longer ride in the fields, and her classes were brought to a minimum. All that was left to her was reading, and a midwife and physician were on standby. She was ready to give birth and any moment the illegitimate child of Prince Henry would be born.
            The Duke stood outside with the doctor as the active stages of labor had begun. She was deathly quite about it and a look had returned to her eyes that the Duke had not seen in months. The cold glazed look of a heartbroken soul plunged back into the reality of her situation.
            “She’s not made a sound my lord, she simply stares at the ceiling and says nothing.” He reported.
            The Duke had been wondering about this for some time and what’s more how he was to react to it when it came. He and Rayne had not lived as husband and wife. She was more of a daughter to him, and they had separate rooms. Due in no small part to the royal blood she carried within her womb and the Duke would never presume so much.
            Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small bit of parchment with his seal having written it some time ago when the baby’s arrival was nearing. He called for a messanger and was quick to give him instruction.“Take this to Prince Henry, with all speed. The fastest horse, and spare no time.” He handed it to him, “Go quickly, and place that in no other hand then the Prince's himself.” The man nodded and at once left to do as he was bid.
            After a moment the Duke sighed and went back into the room where the young woman lie in obvious excruciating agony, but did not make a sound. She refused to cry out or whimper no matter how it felt as though her insides were tearing themselves apart. He moved to sit down beside her and took her hand in his. “I’ve never witnessed such courage, even on the battlefields.”
            “Such sounds are horrid, and make everyone cringe.” Rayne answered.
            “They are the sounds of new life being brought into this world. Pain is apart of it, Rayne, you mustn’t hide or deny it simply for the comfort of others around you who do not suffer.” The Duke said.
            “I deserve every pain afforded me for my sins, I won’t complain of them.” She said softly closing her eyes as a powerful contraction hit making her entire body go ridged. The Duke took her hand holding it between his. She was still so heartbroken when it came to the prince, and now, a child that they had conceived together, was tearing apart her somewhat mended heart. The pain it caused her was battling with the physical pain of child bearing. As he always suspected of her, she was very strong.
New Arrivals
            The Prince himself and four escorts struggling to keep up with him as he was riding faster then they themselves could manage soon arrived in Norfolk. Even Poins had come with him this day. They had been riding hard and flat out since word had come.
            When they arrived he dismounted his horse before coming to a complete stop, running inside of the house where he was greeted at the door. “Your Majesty.” The servant bowed.
            “Where is she? Where is Rayne?” He said not slowing or stopping a moment. At once the servant led him through the halls and upstairs to the bedchamber which had been cleaned. Rayne had been bathed, and new linens were already replaced on the bed as well as a clean linen gown.
            The Duke stood back quietly watching as the Prince approached her bed. To the Prince's eyes, Rayne looked positively radiant, although warn out and quite obviously exhausted, yet somehow she seemed to glow as she slept. In her arms a small cherub, angelic in looks, sleeping as well with the smallest most perfect fingers he had ever seen. He moved closer still in silence, so as not to disturb the sleeping pair and marveled at the beauty that lay before him.
            “Is she well?” He asked finally gazing at her seeing how pale she was and the dark circles around her eyes.
            “Yes, my lord. It took time and a great deal of effort to bring the child into this world. Both are beyond exhausted.” The physician said.
            “And the child?” He asked curiously.
            “He is healthy, My Lord.” Was the answer that came.
            A smile swept his face, “A son.” He said finding this exceptional news. The prince started to step forward to move closer to her but stopped, as her husband stood nearby. “I should not disturb them. It is hard work for a woman to give life. She should rest.” He turned and quietly left the chamber but the duke quickly followed behind.
            “You’re highness.” The duke began, “Her heart called out for you, even when no word or noise left her lips. Your prompt arrival only proclaims your heart called to hers as well.” The prince knew he shouldn’t have come, he should have sent a messenger, but in the months she had been away from London, he had not forgotten her and was desperate to see her again and the child that had been in their love and passion created, It was too much for him to resist.
            “It’s a strange continuance indeed for a husband to so quickly lend the heart of his wife to another.” Hal said.
            “My good lord, come with me. I beg of you.” Hal looked towards him a moment then back to the chamber where Rayne lay. He gave a simple nod and went with the Duke.
In The Study
            “Why did you send for me in such a way?” Hal asked after he had been given a glass of wine. “Why did you not simply send word once the child had arrived?”
            “For her.” The Duke answered simply. Hal looked at him not entirely understanding. “She has a wild heart, your highness. Filled with passion yet restrained by loyalty. I promise you that she has grown in the months that the two of you have been away from one another. I never knew of anyone so hungry for knowledge to take it in as easily as drinks water or breathes air.” He explained. “She is a peasant by blood, but by blood only.”
            “You have been educating her then?” Hal asked.
            “In everything from art to music, to the ways of the court, to the history of the kingdom. She dances like an angel, she rides like the wind, and all of these things in just the time since she accompanied me from London, while with child. Can you imagine, my Lord, how much freer she will be to follow more pursuits now that the child has come?” The Duke explained.
            The Prince was a little confused as he looked at him, “I don’t understand. How would such activities make her a better wife to you?”
            The Duke smiled, “My prince we have never lived as a husband and wife and we never shall. I am old enough to have fathered her thrice over. Yes we are husband and wife but we have never shared a bed, she has her own rooms and I dote on her as a father would dote on his favorite daughter. She has a sharp mind and a clever wit my lord. I think you have always known that she was deserving of better then the life she had been condemned to. I love her as I loved my children that once filled my home, sir. As I will love the child that she this night has brought into our lives with such bravery and courage.”
            “It would displease my father greatly to know that she’s not been made to know her proper place as a wife.” Hal said.
            “Who’s to say she is not, my lord? She has been schooled and instructed in all the ways a noble woman should know and carry herself. She has learned how to speak, what manners are to be used in the presence of the noble and royal class, she is not dim in any of these matters. You will see. When we were turn to court in the fall, you will see the young woman she has become and no one will recognize her, not even your father.” The Duke explained.
            “He hasn’t banned you from bringing her with you to court then?” He asked.
            “Why would he? She is my wife after all.” The Duke said with a smile. He sighed as his smiled faded somewhat, “The two of you can never be together Henry. You know that as she has always known that. But because of my charity, and how much I do love her company and how her very smile fills my heart with joy she lives in comfort and safety. I’ve not laughed so much in I don’t know how long, she has brought a brilliance to my life that I never thought I would see in my final years. She, and her children will never return to the life of a peasant. With your blood, and my wealth, she has been elevated high above such a fate.”
            “If only it was so easy my friend, that it would be forgotten the illegitimacy of my son. It will be the one thing that will enter all minds first because my father couldn’t keep my secret discreet as he accused me of not being able to do so.” He was quiet for a moment, “I could never repay you for the kindness that you have shown to us, to Rayne, myself and the child that now she cradles in her arms. I had been selfish with her before and I do confess I looked for no man to take her as his own as I had been commanded to do. Because in my heart I still felt as though she was mine, and I hers, I could not bare the thought of another man holding her body to him. It infuriated me with such an anger and rage I thought my heart would burst in my chest.” He shook his head. “I have been told by my father and others that once she was gone, these feelings of desire for her would fade, another would catch my eye and I would forget. But they were lies. I think of her even more now, and it angers me to hear such a callous word as ‘you’ll forget her’ as though as she were a face that were but one of thousands so easily replaced.”
            He smiled, “Go to her now, sir.” The Duke said. “She will want to see you. To show you your son.”
To be continued . . . .
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The Company Thou Keepest