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Dangerous Games	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: G through L > Hollow Crown, The Views: 1882 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or I recieve no money for writting this story. All charaters and story lines belong to William Shakespeare and PBS who aired "The Hollow Crown Series"

Chapter List
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Battles
            Being king of the country always brought conflicts. He and his sons regularly had to remind those who would rise up against them what a foolish enterprise such actions were. It was never simple. All involved always sustained heavy injuries and casualties.
            A young upstart named Percy who, at the council of his relatives, was at the lead of the rebellion and unknowingly became a pawn in his uncle’s political schemes. A young hot headed man who had been easily maneuvered onto the battlefield.
            The fight was vicious and the princes were all in the thick of the battle with the soldiers striking down the enemy as it came. As it raged on, the soldiers spread out and Hal came face to face with Percy. They squared off and it wasn’t long before they threw death blows, Percy struck fast and hard but Hal struck true and Percy fell lifeless to the ground.
            The Prince’s victory only lasted moments when he was set on by a band of Percy’s men who beat him mercilessly dragging him away from the battle into the woods. They continued beating him until he fell to the ground unconscious, bruised, broken and bleeding.
Tables Turned
            The intentions of these men were vile. All on the field knew Henry the Prince of Wales by sight. Taking him alive would have many advantages depending on the intentions of the abductors, but some intentions were horrible and unspeakable from the worst of their enemies. It wasn’t unknown that he had been taken prisoner and his situation was dire.
            However, when he opened his eyes he didn’t see his captors. Instead he found that he was laid out next to a roaring flame, his armor and tunic removed, his wounds cleaned and dressed, and he was lying on a soft pallet covered with a warm blanket. The Prince found he felt weak and hungry and sore. This was not the sort of treatment he expected as a prisoner considering how brutally he was treated when he was captured. Hal found he was unbound as well which was even stranger. He started to sit up but he didn’t have the strength and felt sick and instantly lay back down.
            “Foolish.” Hal’s eyes opened hearing a familiar voice. He looked over seeing a pair of blue eyes peering out from beneath a large hood. “Sleep will serve you better.”
            “Macrae?” He said in astonishment, “What are you doing here? You must go, now, quickly before they return.”
            She stood and picked up something from the fire walking over sitting down next to him. “No one is returning, there is no one here or anywhere near but us.”She reached up with a cloth and gently touched the wounds on his face applying some sort of ointment. His wounds stung, but the pain seemed less with the balm she was applying to each one. “You’ve slept through most of the night and day. You were far too ill to be moved any further.”
            “Macrae . . .please. Why are you here? I was captured, a group of men subdued me on the battle field, many men . . .” Hal was incredibly confused by his current situation.
            “Eight men. Who now lie cold where they fell in the woods. They have no concern for your whereabouts any longer. Be still, and know you are safe my lord.” She put down the cloth and picked up the bowl she took from the fire with a spoon and held up some food for him. Hal was still confused by all of this but it smelled so good and felt as though he was starving. He took a bite, and then the next as she fed him. “Their intent was to use you to bargain with at first. However with Percy’s forces shattered and broken, the battle won for the crown, their intentions became far less ambitious and much more sinister. Even trying to ransom you fell from their thoughts. Punishing the King by torturing and slaying his first born became their new goal. I imagine your head in a basket would have been on their agenda.” The prince listened continuing to eat what she fed him. “They got as far as the hills to the south East before I caught up with the band. They were dealt with, and I brought you back with me to safety. But you were too weak and wounded to travel. We made camp here yesterday morning. It will be another 3 days travel back to the castle once you are able to ride.”
            “Eight men? How is that possible? By yourself?” He said in disbelief, “The battle. You said we were victorious?” His thoughts were all over the place, it was just so much to take in. “How could you . . . stop them and take me with no aid?” Macrae didn’t answer and fed him more before picking up the canteen and holding it to his lips so he could drink. She never talked about her work, the things she did in detail. The Prince anxiously drank not having any idea how thirsty he was until the water touched his lips. When she put the canteen down the prince looked at himself, his arms, his body. He was remarkably clean considering the blood and mud he had been caked in on the battlefield. She’d cleaned him extremely well so she could stitch and dress his wounds no doubt to avoid infection. Macrae held up more food for him and he continued to eat.
            “Once you have eaten, you’ll sleep and tomorrow we can start back to the castle. You’re wounds are healing well.” She reported. “Now that you can eat, they will heal even better.” Hal just studied her while he ate. She looked so lovely, and he was enjoying the way she cared for him with her tender touch.
            “Father sent you out after me?” He questioned.
            Macrae looked startled by his question; she’d not been expecting it. After several long moments when he finished the food, she put the bowl aside picking up the canteen holding it to his lips. “He did not.” She answered simply.
            Hal looked at her, “Then how did you know I was in peril? Where to find me?” Once again she didn’t answer giving him a drink of water.
            Then she took out a small green vile and held it up to his lips. Hal was suspicious of it for a moment but strangely he trusted the hand that offered it to him. He drank it and was pleasantly surprised by its sweet taste.
            “What was that?” He asked curiously.
            “It is to prevent infection, help heal your body, and help you sleep. You’ll be more yourself in the morning.” She explained. Hal started to say something else but she stopped him. “Sleep now. Talk tomorrow.” Was all she said before standing and adding more wood to the fire. Hal rested his head back just watching her, admiring the way she handled this situation. It wasn’t long before he was hard asleep as promised.
            Macrae returned to her seat where she could keep lookout, and watch over him as he slept.
The Long Road Home
            They traveled the next day as planned. Macrae had horses for them and they left at first light in the morning. There were pains and aches in parts of his body he didn’t even know existed. But he did feel much better than he had the night before.
            “What was in that potion you gave me?” He asked having noted he felt better each time she gave it to him.
            “Medicine. Used on the battlefields in Syria and other lands for severely wounded soldiers. Treatment of the sick and wounded can be far more advanced in other countries then it is here.” She explained.
            “You’ve been to Syria then?” He said curiously riding a little closer to her. She gave a nod as they continued on. Hal’s eyes kept being drawn back to her, he couldn’t help it.
            It had been months since she’d slipped from his bed and completely disappeared from the world. Not only did she leave the palace, but she left Mistress Quickly’s and London altogether. She was just gone and there was nothing he could do to find her, no where to start looking. Hal would think of her wondering where she was and if she thought of him as well. Thoughts that kept him lying awake at night.
            Later that evening, when they had traveled a long ways, they made camp. It was amazing to Hal how quickly he was healing and how he was feeling worlds better than he had the night before when he first woke. It was safe to say that Macrae had a healers touch. He was leaning against a fallen tree, watching as she prepared their supper.
            “Why did you leave the city, Macrae?” Hal asked finally. “You didn’t even say goodbye.”
            “My task was finished it was time for me to go.” She answered. “I do not stay in any one place to long. I must keep moving.” She stood carrying his plate to him, sitting down beside him with her own and began to eat. Hal just studied her a moment.
            “Is that truly the only reason you left when you did? Because you needed to keep moving?” Macrae paused eating and looked away. “You didn’t have to run away. The night we spent in each other’s arms . . . was heavenly. A night I will remember for all of my life. I can’t explain . . . what we shared, but I treasure it. I cherish it.”
            Macrae stayed silent looking away as he spoke. Reaching out the prince covered her hand with his. He wasn’t a fool, he knew how she knew he was in trouble, where to find him. She’d been watching over him for some time. Perhaps she’d never even left London, perhaps she had just stayed in the shadows where she could see him, but he couldn’t see her. “It makes what I told you no less true, Prince Henry. I cannot be a woman to you.”
            She sighed and stood stepping away from him. Why did he want to talk about this now? The Prince put his plate of food aside and stood walking behind her and resting his hands on her hips. “Do you have any idea the dreams I’ve had about being alone with you again? The torture of having experienced your touch, not to have it when I so desperately desired it? To feel your strong thighs wrapped around me, as you take me deep inside your soft and savory velvet body.” He whispered into her ear standing behind her. His hands roamed slowly over her body as he spoke. Down her sides and back up over her breasts.
             “The feel of your breath on my skin, the delicious taste of your lips , feeling the way your body devoured mine with such longing and desire. Such passion. I loved watching the way your beautiful body moved as you worked to please me, give me such intense pleasure which every thrust of your hips, every arch of your lovely back.” He moved his hand down her back stepping closer as his fingertips stroked down the length of her body.
             “Do you remember how my hands caressed you, rested on your hips, guided you as you made love to me? How good it felt to feel how much I wanted you, long for you as you longed for me?” He breathed into her ear. “Do you remember when I tasted your breasts, caressed them with the warmth of my tongue and your body trembled at the feeling. My hands held your shoulders to steady your body, the moans of ecstasy in your throat that couldn’t escape your lips. You gasped for breath, pulling me closer, barely able to hold control over your body.” Her eyes were closed her breath deep in her chest as she listened to the musical tone in his voice as he spoke.
             “I lay your body down on my bed beneath me, and worshiped every inch of your beauty, tasting you, caressing you, such a savory and delicious treat that nothing else could ever compare. Your warmth surrounded me, engulfing me, like bliss was something tangible to be wrapped around us, cradling our naked bodies together in pure ecstasy.” He leaned closer and whispered softer into her ear, “The way you cried out when I filled your secret depths with my seed, your thighs wet and trembling as I held fast within you . . .” He would have continued in greater detail but she reached up covering his mouth with her hand to stop him. He had successfully refreshed her memory and she was fighting inside weather to give in or resist. Hal smiled and wrapped his arms around her holding her against him. “You do remember.” He grinned nuzzling her ear.
            Macrae closed her eyes, “Of course I do.” She whispered, “How could I forget?"
            “Then why fight it?” Hal asked as he slipped his hand under her bodice stroking her soft skin. “You want me as I want you. I feel that you do.” Macrae leaned her head back against his shoulder looking up at him, breathing deeply. Hal touched her chin gently turning her face towards his. He started to tenderly kiss her lips, and she gave in returning it affectionately.
            However it was short lived as Macrae opened her eyes and pulled away from him, unwrapping his arms from her body stepping away trying to regain her good senses. Hal frowned at the clear cut rejection he’d just received of his advances. She shook it off and went to their saddle bags to check on supplies. The Prince was at a loss not knowing how she could simply shut her feelings off like this. Not willing to give up just yet he walked over and rested his hands on her waist. “Macrae, why do you resist me?” He asked softly.
            “Until you are safely returned to your father’s palace in London, you are under my care and protection.” She looked at him seriously, “You are my mission and that as all you are. I am your protector and I have a duty I must perform.” She removed his hands from her person. “NO distractions.” She stated sternly.
            The prince was dumb struck seeing how dead set she was about this, “Macrae, we are alone. We are safe. I’m healing remarkably well.” He started to reach towards her again, “There is no need for such strictness.”
            Suddenly a blade was pressed against his throat, something that hadn’t happened in ages and it stopped him cold in place. He stared into her eyes seeing how deadly serious she had become and was done explaining herself. Taking her clear meaning he quieted and sat back down picking up his food and beginning to eat. Macrae lowered her weapon not having wanted to use it like that, but not knowing how else to end his advances. They ate in utter silence before retiring.
Home Again
            When they arrived there was a breath of relief throughout the castle that their Prince had returned and was alive. Macrae said nothing and seemed to stay back fading into the shadows. Hal had to recount everything from beginning to end. He was more than willing to give Macrae the credit, but she stayed silent and watchful.
            Having heard the tale the king dismissed everyone except for Hal, Prince John, and the mysterious young woman. When they were alone, the King personally thanked her for her returning his son to him when they thought he’d been lost in the battle. “This is not your usual service you provide to the crown Lady Macrae.” The King observed, “But we are beyond grateful to have the Prince returned to us alive. It only makes our victory that much more glorious.” He explained, “In our thanks we are disposed to be very generous to our loyal subject. You shall stay here as our guest in the palace and attend the victory feast tomorrow.” Macrae simply gave an obedient nod. The King smiled in approval before dismissing her to be taken to her rooms. Macrae bowed before she followed the guard leaving the Princes and King.
            The Kings attention turned to his eldest son, “We thought you dead.” He said simply, “We searched the battlefield for days and could not find your body to even give it a proper burial. I was certain that I had lost my first born son, and now here you stand. Alive, and here before me.” The King had been incredibly upset afraid his Hal was murdered. He’d started to grieve for him deeply and now he was standing before him very much alive. The King wanted to smack him for the emotional turmoil he’d been suffering at his feared loss. Instead, he simply clinched his jaw and walked away.
            Hal stood with his brother and sighed, “It wasn’t my fault. Eight Percy’s men fell on me when slay him and they captured me.” John gave a nod.
            “He was broken over the thought of having lost you Hal. He is thankful you are unharmed. As we all are.” John explained. “You must see the physician’s brother. So they may tend your wounds.”
            Hal sighed, “They’ve been treated.” He said before turning and leaving the Hall.
Midnight Confessions
            Macrae bathed and cleaned her weapons putting them near her bed. She would stay as long as the King wished her presence but she would soon be on her way again and she was never unprepared to move.
            At the first opportunity, Hal slipped from his own chambers and made his way to Macrae’s. He knocked lightly at first to give her warning before opening the door and went inside finding her candles still lit. He smiled to see her dressed for bed, sharpening one of her small plush daggers on the flat of a stone. She looked lovely; he’d never seen her hair down so completely before. She sat cross legged on her bed and she tended to her weapons. She looked much younger to him then before at this moment.
            “I was afraid you would have already retired, M’lady.” He said walking closer, “Before I would get to see you privately.”
            Macrae finished the blade and slipped it back into its sheath with the others folding it into a pouch. She closed it and tied the ties putting it aside. “You’ve not grown tired of me yet I see.” She said simply.
            “And I never will.” He moving closer and sitting down next to her on the bed, “So you should probably stop waiting for that to happen,” She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them looking at the prince, “We’re alone now and I have been returned safely. Macrae, you don’t have to pull back.”
            Macrae shook her head as she looked at him, “You truly have no understanding do you. Is it because you are a prince or because you are a man?” She asked.
            Hal laughed a little, “You are always so blunt, Lady Macrae. I would love to see you when your goal was seduction.”
            “If you ever saw that I’d advise you to run because that never ends well for the one who is being seduced.” She answered.
            Hal looked into her eyes, “Do you feel nothing for me?” He asked seriously, “Or is it that you do feel something for me, but you are afraid.” When he accused her of having fear her eyes darkened and she raised her hand to strike at him but he caught her wrist. “”You don’t have to run from it, from us.” She started to raise her other hand as well but he caught that wrist too holding her in place. She struggled for a moment but he just held her tighter until she stopped and they were starring into one another’s eyes. Only a moment passed before they began to kiss passionately.
            The kiss parted and they were looking into each other’s eyes once more. Hal released her and she wrapped her arms around him hungrily devouring his lips. The Prince grinned returning her affection as he wrapped his arm around her laying her back on the bed.
            They rolled over each other on the bed their bodies entwining together. Hal reached down pulling up her gown so he could rest his hands on her bare thighs. She straddled his hips as the kisses stopped a moment so they could catch their breath. She moved her hair back out of the way as they looked at each other and smiled before beginning to kiss again.
            Macrae was an eager and passionate lover, perhaps because she had such a strict code that no one was ever allowed to touch her outside of her work. A young maiden needed affection even if she chose not to admit it and Hal, Hal was very charming and he had a way of making everyone around him feel at ease. Perhaps that is why he was so popular with the rabble and peasants. It was easy to forget he was royalty and a prince. She was incredibly strong and had impressive stamina that rivaled his own. You could not guess she was a dangerous and deadly creature just by looking at her.
            Hal’s hand moved up her back and slid into her hair as they hungrily devoured each other’s kiss. He sat up beneath her moving her night gown up her back before taking it off over her head and tossing it to the floor, before removing his own tunic as well. Instantly his hands returned to her waist as he looked into her shining blue eyes. “You are so beautiful, sweet Lady Macrae.” He said gently. She smiled a little and he took her hand and kissed it.
            “You are the strangest man I have ever met, Prince Henry.” Macrae said with a smile.
            “Hal.” He said, “My name is Hal.”
            She was quiet as she looked into his eyes, “For now you are. To everyone who is around you, who sees you, you are Hal. But one day that will change and you will be Prince Henry again. Then you will ascend and be King Henry. And Hal will be forgotten.”
            The prince was a bit caught off guard by her insightfulness. Everyone took him at face value and that was it. They didn’t really put any further thought into it. “How do you know such things?”
            “I watch and I listen. It’s what my work requires more than anything else. You aren’t that hard to figure out, my lord. If someone would take the time to watch and listen to you. But they are all too concerned about themselves. What’s coming from their own mouths, wanting to sound clever to impress you. It’s why Poins fills your ears with honey words. It’s why Falstaff is a bottomless wellspring of stories, lies, and falsehoods. All meant to curry your favor.” She cupped his face in her hands, “But all this you know already. You simply choose to ignore their insolence and play the game.”
            He smiled looking into her eyes, “It seems secrets truly are your stock and trade, dear lady.” He leaned closer and whispered. “Are mine safe with you?”
            Macrae smiled a moment, “I don’t think there is enough gold in the world to buy them from me. No torture ever yet conceived that could tear them from my lips.” She whispered back.
            Both grinned and began to feverishly kiss as their hands roamed over each other’s bodies wanting to feel every inch of each other. Hal wrapped his hand around her thigh pulling it around his waist flipping them over onto her back so he could look down into her eyes.
            “Tell me you thought of me in those months you were away.” He breathed slipping his arms beneath her and cradling her head in his hands on the pillow. “Tell me you longed for me as I longed for you.”
            Macrae looked into his eyes in silence. Hal could see in her eyes that she did, but she couldn’t force herself to say it. She couldn’t make it come out even though she would have liked to have said it. It was just impossible for her to admit. Rather then press the issue for the moment, the Prince kissed her deeply just enjoying her taste. Macrae’s legs wrapped tight around him and she arched her back pressing her breasts against his firm chest. Everything she did, every way she moved felt so good. He’d bedded career wenches and whores before in his youth but none of them were like Macrae. Not as talented, not as eager, not as desperate to please. It wasn’t a business transaction. It was pure, carnal, basic, ferocious lust. It was the most fun he had ever had with a woman. Unrestrained by all the silly religious rules that governed how men and women were intimate with each other, there were no boundaries. It was all so wrong, but it also felt so beyond right.
Celebrations
            The feast of course was a politically based event; a victory celebration to reward those who had fought bravely and loyally for the crown. To show they were undaunted in their rule and their power was a strong as ever.
            The Prince of course was in attendance and was seated with John and his other brothers as they also celebrated his being returned to them alive.
            Macrae arrived shortly after the festivities began and was absolutely breath taking. She wore a dark deep purple velvet dress. It was a princess style cut, a sweetheart neckline, and feminine gloves that matched. Her hair adorned with beautiful decorations keeping her hair back from her face. Her eyes were glowing, sparkling in the light. She was absolutely beautiful. Hal’s eyes lit up to see her as she was guided to the place that was set for her. Her vocation was still unspoken. It should have been unknown, but the walls in court could be very thin and gossip spread like wild fire in the wind. She was a dangerous person not to be trifled with and given a wide birth making many people nervous and uncomfortable around her.
            Hal however did not have that problem and was excited to see her. He stood from his place and made his way over to her and sat down beside her. “Good evening Lady Macrae. You’re looking absolutely ravishing.” He complimented. He reached for her hand to place a kiss to it, but she moved it from his reach not allowing him to touch her. They were not alone. Hal half smiled forgetting himself and the delicate privilege she had given to him and no one else in private. “Forgive me.” He said, “But you do look lovely.”
            “You should return to your place with your brothers and father, my lord. People will talk and new waves of rumors will sweep London.” Macrae advised.
            “This feast is to honor you too, Lady Macrae. You brought me back after the battle. Because of you, I’m alive and well and no ransom or leverage nonsense came of my capture. For obvious reasons not everyone here knows of your involvement in my recovery. But we know. My father knows. As I understand it, he is to reward you most generously for my return.” He explained.
            She gave a nod having already received quite a large sum. The King had moments when he could be quite generous. “I’m leaving London in the morning, I’ve spent too much time here and I’ve begun to draw attention.”
            It was absolutely horrid news and not what the young prince wanted to hear. “Macrae, you’re a guest here. My father’s guest and he is your host. You simply can’t leave without your host’s permission.” He stated.
            “As long as I am discrete about my comings and goings from the palace, he doesn’t hold me to such strict protocols.” She said seriously.
            Hal was quiet knowing that arguing with her was pointless, “So then will you stay with me this night? So we may enjoy the time we have left together?” He questioned.
            Macrae turned her eyes to his a moment, “If you wish it.” She answered quietly. A smile swept the Prince’s face.
Foolish Attractions
            “You’ve been moping around the castle for more than a week.” John said sitting down next to his brother. “What is it that has you vexed so?” Hal gave him a look not wanting to get into a debate. John sighed, “I warned you brother.”
            “You saw her John. You saw her when she attended the banquet. What man in their right mind could resist such a beauty?” Hal said in his defense.
            “A man who knows what she does for starters.” He leaned closer to him, “You and I know father to be bold, and fearless. He fears no man. But this woman? She make him uncomfortable. I saw it with my own eyes.”
            “She makes all men uncomfortable in certain aspects, it’s her gift.” He looked at John, “It’s her reputation that is feared, not her.” Hal turned towards his brother on the edge of his seat. “John, it’s hard to describe what I feel when I’m with her. There are no words to do it justice.”
            “Lust.” John said throwing one out there for him.
            Hal laughed, “I dare say, but it isn’t just that. She’s so unique, so different from anyone I’ve ever known.” He paused a moment, “And I don’t believe she has allowed anyone else to get as close to her as she has allowed me to be.”
            “You’re playing with fire, Henry.” Hal knew John wouldn’t understand and shook his head, “She is a killer. If what you say is true, what happens when you break a killer’s heart?”
            Hal looked annoyed and became defensive, “I don’t want to break her heart. I don’t want to hurt her in any capacity.”
            “It doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. Women’s emotions are volatile at the best of times. This one could kill you in a thousand different ways.” Hal groaned slightly feeling his brother was now exaggerating just to deter him. “Stop this foolish pursuit Henry. It won’t end well. For either of you.”
            Hal gave John a look before standing and leaving the room. Macrae had left almost two months ago and Hal was growing restless. It didn’t seem fair that he didn’t have a way to contact her somehow.
            What if something dreadful were to befall her? How would he ever know what became of her? Even now he didn’t know if he would ever see her again. Perhaps John had a point. Perhaps he should let her go. But he couldn’t. He dreamed of her at night, he dreamed of her during the day, remembering the hours they spent in the dark together. He wished that when he opened his eyes she was still there lying beside him, but it was always just a dream. Who knew when she would pass his way again?
Political Matters
            Life settled back into routine somewhat, and Hal returned to frequenting Mistress Quickly’s. There was always some uprising that needed to be put down. Someone had visions of grandeur and their eye on the throne. Then the lords would march their men to the battlefield and the conflict would truly begin. Sometimes there were instances when battle could be avoided. Negotiations and other such means were used before the bloodshed would start. Then there were times when services like Macrae’s were employed. It was the simplest, quickest, and cleanest way to resolve matters.
            As it so happened, the King found himself needing to employ Macrae for a matter that required a clean cut resolution. It had to do with ambassadors from France and the situation was very delicate. So he sent for her.
            Henry looked all about the castle before finally finding his brother, “John!” he called running to catch up with him. “John, is it true? Has she been summoned?”
            John gave him a look, “Obviously we shouldn’t be talking about this where other people could hear us.” He said in a low voice.
            Hal gave a nod and pulled John into a corner giving him a look wanting to know more details. John sighed still thinking his relationship with her was an extremely bad idea. “She usually comes within a fortnight. How did you know about this? No one is meant to know.”
            “I didn’t.” Hal said with a grin, “But I gathered considering the spot of trouble we’re having with ambitious, self-serving ambassadors. I also know that things like this tend to be her specialty. How long ago was she sent for? Will she be here soon?”
            “Hal, what is it about this woman that has you so bewitched? I’ve met her on several occasions and she is beautiful, but knowing what she is repels me. How can you want her company on purpose?” John was trying to understand but he simply couldn’t.
            “I don’t know. Honestly, I have no idea what about her interests me so. But she is fascinating . . . and I couldn’t be more serious when I ask if you know when she’s going to arrive.” Hal said.
            “It never takes that long, probably before the week is out.” John shook his head and walked away.
Late Night Visitors
            Hal tossed and turned unable to find a comfortable spot to sleep in. Then he realized something was strange. He opened his eyes and sat up seeing a familiar young woman sitting at the foot of his bed watching him sleep. It was dark in the chamber; the fire had died down to embers since he had retired.
            He looked around before looking back at her not entirely sure he wasn’t dreaming again. “How did you get in here?” He asked quite confused knowing that there were guards all about the castle. She smiled saying nothing. The Prince threw back the covers getting out of bed and moving to sit down next to her, “I am glad to see you.” Hal said with a smile.
            “You haven’t forgotten me then?” Macrae asked.
            The young prince grinned and reached out sliding his hand behind her neck and pulling her close into a deep kiss. Then he anxiously slid his hands into her hair looking into her eyes. “No mortal man could ever forget you.”
            She smiled, “And what of Princes? They say that royalty is above all men.”
            “With you, I am but a man.” He said stroking her hair between his fingers loving how soft it was, how sweet she smelled. “I suppose I should be concerned that you were here in my chamber watching me sleep, and somehow slipped unnoticed passed the guards.”
            “Yes, you should be. I told you, I’m not the only dangerous person in this world. You should take better care.” She said seriously. The Prince rested his hand on her thigh and smiled, she was wearing pants like he had seen her wear when she was staying at Mistress Quickly’s.
            “Ah.” He said a smile sweeping his face, “You got in through the window.” He stood and walked over to the fire place adding several large logs to build up the flame again and chase the cold away. Then he walked over checking the shutters finding the latch having been cut through the opening between them. “I suppose I’ll need to get this replaced.”
            “Yes. With something better then wood.” Macrae reached up and unclasped her cloak putting it aside. “Truly, Prince Henry. It’s as though you are purposely tempting fate with your life.”
            “Perhaps I can have you as my personal bodyguard? Would that satisfy your concern?” He questioned walking back to her with a smile.
            “I work for your father, remember? At least until you ascend the throne.” She reminded him.
            He took her hands in his. “I really am incredibly glad that you are back, Lady Macrae.”
            “You realize of course that ‘Lady’ is not a real title. It’s simply what your father calls me and says I am to be called to make it seem as though I belong at court.” She said walking over and sitting down in one of the large chairs crossing her legs over the arm.
            “Really?” Hal walked closer to her, “It seems as though you would have long since earned such a title if what my brother tells me is true. He said that you’ve worked for us for quite some time.”
            Macrae leaned her head back against the chair looking at him in silence. She was deciding if she wanted to talk about it with him or not. “The first service I performed for the King, I was 12. My brother and I went together. I came back, he didn’t.” She said plainly. “He was the last of my family. I was the youngest with four brothers.”
            “You were doing such work at so young an age?” He questioned.
            “It’s all I have ever known, my lord. It was my family’s work. Now it is mine.” Hal gave a nod looking very solemn to hear this. But a smile swept her face, “It is simply what I was born to. Just as farmers are born to farmers, princes are born to kings, and killers tend to be born to killers. It’s the way of all life. What I do is dangerous, but I do it well. Otherwise I would not be sitting here before you.”
            “But it must get lonely sometimes. Always on the move, your family gone, don’t you want to settle somewhere when you retire this life?” Hal asked seriously. Macrae grinned enjoying his optimism that she would have a retirement at all, that she would even have the option. He half smiled before looking towards the door, “Um. Are you hungry? I could have something brought.”
            “Starving.” She said standing and walking over to stoke the fire. Hal smiled and went to the door to send for the servants to bring food.
Pre-dawn Hours
            “You were really stranded in Italy for 6 months?” Hal said listening to Macrae’s story about a job she’d performed that went horribly wrong while they ate their breakfast in his chambers.
            “Oh yes. It wasn’t the first time I’d run into the problem of someone going back on the deal they had made. In the end, I received my bounty and passage back to England and made it clear that I wouldn’t be doing business with him again.” She explained.
            "Where are you from originally?” Hal had always wondered about it but never asked.
            “Germania. One of the less traveled parts of course.” Macrae picked up another strawberry and popped it in her mouth. “But for obvious reasons I prefer England. It’s a bit more civilized.”
            “Germania? Honestly?” Hal didn’t know a whole lot about Germania but there were a list of stories that he’d heard about it. “Is that why . . .” He motioned towards her hands that were tattooed and scarred. She had removed her gloves to eat being comfortable to do so in his presence now. “You were part of one of the tribes?”
            “In a way. There are many traditions there that most likely seem odd and foreign to you. It is a strange country.” Macrae admitted.
            “You don’t refer to it as your own country.” Hal pointed out. “Don’t you consider yourself Germanian?”
            Macrae shook her head no, “I traveled with my father and my brothers since I was able to walk. I don’t really consider any country to be mine.” She took a drink of her wine, “I’ve seen the horrible side of people, my lord. Women and men both. They are lairs, deceivers, betrayers. I’ve seen a man profess love to his wife with one hand, and pay me a bag of silver to end her life in the other. All while having several mistresses on the side. I’ve seen men betray their loyalties to their own blood, for money, for land, for what they perceive as ‘love’. What I’ve discovered and learned in my 23 years on this Earth, is that no matter what bit of land you are born on, or come from, all men are the same.”
            The Prince was silent for a moment, “Is that why you don’t let anyone close to you? Because you think they’ll betray your trust?”
            “It is human nature, my lord. Some call it learning, some call it adapting, and some pretend that it’s simply the way things are. There is no honor when someone is presented with the right incentive.” Macrae explained. “Even your father deposed his predecessor. He believed it was for the good of the country, for the good of England’s people. But as a subject of England and her crown, he owed his allegiance to his sovereign just as any other. But he would not follow blindly, nor those who helped put him take the throne.” Hal listened feeling a slight twinge at the way she talked of his father, “But don’t mistake. Richard was just as guilty. He betrayed subjects. He betrayed friends. Otherwise he would not have been a candidate to be deposed in the first place.”
            “You have a very singular view on the world Lady Macrae.” He moved a bit closer to her, “But . . . it’s also very limited. Not everyone is like that, the majority of the population isn’t like that. Those who hire you, and afford your services perhaps fit into your outlook, but there are so many who would never resort to such measures. Loyal, good, honest people are everywhere. You just have to know where to look.”
            “Are you referring to peasants my lord?” She asked curiously, “Because the company you keep is hardly a good example of honor and loyalty.”
            Hal half laughed, “Well, Falstaff and Poins are a special case.”
            “They are pigs. They would use you and sell your secrets to the highest bidder if the price suited them.” Macrae said not liking either men even a little bit.
            “I dare say, but perhaps that is why they hold none of my secrets.” He smiled, “But I do hold one or two of theirs.” He said with a wink. They continued eating their breakfast and Hal’s eyes continued to be drawn to her every few moments. She looked so lovely. After a while Macrae could feel his eyes on her.
            “I should go before the rest of the castle rises from their beds.” She said. “There will be questions.”
            Hal’s face fell, “Really?” He said in deep disappointment. “You don’t have to go. It’s nearly dawn . . . but you’ve not slept.”
            “Nor have you.” She added.
            “You could stay.” He offered, “We could . . . rest. Together. There is privacy here in my bedchamber, we won’t be disturbed.”
            Macrae smiled, “Oh, my lord. Or should I say Daniel as he prefers to sleep in the lion’s den?”
            Reaching over he took her hand in his and stroked the back of it with his thumb. “I’ve missed you. Greatly. It would please me very much if you stayed with me.” Macrae cocked her head looking him over before she gave a simple nod. A grin swept Hal’s face and he kissed the back of her hand before covering it with his other holding it tight.
To Be Continued . . . . . .
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Dangerous Games