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Dangerous Games	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: G through L > Hollow Crown, The Views: 1883 -:- 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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Unbridled Passion
            Hal was breathing hard as he looked up at Macrae’s beautiful body as she rode him deep and hard, her back straight as she took his hard member in and out of her warmth. Her strong thighs moving her in strong steady movements that made his very body quiver in absolute pleasure. Reaching up he cupped her breasts in his hands massaging the plump firm orbs. Arching her back she slid her hands into her hair moving it back from her face and lifting it from her neck. She rolled her hips, her movements fluent and consistent Hal could hardly stand the pleasure she was giving him. His hands wrapped around her hips guiding her as she moved.
            The Prince sat up beneath her and wrapped his hand around her neck pulling her into a deep passionate kiss wanting to taste her lips, to savor her sweetness. He wrapped his arm around her body and flipped them over onto her back taking over and thrusting himself into her deep with each movement. Her nails drew down his back as she moved her hips in rhythm with his. They devoured each other’s kiss with such furious enthusiasm they had to break now and again just to breathe. The prince could feel the way her body squeezed and swallowed him with each movement causing him to quiver, hardly able to control himself.
            Macrae grinned when he rested his face to her shoulder, and she pressed her teeth against his neck biting ever so slightly. Hal gasped at the sensation. Tremors of pleasure ran down his spine as she dug her nails deeper into his back. He could contain himself no longer and cried out as he burst deep inside her most intimate depths. Hal’s entire body shook almost violently as he clung to her form.
            She smiled and leaned her head back to the pillow, her hands moving to run through his hair. It took him a few moments to regain his senses before he could raise his head to look down into her eyes. Their bodies soaked with sweat, their breath labored deep in their chests. “Forgive me.” He said after a moment as the aftershocks of pleasure finally began to subside.
            “I enjoyed myself thoroughly.” She reassured him hearing his apology. The prince considered himself a gentlemen in bed, and usually made certain to give pleasure first before receiving his own. Although they’d been at it since dawn and reached climax countless times together, this time seemed see purposely wanted to push him over the edge. She leaned closer to his ear and whispered, “Do you surrender, or shall we continue?” She grinned, “I could drain you until there’s nothing left, until you screamed for mercy, but would find none.”
            Hal took a breath, “How do you do such things?” He breathed. “How can any woman be so intoxicating, so bewitching that a man would willingly throw himself on his sword just to spend one night in her arms?” There was a moment of silence before Macrae cupped his face in her hands looking into his eyes. Then she kissed him softly before gazing into his eyes again.
            “I’m not bound by your moralities, my lord.” She whispered, “Just are you are not bound by mine.”
            He furrowed his brow not understanding her meaning, but the seriousness in her eyes told him that it was what she truly believed. Hal slid his hand into her wet hair behind her neck and kissed her again unable to resist, then again, then once more. After several more kisses, he grinned against her lips realizing that even though he was exhausted, he wasn’t ready to top just yet. Macrae wrapped her leg around his waist and turned them over onto his back and sat up on his abdomen resting her hands on his chest. “You are so beautiful.” He said placing his hands on her hips. “The way your hair bounces when we . . .” Macrae pressed her finger to his lips to quiet him.
            “Sleep your highness.” She said seriously.
            With a grin, Hal kissed her finger looking into her eyes as he took her hand and kissed the palm before holding it to his chest. “Only if you promise to still be lying beside me when I wake.”
            Macrae smiled and kissed him again, “Sleep.” She whispered against his lips. Hal’s eyes remained close loving her scent, the sensation of her touch, the taste of her kiss. It was beyond the very definition of bliss.
Jealousy
            Unfortunately when Hal awoke, he found himself alone in his bedchamber as before. She did not promise him to stay so he could not accuse her of breaking her word. When he got out of bed he stretched finding himself sore from head to toe. Knowing the cause of such aches made him chuckle a bit as he scratched his head running his hand through his hair.
            After bathing he ventured out from his rooms with a mind to visit Mistress Quickly’s. It was after dark and he wasn’t entirely sure of the hour but it was very late. He must have slept much longer then he’d thought. When he arrived he found Poins and Falstaff with all the others who frequented the tavern and was cheerfully greeted as usual.
            “We expected to see you earlier, my lord. What’s kept you?” Poins asked.
            “Hello lad!” Falstaff shouted, “I didn’t know if we’d be seeing you today considering the lateness of the hour!” He said in a cheery tone. Half smiled and gave a nod but walked passed them going directly to Mistress Quickly.
            “Is she staying here?” He said softly so only she could hear his question.
            “No my lord.” She replied, “I’ve not seen her in months.” Hal gave a nod a bit disappointed yet he already knew she wouldn’t be there. Every since he’d first actually met her she’d not returned to Mistress Quickly’s. Macrae had made it clear that she didn’t often repeat her patterns of behavior and advised him numerous times that she should learn from her example. He sighed and regained his smile going back to Poins and Falstaff.
            About dawn, Hal made his way back to the castle. Much to his disappointment, Macrae hadn’t returned. He realized that she had been summoned for a purpose, yet at the same time he wished that she was there for the sole purpose of seeing him.
            Sitting down in one of his chairs he poured himself a cup of wine remembering their recent escapades in the dark. Hal couldn’t help but smile remembering the pure and utter pleasure they shared. Soon however, his thoughts turned differently and his smile disappeared. She wasn’t there with him now because she was with someone else. An enemy. Another man was holding her beautiful body to his, kissing her luscious lips, feeling her heartbeat in her chest, touching her soft strawberry golden locks.
            Putting down his cup he stood walking to his fireplace starring at the flames. The more he thought about it, the more it bothered him. Hal hadn’t expected this. Not to feel this way about her. It was strange to him never having felt such a deep sense of jealousy before.
Returning
            3 days later, Macrae returned to the castle to seek audience with the King. She was escorted in by guards as usual. Hal heard of her return and waited in the hallway for her to conclude her business with the King.
            Finally she emerged from the chamber once again escorted by guards. Hal sighed and moved to meet them. “Thank you.” He said dismissing her escorts. Macrae watched them leave before looking at Hal.
            “Your father doesn’t allow me in the castle without an escort. You know this.” She stated.
            “Well, I shall be your escort.” Hal said with a smile.
            She arched a brow, “You aren’t the sort of escort he would be comfortable with. You are his son and you are unarmed.”
            Hal realized this may have been overly bold of him. “Walk with me? Please?” He requested. Macrae studied him for a moment before going with him. They walked in silence down several corridors away from prying eyes and pointed ears. Not understanding why they were walking the length of the castle in silence, Macrae stopped and turned towards Hal to say something. However when she did he caught her face in his hands and devoured her lips as he backed her into a corner behind a pillar pushing her up against the stone wall.
            Needless to say she was caught by surprise by this sudden onrush of passion. She returned it anxiously but then reached up pushing him off of her. “Have you lost your senses?” If they weren’t in the castle she might have indulged in such exhibitionist behavior, but right now no one knew of them for good reason.
            Hal knew it already, he knew they couldn’t risk his father finding out about them. He looked into her eyes before stepping closer to her again, “Did he have you?” The question seemed to jump out wither he wanted it to or not, but he had to know.
            “What?” She asked.
            “That French bastard you were sent after. Did he touch you? Did he take you?” He demanded.
            Macrae couldn’t believe he was asking her about her work. “It’s not your province to ask.” She started to leave but Hal caught her shoulders and shoved her hard against the wall. A bit harder then he meant to.
            “Don’t,” Hal quickly let her go holding up his hands, “Please don’t walk away. Okay?” She looked into his eyes deciding to stay at least to hear what he had to say. Hal folded his hands together and tried to collect his thoughts. “Just tell me this one thing, answer me this one thing, I don’t need to know anything else about the affair.” He began. Macrae waited, “Did you seduce him?”
            She was silent looking into his eyes, “Yes.” She said simply. Hal closed his eyes as he lowered his head, he knew what she did, he knew her work required certain actions but it still came as a harsh blow. “I imagine his last few hours would have been the most pleasurable of his life had he not succumbed to poisoning halfway through his meal.”
            Hal looked up hearing her words, “You mean . . .”
            “Had I shared his bed then it would not seem as though his heart simply gave out.” Macrae added. A smile swept Hals face beyond thankful at her answer. He started to lean in to kiss her again but she stopped him pressing her hand against his chest. Hal’s smile melted away as he could see in her eyes she was far from pleased with him.
Accommodations
            Macrae thought it best she didn’t stay in the castle with Hal again after his display. She honestly didn’t know what to make of him or how he was acting towards her. He knew what she did, he knew what she was and up until this point it didn’t seem to bother him.
            There was a boarding house near Mistress Quickly’s that she hadn’t stayed at in years and it seemed like her best option. The Mistress of the house owed her a favor and it was a good time to collect. When she arrived she was remembered and welcomed eagerly. Several years ago there were some undesirable types making trouble. Annoyed that her sleep had been interrupted, she sorted it out and the owner was beyond grateful.
            “It’s been ages since we’ve seen you M’lady, it’s good to have you stay with us again. Things are much quieter when you are here.” She said as she showed Macrae to her room. “How long will you be staying?”
            “Just a day or so, I’m on my way out of London.” Macrae was unwilling to share too much information with anyone and for good reason. She wanted to sleep and what she wanted was a bed a locked door and to be undisturbed. “I would appreciate my being here remain between us.”
            “Of course.” The Mistress agreed unlocking the door to her room before giving her the key, “I remember you do like your privacy.” Macrae gave a nod before going inside and closing the door.
Alley Brawl
            Hal made his way through the streets towards Mistress Quickly’s. He hadn’t slept very well and was frustrated with himself for making such a scene with Macrae. He wondered slowly down the street looking at the shops in the market lost in his own thoughts. Unfortunately today his usual route was blocked off by several carts of supplies that had just arrived and he had to double back and down a side alley to get around it.
            It had been sometime since he had come this way and came to a dead end that he didn’t remember being there before. With a sigh he turned around to go back and find another passage when he heard what sounded like a fight coming from another street. He followed the sound wanting to know what was going on. Considering it was a back alley, he couldn’t imagine it was good.
            When he turned the corner he stopped dead in his tracks seeing the scene before him. Macrae was at the center of a brawl being attacked by four men, all considerably larger then she was.
            The young woman retrieved her push dagger from her sleeve dodging a swipe of a dagger and thrusting her own into his throat. One man managed to land a hard kidney punch to her body. She hit him hard in the jaw before catching his arm and spun her own body around twisting his arm up behind his back dropping him to his knees. She kicked him hard in the back sending him flying forward and smashing his head into the side of the building. Another grabbed her up from behind, his arms tight around hers trying to hold her in place. When the last man lunged towards her, she kicked him with both feet in the face sending him falling backwards into several crates and barrels. Then she dropped her weight to the ground flipping the one that held her over her head. Using his own knife that he held in his hand, she drove the dagger into his chest through his heart.
            Hal watched dumbstruck never having seen someone move like her, or fight as she did before. The last live man she had thrown into the pile of empty boxes and kegs gave a yell and ran at her, his dagger in hand. Within a half a heartbeat, she tripped him wrapping a cord around his neck as he fell. She twisted it into a knot that tightened more than a hangman’s noose as she pressed her foot down into his back between his shoulders and jerking the cord up with both hands. The loud sharp snap indicating that his neck was successfully broken.
            She stayed still a moment as though letting her mind catch up with her brutal and deadly actions. Then she reached down slipping the knot from the cord and returning it to her person. Next she turned and retrieved her small dagger from the others throat wiping the blood from the blade off on his clothes. She was hardly even short of breath regardless of the vigorous fight she was just involved in.
            Putting the dagger back in her sleeve she turned walking towards Hal. She’d known he was there already. As she drew nearer he saw blood at her hairline. She’d been bashed in the head perhaps more than once. It was possible that this was the reason the fight had started in the first place. Hal was still in shock himself having no words for what he had just witnessed.
            “I should have come to your aid.” He said realizing he had just watched her attacked and did nothing.
            She didn’t break stride as she walked passed him, “You weren’t needed.” Was all she said exiting the alley. Hal looked back at the grisly scene once more before hurrying after her.
Cause and Affect
            Hal followed her all the way back to her room at the boarding house where the door was closed and promptly locked. The Prince watched her in silence, neither having said anything since they had left the alleyway.
            Macrae walked over to the small mirror on the wall and looked at the wound on her head. She sighed knowing it was going to take a stitch or two. She turned and walked over to her bags and took out a small leather pouch carrying it back to the mirror pouring some water in the basin. The Prince walked over to her, “Here let me help you with that.”
            “I’ve mended worse.” She said turning away from him not wanting to accept help.
            “Nonsense, now come on.” He said pulling the chair closer before the mirror and sitting her down. He took a cloth and soaked it in the cold water before gently laying it to the wound. Macrae closed her eyes as the wound was incredibly tender and stung to the touch. “Sorry.” He apologized gently wiping the blood from around the wound. She opened the small pouch and took out a needle and a piece of thread. Setting the cloth back in the bowl he took the threaded needle and carefully stitched the wound closed. It was uncomfortably quiet. Macrae sat absolutely still and didn’t make a sound. Hal decided they needed to talk and couldn’t just pretend he hadn’t witnessed what had taken place. “Macrae, what happened today? Why were you fighting those men?”
            “I’ve told you, I’m not the only dangerous person in this world. I’ve made enemies.” Was the simplest answer she could give.
            “So someone sent four men after one woman?” Hal thought that extremely unfair and dishonorable.
            “Eight men abducted you off the battlefield and I tracked them down and retrieved you. Did you not think I couldn’t take on four?” She said.
            Hal gave a sigh, “I don’t know what to think.” He was being honest as he was at a genuine loss. He gave her back the needle and rung out the cloth in the bowl before gently holding it to her head again. She looked at him in the mirror and sighed pushing his hand away inspecting his work in the mirror. It wasn’t bad for someone she imagined had never done it before. She stood and walked over taking off her cloak and tossing it on her bed. “Four men lie dead in the street by your hand. Do you feel nothing about that?”
            “I never said that I didn’t.” She snapped, “But I didn’t start the fight. I merely ended it. There is nothing to tie me to those men and only one person witnessed it.” She turned towards him and held out her hands, “Do you wish to arrest me and deliver me to the magistrate?”
            He walked close to her, “Be serious Macrae, this is no joking matter.”
            “Why are you acting this way?” She demanded putting her hands down. “I defended myself and yet you seem to imagine I chose 4 innocent men at random from the crowd.” He couldn’t fault her for defending herself, but it was the way she did it.
            “Your hand to hand combat, the way you moved, how fast and swiftly you defeated them. . . I don’t . . . I’ve never seen anything like it.” Hal admitted.
            “Why would you have?” She questioned, “You and your nobles, your lords, your soldiers fight with heavy broad swords that you use two hands to wield. You weigh yourselves down with heavy chain mail and padding beneath it.”
            “Of course. For protection. To keep from being mortally wounded or killed in battle.” Hal said.
            “Its mere weight slows you down, hinders your every move. It’s clumsy, and sluggish. You can fight better without it, move faster, and be lighter on your feet.” She explained.
            “But you are more vulnerable to attack. Without the proper armor . . .” he began.
            “Think about it, my lord. If your enemy is wearing chainmail, armor, using a large heavy weapon, . . . how much quicker would you be without any of that?”
            He sighed, “There is such a thing as a code of battle, and honor.”
            “There is also such a thing as common sense and self preservation.” She snapped.
            Hal could see she was upset and on the defensive and sometimes when she spoke to him like this, it made him angry. He was a Prince and yet sometimes she was quite comfortable treating him like a child. “What you did out there, in that alley. Is that how you subdued those men in the woods? The ones who took me?”
            “They were a bit easier.” She leaned her head back keeping her eyes fixed on him, “They, didn’t know that I was coming.”
            “You waited until they were asleep, or their backs were turned?” She just stared at him in silence, defiantly refusing to answer such questions about her work. “How can any human being with a soul be so comfortable with such things!” He said in frustration.
            Macrae stepped closer to him, “I don’t fight on your battlefield. I fight on my own. I am not a man, this is what I do.” She looked him over having always felt in the back of her mind that this would come about. “My apologizes if I disgust you and you find me revolting to your sensibilities.”
            He looked at her sharply, “I never said that.”
            “You don’t approve of me, my methods.” She added.
            “I didn’t say that either.” He snapped back. There was a long silent pause as the Prince took a moment to collect his thoughts realizing that fighting with her was no way to get what he wanted. Although he wasn’t sure at this point what it was he wanted. “Macrae,” he began wanting to choose his words carefully, “You are unique. I’ve always thought you were, it’s one of the many things that drew me to you. I’ve always known you were dangerous, I was told so many times. I just didn’t realize how much, or in what ways.” He said as clearly and honestly as possible, “Seeing you in action . . . merely shocked me. I’ve never seen anything like that before. . . . you defied gravity.”
            Macrae looked away from him, “You were never meant to see it.” She said softly. “”There is nothing beautiful or elegant about what I do. It’s better to be done in secret, in the shadow and in the dark.” She looked towards him again, “But what I do, needs to be done. Quickly, cleanly, and quietly.”
            Hal studied her trying to digest everything, to take it all in. “Tell me,” He said finally, “All that you do. Everything you can do.” Reaching out he took her hands in his. She started to pull away at first but he held fast and pulled her back to him. “I wanted to know you and foolishly thought that I did. Now I realize I know nothing.” Hal looked into her eyes with such sincerity and openness, “Change that. Please.” He asked, “Let me know you. All of you.” Macrae just stared into his eyes in silence always having made it a point she didn’t discuss her work.
Eyes Opened
            Macrae lay sleeping on the bed; Hal had pulled a blanket over her to keep her warm. It was his turn to watch over her while she rested. He leaned against the headboard gently stroking her shoulder so she would know he was there and that she was safe.
            They had talked for a long time, she told him of her childhood and of her training although no specific details about any one job. The Prince realized that the only reason she’d spoken to him so freely of it was a combination of the ale they had been drinking and the injury she had taken to her head. There was a point when he saw a glazed look in her eyes that he knew she needed to rest and insisted she lay down and sleep.
            Hal carefully reached up and smoothed her hair off of her neck. There were scars there that he hadn’t noticed before. They were small and faded indicating that they were injuries she’d sustained long ago when she was very young. He was looking at her much closer now than he ever had before. His feelings for her had changed only in one regard, as he watched her now he felt deeply protective of her. Hal felt as though he wanted to wrap his arms around her and shield her from everyone and everything. He thought it strange as she was probably the one woman in all the world who wasn’t helpless or weak. But he had seen her vulnerability, he’d seen her heart exposed, and each time she pushed him away or withdrew, he could see it again clearly.
            As people were often guilty of taking him at face value and not looking any further, they did the same with her. But where the prince had a tendency to attract people, she repelled them. Hal knew she’d be leaving London as soon as she woke. Four dead bodies in an alleyway, the sheriff would be looking for suspects and it would be better if she simply wasn’t in the city for a while to avoid attracting unwanted attention towards her. However he didn’t want to her to leave yet, he wanted her to return to the palace with him. He wanted a physician to look at her wound to make certain she would be alright. Head wounds were notoriously tricky and he didn’t want to take any chances.
            The Prince placed a tender kiss to her cheek before settling down behind her, wrapping his arm around her body laying his head on the pillow to rest with her for a while.
Bathing
            Against Macrae’s better judgment, she agreed to stay with Hal another day before leaving London. He quietly secreted her into the castle and straight to his rooms. However Macrae refused his offer of a physician tending her wound wanting nothing to do with them. She insisted she could care for herself and wouldn’t speak more about it.
            What Hal did do was have the servants prepare a bath for him and then dismissed them with orders he was not to be disturbed. Then Macrae took his place while he kept watch so that no one would enter.
            When she undressed, Hal’s eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to her. When they had been together in his room alone, only the light of the fireplace gave him view of her form. Now, the sunlight filled the chamber and he could clearly see her form, everything from head to toe and thought her even more beautiful. It looked like she had taken more of a beating then he’d realized when he saw bruises on her arms, legs and down her side and stomach. He could only imagine how painful the deep black marks were.
            Macrae washed her body thoroughly once, then over again. The warm water and bath salts felt good on her aches and pains, but she was especially thorough with her hair that was caked with dirt and dried blood. When she got out of the bath, Hal was there instantly wrapping a bath sheet around her. “Better?” Macrae looked at him a moment before she finished wrapping the sheet around herself. He half smiled knowing how uncomfortable she was when she felt vulnerable. “We’ll have supper and then you can rest.”
            “You are tempting fate the longer I stay here, my lord.” Macrae warned seriously.
            “Let me worry about that.” He said kissing her cheek, “You cared for me when I was injured. Allow me the privilege of returning the kindness.” He could see in her eyes about to argue but kissed her tenderly then looked into her eyes, “Please?”
            Macrae closed her eyes dropping her head not knowing how she could deny him. After a moment she gave a nod. Hal smiled and kissed her again drawing her into a gentle embrace.
Quiet Whispers
            Macrae slept immediately after supper as Hal thought she would. He sat in a chair next to his bed watching over her as she had done when she’d brought him back from his abductors and cared for him. It was late, and her eyes opened seeing him nearby.
            “It seems a prince would have better ways to spend his time then watching someone sleep.” Hal looked up at her and smiled.
            “You look much better. How are you feeling?” He asked leaning closer to her.
            “I am very capable of caring for myself. You didn’t have to look after me.” She said softly.
            “I know. But I consider it a great privilege.” He stood and walked over sitting down next to her on the bed. “Thank you.” He reached up and smoothed her hair back from her face.
            Macrae looked up at him where she lay and sighed, “I don’t understand you.” She said a bit frustrated herself at this point. “You are a Prince. Why do you insist on doing these things? On keeping my company?”
            “I’ve always been under the impression you were above such things as class distinction.” He said curiously.
            “I am.” She answered, “But you’re not. You can’t be. You’re royalty.” Pushing the cover back she sat up and crossed her legs beneath her, “Is it because of the sex, the nights we spend lost passion?”
            Hal half laughed seeing how genuinely confused she was at the whole situation. “I dare say, but that’s only part of it.” He admitted. He took a breath and turned towards her, “I honestly, don’t know what it is Macrae. But the cold hard fact of it is, I care for you. Deeply.” Reaching out he took her hands in his stroking them with his thumbs. “I genuinely can’t stand the thought of anything happening to you.”
            She just stared into his eyes for several moments before looking down to his hands that held hers, “ . . . your highness . . .” she began but stopped not knowing how to continue.
            “I really wish you would call me Hal, or Henry.” He whispered touching her chin so she would look at him again. “You have my permission do to so.” He cupped her face in his hand admiring how lovely she was. Macrae took a breath and closed her eyes resting her hand over his. Hal smiled seeing she wanted to give in, she did feel something for him too. He knew it. He leaned closer as if to kiss her but stopped, “How are you feeling?” He said repeating his question he had asked from before knowing now how badly she had been beaten.
            “Well enough.” Was all she could say before they were locked in a hungry kiss devouring each other’s lips.
There Are No Secrets
            Hal and Macrae were woken by a servant who seemed nervous and incredibly anxious. “The King commands that you come to him at once.” His eyes turned towards Macrae, “Both of you.” Then he bowed and hurried off. The two lovers looked at each other before immediately getting up to dress.
            A short while later they arrived in the Kings chambers, and it was clear that he wanted this conversation kept private. Once the doors were closed, the King stood before them, an incredibly cross look on his face. Macrae warned Hal that her staying in the castle could not remain a secret for long.
            “Father, I can explain . . .” Hal said quickly.
            “Silence.” The King snapped at this son not wanting to hear any excuses about this grievous indiscretion. His attention turned towards Macrae, “Your chore that was given you was finished days ago and you received your payment for your services. You were supposed to have long since left London until I send for you again.” Macrae’s eyes turned downcast knowing she should have gone. “That is how this works; it is how it has always worked. You perform you task, you receive payment, and you disappear. You do not return until I send for you!” He shouted.
            “It isn’t her fault; I insisted that she stay with me.” Hal said quickly in her defense. The King shot Hal a displeased look that he’d dare interrupt him. Macrae stayed silent having been willing to take her punishment. “I insisted that she stay with me.” He added.
            The King looked back at Macrae knowing that she was the crown’s obedient servant in all things. If the Prince had commanded her, she would obey. “How long has this affair between the two of you been going on?” He demanded.
            Macrae still remained deathly silent not having been given direct permission to speak, but Hal was quick to answer. “Since last spring.”
            “I recall commanding then that she not be interfered with by anyone. I said this directly to you and your brothers so that there would be no mistake. Will you stop at nothing to defy me boy?” The King demanded incredibly angry about this entire matter. “I have good reasons for why I make such rules!” He pointed at Macrae, “Do you have any idea what this woman is? What she does? What she is capable of!” He stepped closer to Hal, “She murders men for money. She lies, she deceives, and she tricks them to get what she wants which is always death.” He scoffed looking him over, “And you, the heir to the throne of the kingdom, have taken her into your bed.”
            Hal hated the way his father was speaking of Macrae as though she wasn’t even there. “You trust her with some of the most important matters that need attending to. The very safety of England. You have faith in her that she will carry out her duties; you put your trust in her. Why shouldn’t I?”
            “She is a tool, a sharpened blade that is used to deal with delicate and dire matters.” He looked at Macrae, “She is a deadly and extremely dangerous weapon.”
            “She’s more than that father. She is precious to me.” Hal said honestly.
            “Your highness!” Macrae snapped in a low voice at Hal wishing he would stop speaking. He was only making matters worse. What was even more distressing was that he was laying out in the open extremely private matters that she had trusted would remain between them.
            The King marveled at his son’s foolishness. “The more she is seen here in the castle, the more familiar she will be to the court. She will not be able to perform the tasks I have for her if it is known who and what she is. The less she is seen, the better.” He looked at Macrae, “You know this already woman. It’s true you have never failed me and there is no better, man or woman, in your profession. But these are the foolish actions of a novice and I will not tolerate it.” He looked at both of them, “Youth.” He scoffed, “Both of you are young and have let your passions steal your senses. Make you weak. My disappointment in the pair of you is unfathomable.”
            Macrae’s eyes remained lowered in her disgrace, but Hal was not so humble and felt this scolding was extremely unjust. The King had to reason to shame her like this. To shame them for being lovers. They were of an age to decide such matters for themselves. But most of all, he didn’t want to lose her. He couldn’t bear the thought of it.
            “My generous and noble Lord,” The Prince began, “I have pursued this woman relentlessly from the first moment I met her.” He placed his hand on his chest, “I seduced her, it is me and me alone who is responsible for this. She is not at fault, I am. I demanded that she stay.”
            “Then I am doubly disappointed in you, if that is humanly possible.” He looked at Macrae once more, “I want you gone. Today. Leave this place now.” He commanded. Macrae bowed obediently and immediately turned leaving the Kings chambers. Hal watched as she left still not wanting her to go. “Leave her be Henry.” The King said in a stern tone.
            “Father please.” Hal said moving closer to him becoming desperate now, “I can’t . . . I can’t let her go. Not now. We’ve shared so much, more then you can imagine . . . she needs me. Don’t tear us apart, please. I beg of you.”
            “Needs you?” The King couldn’t help but laugh at his son’s ignorant and ludicrous statement. “If you know her as well as you claim too, you wouldn’t imagine such foolishness.”
            “That isn’t what I mean, my lord. She’s alone with no one to be close to, no one to confide in. Is it so wrong that I wish to be that man? To give her the intimacy she so desperately needs on occasion when she is in London? She is a woman and she needs companionship, like we all do.” There were tears forming in Hal’s eyes but he refused to let them fall.
            “Companionship?” He repeated finding it somewhat amusing. “And her body that does shame the Goddesses of the Greeks has nothing to do with your interest in her? A master in assassination and in the art of seduction. Her trade is to seduce men so they bend to her will.” He gave his son a look of disgust shaking his head, “A son of mine to be taken in by such trickery.”
            Hal knew how little his father thought of him, he knew that he would disown him and happily choose a more suitable son if he could. They disagreed constantly about most things, and Hal did have a tendency to rebel. “If we are discrete, if our meetings are kept secret, if we keep hidden from the world so that no one sees us, if no one knows . . . I wish with all my heart that we be allowed to continue.” He shook his head, “Father, please, don’t take her away from me.”
            The King wasn’t as cold hearted as most believed. The truth was that Hal was his son, his first born, and he loved him. He wished he would take up his responsibilities, and act as the heir to the throne should. Seeing his son beg and plea so passionately from his heart, it was impossible not to grant him such a small and simple request. It was still incredibly dangerous and the King couldn’t understand how his son could be so blinded to it. It all seemed incredibly foolish, but his son’s pleas did not fall on deaf ears.
            He looked at Hal for several moments before giving a sigh, “She is not permitted in this castle unless I send for her.” Was the Kings first condition. Hal could hardly believe his ears, it sounded like the King was giving him what he’d asked for. The prince listened intently. “You are not to be seen together anywhere at any time. Not inside the castle nor outside. Not even to bid her good day are you to speak with her.”
            Hal nodded anxious to agree to any terms his father set. “Of course, yes.”
            The King looked at his son a moment more thinking this was perhaps the worst mistake of his young life, which was up against some extreme competition. “What goes on in your chambers is your own business.” It was his final word on the matter.
            A smile swept the young Princes face, “Thank you father, thank you my gracious and generous King.” He made his obedience before turning and running from his father’s chambers to tell Macrae before she disappeared.
            Watching him leave, the King sighed and shook his head.
To be continued . . . .
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Dangerous Games