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The Company Thou Keepest	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: G through L > Hollow Crown, The Views: 2264 -:- 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

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Aftermath
            Prince Hal was lying on his side across Rayne’s bed, propped upon his elbow as he watched towards her changing screen seeing the silhouette of her lovely form while she prepared for bed. Rayne hadn’t said two words since they left Mistress Quickly’s. The joy he’d left her at the house with fled like it was never there to begin with. He asked her of it yet her response was simply that she was tired.
            When the candle behind the changing shade moved, Rayne came from it dressed in her linen nightgown walking over setting down the candle by the bed and sat next to the Prince. Hal sat up and wrapped an arm around her, “I was thinking perhaps tomorrow we could ride out early and travel to the fields in the south and follow the river a ways.” He offered, “There’s a beautiful farm house there much like the one we spent that night in together. It’s far enough away we might have to stay the night. Would that please you?” He said resting his hand over hers.
            Rayne didn’t have an immediate answer for him as she had such things on her mind that weighed on her heart. She turned to face him better on the bed. “Perhaps . . . I should spend the day tomorrow with James. My husband. I’ve not seen hardly anything of him since we arrived.” The Prince furrowed his brow as this had ever come up before, “Wouldn’t it be the proper thing to do? To spend some time with him while we’re here at court?”
            Hal sighed hearing her words, Poins had mentioned to him that even though he wasn’t there during whatever happened at Mistress Quickly’s it wasn’t hard to imagine who was responsible for her turmoil. There wasn’t time for more questioning of anyone when Rayne hurried out of the tavern and he wasn’t going to let her walk the streets alone. “What did Falstaff say to you in my absence?” He asked finally as it was the only logical conclusion.
            Her eyes turned downcast, “Nothing I didn’t already know, my Prince.” Her voice was soft still wounded inside by what the wayward knight had said to her.
            “Rayne, whatever he said to you it wasn’t true. The man is a bottomless well spring of lies and falsehoods with no limit or end.” He moved to kneel down before her on the floor looking up into her eyes, “It isn’t true Rayne. Don’t let his words burden your heart.”
            She was silent a few moments before meeting his gaze. “You are the only man I’ve ever been with. Made love with. You know that, don’t you?” It was something that weighed on her heart heavily a rumor that hurt her each time it was repeated. “Thomas is your son.”
            Hal was caught off guard by this as the doubt never even entered into his mind for a moment. “Of course he is. Anyone can just look upon him and see that. It’s been confessed by my own mother that he is a mirror image of me when I was young.” He laughed a little, “Is that what Falstaff’s beef was? Was that all he said, that he believes that young Thomas is not of me?”
            Rayne stood from the bed and kneeled down on the stone floor with him. She held his hands tight in hers against her chest, “I know the day is going to come when you will marry, and you won’t love me anymore.” Hal disagreed completely and started to say something but she continued. “Until that day comes, my lord, my love . . . I am yours and yours alone. No other man will have me. My body or my heart.” She pledged.
            “Darling,” He began, then smiled at her, “I will have to marry one day. The tragedy of my wife-to-be, whoever she may be, is that she will have my body, but my heart will forever belong to you. I will do my duty as a husband and king and breed and heir and more to take my throne when I am gone, and to continue my family line because I must. But our children, yours and mine are conceived in love. Love that transcends such things as blood, or title, or duty. Nothing could ever replace you or them in my heart.” He explained.
            She smiled hearing his words a light in her eyes shining as a tear escaped her eye and slid down her cheek. Hal kissed her fingers and hands before finding her lips placing a deep tender kiss. Yet there was something in his words, something that had caught her attention that she had to ask him about. “Hal,” she said softly, “You say ‘children’. We have but Thomas together.” ‘Children’ was a word that he’d used in both his letters to her and speech and it had always been a bit confusing.
            The Prince looked deep into her eyes realizing that even though it had been in his mind, they had never spoken of it. He couldn’t explain it, he couldn’t rationalize it, but he wanted more children with her. All that was spoken of Thomas was how much he looked like the Prince. But when Hal looked at the child, all he saw was Rayne. It was this thought that haunted him from the moment he saw Rayne lying in her bed with their child in her arms not long after she’d given birth to him. He’d dreamt of it, having her surrounded with their children. “Thus far.” He cupped her face in his hands, “Would you be shamed, in your heart, if there were more children for us? Conceived in our love?” He questioned. Hal moved closer to her, “James is far too old, he cannot give you another.”
            Rayne was the one caught by surprise now and was struck speechless. She hadn’t thought of it before, but she loved Thomas. She loved him with all of her heart, and he brought her such joy, he brought James joy. And how could she deny Hal anything he wanted of her? A few more moments of silence and her eyes met his once again, “Content.” She said with a nod.
            A smile swept his face hearing her agreement, “Content.” He repeated kissing her over and over again, a smile sweeping her face as well as they kissed and embraced in excitement.
Dark Corner Whispers
            “Yet another day goes by and we are without the prince’s company.” Falstaff growled, drinking his cup of sac.
            “Perhaps, Sir John, he has found more pleasant company then ours to enjoy.” Bardolph replied.
            “That girl is trouble. She has been since the day she set foot under this roof. If Mistress Quickly had turned her out like the stray mongrel she is, everyone would be the better for it.”
            “Everyone, or just you Sir John.” Mistress Quickly said walking by. “You should keep a civil tongue in that head of thine about my niece or the prince may cut it out and you lose whatever favor you have left.”
            “Women who exercise such villainy over men with a beautiful face and a firm body are shameless witches. It’s not what God has given them but the devil himself. To lead men astray from their true paths. Making merry with mates is one thing, but making merry with a woman night and day is trouble in itself. His senses were still his own when he met her and bedded her in this house.” The old knight sighed. “I have such high hopes for that boy, and yet she distracts him from it.”
            “Peace you. Just because you cannot boast of ever having had such love, doesn’t make it sinful that the Prince has found such fortune.” Doll said refilling his cup, “The duchess will return to Norfolk with her husband in a few weeks, and then all will return to as usual. Do not concern yourself with such things, good sir.” She counseled, “And her visit will put him in a good humor for all.” She sat on his lap and wrapped her arm around him and filling his cup again, “Peace, my good lord. Put your mind at rest.”
Pillow Talk
            Prince Hal and Rayne lay together naked between the sheets of the simple but large and plush bed. The farmhouse had been well prepared for their visit, Hal had sent ahead to make it so. Needless to say it was much more comfortable then the small hovel they had spent the night in before but this time there were no unexpected visitors, no unexpected guests, no interruptions.
            Hal rested his chin on Rayne’s belly looking up at the sleeping goddess whose body he’d been worshiping since dusk the day before, and already he was anxious to begin his prayers to her again.
            Slowly Rayne’s eyes opened as she looked down at him, a smile instantly sweeping his face to see her green eyes looking back at him. “How does my lord function with no rest?” She questioned. Hal grinned before lavishing kisses on her belly making his way up over each of her breasts, her shoulders, and then neck and at last he found her lips.
            “You’re love gives me strength I’ve never known.” He whispered. “Each time my eyes behold your beauty, you are more beautiful than the last. Your body is my temple where I find comfort and peace I know nowhere else. Should I not pay tribute for such wondrous gifts you give me?”
            She giggled a little with a blush, “Hush my Lord, such blasphemy.” She hushed him resting her fingertips to his lips to quiet him.
            Hal took her fingers and kissed them, “Hardly.” He said, “You’ve been my angel and my salvation.” He wrapped his arms around underneath her. “I feel I am myself with you when I cannot be with others. Not my family, not for those I call . . . for lack of a better word . . . my friends. Friends who are so because I am the prince of Wales and heir to the throne of England. I care for my father, I feel for him deeply, but if this were known, if I were to express such feelings or show such emotion of such a kind I would be a most princely hypocrite indeed. I must hide my feelings for my own father. It is a double labor.”
            Rayne knew all of this already, he wasn’t the no account rouge that everyone took him for. If he were, it wouldn’t have bothered him that she had tried to leave, that she was in an unfortunate way by his doing, and certainly wouldn’t have provided for her future in such generosity. A great deal of what he did, who he kept his company with, his behavior it was for appearances sake. He looked up on his elbow gazing down into her eyes. “Dost thou love me?”
            She smiled, “With every breath, with every beat of my heart, my soul belongs to you.” She rested her hand to his face looking into his eyes, “Forever.”
            A smile swept his face and he kissed her anxiously. Hal adored hearing her say it, to see it in her eyes that it was true and she was full of pure love for him and him alone. No agenda, no ambition, nothing but love. They kissed a few more moments before Hal grinned, “I’m famished.” He confessed.
            Rayne smiled and gave a nod, “And me as well. I shall go and prepare something for us.” She started to get out of bed and made it to her feet before she was snatched back into the bed. She laughed and the Prince tickled her sides before finding her lips and kissing her again. “Hal, if we continue in this way, it won’t be long before we starve to death.”
            He grinned and nodded towards the table at the far side of the bedroom, “Look.” It was covered with fresh linen, and mounds of hot freshly prepared food. “There will be no cooking for those lovely hands this day my beautiful Duchess.”
            Rayne’s eyes were wide not remembering when the food had arrived. She thought for certain she would have heard someone enter. “When . . . .when did this all happen?”
            “Well, it seems my lady was rather worn out and a herd of wild horse running through the house couldn’t have woken her from her slumber.” The Prince said kissing her cheek, “I don’t know whether to apologize for that, or claim bragging rights.” Rayne blushed a little as Hal reached for her robe and wrapped it around her shoulders, before grabbing his own and standing from the bed. Rayne stood as well, but had to catch herself against the bed. Her legs felt like jelly and she could hardly stand.
            Hal saw her misstep and couldn’t help but chuckle a bit and walked over wrapping his arms around her, “My apologies my love.” He said with a kiss. Then he swept her up in his arms and walked over sitting her down in a chair at the table taking his own seat beside her.
Does Thou Knows Where Thy Wife Is?
            The King called for James having needed to address this issue before now, but not having expected Henry to so flagrantly flaunt his deviance all over the countryside. There was talk in the court, everyone heard it, except it seemed the Prince. If he did hear it he certainly turned a deaf ear to all which only made matters worse.
            “You sent for me my lord?” James asked making his obedience as he came into the room. The King motioned for him to come closer and he did so. He dismissed all the others in attendance except the three princes, Henry’s young brothers.
            “My dearest friend, James Duke of Norfolk . . . . where is thy wife?” He asked directly. “Is she on the castle grounds?” He asked.
            James thought this an odd line of questioning to be concerned with Rayne’s whereabouts. “No sire, she is away today. Escorted by your good son, Prince Henry.” He answered honestly.
            “As she has been every day since you first arrived nearly a month ago.” The King said sternly. “This does not bother you? That my hot blooded son steals away to her bed chamber at night, fills his days with her every waking moment, even now they are away having traveled to a farm house in a secluded part of the country. Are you aware of any of this activity?” He questioned.
            The Duke was silent for a moment before he gave an obedient nod, “Yes my lord. I have been aware of these activities.”
            “Are you not furious? Does it not make your blood boil to know that she is fornicating with him at every available moment of the night and day? Have you no pride in your own honor, sir?” He was becoming angrier by the moment. The King stood and walked over to the Duke, “I know that you treat her as a daughter rather than a wife. You’ve lavished her with gifts, filled her head with all the education of the world far beyond what any woman should know. So I know that you do care for her, and your son young Thomas Howard.” He began, “Have you no pride? Have you no anger, or hatred within your veins to know she is fornicating even now with another man? Making you a cuckold in your own house rather than a fitting husband.”
            “Perhaps. Yet I don’t think of myself as such.” James answered truthfully. “If she and I were closer in age, I might feel a spark of jealousy, or a hint of anger. But I do not sire. Rayne means the world to me. She fills me with joy, and happiness, and laughter. She is not spoiled although some will say that I do spoil her on occasion, she is grateful for all she is given, and she is loyal to me.”
            “How can thou say such a falsehood when you know it to be untrue?” The King demanded. “If she was faithful to you, my son certainly wouldn’t have leave to fill all of her time.”
            “She entertains no other man than Prince Henry himself, My Lord.” He said in a definite tone. “Rayne is completely loyal to me, she’d do anything I ask, anything for me my heart desires. And she is loyal to the Prince. They are in love.” The King rolled his eyes and put his hands on his hips as that word came up again, “I know it is not a word or feeling that the King wants to know of, but your son truly cares for this young woman. I’ve seen it with my own eyes how much he cares for her.”
            “She is a married woman, and he the crown prince, heir to the throne. They can never marry, even as a Duchess she is still unworthy of him. It’s pure folly that this farce be allowed to continue. I had thought it would have long since passed by now.” The King ranted.
            “She knows this sire, they both do and accept it. They cannot marry, when he becomes King he will marry and breed children to continue his line with his bride to be. They have accepted these things, my lord and Rayne will do nothing to get in the way of his future marriage.” James explained.
            “You confound me my friend. That you are not more outraged by these things. Do you understand that right now, as we speak they lie in naked congress somewhere in the countryside?” He repeated a bit more forcefully.
            “They need each other sire, desperately. Their relationship is innocent and it hurts no one. Prince Henry knows his duties and will not leave them. Rayne has accepted it and knows that one day their romance must come to an end. You have nothing to fear my lord.” James insisted.
            “Has it not occurred to you that if this is allowed to continue, my son will breed more bastards to live under your roof.” Of course James had considered it, and to be honest he had been hoping for it. He had four sons and three daughters and they were all gone. For his house to be filled with children again in his final years was like a dream. The King could see he was getting nowhere with this and walked to his throne looking back at James, “I’m sorry my friend, you leave me no choice. I banish Rayne Howard, Duchess of Norfolk from court. She is to be returned to Norfolk with an escort on the morrow. Do not bring her back here with you again, James. She is no longer welcome.”
            He was the King, it was an official decree, and there was nothing that could be done. It came as a blow to James after all the lessons, the teachings, everything she had learned of how to act at court, she put to shame those who grew up within it with her manners and observing of the protocols. It was harsh indeed. “Yes sir, as you wish it will be done.” He bowed giving his obedience.
Whispers
            “Will you dance with me tonight at the banquet?” Prince Hal asked looking towards Rayne as they lay on the grass together just enjoying the sunshine, blue skies, and white clouds.
            “Has my love gone mad?” She asked looking towards him, “Keeping company like we have been as cross as the King has been with my mere existence, the banquet will turn into a feast for my beheading.”
            “Nonsense.” Hal turned over on his side resting on his elbow, “I’m tired of lurking in the shadows. It’s not as though I am married or promised to anyone. James tells me that you have such skills and love when it comes to the dances of the court.” He touched her nose with the flower he’d been holding between his fingers, “So dance with me my beautiful Duchess.”
            Rayne smiled a little looking into his beautiful eyes, “If you wish it, my lord.”
            He moved closer and traced her jaw line with his fingertips, “I do wish it.” He whispered before taking a kiss from her lips. “With all my heart. I’ll have you on my arm tonight.”
Blatantly
            That night at the feast, Rayne wore her most beautiful dress. It was soft crimson velvet with golden decorations, a low cut neckline that complemented what God had blessed her young firm body with. The brocaded bodice matched, and she wore a gold headpiece. Her hair was braided around the top of her head like a crown while the rest was allowed to cascade down her back with more golden decorations. She was absolutely striking in every sense.
            “My Lady?” She turned seeing a maid come into her bed chambers, “His highness the Prince of Wales hath sent this for you.” She handed her a small velvet case and Rayne smiled and took it giving a nod. The maid curtseyed before leaving. Rayne turned back towards the mirror and set the box on her vanity. Slowly she opened it and her heart stopped. She’d never seen anything so beautiful. An elegant pedant of a large princess cut blood colored garnet surrounded by diamonds. It sparkled in the candle light and she could hardly take her eyes away. She opened the small note that came with it that simply read ‘Your eyes put such jewels to shame, but wear this tonight, and think of me when it lies close to your heart.’. With an X indicating a kiss. She knew his handwriting so well by now he didn’t need to sign it.
            A smile swept her face as she took it from the box and unclasped the chain wrapping it around her neck and closing it at the back. She looked up into the mirror seeing how it sat on her chest and she smiled. The Prince had never given her such a gift before, she would wear it always.
Banquet Drama
            The feast was always fun to attend. All the ladies and gentlemen dressed in their best and most colorful garments. The banners, the flowers, the food was always dressed in the finest fashion. Anyone who had not grown up attending such parties would easily be awed by the spectacle. She enjoyed feasts and banquets so very much.
            No one knew of her banishment yet, except for James and the King. James wanted her to have one more night knowing how much she adored and enjoyed the banquets held at court and the King granted his request keeping her fate between them.
            When the prince entered this night, it was not as subtle has it had been in the past. He wore a red crimson tunic that was tight fitting to his form made of velvet. A shade that matched Rayne’s dress perfectly. With gold decorations there was no mistaking they were meant to match and there would be no discreet lurking in the shadows tonight.
            When the time came for dancing, the Prince didn’t hesitate to choose his partner. He took her hand and led her to the floor as they took their positions. The looks and whispers moved through the chamber like wild fire. The King watched the spectacle his son as performing and had no doubt partly planned to spite him. Others of the court quickly found their partners for the dance and took their positions as well and the music began to play.
            As before, the rest of the world fell away, Rayne and Hal only saw each other as they gazed into one another’s eyes. Not once did either look away from each other or down to their feet. They didn’t miss a step and were in perfect sync. Their passion for each other was quite clear even to the blindest man.
            James watched smiling a moment to see them so happy but that smile faded remembering the conversation that had taken place. He wouldn’t tell her now. He saw the happiness emendating and glowing in her from deep within as she danced with the prince. He wouldn’t take this away from her, for tomorrow her heart would break.
            The King watched them dancing in such perfect unison even though their eyes never looked away from one another. His son was completely bewitched. There was no denying it now. This woman could be very dangerous considering the standing she had with the Prince. Banishment may not have been enough.
To Be Continued . . . . .
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The Company Thou Keepest