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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

Chapter List
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Candlelight
            Hal and Rayne lay naked together in bed between the sheets, their heads sharing the same pillow as they looked into each other’s eyes in silence lost in one another completely. Even though they lay in silence, endless thoughts and feelings were being expressed between them. Reaching up the prince stroked her face with his fingertips, “I think we were meant to be lovers long before we were even born, I think it was set forth in the heavens that we should be together.”
            She smiled a little but had to speak, “If such things were set forth in heaven, how cruel is heaven in its design. To fill my heart with so much loyalty and love for a man . . . . whom I was never worthy of.”
            “Shhh. Speakest not of that my love. Have we not overcome such worldly nonsense by now? Our love transcends such harsh and unfair traditions.” He said seriously. Hal cupped her face in his hands kissing her deeply savoring the delicious taste.
            Hal knew that guilt was weighing heavily on her heart, she was not deaf and she heard the whispers in the court, and it was Falstaff who had wounded her most deeply saying such harsh words. Although the prince and the Duchess had enjoyed their time together, each moment more savory and pleasurable then the last, Hal realized that perhaps it was time she left back to the country where she would have the respect she deserved and her ears far away from the jealous and vicious rumors that were common to the court. The Prince had been born into this life and rumors and stories rolled him like water off a birds back. However Rayne was sensitive to all of it. He loathed to see her suffer so.
            “We spend too much time within these walls. We should spend our time venturing out each day away from the idol stories and gossip. We must spend more time out in the fields, there’s so much you haven’t seen, I could show you everything. All of it, from one end of the country to the other.”
            Rayne smiled moving her head a little closer to his on the pillow, resting her hand to his face, “What would you show me?” She asked in a soft voice.
            “There are many sights and wonders down the themes, the smaller rivers, lakes and creeks, surrounded by flowers and smooth stones that sparkle in the water under moonlight. Fireflies that swarm like fairies casting their magic over the lands.” Suddenly a smile swept his face as though remembering something, “There is a secret place undisturbed by any man, I found a long time ago and never told anyone of. Shall I take you there? Would it please you?
            “Oh yes my lord, please.” She said as her eyes seemed to shine with excitement, “It sounds wondrous.”
            The Prince grinned, “Very well. We will leave early tomorrow so that we may reach it by nightfall. But we must leave long before dawn.” She nodded and they kissed as the Princes hand slid down the soft firm warmth of her body. He promptly pulled her body to his and they consumed each other’s lips once more.
Missing
            “My lord, neither Prince Henry nor the Lady Rayne are anywhere in the castle or on the grounds. We’ve searched everywhere, only to find their horses are not in the stables.” The squire reported. “They left together before dawn.”
            The king looked displeased at James, “They should have been told yesterday James. Now they have to be found and drug back here with all haste.” He ordered a small unit to go out and find the prince and his companion and return them immediately. “You have been my good, close and loyal friend these many years which is why I have showed such leniency in this matter, but things have gone too far. The Prince has gotten out of control allowing this woman to steal all of his good sense that he doesn’t even attempt to hide their indiscretion any longer. And you, allowing her to betray her wedding vows where she should be punished severely for her adultery. To allow . . . nay encourage such improper behavior. I’ve no choice but to take hold of this situation and make it right. Not a single one of you has the good sense to do it yourselves.”
            “Your majesty, you and I were both young and hold blooded at one time. It is madness no man can avoid when he gives his heart to another. If you punish them now, you will only be punishing their hearts and their youth.” James counseled.
            “Their hearts are to wild and run their heads. They have no control over themselves making them foolish. It is a lesson my son must learn if he is to ever have a hope of running this kingdom when I am gone.” He looked at James, “Remove her from this place, take her back to Norfolk and teach her to be the wife to you she is meant to be James. Henry’s mind must turn to more important matters and duties as the Prince of Wales and future King of England.”
            “You worry too much on this matter sire. Both know their duties and proper places, and have done everything we have asked of them.” The King sighed and growled slightly. “What is it you fear so by their relationship Henry? Their being together? The grievous although somewhat exaggerated complaints of him are far less when she is with him, are they not?”
            “And what of sin James? What of the countless sins they have committed against you and against God? This is no way to repay your selfless kindness.”
            “Our marriage was never consummated, my lord. She’s committing no sin unless it is fornication you refer too.” He answered.
            “I did not hear that, James and I advise you not to repeat it if you truly want your property and wealth to pass to her and her son upon your death.” The King said in a low voice.
            “I will take her home with me to Norfolk, Henry. But I believe this will cause your son such unnecessary pain, when as King he will have so much in the years to come.” James cautioned.
            “My son must be reminded of his place my friend. We treated this matter very softly and with gentleness before, it did no good. Now they must both be taught.”
Hidden Caves
            Prince Hal went into the cave first. It had grown over a bit since he had last been there and he had to clear the brush back a bit. It was a smaller crawl space then he remembered but they could just fit through.
            Hal took her hands and helped her to her feet. “I remember it being a bit bigger. I apologize.” He said a little embarrassed. He brushed his hands and then took hers again leading her through the narrow passage way. After a little ways, the passage way opened into a large open cavern with a high cathedral ceiling.
            “Oh my God.” Rayne said her eyes wide in astonishment. It was a strange sight but a breathtaking one. So many things she couldn’t explain. There was a thick green grass soft like carpet on the floor, there was a spring of fresh clear water that made a small pool at its base. In the walls were what looked like jewels that sparkled different colors. “What is this place?” She breathed.
            “I found it when I was just a boy. I was quite the explorer in my childhood. Not to mention any reason to escape my keepers. I drove them absolutely mad at times. This became my sanctuary. I would sneak away and come here for days on end. It can be wonderful to be the prince next in line to the throne, but for a child it can become quite tiresome.”
            Rayne looked at him, “And now?” She asked.
            The Prince looked up at the small opening that flooded the chamber with light, than looked at her. “In some aspects, extremely tiresome. One in particular springs to mind.” He said smiling at her. Rayne smiled as well knowing he meant her and their situation. “Come on!” He said taking off his cloak and jacket.
            “What are we doing?” She asked.
            “It’s a hot spring. The water is warm.” Rayne giggled as he stripped off his shirt and began to remove his boots. She unlaced her bodice beginning to remove her clothing as well. When he was down to his trousers he chuckled becoming slightly impatient. She was wearing a great many layers more than he was and he reached over under her dress taking off her slippers and stockings. She laughed and playfully swatted his hands from her and stood unlacing her chemise.
            Hal took off his trousers and jumped in the pool swimming about. Rayne stripped off the last piece of clothing and hurried into the water with him. He was right, the water was a comfortable warmth and felt good. She swam around a bit even though she wasn’t as strong a swimmer as Prince Hal.
            They both laughed a bit and the prince swam to her catching her in his arms and holding her against him. They looked into each other’s eyes slowly swirling about together in the water in this fairytale moment, in this secret cave of wonder. Within a moment, they were engaged in a passionate kiss clinging to each other’s wet naked bodies.
            If there truly was a heaven, then they were certain they had found it.
Punishments
            Hal ran through the halls of the castle to James and Rayne’s apartment with such speed he nearly knocked over servants and Lords as he sped by. When he got there, his heart stopped and a knot grew in his throat.
            Rayne was laid out on the table on white linen on her stomach. Another sheet covering her body. He stumbled towards her and knelt down beside her. James was sitting next to her on the opposite side of the table, his hand holding to hers. Her face and hair were soaking wet with sweat and she was mumbling something slightly familiar but he couldn’t quite make out the words. He ran his hand over her head and touched her cold and clammy face, horrified feeling her body tremble.
            James stood and walked around the table sensing the emotions that were going to flood from the Prince once he had told him everything. Reaching up, the old man pulled back the cover revealing the most ghastly array of deep cuts and tears across her back and thighs. The marks that came from a severe flogging. Hal closed his eyes looking away unable to look upon the horrid wounds.
            “Not even I knew he was capable of such cruelty.” Hal said biting back his tears, as he was soon growing angry.
            “This was not of your fathers doing, my lord.” James said gently and carefully covering her body back up. “He talked very harshly on the matter of your relationship, but he did not order this.”
            “Who then? Who would dare?” Hal demanded.
            “The bishop ordered it. As penance for adultery.” James said a tone of sickness in his voice at the whole affair.
            The young prince looked up at him, “What?” He was shocked to hear of this, “How could . . . how could you let them do this to her? You said that you loved her!”
            “And I do!” James answered, stepping closer. “You know as well as I that adultery committed by a woman is punishable by death. This . . .” He sighed and shook his head, “This was meant as mercy from that fate.” He looked at Hal, “I didn’t report her or demand this, someone else did. Someone else brought it to the blatant attention of the church.” He looked back at Rayne, “I don’t know who is responsible, but I know it was not the King. He has banished her from court but he was not responsible for this.” There were tears in the prince’s eyes but still he refused to let them fall. He stroked her wet hair hating that this had happened. “There are Moorish healers in Norfolk. I’ve sent for them in all haste. I’ve seen them treat and cure men wounded far worse in battle that you would never know had been injured once they had healed.”
            “I’ll have the bishops tongue nailed to the wall while it still rests in his throat.” Hal said in a low and quiet tone. Furious that this had been done to his beautiful lover.
            “You know you can’t do that, your highness.” James reminded him.
            “Can’t, is not a word for princes, sir. This was wrong; she did not deserve such harsh treatment.” He ran his fingers over her wrist, marks made by leather straps that she had no doubt been strung up by for the cruel beating. He couldn’t hold them back any longer and tears escaped his eyes wrapping his hand around her hand and leaning forward resting his forehead to hers. Finally he understood her mumbled words. She was praying, and calling his name. “Forgive me my love, I beg of you.”
            James watched knowing that Hal would have gladly shared her punishment, or taken it all himself to spare her. “She was not afraid, my lord.” James said softly, “She bore the punishment, as she bore your child.” Prince Hal looked up at him not understanding his meaning. “With courage and in silence.”
Home Again
            As hoped, Rayne recovered well from her ordeal, even though to finish her penance she was made to make a pilgrimage to a holy place and offer up prayers and offerings which she did by the letter under the supervision of a priest and without complaint.
            Her studies began again as soon as she returned to Norfolk, but she was not the same. She was much quieter now then she had been before, even more humble, and very cautious. For a time she tried to ignore Hal’s letters and try to break off their relationship, but she couldn’t. Especially once she received news that she was once again with her lover’s child. Rayne knew how much he had desired it, and she could not keep it from him.
            Things seemed to calm down again and finally James returned home from court. For the first time, she felt shame when confiding in him that she was going to have another of the Prince’s children. However he wasn’t angry with her and was excited for her. But he did have news that would be of a distressing nature that could not wait.
            “I’m old Rayne. I have always been so. But now I have a sickness from which I will not recover. I am not long for this Earth, and it pains me to think of leaving you and Thomas behind.” He said plainly. It was heartbreaking news for she loved him like a father and he had treated her so well and given her everything. “I wish to spend my final brief months with you, my family, for you give me endless joy.”
            “Of course.” Rayne said kneeling down beside him where he sat holding his hand with hers. “I will care for you.” She promised. He smiled and pattered her hand with his before his smile faded.
            “But Rayne, you must know . . . even though you and Thomas will inherit my lands and wealth, the king and I have arranged you a match for after I die. I’m afraid that it won’t be like our marriage. It will be a wedding with expectations.” He said solemnly.
            Rayne was confused, “Expectations?” She asked.
            James hesitated a moment, “He’s a much younger man then I. Still a few years your senior, but he will want and expect you to share his bed.”
            Her face fell hearing this but of news. He knew she would be upset but he thought she had the right to know before it happened. “I . . . cannot.” She said in a state of shock, “My lord, I would do anything that you ask . . but I made a vow. A promise to the prince. I cannot break it.”
            “Rayne, I know you love young Henry. I understand, I truly do, but after what happened to you and at court, we must find you another match otherwise the church will be inclined to mettle in all of your affairs.” He explained, “You need a man in your life. Thomas needs a father which is something the Prince cannot be for him.” Her eyes turned away taking a breath trying not to become too upset. Thomas needed a father, it was true. She had to do what was best for him, and as much as she loved the prince, James was right. He needed a father. James took her hand, “I have invited him to stay here with us a few days. He is kind, Rayne. You will like him and he is very handsome.”
            What was there she could say? She could do nothing but comply with his wishes.
Unexpected Guests
            Rayne sat alone in the garden on a white marble bench reading a book, her cloak wrapped around her to keep warm from the chill. “Still filling your mind to the brim with more knowledge I see.” She looked up and a smile swept her face. Instantly she put down her book and ran into the princes open arms. He embraced her tight against him picking her up off her feet before setting her back to the ground. He started to kiss her but she pulled back nervously. He may have been hurt by her reaction, but he’d seen what had been done to her. It wasn’t something easily forgotten. He regained his smile and his hands remained on her waist. “You look even more beautiful then I remember. I have missed you so.”
            “And I you.” She embraced him again holding him so tight as to never let him slip away again. “What has brought you?”
            “I received the news that James is poorly, and I wished to see him.” He kissed her forehead, “And I’ve dreamed of nothing but seeing you since I received your letter.” He looked down and his hand moved to her abdomen. Her eyes went wide and she blushed covering his hand with hers, giggling a little embarrassed. “The wonder of it never ceases to amaze me.” He said imagining the life growing inside of her.
            Hal smiled and took her hands kissing them, “Let us go see James.” He said still holding her hand. She smiled and nodded before they turned and went inside.
            James slept late most days, and it was becoming more frequent that he did not get out of bed of all. Rayne entered first going to his bedside and putting her hand on his arm. He opened his eyes and smiled seeing her, “My lord, the Prince of Wales has come.”
            Hal moved closer, “Hello old friend.”
            “You are welcomed sire. Forgive me for not standing to greet you.” James apologized. “It is good to see you.” James caught and at once Rayne helped him sit up putting another pillow behind his back. “Thank you my dear.” He said able to breathe better.
            “Lady Rayne,” Hal said, “Give us leave to speak a while.”
            Rayne looked at James who patted her hand and gave a nod. She stood making her obedience to the two men before leaving them alone. The Prince walked over and sitting down next to James. “Your father has spoken with you.”
            “He mentioned the plans, yes.” James gave a nod, “Adhemar is not a man for Rayne. To give her to him? She is worthy of far better.”
            “He is one of your fathers Generals, and I believe he will treat her well.” James reassured him. Hal sighed and looked away. “I love her too Hal, and the two of you have shared much together. But young Thomas needs a father, as does your second child Rayne now carries.”
            “I know Adhemar better then you think. It’s true he is an excellent and valiant solider, but he has not the heart of a lover. He prizes his horse and stock more than he does women. She needs a gentle hand and a compassionate heart, not someone like Adhemar. My father would be awarding her to him for his service, with your wealth and lands and he would take them and gladly as a prize.” Hal cautioned.
            “Hal,” James began, “To who would you have me give her hand? You know as well as I men of every kind in the court will woo her, seek her out, and try to win her hand. Pour honey words in her ear, shower her with gifts, and will not show her their true face until they have won all once I am gone if arrangements are not made for her before my death. A gentle soul such as hers, how do you imagine such attentions and deceit would affect her? She would be hounded night and day.”
            “And you think he will treat her well?” Hal answered, “He of all men in the realm, would treat her as a thing, a prize, and who would hold resentment towards her that she’s had the children of another who was not her husband from the beginning? Would he be faithful to her heart? Treat her with gentleness and compassion? No. He would not do these things because he is incapable of them.” He shook his head, “No, not him sir. I beg of you.”
            “Your grace,” James said softly, “Rayne and her children must have someone to care for them. Who will protect them? Would you have her be lonely living here in this large castle by herself? These estates, this wealth, all for her to handle on her own?” Hal sighed and looked away, “She needs a man sire. You cannot be that man. Your father’s health is failing and then you will take the throne and it will be yours to rule the realm. You won’t be able to be there for her, and you will not need the concern that she isn’t properly cared for resting in the back of your mind.”
            “Anyone else, I ask this of you, sir. Not him.” The Prince repeated from before. “We will find another, who is strong and wise but who will love her as we do.”
            James looked into his eyes, “As you wish sire, but time is growing short. It must be done in all haste.” The Prince nodded.
            Who could he possibly give her to that was not himself?
To be Continued . . . .
- 4
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- 6
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The Company Thou Keepest