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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
- 5
- 6
- 7
Country Homes
                Hal woke when he reached for Macrae in the darkness, but found he was lying alone. He sat up feeling the warm breeze seeing that the window of her master bedroom was opened. He reached for his dressing gown pulling it on over his shoulders going out on the balcony. He found Macrae sitting quietly watching the horizon.
                He smiled and walked up behind her leaning down and kissing her cheek before wrapping his arms around her. Macrae closed her eyes leaning her head back against his shoulder a moment before looking towards the horizon once again. The prince walked around the bench and sat down with her taking her hand in his. He knew what she was waiting for, she was waiting to watch the sunrise, to see the beautiful land when it was kissed by the first light in the morning.
                “You should ride back today.” Macrae advised.
                “No, I think I’ll stay a few more days.” He looked at her, “Just to make certain you’ve settled in.” He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her cheek embracing her against him. “Besides, I doubt I’m that missed at the moment. I’ve managed to create quite a stir at court apparently.”
                “Because of me.” She stated.
                “I don’t care about that.” He said looking at her. “You were dying when I found you; you know that better than anyone.” She sighed and stood from the bench walking over to the stone banister of the balcony looking down at the garden. Every time he wanted to speak about her injuries she turned from the subject or changed it outright. This irritated Hal greatly because it seemed to him that she not only knew she was dying, she was letting herself. She was resigned to it like she simply accepted it was happening. It made his stomach twist to think that she would be gone now if he hadn’t come for her. Yet he knew too, her life was not a simple one. It had been very hard from the day she was born, and she had to bare it alone. Skilled and professional as she was, she was hardly immune to loneliness. Especially when she hadn’t been completely aware of what it really was until she and Hal began to see each other and she had to leave him for long stretches of time.
                Knowing that it wasn’t a subject she would discuss further, he stood and walked up behind her wrapping his arms around her middle and resting his cheek to hers, leaving the subject for now. Another quiet moment passed before the first rays of sunlight began to cast the shadows away from the hillside and the tree line. Orange and red colors filled the sky with pink clouds that seemed especially thick and fluffy. The fresh early morning dew as it shined like crystals off the trees and flowers was breathtaking to see. Hal couldn’t help but smile as he saw the sparkle of wonder in her eyes as she watched. It made the wait to give such a gift to her well worth it.
                They watched together until the sun had fully risen before she smiled and looked at him. He grinned and they kissed before embracing tightly and then kissing again, then once more as their passion began to glow from deep within them.
Unexpected Visitors
                Macrae spent the following months at her new home, never really having had a place that was hers before. She had lived in the lap of luxury, she had traveled extensively, she had mingled with every class of people, but she had very little in the way of personal possessions. She had cashes of supplies stashed in towns across Europe should the need arise. She could blend in and disappear in plain sight. But this was a new way of life. Even though she had been given the titles and deeds to her property, it was snuggly tucked away, hidden deep within the Prince’s lands. Strangely, it was almost as if he had found a way to take care of her, protect her as he had wanted to do since the moment they’d met.
                The Prince had kept things below the radar rather well. No one knew who the house was being built for, it was on his land and therefore anyone who worked to build it assumed it was just another house for the Prince himself. The only ones who knew of its true ownership were those who worked in her service to care for the house and lands. They were sworn to strict secrecy, which was soon enforced when Macrae personally vetted each one herself.
                Some who worked for her had already known of her reputation and respected her. Macrae was incredibly blunt and honest, and was fair and generous to those who did things for her. She was the same with those who worked under her employ. The wage that was set for them by the prince before she arrived she considered to be low, and doubled it. She was a wealthy woman to begin with, having worked since she was very young for those in power for great sums, but had never used it beyond what she needed. However, the prince had also arranged for a monthly allowance to pay for expenses and care of the property. Everything had been well thought out and seen to, and Macrae made her own alterations once she had settled in and the Prince returned to court.
                One afternoon she went riding out to the edge of her property which she often did, wanting to keep an eye on things and be familiar with every part of the land around her. She had lived her life on the move, but if this was to be her home then she would need to know every inch, every blade of grass, every flower, every leaf.
                Macrae would climb the trees, follow the trails made by the animals, make her way over stones, through brush and bushes. It was for tactical reasons, but at the same time, it was fun for her. It made her feel like a little girl again back in Germania. Because she was at the edge of her property, and her explorations kept her hidden, she was not seen when a small mob of perhaps 15 -20 came thundering through the trees. She saw two figures pass by first, a woman bruised, bleeding and battered, clutching her child tight in her arms against her. Not far behind, was the group of angry and shouting individuals, throwing stones and carrying farming tools, and rope.
                Dropping quietly from the tree she’d been in, she followed watching before cutting across to get ahead of them. It seemed that the woman knew she didn’t have very much time left to live and perhaps would have given up long before now, except for the reason she clutched against her chest.
                Witch hunts were a particularly ugly fact of life, especially among the presents of Europe who were recklessly encouraged by the church. The mindset that the people fell into was born of fear, prejudice and ignorance. It was something that once started always ended with death. There was no reprieve for the accused. Most of the witch trials were designed so that there was no way for an innocent to be proved innocent without dying. No way to be proved guilty without dying. Once a woman was accused, her life was over.
                The woman had only a small lead and perhaps would have kept moving for a few more miles before she was overtaken, but her foot was caught but an upraised tree root sending her flying forward. She landed hard on the ground but turned to her side managing not to fall on the child, but losing her grasp. The little one was obviously terrified by the noise and the absolute fear her mother was in. The mother couldn’t loosen her foot, and turned towards the little one, “Go, Mischa! Run! Hide!” She cried. The girl was far too young, confused, and didn’t want to leave her mother. “Please, Mischa! Go!” The little one started to run, but stopped with tears in her eyes not knowing what to do.
                Macrae had witnessed scenes like this before with silent stoicism. She’d seen women and children brutally tortured and murdered because of silly superstitions and ignorant fear. She witnessed the horrible and unspeakable cruelty that humans were capable of inflicting on each other. She wouldn’t interfere unless she had been hired to, but she wouldn’t turn away from it either. She made herself watch. Never had she approved of violence towards children, but once they were taken by a mob, there was nothing that could be done.
                The group that was hunting this woman was approaching quickly and would no doubt kill the little girl as well. The daughter of a witch would no doubt be a witch herself. The mother was out of her wits with the thought of her daughter sharing her fate. She pulled harder trying to get her foot loose but it was no use. She was tangled up to tightly.
                Within a second, Macrae appeared and swept the little one up into her arms. She and the mother’s eyes met for a moment, but it was more than enough. Macrae was not part of the mob behind her, and she had no ill intentions to harm the little girl. The mother seemed to find a measure of relief as she looked at Macrae.
                Then Macrae vanished just as she had appeared, swiftly moving in silence through the trees and brush away from the scene that was about to take place. Within just a few brief moments, a shrill scream that ripped through the trees told of the woman’s brutal capture. It was a cry of death and made up of her last breath. Macrae paused a moment realizing what she had done and was holding a crying child in her arms. Turning she continued on her way to return to her horse and take the child to safety.
House Guests
                Macrae watched as the young one sat at the table in the kitchen practically inhaling the food that was set before her. It was as though she hadn’t eaten in ages and was starving to death. Not knowing what led to the stomach turning scene in the forest, her family’s persecution might have gone on for a much longer amount of time then this afternoon.
                “Mistress?” Macrae gave a nod and the cook put some more food in the little girls bowl. Such a small little thing had an incredibly healthy appetite. “Beth has a warm bath ready for her.”
                “Thank you Kate.” Macrae said with another nod. She was fascinated by the little one. The only fear the little girl had showed was mirroring that of her mothers. She didn’t understand what was happening or why she was afraid. Right now, she was simply very hungry and there was no fear in her at all. Children were resilient, something that Macrae knew that every well.
                Somehow she had been given stewardship over this child, and she was uncertain of what that meant. Even more uncertain of how it happened and why she allowed herself to interfere.
Royal Matters
                Word came that the King’s health was declining rapidly as it had before, and Macrae knew that once his spells had started again there would be no reprieve. The King was not long for this life. It wouldn’t be long before the Prince’s ‘Hal’ persona would be a thing of the past. Most didn’t take into account how sensitive the Prince was, taking him only at face value, but Macrae wasn’t surprised when he soon found his way to her door.
                When he arrived, he was brought into the foyer. He smiled when he saw Macrae coming down the stairs to greet him. Holding his hands out, she smiled and reached for them as they drew closer and he kissed her cheek. “You look absolutely beautiful.” He said admiring her dress. She wore it for him, knowing he preferred it to the leather trousers she usually wore.
                “I thought you might approve. You don’t give much notice to your coming.” She said slyly.
                “Well, turnabout is fair play, dear Lady.” He said with a grin. “At least I didn’t materialize in your bedchamber in the darkness at midnight as some I could name have been guilty of in the past.”
                “Hmm. Strange I cannot recall hearing any complaint about my visits.”
                “No, no you certainly didn’t.” Hal laughed drawing her closer and kissing her lips. “It’s been months since I’ve heard from you. You don’t return my letters.”
                “You know that regular correspondence between us is not a good idea, my lord . . .” He arched a brow giving her a look. She rolled her eyes slightly, “ . . .Hal.” She corrected. “Perhaps now even more so as I am not continually on the move as I was before.”
                He grinned unable to look away from her beauty and drew her closer into a tight embrace nearly lifting her off the floor, loving the feel of her body against his. Then he pulled back enough to kiss her again, savoring the taste of her crimson red lips. Their eyes closed when the kiss parted as they rested their foreheads together, he smiled and licked his lips finding her as sweet as ever. He started to kiss her again, but stopped when he heard a sneeze. Both paused and turned seeing a little girl standing behind the pillars peering out at them.
                Needless to say, Hal was surprised. He was unaware of anyone in her service with children or families of her own. Yet it was also clear she was not a servant’s child, given the quality of the clothing she was wearing. Macrae looked at Hal a moment before she turned stepping away from his arms. She held out her hand and the little girl stepped out from behind the pillar a little timidly at first, but then ran to Macrae taking her hand looking up at the Prince shyly.
                She was a lovely little girl. Especially now in her green velvet dress, her bright blond hair clean and done in braids on either side of her head turning to one in the back, the tips in bouncy ringlet curls. Her eyes were a lovely bright shining blue, and her skin was extremely fair.
                “Who’s this?” Hal asked curiously.
                Macrae was quiet a moment before answering. “Prince Henry, this is Mischa.” She looked down at the little girl, “Mischa, this is the Prince of Wales. The King’s son.” After a pause, the little girl gave a small quick curtsey before quickly taking Macrae’s hand with both of hers again. It was clear that Macrae had given the little one some instruction in how she was to address and show obedience to royalty. Hal smiled and gave a nod to the little one before his eyes slid back to Macrae not quite finding the answer he was looking for in her introduction. “She’s my ward.” Macrae added.
                “But . . . when did you . . . “ Hal began only to have Macrae stop him.
                “Beth.” She said knowing that the woman would be close by having been given the task of nurse to watch over the little one. The woman came around the corner having been looking for Mischa who was given to slipping away from her caretaker to follow Macrae around the manor. “I think it’s nearly time for Mischa to have lunch.” The woman nodded and gave her obedience to the prince before walking over and taking the young one’s hand leaving for the kitchen. Once she was gone she looked to the prince again. “Her family was killed. Suspected of witchcraft.” She said simply.
                “How did she come to be with you?” He asked still shocked and a little confused.
                Macrae sighed, “Come.” She said to take him into another room so they wouldn’t be overheard, and she would recount everything that had happened.
Stewardship
                Hal just looked at Macrae smiling at her in silence. “What are you grinning at?” She questioned.
                “You.” Hal said. “I had no idea that you were so soft hearted.” Macrae’s look darkened when he said that and she turned walking away. Hal laughed and followed after her, “Macrae, it’s not a bad thing.” He said catching her arm and pulling her back to him wrapping his arms around her and lacing his fingers behind her back. “I think it’s wonderful.”
                She sighed in frustration, “For the first time in my life I find myself not knowing what I am to do. I thought at first that I could find some place for her to go, some family to take her in. But I knew of no one suitable. I thought of perhaps taking her to a convent, but if they learned of how she came to be orphaned, they would be no more hospitable to her then the ones who had murdered her family.”
                “So the safest place for her is here with you.” Hal said agreeing it was the best choice.
                “How much experience have you had with children?” Macrae said giving him a look.
                “I have four younger brothers, and two sisters.” He pointed out. “So I do have a little experience.” He said with a smile. “She likes you otherwise she wouldn’t follow you around wanting to be near you. Even more importantly, she trusts you and feels safe with you.” Macrae looked away from him.
                “Do you honestly imagine me to be any kind of role model knowing what I am? Who I am? What I’ve done?” She held up her gloved hands to make her point, “Are these the hands that should hold a child?”
                He grinned and released her before taking her gloves off and kissing the palms of her hands. “I think these hands are more qualified than most to care for a child.” Hal held her hands against his chest stroking them with his thumbs. “There is no reason in this world you should be uncomfortable with this. She’s lived with you for two months now and already she seems healthy, and happy. I can tell you’ve already begun to educate her. She knew what to do when you introduced me as the Prince . . . I doubt there was reason for her parents to teach her such protocols at such a young age.”
                “I doubt very much that her mother could claim the heir apparent as her lover, either.” Macrae said.
                Hal grinned, “She can now.” He whispered against her ear. He could feel her bristle when he said that and chuckled kissing her cheek before embracing her tightly against him once more. Macrae rested her head to his shoulder still not certain about the entire arrangement.
Anxious Lovers
                The Prince held tight to Macrae’s hips as he thrust deep inside of her from behind. His hands moved to her waist holding her tight, enjoying the sensation of taking her in such a way. Continuing his anxious movements he bent down kissing her back, wrapping his arms around her tightly before resting his cheek to her shoulder hardly able to contain himself. He paused for a moment turning her to face him and wrapped her thighs around his waist. Macrae wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he grasped her backside lifting her from the bed. They kissed feverishly as Hal moved them up onto the bed laying her back down against the pillows as he began to thrust inside her again.
                She arched her back taking him deeper within her body, opening herself to him even more. The prince groaned in ecstasy feeling the way she writhed against him, her velvet womanhood swallowing him with each movement. The sensation of their sweat covered bodies moving as one eagerly devouring one another. The pure pleasure of every touch every taste was intoxicating. After a few more moments, Macrae wrapped her thigh around his waist once more before turning them over onto his back. She sat up straight as she rode him hard and fast.
                Hal’s eyes were nearly rolling back in his head as his strong hands grasped tightly to her waist guiding her as she moved. His hips thrust upwards against her thighs hardly able to stand it. A few more anxious and deep thrusts and he burst deep within her, both of their bodies shaking in pleasure and agony at the same time.
                A few moments passed as their bodies quivered in shared ecstasy before Hal sat up beneath her wrapping his arms tight around her. Macrae rested her hands to his face as they consumed each other’s mouths desperate for the exquisite taste. Then they smiled resting their foreheads together, having reached heaven and only now starting making their way back.
                “It wasn’t disrespectful of me?” He breathed, “Taking you that way?”
                Macrae laughed a little, “Was your intention disrespect?” She asked. Of course she knew it wasn’t, “Then of course not. The Catholic Church shouldn’t have any say over private matters between men and women. I would hope that after these years we’ve had together, you would have learned that such ideas are quaint and silly.” She nipped at his nose slightly, “Enjoy it. Your future bride will no doubt have the same misconceptions and I imagine you will not change her mind.”
                “I’ve missed you.” He said with a grin as his hands moved over her back stroking her soft skin.
                Macrae smiled before biting her lower lip, “And I you.” She whispered her confession. They kissed once more before the Prince wrapped his arm around her laying her back down against the pillows beside him holding her close not wanting to let her go. He wrapped one leg over hers his arm still around her as he kissed her neck and then her shoulder before leaning up on his elbow with a grin looking down into her eyes. His hand continuing to anxiously stroke her body before moving to rest on her abdomen.
                “You are so lovely.” He said nuzzling her cheek slightly before looking down into her eyes again. She rested her hands over his looking into his shining blue eyes that seemed to sparkle in the flickering candlelight. Her smile dimmed a bit as her eyes turned downcast. His smile faded almost seeing the thoughts in her mind as clearly as reading a book. “You know my father is very sick.” He said softly. Macrae gave a nod having heard the reports. “You warned me of this of course.”
                “But you weren’t prepared for it.” Macrae knew that this was exceedingly hard for him.
                Hal half smiled that she knew him so well, “No. I’m still not.” He admitted.
                “When next we meet . . . you will be King.” Macrae said softly. Hal clinched his jaw before giving a nod knowing it was true. “Hal will be gone, and King Henry V will have taken his place.”
                He turned his hand and laced his fingers with hers. “My affection for you won’t change. Not that day or any other.”
                “Your affection will change for many.” She said, “Why should I be immune?”
                He was quiet still holding her hand tight in his before lifting it to his lips and kissing her knuckles then he leaned close to her ear, “Because I’m only at peace when I’m inside you.” He whispered. “I can never let that go.” Hal sought out her lips and devoured them a moment resting his hand to her face before sliding his fingers into her hair and cradling her head as he looked into her eyes, “When I am King, I will need you more than ever.”
                “You don’t give yourself enough credit.” Macrae said softly. “You are so strong, you won’t need anyone.”
                Hal just smiled before leaning down and kissing her once more. It only took a moments before their kiss became more heated and their bodies were anxiously drawn together once again.
Arrangements
                “Mischa.” Macrae said seeing that that the little ones attention had been drawn away again. “Hmm.” She said closing the book. “I get the feeling that you have more important things on your mind then learning your letters.” The girl looked a little sheepish and Macrae smiled, “Go on.”
                At once the little girl exploded out of her seat running through the flower bushes in the garden chasing butterflies. Macrae couldn’t help but laugh seeing how free she was and how her imagination was captured on such a beautiful spring day. Macrae was more comfortable now with being the little ones guardian, and Hal was correct when he said she would be able to give her a much better education then she would have had in her old life. Reading and writing still wasn’t a common asset, especially among peasants.
                There was a great deal on Macrae’s mind, and most of all she was finding herself restless. She had received several contract offers, but had turned them down. Mainly because of her new home that she was given, and now the child in her care as well. She knew that it wouldn’t be long before she would need to go back to work. As much as the Prince had wished it, she was far from retirement.
                After the initial shock of finding that Macrae had taken a ward, Hal was quite pleased by it. It pained him more then he let on that she couldn’t have children of her own. She was a beautiful young woman, and he had no doubt that she would have had even more beautiful children. The thought even had crossed his mind that those children would have been his. But it simply wasn’t to be. Mischa caught his fascination as she had caught Macrae’s. She had a certain charm about her, and incredible innocence. Perhaps it was that innocence that drew them so considering it was something they didn’t often come across in their lives. He’d spent a few days with them, and caught himself fantasizing what it would have been like if they had been a family more then once. He and Macrae together and little Mischa their daughter. He didn’t confess it to Macrae of course, but those few moments he couldn’t help but smile to himself.
                It had been almost two weeks since he had left, and then the message she had been anticipating came. King Henry IV was dead, and his funeral would be soon almost immediately followed by Hal’s coronation. Or King Henry V as he was soon to be called.
New Lives
                Prince Hal sat in his room in silence. His eyes were closed as he remained still. He was dressed in new garments befitting a man who was about to be elevated to King. He was still deep in mourning over the loss of his father, and at the same time he had to resign himself to ascending the throne only days after his father was buried. It was overwhelming but he couldn’t let on to anyone just how overwhelming it was.
                His mind turned to the one safe place he had found, the one place that gave him the most relief, the most relief to his stress. The nights he spent with Macrae in the dark. Not even while they were making love. It was the quiet moments when they were lying together naked in each other’s arms. Enveloped in the darkness, or in the dim flicker of candle light, or in the final burning embers of the fireplace. With their bodies so tightly entwined it couldn’t be known where one ended and the other began. Just remembering what it felt like calmed him and he could remember the peace he felt when he was alone with her.
                It was strange considering most men, or rather all other men, would not find peace in her company. Unless it was the kind one received after meeting his death at her hand. But, knowing who she was also unnerved the men who employed her. Even his own father was somewhat uncomfortable around her. A small smile swept his face when this thought passed his mind. Unlike his father, or the other men who survived her company, he knew for a fact that she would never harm him. She had saved his life on several occasions. What would be the point of going through such trouble if her intent was only to end it later.
                He knew she was in London, he knew that she was at his father’s funeral, but as usual when he knew she was near and tried to find her, he couldn’t pick her out of the crowd. She was simply to allusive, and what’s more, she knew he would be looking for her. Yet there was comfort knowing she was there, and now he could feel her close by.
                The castle was heavily guarded at the moment with all the people who had come to the city for the proceedings. The death of the King and Hal’s coronation would attract nobles from every corner of the kingdom. His personal guards were anticipating any threats that might arise and would stay close to the Prince until his coronation. He wouldn’t see her before the crowds began to disperse. She was, as always, very conscious of both their images.
                “My lord?” A voice said from the door of his chamber. His eyes opened seeing one of his advisors. “It’s time.” The Prince looked around his rooms once more before standing and following the advisor out. When he returned to them again, he would no longer be a prince, but King Henry V.
Coronation Banquets
                After the ceremony was the traditional coronation banquet. A bright and colorful celebration in stark contrast to the funeral and mourning that had preceded it. With King Henry’s ascension to the throne, it was a new Kingdom, a new chapter in England’s history. A celebration was always the way to begin anew.
                Everyone wanted to greet the King and make their obedience and reaffirm their loyalty to the crown and his reign. There were visitors from abroad, ambassadors visiting from every country, many new and unknown faces all scrambling for their place in the new regime. As was expected, Henry acknowledged those introduced to him and announced, and spoke with all those who his advisors wanted him to meet. All very dull, proper, and traditional to his new station.
                When he was making his way across the hall something caught the corner of his eye. A smile swept his face as he saw Macrae mingling with some of the guests in her polite and charming way. She was absolutely stunning dressed in a new deep dark blue dress that complimented her shape. Her shoulders were bare, and the line of her bodice showed her luscious beautiful plump breasts. Her hair was down but garnished with flowers and decoration. She wore makeup, but not too much, that simply enhanced her beauty even more. More then likely to hide the scars that had become less noticeable at least to his eyes. And of course she wore her matching gloves.
                A short while later, the festivities were well underway. There was feasting, singing, music and dancing. Laughter and joy filled every corner. Henry continued his duties but his eyes were drawn back to the lovely young woman often. Right now she gracefully moved across the dance floor, each movement of perfect precision and beauty. Hal would have happily and eagerly joined her, but King Henry V could not. He had duties, and much to his disappointment, appearances had to be kept. He knew Macrae understood, having worked for the court for most of her young life. She’d warned him on countless occasions that appearances were crucial, and was always mindful of them herself. Now he had to resign himself to the same respect for such protocols. But she was so beautiful. He knew her eyes were drawn to him as well, but he had yet to catch them. Hoping he would.
                If there were others there that knew Macrae, they turned a blind eye to her. Which was exceedingly common in the court. Those who had employed her services themselves in the past were in attendance, but no acknowledgement was made between them.
               It was early in the morning and the celebration was still going strong. At this point, the Kings amusement of watching Macrae dimmed slightly. She had attracted several young and handsome men who were buzzing around her like busy bees all trying to gain her favor. The familiar sick feeling of jealousy in the pit of his stomach and the tightness in his chest were growing each time he glanced over to see another had joined the group. It was a feeling he had experienced before when she’d been sent to dispose of that French ambassador by his father. It nearly drove him mad thinking of what was taking place in her absence. That greasy Frenchman kissing her, touching her, holding her beautiful body, . . . . taking her into his bed. Even though it didn’t happen, it enraged him while he waited for her return. The King stopped and shook his head pushing these thoughts aside knowing they would only upset him further if he continued to dwell on them.
                He knew that Macrae was not easily seduced. It took him ages and a bit of nagging before he could get anywhere with her properly. She wasn’t given to one night stands unless of course it was a necessary part of her work. Deciding to end the evening, the King stood and all bowed and curtsied as he left the room to retire, followed by the guards and advisors. Now the guests would follow suit and return to wherever they were staying while they were in London.
                Macrae bid good evening to her admirers and left them without accepting their offers of escort. She was making her way down an open corridor that was empty to return to the Inn where she had taken a room, when a familiar messenger caught up with her. “Lady Macrae?” He began. “His majesty, King Henry V, requests the pleasure of your presence. You must come to his chambers at once.” Macrae cocked her head slightly looking at him.
                “Truly?” She said giving him a look.
                “Yes M’lady. The King himself insists.” The messenger said.
                She considered it for a moment before she gave a nod. The messenger started to walk back but paused when he found she wasn’t following him. “I’ll make my own way, but your message was received.” She reassured him. He was hesitant not knowing if he should return without her, but being familiar with the Prince and Macrae, he knew that she would go to him her own way.
Darkness
                The King’s chambers and bed having been prepared, and he himself now ready to retire, he ordered everyone out. He did not want to be disturbed in the privacy of his chamber and if any whispers came of it they would be dealt with immediately.
                It seemed like ages as he waited knowing having sent for her she would come to him. And the last he had seen of her she was surrounded by eager young men, desperate to spend time with her with one ambition behind their attentions. He built up the fireplace good and high, before putting the poker back against the stone wall. When he turned he found the lovely Macrae standing before him wrapped in her onyx black cloak.
                Macrae bowed her head in obedience to him as she would to his father. “You sent for me, your grace.” She said before raising her eyes to look at him again.
                Henry half smiled before walking over to her. “I was beginning to think you did not receive my invitation.”
                “Invitation?” She said knowing the difference between an invitation and a command very well.
                He stepped closer and reaching out he took her hands in his just grinning as he looked into her eyes, “I am so happy to see you. I didn’t know if you would attend the banquet this evening. I’d not seen you at the funeral, nor at the coronation.” He said, but then he smiled, “Yet I know you were there.”
                “I gave my word to you that I would be.” She reminded him. “I couldn’t allow my presence to distract you when you had so much on your mind.” She was quiet a moment before adding, “Nor did I want the tie between us severed for all the public to view.”
                Henry knew what she was referring to, and he did regret it, “It couldn’t be helped.” He began, “If you witnessed it as I suspect very much that you did, you saw there was no reasoning with the man. I perhaps would have talked to him in private. However it was quite clear that he had no sense of protocol, timing, or manners. It had to be dealt with swiftly and decisively.” He sighed, “You always knew how Falstaff was, just as you did with Poins and others I spent my time with. I will be as gentle with others as time and tides allow me to be . . . . but I imagine that the point was made quite clearly to all that sort of behavior will not be tolerated.”
                “You did what you felt you had to do. I do not fault you for that. Falstaff was a greedy and selfish man. He had always intended to use you for his own personal ambitions. The same with Poins and countless others you have called ‘friends’ these past years of your youth. It is necessary. You have a kingdom to run now. You must be respected, and the first and foremost task is to turn from those who do not respect you.” She stated letting him know she understood.
                Henry reached out taking her hands in his again, “There is no reason for me to turn from you.” He still didn’t understand why she expected it. “You have always respected me, been honest, and blunt with me. You have never lied, and you have no ambitions against me for your own gain.” He reassured her, “Macrae, you are not one of them.”
                Macrae was silent and looked at him curiously for a moment, “Did it burn you?” She asked quite out of the blue. “To see those men flock around me, offer me the moon and stars if I would walk out with them this night?” The King gave her a look, as she knew full well it did. “Then am I not too a distraction that you can no longer afford to have when your life now belongs to England and her people?”
                The King was silent for several moments holding her hands a bit tighter in his as he gathered his thoughts, “I promised you the last time we were together in the darkness, that my affection for you will not change. Not that day or any other. I will never go back on my word.” He released her hands and reached up cupping her face looking deep into her eyes, “I could never bear the thought of sending you from me, Macrae. How can I make you understand that? You are in my heart, the very thought of you nourishes me, calms me. I will not, and could never banish you.” He said sincerely.
                She knew he meant every word, and that they were coming from his heart, but she still didn’t know how to accept it. He was King no, and as it was always known, she would work for him as she did for his father. What disturbed her the most was the truth of the matter that he had the same affect on her. The cold lonely nights she spent in the field, traveling through rain, and snow, sleet and hail, riding endlessly day after day going from one contract to the next. She thought of him and it kept her warm, kept her strong, cheered her when the coldness in her heart felt like it my crack. She found as much solace in him as he did with her.
                After a moment, both lost in their thoughts, they found each other engaged in a deep and desperate kiss. Anxious to feel each other, touch each other, taste each other. Henry wrapped his arms around her lifting her from the floor holding her tighter against him still as they embraced.
                Henry had thought of her often the past few weeks and being able to physically hold her in his arms now was absolutely divine. He loved the way her body felt against him. Macrae was incredibly strong and agile so she wasn’t as light as a woman who was without a vocation such as hers would be. Yet he had no trouble lifting her, and would have happily held her in his arms forever and never grow tired or weary. After a moment he set her back to her feet and reached up unclasping her cloak letting it fall to the ground. He admired how beautiful she looked, the dress he had watched her in the whole evening. It was even better up close. She smelled of flowers, and she tasted of berries. Everything about her was delicious.
                The King breathed deeply as he found her lips tasting them once more, his hands moving up and cupping Macrae’s bosom, his thumbs brushing over her soft warm skin at the dress line. He could feel the way her breasts pressed against the bodice with her every breath and it excited him even more.
                Suddenly he found his advances halted when Macrae’s hands wrapped around his wrists holding his hands still before carefully pulling them from her body. Henry opened his eyes to find her starring into his. “What’s the matter?” He asked in confusion.
                “There are eyes upon you, my lord. And they are not mine.” He furrowed his brow not understanding but then suddenly a knock came at his door. It was very late, and he had given specific instructions that he was not to be disturbed under any circumstances. He walked towards the door and paused, “I’ll send them away. It will only take a mome . . . .” Henry turned to look at Macrae but found he was standing alone. He sighed in frustration before turning towards the door, “ENTER!” He roared to deal with whatever the problem was.
Riding Lessons
                Macrae stood at the center of the circle holding the long rope that held the bridal of the horse. She spun the short piece in her other hand to encourage the pony to move and clicked her tongue as Mischa held to the leather reigns of the horse. “Keep your elbows down.” She instructed clicking her tongue again as the pony went a bit faster. Mischa loved to ride, and she was grinning from ear to ear holding tight to the reigns.
                “My lady!” Kate said hurrying out to the field with a paper in hand. “My lady!” She hurried over to Macrae after the pony ran by, “The King’s messenger just brought this for you.” She said handing it to her. Macrae motioned for the stable hand to take over Mischa’s lesson and he quickly took the rope continuing to keep the pony moving as she walked out of the circle.
                She broke the seal and opened it reading a moment. “It seems we are to have a royal guest for dinner tonight.” She said softly before looking at Kate, “Inform the kitchen staff. I imagine he will have quite the appetite by the time he arrives.” She closed the parchment, “Tell Beth that Mischa will need a bath when she has finished her riding lesson.” The woman nodded and hurried off to see to her tasks. Macrae looked at Mischa again who was having so much fun. The little girl waved to her and she smiled back before turning and going into the manor to prepare for the Kings arrival.
To Be Continued . . . . .
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Dangerous Games