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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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Visiting in the Country
                When Henry arrived at the manor, he eagerly greeted Macrae and Mischa finding they were waiting for him in the foyer. Both made their obedience and he acknowledged it. Then he grinned and walked closer drawing Macrae into a tight embrace before kissing her deeply. She smiled and touched his face where a beard had grown since they last saw one another.
                “Do you approve?” He asked.
                “It makes you look older. Which I suppose is the point.” She said thinking he always looked handsome, even when he was covered in blood and muck on the battlefield. “Supper should be ready in a moment.”
                “Wonderful, I’m famished.” He admitted kissing her once more. Then he smiled at Mischa who had come to like him very much, and kneeled down to her level kissing her cheek. “And you young lady, I have something for you.” He reached into his jacket and took out a small piece of cloth. Mischa took it and opened it before a smile swept her face and she looked up at Macrae showing it to her in excitement. Macrae crouched down beside the small one taking the bracelet and wrapping it around the little ones wrist and fastening it.
                “What do you say?” Macrae reminded her.
                Mischa grinned and wrapped her arms around Henry’s neck hugging him. “Thank you, your majesty.” Macrae winced slightly when the little girl hugged him. Such a thing was against protocol and was definitely not permitted. Touching the King without permission. But she was still very young and she saw Macrae and the King embrace often. Henry just smiled and hugged her back.
                “You are very welcome my dear.” He said rubbing her back a little.
                “May I show Miss Beth?” She asked. Macrae gave a nod and she turned running off to find her nurse. Once she was gone Macrae’s smile faded and she gave Henry a look.
                “It’s just a bracelet darling.” He said as they both stood to their feet once again.
                “You’ve given us a place to live, your grace. The King shouldn’t be doting upon us so.” She advised.
                “Hmm.” Henry reached into his jacket again stepping behind her, “Yet, I am the King and it’s my privilege to dote upon those whom I wish.” He wrapped a necklace around her that fit close to her throat and fastened it at the back. It was similar to the bracelet he had brought for Mischa. Resting his hands on her shoulders he kissed her cheek, “What do you say?” He said repeating what she had told Mischa.
                Macrae leaned her head back against his shoulder looking up at him slyly, “Thank you, your majesty.” She said repeating the little girl’s answer. Henry smiled and touched her chin kissing her deeply. Then they both grinned and laughed a little.
                Just then one of the servants appeared alerting them to the fact that supper was ready. Henry kissed her once more before taking her hand and they walked together to the dining room.
Moonlight Madness
                After supper, Macrae and Henry went for a walk in the garden making their way towards the stables. He noticed she was smiling to herself, “Something amuses you?”
                She turned looking towards his personal guards that were scattered around the house and staying close to protect the King. “Has it really taken this long for you to heed my advice about proper protection of your person?”
                “Well, my advisors insist upon it. It’s in their best interests to keep me alive and my reign to persist.” He replied. “Which only proves you have always been wise with your advice, it was I who was foolish not to listen.”
                “You still live and breathe to this day despite your best efforts, so I suppose it was not needed.” She said softly.
                When they entered the stables, Macrae showed him the new stallion she had acquired. “Oh he is magnificent.” Hal said reaching out and patting his neck, stroking his mane.” “He is a Friesian, is he not?”
                Macrae smiled, “Beautiful isn’t he. Very tame for a stallion, but he’s only just arrived. I imagine travel does take some energy from horses as it does people.” She said patting the horse as well, “When my mares arrive he will make a wonderful stud.”
                A small mischievous smile swept Henry’s face as his eyes slid over to her. Macrae just gave him a look. He chuckled, “You have no idea how disappointed you left me in my bed chambers your last visit to London, Lady Macrae.”
                “How would your advisors feel about the King keeping company with a known assassin? I can tell you with complete certainty they would ‘advise’ you against it. Tactically, they would probably also advise having me executed would be the wisest course of action.” She answered.
                “Well. That isn’t going to happen so there is no need for anyone to lose sleep over such things.” Henry patted the horse once more before stepping around him and taking Macrae’s hands placing them on his shoulders then rested his hands on her waist drawing her close. “Macrae,” he began, “Has your affection waned for me since I became King? Because it feels as though we’ve started back at the beginning.”
                There was a long moment before she answered him, “I never slept with your father.” She said plainly.
                Needless to say it raised his eyebrows not expecting those words to come from her and he was somewhat shocked. Henry half laughed. “I know.” He said still a bit at a loss, “Why would you say . . .”
                “I have never slept with anyone who has employed me and for good reason. It clouds my judgment. It jeopardizes my work.” She explained trying to make him understand. “And what of your future Queen? What would she think? How would she feel?”
                “Hmm.” He said studying her face. He was beginning now to understand why she seemed to be distancing herself from him. “Macrae, I am not going to marry for some time. When I do, it will be for political gain. It will be for England and her people, not for myself. You are for me and me alone. No one is going to intrude on what we have between us.” He sighed, “How am I ever going to make you understand that I . . .” He stopped not finishing his thought. Henry knew if he said it out loud to her, he ran the risk of causing her to flee. “ . . . will never let you go.”
                Macrae looked into his eyes a small smile appeared on her face. He didn’t need to say it, she already knew. “How many candidates have appeared so far?”
                Henry sighed, “Four.”
                “All beautiful?” She asked.
                “Depends on one’s definition of beauty I suppose.” He admitted. “A bit rich and snobbish for my taste. I pray every day that we never need to solidify an alliance with one of their countries.”
                She chuckled a bit knowing he would be hounded by every ally England had, and they would each put up their prospect for the King’s bride. “Do you remember once telling me of the places outside of the bedchamber you desired the opportunity to make love to me?”
                “Oh yes. And I dare so that the list has grown somewhat since them.” Macrae grinned before looking over to the large stack of clean fresh straw in the stable. Henry grinned and kissed her, as she anxiously kissed him back and they wrapped their arms around each other.
Haylofts
                The King lay beside Macrae in the straw, and gently brushed her hair back from her shoulder. The scars that she seemed so concerned about were hardly noticeable even when she didn’t cover them with makeup. He smiled as he leaned down kissing her tenderly. Henry moved resting his head to her bosom. Macrae wrapped her arms around him holding him close as he listened to the gentle steady beat of her heart. They lay together like this for some time, comforted simply by the feel of their bodies entwined together.
                Henry had almost drifted off to sleep when he felt her kiss his head, “It’s nearly dawn. Mischa will be waking up soon.” Macrae said gently.
                “Mmmhm.” He groaned wrapping his arms tighter around her not wanting this moment to end quite yet. She smiled and hugged him back. “I suppose that we should move to the bed chamber.” He finally admitted.
                “I would like to preserve her innocence as long as possible and the stables are usually her first stop in the morning.” He groaned when he felt her starting to sit up, finally relenting and sitting up as well he reached for his shirt. She chuckled standing to her feet and straightening out her skirts before reaching up and picking the straw from her hair.
                “I think you’ve done exceptionally well in that area. She’s growing into a lovely young girl.” Henry said pulling his shirt on before taking his crown and placing it back on his head. He stood brushing the straw from his trousers and clothes, picking out a few stray pieces from his hair as well. He grinned walking over and wrapping his arms around Macrae kissing her shoulders then her cheek before embracing her tighter.
                “Will you be going back today?” She asked.
                “No. I don’t think so. I’d like to stay a few days if that’s alright?” He requested. Macrae smiled and nodded before turning in his arms to face him looking into his eyes. They kissed tenderly holding on tight.
                “Come on. Breakfast will nearly be ready.” She said taking his hand as they started to make their way from the stables, “Then perhaps afterwards you will have gathered the courage to tell me of my contract that you came here to offer me.”
                Henry cleared his throat a bit sheepish not realizing that he had been so transparent in his avoiding the subject.
Contracts
                “The French again.” She said looking at the documents he had brought with him to show her. “It always seems like Spain or France has some agenda where England is concerned doesn’t it. Even when they swear they do not.” She paced slightly as she read before looking at Henry who had become quiet. “Do you have a preference as to how this is handled?”
                “Preference? No. I will defer to your good judgment.” He said.
                She arched a brow looking at him he seemed to be somewhat nervous about this. “You needn’t be so concerned. I’ve done this more times than can be counted.” He didn’t say anything and she put the documents down on the table. “You’ve never employed me before. Is that why it’s taken you so long to bring this to me?”
                “You are far too perceptive sometimes, Macrae.” He said half laughing. “I don’t want this to change anything between us, when you are already so incredibly wary of our personal relationship.”
                “Then as always we shall keep our professional relationship separate from our personal one. If you recall, I have always preferred it that way.” She said reminding him of when she had retrieved him from his captors and would not allow any physical affection between them until he was safely returned to London. She looked at the documents a moment more before giving a nod, “I will leave immediately and return before the month is out. It will be done.”
                “Do I give you payment now to cover any expenses?” He questioned.
                She couldn’t help but laugh a little before shaking her head. “My commission comes when I bring you proof of their deaths.” She put the parchments back into the bag they had come in. “Perhaps for future reference you should send for me to come to your castle in London, as your father always did.”
                “It gave me an excuse to come and see you and Mischa.” He confessed. “And this will better keep the contract a secret I think. Rather than the tell tale sign of your appearing in the castle shortly before someone is found dead.”
                “Have there been any threats made against your person? Any public declarations of discontent?” She questioned returning to the matter at hand. “It would be preferable if they have spoken openly against you that they be discredited first.”
                “No. I don’t think they would be so foolish as to make their animosity well known. Not yet anyway.” Henry replied. “It’s why I would like this matter attended to as quickly and quietly as possible. It’s better to make the situation disappear before it becomes serious.”
                “I understand.” She said with a nod. “And I will ensure that no one knows when I return to you in London.”
                Henry found himself quite concerned about this. Not about her taking the job and doing it well, but that she was going into danger that he himself was putting her in. It was what made him most uncomfortable about employing her services. “Are you certain that you won’t need more time?”
                “I always give myself more time in case something unforeseen occurs.” She said. He gave a nod. It would be the first assignment that she had gone on since he had given her the estate. Now, there was one nagging thought at the back of her mind that couldn’t be ignored. “If something goes terribly wrong, should something happen to me,” She said wanting to clear it from her head. “I would ask something of you.”
                It was Henry’s worse fear that something would happen to her and to hear her say it out loud caused a twinge in his heart. “Anything.” He promised.
                Macrae paused a moment before she spoke. “Mischa.” She said, “I don’t want anything to happen to her. Obviously I would want her to be able to keep everything of mine.”
                “Of course.” The King nodded. “I give you my word that she would be well looked after and kept safe.” She nodded as well satisfied that he would keep his promise.
                “Good.” She said as she smiled walking over to him. “Then as I say I will leave immediately, and this matter will be resolved before the month’s end.”
                Reaching out he caught her arm and pulled her to sit on his lap as he wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. “Not immediately.” He said, “Tomorrow.”
                Macrae chuckled and rested her hand to his cheek, “You haven’t grown tired of me yet?” She asked playfully.
                “Never.” He said with a grin before drawing her into a deep kiss.
Attacks
                “I would relish the day when foolish men would desist in making senseless war.” Henry said as he looked out over the battle field thinking of the fight that was to take place. “Countrymen fighting countrymen is such a senseless loss of life.”
                “An evil to be certain sire, but a necessary one nonetheless.” Henry sighed as he saw a messenger riding across the field towards his camp. “That will be his reply to our terms, my lord.”
                “I know this man well. This messenger carries his denial. These fields will be stained with blood tomorrow.” Henry shook his head, as he had everything to try and avoid this conflict. Perhaps entertained an old friend’s insolence far too much. Still he defied him and now he would have to make an example of him.
              Later the King returned to his tent to retire for the evening. This wasn’t the first conflict he had fought in his short reign and it would be far from the last. He was restless, perhaps even anxious too for the battle to begin in the morning. “Sire.” He heard a voice say from the door of his tent.
                “Come.” He said looking over to see a messenger from London enter. He bowed before giving him a small folded piece of parchment and a small pouch. Henry gave a nod and the messenger bowed again before leaving. Breaking the seal he recognized Macrae’s handwriting, simply saying that she had completed her contract. He opened the pouch and three rings stained in blood fell out into his hand. They were very familiar rings, each having adorned the finger of a Frenchmen that had been sowing seeds of mistrust, and encouraging uprisings among Englishmen against the crown. He smiled realizing it hadn’t taken her as long as she had said. She really is the best at what she did.
                 The rings were proof that the deed was done, and would be disposed of so their deaths couldn’t be linked back to him. He put them back into the pouch before taking the parchment and reading it again, the elegant swirls of Macare’s handwriting. He closed his eyes and took in the scent of the paper that smelled of her. Knowing he couldn’t keep it, he turned and held it in the flame of the candle watching as it caught fire before tossing it onto to metal plate so that it could burn completely.
Unsavory Dealings
                “I thought it was made clear that I do not work against the English crown.” Macrae said with a cross look on her face. “If this is all the work you have for me, then I’m afraid our dealings are at an end.”
                “You were not always so staunchly against such actions.” Rener said as he looked at her. “I remember just a few years ago your doing quite a bit of work against the crown.”
                “I was younger then. I choose which contracts I take, and which ones I turn down. I am not taking this one. If you are at all intelligent then you would not try to replace me for this endeavor.” She stood to bid him good day and turned started to leave.
                “Is it all contracts in the Kingdom, or just the ones that interfere directly with the King himself?” He asked halting her steps as she turned back looking at him. “It was you that stopped Spain’s plans to put a more amenable monarchy on the throne, wasn’t it.”
                “As I understand it, it was Henry V and his younger brother who put a stop to it.” She stated.
                He smirked, “They offered you a fortune to take part in the plot to end Prince John’s life. It seems that once you turned the contract away, their endeavor was doomed to fail.”
                “Should I be impressed that you know such intimate details of this matter, or should I take offense.” She knew there were some who watched her, who wanted to know every time she surfaced. Who she saw and what she was doing. It is why she would only surface long enough to do her work, and then disappeared until she was needed again.
                Rener studied her for a moment before half smiling, “There is no way to answer such a question aside from impressed. Since there is no man who has offended you and lived to tell the tale.” He stood from the table, “You are in good standing with the King?” She didn’t answer and just stared into his eyes. “This would make your commission incredibly easy.”
                “It would make me a traitor.” She stated.
                “You can’t be traitor to a country that isn’t yours.” He pointed out. Rener walked closer to her. Beneath her cloak her hand was wrapped around the hilt of her dagger should he get to close. “Or do you mean it will make you a traitor to him? Betraying his trust, betraying his regard for you?” She didn’t answer and he grinned before chuckling. “Oh, my dear. It’s such a pity. As professional as you are, you’ve compromised yourself. A relationship with the King, and he has successfully taken your power away. Declawed you, defanged you.”
                “Stop.” She warned when he stepped closer, “Or you will find this cat isn’t as defenseless as you imagine.”
                “Take the contract Macrae.” He said seriously.
                “This is a member, albeit a distant one, of the royal family. England is where I reside the most because I favor it. This? This could get me banished or executed.” Macrae answered.
                “Well then what can be modified to make this agreement more appealing? More manageable?” He said willing to compromise. “Killing doesn’t have to be part of it. We can change it to something that will not offend the King.”
                Macrae looked at him and sighed. She wanted to work, she needed the work. If the terms were acceptable, she would take the contract.
Disciplinary Actions
                The King listened as the young woman told him of the death of her husband, tears streaming down her face. The state he was found in, how cruel and unwarranted his death was. Then she gave him a detailed description of the woman she believed was responsible. “Please, your grace,” she pleaded on her knees, “Bring justice to my murdered husband.”
                Henry was quiet for a long time mulling over the tale that was just relayed to him. The description she gave could be no one else except Macrae. “Have you any children, Lady Knollwood?” He inquired breaking the silence.
                “No my lord. We have been married only but a year. But I loved him dearly, he was my whole world. I love him still. He was a good man he did not deserve such a fate.” She answered bowing her head. The King was quiet for another moment.
                “This is unfortunate news, and we grieve for your loss. Our cousin was a great man. Even though I know of the wealth he possesses, we will give you a gift of four and twenty to see that you are cared for properly until you marry again.” He stated.
                “And his murderess?” She asked.
                Henry looked at her, “We will investigate into this matter further. Go now and lay your husband to rest.” He stood and stepped down from the throne taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. “You have our condolences and sympathy, Lady Knollwood.” He said sincerely dismissing her. She bowed to him before leaving the hall. Once she was gone and the doors were closed, Henry sighed.
                “It’s her, isn’t it my lord.” One of his advisors said.
                “Bite your tongue.” Henry said instantly. “There is no proof that it was Macrae. The fact that she was seen is in itself seems proof it wasn’t her. She would never be so carless. This isn’t a woman who makes mistakes. She has been in our service for many years and has never disappointed us. This . . . farce does not speak of the professional I know.” Henry thought then walked to exit the door, “Saddle my horses!” He ordered in a loud voice.
Answers
                Macrae was silent as she watched him pace before her eyes turned downcast, “Have you brought a death warrant with my name on it then?”
                Henry stopped and crossed his arms looking at her, “I want to know what happened. Why you killed him, and why you allowed yourself to be identified. It was carless, something I have never known you to be.”
                “You know I never speak of my work, why do you insist on asking me of it now?” She asked.
                “Because the results of your ‘work’ have never been brought to me and justice been demanded for it!” He said raising his voice. This was no time for her to dodge his questions as she usually did. He saw her jaw clinch and he knew he was pushing her to hard. If he persisted she would simply shut down and not cooperate at all. Taking a breath to calm down, he moved over and sat down next to her folding his hands together. “Please, tell me what happened. Did something go wrong?”
                Her eyes lowered again for a moment before she looked into his. “I am a liar, a deceiver, and a killer. All for profit.” She began, “So I don’t expect you to believe me when I say, he did not die by my hand.” This was news the King wasn’t expecting. “He was more useful alive then he is dead.”
                Henry shook his head not understanding, “You weren’t hired to kill him? Explain.”
                “I was hired to convince him to write into his will that upon his death his lands and all his property would pass to his nephew. Apparently there was some discord about the woman he had married and her reasons for marrying him. Before they had met, it was understood that the boy would inherit his uncle’s holdings should any tragedy befall him. But the Will was never written, and she had prevented him from doing so, wanting him to write her in instead by marrying him. They thought if his eye was cast towards another woman he would regain his senses and realize her true reason for clinging to him so.”
                It was starting to become clear now who was responsible for his death. “Then why not simply kill her instead and be done with it?”
                “My first instinct was to do just that when the contract was negotiated, but it was made very clear that she was to remain unharmed. Someone who cared for her was involved. They didn’t want her dead, they simply wanted her hurt and the families holdings to remain out of her hands. What better way than her husband realizing the truth and writing her out of his will.” Macrae explained.
                Henry studied the look on her face he could see that she was upset by this turn of events and it wasn’t hard to understand why. “Your presence gave her the perfect opportunity to kill him, putting the blame on you.” He shook his head, “That wretch kneeled at my feet with tears gushing from her eyes, proclaiming her love for him.”
                “She married him for his wealth. If he died without an heir then she would get everything. Or at least it would remain hers until she married again. Unless of course another woman was encouraging him to do otherwise.” Macrae stated.
                It was indeed a difficult situation. “Macrae, this matter was brought to me at court. Lady Knollwood sought direct audience with me to ask for retribution.”
                “You are the King of England. You have to do what you must.” She said ready to accept whatever punishment he handed down for this matter.
                “But you didn’t kill him. If I was to have you arrested there would be a trial. At best they would condemn you to the tower the rest of your days. But many know you, know of your reputation. They would insist on sentencing you to death.” Henry said.
                “And you could do nothing to stop it. Because your reign is still new, and it would sow discontent.” Macrae wasn’t ignorant; she knew what it would mean. “I know, Henry. My fate would be sealed.”
                “You would escape of course. I know you would. You wouldn’t let them kill you.” He said, “You would leave England where they couldn’t reach you?”
                Macrae was silent not answering right away. “How would that reflect on you? As King?”
                This caused him to pause. She would stay; she would allow herself to be executed for his sake. “You would stay, for me?” He said in disbelief. “You would allow yourself to be executed, even though you could escape and be free?” Macrae remained silent just looking into his eyes. Henry shook his head as stood, “I couldn’t bare it. Just the thought of it now makes me ill, makes me angry, and turns my stomach.” He started to pace again. “And what of Mischa? What would she do without you?”
                “You promised me you would see she was looked after and taken care of.” Macrae said reminding him of his vow.
                “That wouldn’t make up for your not being here, Macrae. It would break her heart. As you’ve said no one can care for her like you do.” Henry sighed, “There has to be another way. Some way to prove that this wasn’t your doing, that it was hers.”
                “If I go back into this matter instead of staying away from it, the consequences could be just as fatal as you fear them to be.” Macrae warned.
                He sighed, “I know you. You’re intelligent, you’re resourceful. If you don’t want to be involved further, that’s fine. But tell me what there is to be done to prove your innocence. I said that we would investigate, but we have to know where to look. To find what is needed to ensure the wrong head doesn’t end up in the basket.” He walked over and kneeled down beside her taking her hand in his as he looked up into her eyes. “Tell me what to do Macrae. Please.”
                Macrae looked into his eyes and sighed knowing that she should simply take Mischa and leave England for some time until things settled down again. But it was the same problem there had always been, she couldn’t deny him. “Alright, Henry.”

To Be Continued . . . .
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Dangerous Games