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Dangerous Games	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: G through L > Hollow Crown, The Views: 1881 -:- 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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A Stranger
            “Mistress Tearsheet.” Hal said motioning for her to come to him. “Who is the woman staying in the corner room at the left?” He asked.
            Suddenly a nervous look crossed Doll’s face and she shook her head. It seemed that she did know who he was referring to but was far too nervous to talk to him about her. “Doll?” Rather than risk the conversation continuing she stepped back shaking her head and walking away.
            Hal sighed and leaned back in his chair looking up towards the door of the room in question. He’d only caught a glimpse of the woman twice and it was enough to spark his interest. She was dressed in dark clothes, mostly black, and they weren’t simple peasant clothes. They must have been a pretty penny. They were tight and form fitting and her dress was a mock skirt. She wore trousers underneath, which showed when she walked. Very unconventional dress for a lady by any means.
            The Prince was becoming frustrated as it seemed no one could satisfy his curiosity. Even Jack Falstaff couldn’t answer his questions and he was London’s biggest gossip. Even if it was rare that truth fell from the man’s lips. How could a woman like that not be so mysterious in London? He couldn’t be the only one whose attention she’d garnered.
            Hal took a drink from his mug looking up towards the room again. He’d have to investigate this himself if he was to get any answers. He finished his drink and made a decision. The Prince headed up the stairs. He approached the door carefully and turned the handle finding it locked. He leaned near the door not hearing a sound coming from the inside. He tried the door again, and then looked from left to right taking a nail from his pocket he’d picked up from the street. He looked around once more before picking the lock, then slipping the nail back in his pocket giving one more look left to right. Carefully he opened the door and slipped in closing it quickly behind.
            The room was pitch-black. The shutters were closed tight and there were no candles lit. He squinted trying to see anything and stepped further into the room. However he was stopped short when he felt the unmistakable feel of a cold sharpened blade to his throat. “No harm!” Hal said quickly to let his assailant know he wasn’t a thief or worse.
            “You have just moments to say what you are doing here.” A female’s voice said.
            “I am . . .” He cleared his throat, “I am the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne of England.”
            “I know who you are. You have three brothers, you can be replaced.” She said pressing the blade a bit harder. Suddenly Hal was slammed hard against the door. “Get. Out.” He heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed and the threat was quite clear. Rather than argue the point in the dark. The Prince took the opportunity to leave. Quickly opening the door and pulling it shut with a slam holding the handle tight.
            “My lord!” Mistress Quickly said hurrying to him out of breath. “I wanted to stop you before you went in, but these old bones wouldn’t move fast enough. Are you alright my lord?”
            Hal wasn’t certain if he was or not, “Is there more than one person in this room?”
            “She’s alone my lord. In her case, one is more than enough. That woman is a viper that walks on two legs. She has all the demons of hell in her, that’s for certain.” Mistress Quickly led Hal away from the door. “But she pays me very handsomely for her room, diet, and drink, and for that she insists only on her privacy.”
            She took Hal downstairs and got him a mug of ale sitting him down at the table. “Who is she?” He’d never been spoken to like that, and his life certainly wasn’t so blatantly threatened. “What is she?”
            Mistress Quickly sighed, “She’s death.” Was the best answer she could give. “She kills men as easily as you and I draw breath. She is dangerous.” Hal started to ask more but Mistress Quickly held up her hand to stop him. “I’ve said far more than I should already, your grace. I’d rather not talk of this anymore.”
            “But who is she?” Hal said quickly, “Where did she come from? Why is she here?”
            Mistress Quickly shook her head, “I don’t know my lord. All I know is what I told you.” Her eyes glanced up towards the door in question. “I don’t even know her proper name.” She said in a lower tone. Before the prince could ask further, Mistress Quickly walked away to find anything else to do in the house.
            Hal sighed even more frustrated than before, never having truly felt afraid that his life was endanger under someone’s threat before. Why did this woman unnerve him so? He picked up his mug and took another deep drink.
Castle Guests
            Hal was walking the corridor when the large double doors to the main hall opened. As large as life, out walked the mysterious maiden accompanied by a guard. Her hood was down and this was the first time he’d gotten a clear view of her. She was lovely. Her hair was like corn silk with strawberry highlights. She was pale, but her lips were crimson, and her eyes most brilliant blue that sparkled with the smallest amount of light. There wasn’t much more he could see as her cloak obscured most of her form. She glanced towards him before pulling her hood up over her head and following the guard.
            Hal was speechless and confused as to why she was there. Perhaps he would find some of the answers he sought now. The Prince hurried into the main hall to see who was there. The King and his brother John were present but no one else. Without a word, the King sighed and shook his head in clear disappointment and walked passed Hal leaving the room. Hal knew what his father thought of him and was hardly surprised by his reaction. Once he was gone he turned to his brother, “John, who was that woman? What was she doing here?”
            “Shh.” John said motioning for him to quiet his voice down. “She is a master assassin. Father employs her when there is need for her.”
            Now Hal was even more at a loss, “How can she be a master assassin? She can’t be more then 20.”
            “I don’t know. But she has never failed father and he has complete faith in her.” John answered.
            Hal sighed putting his hands on his hips, “Do you at least know if she has a name?”
            “Father called her Macrae.”
            “Macrae? A Scottish name.” Hal questioned. “Brother, she did not seem Scottish to me.”
            “Perhaps it is a family name.” John said, “But the amount of confidence father showed in her was overwhelming. I didn’t dare question his judgment.”
            Now Hal’s interest was double what it was before. An entirely new set of questions were without answers. This strange mysterious young woman who apparently had such skill, his own father held her in extremely high regard. “There has to be more to this story.” Hal turned to go investigate further, but his brother caught his arm stopping him.
            “Brother, you must leave her be. She’s dangerous and father has forbidden her to be interfered with in any way.” John warned.
            “I don’t want to interfere with her; I just want to know more about her. That’s all.” Hal said defensively.
            “I don’t need to know more to understand that she is not right.” John was deadly serious as he spoke to him. “I believe that she would kill you without hesitation.” He sighed, “And I’m not entirely sure that father would punish her for it.”
            Hal half laughed, “You worry far too much brother. I’m the Prince of Wales. She wouldn’t dare.”
            “From what father has explained to me, you wouldn’t be the first prince who fell under her blade.” Hal’s confident smile fled, “Truly brother. Stay clear of that woman.”
Stealth
            Hal had waited at Mistress Quickly’s with one goal; to find an opportunity to approach the mysterious woman again. He’d learned breaking into her room was not the most productive way to go about it. He was just about to call it a night when the door to her room opened and she slipped out quietly, pulling her hood over her head as she made her way down the stairs. Hal watched as she moved so smoothly and gracefully she didn’t make a sound or seem to disturb the air itself.
            The prince realized he was letting his window of opportunity slip away from him and he quickly got up from the table following her out into the alley way. When he got out the door he looked around losing sight of her almost immediately. She was very quick. He had caught a glimpse of her cloak disappearing into the next street and he followed after her.
            Hal ran to stay on her heels as he tried to catch up with her. Yet every time he thought he’d get close, she seemed to disappear again. Finally, he came to a stop having lost her all together. He was nearly out of breath resting his hands on his hips looking around. He must have chased her halfway across London.
            Perhaps this was a foolish question to begin with and it would be dawn in just a few hours. The Prince sighed and shook his head turning to head back to the palace. However when he turned he stopped short coming face to face with the mysterious young creature he had been pursuing.
            “You are very persistent, my lord.” Her blue eyes shined in the moonlight. There was the unmistakable sparkle of intelligence behind them.
            “You knew I was following you?” He said crossing his arms.
            She smirked walking passed him, “I thought you would have given up before now. She turned back towards him, “I’m impressed.” Hal just starred at her a moment. He’d wanted a chance to speak to her, and now that he had the opportunity he couldn’t think of anything to say. “Was there something you wanted specifically or is cat and mouse your favorite game to pass the time?”
            “You do realize who I am, my birthright?” Hal said as she walked around him like a cat circling its prey. “You should show proper obedience.”
            “Really.” She said looking into his eyes, “I’ve seen you in the tavern, with the weak minded, the fallen, the criminal, the unclean, the corrupt, and the ambitious. Hardly the class of people the heir to the throne is expected to spend his nights and days with. None of them show you the proper obedience, or have you enjoyed your ale so much you truly haven’t noticed?”
            Hal had been so fixated on finding out about her; he hadn’t realized she’d been watching him too. “Why has my father called you to London?” Was the next question he found himself asking. It was strange as it hadn’t been one of the things he wished to ask her. She just smiled in silence as it seemed foolish to entertain the idea that she would speak of it. The Prince half smiled finding himself against a stone wall who he could tell had no give. “And is your age such a well guarded secret too?”
            “23, my lord.” She answered.
            “23?”He said a bit surprised.
            “Did you believe me older?”
            “No . . . I . . .” Hal wasn’t certain what he thought. But 23 wasn’t what he expected. “Who are you Macrae?”
            She sighed, “This wasn’t a well considered venture my lord. Otherwise you would know what you wanted to say instead of saying the first words that pass through your mind.”
            “Perhaps it’s the night air. I didn’t intend to be in it so long this evening.” Now Hal was sizing her up as she had been doing to him. “You don’t dress conventionally, your speech isn’t of someone who was raised in England, your manner is abrupt, you don’t show the proper allegiance of a subject of the crown, and everyone is afraid of you. Why?”
            The young woman just smiled and pulled her hood back up over her head, “Because your highness, when I am present death has a face. I work for your father, but make no mistake. He would have me killed in an instant if he thought for even a moment I was a threat to him, his legacy or his reign.” She said plainly, “Of course the crown has my allegiance Prince Henry. But my respect is not given so easily and must be earned.”
            She started to walk away but Hal reached out catching her arm to stop her. Within half a heartbeat she spun around and the sharp edge of her blade was once again laid at his neck. Hal clinched his jaw keeping his eyes on hers. “In the dark, a stranger, a man in your room would be understandable. You see my face, you know who I am . . . you would dare threaten me?”
            “Because I see your face, because I know who you are is the only reason you are still alive. Otherwise you would have lay dead at my feet when you broke into my room.” She said seriously. “This is not a woman’s world sir. We are but cattle to the slaughter to most, and rarely is the man who puts more value on a woman then his horse.”
            “My intent was not harm.” He reassured her, “I simply want to know you. Where you are from, who you are. I just want to know.”
            “Why?” She demanded.
            “Why?” Hal thought it a foolish question, “Because you’re interesting.”
            Macrae just gave him a look before taking her blade from his throat. She starred into his eyes a moment considering it.
Supper
            Hal sat across from Macrae at the table as they were served their supper. “I’ve never been to this dinner house before. I’m not familiar with it.”
            “The food is much better.” Macrae said taking a drink from her cup. “The owner is a friend.” She half smiled shaking her head thinking ‘friend’ was extremely generous. “More importantly, the people here, the owners, and the tavern patrons, aren’t familiar with you. You frequent Mistress Quickly’s on your own without guards or a proper escort nearly every day. If someone wants to do you harm, or kidnap you, the Prince of Wales presents them with the perfect opportunity.” She said, “You rely too much on familiarity and your birthright to keep you safe.”
            “So. You have been watching me. Should I be flattered?” Hal said beginning to eat as well.
            “You should be concerned, I’m not the only one to make this observation I’m sure. “ She took another drink from her cup. “Because no one has acted on it yet doesn’t mean they won’t.” Macrae warned, “You mustn’t be so careless.”
            “It’s strange to hear concern from someone who has held a blade to my throat twice. Someone who knew who I was but I think would not have hesitated to kill me if it so suited her.” Hal replied.
            Macrae looked at him a moment taking another drink of ale. “I killed my first man when I was 5 years old your highness. It was easy. Far too easy to come to anyone, much less a child.” She began, “I’d seen my father and my brothers kill before, it seemed natural. It was believed that it was a gift, I was born with a talent for it. I was then trained accordingly. Men who are assassins are powerful and strong. They have brute force but a woman can get into places a man can’t. Do things a man can’t and I became valuable. I never disappoint my employers. Do you imagine for a moment that these things haven’t drawn attention to me from equally dangerous people? That there isn’t a price on my head?” She smiled a little shaking no. “I’ve stayed alive to be 23 by not hesitating to kill.”
            “It sounds like a hard life you’ve lived.” Hal admitted, “Hardly a life for a young lady. Didn’t your family have something to say about your being trained as a killer?”
            “Who do you think began my training? My mother died when I was born, and I was raised by my father and brothers.” She explained.
            Hal was a little surprised at how well she was answering his questions, how freely she spoke to him. They continued talking and eating. After supper they walked back to Mistress Quickly’s. Despite all the stories, the rumors, the terrified whispers, and scared glances from all those around her, there was something about Macrae he liked. She was beautiful but in a dangerous way. The way that some predators were beautiful but incredibly deadly like the lion or the wolf.
            They came to a stop in the alleyway behind the tavern. “So will you tell me?” Hal asked, “Why my father sent for you? Why you are here in London now?” Macrae just smiled at him in silence. “You know,” He began stepping a little closer, “I’ll be king one day and then you’ll work for me.”
            “And I imagine that you will have my tongue ripped out of my throat before you execute me for betraying you were I to speak your secrets. Which is what all traitors richly deserve.” Macrae said, “If you are looking for secrets, you will have to get them from someone else, my lord. As your father perhaps if you truly wish to know. He may confide in you.”
            “Hmm. You may not be as up on current events as you wish to be.” Hal admitted.
            “Your family issues don’t concern me. Whatever your private matters are, I don’t believe they are the right of the public to know. Gossips use the excuse of your being the royal family as pretending they have a right to your affairs, to know what they shouldn’t. To interfere where they don’t belong.” She explained.
            “If only the world thought as you do dear Macrae. Life would be much easier.” Hal said with a chuckle.
            She smiled, “I doubt it. You would still be at odds with your father, and probably continue to be an embarrassment to the family.”
            Hal crossed his arms looking her over, “You are very abrupt in your honesty. Most wouldn’t dare to speak to a prince as you do. But I suppose they wouldn’t promise to slit his throat with a dagger on multiple occasions either.”
            “True. You’d think a prince would learn the first time.” She kept the same small smile as she turned to go into the tavern and retire for the evening.
            “When can I see you again?” Hal said moving quickly to block her away so he didn’t lose her.
            Macrae gave him a look thinking he was incredibly strange even for royalty, “Why?”
            “Um. Because I would like to spend more time with you. I enjoy your company. You have to be one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met.” Hal responded. Now it was her turn to look him over not certain what to make of him. “Could we have dinner again? Or maybe . . . maybe a night cap?”
            “A night cap.” She repeated thinking that an interesting yet random proposal.
            “Yes.” He looked towards the tavern, “If you give me an hour, I’ll return with something more suitable.” She considered it a moment before giving a nod. A smile swept Hal’s face as he gave a nod as well. “I’ll be back in an hour. Less than that even.” He said turning and hurrying out of the alleyway. Macrae shook her head going inside and up to her room.
Night Caps
            Macrae was as skilled a drinker as Hal was and kept up with him drink for drink. “I should warn you if your intention is to intoxicate me, I’m a very unpleasant drunk.”
            “Good to know.” Hal realized now that perhaps seeing her in such a state was less than desirable He looked around her room noting she didn’t have very much aside from some very impressive weapons. They were unlike the types of weapons he was used to, and trained with. They were assassin’s tools and some were of Macrae’s own design. Hal noted she was still wearing her gloves, and there was no part of her showing apart from her face. “Can I ask you . . . I mean, well I’ve never seen a woman dress the way you do.”
            “Are you always this eloquent when you talk to women?” She asked.
            “Actually . . . I usually can converse with them and woo them quite expertly. As I said, for some reason you are different.” Hal admitted.
            She smiled, “It must be nearly 3 O’clock, my lord.” She said giving him a look, “You’ll be missed.” It was a nice way of telling him to leave and the prince could take a hint. He gave a nod and stood as Macrae walked him to the door.
            Hal started to go but stopped, “I have to attend the banquet tomorrow, my father made it quite clear that I was expected. But we could sup the following night? I could take you to a dinner house I know that makes the most delicious pies.” She half smiled amazed at his persistence.
            “I like pies.” She said simply.
            He grinned “Perfect than. So I will . . . look forward to seeing you then.” Macrae gave a nod and the prince smiled stepping back and she closed the door. Hal smiled as he had enjoyed her company very much, and he had learned so many things about her. He wanted to know more. Even her harsh and abrasive honesty was intriguing, although occasionally brutal. He couldn’t wait to see her again.
Banquets
            Hal attended the Banquet as he had been ordered to do, but was hardly happy about it. Banquets were so boring for him. It was eating and pretending to like people who you wished would catch fire. It was the dreadful curse of the court. Rumors and gossip and having more than one face was the language of the entire political game. It was exceedingly tiresome.
            However annoyed by it he was, he played his part in the game very well. It wasn’t until the feast began that the evening truly caught his interest.
            Wearing a beautiful burgundy gown with an embroidered bodice, fitting the curves of her body perfectly, walked in Macrae. Her shoulders were bare, but the sleeves of her gown were long and flowing. Her hair was done with flowers and gold decoration, cascading down her back. Around her neck was a tight black choker, a red gem at the center surrounded by small white pearls. Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight. She was absolutely breathtaking. She wore gloves yet again, but these matched her dress. The clothes she usually wore hid her feminine beauty. Macrae was magnificent.
            Making his way over to the mysterious young woman and greeted her sitting down with her. “You didn’t tell me you would be attending tonight.” He said excited to see her. “You look absolutely stunning this evening Lady Macrae.”
            “Are these clothes more to your liking then, my lord?” She asked.
            “Much. Very much so, I . . .” He was at a loss for intelligent words. “So why are you here?”
            “I was invited.” She said simply.
            “Really.” This must have had something to do with her mission, but it was already made clear that she wouldn’t tell him. “Well, I must say that this evening is looking much better.” He said with a smile.
            Hal and Macrae spent the banquet together, having a rather good time, although he was aware that her attentions were about the room frequently. She was working on something and who knows what it was.
            When the feast was over, the guests departed the hall and Hal stayed with Macrae walking down a corridor with her having had more fun than he had in a long time. “Had I not known better, I would have believed you were a woman who had grown up in the court. The way you mingle, dance, address everyone perfectly, and am I correct in the assumption you speak other languages?”
            “Yes.” She replied, “Yours isn’t the only court that I have attended, my lord. If I am meant to blend in, appear that I belong there, I must be well educated on every tradition, protocol, and manner.” Macrae explained. “Which means speaking to them in their own languages fluently.”
            Hal stopped looking at her, “You are . . . you surprise me. Something not easily or frequently done.” He stepped closer to her looking into her eyes. “Lady Macrae.” He began, “With no requirements or expectations, would you accompany me to my rooms and spend some time with me? Privately?” It was a bold request, he wasn’t certain how she was going to respond but he simply had to ask.
            There was a long silent moment that seemed to stretch on for an endless eternity. The Prince was holding his breath not certain what was coming. Once again Macrae starred at him at a loss. “If you wish it, my lord.” A smile swept Hal’s face. He started to reach for her hand but stopped remembering what had happened last time. Instead he motioned for her to follow and she went with him.
A Princes Chambers
            Hal was amazed that he’d gotten this far with Macrae, not having expected her to accept his invitation. Once they were there, he wasn’t quite sure what to do next. He offered her a drink which she took and now they sat in silence, drinking.
            The young prince did have an agenda, and usually it went much smoother. But for some reason, all his charm and skill eluded him were Macrae was concerned. She was very disarming. Finally he chose to act on his curiosities. “Lady Macrae?” He began putting down his glass and sat down next to her, “May I have your trust tonight? Will you allow me the privilege of touching you?”
            “Touch me.” She repeated. “Why?”
            She was 23. He couldn’t be addressing a virgin could he?” “As I said, I want to know more about you, get to know you better. I can’t do those things if you insist on trying to kill me when I come near you.”
            Macrae sighed slightly, “Is your intent with me here tonight intercourse, my lord?” She asked directly.
            “Umm. Perhaps.” He admitted, “Unless you don’t wish to, of course.” He hadn’t expected it to be so bluntly stated.
            Macrae smiled as she looked at him, how easily knocked off balance he was. “Of all the women in the entire world; you set your sights on bedding one who most men fear or hate. Is it because of the challenge it presents to you?” She questioned curiously.
            “No, of course not. I . . .” She was very blunt and managed to frustrate him with just a few words. “Do you truly not understand how beautiful you are Lady Macrae?” Was all he could say.
            “Yes I know. I know what men think of me, how they view me, the thoughts that I invoke in them, it has made my vocation much simpler on many occasions. But none of them knew me, or what I was. You do. Which is why I find this, your request, so strange.” She answered.
            “You’ve never been with a man simply for the pleasure of it?” Hal questioned.
            “The art of seduction is a powerful tool, and has always led to the same result in my life. A bed soaked red in blood by dawn.” She answered.
            “Never then.” He said coming to his own answer, “You’ve always mastered the seduction and never been seduced yourself. That’s beyond tragic my dear Lady.” He moved closer to her, “You’ve not been paid to end my life.” He suggested, “There is no reason for you to take my life. Am I correct?” Macrae hesitated a moment before giving a nod. “So I ask you then, to put your vocation aside, and spend this night with me, here in my chamber.” The prince reached out his hand offering it to her, “Allow me the privilege to touch you.”
            Macrae studied him for a moment looking at his hand before her eyes met again. “You play a very dangerous game, my lord.” Reaching up she unclasped her cloak removing it and putting it down on the table before she placed her hand in his.
            A small smile swept the princes face as he held her hand gently, having received her permission at last.
Cautiously
            Hal was prepared to go as slow as she needed, not wanting to rush her, or rush their time together. He rested his hands on her body gently running them over her curves, her arms, her back, her sides, her shoulders so she would become accustomed to the feel of his hands on her. Her shoulders were bare as it was the style of dress she wore and feeling the soft smooth warmth of her skin was enough to send a tremor of pleasure down her spine.
            Leaning down he kissed her shoulder tenderly, then her neck, then her jaw, and once more on her ear. Macrae closed her eyes enjoying the feel of his affections he lavished on her.
            Than the prince gently moved her to face away from him and began to unlace her dress. Macrae reached up and pulled the ties at the front loosening her bodice. After a few moments, Hal stood and took Macrae’s hands pulling her to her feet. Then he worked her dress the rest of the way off letting it fall to the floor. Leaving her wearing her undergarment. Macrae reached out and unbuttoned his tunic, slipping her fingers under the material and sliding it off over his shoulders, then began to pull the ties of his undershirt. Hal carefully caught her hands halting her movements as he drew her closer looking into her eyes. It was a strange range of emotions and feelings coursing through his body at once. Hal could see in her eyes that was she feeling no less. Slowly they leaned closer and kissed softly at first. Then they kissed again, then once more savoring the tenderness of the act. They paused a moment looking into each other’s eyes. This was something new that neither had experienced before and it was terrifying yet exciting. Breathing deeply, it seemed that both hesitant to continue.
            Hal decided to return to his endeavor of her clothing for the moment. He smiled a bit looking into her eyes taking her hand and starting to remove her glove. However he found himself facing a resistance that hadn’t been there since they had begun. “What’s wrong?” Macrae looked as though she was trying to decide if the evening had come to an end and she should go, but Hal wasn’t about to let this chance slip away. “If you rather they be left on, I am alright with that.” He offered.
            She was silent a moment before looking up at him. She made her choice and held up her hands removing each glove. Now he could see why she’d hidden them, they would draw anyone’s attention. From the tips of her forefingers ran symbols that wrapped down around her fingers, and hand to her wrists. Among the tattooed symbols were an array of scars from wounds she had received over the years. The placement and shapes of the scars were deliberate and were put there intentionally, although it was highly unlikely it was done by Macrae herself. She did not seem like the type to self harm.
            He inspected each one of her hands looking over her fingers. “What are these?” He asked never having seen something like this before.
            Macrae sighed, “Prayers for my sins.” She said starring at them. “For each life I took, penance had to be paid by the hands that took them. Some considered them badges of honor, completely missing the point of the lesson that was meant to be taught by receiving them.”
            Hal gently caressed her hands with his fingertips, “Do they hurt?” He questioned.
            “Not anymore. But these hands draw attention were it’s not wanted. Marks such as these are common to assassins who were trained by those who trained me.” Macrae sighed, “I understand the traditions behind these things that were done, and why. But it’s foolish when as a woman my methods involve the use of my body for seduction. Marks such as these repel, they do not attract.”
            “So that’s why you always wear gloves. To hide what was done to you.” Hal understood this part of her clothing now. He gently turned them over in his hands looking at them as he continued to stroke them. “I think they’re quite lovely.” Macrae looked up at him a bit surprised by this. “The feminine symbols and designs, your long slender fingers, . . . these hands glow with a unique beauty.”
            Macrae smiled looking into his eyes, “You are an odd one Prince Henry.” She admitted. Hal smiled as well releasing her hands and cupping her face before sliding his fingers through her soft hair. Then he pulled her into another deep longing kiss. She returned it as he drew her body against his holding her tight. She wrapped her arms around him a bit more comfortable in doing so now then she had been before.
            After a few more moments of kisses and caresses between them, the Prince reached down and swept her up into his arms, carrying her to his bed lying her down. He lay with her and kissed her again as his other hand traveled down the length of her body. However when he came to her hip and thigh, he could feel something hard beneath her chemise. He stopped looking down pulling the gown up to see what it was. Hal arched a brow seeing the amount of hardware she had strapped on her person with leather straps and iron buckles. “What on earth?”
            Macrae laughed and sat up, standing from the bed. Hal sat up watching her as she slipped from her chemise. Hal’s eyes went wide finding he’d only seen the tip of this iceberg. Weapons strapped to her arms, around her middle, each leg, under her arms in a leather harness. She began removing the weapons putting them aside. He couldn’t help but laugh as he watched her disarming. It was no wonder she was feared. When she began loosening the last piece, Hal caught her hand and pulled her back on the bed. Then he took over unbuckling the thigh straps finding something deliciously erotic about doing so. Finally he removed them and tossed it aside with her other things.
            “Is that everything or should we continue to search for other hidden hardware?” Macrae just laughed a little as she hadn’t so exposed herself in the presence of a man before. Hal rested his hand on her belly and leaned over her looking down into her eyes. She was absolutely lovely. After a moment they were engaged in a deep hungry kiss filled with longing and growing desire.
            The prince sat up removing his own clothing tossing it aside then removed the last small pieces of hers. Finally they lay naked together, and there was an indescribable sense of thrilling freedom in it. Their bodies writhed as they entangled with one another just enjoying the feel of skin to skin.
            Right now all Macrae was, was a beautiful and fascinating woman who he somehow had been granted the pleasure of entertaining. She was usually cut off from all those around her, removed herself from any situation where someone might get close in any way. It was possible that she was lonely having to live such a life and it was also possible she was drawn to Hal as he had been drawn to her. Hal wrapped his hand around her thigh and parted her knees so that he could lie between them. Laying over her he rocked his hips against hers settling in as they continued to feverishly devour each other’s hungry lips.
            He didn’t want to rush this, he wanted to take his time and savor each moment. Hal began to lavish kisses down her neck to her shoulder, their bodies still anxiously moving against each other. The Prince raised his head and gently turned her face towards his locking their gaze. Then he slowly and gently pushed himself deep inside her strong firm body. Macrae kept her eyes locked on his but her body still stayed stiff and tensed.
            He came to rest when he filled her completely and their gaze still didn’t break. Still she wasn’t relaxing. It occurred to Hal that it was pride and pure stubbornness; unwilling to surrender to another. He kissed her tenderly before leaning close to her ear. “Shh, it’s alright. Relax, you’re safe with me darling.” He reassured her. “Trust me.” He kissed her cheek, “Relax.” Hal found her lips and kissed her gently, “Relax.” He whispered into her ear, encouraging her as his hands moved over her shoulders and arms.
            Macrae was quiet, than took a breath and closing her eyes and at last he could feel her body soften around him as she consciously forced herself to relax. Hal smiled and continued to lavish kisses on her as he slowly began to move deep inside her quivering flesh. He cupped her head in his hands and studied her reactions with every deep stroke inside of her. Her breath deepened in her chest and he could feel her ample breasts against his chest. It was exhilarating to experience such sensations.
            Macrae was not idle, her body anxiously moved in time with Hal’s. Devouring every touch and each affection given anxiously returning them all in kind. The Prince had not expected this given the slow and every hesitant start of passion. She was incredibly talented and vigorous in her own right once she gave in and let herself trust him enough to relax. She was by no means a novice. It also didn’t take long to learn that she was not bound by church law when it came to sex. They would turn over each other in their passions and Hal would find her straddling him, riding his member hard and deep. His hands rested on her hips to guide her as he gasped for air, looking up at her beautiful body as she moved. The way the curls of her hair would bounce over her shoulders and down her back, the slight sheen of sweat to her skin that sparkled in the candlelight. She was strong, and her stamina was impressive.
            This went on for hours, nonstop. Exploring, caressing, touching, each and every part of each other’s bodies. From head to toe, not one inch was overlooked. It must have been nearly noon when the two lovers lay side by side, soaked wet from their vigorous activities. Hal could not express what he’d just experienced in words. Such deep pleasure, just profound bliss, such a peaceful deep calm after as they lie with each other. He just studied her face, the face of the sleeping angel who shared his bed. She was beautiful, graceful, unique, and he was drawn to her from the first moment he caught a glance of her. Perhaps now some of her defenses were broken down, they could spend some time together having shared such a glorious experience.
            The Prince reached up and gently smoothed her hair back from her face and smiled having a better view of her now. A murderess? A feared and deadly assassin? He could not see such things as he gazed at her now. What a strange and unfair life fate had cursed her with. To be alone, have no one to hold you in the darkness. No one to give you the affection you so desperately needed and craved. Hal could tell that she had been with men before. Such talent and skills in bed with the prowess she displayed must be learned, and she was an honor roll student. Not even Doll Tearsheet could claim to have such dexterity. But Macrae wasn’t a whore; although some would call her so as it was part of her job. Usually, the night wouldn’t end with coins on the table but sheets soaked with blood.
            Macrae took a breath and opened her eyes. The Prince grinned to see that she was awake. The young woman stretched her back before sitting up and reaching for her clothing. The smile that the prince had been wearing fled.
            “Where are you going?” Reaching over he caught her arm and pulled her back onto the bed. “There’s no need for you to go. You must stay.” He said disappointment in his voice. He was ready to ravage her again, how could he possibly let her leave?
            “I would think my lord has tired of me by now.” She said plainly picking up her chemise.
            “No.” Hal said taking the garment putting it aside. “Quite the opposite. I want to spend more time with you.” He admitted, “Is that so wrong?” He rested his hands on her shoulders rubbing them gently.
            Macrae turned and looked at him. He was being sincere which only made her more confused. He’d gotten what he wanted from her already. Hal could see her thoughts as plainly as if reading them in a book. The Prince sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist.
            “I’ve had a great deal of pleasure being in your company these past few days. It excites me just to be with you. This night . . . I haven’t the words to describe what we’ve shared together. I’m in no way anxious for it to end.” He explained. “Do you not feel the same?” He questioned reaching up and smoothing her hair back from her face before kissing her shoulder. “Have you not enjoyed my company as well?”
            Macrae was silent a moment before she took a breath, “I am not a woman, my lord.” She said finally, “You think of me as one but you shouldn’t.”
            “What?” The prince asked not understanding. She sighed and turned towards him.
            “I’m a warrior. A murderess. A killer. There is no other life for me, my lord. There is no room in it for another be it man or woman.” She stated plainly. Macrae was quiet for another moment, “Once I’ve finished your father’s business I’ll be gone and another will catch your eye.” The Prince could see in her eyes that she meant what she was saying, although it seemed she was berating herself at the same time for letting things get this far. She did feel something for him. He could see it.
            “Of course you are a woman.” He said seriously resting his hand on her thigh, “What sort of foolish nonsense is this? You are in need of companionship as I am, as any other leaving creature.”
            “I live my life alone. I need no one but myself to survive.” She said harshly in her defense. “Others simply complicate things, distract from the work.” She was quoting something that she had been told now. “I should never have come here tonight. It was a mistake.”
            She started to get up to leave but he pulled her back down on the bed lying over her. “Don’t say that. You don’t really believe that and it’s not true.” He said sternly looking down into her eyes, “Don’t be afraid Macrae, you have nothing to fear here, nothing to fear from me.” He promised, “I have no ambition beyond keeping your company. I swear this.”
            Macrae looked at him and gently rested her hand on his arm a moment. She was so very lovely, and she had been alone for a long time. “You must look elsewhere for your sport and pleasure, my lord. Here there is only death.”
            It was her last word on the matter before she slipped from the bed gathering her things and going into the next room to dress. Hal sighed and lay back down starring at the canopy of his bed.
To Be Continued . . . .
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Dangerous Games