The King's Bride. (Cr0ssy994 x LingeringDesire)

[Cr0ssy994]

Harick Galain, High King of Cyrene, sat in a large comfortable arm chair before a crackling fireplace in his private chambers. He sighed heavily as he sifted through several rolls of parchment, each written in the elegant handwriting of nobles. Noblemen who wished to offer him their daughters as his wife. With each letter came a small painting of said daughters. Each and everyone was beautiful, and Harik wondered just how many of these women were actually as beautiful as their paintings. Their was a slight tapping at the heavy oak door to his chambers.
"Come in." He said a deep voice, smooth voice as he adjusted his silk robes. His gold crown lay discarded on a small table next to his chair, with a half empty tankard of ale. His dark brown hair had started to grow long and unkempt, much like his dark beard, which was growing longer and scruffier. He hadn't looked after his appearance as much as he perhaps should have. Then again, he had no reason to till now.
"Welcome Sivas." He said as his First Advisor and oldest friend stepped into the room, quietly coding the door behind him. Harick gestured for him to sit in the other arm chair that sat opposite his, abled towards the fireplace.
"Perhaps you can help me, for I know nothing of women what to look for in one." He said as Sivas sat down. Sivas was the opposite of Harick. Where the King stood over six foot tall with broad shoulders and muscular arms, Sivas was a small, skinny man with a weasel-like face.
"I would snuggest you pick the one most pleasing to you." Sivas began in a slow, high pitched voice. How he and Harick became friends is remarkable, given their differences. "She will have two main purposes. Raising your children and acting as a symbol for the people."
Sivas continued to talk but Harick barely listened. He had noticed a small, simple painting of a woman. A farmers daughter, barely a drop of noble blood in her veins. There was something about her that called out to him, that told him she was the most beautiful of all these women.
"She'll be my wife." Harick said, cutting Sivas off mid sentence. "Make it happen." He said handing the painting to Sivas.

A month later and the wedding had been arranged. In return for his daughter, the womans father would be granted estates and titles in the farmlands to the south. But bad tidings soon reached the castle.
"Stenvar would rather face war than bend their knee to you, My King." Reported Coddin, the captain of the city watch and advisor when it came to the army. He had been advisor to Harick's father, one of the few men who retain their role after Harick's ascension. He continued on. "Their army is strong on the attack, due to their cavalry, but their defences are weak. We could have their capital within a year." He continued.
"Then war it is." Harick said grimly. In truth he had been getting bored in his castle and looked forward to leaving, to the coming battles.
"But you're to be married in a few short months." Sivas piped up. "Surely your men can cope without you."
"Do not argue with me on this, Sivas. I will march with them for now and be back in time for the wedding. And indeed he was, returning early on the morning of the day itself.
He climbed the steps to his dreary, imposing castle, which loomed over the city of Cyrene. The stench of battle and death hung around Harick as he pushed open the large heavy doors to his throne room. His hair and beard had grown even longer, despite his attempts to cut it. Mud clung to them and blood stained his clothes, along with the rust on his armour. As he staggered into the castle he was greeted by Sivas and several maids who began to strip off his armour and carry it away.
"My god you stink!" Sivas said, flashing him a smile, before turning serious. "She's here and nearly ready, so there's not time to clean you up properly, although we do have some finery for you." He explained as he was led to his chambers.
"Good." He grunted, many of his manners worn away by the months at war. Part of him felt numb from the constant battle, while another felt nervous. He had never felt like this before, nervous about a woman. He had laid with many a woman before but he had never had any bond or commitment to them, and now he was about to marry one.
The maids stripped off his clothes and dressed him in a black silk doublet and black trousers. He kept on his thick leather boots and belted his sword to his waist. He was reluctant to go anywhere without it.
And so he strode the dark corridors, drawing ever closer to his soon to be wife, a pit of nervousness growing in his stomach. He reached the chapel doors and pouched it down, putting on a calm, cold demeanour before pushing the doors open. There was a small gathering and by the alter stood a priest and his wife, dressed in the most elegant white dress he'd ever seen, with a thick veil that obscured her face. He walked slowly down the aisle, his left hand resting on the pommel of his sword.
When he reached her the ceremony began and before he knew it, it was time to kiss the bride. He reached out slowly, and lifted her veil, revealing the beauty beneath.

 

[LingeringDesire]

Endolynn Herrick meandered through the dark halls, trailing the page and a house maid. She'd only been in the kingdom for under an hour and already she was lost. What she saw of Cyrene's castle was beautiful, but that was all in pale moonlight as she traveled to arrive before dawn. Today she was to be married. The king was in need of a queen and she fit the bill. Sweet of demeanor, meek of temperament, wide of hip, heavy of bust and young enough to produce an heir.

Her heart thundered behind her breast, it was unnerving that because of a weak willed father and heavy handed grandfather that she was here. Her eldest brother would take over the farm and this marriage would only further their lines of defense. A political move and not a love match. In fact, she hadn't even met her husband to be, too busy to even meet her carriage at sunrise. "Indisposed..." She muttered.

The male gave her a look, but basically ignored her for their walk. The maid opened the door and stood at the entrance, "Your chambers Milady, your things arrived yesterday. I do hope you will find everything to your liking." The woman curtsied.

Peeking inside Endolynn saw a group of women bustling about preparing things for her... for her wedding... for the death of what she desired. "Thank you." She moved beyond the woman and into the fray. This wasn't the life she had chosen and laid out for herself. Four and twenty years lay behind her, she was beyond the proper age for marriage, yet the king wanted her still. Planning on living out her days alone and in the comfort of her fathers home and on the land from which she was born. Now, this.

Sighing she waited as the maids stripped her bare. The next few hours disappeared in a flurry of activities. Frills, pearls, lace, satin, velvet, powders, cream and an elaborate crown. The crown was beautiful, fit for a queen, something which she would be within the next few hours. It caused her heart to race, it was too much responsibility and she wasn't sure she could handle it. However, with everything in place she stared at her reflection. Not believing her destiny.

The little she'd heard about her intended were horrible. He was demanding, spoilt, and cruel, or so the rumors came down her way. In her tiny corner of the world he was spoke about in an ill manner. She despised her position, missed her former freedom. The walk to the chapel felt like a walk to the gallows, heavy heart and steps carrying her closer to the young man that would now, and until she died, be her king and husband. She wanted to escape back to the farm she loved. Hands deep in the soil, she knew she'd never feel that free here in the castle.

She stood waiting for a bit until the doors creaked open , all heads turned and there was shuffling as people bowed. boot steps thundered on the stones and the ceremony began. Words were spoken, repeated, and listened to. The thick veil blocking out everything except blurry shadows, one of which was her husband. Standing beside the male she remained firm, unwavering in her stance. She didn't plan on passing out, unlike most others in her shoes. Turning she grasped at his hand, this was the moment. Closing her eyes she felt the sunlight dance over her face. Slightly olive toned skin was revealed, full lips on an angular face, strong jaw line and dimples revealed as she gave a soft smile. Her dark brown eyes fluttered open, wide and causing her to appear younger than she was.

Endolynn stared up at him. The smell hitting her hard and causing her eyes to water. Blinking she noticed she HAD to tilt her head a bit to look him in the eye, so he was more than a few inches taller than her. His beard was shaggy and long, and from her vantage point she swore there were bits of food and , was that mud, in it. His eyes sparkled like emeralds, despite his appearance he appeared fit. Overall she was satisfied. But the smell was appalling.

Remembering what the priest said she lifted from her spot and onto her toes so her lips could brush his in a slight kiss. That seemed to be enough and the crowd went into a frenzy. Her father stood by and wiped tears from his eyes. Endolynn was still quite angry, but seeing the depth of emotion on her father's face, ran to him and gave him a grand hug. It was a moment and she was being ushered down the aisle at her husband's side and out to the steps where the community waited to see their queen.

She pushed her arm along his and held on as they strode. Her free hand holding her dress as his steps were quick and she didn't wish to trip and fall. Horses stood at the ready, both solid white with gray muzzles. She was lifted by knights to one and the king sat astride the other. Silently they wound their way through the kingdom and to the castle where the party commenced in the grand ballroom. The female was helped down and escorted in by her husband, though she felt like he didn't even know she was there.

The room was decorated with thousands of flowers, cloth streamers and banners with her family crest upon it. Her uncle had been a knight until his death so she'd seen it a time or two. The smell of the lovely food hit her nose, over the smell of her husband, and caused her stomach to rumble. "It looks so lovely my king, thank you." She whispered as they were shown to the raised dais that held their seats, steins of ale and plates of food came next, Endolynn was overwhelmed.

 

[Cr0ssy994]

Harick simply grunted in response as he sat on his seat. Months of war had eroded at his manners and he had all but forgotten the woman he had chosen to take as his wife, and the beauty that had compelled him to do so. He had barely registered her beauty as he lifted the veil, and made minimal effort as she tiptoed to kiss him. His feelings had been pushed down and he remained in the frame of mind of a warrior, thinking in strategies and of his men, dying in a foreign land.
"No need to thank me, I didn't organise this." He stated bluntly, his voice deep and rough from shouting and bellowing on the battlefield. It was true, he hadn't organised any of it. That had been left to Sivas in the absence of the king. In fact, Harick had been bewildered by the way he had been rushed away, and at the decorations and frivolities in the ballroom. He hadn't realised there was a room in his bleak and dull castle that looked so cheery. In any other mood he would have appreciated it, but now he was distant, paying it no more attention.
As the even drew on Harick ate and drank his share of the food and ale, sampling foods that tasted strange and foreign after so long living on military rations. He relished in the food, making little conversation with his new wife. When everyone was done eating the people called for the couples first dance. Harick refused at first, but the people insisted, seeming to forget about his temper for which he was know. He reluctantly stood, taking his wife's hand and leading her to the space cleared for their dance. Harick danced awkwardly. He had never been one for dancing. He could never quite grasp it and didn't see the point, so, without out a clue as for what to do, he just settled for trying not to stand on Endolynn's feet. As they dance they were accompanied by slow, elegant music from various harps, violins and flutes. When the people were satisfied everyone began to dance, the music becoming much more lively as Harick withdrew to the edge of the room, watching his new wife. He didn't know how to feel about her. How should he treat her? He though about this and more until he stood upon the dias to make a speech.
"I thank you all for your contribution, however I am starting to tire and would like to retire to my chambers with my new wife." He called out among the ballroom, which had grown quiet, with slow music and dancing. "You there, I'd like towels and a bowl of hot water sent to my room so I can wash." He said pointing at a serving girl. And with that he left, taking his wife with him. They walked the cold corridors in silence, apart from the King pointing out important rooms to his Queen in a very matter of fact way. They arrived at his chambers when the king realised they were no longer his, but theirs. It was things like that that he would have to get used to. He pushed the double doors open and walked in, leaving Endolynn to heave them shut. The fire place had been lit and now emanated warmth into the room.
"I'm sure you must be tired," Harick began, gesturing to the large bed. "So get some rest. Tomorrow you'll pick out your handmaiden and any other servants you require, among other duties befit a Queen ." There was simply no emotion in his voice as he made his way to the bowl of hot water and began to wash his face. He had no intention of getting to know his wife or bedding her tonight, or any time soon. He simply had no appetite for sex. Instead he stripped off and washed himself quickly, showing the hair that grew on his chest and the various scars he had gained over the course of the twenty six years of his life. After washing he climbed into the large bed and was deeply asleep in a matter of minutes.

 

[LingeringDesire]

Endolynn blinked at her husband, his bluntness was bruising. What kind of man wouldn't take the reins and at least take her words in kind, and try to please his wife? She sat beside him, silent. When he did speak to her, she returned his word with small words of her own. Tailoring her conversation was different and she wasn't used to the self censoring. Wishing for more attention, it was a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach.

The call for their first dance made her stomach drop. Even more so when her husband outright refused. Very near tears the woman silently prayed that his mind would be changed. "Please, If not for me... then for them, please Harick." her voice was soft and the tears clinging to her thick lashes were very real. Though it seemed to do the trick, the people cheering him on. they took the floor, her hand trembling in his as she lifted her skirts.

It was awkward, the music swelling and them barely moving. He held her at arms length when she wished to be pulled close to him and moved about with sure, confident steps. It was slowly breaking her heart. But perhaps he didn't know how, this thought filled her and se calmed a bit. Following his lead around the dance floor, her eyes sparkling up at him, though he barely glanced down at her. When more joined them, he ducked out leaving her on the arm of another gentleman.

The captain of his guard floated her along the dance floor as she laughed and moved easily to the music in his arms. The solid clanking of metal brought everything to a halt as the king stood and spoke. Her mind raced, their chambers... already. She was taken away, his cold hands grasping her arm and nearly dragging her out. Her heart was speeding along in her chest, he would take her and make her his tonight. No longer would her body be her own.

Excitement and apprehension filled her, but somewhere deep in her soul she knew she wasn't wanted, truly wanted by his actions. The rooms passed, her barely listening to his words of what they were and already she was lost when they arrived at their chambers. These were the same she dressed in earlier, he walked in, dropping her arm and leaving her to pull the large chamber doors shut. Thankfully the guards following them pulled them closed for her as she smiled and entered their shared chambers.

She blinked at his back as he spoke, yes she was tired, having been up early to travel and then all the days events. His voice was cold and emotionless as he moved to the bowl and began washing. Her eyes lingered on her husband, the strong form stripping and undressing before her as though she had seen him a million times before. Staring at him, she began undressing herself slowly. He may have been an uncaring man but he was lovely, quite lovely to gaze upon.

Her own body was exposed to the flames in the fireplace, the warmth embracing her more than her husband ever would. The things she was able to remove were her outer dress and her many slips, the corset and under dress were much too tight about her form. Endolynn watched him climb into bed naked, and thought he would offer some assistance, what a fool she was. She moved onto the bed to ask for help she found him sound asleep. pulling on her robe she moved to the door and asked for the guard to secure her a maiden for the night.

An older woman entered the chamber a few moments later, Endolynn was sitting before the fire in tears. Saying nothing she stood and the woman stripped her bare. Embarrassed that word would spread of how the king wouldn't even bed her she simply closed her eyes. Such a disgrace and she assumed because of her lineage he'd not bed her anytime soon, save for when the advisors called for an heir. It would be a miserable life by his side.

After she was undressed, the woman left. Endolynn brushed her hair and slipped into be, her night dress was warm and offered warmth, where her husband curled onto his side of the bed and offered none. She fell asleep with tears running the course of her cheeks. How could he marry her, then not bed her. Was he as forced into this as she, why didn't he want her? In her sleep she curled against her husband, as though begging him to want and love her, desperation in her every sleeping action.

 

[Cr0ssy994]

When Harick awoke the first thing he felt was the warmth coming from the woman who lay next to him. Endolynn, his Queen. At some point in his sleep he had wrapped her up in his arms, cradling her gently. He adjusted and slipped from the bed as gently as he could without waking her. He took a moment to look at her, with a few rays of sunlight creeping over her sleeping form. He noticed the tear stains on her cheek, realising how he had treated her. He felt a pang of guilt as he moved away and dressed in a dark red doublet, black trousers and sturdy boots. He belted his sword once again to his waist. Before leaving he stopped at a small desk, dipping a simple quill into a pot of ink to write a quick a note, which read:

Endolynn, My dear Wife and Queen,
I must apologise for my cold nature when we first met. There is no excuse for how I treated you and would like to make amends. I will send a maid to tend to you and help you to get settled. Then, come midday, I would very much like it if you were to meet me in the throne room, so that we may eat lunch together and become more acquainted.​

Harick Left the letter at the, leaving it on the small table beside the bed, giving Endolynn a kiss on her forehead before leaving the room.The morning was rather dull as he went about his daily duties, hearing petitions and signing whatever documents required his attention. All the while he did so with at least a half smile on his face. His thoughts were turned towards Endolynn. He had yet to sit down and speak with her, but he felt like they would get along just fine. The servants and castle staff noticed the change in his personality, and began to whisper and talk of him, and the effect of his wife. Then the afternoon drew closer, along with the days excitement.
Several towns and villages in the mountains to the East had grouped together in a protest to the King. They wished to separate from the kingdom of Cyrene, and had chosen a leader who had come to the castle to talk with the King and negotiate terms. He was a tall man, who stood before the throne delivering his terms, but not as muscular as Harick. He had dark hair and wore simple, thick clothes, lined with animal furs.
“How would you protect yourself?” The king asked, cutting him off suddenly. The king’s mood had changed drastically over the course of the negotiating. He had returned to his cold, calculating mood, to the mindset of a tyrant.
“You would be a small backwater country, with no army or means of protection. I would not risk my army for a group of traitors.” Harick growled, his voice a fierce snarl as he stood and approached the man, who looked anxious. “No, I reject your terms, you and your people will remain a part of Cyrene, under my protection, for which you pay for with my takes.” The leader of the eastern people opened his mouth to protest, but Harick’s hand was already on his sword and slashing brutally, separating the mans head from his body.
“Go back home.” Harick bellowed to the men and women who had accompanied their leader, and now stood cowering before the king. “Tell your people that they remain a part of Cyrene, and over my dead body will it ever change.” The king sheathed his sword as his subjects fled and the body was dragged away, stopping when his eyes found Endolynn, stood at one of the doors to his throne room.

 

[LingeringDesire]

She had awoke only once and was surprised to find herself pressed fully against her bare husband. His large form held her to him gently, large muscular arms wrapped about her smaller form. Something within her softened slightly. Perhaps he was just tired and over extended, worried about his kingdom and hoping he was making the correct decision. She fell right back to sleep snuggled into his broad chest.

It was hours later when she woke alone. Arms reaching and groping along the bed to find him. Had he really left her there? One eye opened as she glanced about, yes...he had. She bit her lip and fell back to the bed, her tears renewing. A soft clearing of a throat let her know she wasn't alone.

"Your highness... His Majesty sent me, he said there is a letter..." It was the older woman from the night before.

Endolynn looked up at her, her fingers drying her eyes and down her cheeks, hoping and praying the woman did not see it. She looked to where the woman pointed, the bedside table. Upon the surface there was a single piece of parchment. Her finger shook as she reached for the paper. His sturdy script across the page. Eyes scanning and reading. Her heart sped up and her throat went dry.

Smiling widely she sat up and removed the blankets from her body and slid out of bed. Her gown swirled around her feet. The bad feelings of the day before were gone, now was only a lighthearted girl that wanted the attention of her husband. She could make this work, she could, she told herself. The woman had a bath drawn for her, she soaked in the hot water while the woman changed the linens, though there was really no need.

After her bath she ate breakfast while the woman opened the curtains, stoked the fire and picked out several options for the queens clothing. The meat pastries were delicious and the fruit they were served with was divine, a sweet tea washed both down. She watched the woman work, it was so different not to help or lift a finger.

"The purple one, please Penelope." She stated looking at the choices the woman had pulled together for her. The color would compliment her skin and make her eyes pop. Her dimples showed as she glanced at herself in the mirror, her plump lips parting and showing bright white teeth. After she was dressed, she begged the woman to take her out into the garden. Sure, it was autumn but in the spring her king would find her here, elbow deep in dirt.

As the bells tolled the noontime hour she had the maid point her in the direction of the throne room. A loud discussion was heard as she climbed the stairs to the correct room. She recognized his deep booming voice but the rage she heard scared her. Her small fingers grasped the wooden doorframe and she stood just outside it watching him and another man negotiate, heatedly. His eyes were dark and dangerous as he approached the man, telling him that the terms were rejected.

It was a split second later and her hands were lifted to cover her screaming mouth. Brown eyes wide, she felt sick to her stomach. He'd killed a man simply for disagreeing with his ways and asking permission to break off, instead of just doing it. The people ran past her, fear painted on their every feature. Her hand was still clasped to her mouth when their eyes met.

She'd seen animals slaughtered living on a farm her whole life, but never a human. She entered the room, her hand falling to her side. "I got your letter... however, if now is not a good time I understand." She wasn't sure what else to say, his affairs were not her own and she knew she had little say in how he acted and what he did. Frankly she was surprised he even knew her name.

 

[Cr0ssy994]

The first thing Harick noticed was the look in her eyes. Fear, soon followed by judgement. She saw him as a monster, just like the rest of his kingdom. His initial reaction was to close up, to hide all emotion and send her away. Then he remembered the letter he wrote that morning and his good intentions at the time. Oh how things had changed in a few short hours. He forced himself to smile as he walked over to her and took her hands, placing a light kiss on them. He may be in the most bitter and horrible mood now, but he hoped she would change that. The look of fear alone was enough to make him feel bad deep down somewhere. He knew that he was evil and possessed perhaps the blackest of hearts, but he'd be damned if his own wife feared and rejected him.
"Not at all my Queen," He said rather formally, his voice no longer as rough and angry as the previous day. "My business here is done, if you'd like to accompany me to lunch." He took one of her hands, which seemed tiny in his, and led her down the various corridors of his castle. He made idle small talk as they went, pointing out various rooms and explaining some of the history of the castle. It was much better than when he walked with her the previous night.
They finally reached a solid oak door and the King fished around in a pocket for a small iron key, which he used to unlock the door, before gesturing for Endolynn to step inside. The door led to a large courtyard, filled with trees, plants and flowers of all kinds. It was the Queens Garden. It had been unused since Harick's mother passed away, and when he took the throne he saw to it that it was tended to. Despite it being the middle of autumn the flowers and trees bloomed, filling the courtyard with vibrant colours and smells, accompanied by the sweet sound of birdsong. As they stepped into the garden the sun itself seemed to fight through the clouds and add to the beauty before them. Sat in the centre of the room was a small circular table and two comfortable looking chairs. On the table sat a small basket containing various food, fruits and a small bottle of wine.
"The garden used to be my mothers," Harick explained in a quiet voice. Just being in the room put his mind at ease and made his mood better. It was all he had of his mother and it was where he often went to clear his head. "the people say she used magic on it, for the flowers never seem to wilt, even during winter. Your father told me you like gardening, so I thought it would make a fitting present." He smiled at her as he handed her the key and lead her to the table.

 

[LingeringDesire]

Endolynn trembled as his hands took hers, she was scared. What would happen if she said the wrong thing or questioned him in the wrong way? Her eyes fell to the puddle of blood at their side. She could only nod, his anger seemed to have vanished the moment he caught sight of her, perhaps she would need to be a more present fixture. Maybe this would save his people from his tyrannical and angered ways. "Lunch would be grand, my king." She said softly as he guided her by the hand away from this room and onto the next.

His facts and information was well received, with her asking questions or making soft comments about various artifacts or decor they passed. She attempted to be well versed in many things though her simple upbringing led much to be discovered. The man guiding her seemed to be very different from the annoyed and angry one of last night and this morning. he hadn't taken her as a man should, was he unable to, or was it simply for the fact that he didn't want her. Both thoughts broke her heart, she wanted children and would settle to bear him his, even without love being involved.

Silently they approached a door, he fished for a key and once unlocked was ushered forth. Endolynn spun, eyes darting to and fro about the grand piece of earth. her lips were parted into a wide smile before she stopped before him, her eyes falling to the table. he had this planned, curiously she turned to him as he spoke. His words made sense and filled her heart with hope. Perhaps there could be something more than a meeting of bodies, perhaps their hearts could join as well.

His sure steps led them to the table and she stood, silently looking down on the small iron key. Already a long chain was hooked to it. "Thank you... no one has ever given me something so... lovely." She glanced at the table and felt as though her husband was attempting to court her. It was a lovely thing, lifting up on her tip toes she pressed her lips to the rounded cheek of her husband, after she encouraged him to tilt her way. His beard tickled her soft skin, she blushed slightly at the thought of how tonight might be different from the last one.