A courtly affair (Monty Biggs and blackredrose)

[Monty Biggs]

It had been a hot, muggy day in the realm, and I was tired. I sat in my room, in my sturdy ivory wood chair, a gift to me from a nearby kingdom for my coronation five years earlier. I looked at my empty bed and thought of my wife. Mellisandre had been taken captive and executed shortly after my coronation. A reminder to me of who was in charge of my realm.

House Littlewood was a barbaric group of sociopaths who dared to call themselves royalty, occupying Beorstead about a hundred miles over. They had conquered my kingdom years earlier and killed my father for the same reason that they killed Melisandre years later. I looked at the single candle which lit my room and shook my head. Such a shame that we lived in a world where so few understood the true nature of power and humanity.

At the time of course, I was thinking of the nasty nature of power and its grasp on the human spirit. However there were other needs I needed filled as well after Melisandre died. My favourite was the tavern owners wife, but that had only happened once. I dared not go near her again, she was too well-loved by the townspeople, and she did not agree with my plans for rebellion. Open knowledge of our affair would not play well with the already chaotic state of the realm.

I stood and disrobed, my broad shoulders and fair blonde hair illuminated by the candlelight. I proceeded to lay down on my bed, and my last thought before I drifted away on top of the bearskin covers was of the long brown haired maiden sir Horace had told me of. Such an innocent young women surely, who had not the slightest idea of the mental battles her ruler and other rulers faced daily which was so taxing. She would do well here none the less after she arrived tomorrow morning, so long as she remembered her place.

 

[blackredrose11]

I sat in a small carriage sighing wondering how until we would reach the castle. Sitting nervously trying to figure out why me, of all the young woman in the village. Why did I have be choosen, though of working for the king was a honor it scared me.

The realm was full of dangerand young maidens weren't allowed to go anywhere without an escort. Her village was small and her family poor. She had seven siblings 4 boys, three girls, she was the second oldest and help her family when possible most do odd jobs around the village. Then her father die in the war and her mother had to work more with the help of the three oldest the family didnt strave.

I was suddenly told by my mother, that I was choosen to work for the king. I couldn't tell my mother that I didn't want to work for him. Being a young maiden I was scared as what was going to be my job but my family need money and I didn't want them to starve I pack what little belonging I had and went into the carriage they sent for me.

As morning came the carriage stop finally the door open and hand was held out I grab it a slowly climb down from the carriage. Stood as someone when tk let the king know I was here.

 

[Monty Biggs]

I was awoken by my steward, who informed me that the maid had arrived. I nodded to him, signaling for him to leave, and donned my brown bearskin cloak, which matched the skin on my bed. As I descended the stairs I could hear the usual clamour of subjects in the great hall, surely waiting to complain about this or that while I would nod my head thoughtfully on my great throne. However with the recent escalation of conflict I had more urgent business to attend to.

I entered the war room, and observed the grim look on everyones faces. They looked to me expectantly, and I beckoned for them to sit. As I looked around the room, I saw sir Horace staring at me expectantly. Of course! The maid! I ordered my steward over, and whispered into his ear to seat her in the great Hall. I tried to picture what her face might have looked like, but captain of the guard Richard spoke and broke my train of thought. We had a war to prepare for unfortunately. The poor woman would have to wait until that afternoon. I grimaced, and put the thought out of my head, focusing on the mountainous task at hand.

 

[blackredrose11]

I stand in front of the the king home; not allow entree without his approval which is the rule in most realms but unfortunately I'm could afford a proper bearskin, I had to wear plain not warm travel coat. I waited patience as people stopped to looked at me, on the street I wasn't what people expected I have long brown hair that is soft to the touch with unusual green eyes, my skin slightly tan from working outside.

After what seem like two hours a man came out and lend me to the great hall wear I was to wait for the king, not offer a chair I assume I had remain standing. I was give a wide birth every time I walk some where in the hall whispers floated around as to why I was here. I didn't know and it seems like know want to ask me. I wanted to go home and be around people I knew but I was brought here by order of the king not knowing why and now have rumours spread as to why I was here. I stood in the corner and waited for the king ignoring the stares I was getting wanting someone to explain to me desperately but too afraid to speak.

 

[Monty Biggs]

At nightfall, I finally get around to introducing myself to you. I spot you instantly when I enter the great hall, an extremely young women, no older than 18. You have long, thick, brown hair, and striking green eyes. I approach you briskly, and as you look up at me I say "good evening, madam". I bend down and take your hand, kissing it. Your skin is soft, and I look you in the eye as I say "I apologise for keeping you waiting. Please, come with me. I shall explain everything" as I reach out my hand .

 

[blackredrose11]

I watch you walk toward me admiring your broad shoulders and fair blonde hair, curtsey gracefully at you. "No need to apologize your Majesty, your the king, you could have wait until morning to greet me and no one would have said anything." I tell you softly. "I would like to know why I am here. Sire." Whisper to myself and take your arm.

 

[Monty Biggs]

"In good time, dear maiden" I say to you. "Come with me. We shall take a tour of the castle." I take you gracefully across the hall, and although there are questioning looks most admire us as I lead you out of the hall. I show you nearly every room in the castle, excluding the dungeon, and the elegant structure clearly boasts power and fanciful taste. Few people are to be found due to the late hour, but upon our arrival at the guards quarters we find two men jousting.

I lead you to a bench of stone, with an embroidered quilt draped on top of it. " Please, sit". As I say this, an audible grunt is heard. One of the men has been disarmed, and the other looks over to see us, smiling when he realizes his victory has been witnessed by the king. The two men put up their swords, and start towards us.

"My king", says the victorious guard, as both men kneel, their heavy armour clanging against the floor. The two men look up, and their youthful faces can be seen looking up at me. Their eyes then glance over to you briefly in curiosity, before both men look down. "Do not let me interrupt you gentlemen" I state as I motion them to rise. "Please, continue. We shall observe your progress."

The young men steal a quick second glance at you, before going back to the weapons rack and retrieving their stubbed swords. They return to the jousting circle, and the swords clang loudly as I look at you with a grin. "They are always fascinating to watch when they are young. I personally prefer the bow, but such skill is needed with the blade." After taking in your expression, my eyes return to the joust. I reveal no indications of what you are doing here. Years of experience have made me incredibly difficult to read, and you cannot tell whether I am toying with you or am doing something else.

 

[blackredrose11]

I walk with you in awe of the castle; why does do the rich need so many rooms I think to myself. As a maiden shy of my 19 birthday, I didn't like being center of attention and on the king arm, I felt like I'm display and it made me uneasy. I watch as the men jousted siting down on the bench as asked still watching the men fight. I not understanding why jousting is a favourite sport among the rich.

I blush as they glace at me not use to men looking at me with interested. I look at you and smile, "I know how to wield a dagger and I am skill with a bow as the men in the village tell them. Though I'm uncertain they actually meant it." Still confused on why I was brought here but keep it to myself, not wanting to ruin your night with my questions.

 

[Monty Biggs]

I can detect the unease in you, how nervous and uncertain you are about the reason for you being here. "Well done gentlemen", I say to the two guards. They catch the hint and quit their jousting, putting up their weapons and leaving the premises. I stand, and walk over to a stone pillar next to a window, looking outside.

"You have been summoned here, dear maiden, because I require assistance during such hard times as these." My tone seems hesitant, and I sigh audibly. "Ever since I lost Melisandre, my wife, I have vowed revenge on House Littlewood. But this is not just a strategic maneuvering point as my critics like to claim. With Melisandre I lost both a friend and a lover. I have carried on stronger than before her death, but I have found more and more that I focus on the great many problems I face since I have no one who can relieve my stress. I talked with a dear friend to help me rationalize the situation, and she stated that I needed someone to take Melisandre's place. I need someone who can help distract me from the fact that I am being forced to send boys to fight a man's war because there are no men left."

I turn to you, a willful look in my eye, and start pacing the floor. "I need someone who is beautiful but understanding of her place, and most importantly someone who will never betray my trust. It is a daunting task. And after hearing of you from a friend, I knew I needed you." I stop pacing and turn to you with a powerful gaze, my blue eyes staring into yours.

"You have the choice of whether you shall accept this position" I say as I step towards you. I lift your chin up so you are once again looking into my eyes, and I remind you "This is no easy task, my lady."

 

[blackredrose11]

"You want me to be your friend, lover and listen to your fears and worries. I am a maiden mi'lord you want me to your mistress, I may be a maiden from a small village but I don't want to be a pretty thing on your arm. I understand my place but as a maiden not as a mistress, I will not betray my king trust." I look you with my green eyes staring into yours.

"I want to accepted, Sire but I was taught to wait until I was a wife before laying with a man. " I say looking at you answering truthful.

 

[Monty Biggs]

I chuckle, but after recognizing the sincerity in your voice I frown. "It's not that simple unfortunately" I say as I remove my hand from your chin. "Our kingdom is in a fragile state currently, and for me to wed a woman from a background such as yours with no bearing would be political suicide. Most do not expect me to rewed at all after Melisandre's death, and those who do surely desire for me to secure a diplomatic alliance to secure our borders by marrying a princess from a neighboring realm."

I start pacing again, looking down, and then pause. "There is one way which I suppose it could occur. Your beauty gives you great benefits, and they could be used to your advantage..." I look at you as I trail off, my expression giving away seemingly fewer hints than before.

 

[blackredrose11]

"Majesty I realize your kingdom is not it the place you want it to be. I understand your position as king to marry for diplomatic alliance, I will be happy to be a friend but I will not be your mistress, please respect me being a maiden. I hope that beauty isn't all you see when you see me. I taught beauty wasn't something to be proud of, being a hardworking and good listen is more valuable.'

I look at you trying to figure out what you mean by using my beauty to my advantage. I walk away slowing looking out the window.