Chapter 14

Northumbria

Days went by. Abigale was in no better place. To avoid shame about her unwed pregnancy, Oswald arranged for a man named Samuel to pretend to be her husband. Every morning was brutal without Oswald. She did not love Samuel. Thankfully, he was not interested in her sexually. He had a secret lover. But was not allowed to be open about his relationship.

Abigale wandered the castle grounds aimlessly. She didn’t know that there was someone interested in her dilemma. The person watched her as she sat in the garden crying. Liam had just finished a walk when he saw her as he headed back to the castle. She held a knife to her wrist.

He hurried over to her, “Don’t,” Liam said.

She trembled. He reached for the knife. He tossed it far away. He helped her stand; he handed her a cloth to dry her tears, “Why?” he asked with concern.

“I thought I could do this, but—”

“Stop. You are carrying my brother’s child.”

“A bastard that he won’t ever be able to recognize.”

“He or she is still a person. You and Oswald knew this situation wasn’t going to be easy. But you are safe here in the castle.”

A light shined within her, “You’re right. I am carrying Oswald’s child. I have his heart. That is something she will never have.” She hugged Liam and then pranced away.

London, England

The windows at the estate were grand. Light poured through. The outside was like a painting of beautiful flowers and trees. Oswald lay sleeping. Winfred snuggled close and showered kisses on his shoulders. He hummed as his eyes fluttered open. He turned to see her eyes fast on him. He knew what time it was. Since the consummation, Winfred has been exceptionally passionate.

He rolled to his back and waited for her to mount. Her hair hung to the right side. He gripped her breasts as she worked her hips. Her sweet moans filled the room. Her eyes rolled, “Ahhhh,” she gasped as it hit.

He flipped her and stroked rapidly. His lips touched hers. He grunted. She smiled. He smiled.

After making love that morning, they went for a carriage ride. They took in the sights. They stopped at a church and enjoyed a good word from the bishop.

On the way back to the carriage, Oswald picked a rose and gave it to her. She brought it to her nose. The smell was divine. The driver helped them into the carriage. As they rode back, she rested her head on his shoulder.

Northumbria

Liam was in his room. He was just about to sit down to write when the door opened. It was his father.

King Oswald smiled, “Son, I have some important business for you.”

He stared at his father, “What business is this?”

His father handed him a letter, “You are headed to the Aisle of Man as an ambassador.”

Liam smiled as he took the letter, “I would be honored. When do I leave?”

“As soon as possible.” He patted his son’s back and left. The door closed. Liam opened the letter and inside was another letter from his brother.

The letter from his father was his orders to visit the Isle of Man. The other from his brother read, “Dearest brother, if you’re reading this, it’s because father has taken my advice to send you off to the Isle of Man to become a man.

After you meet with the Duke, you will meet with a woman named Fiona. She will teach you all you need to know.”

Liam’s heart raced. He was excited and nervous. He expressed to his brother how he wanted to be able to please a woman. He didn’t want to fumble around when the moment arrived. He wanted to be prepared for his green-eyed beauty.

He hurried to pack his things for the journey. Once his things were ready, he grabbed his bags and left his room. Two servants met him in the hall and took his things. His mother approached him; she touched his face, “Take care, son.”

“I will, Mother. I’ll be back before you notice I’m gone.”

She chuckled, “A mother always notices when her children are gone.”

He kissed her cheek and headed out. When he stepped outside, he saw the carriage ready. Four men would accompany him. They were ready to leave when Lady Darleen hurried to Liam, “Your mother said that you were leaving.”

“Not forever,” he joked.

She smiled, “It’s just. Winfred and Oswald are still on honeymoon. With you away, I’ll be terribly bored. I was wondering if—”

The men chuckled as they watched her try to get invited on their trip. Liam sighed, “Unfortunately, this trip is official business. Besides, I’m sure a lady with skills such as yours will find ways to entertain herself.”

He got into the carriage. The men mounted their horses. The driver snapped the reigns. The horse trotted. Liam waved.

Darleen was left. She was scared. She had not seen the awful visions since they left the Inn. She hoped they would not return.

Isle of Man

The ship arrived. The men left the boat. Servants carried their things off. They were greeted by a representative of Lord Sheamus. He was tall and lanky. He bowed to Prince Liam, “Lord Sheamus welcomes you to the Isle of Man. I am Lord Ronin.”

Liam shook his hand, “Thank you so much for the invitation. My father King Oswald, and my mother, Queen Margret, send their blessings.”

He smiled, “You and your men can follow me. It won’t be long before we arrive at Lord Sheamus’s estate. He has beautiful lands with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. I heard that you are a skilled swordsman and you love to ride.”

Liam smiled, “Yes. I do love them both, but I have a greater passion.”

“Really, what’s that?”

“I enjoy writing.”

He smiled, “Not just brawn. Lord Sheamus enjoys the company of intellectuals. I’m sure he’d be interested in hearing some of your works.”

The view of the estate was breathtaking. Liam looked at all the lush green grass. He saw the stables where the horses grazed. The trees. The flowers. The small lake. Ronin saw his expression, “Yes, Lord Sheamus has done well for himself.”

They entered the home. Servants greeted them. Lord Sheamus was there waiting. He was a big man. He had red hair on his head and face, he smiled, “Greetings, Prince Liam.”

Liam shook his hand, “Thank you one thousand times. You have been most gracious to me and my father’s men.”

“Your father is a good man. We have been allies for many years. As you can see ... we are a small land, but we have much to offer. The land here is fertile. The waters are nice. And the women...”

An older woman with long strawberry-blonde hair entered. Liam nodded. The other men stared and marveled at her beauty. She was older but only in demeanor because she was still shapely and very comely.

“This is my sister Fiona. As you can see, she got all the looks.”

She smiled, “Prince Liam, welcome to our home.”

“Thank you, Lady Fiona.”

“Enough of pleasantries. Let us eat and drink the night away.”

Northumbria

It was quiet. Too quiet. All she had were her thoughts. They frightened her. The voices began as a whisper. First, intermittently, then so many voices crowded her mind; she grunted in frustration. She left the bed and got dressed. She didn’t know where she was going, but she needed to find something to do.

Dressed down in casual wear, Darleen snuck out of the castle. She took one of the horses and made her way through the forest. She happened upon a lively little village. She secured the stallion and walked up to the bar.

The men were loud. They pawed at the women who were used to the wild goings on of the night. Cups of ale were raised one after the other. A woman working the bar saw Darleen walk in. She smiled. She nudged the handsome man that was behind the bar with her.

He looked over at Darleen and smiled. The woman poured two cups of ale, “Take this to the lady,” she said to him.

“Glady.”

She watched him strut over to Darleen. She could sense by the way Darleen walked in that she had to be one of the nobles. Women like her often found themselves in her bar looking for excitement.

She saw how Darleen blushed. How her hand touched her friend’s hand. Darleen was about to have the experience of her life. She just didn’t know it.

As the night progressed, Darleen became glassy-eyed. She laughed at everything, “Oh dear, Henry, you are a riot.”

He had a big bright smile, much like the one Arledge had. The one that attracted her to him when she first saw him at her uncle’s castle.

“Well, good people, it’s time,” the woman’s voice sounded.

There were complaints, but the people paid their tabs and funneled out of the bar one by one. Darleen looked around, “oh no, is it over already? Just when I was having so much fun.”

“The fun doesn’t have to stop.”

“What do you have in mind?”

The woman walked over to them. The bar was closed and locked up. “You’re welcome to stay here for the night. A pretty woman like yourself shouldn’t go back at this hour alone.”

“And who are you?” she asked the woman.

“My name is Elanor. This handsome gent is my friend of many years. We own this bar.”

“Are you two—”

“We are and have been for many years, but we like to have fun. I could sense that you’re looking for fun.”

“We can provide plenty of fun for you,” said Henry as he rubbed Elanor’s ass, “would you like to stay with us?”

Darleen gulped, “Well, I don’t know. I have not—”

“It’s fine if you don’t,” he replied, “Elanor will unbar the door so you may leave.”

Elanor started for the door, but Darleen didn’t move. She stayed looking into his pretty brown eyes. “I think she wants to stay,” he said to Elanor.

They led Darleen to the basement. She saw all the tiny bottles filled with various liquids, “what is this place?”

“Elanor dabbles with herbs. She makes healing balm and elixirs for the sick.”

Darleen inspected the bottles. “This is all very interesting. So you’re an apothecrist?”

Elanor smiled, “You can say that.” She poured a cup of tea and handed it to Darleen, “Here, this should help calm you and settle your stomach.”

She sniffed it, “Is it safe?”

“Of course, I don’t make business by killing off my good customers.”

Darleen sipped, “Um, it’s tasty.”

Henry took the cup from her hands and placed it on a shelf. His fingers slipped through her hair, “You’re hair is like fine silk.”

She giggled, “Thank you. They do a good job with it.”

“They?” asked Elanor.

“I meant I do a good job with it.”

Henry tasted her lips. You smell delightful, “you must bathe every day.”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“Not here in the village, perhaps three times a week.”

He untied her cloak. It fell to the floor. Elanor walked behind him and undid his pants. He pulled down her dress and exposed her milky white breasts and sucked her hardened nipples as Elanor stroked his cock.

He fingered Darleen until her eyes rolled; she gasped. They ended up on the bed. Henry lay with Darleen on his cock. She went up and down slowly as Elanor kneeled behind her with one hand on her left tit and her right index finger on her clit.

This was ecstasy. Darleen had never climaxed so hard. Water sprayed from her pussy as she cried out.

Isle of Man

The fun and festivities had subsided. Liam went to his bed chambers. He prepared for bed and wore nothing but a long white gown. He sat to think a bit. The door slowly opened.

“Good, you’re still awake, Prince Liam.”

He gulped.

She chuckled, “I remember when your brother came two years ago. He was a fast learner. I’m sure you will be too.”

He stood, “I must admit, this is all—”

She touched his chin, “You’re nervous. That’s okay. The first time you will be nervous. I’ll teach you all the ways to please a woman ... sexually, that is.”

“And then what?”

“Well, we can’t marry of course. My years of giving birth have come and gone. I only have one child. She lives in Northumbria.”

“Really?”

“Um hm. She enjoys her life, and I let her.”