Schwan (5 A Plot Unmasked)

So here is a bit more of this story.  If you wish to start at the beginning, you can clic on "Schwan" in the sidebar at the right. 

5 A Plot Unmasked

Princess Lillian was shocked at what she was hearing.  It appeared that her father, the King had been murdered by agents of Morlana.  And these traitors were here, within the Royal Household.

To make matters worse, her brother, Now King Fredrik, was in Morlana, at the Duke's own castle.  She had to get word to him.  But who could she trust?  Then she remembered the chambermaid, and her brother, waiting outside.

As the Doctor left, she motioned for them to rejoin her.  She took a long look at the Ranger.  She liked what she saw.

"What is your name?"

"Karl, your Highness."

"I have a job for you, Karl."

✠

Karl rode through the castle gates and into the twisted streets of Waterton.  As he approached the city gate he hoped no one was watching.  He stopped at the gate and told the Watchmen that he was returning to his post.

"Unusual time to leave for that," one watchman remarked.

Karl thought quickly.

"I need to be there in the morning.  I should have left sooner."  He lowered his voice, and added, "But I was delayed by a Lady."  That was partly true.

That satisfied the watchmen.

"Get out of here," they told him, smirking.

Karl rode off into the dark.  When he was safely out of sight, he kicked his heels into his mount.  Then, took the road for Morlana as fast as he dared in the darkness.

✠

Elise sipped the wine, but when she saw that Fredrik was watching her, she quickly averted her eyes.  She stared at the wine in her hands.

"Drink," he said.

And as she raised the glass their eyes met again.  This time he looked away.  He slid the tray of food in front of her.

"You're hungry."  It was not a question.

Elise sat staring at the food.  She was hungry.

"Eat!" Fredrik commanded, and sat down opposite her.  then when she hesitated he added, "There's plenty for both of us."

Fredrik broke off some of the bread and handed it to her, taking the glass away.

"There's only one cup," he said pouring more wine, "So we'll have to share."

He took a drink, and broke off some bread for himself.  Elise watched him stealthily though her lowered eyes as he ate.

He was not the Duke's usual guest.  It was obvious that he had spent much time outdoors.  And although he was not overbearing, there was an air of authority about him; he was used to being obeyed.  In her fear, she had missed the Porter's words- "Your Majesty".  She only knew that she had never seen him here before.

Fredrik watched Elise eat.  He tried not to be obvious about it as he passed her pieces of bread and meat.  It was clear to him that she was not used to such treatment.  The Duke did not treat his servants very well.

The food and wine had it's effect, and Elise began to relax a little, and even managed a smile.  Now Fredrik asked her name.

"Elise, sir."

By now he was convinced that she had no idea who he was.  He wanted to keep it that way.

✠

The Duke was in his own chambers now, the Archbishop being occupied by Marguerite.  The presence of the Archbishop had complicated his plans.  The Duke had wanted to concentrate on the young King Fredrik.  If he could get him to wed one of his daughters, he would be able to influence matters in Midmont more easily.

It was true that he had his agent there.  Fredrik's Father had thought Slythain to be working for him.  It had been a fatal mistake.  But the Duke knew Fredrik's reputation and was sure he would be easier to control.

There was a knock, and the Porter entered.

"Fredrik is settled in?"

"Yes sir.  I gave him Elise."

"Elise...?" The Duke questioned.

"From the kitchen."

"You gave the King a scullery maid?"  

"He seemed happy enough with her."

"Yes.  I suppose any wench will do for Fredrik," the Duke said scornfully.

But he had no qualms about giving him either of his own daughters, if that would further his plans.

✠

But Fredrik did not consider Elise just "any wench".  Much had changed since his days at the university in Paris.  Before his return, he had already abandoned most of the behavior that had led to this questionable reputation.  And since then, Brother John had continued his education.

And now, becoming King had been the last blow.  From now on, he could no longer think only of himself.  It seemed that a King was the least free of anyone.  But if he was not free himself; he could be free for others - like this Elise.

He enjoyed watching her.  The longer he watched, the more he realized that under the hasty cleanup and tangled hair, Elsie was a beautiful woman.  He wanted her to see that for herself.

Fredrik had brought a number of items to be used as gifts.  Now he took out a carved ivory comb.  Elise's hair had been hastily bundled up with several cords, but the rat's nest of tangles remained.  He handed her the comb.

"Take this and comb out your hair."

Elise blushed in embarrassment.  This was one more reminder to her of what she was not.  And, too personal, coming from a stranger.  But she remembered the Porter's words- and the Duke's dungeon.  She pulled out the cords, and began to attack the tangled mess.  But it only got worse.

"Here, let me try," Fredrik said and stepped behind her, taking the comb.

He began to patiently work his way through knots.  He remembered doing this for his sister, as a child.  He stood behind her as he worked.  The wine had loosened her tongue, and she began to talk.  It had been a long time since she had had anyone to listen.

With Fredrik's encouragement, she talked about life in the Duke's household, of her work in the kitchen, and finally her own life.  Her Father had died before she'd known him.  She had lived with her mother in the attic of the inn where she worked, until she too, had died.

"I'm not sure how old I was.  I don't really remember much; it was so long ago."

å

She wasn't sure about her own age at the time.  But someone had brought her to the castle, and they had put her to work.

"I remember Mama would point out the windows, toward the mountains, and say that some day we would go home…"  and here she paused, "…but we never did."

He was finished now.  He told her to stand up, and turn around.  There was a small mirror on  the wall, and he turned her to face it.  At first Elise thought she was looking at someone else.  Her chestnut colored hair lay over her shoulders and fell nearly to her waist.  Fredrik looked on with approval.

It was late now.  He told her to get into the bed.

Again she reddened, but slowly removed her dress and got into the bed.  Elise was innocent, but she knew what would come next.  At least it was someone she liked, and not some fat pig, one of the Duke's friends.  But, Fredrik remained at the table for a long time.  And so, Elise fell asleep.

Fredrik was tired himself, and eventually did get into the bed.  But he remembered his night in the chapel; and the vows he had made.  So he rolled over, and tried to sleep.

Once he awoke during the night.  Elise had rolled against him in her sleep.  He could feel the curves of her body against him through her chemise.

He lay awake a long time.