What will this morning bring? She wonders to herself how life as she knew it could have changed so much in such a short course of time. What brought her here besides a boat and a long carriage ride? To this place? With its expansive gardens and hundreds of rooms. Does God expect so much of her when she has been faithful always? She had wanted a simple life, never this! Fate, Destiny? What of it? In her 17 years of life she hadn't even thought it a possiblity.

There is only one thing that is real on this new morning as she winces against the fire like sensations left behind as a result of last nights couplings. She was no longer a girl. The womanly responses her body had illicted hours before were proof of that.Blushing madly, she threw the bedcovers over her head in disbelief.Had she really been that creature, responding to his advances so eagerly? Succumbing to his kisses on her warm flesh, memorizing the taste of his mouth on hers.

Not thinking it ladylike to recall such things she instead turned her thoughts to this room. Such pretty surroundings, a lovely mirror hanging above the delicate vanity, rich in endornment. Sumptious wine silks and shimmering pink sateens dressed her bed. Fit for a Queen.Yet they might as well be made of burlap and twine for they meant nothing compared to the life she knew before yesterday.

What had really mattered before lay so many miles away where it was still night, the light of day not yet carassing the rich lands of her home.Or was it the hands that had pawed then carassed her delicate skin that felt more homelike now. So confusing, so torn. She had hated them for making her come here.She was not ready to be married or for such duties. Until the vows were exchanged and the marital chamber was shared she had swore she would run away, scale the walls and disappear.

Then she saw his smile, held his hand, her betrothed . She agreed to the union.Then they shared the bedchamber as man and wife. It all was not so forlorn.She better get used to that part she decided for it surely won't be a one time thing.
Home, it was just a distant memory,but he had been more real than anything she had every experienced.

She arose from the bed, donning a gown of lilac that was left in a silken pile by the foot of her bed. She made her way to the mirror. The reflection she met was one of beauty, unchanged from yesterday or many yesterdays before. It was on the inside the changes and confusion lay. Where had the child gone, did she just disappear or will pieces of her still exist always?

Not even months before she had been learning needlepoint, and the fine etiquette expected of girls her age. But now, needlepoint seemed very unnecessary. There are other skills that shall be required of me now, she thought, again wincing.

She combed through the long tawny tresses that surrounded her porcelain visage. Still staring into the mirror at the violet orbs wanting to see a glimpse of the girl she was just merely weeks ago. An assurance that last night had not completely changed everything.From girl to woman to a mother, for it was certain that would be her fate very soon as that was the way these things work. Or so she was told just yesterday. What a difference from that morning to this one.

The sounds of life stirring the castle removed her from her thoughts. A knock on the door and he entered her chambers.She turned to him with an uneasy smile. A stranger mere days ago only last night something much different and welcoming he was. Divinely handsome, with large hands and a kind smile he had been with her in the most intimate of ways.

He surveryed her light gown through a long lashed gaze. Would he be kind this morning or would the effects of the ale he consumed far too much of leave him in a foul way?His eyes were dancing.Underneath his watch felt shy, exposed, so unsure of these feelings that crept throughout her being.Intrigued, yet frightened she grabbed the brush off the vanity. Recalling the literal mawling of last night,if necessary she shall defend herself.He cannot always take such liberties with a novice. He has to be nice.

Taken aback,the image of this beautiful creature holding the hair brush as a weapon gave rise to a chuckle.
"Why wife", he guffawed loudly, grasping her around the tiny waist and pulling him tightly to her, is that any way to greet the man who is now your King as well as your lover."

Suprised by the swiftness of his actions and the firm grip he had she lighty placed the brush back on the vanity. Admiring the reflection of their embrace in the mirror, she smiled again. Inspite of herself the resolve was crumbling. She was enjoying his touch.

"I'm sorry Your Highness, she managed to mutter while a high blush rose to her delicate cheeks as her mind replayed the details of the night before. She brought her lips to his and whispered,"Forgive me, for this morning I seem to need reminding that I am your Queen."

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If it looks like a skunk and smells like a skunk, it aint no kitty cat......