Taming the Wild

[detriment]

Michael sat atop his horse at the front of a half dozen men as they rode slowly down a forest trail. He let his mind wander as his eyes did the same across the foliage around him, so far away from his throne and the obligations it held.

He was a tall man, with an strength that was betrayed by his tunic and pants pulling tight across him over muscles built by carrying sword and armour into battle. His blond hair fell about his head just short of his shoulders in a mess and his face held the stubble from the days ride. A small amount of perspiration gathered on his forehead from the hot summer sun, but the occasional breeze was enough to keep it mostly at bay. As one hand lay idly on the reigns his other rose up to play with the bow across his chest, betraying his itch to use it while he ran his thumb across the wood.

Another man moved from second the column to ride alongside the king.

“Perhaps the forest is empty today my lord.” Offered the man.

“Nonsense Matthew. There is a river around the next bend, we are sure to have some luck there.” The king was never one to admit defeat, even in a venture as petty as this.

“I know the stream, but if we find anything much bigger than a quail it will be to big to carry home sir, we’ve been ridden halfway into the afternoon already.”

“We can deal with our catch when we have one. You are always so preoccupied with the next problem you never worry about the one and hand.”

The two were obviously comfortable talking with one another, despite the difference in rank. And they rode side by side in silence to bend in the trail. Just as the king had said a small stream meandered up to the path. The king’s deep blue eyes followed the stream until they settled upon some movement. His hand reached out to stop the rider next to him while the other pulled the bow over his head. The other man raised a hand to the following riders stopping them as well.

“And you had given up.” Said the King, though his attention was focused entirely on the small deer drinking from the stream.

“As always my lord, you’ve proven yourself right.” Said the knight in a slightly more formal tone.
The king stayed low to his horse and cautiously prodded it forward, careful to stay quiet to leave his prey undisturbed. After closing enough of the distance he reach behind his back to a quiver and pulled out a single arrow. His raised himself up to full posture and drew out the bow, taking careful aim along the shaft of the arrow. Slowly exhaling he waited for a pause in the breeze and then let the arrow hiss through the air toward the unsuspecting target. The arrow caught the deer in the throat and it fell over into the stream, instantly killed by the shot.

“Ha! Did you see that shot Matthew?” The king exclaimed, throwing his bow over himself and pointing to the animal.

He gave his sincere praise, as the party rode off the trail over to the deer. “I did sir. You’ve become quite the marksman.” It lay on it’s side partially submerged in the water with the arrow sticking up towards the sky.
“You were right though, we can’t very well take this all the way back to the castle. But it seems such a waste just to leave most of it here.” Said the king, staying on his horse along with the other man as the rest of the party dismounted and tended to the catch.

“Well my lord, my family’s home is only about another two hours or so down the trail. I’m sure they would be honoured to have your company for the evening. That is if you would be comfortable with the humble accommodations.”

“Of course I would. I don’t know how in all these years I’ve not met your family. That sounds like an excellent idea.” The men did some simple cleaning of the deer and threw it over one of their horses. “We’ll then Matthew, lead on.”

The group made its way back to the trail with both men at the front alongside each other. Michael was content with his catch to ride mostly in silence for a great deal of the time now that he was able to enjoy some peace of mind. The forest eventually gave way to rolling country side and in the distance an small estate could be seen. Matthew signalled for one of the men to come forward from the back of the line and he ordered him to ride ahead to let them know of the king’s arrival. The group followed slowly and approached the manor, by this time frantic with activity to make some semblance of presentation for their guest.

 

[detriment]

"Oh for goodness sakes! Please, Maudy, enough!" Irene's knuckles where white as she gripped the bedpost.

"Yea, I suppose that'll have to do. It would fit better if you'd stop sneaking from the pantry with that lot you call brothers," grumbled the plumpolder woman, asher strong thick fingers tied off the laces of the corset.

"You'd pull just as hard no matter my size," laughed the young woman as she turned and kissed her on the cheek. "You'd have me no bigger than a champagne flute! Lord Maudy, how amI supposed to breathe, let alone curtsey in this? Can't I wear one of my regular dresses? It's Matthew!"

Old Maud tweaked her ear hard enough to make her squeak and scolded, "You know very well it's not just Matthew riding up the road to us! It's your king, and you'll do well to remember that when you're presented! Keep a civil tongue in your head or you'll shame this whole house!" She pleaded when she saw Irene roll her eyes, "As you love him donot embarrass your brother in front of his king! I'll have you on bread and water for a year until youdo fit into a champaign flute, I will..."

Ireneflopped, rather than sat, down onto the stool in front of Maud while the old woman fussed over her hair, taming and twisting the wild brunette messinto elegant shapes atop her head. She grimaced and flinched and whimpered so much, an onlooker might have thought her a dozen years younger than the nineteen summers she had. IfMaud treated her like a child, she reasoned, act like a child she would.

When she was done, Maudy grunted an approving noise and nudged Irene to the full length mirror. "We'll make a lady of you yet, love," she chuckled with a smile.

A sapphire gown clung to her body, curving gracefully in around her cinched waist. Maud had powdered her chest and shoulders, trying to tone down some of the unladylike sun that had darked her skin.Soft wisps of dark curls, unwilling to stay where they were put, framed her face. Irene grabbed a necklace from the dressing table and held it out for it to be fastened around her slender neck.

It was a silver swan, and matched the silver pins in her hair. Irene touched it and smiled at herself. She might not look like herself in this mirror, but at least with the necklace Matthew would recognize her. It had been a gift from him on her 16th birthday, sent from the capitol. He told her she was a grown woman now, and no longer the ragged little duck she'd been when they played as children.

Maud clucked her tongue as she surveyed her handiwork. "Now hopefully your brother will keep his wits about him and not use that awful nickname in front of His Majesty."

Almost as if on cue, hooves and shouting could be heard through the open window. Irene's deep brown eyes lit up, and she grabbed her skirts, and ran excitedly through the door, turning around long enough to laugh and taunt Maudy, "But I'll always be Duck! I'm not sure he remembers my name, Lovey!"

"Stop running!" Maudy sighed and shook her head. It was no use, she was gone.

 

[detriment]

The staff continued to bustle around them as Michael and his entourage made their way onto the property. By now he had become used to the panic that seemed to follow him wherever he went, no matter the occasion servants always seemed to have more to prepare and fret over. In this case their worrying seemed at least somewhat justified, while not shabby or run down the manor was far less grandiose that he had imagined. Being as close a friend as he was with Matthew he expected him to have come from some similar home as the ones he had been privileged with growing up. This was by no means a house of royalty but certainly held the distinction of nobility about it. The king made a note to himself that he would reward his first knight with a much more grand estate at some point and then was pulled from his observations by the stable hands approaching.

Michael swung himself down from his horse and passed the reigns to a stable hand, leaving the animal with a gentle pat on the head. As he turned around he noticed the staff beginning to hide themselves away and the atmosphere began to calm itself. Once everything stopped spinning about he noticed the serenity this humble home had and he decided he liked it.

“Greetings my lord! You do my home such honour with your visit.” Announced an man, the Duke no doubt, from the steps of main entrance.

“At ease Duke.” He responded, holding out his hand to gesture for the man to relax. “I come today as guest of your Son. I presume this to be your father Sir Matthew?” He looked over to his friend hoping an introduction would brush away some of the formality.

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene was still breathless from her mad tear down to the courtyard. She stopped short at the corner of the stable and righted herself as she heard her father welcoming His Majesty.

She walked slowly and stood behind their father, but her eyes immediately went to her brother. It had been more than a year since the last time he visited and she'd missed him terribly. She saw a smile break across his face and it was all she could do not to run to him, but she knew what her mother, and lord forbid Maudy, would say if she did something like that in front of royalty!

Instead she waited patiently to be introduced. Matthew actually had to do the introductions because Irene did such a good job keeping still her father hadn't even realized she stood behind him.

"Majesty, I want to present my only sister, Irene," Matthew held out his hand for his little sister.

For the first time Irene's eyes went to her king, and she found herself a little startled. He was not what she'd pictured a king to look like at all. He looked younger, for one thing. His piercing eyes made her blush, though she couldn't have said why.

She curtsied deeply, and murmured, "Majesty, you honor our home. Please let me know if I can be of any use to you during your stay."

 

[detriment]

Michael finished his greeting and noticed a young woman step out from the stable to take up rank behind the Duke. He found himself immediately distracted and let his eyes glance up and down her frame, trying to take it all in as quickly as possible with some degree of subtlety. Perhaps it was that he had been caught off guard but he felt something exceptional about her. Her beauty seemed to be much less intentional than most of the women he met, or to describe more accurately, was presented. His eyes drifted to her occasionally from the Duke but always came back quickly before he let himself stare.

He found himself incredibly taken with this stranger having just laid eyes upon her. Then came their introduction.

"Majesty, I want to present my only sister, Irene,"

“Your sister...” He said not in disbelief, more in note of who this stranger was revealed to be. He let his eyes go to hers for the first time now that he was no longer stealing his glances. To his surprise she seemed to show a slight blush across her face. Again most women he met having been practiced in engaging him, and not shying away. He let her present herself and curtsy before introducing himself.

“Well Matthew, you haven’t done this beautiful woman any justice. You hardly ever mention her.” He kept his eyes on her but kept his tone casual, having had the luxury of being taught presentation and tact for his diplomatic responsibilities.

He extended his hand half way to her with his palm turned slight up. “It is a pleasure to meet you Irene.”

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Matthew chuckled fondly, "My Liege, the last time I saw her she still seemed rough and tumble scrap of a girl, I'd hardly have recognized this woman as the same sister I left were it not that she's wearing the necklace I sent her."

When Irene rose Matthew embraced her warmly, "It's good to be home, Ducky, you look beautiful!"

Irene was no less than giddy to have her brother back on the estate grounds again, but tried her best to keep her composure. She scolded him quietly, "Don't let Maudy hear you call me that, she'll have both our heads!" She winked at him, a distinctly unladylike gesture, and blushed brightly again when she saw the king had noted the whole exchange.

She excused herself quickly, stammering that there were preparations for dinner to be overseen before she scurried away.

There were no details to oversee, of course. Irene's mother had perhaps the most competent staff outside of the capitol, and the plans for tonight's meal had been well underway within minutes of the messenger's arrival. The kitchens did, however, offer a safe place for Irene to think.

Safely out of the way of bustling cooks and maids, tucked into a hallway dim seldom used hallway, she listened to the chatter and laughter of the girls as they worked.

"Did you ever see such a man as that, Carolyn?" one young woman giggled.

"Not since he left. Such a shame young lord Matthew'll be leaving again so soon," sighed another.

"Not him, you silly ninny! The king!"

Irene listened as they gossiped and chattered. Indeed, she though, she'd never seen such a man either. Most of the men she'd met in her short life were dark, like herself. Each of her brothers shared the same dark and and dark eyes she herself possessed, like those of their father. Even besides his blonde hair and steely blue eyes, there was something else about the king that intrigued her. She just couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

She walked down the hall and began to climb the stairs to her room, still lost in thought.

 

[detriment]

The king watched the friendly banter between the two play back and forth and couldn’t help but smile. He took note of the jewellery Matthew spoke of, the silver swan that hung from the woman’s delicate neck. He could have lost himself again to observation but thought instead focused himself back on their conversation.

It was nice to see his friend so relaxed in this company. As the closest advisor and first knight to the throne Matthew was never really off duty and had to always remain well mannered. Though they were friends with one another it was a rare thing to see him relax around others and this much.

The king also saw began to see some of the family traits when his sister showed the same relaxation, with her gestures and playing around. He found it refreshing how free this woman was but then it seemed he had been caught in observation again when she blushed. She stammered something about preparations and before the king could say a word or bid her farewell she was gone, leaving to watch as she hurried away.

After measuring his time he turned back to his friend.

“This Maudy sounds like a terror. I assume she won’t be as pleasant an introduction as your family was.”

“Oh you’ll never meet a more pleasant woman my lord.” Said Matthew. Though he tried to hide it using his title, Michael could tell his friend was distracted here with all of the fond memories and friends. “But she did manage to keep us all in line growing up. That was no easy task I assure you.”

The king chuckled knowing a little more now what his friends siblings must be like. “Especially that one I’ll bet.” He said gesturing after the woman that had just left them. The two began walking up towards the entrance of the house.

“Hah I’m surprised you could tell, she seemed rather shy for herself. It’s not every day she is brought in front of the king.”

The king stayed silent a moment after his friend’s remark while they entered the main house. He supposed a brother would know far better what would have caused her to blush, but he had hoped it might be him and not his title. Whatever small amount he let it bother him his face still held the trace of a smile she had left upon it. “Well I hope she can grow more accustomed to my company while we are here. She seems to be a very nice young woman.”

“Hah, young woman. She’s still a child. She probably won’t ever grow up that one.” Said Michael, the comfort of home still bringing a smile to his face and laughter to his words.

“Oh come now big brother. You can’t tell me you think your sister is still a child.” He nudged his friend on the arm teasing him a bit.

“Oh no, don’t tell me she’s caught your eye now too.” He continued to laugh and gave a sigh. “We’ll have to lock her up while you’re here won’t we.”

“I was just trying to give your sister a compliment. No need to get protective now big brother.” He smiled along with Michael and raised his hands while they walked as if to say he would back off. The more the two joked around about it the more he realized it was his friends sister that he had found himself smitten over. It had most likely just been an idle attraction anyway and as they continued to walk he let her slowly pass from his mind.

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene sequestered herself for most of the afternoon, despite Maudy's attempts to get her to change into yet another uncomfortable gown for dinner. She longed very much to catch up with Matty, but she knew that he had other duties to attend to, being the king's first knight and all.

When she did emerge from her chambers, it seemed that everywhere she went there was chatter about the visiting king. The young maids were beside themselves with gossip and speculation, and it made for entertaining eavesdropping, even more than usual.

Also more than usual, the maids would stop talking if they noticed Irene listening, bob their heads respectfully, and scamper away, continuing in hushed whispers. Irene found this slightly concerning, as most of the servants and staff were quite comfortable with the children of the Duke and Duchess. Indeed, when they were young the nobles played as much with the children of the servants as they did with each other. It was fairly common in more rural estates and served to further endear the governing families to the people they ruled.

Irene sighed and frowned as yet another group of young women curtsied and retreated, leaving her alone in her thoughts. Each time she found her mind returning unbidden to the face of King Michael. Her cheeks warmed even at the memory of his presence. She shook her head, trying to clear it, and more than a little vexed at herself. She was starting to turn into her cousins!

When she had been a young girl, Irene's mother the Duchess had taken her to the capitol for a visit. The Duchess was raised in the capitol, and missed the pomp and grandeur now that she was relegated to her modest country estate with her family. Irene was only ten years old when they visited, and her cousins only slightly older. They were both proper little ladies, and already were simpering and foolish, and spoke only of the little lordlings they'd met. Even at the age of ten, Irene found them insipid, but she tried to play nicely. She was glad to get back home amongst her brothers though.

The Duchess often spoke of her nieces, and how proud she was of them. They had both made great matches and were now married off to young Lords of high rank.*Irene's mother slipped hints into every conversation with her daughter about how it was time for her to go to the capitol, and to find herself a husband. Each time Irene made the same excuses, though of late the Duchess had been growing more insistent, saying that Irene was nearly a spinster and that she would be a disgrace as the only daughter of the house.

She was brought back to the present by a loud crash and the sound of six boot-clad feet running haphazardly through the halls toward her. Irene grinned happily as her brothers ran past, each stopping only long enough to kiss her cheek as they raced past.

"You're going to be late, Duck!" laughed James, the oldest still left at home.

George and Philip followed close behind. "Maudy will have your head if you're not seated when the King arrives!"

"And mother will have the rest!"

They continued tumbling down the hall, by turns trying to outrun one another, and beat the others into a pulp as they yelled and laughed. If they each made it to the hall unbruised and unbloodied, it would be a miracle. She shook her head, but realized they were right, and she hurried after them, noting that the servants were beginning to bring wine and bread up to the dining chamber.

She breathed a sigh of relief when she entered. Not only was the king not yet in evidence, but her mother was not present yet either. Slowly everyone began to file in and each was seated at the long table in the center of the room. Irene had already heard that the king had requested this to be as informal as courtesy would allow, and so there were no presentations which put Irene more at ease.

Her father the Duke sat at one end of the great heavy table, with his wife at his side. Irene moved to take the place to his other side, only to be guided away to the other end of the table, and given the place to one side of the King. She was pleased that this put her directly across from Matthew, but her stomach twisted uncomfortably beneath her corset as she met the King's eyes for the second time that day.

Matthew studied his little sister's face, surprised at how small and uncertain she looked. The tight demure smile she gave to the king, the slight bob of her head, they seemed so out of place on the girl he knew to be a tanned little heathen. He wondered, then, if perhaps she'd finally given in to their mother's training, if she was actually being coached to catch a king or a lord for herself.

He caught her eye and tilted his head questioningly, and the look on her face put him at ease. Her eyes flashed and narrowed almost imperceptibly, almost as if she could read his thoughts. In their silent language, he could sense the shrill threat of sisterly violence if he teased her even a little. The smile on her face became more relaxed and genuine, and in just a moment, they were all seated and the meal began.

 

[detriment]

The two eventually made their way to what he assumed to be the main dining hall where the servants had obviously been hard at work. They were lead to their seats at one end of the table where they met up with Irene again.

Michael had only just managed to convince himself that his mind had exaggerated her appearance in his memory when he laid eyes upon her again. It had definitely been no exaggeration, she was still almost unbelievably attractive. Still as shy as ever it seemed as well.

He greeted her with “Hello again my lady.” And gazed into her eyes when he was given the opportunity. He sensed the same discomfort from her as he had earlier. He found the trace of blush that crossed her cheeks endearing. A genuine display of emotion was a rare thing for him to receive, especially from a woman.

They were seated and a servant came to his side with a decanter of deep red wine to fill the kings glass. He took a sip and glanced over to his friend, noting the silent exchange between the two siblings. Eventually Matthew glanced over to him and Michael smiled to him as well, hopefully the table would be a little more relaxed now.

“I suppose that lot down there would be your brothers then Matthew?” He said pointing to a raucous trio further down the table. “I see they share your reserved personalities.” He smiled sarcastically including both his friend and his sister in the observation.

He shifted his hips forward in his seat to recline himself a little, but he felt his knee come to rest against another.

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene had just taken a sip of her own wine, a luxury that was rarely afforded to her, when she felt the incidental pressure against her knee. She glanced in the king's direction, but his attention seemed focused on Matthew.

Rather than move and draw attention to herself, she remained still. Perhaps he thought he was resting against the leg of the table, she thought to herself. The thought made her want to giggle, but it was an urge she successfully stifled.

During a break in the conversation King Michael glanced at her, and Irene caught just a hint of a smile at the corner of his eyes. The pressure changed. Her eyes grew a little wider. He knows exactly where his knee is! she thought incredulously.

She was fairly certain this was not a situation that had ever been addressed in her tutoring. She was certainly at a loss as to how to respond, and so for the moment, she didn't. Instead she quietly watched the king and his first knight. There was genuine affection there between the men. She knew that Matthew had saved the king's life once, but their friendship seemed to go beyond that sort of somber duty-laced bond.

She waited for a lull in their conversation, before clearing her throat. "Majesty, if I may: How long will your party be gracing us with your company? Beyond being glad to meet with my brother again, your presence has brought a lively change."

She studied the king's face for the first time. His features were strong but not brutal, and there was a kindness in his expression that warmed her, but this time, did not make her cheeks redden. When he smiled at her, considering his answer, she couldn't help but return it. A real smile this time, and not one bound by courtesy.

Irene took another sip of her wine, hoping it would further calm her fluttering thoughts while he answered.

 

[detriment]

Michael had left his knee resting against hers intentionally, in part to see her reaction and in part because it had been a while since he had touched a woman, even so casually. He carried on conversing with Matthew a bit until the conversation came to a natural lull that gave him a chance to change his attention. He couldn’t help the trace of a smile cross his face as their eyes met again. It seemed it wasn’t until that moment she realized that he had been touching her as a look of shock hinted itself in her own face. He smiled again, a bit wider this time at having caught her off guard. The women he was used to expected him to be forward, or at least never showed any sort of shock when he was.

His conversation with Matthew carried on a bit before coming to another lull, this time the young woman decided to speak up.

"Majesty, if I may: How long will your party be gracing us with your company? Beyond being glad to meet with my brother again, your presence has brought a lively change."

He smiled at her and she smiled back, but this time without a blush.

“I really don’t know how long we’ll be staying.” He took his hand from his wine glass and placed it on his lap. He gave another brief smile before turning himself back towards Matthew. “I think it’s safe to say we can’t ride back in the night though.” While he spoke to Matthew his hand ran down his own leg under the table to were it met hers. The back of his two fingers ran a few inches on to her thigh, but he kept himself directed towards her brother. “I wouldn’t want to over stay my welcome.” He paused a moment to smile at his friend before turning back to her, and while doing so his hand turned over to let his thumb join his fingers in their caress. He felt her dress slide easily across the few inches of her leg that he stroked it. “You would let me know if I were imposing wouldn’t you Irene?” He said with his eyebrows raised and another smile.

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene's mind was spinning. She had very little experience with men. Certainly none who behaved so forward as the man sitting next to her. Her initial instinct was to pull away from him, or to brush his hand away. Yet somehow there was something playful in his expression that captivated her, and made her pause.

It occurred to her that he was waiting for her to speak. "Yes, my lord, of course." She lowered her eyes in what she hoped was a suitably demure gesture, but as she did so she laid her hand over his to still his fingers. Though his hand was easily twice the size of hers, he allowed her to shift his hand away from her.

Irene glanced at her brother. He was always incredibly perceptive, but she wondered if he noticed what just happened. Her nerves were alive, and she still could feel the warmth of the king's hand in her fingertips.

To her dismay, Matthew seemed to have caught the attention of their mother. He always did have a knack for following orders. "Actually Du... Irene. After dinner, father has asked me to help him get some old affairs in order, would you mind perhaps showing his Majesty around the estate? I'm afraid I haven't been a terribly good liason, and you know your way around here better than anyone except maybe George."

He smiled broadly at them both. "Plus I would wager that you would probably prefer some prettier company after so long gallavanting around with this lot." Matthew gestured towards several of the king's men seated around the table.

Irene would probably have been furious with Matthew had she not known that the directive almost certainly came from the Duchess. She pursed her lips.

"Certainly, it would be my honor."

She couldn't resist glaring hotly at her brother when no one else was looking. He would pay for this later.

 

[detriment]

He enjoyed the soft fabric under his finger tips while it lasted but eventually he felt another tiny hand under the table pluck him away. Her hand gently lifted his and he took it back to place in his own lap again. The response somewhat surprised him, he hadn’t thought her brave enough to spurn his advance. On the other hand he found it enticing him that much more. He was used to getting what he wanted.

Matthew had spoken up to his other side and eventually it distracted Michael away from Irene.

“I think that would be a great idea Matthew.” He wanted thank his friend for the excuse to be alone with her but he got the impression those words were not his own. Matthew continued speaking and Michael listened to the compliment he gave to his sister.

“Prettier indeed.” Agreed Michael. While the two siblings near him seemed to be silently engaged with one another, in his peripheral vision he took note of their mother sitting at the far end of the table. Her hands were folded in her lap with out having touched her meal and she was completely ignoring the Duke next to her. All of her attention seemed to be directed towards their end of the table. As he looked over to the mother their eyes met but he found only manners and formality there.

It didn’t bother him much, and as he took his wine glass up again he gave it a slight tilt in her direction for a toast which sent her attention back to her husband. He tried to keep his movement subtle so his end of the table stayed oblivious to the whole exchange. Matthew may or may not have noticed, he would never be able to read it off him.

“Be careful around this one Irene. He makes up for his looks with charm.” Said Matthew in regards to Michael’s complement.

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

"I'm certain both are equally... pleasing," Irene replied with a tight smile at her brother. How could he do this to her? Show him around the estate? Alone? Irene's mind raced. She desperately wanted to come up with a way to shift the duty to someone else.

"But like you said, brother, George knows the estate even better than I do, would he not be better suited to showcase our grounds?"

Matthew shook his head and laughed. "George and our other two vagabond brothers have already been tasked with other things, dear sister. Surely you wouldn't deny your king the pleasure of your company?"

Irene shot daggers at Matthew this time, not caring who saw, and spent the rest of the meal in relative silence.

 

[detriment]

Michael held a more genuine smile at the forced compliment from Irene and seeing her forced one. He looked over to her brother with her as she tried to find away out of her task but thankfully Matthew wouldn’t have it.

Deciding to join in with Matthews encouragement, Michael added his own words directed towards Irene. “A pleasure I would much prefer I’m sure.” At this point he wanted to see just how much more the two of them could torture her, she seemed ready to jump across the table and strangle her brother already but then clammed up a bit.

“Well there you have it Irene, the king has spoken. We can’t very well deny his request now can we?”

Michael looked back over to Matthew and the two smiled. Both men seemed to be enjoying themselves but watching Irene eat her meal in silence he wondered if they had pressed her too much. Michael decided to give her a break and turned his focus to his meal. After a few minutes of eating his plate was almost emptied. He decided to break the silence and spoke again on a different topic.

“I hope this business with your father won’t occupy you too long friend. It’s not often you get to spend time at home. Make sure you get to enjoy some of your time here.”

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

"Unfortunately, my Lord, between my two parents they seem to have my whole evening accounted for. My mother's attendant has already informed me that she requires my attention at some point after my father is done with me."

Matthew's eyes focused again on his sister, but this time Irene couldn't read what he might be saying. She had a sinking feeling that it was nothing she would enjoy. She sat back, away from the table. Between the turn of conversation and the corset which seemed to tighten even further as she sat, she as feeling distinctly uncomfortable.

When the servants began clearing the meal, Irene excused herself hastily. "Your Majesty, if I may, I will find you once you have made yourself at home and show you our home. I assume you will be staying with Matthew?" When the king nodded, she considered herself dismissed and hastily made her way back to her chambers.

With the help of one of the young maids she stripped herself of the soft sapphire gown and doffed that damnable corset. She stretched and ran her hands over her sides, before selecting a different more comfortable, and distinctly less showy gown from her wardrobe. A coarser muted gown of a dark dull green tone, it still showed her figure, but did not exaggerate it as the blue had.

She released her hair from the pins and let it mostly tumble free around her shoulders, pulling it back just enough in the front to keep it from her face, and letting the rest cascade down her back. She looked into the mirror, nodding in satisfaction. Now she looked like Duck again. Perhaps the king would be less likely to be so distracted having a less courtly girl in his presence.

It had been nearly an hour since dinner had ended, she walked briskly to the door of her brother's rooms and rapped against it with her knuckle, listening for movement from within. For a moment she heard nothing, and held out hope that perhaps someone else had taken over this duty.

 

[detriment]

He watched her dismiss herself and race away, disappointed she had decided to leave. He found himself realizing just how fond he was of her company. Everything about her held some appeal to him, her appearance, her timid nature with himself, or when he caught her seething at her brother. He enjoyed it all.

The meal was over now and almost everyone had left the room. All that was left was the Matthew next to him and the staff clearing away the meal, and the duchess at the other end of the table. With the room empty enough for her liking she decided to finally make her way over to the two young men.

“I hope my daughter has been a polite and respectful host to his majesty.” She offered. It seemed as much directed to Matthew as it was the king.

“Oh of course. Your daughter is quite a lovely young lady Duchess.”

“Well you do her such an honour in saying so my lord.” A look of relief crossed her face through her politeness, mixed with something else. Satisfaction possibly?

“Irene will be showing the king around the estate a little later this evening mother.” Informed Matthew.

“Yes, Matthew hadn’t any time to give me a tour before dinner. I’m very much looking forward to spending the time with her.” Said the king, hoping to make clear his fondness as diplomatically as possible.

“Well that’s wonderful my lord. Is there anything else we can do for you this evening?” Her smile was polite but her face seemed to grow more and more genuine.

“Perhaps a change of clothes? I’ve ridden in this all day. I can’t believe I came to a meal this way, I’ve meant no disrespect my lady.”
“Of course, you’ll have whatever you would find most comfortable at your disposal. Should I send someone to meet you in Matthews room?”

“No I’m sure I could just throw on something of Matthew’s. If he didn’t mind.” He looked over to his friend. “You know I try very hard not to present myself well.

“As always sir, what’s mine is yours.”

“There we are then. If you’ll forgive me my lady, I think I’ll find something to change into and take some time to rest before I meet your daughter this evening.” He stood and bowed to the woman.

“Well should you find yourself in need of anything my lord, you need only ask.” She curtsied and left the two men, who made their own way out of the dining hall.

“I’ll show you to my chambers sir. Will you be donning formal wear for you rendezvous this evening?” Joked the his friend.

“Oh come now Matthew, there is no rendezvous. I’m simply getting a tour of the property. A duty one might say you’ve neglected.” He smiled and prodded back.

“Right how could I have been so careless. I’ll notify my sister immediately and show you around the property myself.” He smiled as they reached the doorway to what must be Matthew’s chambers. The knight knocked on the door and entered.

“Oh that won’t be necessary . You were right, I would prefer the prettier company.”

The room was large and well furnished but made to comparison to either of their chambers back at the castle. Matthew walked over to a large closet and opened it to reveal an assortment of garments and tunic’s inside.

“Here is my wardrobe sir, feel welcome to anything that takes your liking. There is more in the wardrobe as well. I do have to go attended to that business with my father though. Can I get you anything else before I leave sir?”

“No that’s quite alright Matthew, go deal with whatever it is you need to.” He was reminded of why he liked Matthew so much while he left the room. The man was the perfect second in command, easy to get along with but knew how to attend to his duties as well. The king disrobed and hung his hunting clothes over a chair before walking over to the closest and picking out a fresh tunic and pants which he brought to the four poster bed. Not a formal outfit by any means the tunic was a plain white piece with some string to fasten the collar. The pants were black with some gold embroidering and he put them on before laying back in the bed and succumbing to the fatigue of the days ride without noticing.

He was startled awake when a knock came at the door.

“Come In” He stood up and made his way to the door bringing the shirt with him and granting entrance to whomever it was waiting the hallway. As the heavy oak frame swung inward he casually threw shirt over himself and pulled it down. When the fabric was clear of his face he saw Irene standing there with the door open.

“I apologize, I let myself doze off. You haven’t been waiting have you?”

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene sighed when she heard the answer through the door, realizing he was in fact still waiting for her. She pushed the heavy wooden door open with both hands and walked into the room

She stopped short as she watched the king make his way across the room. His broad muscled chest momentarily bare as he slid the shirt down his frame, it sat tightly across him, as he was wider than Matthew, but it did fit.

Once he straightened the tunic, his eyes settled on her. An amused grin flashed across his face, he caught her eyes flicker from his torso back up to his eyes and then flush brilliantly. She cleared her throat and toyed with the silver swan at her throat, looking around the room, anywhere but at the king.

"If you are ready, then, my Lord," she inwardly cursed her voice as it wavered, betraying her nerves.

He motioned for her to lead the way and she walked back out into the hall, glad to not have to face him, but keenly aware of his eyes on her as he followed. She could not think of anything to say as they made their way out into the common areas of the home, and found herself staring at her feet the entire walk.

Finally she felt she had to say something, and so she began by deferring to his wishes, blindly grasping for any sort of courtly methodology to this task. "Majesty, I am not certain what might be of interest to you here, I can certainly show you about our home, but if perhaps the armory, or the surrounding lands would be more to your liking....?"

 

[detriment]

He stood for a moment taking in the new appearance of the woman before him. She had found the time to take herself out of the more revealing blue outfit from earlier and slipped into a green one. It seemed no doubt more comfortable for her but gave him less to gaze over. In spite of the revealing outfit she still held an incredible beauty about her. By the time his eyes had reached her face he caught hers doing the same and he couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face. It seemed to be something she had wanted to keep unnoticed because she immediately sent her eyes else were in the room and began to blush again.

He noticed one of her hands come up to the silver jewellery around her throat and play with it as a distraction. He noted that it was curious she should change her outfit but keep the same necklace on, it must have been special to her in some way.

“Yes I’m ready. Please lead the way.” He had meant it as politely as possible but couldn’t help his eyes from wandering back down her as she turned away. Though the dress may have shown less skin, the fabric had no difficulty clinging to her frame and showing him her figure. His eyes followed the curves and he thought that if he didn’t mind himself he may end up just ogling her for the entire evening.

In an effort to keep himself civilized he took up stride next to her, but found her looking at her feet as they walked. Eventually she took it upon herself to break the silence. He listened patiently as she spoke looking at her face should she choose to look back at him and let him meet her eyes again.

"Majesty, I am not certain what might be of interest to you here, I can certainly show you about our home, but if perhaps the armoury, or the surrounding lands would be more to your liking....?"

“Well I’m sure an armoury holds no interest for a young lady such as yourself. Why don’t we go outside while the sun sets.” He offered.

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene nodded.* "As you wish, Sire."* She grabbed one of the servant's children as he raced by, catching the boy by the arm, and whispering to him to race ahead to the stables and have two horses readied.* The child ran off and the king and Irene followed slowly behind.

They made their way through the goldening sunshine of the yard, and Irene tried her best to make small talk, hoping to avoid the uncomfortable silence again.* "It must be difficult, I imagine my Lord, for a king to leave his palace for any sort of time.* It must be refreshing when you can manage."

For once she turned to face* him.* His expression was kind, and it bolstered her confidence.* "Even here, an admittedly modest estate, Father seems endlessly busy with the affairs of the people around us. With an entire kingdom entrusted to*your hands... " she blinked, suddenly afraid that she was sounding rude, "Not that I am questioning your dedication by any means, my Lord.* Far from it, I am just curious about how it runs itself without you, I suppose.* I am not very learned in the area of governing I'm afraid."

She angrily chastised herself for not being able to string together two coherent sentences around this man, wondering what was wrong with her, but glad that they were nearly at the stables.*

The boy was waiting outside with the king's mount, and her own, a young spirited horse she favored despite warnings from her brothers about its temperment.

 

[detriment]

Michael walked in silence with the woman, content with only sharing her presence. He waited as she snagged an errand boy as they walked but didn’t catch what she ordered him to do. They continued on in silence until they left the house and walked out into the yard, when Irene finally spoke up.

He listened patiently as she spoke. She seemed to second guess herself and doubled back on her words. He looked to her and smiled, hoping it would ease her apparent discomfort.

“Don’t feel you need to apologize Irene. The question was a valid one.” He waited a few more steps before continuing. “I would Imagine there is a good degree of chaos back in the capitol as week speak. If it is even still standing.”

He wished what he had said was a joke but he did find himself worrying if he let his mind wander.

“I often find myself taken away for months to battle though. So this short stay shouldn’t be to much for my staff to handle. I try to surround myself with the most capable people. Of course I have found no one more capable than your brother.” His words were honest. There was no other man the king respected more than Matthew, and there was perhaps no other man he could truly call a friend.

Michael felt himself growing increasingly sentimental, but thankfully up ahead he noticed his horse being readied along side another.

“I take it we’ll be riding then my lady?” He approached his own horse and patted it gently, this was another creature he was always glad to see. Turning back around he faced Irene and her horse.

“Do you need any help mounting your horse my lady?”

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene felt her heart immediately warm towards the man beside her at such a show of honesty. And she found herself glad that the esteem her brother felt for his king seemed to be mirrored back.

She smiled, perhaps the first genuine smile at him the whole evening, and pulled herself smoothly up onto her mount. The young horse pranced excitedly under her weight. "No, my Lord, I thank you for your offer. I shall try to hold my pony back to a suitable pace while we ride, I know that beautiful brute of yours must be tired."

There was a tone of laughter to her voice, almost like the one she used with her brothers. Before the king was even fully mounted, Irene turned her horse and started off out of the yard at a brisk run, her hair still loose and blowing back behind her.

 

[detriment]

Michael waited after giving his offer fully expecting it to be accepted, but to his surprise Irene lifted herself up onto the horse without any difficulty. He found himself unable to keep the surprise from his face, she moved with an incredible grace in a movement most proper ladies had no experience with. It further reminded him just how unique this woman was proving to be.

Eventually he regained himself and mounted his own horse, kicking one foot into the stirrup and throwing himself up and over in one smooth motion. His smiled stayed across his face as Irene goaded him. It was nice to see her grow comfortable enough to make a joke, because she certainly couldn’t believe that her young little pony was any match for his warhorse. He opened his mouth to tell her as much but all of a sudden she took off. He watched in shock for a moment as she raced away before he remembered her challenge.

He dug in his heels and gave chase, surprised again that he trailed behind her. They left the yard and raced across the countryside, Michael right on her tail.

 

[PlayfulLittle1]

Irene only let her mount have his head for a quarter mile or so before pulling him back to a more reasonable pace. King Michael had caught up to her rather handily. His horse , despite its weight, seemed equal to the task given a rider without armor.

She headed up the trail to the hilltop. It was one of her favorite destinations when she was able to get away from the manor, and would be an ideal starting point she reasoned. One could see for endless miles from the summit.

"I'm afraid that none of what we have to offer, my Lord, will be terribly exciting to one so worldly as yourself." Irene's voice was soft, but formal. "I hope you'll forgive me for showing you the whole of our estate at once... It seemed the best way to accomplish it all before sunset."

Irene's body swayed with the rhythm of the horse's steps and she lapsed again into silence. She wished her mind didn't have the distressing habit of suddenly going blank when he looked at her. She fidgeted as she tried to think of something more to say, smoothing her dress, and tucking a tendril of hair back behind her ear.

"Do you miss it?" she finally asked, lamely. "The Capitol, I mean. When you're gone for long stretches like you said. I can't imagine being away from home for that long. I visited the Capitol once, for two weeks. I wanted to turn for home when we were only an hour out of the gate."