The King and his Thief (Closed for cnuvenu)

[cnuveau]

As William entered he noticed Knight Brooks seated at the table. It was certainly an unexpected surprise as he hadn't seen him since the King's passing. As he approached Brooks stood from the table and embraced his King.

"Knight Brooks, it's good to see you. I'm glad you could join us." William said as they broke their embrace.

As the Royal family entered they all greeted each other then took their seats the mood was jovial and the wine flowed freely. Finally, the King stood and thanked William for his hospitality.

“We must depart early in the morning so we must bid you good night. I’ll have my knights get in touch to work out details to implement the plans we’ve made.”

With that, everyone retired to their quarters for the evening.

 

[Ravishing]

Retiring to her own room for a quiet night. Emma sat for a short moment there in that fancy dress, just to realise something. James's properties had all been claimed by the Kingdom. With this William, as King was technically in control of a vast array of places, and no one yet had made a list of this.

Emma went to the Archivist, who remembered her as the polite one of earlier who'd talked to him. They spent some hours going through the land deeds and building titles that had been in James's possession. She and the Archivist spent a few hours writing down notes on which buildings were Brothels and collating the rest of it into proper listings that William could look through.

She then wrote down what she'd said to the King regarding the Brothels run by Edward's chosen men or bought men, and previously owned by James. About the women within them being given a chance to see if any had, previously had skill enough to handle it. If not putting the brightest one of them with someone that the King's Advisor (over this mess), would choose, who could aid the women or woman, in learning about how to run a business of its type.

Perhaps four hours onwards she had a lot of written pages, and the Archivist had been pleased with the time spent talking while working. The older man assured her that he'd speak to the King first thing, about the fact the Archivest had let her in and then helped her. Given the King had trusted her once with something important, the older man had taken it to mean the King did indeed trust this young woman with entry into the documents library that technically only the King or his most trusted people could enter.

Meandering back through the Castle to her room she looked to William's door there and reminded herself. He was her King. Knocking on his door all hours, she had no idea how he'd take such a thing.

Thus she went into her own room across the hall to sleep and awoke easily close to Dawn. Washing, Dressing and moving to put all that paperwork into a satchel which she then slung over a shoulder. She met with everyone to see the Thaines off on their journey.

 

[cnuveau]

William debated with himself about crossing the hall and slipping into Emma’s room for a good portion of the night. Ultimately, he decided to let her get some rest. Between him and the Prince she could use a night off.

I’m the early morning a knock came at his door. Still in his night clothes William opened the door to find the Princess.

“May I come in for a moment?” She asked before pushing past him not allowing him to answer. “I’d hoped to have more time with you but it was not to be. I would still be interested in courting you to see if there is a future for us. Would you be open to that?” She asked as she stood before him.

William thought for a moment. He could hardly refuse her request given that at some point in the not to distant future he must take a Queen but he was certainly conflicted about the idea given his affection for Emma.

“Yes, I’d like to spend more time with you. Let’s find a time in the future when you may be able to visit again.” He said trying to avoid making definitive plans.

“Very well.” She said as she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “I’ll send a messenger with possible dates and we can decide what is workable.”

William showed the Princess out then dressed to see them off.

After William, Kinsley, Brooks and Emma saw them off William turned to Emma curious about the satchel slung over her shoulder.

“What do you have there?” He asked as they all turned to walk back inside.

 

[Ravishing]

Emma timed her steps to Williams. "Things I believe you need to see, when you have time, My Majesty."

Looking at Emma it was perhaps obvious she hadn't gotten as much sleep as her King might have hoped that she had when he'd chosen not to go into her room that night. Had he, he'd have found it empty.

But she did offer him a smile. She knew he had Knights and others who'd also be vying for his attention. Emma didn't assume she was more important than any of them when it came to getting time with him. She knew he'd also been putting off practising with his Royal weapons trainer for some time because of the mess with his Father and the mess his Father had left behind for him.

"Perhaps, later, my Liege?" Asked softly. Of course, she also knew he could decide to forgo it all and such. It was entirely his choice as King.

 

[cnuveau]

William knew that if Emma thought it important enough to carry the satchel down to see their guests off it was probably something he should attend to now.

“Let’s discuss now. Do we need privacy or should Kinsley and Brooks be there to discuss?”

 

[Ravishing]

"Its the notes on everything both had a hand in?" Emma knew William would be able to decide if they needed to know. Of course it could help William in dismantling it and reorganising. Nevermind it might be surprising to them the role she had in it all. Or how much he trusted her word. Given the necklace she wore. That golden lariat.

 

[cnuveau]

When she said it was notes on what they had a hand in William decided it was probably best he hear whatever she had learned without them present. Just in case there were negative things he needed to digest in private.

“Let’s meet in my chambers than.” He said before making arrangements to meet with the nights later to discuss plans for the cooperative effort with the neighboring kingdom.

As they entered his chambers William asked Emma to sit then took a seat next to her.

“Ok, let’s hear what you’ve been up to.”

 

[Ravishing]

Emma took all the pieces of paper out. Handing William first the two which just listed all the places James actually owned, and what had now become the property of the King. "This is everything that transferred into your control the moment James was locked up."

Then she passed him the papers which showed all the ones she'd identified as James working with Edward. "These are all the brothels. So they're the ones you need to implement." Passing him then the paper which had everything we'd discussed on it.

"These are those properties organised into lists so you can more easily see what types of businesses he sought to get control over. Maybe from it, you can work out with aid, which are the ones like the Candle shop in the Villiage, that are a front for funnelling into those more hidden places. Like the one I found in the village. A hidden brothel."

"Here are all the lists of Deed names and property addresses. Collated in the order the Archivist has them sitting on his desk. He helped me do all this, for a few hours. I hope you are okay with it. Given I didn't ask you if I could go there, and he assumed because you'd allowed me before I'd be let in...." Emma offered him a contrite expression and tone.

 

[cnuveau]

As William went through the information Lacey had pulled together he realized he should have brought Kinsley and Brooks in to discuss this with them.

"This is excellent!" he said noting the level of detail she was able to compile. "Help yourself to the archives at any time." The scope of Edward and James' enterprise was truly staggering as he looked at it all there. "We should include the nights to work on our plan forward." He said getting up and placing the pages back into the satchel.

He expected they'd be waiting for him in their meeting room just off the throne room so he led Emma down. As they entered the room both men stood quickly and looked to them as they approached the large table.

"There's been something going on here for a while that I'd like to make you both aware of and get your assistance in setting right." William said as he and Emma took a seat next to them. William went on to explain in detail the things that Edward and James had been doing. The failed attempt at his life then finally the capture and imprisonment of them. Throughout his explanation he made sure to make it clear how involved Emma had been in uncovering the plot and extracting information. He'd hoped that them knowing her involvement would lead them to view her as more of a peer than they might have already or at the very least understand that she's more than just his plaything.

"Emma has taken it upon herself to compile information on the scope and scale of their activities here." He said laying the pages across the table. "I'm going to need your help in unwinding this mess. The known brothel's are easy enough. He need to get them in the hands of people who will run them properly. He harder part will be uncovering the properties that were operating in the shadows and perhaps finding anyone that might still be held in these places since the capture of Edward and James. Can you organize a group of trusted men to do this?" he finally asked.

 

[Ravishing]

Both men listened to their King as he spoke. Each time they found him saying Emma's involvement, they gave each other an understanding look there. Finally, the two had a quiet word with each other for a moment. Then Kinsley spoke. "My King, we each know a handful of men who are trustworthy. They are in your guard and army. But they're ones we've each worked with time and time again."

Then he motioned to Emma. "As King, you do have the power to bequeath her a title, which would be kept secret. Perhaps also giving her something that your Knights, the other eight, and us two. Would recognise it instantly to mean, if we see it. She's doing your work, in secret. It'd mean, all Knights would instantly offer her help, and not hinder her."

Emma blushed softly there. Kinsley spoke then. "I've seen the way, my King looks to you Miss, and with everything you've done for this Kingdom. You, if my King will do it. Deserve recognition. Even if it's hidden and locked in the archives. With only something you can show us to instantly get our full aid as if our King himself had stood there and demanded we protect you as we would protect him."

 

[cnuveau]

William hardly thought the title needed to be awarded to Emma in secret but his knight's suggestion solidified his thinking on the matter and told him it was time to act. Emma certainly had the breading to befit such a title and her value more than matched her lineage.

"Yes, it is time to offer her the proper recognition." he said rising from his seat and motioning for Emma, Kinsley and Brooks to rise as well. Standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders he continued "We'll have a more formal ceremony when all of the knights are able to convene together but from here forward Ms. Emma Swansong will be known as Dame Emma Swansong and will be recognized as such by all."

Kinsley and Brooks took a knee before her and bowed their head before rising and extending a hand to greet her as one of their own.

 

[Ravishing]

Emma rose as bidden then feeling the King's hands on my shoulders. A blink as she heard the title. When the other two rose and shook her hand she smiled at them, lightly blushing.

Nobility. Her. Emma Swansong.

Kinsley smiled at her. "Now if you need us we'll all know to help you is to help one of us. Dame Emma." He grinned.

Brookes chuckled softly and nodded his head in agreement. "While the King can't term you a Knight, A Dame ranking is the Lady's equivalent of it. I believe actually you are the only Dame, in the entire Kingdom."

Emma turned then about and looked up into William's eyes. "Thank you, my Liege." He might realise perhaps she wished she could hug him then.

As Kinsley then said, "Brookes and I will organise our trusted ones into smaller groupings, and with your Leave my King. We can get a couple sent out to the closest places to see how we go."

It was then Emma spoke up. "First we need to test it out here. There's a hidden brothel here which the King and I spoke about seeing if the women who've been forced into it, want to even stay ... and if any want to aid in running it as a legitimate business. Where they can be free, and earn wages."

 

[cnuveau]

With plans set Kinsley and Brooks exited to gather the men and put the plan in place.

William paced for a moment then went and removed a large scroll from a cubby on the wall and unrolled it on the table.

"I think we should turn our attention to what we've been missing at the parcel that caused such a dispute." he said tracing his finger along the perimeter of the land in question. It wasn't a large area. Maybe a 1 kilometer square. It wouldn't take much time to do a quick visual survey before deciding to send in men to do a more exhaustive evaluation of the land.

"It's about a day's ride. I think we should pack some things and go see it for ourselves. We can camp overnight then return when we're done. Are you up for an excursion?" he said as he turned to Emma.

 

[Ravishing]

"If it's a full day's ride we won't get there tonight. Especially since we need to pack things, ready horses and a cart for your things?" She was assuming there, since well, William was the King. He might have a level of comfort he'd want to maintain. As she looked at him questioningly. "Also as King can you just head off on your own? Don't you need extra protection?"

 

[cnuveau]

After the the past few hectic days William was really just interested in getting away. It'd seemed that the trip would take more planning than his spontaneous nature would have wanted though.

"Yes, maybe going tomorrow morning is more realistic." He finally admitted as he rolled up the map and slid it back into it's cubby.

"Let's see to getting arrangements made." he said leading Emma out of the meeting room to find the head butler to get him to attend to the details of having the carriage packed and with what they'd need for a couple day trip.

As William listed what he'd need packed the butler offered a few other things that he thought they should pack then hurried off to see to getting everything done. With his schedule clear for the day he summoned his advisors to the throne room then asked Emma to accompany him there.

Taking his seat on the throne Emma moved to sit at it's foot as she'd grown accustomed to doing but holding up a hand he said.

"No, please remain standing."

It took several minutes but when his advisors had finally assembled he stood to make his announcement.

"Earlier this morning, in consultation with my valued nights we've decided to bestow on our dear Emma the title of Dame in recognition of her valuable contributions. Going forward I expect that each of you will treat her with the respect commanded of such a title."

As Williams approached her to congratulate her one by one it was obvious that some of them were less than thrilled by the development and William made note of this in case that needed to be addressed later.

 

[Ravishing]

The Castle Seneschal listened to his King and went about organising all that was needed for the King and one Dame Swansong to head off to check out something within the Kingdom's direct duchy of influence.

Thus standing she listened to her King tell the others what had happened. Emma watched those faces and noted which two seemed the most likely to cause an issue. One was one of the newly appointed Advisors the one who had been put into what had been James's role. The other was more just the man's age. Of an age where he was white-haired and had a slightly frail look to him. He was probably due for replacement and retirement.

Richard when it was his turn smiled at her and courtly held her hand the exact right moment. "A pleasure to meet you Dame Swansong." Before he then moved on.

With Kinsley and Brookes giving their welcome to her last. The two Knights, more gave her a warrior's arm grasp. Hand about the wrist in turn with Emma then grasping the wrist of whichever was currently doing it. She smiled. "Thanks, Kinsley and Brookes."

When the Court Announcer then came in the young man quietly slipped close enough to the dias for the Royal Throne's there. Past the benches, the King's Advisors usually settled on, Emma found herself settled there next to Richard.

"You asked m'Lord to be told when it was nearing midday." The King hadn't, but suspiciously Emma wore a sweeter smile and winked at William. It was something she'd organised while the King had been speaking to his Seneschal. Emma hoped the King might then ask everyone else to leave.

 

[cnuveau]

William saw the Announcer come in and speak to Emma which seemed odd. When Emma winked at him he knew something odd was happening. As everyone finished congratulating Emma on her new title he dismissed them leaving them alone in the room.

“Is there something I should know about?” William asked curious about what was going on.

 

[Ravishing]

"I... might have asked Kinsley if he'd mind following after with your supplies. I did however get him to convince the stable hand to set up two horses with supplies to camp somewhere in the wilds. Without Kinsley saying it was for you." A batt of those long lashes to him then. "I knew you really wanted to go. So, if we travel light, travel quick we should make it to the point Kinsley will tomorrow dusk and we'll have had a night and day to ourselves. Before supplies arrive. I promise my Father taught me enough about hunting that putting a bow in my hands with simple pack supplies we won't starve... and maybe.... you'll enough roughing it, when it's you, me, stars a moon ... fire to keep away things that hate it.... and time to..." Emma let those words trail off as she looked up to see how much trouble she was in. "...we'd just need to take the back way out and get on two horses."

 

[cnuveau]

A ride alone, unencumbered by his normal entourage was exactly what William had in mind earlier and he was thrilled that Emma made it happen. It had been ages since he'd been allowed the freedom that solitude in the woods provided and he was eager to get going.

"It might surprise you to know I'm no stranger to the woods and able to hunt as well." He said with a smile before hugging her their tightly. "We should go get something more suitable to wear and pack a few necessities until Kinsley arrives."

Eagerly he led Emma up to their chambers and he changed into more durable trousers and a lighter shirt. Rummaging through his things he found an old canteen to fill and slung it over his shoulder. A short time later he was collecting Emma at her room then making their way through the back passages of the castle.

Once clear of the castle and the surrounding village he slowed his horse to a trot then took in the vast expanses before him.

"This is exactly what I needed. Thank you!" he said taking a few moments to take it all in before stepping off into a canter again.

As night began to approach they were winding their way through a wooded section and came upon a clear running brook. He slowed surveying the surroundings. A small clearing at the edge of the water offered an ideal place for camp and the area was clear enough to see and hear anyone approaching. He slowed his horse to a stop.

"This looks like a fine place to stop for the night. Not much further to go but we might not find something as idea." He said before slinging a leg over and dismounting. They tied off the horses to graze as they went about collecting wood and readying the camp before dusk.

 

[Ravishing]

Emma would have met him in trousers and a shirt. Her red hair braided and a cap over it. A backpack which held everything they needed as well a blankets and a bedroll. Two additional water skins and one of wine. As well as snacks and backup rolls with left over meat and cheese from the kitchen.

On the way travelling when he spoke she'd smiled. He got to see a completely different side of her. She rode almost like she'd been born to it.

When they stopped she refilled her water skins. Then while he went collecting wood. She went off rabbit hunting. He'd find her returning with two. Both with neat arrows through in killing shots. While getting grind clear then rocks she let him start the fire. While she skinned and prepared the rabbits. Organising her spit and putting one on it. She also made tea pouring out into battered cups. Setting it to cool.

An unroll of the bedroll and blankets for them to sit. The rabbit left overs she'd taken far enough away nothing that found them buried should bug them.

When the rabbit was ready she cut parts of it seeing it on a wooden plate and putting it to between them. Finally then she smiled to him. "I hope it's alright my Majesty."

 

[cnuveau]

As they sat there by the crackling fire under the stars on that warm night William couldn't think of how it could get much better.

"It's more than alright, thank you!" he said as he plucked another piece of meat from the plate and ate it.

A stirring in the bushed across the brook caught both of their attentions for a moment. William reached for his sword with his nerves suddenly on edge. The rustling of leaves grew louder then like a blur a rabbit darted from under the bush and across a clearing before disappearing into the woods.

"Might not need this." William said with a laugh as he put his sword down and ate another piece of rabbit.

With the rabbit meat all but gone William stood. "You brought wine, yes?" he asked as he took the plate to rinse it in the brook. By the time he'd returned Emma had retrieved the skin containing the wine and they passed it back and forth between them as they laid on the bed roll until it was nearly gone.

William pulled Emma to him resting her head on his arm as they gazed at the stars for a while before he turned to her and pulled he lips to his.

 

[Ravishing]

When the first rabbit was all gone Emma put the second on and it was cooked while they drank most of the wine. She got it shredded off wrapped it in preserving paper and stored it down deep in the bag. Burying the corpses far, far away.

A return finished the wine and then well, William turned to her kissing her. Emma slowly returned it, lips tasting of that same sweet red wine he did.

Sure Emma had half an ear out listening for things. But the rest of her attentions turned to wriggling that bit closer, and somehow in it all finding herself laid back on that bed they'd be sharing, and William over her kissing her more, legs entwined and passions slowly heating up in the moment. The fire provided more than enough heat after we'd earlier added more logs to it.

 

[cnuveau]

William's body pressed firmly into Emma as they kissed. The crackling of the fire and the occasional call of a distant owl masked the sounds of their heavy breaths. Breaking the kiss for a moment William reached up and behind his neck. Grasping the collar of his shirt he pulled if over his head then tossed it aside as Emma leaned forward to kiss his chest. Tugging Emma's shirt free from beneath her hips his hand traveled up the bare skin of her side lifting her shirt as it traveled up. Emma lifted her arms allowing it to pass as he removed it, discarding it next to his own.

As her head came to rest again on the bedding his lips moved down her neck and to her breasts teasing at the rings adorning her nipples as his fingers worked at the lacing of her trousers. Once loose he lifted himself to kneel between her thighs removing one boot then the other before lifting her legs over his shoulders and sliding her trousers up and off.

Emma's legs rested on his shoulders as he quickly moved to lower his own trousers then pushed them down to his knees. William's lips found the inside of Emma's knee then worked their way up her thigh as he lowered her legs from his shoulders. Emma moaned softly as his tongue flicked across that gold hoop between her thighs.

 

[Ravishing]

A hand helped him with his shirt, then slow movements of that lithe athletic frame moving at his urging and then her shirt was with his. Felt his lips over her skin and groaned as those lips found those rings through her nipples, the chain that clasped between them glinting in the moonlight.

A subtle laugh out of her as he worked her out of those trousers, and loosed his and got them down. As his lips found her skin behind a knee, she felt him kissing up then flicking a tongue that at the clit ring a gasp, arch of her back, legs spread wide to let him simply enjoy the sight between those thighs.

The way he drifted between her clit and between those lower lips soon had her writhing on that bed close to the fire. Her hands playing along his shoulders. The Lariat glinting round her neck, something, yet he hadn't reclaimed.

"...Mmmm please..." A soft begging tone from her. Emma needed him to fuck her in this moment. All his teasing had her soaking wet and more than ready for him.

 

[cnuveau]

At Emma's urging William lifted himself from between her thighs then kissed his way up her torso until his lips met hers again. He hungrily kissed her as the head of his cock teased across her wetness. Emma ground her hips into him. Her body pleading for the sensation of him inside of her. Reaching down he guided himself in then sank into her slowly.

"It seems fitting that I should be the first to have the pleasure of our Kingdom's first Dame." he said as he slowly made love to his lovely Dame Emma.