Disclaimers ~ These characters belong to me. If they have a passing resemblance to you or share your name, it's purely coincidental.

Violence/ bad language ~ Spousal abuse, and some fighting scenes. Some bad language.

Love/sex ~ Romance between consenting women. Relations between a man & woman. If this offends you, you won't like this story. Well...maybe you will, but you'll just be tutting a lot at what my imagination conjured up. Am I ashamed? Nah, not really.

Author's note ~ A big thank you to my two beta readers, for all the time and effort you put into looking through this and correcting it.

Copyright © December 2008

Synopsis ~ The tale of two sisters living in early medieval England. Lindsey, the sister who hopes for marriage and children of her own to look after, and Kelsey, who has no desire to get married, but hopes for adventure.

Lindsey marries a wealthy landowner and farmer, can she find the happiness she desperately hopes for? Kelsey meets the Prince of England, will she change her mind on marriage?

Questions, comments & thoughts all welcome. Loves_to_write_fic@yahoo.co.uk

Secrets, lies, & deceptions

by

Cam Taylor

Chapter One

Kelsey Marie Gardiner sat silently watching her twin sister nervously smooth down her plain emerald dress for the third time in a few short moments. It was the best dress she owned and usually only worn on Sunday when the family attended church. "Lindsey!" Kelsey sighed, rolling her eyes. "You look fine. Your dress is fine, stop fussing."

"Father said I was to make a good impression," the strawberry-blonde replied. "With Ackerley Meadows showing an interest in me and coming to dinner tonight, I have to play the part of a stupid woman." Lindsey smiled over her shoulder at her sister. "Though why men can't accept that women can be just as intelligent as them, I'll never understand!" She ran a hand through her loose locks. "Would you brush my hair, sister?"

Kelsey nodded and stood from her seat by their window to walk across to her sister. "Are you...scared, Lindsey, of what all this could be leading to?" the identical strawberry-blonde asked quietly, running the brush through her twin's hair.

Lindsey laughed in tickled delight. "Oh, Kelsey!" she giggled. "No, not at all. We are both of marrying age."

"Yes, but being of age and actually being betrothed are two entirely different things!" Kelsey argued.

"Ackerley Meadows is rumoured to be a well-off man, who counts King Edward as a friend. He has many acres of land and will be able to provide for his family," Lindsey said, sounding like she was trying to sell a product. "And, he seems like a kind and caring man. At least that is how I have found him to be."

"Lindsey! You have seen him at church only! You cannot know he is any of those things."

"Girls," their mother called out from the main room. "Come and help me set the table."

"Be right there, mother," Kelsey replied, before returning her attention to her sister. "You know he's more than a little interested because of your potential dowry, don't you?"

Lindsey scowled. "He was interested long before, Kelsey. And besides, if any man had shown interest in you first, it would have been your dowry! As we are twins, you know what father said."

Kelsey reached out to touch her sister's arm. "I'm not bitter or anything, Lindsey. I'm just...trying to discreetly warn you."

"Warn me?"

"I..." Kelsey paused, thinking of the best way to put her fears. "Something about him just...doesn't seem right."

"Oh, Kelsey!" Lindsey sighed, standing up and pulling her twin into a hug. "Be excited for me, sister. I have the interest of a well-known farmer, who because of his good stock has a friend in the King. This will bring you to the interest of other well-to-do men, Kelsey, and perhaps we'll both end up with good husbands."

Kelsey smiled weakly. "Tell mother I'll be right out, I just want to brush my hair."

Lindsey nodded and pecked her sister's cheek. "You always did think too much, you know. Thou will never get thee a husband, dear sister. This simple life is all I ever dreamed of. To have a nice, kind, loving husband and children to fuss over and care for. I know for some reason that isn't enough for you, but 'tis for me." She smiled lovingly. "Don't be long or mother will have a fit."

Left alone in their shared bedroom, Kelsey sat down and ran the brush through her soft as silk tresses. If only I could make her see that something isn't right about Ackerley Meadows!

Kelsey personally didn't want to get married and end up being some man's breeding stock. She wanted more out of her life. She had dreams. She was an intelligent girl with a passion for books, her mother having taught Lindsey and herself to read and write from a young age. Rare talents in her village, books were a rarity, and writing was seen as the province of the powerful. The strawberry-blonde loved nothing more than to tuck herself away and get lost in distant lands and adventures. The sad thing was, she knew if she were to marry, she would lose her right to do that, other duties would be expected of her and she wouldn't have the time.

She looked at herself in the mirror, a thoughtful look on her face. She was usually a quiet girl, unless riled, and then she was a hellcat, defending herself or those who were being picked on. She worked hard and never complained. All in all she was a good girl who knew her place, but didn't like it. Wishing for more from life than she was sure to get.

"Kelsey Marie!" Odele Gardiner shouted out from the other room. "It doesn't take this long to brush your hair, young lady!"

Putting the brush down on the simple wooden chest of drawers her father had made, Kelsey stood up and prepared herself for the evening ahead. "Coming, mother."

* * * * *

Prince Ripley looked around the large, dimly lit hall and sighed heavily. It was a beautiful room, painted white, with fine tapestries hanging from the walls. The ceiling had carved corbels and the wooden floor had been scented with herbs. But Ripley wasn't happy about being in Spain. The King had insisted His Royal Highness travel with him on business, but now they had arrived, Ripley had come to realise it was in the hope of arranging a betrothal. A fancy banquet had been thrown in their honour, the finest of foods available and all sorts of entertainment lain on to amuse the travelling party.

In all honesty, there was nothing wrong with Princess Luella. She was a very beautiful girl, with long dark hair and dark eyes to match, her skin flawless and tanned from the Spanish sunshine. Easy on the eye, the King had said. She would make a good wife. But the truth was, Ripley didn't want to marry. The problem was though, that this wasn't a marriage about love, in fact the prince and princess hadn't met before today. This wedding was to be a business transaction of sorts. King Edward of England wanted King Ramiro of Spain as an ally.

Sighing again, cerulean eyes landed on a wandering musician and watched as the talented man played the violin. I just have to find a way to get out of this, Ripley thought. I do not want to marry, and refuse to be forced into it just because of my father! Ripley picked up one of the delicious pastries from a nearby plate and bit into the sugared delicacy. The only way to get out of whatever agreement my father comes to is to cause quite the scandal. But what? The prince scanned the large room of people, eyes settling on two of the princess' ladies-in-waiting, giggling as they watched couples dancing. An idea began to form. To be caught in an unsuitable position with a lady whilst not married would indeed be scandalous. Perhaps one of the serving girls would be appropriate?

Ripley stood up, a hand wrapped around a jewelled mug filled to the brim with fine wine, and walked around the bustling crowd of men and women, Royalty and nobles alike, and towards the doors that led out of the hall, wanting some solitude in order to think properly.

The prince walked along the corridors of the castle, looking in interest at the portraits and tapestries that lined the walls. Out here in the corridors, it was cool, unlike the great hall, which had been heated by two big fireplaces. Ripley passed by men and women, some seeking hidden corners in order to be alone together, others talking and laughing loudly, their drinks spilling onto the polished floor at their feet. The castle, much like the one back in England, was bustling with life, not just guests roamed the corridors, but staff as well. At the stone steps that led upstairs to the third floor, Ripley headed up, deciding the roof would surely be a good bet for some peace and quiet.

As the door opened onto the roof, the prince breathed in the chilled night air with delight, before heading over to the parapet. Reaching the low stone wall, Ripley looked down at the dark courtyard and sighed heavily.

"You are seeking solitude as well, Your Highness?" a soft, accented voice asked.

Ripley spun around in fright and spotted the Princess of Spain standing in the shadows. "Princess Luella, you startled me!"

"I apologise, that wasn't my intention, Your Highness." The dark-haired woman bowed her head.

Ripley smiled shakily, then bowed in respect. "I grew hot in the great hall, and weary of all the noise."

"I see."

"Yourself, Princess?"

Luella pointed to where Ripley stood. "May I join you, Your Highness?"

Ripley chuckled. "Seeing as you were here before me, I think it should be me asking you!"

Luella laughed and walked over to the parapet. "I came up here to convince myself that nothing is to change, to pretend that I won't soon be married. To be blunt, Your Highness."

"You don't wish to marry me, Princess Luella?"

Luella glanced at the English Prince and saw that he didn't seem to be angry or upset. "It's not because you are not a decent man, Your Highness. I just...." She shook her head. "No, I do not wish to marry you."

"I'm glad I'm not the only one," Ripley smiled. "To be blunt, Your Highness, I don't wish to marry you either."

Luella laughed. "I see."

"In all honesty, I..." Ripley sighed. "I don't think marriage should be a business transaction. I believe it should be for...love." The prince glanced at the dark-haired girl, fearing she would laugh.

Luella blinked in surprise. "For love! That is...a strange notion coming from a man in these times we live in, Your Highness."

Ripley nodded. "I know, but 'tis what I believe."

"It's what I believe also," Luella quietly confessed. "I have heard such stories of love. I've always wondered what it'll be like to feel my heart rapidly beating in my chest, my breath stolen from me, all because my beloved has entered the room." She laughed quietly. "Silly, I know."

"'Tis not, milady." Ripley turned back to face the courtyard, looking down and seeing small dark figures going about their business.

Luella stood next to Ripley, glancing down herself. "Have you ever wished you weren't who you are? Wondering what it would be like to be one of the people with an ordinary life?"

Ripley laughed loudly. "Every day! Some days, when my duties just don't seem to end, I find myself wishing for a simple life. But then, something will happen to remind me of just how lucky I am to have such a life of luxury."

Luella nodded, her head turning as she regarded Ripley. "What are we to do, Your Highness? About the wedding we both do not wish for?"

"Well, at first I considered getting myself caught in an intimate position with one of your ladies-in-waiting," Ripley started. "But then it occurred to me that isn't as uncommon as we like to believe. Then I considered leaving here tonight, but if I do that, my father will surely disown me or think up a terrible punishment for my disobedience! So, at the moment I have no plan, but I'm working on it."

Luella smiled, liking the young prince more than she thought she would. "Perhaps we can talk to my father," she suggested. "He is an understanding man. If we both go to him together and tell him we do not wish for this union, I think he will listen."

Ripley breathed in deeply, thinking over the princess' words. "I guess we could try that, your plan definitely beats my ideas."

"If it please you, sir, later tonight, we shall go and see my father."

* * * * *

The evening meal was a posh affair, put on to impress Ackerley Meadows, Lindsey's suitor. Elden Gardiner had killed one of their few cows in order for his wife to serve fresh meat to the wealthy farmer. Kelsey thought it was a waste and would only leave them short in the long winter months. Along with the roast beef, Odele had served up onions, cabbage, leeks, and carrots. For dessert, she had made roast pear fritters.

The kitchen in the Gardiners' simple timber home was being warmed by the stove and was lit by flickering candles. Their home was simple, but then so was their life. The house consisted of a large living room, two bedrooms and a small kitchen. They weren't wealthy and never would be. Elden was a carpenter and had made much of their furniture himself. Odele occasionally took in laundry, but otherwise worked the family's small patch of land.

Ackerley Meadows was the son and only heir of his father's many acres of land. The family had been supplying the Royal Family with the finest cuts of beef, lamb and pork, for many years. After his father's death, Ackerley had continued the family business, taking the reins and becoming even more successful. His meat sold for a good price and his cows, sows, and sheep, were always wanted at the market place sales. Ackerley was nineteen summers older than the seventeen year old Lindsey, but this wasn't uncommon in these times, many men married a much younger woman. His brown hair was thinning, his brown eyes hard and uncaring, his thin smiles never reaching his eyes.

Kelsey didn't like him, and not just because he might be the man to take her twin sister away from her. Something just didn't seem right about him, despite the man always being polite and charming. If she had to describe him, Kelsey would say he was heavy in build, years of eating too much good food having caught up with him. He was arrogant in speech and mannerism, and he drank far too much. She watched him closely as he conversed with her father over the dinner table, looking for signs of his true nature.

"This is delightful, Mrs. Gardiner," Ackerley complimented the meal. "The meat is beautifully cooked."

"Thank you, Mr. Meadows," Odele replied, blushing lightly. "Please, sir, if it pleases you, would you call me Odele?"

Ackerley smiled and nodded his head. "And you must call me Ackerley. I have a feeling our families will soon be joined," he said, as his eyes settled on Lindsey, who blushed and looked down at her plate. He spent the rest of the meal talking about his farm and animals, and how close he was to King Edward. Everyone but Kelsey hung on his every word, impressed with his arrogant boasting.

After the evening meal, the women started cleaning up the dirty dishes, while Elden and Ackerley retired to the living room where a fire was burning fiercely, warming the room nicely and keeping away the evening chill.

Ackerley sat in one of the chairs that was placed in front of the fireplace and stared at the flickering flames. "I think you know why I came this eve, Elden," he said in a low tone. "I wish to have the hand of your daughter Lindsey."

Elden nodded. "I would be interested in a joining between our two families, Mr. Meadows. I have only ever wanted what's best for my girls."

Ackerley nodded, pleased. "May I enquire what Lindsey's dowry may be?"

Elden sat down, his hands clasped in front of him. "As you can see, sir, we don't have a lot to offer. But as a dowry to you, I offer my land, to be owned once my wife and I have passed."

"That is a very generous offer, Elden. And one you must know I would be interested in." Ackerley glanced over at the nervous-looking man and smiled. "I accept. I suggest you have your wife see to the arrangements of the wedding."

Smiling brightly, Elden jumped up from his seat and offered Ackerley his hand. "Welcome to the family, Ackerley. I am sure you'll be a wonderful husband for my daughter, and that she'll provide you with many strong, healthy sons."

"I hope so, Elden. I have a lot of land and a very successful business I will want to pass on," Ackerley chuckled. "Lindsey is a beautiful girl. I am sure our children will be just as good looking. Now, if you don't mind," he said, taking his seat again. "I wish to ask Lindsey for her hand, even though we have come to an agreement. Make her feel a part of the idea and keep her happy," he smiled, his cheeks rosy from the alcohol he had consumed over dinner. "Later, once the women have joined us, I'll suggest a stroll and discuss the marriage with her then."

Elden nodded and smiled, though it wasn't a usual request. He wanted to keep the man happy and ensure the wedding went ahead. "Would you care for another drink, Ackerley?"

"You've read my mind, Elden. A drink to celebrate the upcoming event."

"Wife, bring two mugs of wine," Elden called out, smiling at his soon-to-be son-in-law.

* * * * *

Luella and Ripley nervously followed the King of Spain into an unoccupied room. Like many of the much-used rooms in the castle, this room was being warmed by a large fireplace, and was decorated finely with the best wooden furniture and silk tapestries.

"Wine, Prince Ripley?" the King asked.

"Please, Your Highness." While the King saw to pouring the drinks, Ripley took the time to look around the candle-lit room properly before accepting the jewelled cup with a nod of the head in thanks.

Knowing something was going on, King Ramiro looked from his daughter to the visiting prince. He pointed to the chairs set in front of the fireplace. "Shall we sit?"

Ripley nodded in agreement and walked over to the side of the room to bring across another chair so that all three of them could sit down, intending on involving Luella in the conversation, though this wasn't common practice.

King Ramiro smiled his approval of the prince's chivalrousness. "What can I do for you both? There is a problem, yes?"

"With all due respect, Your Highness, I do not wish to marry your daughter," Ripley started. "Just as she does not wish to marry me. We..." cerulean eyes darted away from the frowning King. "...both hope to marry for love and feel that this union would make us both unhappy."

"I see," Ramiro said slowly. "You do realise that marriage is rarely about love?"

Ripley nodded. "I do, Your Highness, and I think it is tragic."

"Tragic?"

"Tragic that two people who do not care for each other are forced into a marriage one or both of them do not want. What about your soul mate? Aristophanes, a Greek dramatist, had a theory that humans originally consisted of four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces. Zeus feared our power though, and split us all in half, condemning us to spend our lives searching for the other half to complete us," Ripley said passionately. "What if your daughter and I wed, only for our soul mate to come into our life?"

King Ramiro sipped at his wine, watching the strange young man closely. Finally, he lowered his mug and smiled. "You are a strange young man, Your Royal Highness. You talk of love and soul mates in a time where daughters are only good for business."

"Your Highness, I have found your daughter to be not only beautiful, but intelligent and funny as well. You have raised her well," Ripley complimented. "She will make some man incredibly happy, but alas, I am not that man. I have faith that I will one day meet my soul mate and I wish to remain single until that day arrives. But, Your Highness, I will always consider your daughter a friend and yourself as well. If ever you need anything, all you have to do is ask and I shall see what I can do."

The King of Spain laughed and shook his dark head. "Strange! Very strange!" He looked at his silent daughter. "You go along with all that has been said, daughter?"

Luella nodded, a small smile on her lips. "I do, father. I wish to wait for love."

"I respect you for your words and the friendship you have shown towards my daughter and myself." Ramiro nodded his head. "I shall talk with your father and tell him I have...had a change of heart."

"You don't..."

Ramiro put up a hand. "It should come from me, Your Royal Highness. I do not wish for any bad will to come in your direction."

Ripley nodded in acceptance. "Thank you, Your Highness."

* * * * *

The Gardiner family and their guest enjoyed light conversation and mugs of wine, seated in front of the burning fireplace. Kelsey frowned as she watched her joyous father, wondering why he seemed in such good spirits. Ackerley was, as usual, loud and boastful, entertaining the family with gossip and tales.

Finishing his drink, Ackerley enquired about going for a quick stroll with Lindsey. At this inappropriate request, Odele looked to her husband, who nodded his permission. Everyone turned to look at Lindsey, the young girl blushing as she smiled politely and nodded in acceptance.

Ackerley helped Lindsey into her coat and offered his arm to escort her. "We shan't be long," he told Elden and Odele. "'Tis far too cold to stay out for long." He discreetly winked at Elden, who smiled back.

"You're a good man, Ackerley Meadows. I am trusting my daughter to be kept safe in your company?" Elden said, knowing the pair should really have an escort as they were unwed as of yet. It wasn't proper for them to be alone with each other.

"Lindsey is quite safe with me, Elden," Ackerley promised. "I just wish for a few quiet moments with her to...ask her something, than I shall return her to your care." He looked down at Lindsey. "Perhaps a walk to the end of the path and then back?"

Lindsey nodded and smiled brightly, fairly sure of what he was to ask. Please, please let him ask me to marry him! He is the most eligible bachelor in town.

Odele and Elden looked on happily from the doorway as the couple left. Ackerley Meadows was a gentleman. Respectful, polite, charming, and a successful business man who supplied the King with meat. Ackerley would provide Lindsey with a good home.

"I can't believe you are trying to push Lindsey into marrying him," Kelsey said as her parents returned to their seats in the living room.

"What's wrong with it?" Elden asked, frowning.

"There is something not right about him, father. His eyes are...dead."

"Hush, girl," Odele scolded. "You're just upset at the idea of your twin being gone from home."

Kelsey scowled. "'Tis upsetting, yes. But 'tis more than that," the strawberry-blonde protested. "I want the best for Lindsey, and Ackerley Meadows isn't it!"

* * * * *

They walked in silence at first, Lindsey enjoying holding on to Ackerley's thick arm, the comfort of being in the protection of the big man, the feeling of being a lady. Ackerley was just as quiet, his gait wobbly from the alcohol he had consumed over the course of the evening, his cheeks ruddy, eyes slightly glassy.

"'Tis a beautiful night," Ackerley said softly, finally breaking the silence between them.

"Yes," Lindsey agreed. "A clear night. Though 'tis cold."

"Perhaps there will be snow," Ackerley smiled, looking up at the cloudless sky.

"When we were younger, Kelsey and I used to lie out in our field and pick out shapes from the stars."

"They are beautiful, but not as beautiful as you, Lindsey."

The young girl blushed and ducked her head.

"With a clear sky," Ackerley continued. "It seems to be colder." Nearing the large barn, he smiled as an urge came forth, a plan forming in his head. "Perhaps we could step inside the barn a moment, so we can...talk?" he asked cautiously.

Lindsey nodded and allowed Ackerley to lead her inside the large barn. It was where the family kept hay and one old shire horse, and during the winter months, it became home to the few cows they had.

The pair sat side by side on a bale of hay. Ackerley had a smooth, well-practised line of small talk that he used as he held Lindsey's small hand in his larger one. He spoke politely and in a low, soft tone. When he leaned over and kissed her cheek, Lindsey allowed it without a fuss, a funny tingling filling her. The strawberry-blonde began to panic though, when the bigger man placed his hand on her knee and leaned into her.

"Ackerley!" she gasped in surprise as he grew bolder. Her eyes widening as his hand moved up her leg, his warm lips pressing against her neck. "Sir, please! 'Tis not appropriate!"

"'Tis just a simple kiss, dear Lindsey. I find you so...enchanting, I can not help myself." Ackerley gently eased her backwards until she was lying on her back. "Lindsey, beautiful, Lindsey," he mumbled, pressing soft kisses along her jaw as he worked her skirt and shift up.

"Ackerley Meadows!" Lindsey said forcibly. "Don't! We cannot! 'Tis not right, sir!" She felt him struggle with his trousers, then his hot throbbing flesh brushing against her soft inner thigh.

"Oh, Lindsey! Wilt thou marry me?" Ackerley moaned in a strained voice. "Wilt thou not be my wife? Surely if we were betrothed, it won't be wrong?"

Lindsey gasped in surprise and threw her arms around his thick neck. "Oh, Ackerley! Yes, I will marry you!" she exclaimed, immensely pleased she had managed to catch the most suitable man in their small town.

The brown-haired man smiled and lowered his head to kiss soft pink lips, his fingers trailing up her legs and between her parted thighs, making her jerk in response. "Do not worry, my love. I shall be careful," he promised. "I just need...to feel you."

Lindsey wasn't sure what he meant until his fingers disappeared to be replaced by his hardness. He rubbed frantically against her, panting harshly as his hips jerked faster and faster until with a grunt, he stiffened before collapsing on top of her.

Still panting for breath, Ackerley rolled off his wife-to-be and pulled out his handkerchief from his breast pocket. "Here, wipe off my seed. Be careful not to get it near to your womanhood."

Feeling bewildered and ashamed, Lindsey did what Ackerley asked, then sat up to smooth down her skirts as Ackerley made himself presentable. "Do you...really wish to marry me?" she asked quietly, unsure of herself after what had just occurred.

"Of course I do," Ackerley replied, wrapping a strong arm around her shoulders. "You will make a fine bride. What just happened between us was...an expression of my deep love for you." He kissed her cheek. "Do you not want to marry me, Lindsey?"

She blinked in surprise. "I do! I do want to marry you, Ackerley."

"Excellent!" the big man said smiling. "Come," he said as he stood up and offered her his hand. "I have kept you out long enough. Let us go and share our news with your parents."

* * * * *

Ripley watched King Ramiro and King Edward talking and felt a fluttering in the stomach as the King of England's face grew red in anger, grey eyes darting around the great hall in search of his son. Ripley swallowed nervously, wondering just how much trouble this would cause.

"Your Royal Highness," Princess Luella said softly.

The prince turned and smiled at Luella. "Yes, Princess Luella?"

"I know 'tis bold of me, but would you care to dance?"

Ripley smiled. "And cause a stir? With pleasure." The tall, blonde-haired prince stood and offered the princess a hand, helping the girl up. They walked over to the dance floor, many people stopping in mid-sentence to watch them, the couple making a striking pair. "We are making quite an impression already."

Luella placed a hand on the Ripley's shoulder, the other holding a callused hand. "Let them talk, Your Highness, I do not care. You are a kind, sweet-natured man, who I will be very pleased to call a friend and ally. Though your father is looking extremely unhappy at this moment. If wishes came true, I suspect you would be a pile of ash at my feet!"

Ripley laughed out loud. "That bad, hmm? Oh well, I am happy with my decision, you are happy with my decision, that is all that matters."

"Agreed, Your Highness," Luella smiled, eyes dancing.

* * * * *

Lindsey quietly slipped into the bedroom she shared with her sister and hurried over to the double bed they shared for warmth. It was quite late, past the midnight hour. Once returning to the house with Ackerley, the couple had shared their news and shared a celebration drink and talked of plans for the upcoming wedding.

"Are you all right?" Kelsey whispered in the darkness.

Lindsey gasped and spun around to look in her twin's direction. "Kelsey! You startled me!"

"Sorry."

"I am fine," Lindsey replied to the question, turning back around to continue undressing. "Why do you worry so?"

Kelsey sighed, despite protesting about Ackerley Meadows, no one was taking heed. "You are my twin, Lindsey. I want what is best for you."

Slipping into her nightgown, Lindsey climbed into the bed and faced her sister. "Ackerley proposed tonight," she said quietly, knowing Kelsey disapproved of Ackerley.

A pregnant silence fell upon the small bedroom. Despite knowing it was coming, the news still shocked Kelsey. She bit down on her bottom lip to stop herself from having an outburst.

"Say something," Lindsey pleaded finally.

"What..." Kelsey swallowed fearfully. "What was your response?"

"I told him yes, of course."

Kelsey's eyes slid shut, tears threatening to fall. "Then I shall pray for your well being."

"Oh, Kelsey! You are so dramatic sometimes!"

"Something is not right about him, Lindsey! I do not care how polite and charming he acts!" the strawberry-blonde said harshly, sitting up in the bed and peering through the darkness at her sister. "Why are you so quick to dismiss my feelings and thoughts? Why can I not be right about my gut reaction?"

Lindsey sighed sadly. "Just...be happy for me, sister. I have been chosen by a man I...think I like, and believe I will grow to love dearly." She thought back to the act that had occurred in the barn and smiled in the darkness, though it had scared her at the time, now she considered it a great compliment. Ackerley had desired her so much, his feelings had spilled out and urged him to seek relief with her. "Unlike poor Mildred," she continued. "You remember what happened to her, don't you? She ended up with a monster of a man!"

Kelsey knew that their old childhood friend's husband was a mean drunk, who beat Mildred whenever he was in the mood and that he thrust himself upon her whenever he pleased. The poor girl was already mother to three of the brute's children and everyone knew that number would increase over the years, unless the good Lord called either Mildred or her husband home. "All right, Lindsey, all right. I wish you all the best and send you off with my well wishes."

"Thank you, Kelsey. In time you will see, Ackerley is a good man and will be a good husband to me. Goodnight."

Kelsey settled back down on the bed, her heart heavy. "Goodnight, sister."

* * * * *

"Do you know what you have done!" the King bellowed. "You have severed a great tie we would have had with Spain!"

"I have done no such thing, father," Ripley replied calmly. "I assured King Ramiro and his daughter, that they are always welcome at our home, and that if they ever need anything, all they have to do is ask. I expect that goes both ways."

"You are to be King," Edward continued, ignoring the prince's comments. "You need a wife!"

Ripley smirked. "I disagree."

So far, the prince had managed to get out of three potential marriages. The Princess of France was refused because of her very young age and a Lord's daughter wasn't compatible, according to Ripley.

"I am tired of your defiance of my authority, Ripley!" the King of England snapped. "I will find you a new bride and you will marry." Ripley's mouth opened, ready with a protest. Edward's fist slammed down onto the table in front of him. "I am the King, your father, and you will do as I say!"

Ripley stood up, face expressionless. "Are we done, father?"

The King sat back in his chair. "For now. Make no mistake, Ripley, as soon as we return to England, this will be sorted out."

The fair-haired prince nodded once, then swiftly left the room.

To be continued...