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 ~ Questions, comments & thoughts all welcome. Loves_to_write_fic@yahoo.co.uk
Copyright © December 2008
Chapter Fourteen
The week seemed to pass by tortuously slowly for Ripley. She hated the lie she was living even more than ever now. Now, not only was she pretending to be a man, she was also pretending to be a father. She tried her best to avoid Kelsey, feeling guilt above all her other raging emotions as she looked at the innocent girl she had married and forced into the lie as well. She knew Kelsey was miffed at her absence, confused by her reaction to the news of the pregnancy, but she couldn't help the way she felt.
"So are you to continue avoiding her?" Hudson asked in disapproval. They were standing on the roof, looking down on the castle grounds, away from listening ears and prying eyes. Both were wrapped in warm clothes, the night before the land was sprinkled with a downfall of snow. "She is so upset, Ripley. She can't work out why you have gone from loving husband to stranger in the blink of an eye. This worrying isn't good for her," the brunette continued, watching her friend's back. "Isn't good for the babe either."
Ripley spun around, glaring at her friend. "The babe! 'Tis not good for the babe!" She growled and turned back to the view she had been staring blankly at. "The babe is a bastard, Hudson. I don't know who its father is. Certainly not me, that's for sure!"
Hudson frowned at Ripley's mumbled words. "That's what this is about? That is why you avoid your wife? Because you know not the baby's father? Jesus, Ripley! It doesn't matter! What matters is that you will be seen as its father. You will provide for it, love it, nurture it!" She grabbed Ripley's arm and spun her around. "This is a wonderful gift, Ripley. One which shouldn't have come to be, but has. You," she jabbed Ripley's shoulder. "You will have a child. You, a woman who lives life as a man."
Ripley sighed heavily and turned back to the parapet and leaned against it. "How do you deal with it, Hudson? Knowing that the child Lindsey carries is Ackerley's?"
"He may have provided the seed, but he will never be the father. I will love the child as my own, and it will only ever know me as father." She leaned next to Ripley. "Don't push Kelsey away, old friend. She loves you dearly. God knows why!" she chuckled. "But she does."
"You're right," Ripley smiled. "I should be looking at this like the gift it is. Thank you, Hudson. You are a good friend, I am lucky to have you in my life."
Hudson smiled. "Of course, and I am lucky to have you, though at times you are..."
"Now, Hudson, remember that I am the prince and can have you thrown in the cells!"
The brunette wrapped an arm around the blonde's shoulders. "Come, let us go and find our women. You have some apologising to do."
* * * * *
"Everything is ready, Lord Goodwyn," the soldier said to his Lord.
"Excellent," the raven-haired man said with a nod. "I don't want to raise suspicion, so send the first couple of groups of men this afternoon, up the east coast. Tomorrow morn, send the next few groups up the west coast. The rest of the men and myself will arrive a few days after you."
"I understand, My Lord. The Marquess is expecting us?"
"Yes, I sent word to him a few weeks backs, today I received word that he has made room for our men." The Earl of Wessex looked at his right-hand man. "I can rely on you, can't I, Segerston?"
"Yes, My Lord. You have my complete loyalty."
"Good. Make sure the men don't linger in any of the towns you pass, try to keep them out of the taverns and away from the whores. I want everyone in top condition for what is able to occur."
"I understand." With a final nod, the soldier turned and marched briskly away, shouting out orders to dawdling men under his command.
Soon Edward, soon your land will be awash with your soldiers' blood. And hopefully...your son's.
* * * * *
Having made up with Ripley, Kelsey had never been happier. Her pregnancy was coming along nicely, though the current week had brought with it a need that only Ripley could see to and mood swings she couldn't explain. Lindsey assured her sibling she had suffered the same and it was nothing to fret about. The princess found herself craving strange foods at odd times in the day and night, as well as having to rest after fatigue quickly came upon her. One minute she ached to have Ripley upon her, scouring the castle as she sought him out for some much needed attention, the next she felt crummy and yelled at him not to touch her.
Lindsey found herself suffering headaches and swinging mood changes. One moment she was radiant and happy, the next she was snapping at poor Hudson for merely saying something she deemed an insult. The soldier, she had noticed, had become hesitant to speak aloud her thoughts for fear of upsetting the strawberry-blonde. With the moodiness, her growing waistline and blotchy complexion, Lindsey also found that her abdomen ached continually. Alden informed her this was to do with her stretching waist and nothing to be concerned with.
Ripley stood facing Vance on the practice field, both wielding their swords. The King had informed his daughter that there was serious talk of a civil war on its way. The Earl of Wesssex and the Marquess of Dublin had been rumoured to be corresponding with each other, both of their armies stocking up on supplies and looking like they were getting ready to move. Ripley wanted her men in top condition if there was to be a war. She knew there would be losses, many on both sides, there always was, but while she could do all that was in her power to train them and have them ready, she would proudly lead them into battle knowing they were going to give their best.
"So, Your Highness, has your wife got any cravings yet?" Dennison asked from the sidelines where he stood.
Ripley parried furiously, getting Vance to back off swiftly. "Are you trying to distract me, Dennison?" she asked grinning.
The big, red-haired man smiled crookedly. "Well, 'tis the only way any of us can beat you, Your Highness."
Ripley laughed and jumped as Vance swept his sword at her legs. "My wife has been getting cravings of late," she replied. "Odd cravings at odd times in the day and night."
"My wife was the same," Sir Harrington chipped in. "Liked the taste of egg yolks and almond milk!"
"Lately my wife has been craving spinach in custard," Ripley said, making all the men cringe in distaste. "I made the mistake of sitting down with her while she as eating it the other day and soon found myself running from the room to heave!" She swiped at Vance, catching his shirt on his shoulder. "A point to me," she called out happily.
"What about your wife, Hudson?" Alvin asked.
"My wife eats enough to fill the army!" Hudson joked. "Her belly is growing daily and she has never looked more beautiful to me."
"Lord above, marriage has turned his brain to mush!" Vance said, deflecting another strike from Ripley.
"So, is it true there may soon be a civil war?" Dennison asked, wondering why they were training so hard of late.
Ripley stopped her sparring and turned to face her watching men. "There is talk," she admitted. "And...there have been some suspicious moves by a certain Earl, that has led my father to believe an attack is imminent. But worry not, men, I will lead you proudly into battle and be beside you every step of the way, if it comes to it."
The surrounding men smiled. That was why they loved His Royal Highness, why they were so devoted to him. He never shirked from his duties as a leader of them, even when the odds were against them and things looked bleak.
* * * * *
Shoulders aching, face and body splattered with mud, Ripley desired a bath once she returned to the castle. She called for ewerers to prepare one for her, and then made her way to her chambers to wait.
Once her bath was ready, Ripley, eager to ease her aching muscles and enjoy the chance to relax for some time, slipped out of her clothes, pausing to look down at her naked female body. Hands rose and cupped full breasts, released from the tight binding she wore to hide her identity. She always felt strange whenever she saw her true self. So used to living like a man, being seen as a man, seeing herself as a man, she was always surprised and awkward when her female form was revealed. Shaking her head at her silliness, she slipped into the invitingly warm water. She sighed heavily in delight, her eyes sliding closed as she sank into the large tub, specially made to accommodate her tall frame. Allowed to relax, Ripley found her thoughts switching from subject to subject, Kelsey's pregnancy, the unrest among the people, the possibility of a war, becoming a father to a tiny baby, a baby that would be totally dependant on herself and Kelsey, looking to them to get it through early life. She shook her head, not wanting to think during her precious and very rare alone time. The warm water that lapped at her naked skin and the heavenly lavender scent that filled the air lulled her to sleep.
When Ripley awoke, blue eyes blinking in confusion, she found that her hot water had turned cold, her skin pruned. You must be tired to have fallen asleep, Ripley, she scolded herself. Cautiously standing in the tub, she looked up in surprise as the door opened to her left. She had forgotten to lock it in her haste to wash and relax. She heard a soft gasp and turned her head to see Kelsey in the open doorway, her blue eyes wide, and a delicate hand covering her open mouth. "Kelsey," Ripley whispered, knowing there was trouble ahead. The blissful life and marriage they'd had together disappearing in the blink of an eye.
Horrified blue eyes rose from the muscular, lithe, female body that dripped water erotically, to meet the saddened blue of the prince. Her husband, who wasn't a man at all. Kelsey stood in shocked stillness, mouth agape, her face draining of colour. Her expression was one of confusion, astonishment, and dismay. This...cannot be! My husband has the attributes of a...woman! Her mind whirled as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing, trying to desperately understand. This is Ripley, my husband, father of our unborn child, the future King, only...he is a...a woman. Blinking rapidly, her feet suddenly came unstuck and she stumbled backwards. "What...Ripley, what deception is this?" she gasped. She turned and fled.
"Kelsey, wait!" Ripley cried out, knowing her wife wouldn't stop and also knowing she couldn't run after her while still naked. Stepping out of the bath, she marched over to the still open door and slammed it shut, pounding her fist against it. "Damn thee, you fool!" she cursed herself.
* * * * *
Kelsey ran. She ran as fast as she could in her pregnant condition, almost blind from the tears falling from her eyes. She hurried past servants, maids, and other castle staff, ignoring their concerned words as they watched her run on. She raced down the stone steps without any concern of her safety and finally out of the stifling castle, halfway across a field before collapsing in grief. She sucked in great gasping breaths, even as she sobbed in disbelief. The image of her husband haunted her, refusing to leave her mind. A woman! Ripley is a woman! Her body heaved with her sobs, nose running, eyes itching and growing puffy and red. She didn't care. She felt like her heart had been stolen from her body and torn in two in front of her. I...I am with child! His...She swiped angrily at her eyes, wiping away the steadily falling tears, only for them to be replaced by fresh ones. This is why he never showed his body, as I showed mine! Why...why has he done this? Why did he marry me? Why was I chosen?
Her mind churned as she began to recount the many things she had always found odd or curious about Ripley. The smoothness of his cheeks for instance. His gentle ways. Kind words. As she considered the revelations and truths, she also considered just how many lies and falsities she had been force-fed. "I wanted to apologise for getting my courses!" she remembered saying months back, just after they had been married. Don't ever apologise for that. 'Tis more my fault than yours. Ripley's words echoed back. "My life is a travesty! An illusion!" she barked, her shock and dismay turning to anger and hurt. "I have been deceived and lied to, made to be a fool!" She pounded the grass she sat upon with her fists. "I am ruined, for what decent man wants a girl who has already been busted?" As she started weeping again, memories filled her head. Their marriage. Their lovemaking. "All of it was a sin! A lie and a sin!" she wailed, truly heartbroken.
* * * * *
Ripley marched back and forth across her chambers, hot tears trailing unchecked down her cheeks. She let them fall, not acknowledging them. Her chest ached, her heart ached. She had seen the way the ewerers looked at her when they had come to remove the bath water and the tub, knowing gossip of Kelsey's hasty retreat must have spread through the castle swiftly. As soon as she had dressed, her true identity hidden once more, she had gone in search of Kelsey, only to be told by different members of staff that the princess had fled the castle in tears. They had looked at her as if she was scum, assuming she must have done something awful. Ripley didn't correct them. She felt like scum for what she had done to Kelsey.
"All I ever wanted was a normal life! I wanted to be happy and to love someone special, a special someone who loved me in return." As memories filled her head, she cursed aloud, trying not to hear the whispered "I love you's", their talks and bantering, their quietly confessed dreams and secrets, hopes and fears. "Damn it to hell!" she screamed in anger.
* * * * *
For several days and many nights, Kelsey drove herself mad with her jumbled thoughts. Her sister had left to return home before the heavy winter weather set in, after Kelsey had assured her that nothing was wrong, despite what she might have heard around the castle. Now she wished she had confessed to Lindsey as she had nobody at the castle she could talk to about this development.
She thought over everything, her marriage, their budding relationship, their love that grew stronger as time went past. She couldn't work out what to do, what was right. She hadn't married just anyone, she was married to the Prince of England. Or rather, the Princess of England. She wondered how many people knew the truth. The King obviously, but who else? Why had Ripley decided to play the role of a man? Why had she decided to marry? A woman to boot? Kelsey spent her days avoiding Ripley, she did her duties then disappeared, going out for long walks, or hiding in one of the many unused rooms in the castle, trying to decide what she should do.
She spent many hours staring at her wedding ring, trying to imagine taking it off and being without it, her finger naked again. Their marriage obviously wasn't valid, Ripley being a woman, but for Kelsey the marriage had been real, her growing feelings had been real. She spent many of her sleepless nights staring up at the ceiling, trying to imagine living somewhere else. She didn't have a lot of choices. She considered going to stay with Lindsey and Hudson, but threw that idea out when she thought of what she could possibly tell them. She couldn't possibly go back home to her parents. Standing outside or at a window, Kelsey found herself staring off in the distance to the outer walls of the castle, thinking about leaving and what her life might be like. The idea of being on her own scared her. She had always lived with someone, first her parents, then at a bustling castle.
What am I to do? she wondered, walking the cold corridors. Can I remain here now knowing the truth? Where would I go?
Hearing approaching footsteps, Kelsey looked up and saw Ripley striding towards her. She quickly changed direction, not ready to confront the woman she was married to.
"Kelsey, wait," Ripley called out, hurrying after the fleeing woman. "Please, Kelsey." She stopped in front of her wife, blue eyes searching similar blue. "I've...wanted to come and see you. I...I wanted to...explain. Do you...have a moment, milady?"
Kelsey wanted to say no, wanted to tell him she had duties to see to, but knew it was a lie. Instead, she found herself nodding. Moments passed in heavy silence as they stared silently at each other, Kelsey wondering if she should just leave, the tension between them stifling.
Ripley hated the blatant distance between them. They used to be able to talk so freely with each other, neither of them had been afraid to speak their thoughts. Now things were strained and stilted as they stood in mute discomfort, averting their eyes from each other and struggling to find the words that would make things better. Finally, she spoke. "Uhm...how...how are you, Kelsey?"
Kelsey blinked, not sure if she should be angry at the woman for asking such a foolish question or touched that she cared. "I am well, Your Highness." How am I, she asks! I have just found out that the husband I loved and adored is in actual fact a woman!
Sad blue eyes moved away from Kelsey, directing themselves at the nearest window. "I..." she hesitated, licking her dry lips, stalling again, "Kelsey, I want to apologise to you," she said finally, "I know you're...probably angry, confused and upset and I...I don't blame you." Blue eyes darted over to Kelsey. "But, please, you must believe me when I say that I never meant to hurt you." She watched Kelsey's jaw tighten, her blue eyes flash with anger. "I never wanted to lie. I just...I had to."
Knowing in her heart Ripley was truly sorry and possibly not to blame for the entire mess they now found themselves in, Kelsey sighed sadly. "I have many questions I need answers to."
"I'll answer every one," Ripley replied quickly, her voice a near whisper as she felt a spark of hope. "I shall do my best to explain things to you." She stepped forward, hand lifting to cup Kelsey's cheek only to drop when she realised what she was doing. "I am so very sorry," she whispered.
"I just...I don't understand why me," Kelsey whispered, chest heaving as she felt an urge to sob all over again.
"I know. Just know that I never meant to hurt you, Kelsey. All I ever wanted to do was protect you and love you."
Kelsey nodded slowly, wanting to believe Ripley's words, but so unsure after finding out the truth. "When..." she cleared her tight throat, "When would be a good time to speak with you?"
"Whenever is good for you, Kelsey."
She nodded and started backing away, Ripley's hands falling from her cheeks. She hated that she missed the gentle touch immediately. "I must go."
Ripley nodded and watched her wife turn and quickly hurry away.
Barclay slowly approached the prince, seeing his slumped shoulders and the sad look etched on his face. He wanted to ask what had happened between the young couple, they had seemed so happy. And now...now they couldn't bear to be in the same room as each other, they avoided each other like their lives depended on it. Even though he was dying to ask, he wouldn't. It wasn't his place. "Your Highness, your father has requested your company in his office."
Ripley sighed and nodded. "Do you know what it is about?"
"No, Your Highness. I was just told it was urgent."
Disinclined to speak to her father, Ripley knew if she didn't go and see what he wanted it would only put him in a bad mood and she would still have to deal with him anyway. She hadn't forgiven him for his role in Kelsey's pregnancy, she didn't think she ever would. If he would step in when she had made her thoughts and feelings on the matter known, what else could he do? Walking at her own pace, wanting the King to wait on her, Ripley thought over how changed her life was since Kelsey had found out the truth. Gone was the precious bond of trust between them, gone was the easygoing relationship that had formed. Gone was the friendship, the love, the security in knowing there was someone she could always turn to.
Walking into her father's office, Ripley saw Edward seated at his sturdy oak desk in his high-back mahogany chair, looking every inch the imposing King he was. This was the man that put fear into the people, this was the man who ruled with an iron fist his way, and this was the man who had ruined her relationship with Kelsey. Not speaking, Ripley took a seat opposite the King.
"Ripley, it has come to my attention that something has happened between you and your wife. The castle staff have been gossiping and it reached Chesney's ears."
Blue eyes studied the blonde-haired man she had always respected. The mountain of a man, intelligent, respected but feared. Her father. A stranger to her. She thought she had known him. She thought, despite his decision to make her live as a boy, he loved her and respected her, but now, as she studied him, she thought him a complete stranger. This was a man who had cheated on his own wife and sired a bastard, this was a man who had twisted laws and broken promises to rule the lands the way he did. He didn't care for his people. As long as his purse was full, food on his table, clothes on his back, all was right in the world.
"Well?" Edward demanded, not liking the way Ripley was studying him. "What have you to say?"
"Kelsey knows." With that, Ripley stood and walked out, not stopping, not looking back. At that moment, she wanted to be as far away from the King as possible, for she could just lunge at him and attempt to kill him for all his meddling in her life.
* * * * *
Quinton Hill, Duke of Lancashire, stared in disbelief at the marching soldiers off in the distance getting steadily closer by the hour. This was it. An attack on his home, on his people, really was about to happen. "Alfred!" he shouted out, voice strong and not giving away his fear.
"Yes, Your Grace?"
"Ready a horse. I want you to travel down south to the King with a letter."
Knowing the situation was bleak if the Duke was calling for help, the messenger nodded and swiftly left to get ready to leave.
Quinton turned from his window and sat down at his desk, hastily writing out a letter to the King, explaining what he could see, what he feared was about to happen in the next couple of days, and what he planned to do until help could arrive. Letter complete, rolled up and sealed with his wax signature, the Duke marched from his office and downstairs to the courtyard. He saw Alfred mount his horse and walked over, holding up the letter. "Make sure you put this into the King's hand, we, all of us, are depending on you. If this letter goes undelivered we shall be lost."
"I understand, Your Grace. I will not let you down." With the letter secured inside his coat pocket, the messenger turned his horse and kicked it into moving, galloping from the courtyard without looking back.
"You," Quinton shouted out to the nearest soldier. "Take some men to the nearest villages and get them within these walls. Inform them we are about to be attacked and I will be shutting the drawbridge and portcullises. If they are not here before that happens 'tis too late, I will not be opening them, or lowering the bridge again."
The soldier's face paled as he thought of his friends and family, he nodded and quickly ran off to do as the Duke had asked.
Quinton looked around, knowing there was much to do and not feeling ready. He briskly made his way over to the arrowsmith and his assistant, informing the makers of arrows they needed to start making more and at a quick pace. Then it was over to the two Smiths and their assistants, ordering more weapons and armour be made. In the garrison, he barked at the knights who were lounging around in their off time, ordering them to all prepare themselves and get to positions along the battlements.
As his soldiers ran to arm themselves and get ready to fight, Quinton made his way back inside the main castle and ordered the ewerers to begin heating water and oil, then he gathered all his cottars, the lowest of the peasantry, who worked as swine-herds, prison guards, and did other odd jobs. Today they would be soldiers, helping to defend their home.
With everyone busy preparing to defend the castle, Quinton made his way to his chambers, wanting to ready himself for the battle ahead.
* * * * *
Having avoided Ripley for two days after their meeting in one of the corridors, Kelsey finally decided it was time to visit His Royal Highness for the answers to her questions. She was weary of arguing with herself, weary of thinking why and not knowing why, she was weary of avoiding the prince. It seemed Ripley was eager to try to patch things up and avoiding her was tiresome to the pregnant woman. Kelsey stood outside Ripley's chambers, staring at the closed door, her desire to seek the answers to her questions having fled. Having got herself riled up Kelsey wasn't sure she was ready. Come on, Kelsey, 'tis just Ripley. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the sturdy door.
"Go away!"
Kelsey blinked in surprise, having not expected such a gruff response. Disregarding Ripley's response, she opened the door.
Ripley's head turned towards the door, ready to bellow at the fool who had disobeyed her order. She watched in surprise as her wife walked into the room and closed the door behind her, coming to a stop in the middle of the warm and dimly lit receiving room. The prince jumped up from her seat, then stopped, unsure of herself.
"Hello, Your Highness," Kelsey softly greeted, a hand covering her swollen stomach. There was no malice in her voice, no warmth or love either. She didn't sound unfriendly, just neutral.
"Milady," Ripley greeted, watching Kelsey with desperate eyes. That is all she calls me now, Your Highness! Gone are the endearments we used for each other, the first name basis we were on! All gone because I forgot to lock the blasted door! The blonde wished this messy situation would end well and they could go back to how it had been. A foolish wish, she knew. Things would never be the same.
Kelsey remained standing in the middle of the receiving room, fighting the urge to march up to her husband and strike him for all of the lies, for deceiving her, for forcing her into this impossible situation. "I...I have come to ask a question, Your Highness," she said quietly, avoiding the pleading eyes opposite her.
"All right."
Kelsey boldly looked directly into the blue eyes of the prince. "Why did you do it?"
A rush of air escaped Ripley's lips as she exhaled. "I had no choice," she sighed, relieved Kelsey wanted to know; relieved she could get it all off her chest. "My twin brother died in birth, I have no other siblings. My father..." she choked out the word. "...wanted a son to rule after him, a son to carry on our line. 'Tis a man's world and these lands need a man at the helm."
"And what of me?" Kelsey snapped angrily. "Why me? What of our lie of a marriage? The...sinful things we have done in our chambers!" her voice grew louder the more she remembered.
Ripley guiltily broke the intense gaze between them, unable to take the hard look the strawberry-blonde was giving her. Not when she could clearly remember those eyes showing her love, and passion, and delight. "Our marriage had to be consummated for it to be valid," she said quietly, hating herself even more. "You know how the church is."
"A marriage is between a man and a woman, Ripley! Has our marriage really been consummated? For you are no man after all!"
Ripley flinched at the harsh but true words. Blue met blue as Ripley met Kelsey's gaze again. "I am deeply sorry, Kelsey. I...I never wanted to marry. I tried so hard to stay a single...man. Finally, my father lost patience with me. When..." she licked her lips, "When I met you...you were...so different from the noble girls I have known all my life. So intelligent and caring, despite who you are and where you came from. I never meant to lie to you; I never meant to hurt you."
Kelsey remained unswayed by Ripley's words, feeling nothing as she looked at the prince who had once upon a time meant so much to her. "What of the other times we...shared our bodies?" she asked quietly, a blush rising to her cheeks as she thought of the intimate acts they had shared.
"I..." Ripley ran a hand through her fair-hair and sighed heavily. "I was drawn to you, Kelsey. I...grew to care and love you very much."
"But I am a woman!"
"Yes, you are, but that doesn't stop my heart from thumping when I see you or my belly from flipping when I hear your laughter. Kelsey, you are...an intelligent, beautiful, soft, loving woman. Half the castle staff is in love with you. What chance did I have of resisting you?" she smiled, though it was weak.
"It was still a sin! Sinful acts that..."
"You didn't complain at the time!" Ripley snapped, hating that Kelsey was now belittling everything between them. Her heart aching as Kelsey discarded everything they had shared as a sin. "They weren't such a great sin when you thought of me as a man!"
Kelsey's jaw clamped shut as she stared at Ripley. She couldn't argue with him over that. She had enjoyed what they did together. She hadn't questioned it all that much when she thought her husband a man. Her mother's words of what to do and what not to do had been disregarded, forgotten as Ripley had pleasured her, but that had all changed now. Ripley was no man. Ripley was a woman; he had been a she all along and had dragged her unwillingly into this mess. "What..." Kelsey cleared her throat. "What of the child I carry?" she asked, protectively covering her stomach. "'Tis not yours after all!" Suddenly she felt sick. She turned and ran from Ripley's chambers, a hand covering her mouth as she thought about the child that grew within her. A bastard that belonged to some faceless stranger who had taken her against her will.
Locked safely in her own chambers, Kelsey sank to the floor and cried and cried until there were no tears left. She felt hurt, sick, and afraid. Her marriage had been a lie. The loving acts between them most definitely a sin.
* * * * *
The conflicting young couple still had to make Royal appearances together, despite their differences. On Sundays they attended church together, they played host whenever the King held a banquet, and had to pretend to be happy and very much in love. It was stressful and draining to both of them, but nobody could officially know anything was wrong.
Ripley drained her wine and turned to get another goblet, smiling brightly as she spotted Princess Luella coming towards her. "Your Highness, I'm delighted you are here."
The raven-haired beauty bowed her head, a warm smile dancing across her lips. "I am delighted to be here, Your Highness."
"So, rumour has it you are courting?" Ripley asked, a eyebrow lifted in question. "Potentially your true love?"
The princess blushed. "I hope so, he is a lovely man. I care deeply for him."
"Who is this lucky fellow?"
"A soldier in my father's army," Luella replied, looking around the great hall and landing on Kelsey who was talking politely to a Duchess. "I hear your wife is expecting?"
Ripley plastered on a smile. "Yes, we are over the moon at the news." Blue eyes landed on the strawberry-blonde, revelling in being able to watch Kelsey undetected. Her heart ached with loss. "Would you care to dance, Princess Luella?"
Luella smiled. "That is actually why I came over. I seem to recall you are a wonderful dancer."
Ripley chuckled and took a soft hand. "Thank you, kind lady, I can say the same for you."
Ripley found her evening to be quite pleasant, except for the fact Kelsey kept shooting her glares from across the room. It wasn't the prince's fault that some of the visiting Lady's and the ladies-in-waiting were shamelessly flirting with her, and Ripley found herself wondering why Kelsey was so concerned. The strawberry-blonde had made her thoughts on their relationship clear. As she danced with one or two of the noble women, she found herself shocked to have them being so bold with her, especially as her wife was in the room and watching. Though, it was well known that in years gone past Kings had taken liberties with married women and even fathered children with them. As the evening wore on and Ripley consumed more wine, she found she rather enjoyed the unabashed, flirtatious attention coming her way. After months of tension between herself and Kelsey, the attention boosted her ego.
Late in the evening and the banquet not showing any signs of ending any time soon, Kelsey was more than tired, not only in weariness of the body, but of the lecherous nobles she had been surrounded by all night. Her full breasts had gained a lot of attention and it made her uncomfortable. She had found herself watching Ripley, the prince doing her best to upset her by dancing with any Lady who asked and allowing herself to be flirted with and touched. All in front of Kelsey, no less. She admitted that Ripley was a handsome woman; she was young and alluring and always attracted the attention of visiting women easily, but for the women to be so blatant in their flirting was shameful and rude.
Kelsey hated the tension that stifled the room whenever she and Ripley needed to be together. The conversation was stilted, their smiles strained. She wished she had never found out the truth. She had been so happy, thinking herself ever so lucky to have such a kind and caring husband.
Tired of the whole affair, Kelsey stood and made her excuses to those she had sat with. She didn't spare Ripley a second look, upset with her that she had allowed the visiting ladies to cavort with her and for enjoying it far too much. Out of the grand hall and feeling a bit too uptight to actually retire for the night, Kelsey decided to walk for a bit, making her way along cool corridors as she tried to settle her thoughts. She frowned as she thought of the women fluttering their eyes and smiling dreamily at her husband. And Ripley smiling back and doing nothing to deter them. Had things gotten so bad between them, that Ripley would actually think of cheating on her? Without any conscious thought, Kelsey found herself making her way up the tower and reaching the parapet, she stopped and contemplated everything, her hurt swiftly turning to anger.
How could Ripley carry-on with these women and behave in such a despicable way in front of her? She was a woman and she flirted and acted like any man. Kelsey wasn't naive, she knew that it wasn't uncommon for noble men and Kings to do whatever they pleased with whomever they desired, but as far as she knew Ripley had never done this. The prince had always been devoted to her, she had been the only one, but perhaps she was wrong?
The fresh air chilled her to the bone; even with her arms wrapped around her, and her tears fell unchecked as the image of Ripley flirting with other women burned into her brain. She gazed up at the clear night sky, the stars seeming so very far away. What am I to do? Surely, Ripley will want a wife who will lie with him, what if I can't? What if he comes to my chambers and I refuse his attention? Her weariness returned with force and all she wanted to do was climb into bed and shut out the unfair world. Everything had been perfect, but now she was unsure of her place and what was to become of her. Hearing the tower door slide open, Kelsey turned and blinked in surprise to see Ripley standing in the doorway. She wondered why she was up here.
Ripley walked across to the parapet where Kelsey stood, frowning at the tears she could see on the strawberry-blonde's cheeks. It looked like Kelsey was upset and angry, and she wasn't sure why. "Milady, why are you up here at this time of night, and alone no less?" she asked quietly. "You should be in bed resting."
Kelsey felt her hackles rise, her anger igniting at the scolding tone in Ripley's voice. "You are not my father, Your Highness! I am capable of looking after myself and knowing what I need!" She looked away, wondering if snapping at the prince was such a good idea. "And I dare say the same to you, Ripley," she continued. "But then, you haven't been alone all evening, have you?"
Looking at how upset her wife was, Ripley thought she should tell Kelsey the truth that the women had thrown themselves at her and been very forward, but that nothing had happened, but the prince was tired and slightly drunk, and didn't feel like going into it. Besides, Kelsey couldn't be angry or jealous, surely, the young woman hadn't wanted to know Ripley ever since finding out the truth. She could barely stand to be in the same room with Ripley.
When Ripley didn't respond or give indication she was going to, Kelsey spoke up. "Do you plan to replace me with one of those...ladies?" she asked, the disgust in her voice was obvious.
Ripley sighed heavily and shook her head. "No, Kelsey, I don't plan to replace you at all, you have no need for any concern. 'Tis you who is avoiding me, remember?"
"I think I should be concerned!" Kelsey snapped. "My husband has allowed himself to be very familiar with visting...women all night long!"
Ripley growled, not in the mood for an argument this late in the night. She was surprised at what Kelsey was inferring. She had thought Kelsey knew her feelings were true, the love she felt real. She may very well be a woman, but she was married, and would never consider cheating on Kelsey. To have the young woman assume differently and dare to question her about it, incensed her greatly. She glared at her wife. "Now you listen, Kelsey, and you listen good. When I married you, I took those vows we spoke seriously. I am not like those other men; I would never go off with other women." For what she wanted to say next, Ripley lowered her tone and softened it. "Whether you believe me or not, I do love you, Kelsey. I meant it when I said those words to you." She sniffed as the cold air chilled her nose and turned away from the glaring blue eyes directed at her. "As to tonight's affair, I don't believe 'tis any concern of yours."
Kelsey's mouth dropped open. "Ripley! 'Tis my concern!" she said, moving closer to the prince. "I am your wife!" Her hand touched her swollen abdomen. "And the mother of the future prince or princess!"
"Are you still my wife?" Ripley barked. "For you are not treating me like your husband! Lately, you have avoided me every time you've seen me approach, you've screamed and shouted at me! I don't know what to do to make things better, Kelsey. I don't know what to say, other than I am truly sorry." With nothing more to say, Ripley turned and made her way back inside, wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep until this whole affair blew over.