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 Fifteen
Quinton Hill, Duke of Lancashire, stood in the middle of his courtyard, watching his panicked and frightened villagers race into the castle grounds. He knew it wasn't everyone, knew there were still many out there, but it was too late now. The army he had seen off in the far distance a day before was now almost upon them. He marched forward, heart heavy with what he was about to do. "Watchman, get the drawbridge up!" he shouted.
The heavy-set man blinked at the Duke. "But, there are..."
"Now, man!"
Nodding, the man and a couple of lookouts raced to do what Quinton had asked, shouting out frantically for more help. A number of soldiers grabbed hold of the chains that would lower the portcullis. Archers and crossbow men lined the battlements. Maids and servants hurried to help get the villagers inside the castle, in away from where all the trouble would be.
Quinton heard people outside shouting in anger and fear as the drawbridge was raised, he could do nothing for them now, he had to think of those already within the walls.
* * * * *
Kelsey sat in her chambers, staring at her needlework blankly. She was once again trying to decide what to do. Every time she saw Ripley around the castle, she'd stare at him, waiting for a great flood of emotion to overwhelm her and wash away the anger and doubt that had settled in. It never happened. No matter how many evenings she spent in Ripley's company, no matter how many banquets, nothing changed. The fact was, Ripley looked like her husband, still played the role of a man, but Kelsey now knew the truth.
Suddenly coming to a decision, she stood, startling her ladies-in-waiting to silence. "I...I must go speak with my husband," she said, hurrying away before they could respond.
Kelsey sought out her husband, not finding him in his chambers, his office, or out in the fields sparring with the soldiers. She found instead his steward, Barclay, who informed her Ripley was in a closed door meeting with the King. Asking that the raven-haired man tell Ripley she urgently needed to speak with him, Kelsey took her leave, deciding to wait for Ripley in his chambers.
* * * * *
With business taken care of, Ripley left her father's office, having nothing more to say to the King.
Edward hurried out after the prince. "Several people have asked me if something is wrong between you and your wife," he whispered harshly.
"I don't care if people think something is wrong," Ripley replied flatly, devoid of any feeling. Her life was a mess, her heart heavy; she was un-rested after many sleepless nights. She cursed the day of the awful event that had changed her life and taken away her happiness.
"Well you should!" Edward exclaimed loudly, looking around to see if anyone was nearby to hear them. "You two look awkward in each other's company, Ripley! She is your wife, your pregnant wife, the future Queen!" he growled. "You two must appear comfortable and in love. This is a happy time for you!" The King watched Ripley's jaw clench. "You and Kelsey must act normally, like before. You must show the people you are in love and content with each other. There is gossip and people are spreading rumours!"
"Gossiping and spreading rumours," Ripley spat, stopping in the middle of the corridor to turn and face the King. "How dare they! My business is not their concern! They are not being paid to gossip, or speculate!" She started walking, her temper slowly getting the better of her.
"They are saying that you are unhappy with Kelsey, that you have grown bored of her and will stray now that she is with child, with your heir. People noticed you flirting at our last banquet, Ripley." Edward glanced at his daughter to see if she was going to respond. "You no longer visit her chambers and she doesn't visit yours, it has not gone unnoticed, Ripley."
"How dare they!" Ripley growled, speeding up.
"Oh, come on, son," Edward sighed. "Most noblemen and Kings stray once their wife has produced heirs. Most men move on, taking their pleasure from others."
"You would know, wouldn't you, Edward?"
"'Tis what men do, boy, why would you be any different?"
Stopping at the closed door of her chambers, Ripley faced the King and glared at him. "I am different! I am nothing like these men, nothing like you! I am no man to boot!" She poked the big man in the chest. "I am tired of you interfering in my life; you have been doing it since the day I came into this Godforsaken world! I accepted it, I didn't like it a lot of the time, but I learned to live with it. Then along came Kelsey and she showed me love and tenderness and I loved her, but now...now we cannot bear to be in each other's company because of this lie you thrust upon me!" Ripley turned and pushed open the door to her receiving room, stopping suddenly, stunned, as blue eyes landed on Kelsey standing in front of the fireplace, warming her hands by the heat of the burning fire.
Edward followed Ripley into the room, frowning at Kelsey over his daughter's shoulder. "Can't bear to be in each other's company, eh?" he chuckled.
Ripley ignored him, taking a step further into the room, eyes never leaving her wife. "Kelsey? Is all well?"
"I needed to speak with you and couldn't find you anywhere, so I came here to wait," she said, not turning to face Ripley.
"'Tis fine, you are always welcome. What...what is it you wished to speak to me about? You are well? The babe?"
"I...I think perhaps that...I should leave," Kelsey said quietly, teary blue eyes on the dancing flames before her.
"You cannot be serious!" Edward sputtered, eyes moving from Kelsey to his daughter.
Kelsey turned and locked eyes with Ripley, noting the prince's jaw was clenched tightly as she tried to keep her emotions in check. Looking past her husband, Kelsey turned her attention to the King. "Yes, Your Highness. I am." She looked back to Ripley. "I think 'tis for the best."
"Best for whom?" Ripley asked quietly.
"For all of us."
Ripley moved forward then, ready to beg and plead. "Don't leave, please," she beseeched.
"'Tis for the best, Ripley," Kelsey replied softly, her voice hitching.
"You really don't care then," the prince mumbled, heart breaking again as she turned away from Kelsey. She walked over to the window, staring out but seeing nothing.
Aching for Ripley, Kelsey took a step toward her, wanting to comfort her. Realising what she was doing, she stopped a few paces away from the blonde. "I did," she whispered, throat tight. "I did care, Ripley." She looked into pained blue eyes as Ripley turned back to face her. "I...still do in a way. I just...I can't...I'm sorry, but I just can't get past this." Tears trailed freely down her cheeks. "I do care, you must know that."
"Then don't leave!" Ripley pleaded, taking a step forward. "Fight for us. The life we have, the love we share. I know you're angry and confused as well," she reached out for Kelsey's hands and held the small delicate appendages in her own larger hands, thumbs brushing over the back of smooth skin. "But don't give up, Kelsey, don't turn your back on me, on the child. I'll give you all the time you need; we'll start again and build up a new relationship."
Kelsey's eyes fluttered shut, more tears falling and starting a slow track down. "I don't know if I can be a wife to you, Ripley. I don't think I can...live a lie." She turned and moved across the receiving room, away from the presence of the prince. "You deserve someone who can make you happy, Ripley. Someone who can...see to your...needs. I...I can't be that someone."
"I don't want you to leave," Ripley whispered brokenly, willing the tears that filled her eyes not to fall while her father was in the room.
Kelsey spun around to look at the broken blonde. "You think that now, Ripley! But what happens when you realise I cannot devote myself to you? When I can't see to your needs as a...man? You shall grow weary of me then and soon replace me with someone else, hurting all of us in the process."
"That time will never come!" Ripley exclaimed, frustrated, hurt, and upset with the whole affair. "You, Kelsey, are the one for me. No other can ever take your place. Kelsey, I...I really do love you, so very, very much."
Kelsey squeezed her eyes shut. "Whatever love I felt for you...'tis now gone." Opening her eyes she saw the devastation on Ripley's face and knew the blonde had truly cared for her and loved her, but she couldn't change the way she felt. "I shall go and stay with my sister for a while. I...I would like to leave at first light."
Knowing there was no way to change the woman's mind, Ripley nodded, her eyes on the stone floor, unwillingly to look up into the blue eyes that used to show her love. "Very well. I pray you have a safe journey."
"Thank you. Goodb-...day, Ripley." Kelsey nodded to the King and quickly left to go and pack a few things.
* * * * *
Sitting atop his war horse, Goodwyn looked at the castle in the distance, studying it and devising plans on how best to conquer it. Hearing another horse approaching his position, he glanced over his shoulder to see Brandon. "What news?" he called out.
"The old coot had many of the villagers moved within the walls, and has now lifted the drawbridge and lowered the portcullis."
Goodwyn turned back to his view, Brandon coming to a stop next to him. "Not everyone made it inside though?"
"No. Many were locked out and have fled back to their homes."
"Burn them," Goodwyn said coldly.
Brandon looked at the raven-haired Earl. "Burn them? The...homes?"
"The whole village. Leave them nothing to return to." Goodwyn met the Marquess' green eyes. "It will demoralise them, Brandon. Without homes, losing friends and family, a war raging around them, they will soon hate the King as much as we do."
"It will be done," Brandon acquiesced. "Do you think he got word out to the King?"
"It would have been the first thing he did when he saw us coming. The good Duke may be old, but he's not stupid. He must have seen he was heavily outnumbered and who better to call upon than the King's men."
"How long do we have?"
"It will take the rider at least a week to get to the King, that's if he rides flat out, which I suspect he won't. Then Edward will have to get the men ready to move, and then they have to march up here," Goodwyn smiled cruelly. "The winter snow will hinder them. We have plenty of time to wear down Quinton and to get inside." He turned his horse, ready to go back to camp. "Once we get started on burning down the villages, we'll have the catapults moved up and start laying siege to the castle."
* * * * *
Alfred pushed his horse harder as the castle came into sight, he was exhausted, his horse was exhausted, but he had barely rested and wasn't going to start now. It had taken him longer than he thought to get down to the castle, a week more than expected because of the bad weather. He started shouting and waving an arm at the guards on duty, coming to a sudden stop at the King's outer wall. "I have to see the King immediately," he told the soldier, breath clouding in front of him. "I have an urgent note from His Grace the Duke of Lancashire, I must put it into the King's very hand."
Looking unimpressed, the castle soldier walked over to the stranger and held out his hand for the note. Seeing the seal was genuine, he glanced over his shoulder and nodded, the gates being opened for the man to get through.
Alfred kicked his horse into moving again, starting down the long dirt path that would take him to the castle. Racing over the drawbridge, he pulled his horse to a stop as he entered the courtyard.
Seeing the man, a stable boy ran forward to take his horse. "Help you, sir?"
"My horse is exhausted will you tend to him?"
"Yes, sir." The boy watched Alfred jump down and took the reins as they were held out for him.
Marching into the castle, Alfred was stopped by a guard. Showing the man the letter, Alfred was quickly led to King Edward's office. He waited outside as his presence was announced, then walked in when permitted, looking around the opulent office with wide eyes.
"My good man," Edward greeted with a smile. "My guard told me you have a letter for me and only you could deliver it."
"Yes, Your Highness. His Grace the Duke of Lancashire, told me to put it in your hand so that I was sure 'twas delivered." Alfred held out the letter, sighing in relief and allowing himself to relax as the King took possession of the letter.
"Take a seat, man. You look like you are dead on your feet." Edward broke the seal of unrolled the letter, eyes scanning down the brief note, his eyes widening in disbelief at what he read. "Chesney!" he barked out, startling the man who sat in front of him.
Chesney hurried into the office and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness?"
"Take care of this man; he has come far to us. Arrange a bath and some hot food for him. Also, I need to see Ripley urgently, stress the urgently to him."
Nodding, Chesney bowed again and led Alfred out of the office. "Would you like a bath first?" he asked the man.
"Yes, please, sir. That would be nice."
Chesney smiled and called for his helper, telling the man to tend to the rider, before marching off quickly to find the prince. Hurrying through the castle, Chesney first went out to the practice fields, knowing that lately the prince had been spending a lot of time outside sparring. Not finding Ripley there, the steward went back inside to check Ripley's chambers, the chapel, the kitchens, and back outside to check the stables. Not finding the prince anywhere, Chesney was at a loss for where to look next. Instead, he found Barclay, the Prince's steward and left a message with him, before returning to the King to tell him of his failure.
* * * * *
Locked away in her own private library, Ripley sat quietly reading, needing to be away from the stresses of her life and reminders of her time with Kelsey. Even this room of solitude brought back memories of her young wife though, a memory of the day she had first shown Kelsey of its existence, the strawberry-blonde's face lighting up in delight and wonder. She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she desperately missed Kelsey. She had been gone nearly two weeks now and Ripley's hopes of her returning were starting to fade.
Feeling cramped after sitting for so long, Ripley stood up and stretched, then picked up the book she had been reading and put it back in its place on the shelf. Perhaps I shall go for a ride? she pondered. Get away from the castle and all the eyes that look my way in question, get some fresh air, hopefully forget my worries for a short while. Her mind made up, Ripley left the secret chamber and walked back to her bedchamber, wanting to change into her riding clothes.
Ready to leave, Ripley picked up her bow and arrows, deciding that a night out would be a nice idea and wanting to catch her dinner, she left her chambers and made her way along the corridor, feeling good for the first time since Kelsey had discovered her secret. Turning to head for the steps that would take her downstairs, she bit back a sigh as Barclay spotted her and headed her way.
"Your Highness!" he called out in greeting.
"Whatever it is, Barclay, it can wait. I am going out hunting."
The raven-haired man fell into step with her. "I understand, Your Highness, but I think you should know that a rider came racing to the castle today with a letter for the King. Ever since he has been seeking your company. Chesney was searching all over the place for you."
Ripley stopped mid-stride and looked at her steward. "A rider? Was it...could it have been about Kelsey?" she asked quietly. "Surely any letter would have come to me?"
"I know not, Your Highness."
"Thank you, Barclay. Perhaps I'll delay my departure and go and see what is going on." Ripley started walking again, changing direction to head for the King's office. She walked fast, concerned for Kelsey's well being, though fairly sure if anything had happened to her wife, she would have been told first. Without knocking on the closed door, Ripley walked into the King's office, barely aware of Berwyn's presence in the room. "Is Kelsey well?" she asked, having worked herself up into a panic.
Edward looked past Berwyn to his daughter, frowning in confusion at her question. "Kelsey?"
"My wife, father. Is she well?"
"I...I assume so, boy." Edward looked back to Berwyn. "If you'll excuse us, Berwyn, I must discuss business with His Royal Highness."
Sporting a tight-lipped smile, Berwyn nodded and stood, bowing respectfully to the King before turning and brushing past Ripley. Why would he not know how his wife is? he pondered as he made his way out of the office.
Edward watched Ripley walk forward and sit heavily in the chair opposite himself. "Why would you ask me of Kelsey's well being?" he asked.
"Barclay told me a rider came this morn. I thought perhaps 'twas to do with her."
"I see." Edward frowned as his chest ached for his daughter; she hadn't been the same since losing Kelsey as a friend and partner. He knew it wasn't his fault the girl had walked in on Ripley bathing, but he had pushed Ripley into marrying and that led her to caring for the girl. "Alas, no, boy, 'tis nothing to do with Kelsey. 'Tis far worse."
Ripley blinked at her father. "Something has happened?"
Edward nodded, sitting back in his chair. "His Grace, the Duke of Lancashire, sent urgent word that his castle was about to be attacked. He informed me he was getting everyone he could inside the castle walls, then barricading them all in. He hopes that his men can hold off the attackers until my army can arrive."
"How old is the message?" Ripley asked, all business now.
"It took the rider almost two weeks to reach us riding flat out. I dare say the attackers have reached the castle and have started their assault. Probably starting with their catapults."
"Who do you suspect?"
Edward sighed heavily and sat forward to pick up his wine goblet. Looking over the rim at Ripley, who sat straight as an arrow, he wondered if she was prepared for what lay ahead. I suppose we shall see, he thought, troubled that he didn't know. "I suspect the Marquess of Dublin, Brandon Ortceard. He has always been one to disagree with me, and knowing that Quinton is a dear friend and often sides with me, he would want him out of the way."
"So...we are off to war," Ripley said, standing up to walk across to the fireplace to warm her hands. She stared into the flickering flames, thoughts going over battle strategies, estimated travelling time, and how soon she could get everyone together. "Will you be sending word to the other nobles and requesting the help of their men?"
"I plan to pick a select few I know I can trust," Edward replied. "I'm not entirely convinced Brandon is working alone."
Ripley nodded and turned to face the King. "I'll have the men start loading supplies and weapons. My men, your army, will be ready to leave by the time I get back from picking up Sir Hudson."
"Picking up Hudson?"
Ripley smiled. "As much as I would like to, she would never forgive me if I left her at home. I must go for her and..." she sighed, heart heavy once again. "Make peace with Kelsey." She turned back to the fire, swallowing hard three times before managing to rein in her emotions. "How soon can you get word to the nobles you trust?"
"I shall send riders out as soon as I have the letters written."
"How soon do you think they will be ready to leave their homes and make the trek up north?" Ripley asked, turning back to her father and meeting his grey eyes. "With me and my men riding on, I'm going to have to know how soon I'll have reinforcements."
"I'll inform them of the situation and indicate 'tis important." Edward cocked his head to the right. "I will be writing to the Duchess of Essex and the Earl of Deerhurst for certain. It'll take you just over a week, maybe two to get up there, Ripley. I suspect it will take their armies just as long. If you go up to Nottingham, you can call in on the Marquess and Marchioness of Nottingham, they will give you assistance without question."
"That should help," Ripley nodded. She smiled and clapped her hands together. "Right, I shall ready a horse and get going to Mr. and Mrs. Darnley's home, it will take me a few of hours to reach them, what with the heavy snowfall we had last night. Then time to...say goodbye and...then to get back." She started for the door. "I probably won't return before nightfall, we shall have to leave tomorrow morn."
"Tell the ladies to come here; they can stay here with me while you and Hudson are away." Ripley turned and stared at him, a curious look on her face. "'Tis the safest place for them, and you know it," he said defiantly. "We can't be sure who else is against us and I...I want them kept safe."
Ripley nodded her head slightly, the ice around her heart concerning her father, melting a little. "I shall suggest it. I'll take the carriage so that we can all ride in some comfort, sheltered from the elements. See you soon."
* * * * *
Catapults whipped heavy stones in the direction of the castle continually; archers got as close as they dared and fired burning arrows at the soldiers lining the battlements. Goodwyn and Brandon sat on horseback out of range of getting hurt, watching the proceedings. They had spent many days going around the surrounding villages and ransacking them, before burning everything to the ground. They forced able-bodied men and boys to join their cause or die. Now their full attention was on the Duke of Lancashire's castle and on getting inside.
"Things are going well," Brandon said confidently. "I have sent a group of men to find us a way in. We need to get that drawbridge down, and I believe our best chance is to build a siege tower."
A raven eyebrow lifted in amusement, as Goodwyn looked at the Marquess. "A siege tower," he repeated. "And how, pray tell, are you going to get it up against one of the walls so the men can get across, when there is a bloody great big moat running around the whole damn castle?" he snapped.
"I shall get the villagers we recruited to swing across," Brandon replied, a smug smile curling his lips. "Those inside will see 'tis their loved ones and soon we shall see if they are prepared to kill or be killed."
"Will that not just reunite these men with their loved ones?"
"I thought of that, that is why we shall send a group of our men as well to keep an eye on them. Quinton has the population of a good few villages within his walls; of course some people aren't going to recognise others from other villages."
Goodwyn nodded, a smile slowly curling his lips. "And with our men on the inside, they can lower the drawbridge and lift the portcullis. Good thinking, Brandon."
"Thank you."
"How long will it take your men to build a siege tower?"
"The rest of the day, in all likelihood. It has to be tall enough and stable enough to work. I think we should be ready by first light tomorrow."
Goodwyn nodded. "Very good." He turned his horse to head back to the command tent that had been set up. "'Tis almost lunch time, how about we retire to eat?"
"A good idea, we can do nothing yet."
The two men retreated, leaving the groups of men working the many catapults to continue hurling stones at the so far impregnable castle, and the archers to pick off the odd soldier.
* * * * *
Kelsey helped Lindsey with her work around the house, both women doing their tasks slowly and with many breaks in between because of their pregnancies. This week Kelsey had symptoms Lindsey had already suffered and the sisters guessed that Lindsey was ahead in her pregnancy. Lindsey had been suffering from a stuffy nose all week, her waist getting ever bigger, much to her fear. She wondered just how big she was going to be by the end of it all.
Hudson worked hard to help the men with the animals Ackerley had bred, sold and slaughtered, as well as taking care of the horses. The brunette was learning as she went along, putting great faith in the workers. She assigned Colden as boss, telling him, as she didn't have a clue she would only hinder business, and until she learnt the ropes, it was best he was in charge. The workers were all happier now that Ackerley was gone. Hudson and Lindsey were a great couple, very much in love, and very nice. The workers were now permitted into the house for lunch, the couple often showing their appreciation for the hard work they did.
At night, Kelsey often found herself lonely and missing Ripley. With nothing to do but sit and think, it hit her that she had no husband and was carrying a bastard. She hadn't yet gathered the courage to tell Lindsey and wondered if she ever would. In the darkness of the spare room she had made her own, Kelsey sat and considered many things, like the whole situation not being entirely Ripley's fault. She hadn't had any control over being made a boy, no choice really but to go along with it. The King had decided and forced this existence upon Ripley. And their marriage hadn't been Ripley's choice either, she hadn't wanted to get married and considered backing out, but again, her father forced her into it.
In all truth, their marriage had been bliss. Lindsey had suffered with Ackerley, their friend Mildred suffered with the brute she was married to, but Kelsey had a gentle soul who was kind to her and treated her as an equal. She missed Ripley. She missed the happiness that they had enjoyed and the closeness they had shared. She missed Ripley's gentle tones and the way she spoke softly and kindly to her, especially when they were alone. She often dreamed she could hear Ripley, remembering things they had spoken of and shared. She missed her enchanting eyes, the way she looked at her adoringly, with love and happiness. She missed being held by strong arms at night while she slumbered and dreamt. She missed Ripley's smell, warmth, her tender touch and passionate kisses, the way she set her body aflame so easily, the way her gentle caresses took her to great heights. She missed the prince's love.
Staying with her sister and her new husband, Kelsey was reminded of all the things missing in her life as she watched the happy couple together. They didn't do it to make her feel bad, they were just in love. It brought home just how much she truly cared for Ripley and what she had had.
She hated feeling so miserable day in and day out, but she didn't know how to break the cycle of despair. Well, she did, but was she strong enough to do it? Ripley was a woman. Being with Ripley was surely a sin. But...the prince was a man to the world, nobody, or very few, knew the truth. Could she get past the fact Ripley was a woman? Could she play the role of young wife to a woman? The truth was she had been ever since her wedding, she just hadn't known it. "Perhaps one day I will share everything with you," she remembered Ripley saying one day. "You will be not only my wife and a princess, but my confidante as well." Kelsey sighed, smoothing down the covers on the bed she had just made. "It would be so easy to resist Ripley if she were a brute," she said aloud. "If she were cruel or didn't care for me at all, like many men. If Ripley was any of these things, it would be easy to move on with my life." Blue eyes turned to the iced up window, watching flakes of snow falling steadily. "But she isn't any of those things. She was loving and gentle and treated me with care. She truly loved me."
Leaving the bedroom, Kelsey made her way downstairs, ready to start helping prepare the lunch. Seeing Lindsey standing at the kitchen window, she smiled. "Is it Hudson out there who you can't take your eyes off?" she jested.
"No, sister, 'tis your husband."
"What!" Kelsey hurried over, looking out to see Ripley getting down from a carriage. "I...I don't wish to see him, Lindsey. Would you tell him?" She turned and fled the kitchen, hurrying back upstairs.
Lindsey watched her twin hurry away and wondered again, what had happened between the pair. They were so happy, what could have happened? At the knock on the back door, she turned and smiled at the waiting prince. "Hello, Your Highness," she greeted politely. Kelsey was her sister and her loyalties lay with her, but she did like Ripley and he was the prince, it wouldn't do to be rude to him. "If you have come to speak to my sister, I'm afraid she doesn't wish to see you." She saw the flash of hurt and disappointment flash across his face. "But, 'tis cold out and you have come a long way. Would you like to come in for a hot cider?"
Ripley smiled, though it was weak, and nodded her agreement. "Thank you, Lady Darnley. That's very kind of you."
"Oh, please, call me Lindsey, Your Highness. We are family after all," she said as she stepped aside to let him into the house.
"And you must call me Ripley." Blue eyes travelled around the warm kitchen, having never been to the house before, she was interested to see how her dearest friend was living these days. "I must confess, Lindsey. I'm here to see Hudson."
Lindsey turned from pouring hot cider into a mug. "Oh. I see." She filled the mug she held and walked over to hand it to Ripley. She stood in front of the tall, handsome prince, nervously chewing on her bottom lip. "Have you...come to take her back to the castle? She is a soldier, after all, and not a farmer, like she pretends these days."
Ripley ignored the woman's question, unable to discuss Royal business with her. She would know soon enough if Hudson told her. "Will Hudson be back soon? Or should I go and seek her out?"
"She...she will be back soon, 'tis almost lunch time."
As Lindsey went about her duties, Ripley watched her hurry back and forth. She wondered where Kelsey was, wondered how she was doing. She wanted to ask Lindsey but then Lindsey might ask what was going on, and what could she reply to that? The sounds of a group approaching reached the kitchen and Ripley stood up from her seat at the kitchen table to watch through the window. The back door opened and Hudson walked in, eyes widening as she spotted Ripley.
"Ripley!" She hurried across to her friend and embraced the prince in a tight hug. "'Tis so good to see you, I can't believe you are here!"
Ripley chuckled and patted Hudson's back. "'Tis good to see you, too, old friend." Glancing over Hudson's shoulder, Ripley saw that all the workers had bowed there heads in respect to her. "Please, come on in, men. I hear 'tis your lunch time," she smiled as the men looked up at her unsure. "Hudson, I need a word. Privately."
Hudson nodded, then walked over to her wife and kissed her softly on the cheek. "You can handle this lot until I get back, can't you?" she asked smiling. "Or should I be asking them if they can handle you?"
Lindsey laughed and slapped the brunette's arm. "Get away with you and don't be long, this food won't stay hot for long."
Hudson led Ripley outside and across the courtyard, heading for the bottom field. "I don't suppose this business is to do with you coming to get Kelsey, is it?" she asked as they walked. "She has been miserable, Ripley. I don't know why and neither does Lindsey, Kelsey won't say a word. But..."
"My business has nothing to do with my wife," Ripley broke in. "Though I wish it did, and if my turning up here would get her to come back to me, then I would have come sooner."
Hudson frowned, not understanding. "Did you argue?"
Ripley exhaled heavily, watching her cloud of breath fog the view in front of her before quickly disappearing. "She knows, Hudson," Ripley confessed quietly, pained blue eyes meeting dark green. "She walked into my chambers just as I stepped out of the bath."
"I am sorry, Ripley. I know you care for her very much."
The prince nodded. "I will deal with this matter when I have the time. The reason I am here is to collect you, Hudson. There is a civil war up north. Someone, my father believes the Marquess of Dublin, has attacked the Duke of Lancashire. We are setting off as soon as I return. I...I told my father I was coming here to get you 'cause you would surely never forgive me if I left you behind..."
"Too right!"
"But, Hudson...if you wanted to remain, I wouldn't fault you. You have a young wife now and a child on the way."
Hudson scowled. "Don't! Don't you dare try to get me out of my duty, Ripley! I am your right-hand man, and now I am a knight as well. I love Lindsey with all that I am, but I am a soldier and I will do my duty, serving right beside you."
Ripley smiled and lifted a hand to her friend's shoulder. "I knew you would say that, and I am pleased that you are so loyal. I have one request."
"Which is?"
"Convince your wife and my own that they should be at the castle. 'Tis the safest place to be if an attack happens down here."
Hudson nodded. "As soon as lunch is over, I will take Lindsey aside and inform her of the goings on. Now, talking of lunch, I am starving."
Ripley chuckled. "Nothing has changed with you then I see." Laughing and teasing each other, the pair walked back to the house.
* * * * *
Lindsey hurried upstairs to the room where her sister was staying and rapped on the door urgently. "Kelsey! Kelsey, open the door!"
Startled by her sibling's urgency and tone, Kelsey stood from her seat on the bed and hurried over to the door, swinging it open and gasping as Lindsey pushed past her into the bedroom. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Lindsey sat heavily on the side of the bed, taking laboured breaths. "There...there is....Hudson is needed."
"Needed? For what? Is this to do with Ripley turning up? Has sh-...he come here to take Hudson back to the castle?"
Lindsey nodded, tears filling her eyes and overflowing.
"I won't let him! I will go downstairs and order him not to be so spiteful!" Angry for all the wrong reasons, Kelsey spun on her heel and reached for the door.
"Spiteful?" Lindsey asked in confusion. "Sister, Hudson is needed back at the castle because a war has broken out up north. They are going off to fight. Ripley isn't being spiteful."
Her anger deflating, Kelsey turned to face Lindsey. "Oh." A war? A war has broken out? That means Ripley will be going off to fight and...and might not be back!
"Kelsey," Lindsey started slowly. "You have been here two weeks and I love having you here, have loved your company in this big empty house, your chatter. But...what has happened between you and Ripley, Kelsey? You two were so happy; I just can't understand what could have gone so wrong!"
At breaking point, needing to tell someone, Kelsey walked over to the bed and sat down next to her twin. "I...I discovered something about Ripley that was...quite a shock. You see I...I walked in and saw... I saw..."
"What, Kelsey? Was he...with another?"
Kelsey laughed bitterly. "No, no he wasn't with another. I don't think Ripley would do that to me."
Lindsey took one of her sister's hands and squeezed it in reassurance. "Then what, Kelsey?"
"Ripley is no man, Lindsey. Ripley is very much a...woman." Blue eyes searched similar blue to see what reaction Lindsey would have. "I walked into her chambers and she had just stood up to get out of the bath. I saw...I saw her in all her glory!"
"I see," Lindsey said slowly, wondering if this couldn't be fixed. She was after all married to Hudson, who herself was a woman portraying a man. Why didn't she tell me her dearest friend is a woman! That bugger! Wait till I get my hands on her. "Let me...let me just go and...." she trailed off, not knowing what to say. She stood and walked over to the door. "Wait right here, I'll be back." Without waiting for an answer from Kelsey, Lindsey hurried out of the bedroom and down the stairs, looking for her husband. She found Hudson and the prince in the kitchen, drinking wine. She rolled her eyes. They are about to go off to war and they are sitting here getting drunk! Shaking her head, she perched on Hudson's lap and nibbled on the soldier's ear lobe. "I must speak with you."
Thinking Lindsey was just amorous again, Hudson shook her head. "Later, Lindsey, I am catching up with Ripley."
"I don't want that! Now get in the other room so that I might speak with you." She got up and stomped through to the living room, leaving Ripley laughing at the shocked expression on Hudson's face.
"Excuse me," Hudson said as she stood, scowling down at the prince. She walked into the living room and over to Lindsey who was in front of the fireplace. "What is it, Lindsey?"
Lindsey turned and slapped Hudson's arm. "I cannot believe you didn't tell me Ripley is a woman!" she hissed as quietly as she could. "My sister just confessed she walked in on Ripley getting out of the bath and saw the truth."
Hudson grinned sheepishly. "I couldn't tell you, my love. For obvious reasons."
"I suppose." Lindsey smiled. "Are there any more secrets I should know?"
Kissing the top of her wife's head, Hudson shook her head for no. "No, my wife, there is nothing more, I assure you."
Lindsey wrapped her arms securely around Hudson's waist, breathing in her scent as she relished the brunette's touch. Please let her return to me unharmed. "What should I do about Kelsey? Should I tell her about you and I?"
"I don't know, Lindsey. She is your twin, what do you think?"
"I think...I think I should tell her," Lindsey admitted softly. "Maybe they can make up before...before you two go off. I mean, what if something were to..."
Hudson tenderly lifted the strawberry-blonde's chin with her fingertips. "Nothing will happen to the prince, I assure you."
Lindsey's heart clenched in fear. "Or you, Hudson? Nothing will happen to you either."
"Nothing will happen to me, sweetheart. I'll return to you, I promise." She sealed her promise with a kiss on soft lips. "As to the matter of telling Kelsey, I think you should wait until we get to the castle. Ripley wants both Kelsey and you there for safety reasons."
Lindsey hugged Hudson tighter. "Very well, my love," she smiled up at her wife. "I shall go and tell Kelsey we are to pack our things."
Hudson smiled lovingly and kissed soft lips again, she would never tire of being able to whenever she so wished. "We'll be waiting in the kitchen.
* * * * *
Ripley waited nervously to see Kelsey, after two weeks she wasn't sure what reaction she would get from the strawberry-blonde, and felt nervous and anxious.
As the carriage driver stepped outside with more bags, blue eyes lifted to watch the man, instantly moving past him as Kelsey stepped outside and nervously looked her way. Ripley started forward, only to stop, unsure of herself. Kelsey looked even more beautiful than she remembered, pregnancy really suiting her. Taking a deep breath, fearing rejection, Ripley moved forward to offer her arm to Kelsey.
"Hello, Kelsey," she greeted softly, looking deep into blue eyes.
"Hello, Ripley."
"May I...assist you to the carriage?"
Kelsey smiled and took the offered arm. "Thank you, that's very kind of you." They started walking towards the carriage. "How have you been, Ripley?"
"I am well. No," she shook her head. "I am not well, I have not been well since losing you, but...let's not get into that now." Ripley smiled. "Thank you for agreeing to come and stay at the castle. Knowing you are safe will be...very reassuring." She helped Kelsey up into the carriage, glancing over her shoulder to see Hudson and Lindsey leaving their home. "How is the pregnancy coming along? All is well?"
Kelsey smiled brightly, a hand lifting to rest on her distended abdomen. "All is well, I assure you."
"The...sickness? Has it eased any?"
Touched by the prince's concern, Kelsey reached out without thinking and caressed Ripley's cheek. "It is easing, thank you for asking, Ripley. I am touched by your concern."
"Are you getting in the carriage, Ripley?" Hudson called out. "Or are you waiting for a full moon?"
Turning to scowl at the brunette, Ripley quickly climbed up into the carriage, taking a seat opposite Kelsey.
Once Hudson and Lindsey were in, they set off at a slow pace, the snow and icy wind making travel bad. Memories of her wedding day filled Ripley's head as they set off, her one and only trip in a carriage with Kelsey before this day.