The King’s Mistress.

Chapter 4: The Captain’s Journey

It was late afternoon. Captain Thomas Spencer was roaming the halls of The Palace as he did every day, ensuring that everything was secure. Malcolm, The King's most trusted servant, approached him. "Hello, Captain," said Malcolm with a slight bow.

"Hello Malcolm, you're looking well. What can I do for you?" Asked Captain Spencer.

"The King asked that I bring these to you. His wish is that you deliver each letter to whom it is addressed within two days." Replied Malcolm.

"It shall be done." Said Captain Spencer.

With that, he turned and headed for the doors that led to the stables to ready his horse. As he walked toward them, he noticed Queen Amberly walking absentmindedly toward him. She was beautiful as always in a light blue dress with pink trim. Her hair half up a dainty bejeweled crown atop her head, the jewels of which matched her gown.

She was so distracted by her thoughts that she almost walked straight into him. She caught herself just in time; with a small gasp, she said, "Forgive me, Captain, I did not see you there."

He smiled, "All is well, Your Majesty, no harm done." He was so distracted by the exchange he realized he had forgotten himself for a moment. He took a step back, and on bended knee, he greeted her. "Your Majesty," said Captain Spencer. He took her hand in his, lifted it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles.

She smiled, "Captain," she said with a slight nod. It was then she noticed the letters he carried. "I see you got The King's letters for the girls I've chosen." She said, unable to meet his eyes as she said it.

"The girls' YOU'VE chosen, Majesty?" He was shocked by what he'd just heard. There was a rumor amongst the guards and servants that The King was to send for maidens within The Kingdom to serve as his mistress to gain a son. He hadn't believed it.

The love the King had for Queen Amberly was a fierce one. The entire Kingdom heard its tale, and many in the Palace himself included were envious of such love. All he had to do was look at her to know the truth. She was heartbroken.

"Yes, Majesty, I have them. I was just on my way to ready my horse and head off." "Safe Journey, Captain," and then she hurried away without another word.

Thomas hated to see Queen Amberly that way. It was clear that though she may have chosen whom to send the letters to, she hated doing it. He wished there was something he could do to brighten her spirits, but he knew that wasn't possible. So with a heavy heart, he set off on his task.

*********

Richard Lovelace sat in silence at his dining room table just before dawn. Two days had passed since he'd told his family about the unacceptable proposal asking for Gee's hand. His most beloved child, Georgiana, spoke only when spoken to, and Katerina couldn't even look at him. They hadn't said a word to each other since he struck her in the face.

Katerina was like a wild, untamed mare that refused to break. There was no man he knew in town who would be willing to try. He swore to himself that he would ensure she acted adequately even if it took him until his last breath. However, he may not need to wait that long. He had noticed that since their quarrel, she was neat as a pin. Not a single hair out of place, and she'd only ridden side-saddle since.

Perhaps he'd finally found a way to quiet her wild side. However, he was kicking himself for striking her so hard. He couldn't have her show her face in public until that damn bruise healed. "Should I need to teach her a lesson that way again, I'll not strike her face." He thought to himself.

He could hear things begin to stir within the house, such as the hustle and bustle of the cooks in the kitchen, the family's live-in maids exiting their rooms to assist his family in readying themselves for the day. It was then he looked out the window to see Palace Guards heading towards his home. "Josephine, children, do not dawdle!" He shouted. "It appears The King's Guards are approaching!"

Within minutes the entire family is gathered in the sitting room. Seconds later, there was a knock at the door. Richard opened it quickly. He recognized Captain Spencer immediately and invited him in straight away.

"Lord Lovelace, I presume?" Asked Spencer. "Yes, Captain," Richard replied.

"I have here a letter from his Majesty, King Lyndon," said Spencer. Should you accept the terms of this letter, you are to report to Court within a fortnight at sundown. Should you refuse these terms, you must send immediate word to The Palace. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Captain, I understand. Richard responded. With that, Spencer bid him and his family good day, turned on his heel, and left.

Spencer was thrilled to have finally delivered the last letter and headed back towards the Palace. He felt uneasy in knowing that he had assisted in helping King Lyndon find a mistress. He understood the need for a male heir and understood that most men throughout The Kingdom often took mistresses. However, he couldn't understand how King Lyndon could do this to The Queen when he loves her so. Amberly was the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom. All the men she came into contact with fell at her feet, himself included.

He was fiercely loyal to The King, but many did not know that Lyndon's is not the Kingdom that Spencer hailed from initially. His father was Captain of the Guard to The Queen's father. He and The Queen grew up together. Both his father, James, and her father, Francis, made him swear to protect Amberly at all costs.

Naturally, when it came time for her to leave home and Marry King Lyndon, he followed her. Lyndon was so impressed with his loyalty to Amberly that he offered Spencer the position of Captain of the Guard.

Unfortunately, he currently found himself in the one situation he couldn't protect her from, a broken heart. What no one knew, including The Queen, is that she, herself, broke his when he had to watch her marry another.