Louisa Hendraki

Chapter Eight: Passion

Louisa spent her day in bed crying till night. She had waited for Nikolai to leave first before crying. She didn't want him to think she could be hurt easily. She didn't know why his actions hurt her so much. Was it because she was beginning to doubt the rumours about him? Was it because he never gave her reason to be suspicious of his kindness?

She had just been helping the boy and now she almost died for it. She wiped her tears but more kept flowing.

Deep down, Louisa knew it wasn't his fault. He was blinded by the love he had for his son. Juliet was the one who had lied. She was the one at fault.

Louisa sat up and touched her neck. It still felt sore. She stood up and went to the mirror. Then she examined her neck. There were faded red marks on her neck from the choking. He had really pressed her hard.

She sighed. She could have died. Not because of Nikolai or Conrad but Juliet. Louisa found it funny that her thoughts defended Nikolai. She has always hated the thought of him.

She furrowed her brows. Since Juliet had decided to get her killed, she would return the favour. Then she shook her head.

Where did that thought come from?

There was a knock on the door. She went to open it and Nikolai stumbled in. She held him, preventing him from falling and closed the door, locking it. He was slightly drunk.

She led him to her bed, wondering why he had come to her room instead of his. She kept him on the bed and proceeded to bring cold water and cloth to dab his hot forehead.

When she brought the water, She soaked the cloth in it and placed it on his forehead. He shivered and pushed her hand away.

Then he pulled her closer and kissed her hungrily. Louisa was shocked at first. She pulled back but he pulled her again and kissed her again. This time, she reciprocated.

He turned, so that he was hovering over her on the bed. Then he pressed his lips on her neck, trailing wet kisses on her neck. Louisa curled her toes and moaned.

Nikolai slid his hand under her dress, stroking her thighs, while his left hand was placed on the bed supporting his weight so as to not crush Louisa.

Louisa gasped. She had never felt so good before.

She dug her fingers into his back not letting go, even as he thrust into her. A sigh escaped her throat at the contact. He kissed down to her stomach and she moaned. "Nikolai..." If she had not been consumed in passion, she would have been ashamed of herself but she wasn't.

****

Louisa woke up the next morning and made to get up but was restrained by an arm around her body. Nikolai's light breathing made her remember all that had transpired the previous night.

Last night!

She covered her face in embarrassment. She remembered begging him when he teased her. She remembered how she gawked unashamedly at his naked body. How good he had made her feel...

She made to get up again and moved his hand from her body without waking him. Then she walked to the mirror and looked at her reflection. There were visible hickeys on her neck. She touched it. It still felt warm to her fingers.

She gasped.

How would she hide them without anyone noticing it?

Then she smiled without knowing why. Silly of her to let him make love to her after offending her. Then her mood dampened as she remembered something.

He had been drunk!

Their first night wasn't a thing of passion. It was a result of drunkenness. She frowned. At least he came to her and not a mistress anyways but she still felt bad.

She went to the bathroom and slid into the bath. Nikolai barely slept at night. He had told her once. Countless political duties, he had said. She understood why he hadn't woken up yet. He was probably tired.

After her bath, she dressed in a yellow simple dress and let her hair fall in order to cover her shoulder and neck. Zara would be so thrilled, she thought.

She put on her shoes and noiselessly exited the room. She instructed a guard to stand watch for the king. She was in a good mood and it surprised her. Everything felt pleasant.

Pleasant until she saw Juliet approach.

Then everything turned sour...

Louisa wanted to ignore her but a part if her told her to stay. The stubborn part of her that wanted to pick a fight with Juliet...

Juliet walked towards her with a forced smile and curtsied. "Majesty. I suppose you're feeling better today after... like I heard, the supposed combat between you and the king." Louisa kept her smile on. This woman wanted to mock her. She would never allow it.

"Combat? Nothing of such. Infact, I'm rather amazed at the king's excellent abilities to please a woman. I can barely walk..."

"...What do you mean by that?" Juliet asked in fury. Louisa pulled her most insincerely innocent face and asked, "What?"

Juliet said,"You said something about the king pleasing a woman..."

"Yes I did. Think about the best way a man can ever please a woman..." then she trailed off and watched Juliet's face contort into that of jealousy. "Brilliant!" she added and curtsied mockingly, "Lady Juliet" and walked off with a mischievously smirk.

Juliet stood there speechless.

****

As Louisa sat in the garden eating breakfast, she saw Nora approach and beckoned on her to come over. Nora reached her smiling, "Good morning, Majesty..."

"...For the last time, Nora, It's Louisa." Louisa protested with a pout and they both laughed. Then Nora asked, "You seem extra excited this morning. What happened?"

Louisa giggled and seemed to be measuring her options. Then she pulled her hair away from her neck, leaning closer to Nora. "What does this look like to you?". The smile on Nora's face froze. Louisa didn't notice it.

"Is that? Did you and Nikolai?..."

"...Yes we did..." Louisa replied excited but was cut short.

"...Hold on. I don't understand. Weren't you both fighting? I know there was an argument." she asked confused.

"Oh...about that? Well I forgot about it but it doesn't really matter. I..." Louisa said but Nora interrupted, "... You know what? I have things to take care of. I Just remembered. I'm sorry. Have a nice day, I'll see you later and congratulations."

Then Nora stood up and left her. Louisa was confused. Did she do anything wrong?