Chapter 10
1013 Words
Known to most as Xander, Alexander Henderson was a tall, ruggedly-handsome man who approached tasks with fierce determination and unparalleled passion. Once a king himself, Xander was determined to take back the title, and the kingdom, that were stripped from him by Zachary Chamberlain so many years ago. News of Zachary’s murder delighted Xander and presented him with an opportunity to strike the Chamberlains while they coped with the death of their king.
Standing in front of the fireplace in his hideaway while examining his shiny sword, Xander was distracted by his son’s entry into the room. He turned from the fire to face him.
“I’m sure you’ve heard the news,” Rivers Henderson told his father.
“Do I no longer deserve a bow when you enter my presence?”
“I thought we were beyond all that.”
“Beyond civility? Beyond dignity and respect? No, Rivers, we are not ‘beyond’ all that.”
“I apologize, Father,” his son replied, bowing to Xander.
“Never forget to show respect because you will want that same respect when I’m gone and you’re the king.”
Rivers sighed loudly.
“What is it that’s upsetting you, Rivers?”
“You, Father. You spend your days and nights plotting and planning for the day when you will be king again, but we both know that day will never come. We’ll never be able to defeat the Chamberlains and their army. When are you going to start accepting that? This is our life now.”
“You’re wrong, Rivers. Our army is growing. More and more Chamberlain deserters are joining us. It’s only a matter of time before—”
“Father, please. I’m worried about you. Declin and you had these grandiose plans for overthrowing the Chamberlains and look where it landed him, in prison.”
“Son, every worthwhile path has its pitfalls. Declin will rejoin us soon, I feel it.”
Rivers rolled his eyes and changed his tone. “Dad, you’re holding on to a dream. It’s time to get on with your life – your current one, not your past one.”
“You are royalty,” his father told him. “When are you going to start acting like it?” Disgusted, Xander turned and left the room.
Rivers watched his father vacate the area and said, “Maybe it’s time to take matters into my own hands and finally win over the girl that I love.”
As Bryce neared Matthew’s cottage unaware that his sister was inside, he heard a horse rapidly approaching from behind him. Pulling on the reins of his own horse, Bryce turned around to see who was tailing him.
“Your Highness,” Malcolm called from his steed to the prince.
“Malcolm,” Bryce replied, turning his horse in the knight’s direction. “What is it?”
“Your brother sent me. He wishes to speak with you.”
“Tobias? What does he want?”
“He said it’s urgent. Please, come along.”
Bryce turned his head toward Matthew’s cottage, then looked back at Malcolm. “Very well. Let’s go.” With a firm kick, Bryce started his horse back in the direction of the castle.
Inside the cottage, Matthew held Princess Clara’s naked body beside him in his warm, overstuffed bed. He kissed her forehead as she kissed his chest.
“You always make me feel safe,” she whispered, running her finger over his n****e.
“You are safe,” Matthew replied. “Not only with me, but with your brothers, too. They love you. They would never let anything happened to you.”
“Look what happened to Zachary. My father was killed right under their noses. I don’t feel safe in the palace.”
“You don’t need to worry. Zachary had many enemies; you don’t. That’s a big difference.”
“I’d still prefer to live here with you.”
Matthew adjusted his arm around Clara. “You know that’s not possible. I’m just a farmer.”
“What difference does that make?”
“You’re royalty.”
“In name only. I’m no better than anyone else.”
“Your family may have a different opinion on that.”
“They can’t tell me who to love.”
“There are lots of men out there who are more appropriate for you than I am.”
Clara sat up in bed and looked directly into Matthew’s eyes. “Shouldn’t I get to choose who I spend my life with?”
Matthew smiled. “Of course, but it’s not always that simple.”
“Since I’m royalty, like you said, I should be able to choose whomever I want. And I want you.”
Matthew kissed Clara. “That’s sweet of you, but we live in different worlds.”
“As king, Tobias will be a gentler ruler than my father, I know it. He’ll want me to be happy. He’s my brother.”
Matthew smiled. “I love your optimism. I don’t necessarily share it.”
She kissed him. “Don’t doubt me, Matthew.” She added jokingly, “I’m a princess, after all.”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
Clara ran her hand over her abdomen. “Any child we create together will be royalty, too.”
“Aren’t you getting way ahead of things? I barely have enough food to feed myself, let alone a child.”
“I have all that we could ever need. We could start a family right away.”
Matthew touched the tip of his index finger to the tip of her nose. “What we have here is…complicated. And I’m definitely not ready to be a father.”
Clara snuggled herself against his muscular body. “You’ll be a great father. You’re bright and handsome and compassionate.”
“Clara, please…”
Clara kissed Matthew’s chest. “You’re right. There’s no rush. We have lots of time.” She placed her head on his chest and relaxed comfortably beside him.
- Writer
