Fire and Ice

CHAPTER 9

Joselyn had been in court since early morning. She had already sent down her ruling on several cases. She was trying her best to give her rulings swiftly; she had dinner with the King of Arcadia and she really wanted to check on Marcus later that night. She didn’t want to let on in front of him that she enjoyed his company so much. It was flattering that he didn’t want her to have dinner with the King of Arcadia. She recognized the jealousy in his tone when he spoke. To be honest, she liked him, more than she should. “Last Case” yelled out a guard. Joselyn pulled herself out of her thoughts and was happy after her ruling so she could get on with her busy day. The King of Arcadia was due to arrive in 3 hours and she still needed to choose an outfit to look presentable. Joselyn had met the King of Arcadia before; he was handsome and her age. They were able to communicate well, but not as well as she and Marcus.

Joselyn looked through her wardrobe and found a beautiful light blue dress with silver embroidery patterned on it. It complimented her features as well as her figure. As she placed the dress on she thought, “Marcus will love this dress.” Not realizing she chose the dress because she already had plans to visit Marcus that night. At the thought she had she blushed and realized she had a gentleman coming for dinner shortly. Joselyn had a maid help prepare her hair with light blue jewels intertwined throughout her long hair. The finished product proved to be successful. She was gorgeous from head to toe. Rowan knocked on her chamber doors. “Come in” Joselyn yelled. Rowan walked in to announce the King of Arcadia had arrived and dinner was moments from being served. Rowan looked at her and without thinking said, “You look beautiful Joselyn.” “Thank You Rowan. Is the King of Arcadia here?” Rowan embarrassingly responded, “Yes My Queen, he is waiting at the dining table and dinner is about to be served.” “Oh my goodness, I need to hurry” Joselyn said as she rushed past Rowan down to the dining hall. Joselyn reached the steps that led to the dining hall and then slowed her steps. She took a deep breath and slowly began her decent down the stairs. Everyone in the dining hall stared as she took light airy steps approaching the table. The King of Arcadia was mesmerized by her beauty. He rose from his seat and walked to greet her at the bottom of the stairs. “I want to thank you for allowing me to have dinner with you Queen Joselyn.” The King of Arcadia said gazing at Joselyn. “I was pleased to receive your request. We always have a wonderful time when you visit.” The King of Arcadia walked Joselyn to the dinner table and pulled out her chair for her. “I completely agree,” He responded as he took his seat.

Marcus was in his chamber brewing over the fact that Joselyn was currently in the dining hall having a nice dinner with the King of Arcadia. She made sure his broth was given to him just as she’d promised; he wanted her to be giving it to him. He wanted her sitting next to him and having long conversations. How could she accept that invitation? She must not feel the way he thought she did. There were plenty of men who wanted to marry her, he was just another number in a long line. Marcus decided right then he was going to have to figure out a way to win her heart. This way she would want to spend all her time with him. Marcus couldn’t believe he had fallen in love with the Ice Queen. He had never been in love before; he never thought he would find the woman he wanted. Now he has found the woman he loves; he will stop at nothing to make her his.

Joselyn and the King of Arcadia were laughing as they ate. He really is very charming, Joselyn thought. Desert was being served as the King of Arcadia was still carrying on the conversation. “You know Joselyn, my favorite part of coming through this part of the country is getting to see you. I love the way we can talk to each other so easily; and we never seem to run out of things to say.” He laughed. Joselyn let out a small laugh and said, “You never run out of things to say.” And they both laughed in unison. “While you are here, Joselyn began, I am throwing a ball in a couple of months. Invitations have been sent out already, but I would like to personally extend the invite to you.” The King of Arcadia looked into Joselyn’s blue eyes and said, “I would be delighted to attend, and am honored you gave a personal invitation. I look forward to getting to see you again so soon.” Joselyn smiled at his compliment. They had finished their desert and continued talking half an hour later. Joselyn noticed the time and still wanted to see Marcus. She stood as the King of Arcadia was talking. He immediately stood with her. “I apologize, but I am getting tired, and I know you still have a long journey.” Joselyn told him. The King of Arcadia looked at the time and said, “You are right, I can’t believe we have sat at the dinner table this long. I must be getting on my way.” Joselyn walked the King of Arcadia to the door, and they said their goodnights. The King of Arcadia placed her hand in his and gave it a gentle kiss. “Until I see you again.” Joselyn bowed as the King of Arcadia left in his carriage. After he left, Joselyn felt a lightheartedness. She really did enjoy spending time with the King of Arcadia. The only problem was that she didn’t know his true intentions. Before she gave it more thought, her mind went to Marcus. A smile fell across her lips as she started up the stairs toward his chambers. She knew he wouldn’t be expecting her.

Marcus heard a knock on his chamber door. He had already had his dinner broth, but he assumed it was another maid making sure he didn’t need anything else for the night. “Enter.” He called out. Joselyn walked in his room fashioned in her beautiful gown and jewels. Marcus found himself with a lump in his throat and unable to speak as he watched Joselyn walk into the room. She was beautiful in her own right, but tonight she left him speechless. “How are you doing this evening Marcus?” Joselyn asked. Marcus fumbled for his words. “I’m doing well, um, thank you for having your maids tend to me.” Joselyn replied, “It was no problem at all. I told you I would look after you and make sure you were fine.” Marcus was amazed at how beautiful she looked, but remembered she had dinner with the King of Arcadia. He wanted to win her heart, so he tried to hide his jealousy and maintain his composure. “How was dinner with the King of Arcadia?” he asked. “It was lovely, thank you. The King of Arcadia is always good company.” Joselyn replied. Marcus stared at her then said, “You know, I believe I can start eating regular food now. My stomach has been growling.” Joselyn replied, “If your stomach is growling for food, then you should definitely have it. We can start with breakfast in the morning.” Marcus continued, “Well, since you are normally with me at breakfast and dinner…. would you still want to eat up here with me?” Joselyn smiled and said, “I believe that would be alright, as long as I don’t have any other pressing matters.” Marcus was relieved and delighted. Joselyn sat down on his bed and said, “Why don’t we have a nice chat before I retire to my chambers. Marcus smiled and said, “I’ve been wanting to see you all day. A small chat with you will make the wait worth it.” Joselyn didn’t know how to respond, so Marcus began the conversation about his day and asked her about hers. After their small conversation, Joselyn rose from his bed and said goodnight to him. “I will see you for breakfast?” Marcus asked. “Yes, I will eat breakfast with you here tomorrow.” Joselyn said. “Goodnight Marcus.” “Goodnight Joselyn.” With that, Marcus couldn’t wait until morning. He laid in bed and fell asleep to thoughts of Joselyn.