A king's desire

Chapter 10

Alexander

With the banquet fast approaching, I had little to no time to entertain people. Which was nice because it meant I stopped having to put up with the women my mother sent. They were all getting their dresses and jewelry picked out for the event. Yet, with all this free personal space, I was not happy. I was even having trouble sleeping. My mind was a mess. Cassandra's words stuck with me.

I had feared that someone would discover my secret if they saw that mark I stupidly left on her neck. Yet she seemed almost certain that I was the only man who wanted her in that way. Which is quite impossible. Anyone with eyes could see her beauty, I was sure. Did our time together really mean nothing to her? She claimed to be nobody to me and yet I couldn't get her face or body out of my mind. I couldn't stop hearing her moans in my dreams.

I was fixated on her like a small child with a new toy. I needed to keep my distance until it passed. She was a palace knight. If anybody found out what we had done, it would be over for her. Besides, I would hear no end of it from mother.

Staying clear of her was easier than I thought. Since she was one of the escorts for the women, if I didn't see them, I didn't see her. I buried myself in my work and tried to keep her out of my head. The bill for the uniforms came in and was passed to the foreman to sign before being taken out of the budget. Then, a day before the banquet, a bill for a dress and jewelry crossed my desk. I stared at it for a moment. Tomorrow was the banquet, and she would be there.

"Did you manage to find an escort for the knight?" I said, holding up the bill to show how the thought had occurred to me. My steward nodded with a smile.

"Yes indeed. Duke Rouche was willing. He said he saw her when he came to the palace on business and would be happy to. The other women will surely be jealous, but Rouche is a kind man." I felt my blood turn cold for a moment at the name. Rouche? He was a playboy who had no intentions of marrying into another noble house. Rumor was he was searching for a commoner bride so that he wouldn't have to deal with a noble one. Had Cassandra caught his eye as well? I tried not to think about it. I had other things to focus on.

The next day, after spending almost an hour with maids fawning over me to get me dressed up properly, I was eating with my mother to my right. The chair to my left remained empty for my future queen. Though I had yet to spy that distinct silver hair. Rouche had several women chatting him up though. My mother looked at me and cleared her throat softly. I saw a maid bow and leave my mother's side as I turned to her.

"It seems your guest is running late dear. She had some trouble getting ready on her own. She should arrive before the first dance though." I nodded briefly at her words. Had she really had so much trouble? Was she telling the truth when she claimed to have never worn a dress before? I imagined the maids my mother sent to get her ready were probably gushing over her hair and doing her makeup. She must be in hell. I had never met a more frustratingly beautiful woman. She clearly had no care for her looks and yet she was so naturally stunning.

As we moved into the dance hall, an attendant approached me to inform me that Cassandra was arriving. That was my cue to introduce her to the crowd so that they would all know who she was and why she was there. It was the king's duty to acknowledge such accomplishments on behalf of the kingdom as a whole. I cleared my throat and the hushed whispers silenced.

"Today we have a guest with us. A woman who has risen past her peers. The first female knight to serve in the palace in almost 100 years. As a reward for her loyal service, she is attending tonight's event. Let me present Cassandra Blaze." I ignored the sudden whispers that erupted around the room and gestured for the door to be opened as I sat in my chair at the head of the room. As the door opened, the room fell silent.

Like a dream, Cassandra stepped in and curtsied to everyone. Her hair had been curled to further show off her natural wave and was half pulled up in braids. The dress was strapless and hugged her waist perfectly. It showed off her assets beautifully. The jewelry she wore matched her eyes, only causing them to sparkle more than they already did. As she stepped into the silent room, the soft clicks of her hidden heels filled the dead air. She was gorgeous beyond words. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my mother approach me. Just then, everyone else seemed to snap out of their trance, and the room filled with noise again.

"Alex, how is that the same woman?" My mother asked as she stepped up to me. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she gazed in amazement at the gorgeous creature before her. I couldn't take my eyes off her as a couple of women introduced themselves to her. From here, all I could make out was her bright red lips in terms of makeup. I wanted to walk over and sweep her up into my arms. I wanted to whisk her away from the eyes on her and take her to my bed. My mother smacked my arm lightly.

"Alex don't drool over her." My mother whispered harshly and I laughed softly so only she heard.

"Can you blame me, mother? Look at her." She frowned deeply and we watched as Rouche approached her. He bowed deeply and offered his hand. As he lightly kissed the back of her hand, I felt my hand clench for a moment. He was certainly not being subtle.

"Well. Yes. She is quite stunning, isn't she? Perhaps she might find herself a good match one day." I groaned softly at my mother's words.

"Is marriage all you think about for anybody?" She looked at me with a frown but laughed lightly.

"I suppose it's the mother in me. Rouche is a good match. If he wasn't so far above her station I might have approved of it." I felt my gut clench at those words. I was far above even Rouche. What would she say if she knew how much I lusted after that woman? "I picked out three lovely ladies for you to dance with tonight, my son. Give them a chance. I think you'll like them very much."

I very much doubted that any woman at this ball could hope to compare to the woman currently at the center of attention. As I watched her speak with the others, she suddenly looked up and locked eyes with me. Those purple eyes could see me clearly even from that distance, I was sure. I gave her a soft, subtle smile and a quick wink. Even from here, I could see the embarrassment on her face and imagined her cheeks were now bright red.

I was curious to see how she would react when I presented her with a medal later in the evening as well. It would be a surprise even to my mother. As far as I could tell, she had yet to receive one, and that didn't feel right. She had accomplished so much and, as a woman, no less. Though I felt anger rise in me as I watched Rouche wrap an arm around her shoulders. What a bold man he was. He could at least try to be subtle. I watched as the whispers filled the room at the gesture. I sighed internally. It was going to be a long night.