You are currently browsing the daily archive for September 24, 2009.
Climbing the worn granite staircase
of the castle’s turret,
Sir Anthony’s heavy coat of maille clanked around as tumultuously as his thoughts. He had to remove himself from the commotion of the castle. If he could just steal away to the parapet for a bit, surely, he would be fine. The lust he felt for the King’s daughter swirled ceaselessly around him and it was driving him mad. The mere thought of her flaxen hair blowing in the wind, brushing her pale face, her blue eyes twinkling with laughter and her peach-rose lips gave him aches of desire so intense, he nearly doubled over. “Enough, Anthony!” He chastised himself out loud. His voice reverberated off the smooth stone walls, causing him to jolt to a stop in sheer surprise.
The intensity of his feelings overwhelmed him. He tried to gather his bewildered thoughts and once more continued the steep ascent up the tower stairs. He fingered the crux on the hilt of his sword nestled securely against his hip and reminded himself of the unspoken code of service. ‘Knights are sworn to protect and defend the King and his Queen. There is no room for foolish feelings of love.’ He repeated these thoughts over and over like a mantra, but found no comfort in them. How could comfort come when he was so undeniably in love with the Princess?
Sir Anthony’s silent ramblings were interrupted by the sound of faint footsteps and he paused yet again in his journey. The turret was not a common place to wander, who else could be walking this silent path? The whole of the Kingdom was deep in final preparations for the Knighting of Jaspar. The tangible odour of hyssop, lavender and rosemary from the sacred ritual of cleansing permeated the castle passageways reminding him that the Ceremony was tonight and there was certainly no time for anyone to be taking a leisurely stroll. Perhaps it was a scorned Squire looking for revenge? Friend or foe, Sir Anthony would not be caught unprepared! He held his breath in anticipation and once again reached for the hilt of his sword.
The footsteps slowed as they moved ever closer. Did they too, know someone was here when, indeed, no one should be? A flash of royal blue velvet swung into view and Sir Anthony immediately recognized it as the gown of King Edmund’s daughter, Lady Roselaine.
Lady Roselaine… the cause of his misery, the love of his life, the object of his desire. All these things she meant to him – and, yet – he could not tell her, for fear of rejection. These feelings he held so closely guarded within him, buried so wretchedly deep, they consumed him body and soul. How could he face her, here in this most secluded of places?
As she rounded the corner, Roselaine stumbled back in astonishment as she came upon Sir Anthony. She gasped in awe at his handsome face, as he slightly bowed and then gallantly pressed his back to the cold stone walls, allowing her passage through the narrow space. But, she did not want to pass. She had come looking for him, hoping to confess her love. When her lady in waiting told her how Sir Anthony gazed longingly at her when she wasn’t watching, she felt her heart soar as if with wings! She had been in love with Sir Anthony since they were children playing together in the courtyard!
Lady Roselaine stopped in front of the brave Knight. Anthony felt his breath catch at the absurd closeness of this voluptuous woman. “M’Lady, you must return to the Celebration preparations. Surely the King will be looking for you.”
Roselaine held her fingers to Anthony’s lips. “I’m certain there is still time before I am missed. Now, tell me, what is it that you are doing in this barren tower?”
“I might ask the same thing of you, Princess.”
Slowly, a most sly smile spread across her face as she leaned forward, pressing her lips to his ear. With a breathy whisper she said, ”I am looking for you, my Knight in shining armor, to rescue me from this lust that I am carrying within. Release me from this prison of desire.”
Sir Anthony needed no further persuasion. He swept her into his arms and carried her to the top of the tower. As she lay on her blue velvet dress, she reached for Anthony and invited him into her. He knew she was a pure maiden and so his lovemaking was slow and careful. He treated her as if she were as fragile and vulnerable as a tender rose petal. Slowly and completely he brought her with him to fulfillment.
They lay together, their limbs still entwined and basked in the after glow of love. Roselaine whispered, “I think this must be one of my most HAPPIEST OF HOURS!”
He Said...She Said...