By: The Rainbow Writers

The two member hunting party galloped into the field and came to a slow meandering halt. Princess Bethany sat high atop a rich chocolate black saddle on her white stallion. The animal’s pure coat only broken by the its unusually jet black mane and the patch of black around its right eye. The Princess’s high leather boots and light brown riding pants framed a textural contrast to the thick soft blanket placed beneath the saddle. The high collar of her thick brown wool coat was turned up against the light spring breeze. Her soft leather riding gloves moulded into her hands and around the reigns she held loosely. Her horse listened to her every command by feel and not instruction. The woman’s long reddish hair was pulled back with a leather tie at the base of her neck and small tendrils of it came out to frame her face in the wind.

Her handmaiden Suzanna was dressed in an open black wool jacket, dark riding pants and high-laced boots. She sat tall in the tan leather saddle on top of a spotted young mare. The horses dark mane braided up into small formal knots tight to its neck leaving the cascade of melting browns gold’s and blacks of its coat full in view. Suzanna’s gloves like that of her masters were soft dark leather that moulded to her hands as she guided the newly broken horse through the grass.

The two of them had split from the main party, which had proceeded northwards into the dense forest on the trail of a large stage. They instead had rode west a little trailed by a small pack of hunting hounds.

Atop the large saddle horn of Princess Bethany’s steed was tethered a magnificent hawk. Its hooded face turned into the wind as it fluttered its wings in anticipation of the days adventure. The half dozen chocolate and white hounds barked and jumped around them as they stopped, all coming to attention at Suzanna’s signal.

"It seems the grass must be teeming your Highness." The handmaiden’s voice was lightly accented, though clear and precise.

"Apparently so Suzanna." The Princess agreed, her own voice quite young and yet noticeably that of royalty.
 

Bethany turned to look at her young handmaiden, just as Suzanna moved to do up one of the brass shiny buttons on her coat to block her body from the wind. The sheer silk shirt Suzanna wore underneath her coat did nothing to block the cold.

"Are you quite warm enough?" The young Princess asked with a slight frown

"Oh." Her servant replied laughing lightly. "With the wool I will be fine." She did up the other two buttons.

"Very good then." Bethany nodded and gazed to the sky. Though a brilliant blue it could not hide the chill in the air.

"Your father should have good luck today, the bucks will be moving well." Suzanna brushed her billowing brown hair behind her ear.

"Yes they should." She glanced over to the dense trees to their left. "Which do you prefer to do today?"

"Your preference my Lady." Suzanna nodded and lowered her eyes.
 

"Well the hounds are eager and an Ariel display is always so…" She paused. "Rewarding." She added finally breathing in a lung full of the spring air. "So I think we will bird base today."

"Very good." Suzanna smiled.

Bethany leaned forward and pulled the tiny lace straps that held her hawk’s hood in place, letting the bird take in the scenery. Suzanna whistled the dogs into formation as Bethany reached back and slipped on her padded glove, transferring the hawk to her wrist.

"Ready?" She asked gently.

"At your mark Princess." The appropriate reply came back instantly.

"Fly Mistral." The young Princess breathed and flicked her wrist up. The large hawk took to the air gracefully. Diving and spiralling pleased to be free of restraints. It called out loud and proud several times. Bethany watched as always entranced. As did Suzanna, though mostly she watched the Princess to study the joy and awe on the woman’s face

As the bird gained sufficient height Suzanna whistled the hounds’ attentions and signalled them off in row to flush the bush. Bethany glanced at her handmaiden and watched the precision with which she worked. As always amazed at how the hounds responded to her handmaiden. The dogs happily barked and scurried through the thick underbrush.

The Princess’ attention turned from the young woman back to the skies as they were filed with cries and calls of other animals. Several game birds took to the air in their flight form the hounds. Bethany watched closely as Mistral chose his target and began his chase. She carefully moved her hand back to take her bow and an arrow ready to finish anything that needed to be.

"He is magnificent." Suzanna whispered. Bethany nodded her eyes not leaving her hawk’s dance of death.

Suzanna whistled the dogs still and they froze in their spots. Bethany signalled to her to have the retriever hound ready as she watched the hawk beginning to tire of the sport and move ready for the kill. Suzanna whistled off the three short bursts for the lead hound Masteria, whose head came up in the grass to signal his readiness to retrieve the game.

Bethany watched carefully as her hawk made the final approach on his chosen bird with a dart in and a tear she knew that the bird’s throat was slit. She gave a shrill whistle and Mistral left his dive after the falling bird and flew back to float over her. On cue Masteria bounded through the grass coming out near them a short time later with the bird in a careful grasp. He sat and waited proudly.

"Let me my Lady." Suzanna smiled and gently slid herself off the mare taking the bird from the dog. She quickly twisting its neck to ensure it was dead and wouldn’t suffer. Bethany’s hawk circled over her for a moment before she whistled again letting Mistral know he was free to go and seek his own reward. Trotting over, the Princess handed Suzanna their game string.

"As always a clean kill." She smiled as she took the string from her master and placed the bird on it in preparation for the journey home.

"Would you like to let Liver and Fiver have a hunt?" Bethany asked thinking of the two youngest hounds in their small pack.

"That would be good for them." Suzanna looked up at her from the ground. "They’ve had little training with the horses." She moved to swing back up on her mount.

"Shall I call Mistral? If it would be better I can hood and tether him. So he won’t be a distraction."

"At your leisure my Lady" Suzanna whistled the two hounds to attention. "Do not do it just for the pups, they must learn to work with him not without him."

"Very well, I so like him to fly wild for as long as possible." The Princess raised a hand against the light to spot her hawk above them. "If you would like we could play a short baiting game with them." She suggested seeing that the young dogs were a little too excited to contemplate going on a direct hunt for the moment.

"That would be quite good." The handmaiden whistled the rest of the pack back to them. "How would you like to play it?’

"Well we could have Liver do the flushing, I could use my bow and Fiver could retrieve and then swap them."

"Very well." The handmaiden nodded.

"Only if this fits with their training Suzanna." Bethany said aware that her handmaid had spent a lot of time with these two dogs, she did not want to interfere.

"Of course Princess, it is quite good for them." She whistled Liver to begin his zigzag pattern.

Bethany slipped from her saddle and readied her bow. It wasn’t long before Liver sent a thick pheasant soaring into the sky in fear. She drew the sting back taught lining up the arrow carefully, her eyes never leaving the bird. She released the tension and sent the arrow flying off into the distance.

"Good shot your Highness." Suzanna smiled as the bird’s flight caught mid air and plummeted down. She whistled Liver to a halt and whistled Fiver to retrieve. Bethany threw her a happy look and watched the young hound disappear. "You are by far the best shot in the kingdom." Suzanna commented as she watched the movement of the grass. Moments later she had the game secured on the game string and Liver returned to rest with the other dogs nearby.

"Would you like a shot?" Bethany’s voice lowered slightly.

"Oh I haven’t held a bow in ages." Suzanna laughed lightly. "I’d only waste an arrow."

"That’s not what I asked." Bethany looked at her with a slight shake of her head. "Would you like a shot?" She made the offer again softly.

"Yes Princess." Her voice came back at the same delicate tone.

"Here." She walked back to her handmaid and held out the royal bow in a steady hand.

"Thank you Princess." Suzanna took it without comment on the loss of protocol and a smile spread across the Princess’ face.

"An arrow?" She asked moving back to the saddle, her eyes fixed to watch her handmaiden’s nod. Suzanna did not really know how to accept this honour, but to try and deny it would cause her even more despair. Reaching into her quiver, Bethany pulled out one of her monicured arrows and held it out for the other woman. With a slight shake in her fingers, Suzanna’s hand closed slowly around the shaft unable to speak

"Shall I call the dog?" The Princess asked turning to the pack.

"If you would be so kind." She finally managed to speak.

"Which would you prefer?" Bethany questioned turning back to hold her eye.

"Your choice your Majesty," She gave a respectful nod, losing herself in the sound of the Princess’ voice.

"No yours, my hunts woman." Bethany whispered, loving the sparkles she saw flair in Suzanna’s eyes.

"Which is your favourite of the group?" Suzanna smiled at her almost boldly as she set the arrow into its place.

"Dante." Bethany said softly.

"Dante would be my choice then." A nod added to her delicate voice.

"To flush, retrieve, or both?" The Princess turned her attention to the dogs.

"Both." Suzanna openly smiled at the turned woman.

Bethany gave a short whistle and the large hound emerged immediately from the pack.

"Before we do." Bethany turned back to her servant. "Can I have the arrow?" The request was made in a gentle voice.

"Of course." Suzanna took it from the bow and handed it to her. Bethany took it and lightly licked her fingers ran them over the feathered sides.

"It will make it fly straight." Bethany explained as she handed it back.

"Thank you." Suzanna nodded and replaced the arrow as Bethany gave a whistle and the hound bounded into the undergrowth. Quickly sending three birds skywards, Suzanna tracked the middle one letting out a slow breath as she released the arrow in a straight shot. The arrow passed through the birds tail feathers without causing harm.

"I’m sorry." Suzanna lowered the bow defeated, surprised when Bethany gently caught hold of the her arm.

"There is no need for sorry. We shall try again." The Princess gave a second shrill whistle.

"I am a waste of arrows Princess." She tried to lightly protest.

"No. No you’re not." Bethany moved behind Suzanna. "May I?" She breathed into her ear as she stepped in close.

"Of course your Highness." The handmaid shivered at the feeling.

Bethany mimicked the other woman’s position and pulled an arrow from the ground where she had placed it. She brushed the feathers and laid the arrow on the bow.

"Okay?" She asked gently as her arms completely encircling the other woman’s back.

"Okay." Suzanna tried to find volume as she opened her eyes finally. They had closed as the Princess had come in close behind her.

"Right then. You instruct the dog." Bethany whispered. "And just feel what I do."

Suzanna nodded and whistled sharply for Dante to take another run at the field before them. Bethany braced herself around the woman more or less in her arms. This time two birds took to the air.

‘Just feel.’ The words went through the handmaid’s head again and again.

Bethany focused and followed the movement of the birds. The bowstring taut and both women’s arms firm.

"Let go." Bethany breathed into Suzanna’s ear and the handmaid did as she was asked.

Bethany released the bowstring and watched the arrow soar. Suzanna watched the true straight path amazed as it took the bird down in mid flight. The Princess whistled for Dante to retrieve, a task the hound speedily performed.

Bethany released the bow leaving it in Suzanna’s hands and moved back to her stead, patting the horses neck gently. The handmaiden took a deep breath trying to still her heart as the Princess moved away.

"I see now." Suzanna whispered as she lowered the bow.

"You had better see to your kill." Bethany looked at Dante as the hound emerged through the grass.

"Of course." She held the bow out for its owner, only for woman to shake her head as she pulled one of the last three arrows from her quiver. Suzanna awkwardly rested the bow over her shoulder as she tended to the kill, afraid she would damage the weapon.

Suzanna quickly had the bird on the string and she turned back to the other woman unsure what was planned. Bethany lifted the arrow to her lips and danced her tongue on the feathers before handing it to Suzanna.

"Your turn again!" She smiled, happy to see her handmaid smile as she took the arrow. Suzanna readied the weapon almost hoping to miss again so that she might get another lesson. "Shall we use Dante again?" The Princess asked with a glance to the pack.

"Dante would be fine." Suzanna tried to keep her focus on the field.

Bethany moved forward and crouched down by the hound.

"Go," She whispered urging it forward and the hound took off. Suzanna held her eyes on the entire horizon waiting for the moment. With an uncharacteristic bark Dante attacked the hedges sending birds flying everywhere.

Suzanna took aim at one in the lead of the frenzied flight and let the arrow fly. The thin wooden shaft flew through the air straight and true, hitting its target squarely. Suzanne held the bow almost in disbelief that she’d made the shot.

"You did it." Bethany breathed, her eyes gleaming happily.

"I did it." Suzanna lowered the weapon and took the few steps over to the Princess. "Because of you."

"You did it because you could." Bethany reached for the bow, shaking her head.

"No, I did it because you believed I could." The handmaiden lowered her eyes in a courteous nod as she smiled and handed over the bow. The successful shot made her giddy and somewhat bold.

Bethany took the bow and slipped it unseen into its rest on her horse before stepping forward to Suzanna. She gently leaned forward and placed a kiss on Suzanna’s chilled cheek.

"Well done." Her voice was soft and almost lost in the wind.

"Thank you." Suzanna whispered back.

"We should have a celebration." Bethany announced and she hugged Suzanna tightly suddenly and unexpectedly. Without thinking Suzanna hugged her back. Not in the formal move of protocol but out of emotion alone. Suzanna’s mind snapped to remind her to let go before the Princess had saving her the embarrassment. "Would you like that?" She asked seriously, releasing the hug and looking at her maid.

"This does not need a fuss." Suzanna shook her head. "I don’t want to be a bother."

"No bother, we have got a lot of game. That is reason alone." The Princess smiled. "But you and I know the true reason though."

"We do?" Suzanna asked confused.

"You got your target." Bethany moved to her horse, grasping her saddle horn and swinging herself up onto the animal.

"Of course your Highness." The handmaiden nodded and moved to mount her own stead.

Bethany gave a shrill whistle and within seconds Mistral flew to perch on her arm. Suzanne called the dogs to follow them as the pair rode back towards the palace.

********

The jubilant sound of the mandolin and drum sounded through the large stone banquet hall. Large tables lined the walls and were filled with the men and women of the court. At the centre of the head table sat the King with the Princess off to his left and Suzanna sat beside her.

The meal was almost over as the last of the court gorged themselves on the feast before them. The wine and ale flowed freely and many of the court were drunk and soon considering bed. Bethany lowered her wine goblet and raised a cloth to her face.

"Suzanna?" She spoke in a hushed tone.

"Yes my Lady?" The woman asked back softly.

"I tire. I think I shall end this night here." She informed her gently. "But I would pray you accompany me."

"Yes Princess." The handmaiden nodded.

"Papa?" She called the King’s attention politely.

"Yes my little dove?" The older gentleman turned from his meal.

"After such a vigorous day of hunting, I find myself tired beyond belief. May I retire to my chambers?"

"Oh dove, get a good night of rest." He smiled at her sweetly.

Carefully Bethany stood and curtseyed to her father. Standing still for a moment until he motioned for her to leave. Suzanna stood second and curtseyed to him as well before rushing off after the Princess.

As soon as they were out of earshot of the main hall Bethany stopped and turned to wait for Suzanna. Her demeanour changed totally.

"Come on." She beckoned frantically.

"Yes my Lady." Suzanna rushed to keep up with her. "What is wrong Princess?" She asked concerned by their fast pace.

"What a crushing bore those parties are!" Bethany laughed as she reached her private rooms. She waited for Suzanna to open the door to the main chamber and smiled at the fire that burned brightly in the fireplace waiting for their arrival.

"They are." Suzanna agreed, trying to figure out the Princess’ change in perspective. She followed the Princess inside and closed the door behind her. Bethany skipped over and dropped into a chair by the fire.

"Princess are you all right?" Suzanna questioned when they were inside and alone.

"Yes, yes. I have to talk to you though." She whittered on, trying to gain a reign on her own thoughts. "About three matters actually."

"Yes Princess?" The other woman tried to prompt her to start as she moved closer to the fireplace. "Is something wrong?" She stood awkwardly by the chairs as the young Princess shook her head.

"The first being this… " Bethany got up and walked over to the small weapons rack fixed to the wall by the door. She pulled out the hunter’s bow she had been using earlier in the day, bringing it over to Suzanna and holding it out. "I want you to have this." She said boldly.

"Princess, but this is your favourite." Suzanna stumbled on words.

"But you have proved it is your lucky bow." Bethany enthused as her maid took the weapon tentatively in her hands. "So it should be yours. Father has long since been telling me I should train with a composite bow. Now I can if I don’t have my hunters bow." She said brightly.

"Thank you my Lady." Suzanna lowered her head the reason for the gift clear now. "I am positive your skill with the composite bow will be unequalled."

"I doubt it, I hate the things. That is my all time favourite bow." She talked on oblivious that her handmaid was studying her. "But she belongs to you now. A good reason to keep you with me forever!" She added merrily, suddenly feeling giddy though knowing it had been water and not wine or ales that had passed her lips that night at dinner.
 

"Your Highness, I could never take something you treasure from you."

"Then stay with me forever." Bethany replied quickly.

"Of course my Lady." Suzanna punctuated the response by placing the bow back in its spot.

"Oh and…" Bethany moved to a large chest by the window. "To go with that I had these made." She opened the chest and drew out a leather arm guard with the royal seal and an Z embossed into it. The ornate guard was accompanied by a small leather finger grip. She carried them over to Suzanna.

"Your Highness they are beautiful." Suzanna stood stunned.

"You like them?" Bethany was pleased and made no attempt to hide it.

"They are exquisite." Suzanna’s eyes lit up.

"You will need to keep the bow in your room from now on." Bethany instructed. "I have had a weapon rack made for your wall. I have noticed forever that your foil is never hung properly."

"Oh Princess." Suzanne blushed. "I do not deserve to be spoiled like this."
 

"Of course you do. As Daddy would say you make me happy and any one who does that is worth his whole kingdom." The Princess smiled, happy her gift’s had gone over so well.

"That is always my goal your Highness." Suzanna replied meekly.

"If the bow is not quite balanced for you I can have the blacksmith alter it." Bethany continued on happily.

"Oh no, I would never want it touched." Suzanna smiled, feeling somewhat behind the Princess’ mood as she tried to react to each emotion in turn.

"Could you just hold your hand up for me?" Beth asked suddenly moving over to her.

"Of course." She did as she was asked holding up her hand. The Princess put her own hand against it and looked at the two flat against one another. Noting the difference in size.

"Good." She whispered to herself.

"Good?" Suzanna whispered back, realising the heat her palm was giving off she pulled her hand back.

"Yes, very good." The Princess nodded.

"May I ask why?’ The handmaid questioned softly brushing a stray hair from her face.

"Well I asked papa when we got back from hunting if you could be my hawking partner for the trials that are coming up with the Newarks. The damnable lot!" Bethany cursed the rival family with a smile.

"For the trials?" Suzanna took a deep breath.

"Yes. Oh Suzanna I know I should have asked first." Bethany apologised unnecessarily. As the Princess she could order Suzanna to do it if she wanted to, but her heart really wanted this to be a choice for her young handmaid.

"I would be honoured your Highness." She said softly smiling.

"Oh good!" Bethany grinned. "Well you see we need doe skin gloves for the trials, part of the formal wear, and so I had to guess your hand size."

"Yes of course." Suzanna nodded.

"I think I was right." Bethany was drunk on her happiness.

"I’m sure anything you have chosen is fine." She smiled giddy and light-headed from all the attention and presents.
 

"You do know what I am asking of you don’t you Zana?" Suddenly Bethany stopped and turned to look at Suzanna.

"You need me to command the hounds." The woman responded simply.

"No Zana." Beth laughed lightly. "You are to be my hunting partner, not the hounds man. We will have two of father’s finest hounds men."

"Partner?" Suzanna questioned the word.

"Yes. For the two rounds, I thought I could take the aerial with Mistral and you could do the archery. Oh say you’ll do it Zana." Bethany voice pleaded softly.

"Of course my Princess." She smiled broadly and nodded. "I will do my best to do you proud."

"Thank you." Bethany caught her up in a delighted hug and Suzanna hugged her back. The Princess held on for a moment. "I like the way you do that." She said softly without thought.

"It is my pleasure." Suzanna spoke softly back, almost inaudibly.

"Your pleasure, not your duty?" Bethany breathed the question.

"No not my duty." Zana breathed back suddenly finding drawing breath hard. "My pleasure." She said the words slowly and softly.

"I should like it if we did this more." Bethany held on tighter.

"I would like that as well." Zana responded tentatively.
 

"You would?" She questioned, knowing she wanted the same thing.

"I would." The handmaid’s voice was very soft as her mind fought to bring her back to protocol but her heart urged her on.

"This brings me to the third matter." Bethany commented but she still did not let go.

"I thought those were the three?" The Princess’ handmaiden questioned confused, but not letting go either.

"No, no, this is the third." She closed her eyes as she continued to hold the slight woman in her arms.

"Yes my Princess, the third?" Zana tried to get her mind around what was happening as she held on still, her arms never wanting to move from their current spot again.

"Have you ever kissed anyone Zana?" The Princess asked tentatively. Her arms loosened in their grip slightly.

"No, I have not." The handmaiden relaxed her grip in response.

"You haven’t?" Bethany asked. "Damn!" She hissed breaking away from her servant.

"Why Princess? Is that a problem?" Zana asked confused, her arms left empty and aching.

"No, no of course not." Bethany replied warmly. "It’s just that..." For once the young woman’s voice trailed off.

"Just that?" Suzanna tried to prompt her to continue.

"I fear it is time I learnt how." She admitted with a shrug. "With the comments I get in the court and...." Again she lost her voice.

"Princess kissing is not something one learns." Suzanna commented softly.

"Isn’t it?" She frowned gently.

"No, it is not learned, it is something that comes naturally when you are with one you have feelings for." Suzanna answered honestly.

"The one? There is only one?" Bethany sounded horrified by the idea.

"No, not for everyone. I mean more someone that you have feelings for at a given time." Suzanna smiled softly. "Each person you kiss with be an entirely different kiss."
 

"Double damn then!" The Princess cursed turning to look in the fire.

"Princess, what of this is causing you such distress?" She asked concerned.

"Well first I wanted you to teach me how to kiss and now I find you haven’t done it and then I find you can’t teach me any way. A very damnable situation." Bethany mused on upset.

"Princess, why would you choose me as a teacher if such a thing existed?" Zana poised the question trying not to seem too bold with its asking.

"Because…" Bethany started bluntly but then remembered Suzanna’s words about kissing. "It is of no matter, since you cannot do it."

"Your Highness it is obviously causing you some distress." The handmaiden couldn’t help but be hurt by the indictment. "Princess because I have not kissed anyone does not mean that I cannot kiss."

"I did not mean that." The Princess shook her head. "Only that you could not instruct me as I so wanted you to do."

"Why do you need instruction?" She asked knowing how bold she was being.

"Very well Zana I will tell you but not a word to the King." Bethany put her hands on her hips. "On your life."

"On my life." Suzanna pledged slowly. "I would never betray your confidence even to the King my Lady."

"Two days before the hunt in the stables, Phillipe kissed me." Bethany added. "Or at least, I assume that’s what it was."

"He put his mouth to yours?" Suzanna asked to clarify.

"Yes." She shuddered.

"Yes then Princess that is kissing." Zana smiled softly at the shudder. "You did not fancy his kiss?"

"It was horrible." Bethany gasped. "I presumed I did it wrong."

"Oh no your Highness." The handmaid tried not to laugh. "That does not mean you did it wrong. It only means you had no attraction to Phillipe to fuel the kiss."

"Oh then I may not need lessons. It is so hard to talk to Father of such things." She flopped back into her chair.

"I doubt you do, it is a very natural action with the proper passion. Your Father would not be best to talk of these things with as I’m sure he’d have Phillipe killed for breaching your honour under such setting." Zana stressed.

"Exactly. Not that I would mind that." Bethany added with a wicked smile.

"You don’t fancy Phillipe at all then?" Suzanna smiled inwardly.

"His facial growth itches." Bethany replied retaining her smile.

"Is there another gentleman in the court who has caught your attention?"

"No." Bethany replied swiftly. "Although..." She added with a distant look.

"Although?" Zana questioned back just as quick.

"Louis your brother is very nice."

"Louis." She bit her lip. "He is a fine man."

"He’s a pretty man." Bethany corrected. "He is nice to look at. Unlike the rest of the court"

"Does he entice you to want to kiss him?" Suzanna asked the question softly.

"I am not sure. There is something about his eyes." Bethany looked up at her. "He has your eyes." With the comment Suzanna couldn’t help but smile. "And he has no hair here." She stroked her chin

"Princess when you were kissing Phillipe..." The handmaid’s mind begged her not to ask the question but the open conversation gave her the vague freedom.

"Yes?" Bethany waited for the question to come.

"Did your mind bring forth a picture of someone who it would rather have been kissing than him?" She spoke the words in an even tone trying not to imply anything by them.

"Well yes. That’s why I came to you." Bethany wondered why her servant hadn’t made the link already.

"You thought of me?" Zana knew her voice was softer then it should be.

"My first thought was of you, the need to ask you about it." Bethany played with the lace of her dress.

"To talk to me of course" She choked on the words.

"To learn from you, with you." The Princess stood up again and took steps towards the other woman.

"My Princess, your first lesson should be that when you want to kiss someone you should kiss them." Suzanna words dropped to a whisper as she watched the Princess approach.

"I know you say one doesn’t get taught to kiss." Bethany began as she walked. "But could it do any harm for us to try?"

"No harm." Suzanna shook her head lightly.

"Do you think you could possible find some, what did you call it ‘passion’ for me’ to put into this kiss?" Bethany asked as she stopped a breath away from the other woman. Suzanna only nodded as she swallowed hard. "So would you? Could we?"

"It would be my pleasure." The handmaiden spoke the line without editing herself, remembering back to the hug and the Princess’ quest of clarification.

"When would you like this to happen?" Bethany breathed heavy.

"Whenever you wish my Lady." Zana breathed back.

"Now?"

"Would be fine." She tried to keep her words fluent though the proximity of the woman next to her was making talking a difficult activity.

"Could I hold you too?" Bethany asked sounding very unsure.

"Do as you feel my Princess." Zana answered simply.

"I like to hold you." The fair woman answered honestly.

"As I like to be held…" Suzanna gave her the honest answer freely. "By you." The last part came softly.

Bethany slipped her hands around Suzanna’s waist prompting the handmaid to raise her arms and rest her hand at the Princess’ shoulders causing their arms to touch down the length to her elbow.

"Do I approach it as Phillipe did?" Bethany asked her breath fast.

"Did you like his approach?" Suzanna’s breath was fast as well.

"No."

"Do as you feel." The handmaiden repeated.
 

"I would more tilt my head." She admitted as she did so, bringing her mouth to rest gently on Suzanna’s. Impulsively she tightened her grip on the slender waist.

Suzanna let their lips sit that way for a few frantic heartbeats before she pressed them together a little tighter. Bethany pulled back breathing for a second before replacing her lips where they had come from. The departure of the soft lips from hers pained Suzanna and their return sent her heart into frantic leaps again as she pulled the woman closer to her impulsively. Bethany tried but failed to suppress a moan as she moved her lips slightly open on top of Suzanna’s. The other woman responded instantly, her own lips moving and playing the Princess’.

Without truly knowing what she was doing, Bethany opened her lips a little more and brushed her tongue over the softness of Suzanna’s lips as her hands increased their pressure. Suzanna opened her mouth further in invitation. She’d heard description of all of this from the lower servants that talked in the halls but never had she imagined it would feel this good.

Bethany could hear her heart pounding as she felt Suzanna open her lips wider and with out her bidding her tongue darted inside. She closed her eyes and leaned forward quite heavily, her hands holding Suzanna’s waist firmly. Suzanna took the woman fully into her arms, her hands resting open on the Princess’ back as her own tongue danced passionately with the one in her mouth.

Bethany’s heart thumped hard within her chest and her mind danced in crazy patterns as she felt her body getting hotter. Small sparks started flaring behind her closed eyelids.

Suzanna breathed heavily through her nose as she felt the room close in around them. A steady heat rose inside her and her hands caressed the back under them lightly. She met the Princess dance step for step her mind whirling and spinning.

The young Princess suddenly couldn’t breath as the kiss continued. The truth being she had forgotten how too. With a slight gasp she pulled her head back and coughed gently drawing in a lung full of air. It took Suzanna a moment to realise what had happened.

"Are you all right?" She asked in a whisper as her chest heaved from heavy thick breaths.
 

"Yes." Bethany replied her voice a dazed whisper. "That felt nothing like the kiss Phillipe and I shared." She added as she breathed with growing control.

"You are flushed." Suzanna put a soft hand to her red cheek "Do you want to sit?" She smiled at the blush hoping the Princess had felt even a shade of what she had.

"No Zana, I don’t want to sit." Bethany replied quite sure that she did not want that, but unsure what she did want.

"What do you want?" Suzanna asked very softly, wanting to allow the question to be answered in any way.

"How did that feel for you?" Bethany asked looking at her handmaid’s hazel eyes dreamy eyed.

"It was wonderful my Lady." She smiled and continued in a soft voice. "You are a talented kisser."

"Did you manage to enjoy it without having the passion you said you would need for it to be ‘right’?" Bethany asked the question truly wanting an answer. Her hands still held her servant’s waist.

"Your Highness..." Zana’s hands shook slightly as she tried to figure out how to answer. Did you tell your kingdom’s Princess that your passion for her had been there for as long as you could remember?

"Yes Zana?"

"The kiss was right in all ways." Her voice was almost silent.

"Zana?" Bethany voice was thick like honey.

"Yes my Lady?" Her voice stuck in her throat as the timbre of Bethany’s rang in her ears.

"I would like to kiss you again." Bethany breathed as she raised a hand to cover Suzanna’s, pressing it back onto her cheek.

"I would like that Princess." She breathed back.

"Though this time." Bethany caught Suzanna’s eyes and urged her to hold the gaze. "Would you kiss me?"

"As you wish my Lady." She responded softly as she took a slight breath waiting for any hesitation in the Princess but seeing none. She slowly closed the distance between their lips pressing hers full against those that waited.

Bethany felt the heat rise in her body the instant Suzanna’s lips met her own. She felt the unfamiliar temperature change begin. Zana didn’t know what possessed her as she brushed her tongue against the Princess’ bottom lip. At the touch of Suzanna’s tongue, Bethany opened her lips and tilted her head slightly moving her hand to the other woman’s cheek. The other hand dropped round the other woman’s warm back.

Suzanna tilted slightly opposite as her tongue slipped passed smooth cherry lips in search of the partner it had met moments before. Bethany’s tongue met with Suzanna’s with heat and direction the time apart had been too long.

Bethany opened her mouth further and pressed her lips down harder lost in the luscious contact. Suzanna’s free hand moved up to rest in the long silky reddish locks that hung down the Princess’ back, she pushed further into the kiss when the Princess met her exploration with quick and passionate movements.

Bethany lost herself in the contact and let her mind drift happily. Without thought her hand that danced on Suzanna’s back traced up the woman’s spine through her dress tripping over the laces that held the garment closed. The handmaiden shivered at the feel of the hand that roamed over her back. Bethany’s hand reached Suzanna’s waist again, instantly finding the loose end of the lace. She entwined her fingers in it, playing with it absently.

Suzanna moved one hand to tangle further into the Princess’ hair as she pulled the hot mouth against her own closer and kissed with more need and want. Bethany moaned low in her throat, as the kiss became deeper and more heated. Then without direct thought of action she found herself tugging on the cord feeling the loose knot slip open from one pull.

Suzanna sucked and nibbled the lips against her own, diving deep with her tongue. Her eyes opened briefly as her head registered the loosing of the tie to her dress. They fluttered closed again as she fell deeper into the kiss. Moving her other hand to cradle the Princess’ back and hold her close she pulled their bodies together.

Bethany’s hand slipped up the crossed cord pulling it looser as she moved her hand higher. An unexpected and unexplainable fire burned across her stomach and lower as she moved the hand on Suzanna’s cheek round into her hair. She pulled the head to her slightly.

Suzanna felt fire in herself, though unlike the Princess the gossip and talk of the other servants gave her some standard of what it was. In the tight embrace she pushed her hips into the ones that rested so close.

It was as if the Princess had been hit by a bolt of lighting that she had seen strike trees causing them to burst into flame. A flare flashed across her hips without her bidding she pressed back.

‘The King will have you killed and the Bishop will want you burned!’ The thoughts ran in and out of Suzanna’s head quickly as she decided this feeling this was worth any punishment. She moaned into the kiss at the repeated move.

Bethany’s hand reach the very top of Suzanna’s dress having loosened the garment all the way up. The Princess enjoyed the new movement in the fabric as she ran her hand over the other woman’s back.

Suzanna moved her hands out of the silky tresses to caress across the creamy flesh of the Princess’ exposed shoulders and neck. Her knees sinking slightly till they came up to
lock again grinding her body into the Princess with the slight upward motion.

Bethany moved her body to meet any move of Suzanna’s. The fire in her body settled itself in her groin and flared there at every touch. Though this bemused her beyond belief it felt too good to want to stop.

Still deep in the heated kiss, the handmaid’s hand slid lower on the exposed hot flesh her fingertips dancing over the porcelain white skin with a will of their own. As her wrist brushed against the embroidered edge of the dress she realised just were her hand was headed. Suzanna’s hands moved as they had always wanted too. Not in duty or station but in want, heady heated need.

Bethany could not begin to describe the feeling that having Suzanna’s hands touch her flesh created. Of course the other woman had touched her a thousand times. Bathed her, dressed her and fixed her hair but not once before had it felt like this. It was as Bethany thought about this that she became fixed on another thought. Suzanna had seen her naked a thousand times before and all of a sudden Bethany wanted to know how Suzanna looked naked. She wanted to be the one to wash Suzanna’s skin, to pour water over her body and to dry her down afterwards. The one to dress Suzanna in the finest silks and tie ribbons in her hair, touch her hair, her neck her...

Bethany’s mind snapped back into the reality of her life and world. What was she doing? With a slightly astonished noise she broke the kiss and brought both hands off her servant.

Suzanna fought to catch up as the kiss broke, pulling herself back immediately she moved a hand back to try and hold the dress as she felt it slipping off her shoulders.

"I am sorry." Bethany spoke in a hurry, breathing in hard as she saw the movement of the dark purple fabric on Suzanna’s shoulder.

"Oh no my Lady, I am sorry." Her voice was scared as she haphazardly tightened the lace and tied it closed.

"I..." Bethany began but stopped, she had no idea what to say. Suzanna looked at her desperate for her to say something more.

"It is late your Highness, let me lay out your night dress." With her dress retied somewhat, she moved on wobbly legs toward the wardrobe.

"Yes, thank you." Bethany nodded aware that the throbbing in her body had not stopped.

‘This will be the last time you do this.’ Zana’s mind chastised her for being so foolish. ‘You’ll be given new duties in the morning, that’s if you’re not banished or worse.’ She swallowed hard.

"Would you like the thick cotton or the silk?" She asked as she went through the clothes.

"The silk, it feel hot tonight." Bethany replied without really thinking about the question she could only really think about how she was feeling inside and out.

"The silk." Suzanna kept her voice even, knowing she felt the heat as well but it was not the air. She moved to lay the white dress across the dressing table nearby.
 

"Will you be sleeping with me this evening Zana?" Bethany asked as she did most nights after parties. It was taken that the hand maid may do so to be there to protect the Princess

"If you wish my Lady." Suzanna nodded as she fussed with the wardrobe.

"I am not sure." Bethany gave the reply, knowing instantly that she had never used it before.

"I could sit by the fire till the palace is quiet to ensure you are not disturbed." She tried to keep her face from falling at the answer. Never before had the Princess not wanted her company or even been unsure in her answer.

"Yes, yes maybe that is for the best." Bethany nodded, though that was not truly what she wanted and she knew it.

"As you wish my Lady." The handmaiden nodded. "Do you wish to dress for bed now?" Her hands clutched in front of her as she tried to draw the shake out of them and convince herself that she could indeed do this. She’d done it every night for so many years. But that had been before, when dreams had been mere dreams and not brief realities.

"Yes I think I do." Bethany’s mind turned in circles. Suzanna moved in deliberate steps behind the Princess, her trained hands moving to undo the dress lacing though her mind swirled and buckled. "Zana, please stop." As her heart fluttered, she begged for reprieve in a ragged voice.

"I’m sorry your Highness." Suzanna voice broke in agony. She’d ruined everything, she knew that now. She pulled her hands away and stepped back.

"Zana." The Princess fought to gain control. "Zana I...." She tried again.

"Yes my Lady?" The handmaid whispered through the tears that choked her throat. She waited for the words of dismissal to come.
 

"I fear I must be ill." Bethany turned to look at her handmaiden.

"What is wrong your Highness?" Suzanna asked concerned.

"I… I am not sure." She admitted. "Are you feeling quite well?"

"I..." Suzanna’s heart stopped and she bit her lip as the words caught in the throat. "I feel quite flushed. As you said my Lady it is hot this evening." She tried to find fluency.

"But is your heart quite steady? Mine is all a flutter." Bethany questioned. "And your breath? Does it come easy? Mine feels forced, and I have this burning inside."

"My heart feels the same it is as if I have run some distance." Zana continued to bite her lip nervously but she knew she had to answer her Lady honestly.

"I fear we are both quite ill." She added in a frightened whisper as a tear formed in her eyes. She was truly bewildered and a little scared.
 

"Oh Princess, I am sorry." Suzanna took a small step forward. "This is my fault, it is this kiss that causes this."

"The kiss? How so? Surely not the kiss Zana. More likely the game or the broth." Bethany shook her head trying to find a likely answer.
 

"This is the passion your Highness." She spoke softly. "I have heard it described by some of the other servants."

"The passion?" Bethany looked at her servant. "What do we do about it?"

"Well..." Suzanna stumbled on her words, pushing her hair behind her ears nervously. She almost cursed that her she’d listened to the women in the kitchen gossiping so. If she hadn’t’ then at least she’d be able to truthfully play innocent.

"Should we see a healer?" Bethany suggested kindly.

"No Princess, it is not the hand of a healer that can satisfy." Suzanna’s words were slow and soft. "It is the hand of a lover." She added in a whisper.

"But I do not have one." Bethany’s voice was desperate.

"Over time the passion will subside as long as it is not fuelled." The handmaid tried to alleviate her fear.

"Has kissing caused this?" She tried to sort the new information in her mind. She had tried to talk with her father sometimes about her future and her role as Princess and about love. But he had always been too busy and since the death of her mother she had had no one to talk to of such things. Her governess was not the right person to approach. Indeed the only person she had ever wanted to discuss such matters with was Suzanna. "I am sorry to have caused this for you Zana. Maybe you have a lover who can help you." She gained some hope from the fact that it would get better over time.
 

"No your Highness." Zana shook her head. "I have taken no lover."

"Zana?" She asked gently trying to catch the other woman’s eyes as a stray crazy thought entered her head and took hold.
 

"Yes my Lady?" The handmaiden smiled softly at her.

"Do you think that if we caused each other to have this then we could cure each other as well?" She had to suggest it even though it sounded a little crazy. Her father had never spoken of women loving women but could it be that bad a problem or that strange a thing?

"Yes my Lady." Suzanna finally found her voice after coughing lightly. "It is not as open in the court, but women often find passion with each other."
 

"They do?" The Princess suddenly smiled encouraged by the answer. "Then Zana that is what we should do. Would you know how?"

"Yes Princess." She nodded smiling back a little. Though completely taken back by the words spoken by the Princess the wants of her heart bound her to speak honestly. "You would wish this?" She asked in a whisper her heart leaping at the possibility. She loved this woman so dearly and had loved her from the first moment she had been pledged into her service before the Royal court.

"Zana, you are the closest and dearest thing to me if anyone could show me or teach me how to control and handle passion it should be you. Would you find it agreeable to?" Bethany’s voice was soft.

"It would be my pleasure." The handmaiden’s voice remained at a whisper.

"What needs we must?" Bethany asked, as her smile became warmer.

"My Lady it is easiest to let these things take their own course." Zana took a small step closer.

"I...." The Princess stammered as she moved closer to her handmaiden. "I know nothing of such things." She eventually managed to speak.

"My Lady no one truly knows of these things until they experience them." Zana moved a little closer. "You have no reason to fear any of what you are feeling." She began to feel a bit bolder as she realised that if she could just get the Princess to take the lead in most things she might save herself worry.

"But I feel as though I should be afraid." Bethany replied honestly. She only remembered her heart beating and her hands sweating like this while in the grip of nightmares.

"Why would you choose afraid? What do you fear?" Suzanna asked in a soft voice trying to soothe her though the handmaiden too felt overwhelming emotions that she knew could swirl into fear. She also knew from what she’d heard there was nothing to fear.

"I ... my heart, it beats so fast." Bethany reached out a hand to take her handmaiden’s and entwining their fingers together. "Feel." She drew the hand to her chest, resting just above the top of her dress where the material met her flesh. The small contact made Suzanna close her eyes as the pounding and warmth went into her hand.

"It is my Lady." Zana found herself again and whispered the words. "As is mine." She boldly turned the table and moved Bethany’s hand to the same spot over her own heart. "Feel."

"Will it burst?" Bethany questioned softly, amazed to find Suzanna’s heart beating in a similar pattern.

"Oh no my Lady." Suzanna shook her head. "I promise you, I swear it is only the body’s reaction to want." She tried to explain though her mind screamed ‘to love’ but she couldn’t say the word.

"Want?" Bethany tilted her head to one side "Do you know what it is our bodies want Zana?"

"I have an idea." The handmaiden replied honestly in a soft voice.

"Tell me." Bethany moved closer. "Show me." She moved to within an arms reach.

"As I said my Princess these things are best let to take their own course." Zana moved a bit closer without thought. "I do not want to seem to presume to put wants upon you."

"I want to kiss you again." Bethany spoke boldly, sure that kissing was one of her bodies ‘wants’.

"I as well." Suzanna nodded. "And passion quite begins with a kiss."

"Though I think my body preferred it when you kissed me." She added softly.
 

"How so?" Suzanna moved a bit closer, boldly trailing her hand down the open skin of the arm whose hand she held.
 

"Well when you held me and placed your lips on mine." She shivered slightly at the touch. "I swear I felt less afraid."

"Princess, do you worry that I do not feel this same want?" Suzanna knew she couldn’t let that fear remain even if it could mean her demise. It was too damaging to this innocent creature she loved.

"Yes." She admitted in a shaky voice. "You have been my maid for so long. Part of my fears that you do this, out of service and out of loyalty."

"Princess..." Suzanna took a deep breath. "I would denounce the very throne at this moment to kiss you again. I do nothing out of service or loyalty." She took another breath. "Only out of love." Her frantic heart stopped as it waited for the Princess’ reaction.
 

"Oh Zana." Bethany closed all distance between them and wrapped her arms around the other woman holding her in a close embrace. Suzanna though stunned, held back tightly, freely and without worry. She’d said the worst she could say, let the flames come for her heart had had its say.

It was only as Bethany’s hands touched the laces that she had so recently undone, that her hands began to tremble again. She remembered the feelings that had coursed through her when her fingers touched the other woman’s flesh. How the aching had started deep inside her.

Suzanna didn’t know what possessed her as the embrace lingered, but she drew a careful hand to move back the long silky tresses that hung near the woman’s pale throat. She turned and kissed the flesh there softly. She had enough thought to keep the contact brief and wait for the Princess’ response

As Suzanna’s lips touched her neck, all thoughts that remembered the aching left
her mind, to be replaced once again with the feelings themselves. Bethany barely managed to stifle a gasp as she clung harder. The gasp had made the handmaiden’s heart struggle but the tighter grip urged her on. She placed several kisses on the soft inviting flesh by her lips.

Bethany’s fingers, though suddenly feeling heavy and clumsy found the hastily tied knot in the dress lace and loosened it. The ends of the lace fell free in moments. Suzanna moved back to take the Princess’ face in her hands. Moving in slowly to kiss the rosy lips she craved. For if her Princess preferred her to start the kiss then that was just what she would do.

The instant Suzanna’s lips touched her own Bethany pressed back. Her hands moved down the other woman’s back loosening the laces again so that her dress clung to Zana only where body form naturally would.

The handmaid arched into the body against her at the feel of the hands again on her back. She let her tongue flick gently between her lips to show how good it all felt. She let her hands move back into golden silky locks.

Bethany broke the kiss and pulled her head back, but did not move her hands.

"What is it my Lady?" Suzanna asked in a heavy breath.

"Would your body ‘want’ to be free of this dress?" She asked in a timid voice.
 

"Yes it would." Zana spoke back in a thick voice. "Would you take it from me?"

"I would not be so bold, please would you?" Bethany asked totally unaccustomed even to the idea of removing someone else’s clothes. That was a chore for the servants, but why was it then that she had such a desire to do it?
 

"Princess, there is no bold at these moments." Suzanna tried to clarify. "But as you wish."

"No." Bethany said hurriedly causing the handmaiden to stop her hands at the shoulders just as she was about to ease the dress down. "Wait. Would it be all right for me to do this?" She asked somewhat confused.
 

"Yes Princess." Zana nodded. "If you wish to do so you may do anything you wish."
 

Bethany tentatively placed her hands on Suzanna’s bare shoulders. With a gentle soft movement she eased the material down. The handmaiden closed her eyes slightly as the cool air of the room hit her searing skin.

Bethany watched as Suzanna eased her arms out letting the material pool at her feet. She gazed at the other woman stood before her in only a back laced slip.
 

"Zana!" Bethany breathed the name out slowly and caused the handmaiden to open her eyes. "You are beautiful." She traced a finger up the bare arm of the other woman and watched the blush rise on Suzanna’s face.

"It is you who are beautiful my Lady." Her look of love was unwavering as the finger sent shivers up her arm.

"My body would want to be free of my gown also." Bethany stated as she felt her temperature soaring even higher.

"Would you like me?" She reached to Bethany’s waist slowly not wanting this to be a duty. Not like all the other times, somehow she wanted it to be different. She knew it already was but she wanted more distinction.
 

"Yes, please or perhaps." Bethany stopped suddenly.

"Yes my Lady?" She let her hands linger at the Princess’ hips.

"Do you ‘want’ to remove it?"

"I quite want that." Suzanna nodded her voice husky.

"Then please, make us equal." Bethany gasped.

Suzanna she slid her hands around the hips where they rested and moved them around to the lacing at the back of the Princess’ dress. Her hands moved slowly and sweetly, not sure and quick as she would for duty. As the bow fell out she pulled slowly at the lacing to loosen it until the dress was barely on the Princess’s body. Sliding her hand around the front she reached up to milky shoulders and pushed the material down and away to drop lost on the floor.

Bethany sucked a breath in completely lost in the woman’s touches and the feel of the air pricking her skin. For the first time Suzanna let herself look at the body that filled her dreams without trying to hide passion in her eyes.

"Princess?" She trailed her hands down the length of bare shoulder and arm, mesmerised by what her own hand was doing. "What might you think to want now?"

Bethany glanced at the pair of them dressed in only their under slips. The soft white material reminding her of the night shifts they wore, instantly made her turn her head slightly to the bedchamber. She tried to draw her head and eyes away from the door but she found it nearly impossible.

"Would you like to lie down?" The handmaiden asked softly having watched the glance and read it easily.

"Could we?" She asked her heart jumping as she heard the words.

"Come with me then." Suzanna offered her hand and took a step closer to the door shocked by her own boldness. She tried to rationalise that is was because her head swam and she quite feared falling down. "My Princess we can do everything you wish too and will do nothing that you do not wish." Her free hand went to her heart. "This I pledge to you above all things."

"I want to lie with you." Bethany admitted her own voice sounding strange. "I want to feel your arms about me. I want to feel your lips on mine." She wasn’t sure where her words came from. "I want to touch you as you touch me."

"As do I." Zana whispered back, tugging ever so slightly on the hand she held. "My head swims my Lady, does yours?" She asked trying to be very attentive to her partner’s feelings.

"Yes, in a crazy dancing motion." Bethany looked at her a bit of fear creeping into her again. "How should we still it?"

"Well logic would dictate we lie down." Zana smiled brightly. "As would want."

"Then let us." Bethany moved slightly to the bedchamber and Zana moved with her. The handmaiden pushed open the heavy door as they moved though into the smaller bedchamber.

A small fire lit the room in soft flickering light. The walls hung in rich heavy tapestries to insulate the cold stone of the outer walls. The main furniture in the room was a large four poster bed, draped above with heavy drapes and soft silk curtains within. The bed itself was piled high in pillows and thick ornate quilts with gold accents the royal crest adorned every one.

"Shall I light candles my Lady?" Zana asked softly as she moved to close the heavy door behind them.

"Leave them." Bethany breathed moving to the bed urging Zana to move over with her. "Zana?"
 

"Yes my Lady?" She let herself be pulled easier, loving each action that showed her the Princess wanted this.

"How much do you know about want?" The Princess asked the question innocently.

"I know some." The handmaiden blushed again. "The talk of the lower servants is quite..." She tried to find the right word. "Uninhibited."

"But you have never explored your own wants?" She turned and sat on the bed drawing Suzanna down beside her.

"Princess..." Zana let herself be pulled to sit as she tried to sort out an answer. "I have not explored this want with another." She figured she was going to the gallows why not go twice. "Because the other I wanted did not show want for me."

"Oh my poor Zana." Bethany pulled her close. "Tell me whom. I can have them banished from the court. Who has scorned you so?"

"My Lady, I do not wish you to banish her." She pulled back smiling that the Princess would do so much for such a little infraction. "And you do not know who?"
 

"Tell me." Bethany didn’t know why she was so suddenly enraged that anyone would ignore the affection of her handmaiden.
 

"It is you." Suzanna softly smiled at the rage that welled inside the woman beside her.

"Me?" The word escaped the stunned Princess.

"Yes you my Lady." She nodded worried. Now she had finally overstepped herself it seemed.

"You want me?" Bethany asked. "You have wanted me in the past?"

All Suzanna could do was nod, now very ashamed for her past hidden feelings. She hung her head and looked away.

"Zana." Bethany reached out and lifted her handmaiden’s head. "Why do you look away from me now?" She asked a little confused. "Is want a bad thing?"

"The church would say it leads men and women to do sinful things." Suzanna whispered the pained answer. "But I do not agree."

"Sinful things?" Bethany frowned at the word.

"Yes, you have heard the Bishop preach it Princess." Suzanna tried to explain she couldn’t poison the Princess with her own lofty ideas.

"I here him speak of men taking women to their beds after wine and merry making. Preferring the touch of strangers to that of their wives." She tried to figure out just what her handmaiden was talking about.

"Yes, but it is not so much the dishonour that appals our dear Bishop." Zana tried to still her words but could not. "But that men and women would let lust rule their hearts."

"But Zana, I am not wed and you are not a man full of mead and music. And I know nothing of lust." She met the point with one of her own.

"But if not love ordained by the church, he moves to deem all that would and is true love to be lust." Suzanna tried to clarify, she couldn’t go on without making sure her dear Princess understood at least this.

"Are you suggesting that the Bishop would have us believe that one can only love
another in marriage?" The Princess was a bit shocked by the idea.

"Yes." She nodded and Bethany’s frown deepened. "It is why men rot in the jails and women are burnt in the square and the women burn for witch craft or indecency."

"They rot for many reasons Zana." Bethany pulled herself back a little.

"Yes." She nodded. "But some rot for nothing more than loving."

"My father is a just man." Bethany’s voice was clipped edge.

"Princess, I call not the judgement of your father into question." The handmaiden shook her head adamantly. "I meant no disrespect."

Bethany heard Suzanna’s voice but was enraged by her servant’s pervious indictment. She stood up, moving away from the bed and paced towards the fire.

"My father would not let someone burn because they loved outside of wed lock." She argued suddenly feeling a chill in the night air.

"He does not." Suzanna shook her head. "He lets them burn because that is not the charge the Bishop gives to him."
 

"My father has to sign all executions papers." Bethany barked.

"I speak against the Bishop never your father my Lady." Suzanna felt the cold of the air engulf her as she realised the error in her words.

"Then you suggest my father is a weak minded man." Bethany snapped back. "To not be able to see through such things."

"No." The handmaiden shook her head trying to find some way to salvage her misjudgement. "I am the weak minded to doubt the word of the Bishop."
 

"Perhaps you should leave me now Suzanna." Bethany turned to look out of the window, hearing the woman stand knowing her duty.

"I shall report to the guard freely and admit my crimes." She moved toward the door.

"Crimes?" The word pulled Bethany back and she turned to look at the other woman.

"Loving you." Suzanna rested her hand weakly on the door handle trying to find the strength to pull it and walk to her death.

"Zana, that is not a crime." Bethany strode to the door and pulled Suzanna’s had off of it.

"It is Princess, it is." She turned sadly.

"You will obey me?" The Princess shouted her eyes blazing. "I am still your mistress." She fixed the other woman with a unwavering stare.

"Yes my Lady." Suzanna by instinct stood tall and looked to the floor.

"Go to your room and stay there. I will go directly to my father and talk to him. It is clear that you do not want to stay with me." She spoke the words hurt by their implication.

"No!" Suzanna’s face came up. "You can not talk to him of these things."
 

"He is my father." Bethany stated, her anger rising as the first reason for Suzanna’s objection had been again to slight her father.

"My Lady, I will gladly be walked into the square but I can not bare to have you dishonoured by the Bishop." Zana spoke softly.

"Dishonoured for what?" Bethany questioned exasperated. "Should I be burned for kissing you?"

"You are a Princess you would not be burned." Suzanna shook her head. "Lashed only." She whispered quietly.

"This is insane!" Bethany sighed her eyes still smouldering.

"Princess, you must understand." Suzanna tried to make her see. "In the eyes of the Bishop you and I sharing a simple kiss is a sin against god, against nature. It threatens all that he preaches and it must be stopped at any cost. Burnt down at the very root, so for a simple kiss I would be killed as a witch and you beaten to again pledge yourself to God."
 

"I do not understand! This is madness." Bethany pushed Suzanna right away form the door, seizing the handle she pushed the door open and stepped out into the hall The cold slabs of stone chilling her feet.

"Princess please!" Suzanna followed her begging her voice to gather more volume than she knew was proper. "You must open your eyes think of what you have seen, have heard."

"Go to your room." Bethany hissed glancing over her shoulder at the woman.

"I will not!" Suzanna stopped defiantly. "As I will not let you walk the lamb into their slaughter."

Bethany stopped in disbelief, as her Suzanna had defied her twice in as many moments.

"Go back to your room before I have you arrested for defiance." Bethany warned in a growl.

"If there is nothing to fear then let me proclaim this first so you might witness what they do and understand." Suzanna stood her ground. She could not allow the Princess’ back to know the sharp sting of leather while she walked. "And know no matter what they will claim I am burnt for…" She moved passed her to the door. "You’ll know that I am burnt simply for admitting that I love you."

"Zana." Bethany’s voice was no longer hard as she watched her handmaiden.

"Yes my Lady?" She turned her voice weaker.

"I would not let you burn." The pledge came softly.

"You would not be able to stop them." Zana shook her head sadly. "By morning all the priests in the diocese would be screaming for my murder. I would be an abomination to God and in league with the devil." She tried to hold back her tears. "And this long winter blamed on my actions as would the recent death of young Marion’s baby in the court."
 

"I am the heir to the throne. What use is that if it means I am powerless?" Her voice was in a low tone. "Back into the bedchamber Zana."

"Princess, I must keep you safe." The first tear spilled onto the handmaiden’s cheek.

"Please Zana." Bethany said sweetly raising a hand to catch the tear. "Go back."

"Yes my Lady but only if you will not go to your father." Zana kept her ground. "You can’t speak of this to him or anyone."

"I will return there with you." Bethany sighed gently.

"I will turn the bed down for you my Lady." She tried to regain herself and find her place. Her heart begging that she go tell the guard from fear of the torture of binding her heart.

"Please do." Bethany nodded.

"Yes my Lady." She waited for Bethany to lead, as the Princess would, ready again to follow.

Bethany moved back down the hall to her door. She glanced over her shoulder to see Zana followed steps behind as she always did.

‘Yes, it might well be better to burn tonight then live in hell’s fire for the rest of my days.’ The handmaiden thought as she loathed each step back into the room.

Bethany opened the door and slipped back into her chambers going straight into the bedchamber warming her hands by the small fire. Suzanna moved the pillows off the bed turning down the thick blankets and moving the silk night-shirt. She began arranging the pillows again for the Princess’ comfort.

"Would you like tea my Lady?" She asked trying to find an even voice as the tears clogged her throat.

Bethany shook her head and walked to the bed that Suzanna had carefully arranged.

"Is there anything you would like my Lady?" She questioned keeping her eyes to the floor as she should.

"Thank you. You should rest." Bethany controlled her voice as she climbed into the bed.

"Yes my Lady." She moved off towards the fire to tend it.

"Suzanna?" Bethany pulled the covers up, feeling very cold inside.

"Yes Princess?" She turned her lip trembling though she tried to stop it.
 

"Which area of the palace would you like to work in?" Bethany’s heart broke as she watched the woman’s lip tremble.

"I..." The small word broke her heart as her head tried to find an answer, knowing the only answer she wanted wasn’t there to be spoken. "Whatever you think is best." She turned back to the fire her tears falling silently.

"Perhaps you would be liked to placed training the hounds. You seem to like this and have some skill in the field." Bethany reasoned trying to figure out her own heart.

"Whatever you think best." Suzanna managed to get the words out as she arranged the coals and placed new wood in the small hearth.

"Help me Zana." Bethany’s voice was sad.

"I cannot help you on this my Lady." She turned without thinking and shook her head. "I have made my choices as you must make yours."

"The hounds it will be then." Bethany had to look away unable to watch the tears on her dear friends face. "The fire looks strong now."
 

"No, I beg my leave." She managed to whisper. To be anywhere near here was becoming too much for her.

"Retire to your chamber and stay there alone." Bethany stated clearly. "Should I need anything I will call."

"Yes my Lady." Suzanna answered in habit without thought.

"I would ask you to think on one thing for me." Bethany instructed as Suzanna began to
move toward the door her mind reeled. "Think on who in the court I could have as my handmaid. I will need to present a full case to my father, naming your replacement."
 

Suzanna turned memorizing the moment as she expected this would be the last time her eyes would fall on her dear Princess.

"My word shall pick no replacement." She whispered finally and moved to the door. Blinded by tears and heartache she opened its heavy weight only part ways.

"I will ask your advice on the morrow." Bethany underlined.

"As you wish" She answered knowing it was futile and selfish to state her non-compliance again as she slipped into the main room.

Suzanna moved quickly to put her dress back on and retie it properly without thought. Through her tears she picked up the other dress and arranged it properly in the wardrobe so that it would not be ruined on the damp floor over night. Pausing in the wardrobe she made sure that everything was as it should be as it always was and as the Princess would expect it. Her last normal task was to set the main room’s fire and she moved to finish this for the last time still crying but not caring.