By: The Rainbow Writers

The call of bugles announced the entrance of the King into the dining hall, a fresh-faced blonde on his arm as they walked through the large ornate stone arch that lead from his private quarters. The dinner meal had its usual intimate members the Lords of the court the Bishop and a small entourage of underlings a number of the Ladies in waiting the Princess Alyxandria but one chair remained conspicuously empty.

"Where is my youngest?" The King questioned as he moved to his seat. The faces at the table looked down as no one had a clue where the young Princess was.

"I said where is my youngest?" His voice boomed regally through the large open stone room even drowning the sound of the crackling wood in the enormous hearth that lined the south wall.

"No one eats till she arrives." He waved off the servers who had begun to enter the room with trays.

With a gentle thud the door to the West wing closed and Bethany slipped into the room. Charlotte nervously followed close behind her, she had never been anywhere near the royal dining hall in her life and the fact she was here now filled her with dread.

"Well now I know the answer." He looked up to her arrival and grabbed his ale.

"My apologies your Highness." Bethany spoke quietly as she took her seat.

"I have been quite sure for years your promptness was not something you could have inherited, as I will be late for my own funeral." Bobbing her head a little as she moved to her seat he laughed and everyone joined him. "Bring the food, my table is full as it proper and I am hungry." He patted his stomach and waved at the servers. Bethany motioned to Charlotte to tell her where to sit. The woman reluctantly did so trying to remind herself that she must taste the splendid banquet and unlike most days it would not be stealing.

Teams of servers brought well-cooked game, bread and vegetables out onto the table. Strong-armed young men poured wine from large decanters and women played soft harps in the corner of the room. Bethany became aware of the fact that her sister was looking at her as she lifted a glass of wine to her mouth.

"Bethany, why are you tardy?" Alyxandria talked without noticing Charlotte between them. "You are quite lucky that father is in a benevolent mood"

"He does appear to be in good spirits." Bethany replied without answering the question directly.

"I think the company of Lady McAllison suits him." The slightly older Princess laughed.

"Yes, yes, when did she arrive?" Bethany replied light heartedly.

"Early this morning." Alyxandria waited as her handmaid tested her food.

"And how much have we seen of him since then?" Bethany asked placing some food on her plate and passing it to Charlotte aware the young girl wouldn’t think of doing it for her.

"Long enough for a glass of wine at Council and to dismiss the Lords for a fortnight while she is visiting." Alyxandria watched the action disgusted. "Where is your usual maid? I’ve never seen her from your side." She sneered at Charlotte who shook under her glare.

"She was taken ill last evening."

"How inconvenient." Alyxandria took a mouthful of approved bread. "Will she still be assisting you in the trials then?" The Princess asked absently.

"Oh yes." A broad smile broke across the young Princess’ face.

"I don’t know why you waste your time on that Bethany, the men hunt not the women." Alyxandria shook her head.

"Alyx unless some women take part the old ways will never change. Would you honestly say anyone in this court is a better hawker than I?"

"Why would want to change the old ways?" Alyx laughed. "Oh yes Bethany." She rolled her eyes. "You are the best in the kingdom, we are all aware as Father drones about you incessantly. I swear you and your boyish ways are the only thing that contented him when mother died and he had no son." She laughed at her own joke her handmaid automatically joining in with her.

"So tell me then sister dear, if there were annual tapestry contests, would you not be horrified if you were not asked to partake?"

"It is a fact dear sister." Alyx hissed. "That there is no such competition as I would win."

"Yes, yes." Bethany agreed with a smile.

"I heard the most delicious rumour dear sister." Her tone lightened. "Has the time come that a man is finally interested in you?" She smiled as she took a sip of wine the din of the lively conversation around them able to let them speak freely.

"Alyx please." Bethany lowered her voice. "Please do not talk of such things."

"Why not?" She turned to her more in her chair picking at her meal. "Though it was an ignorant move for him, I applaud him for being the first to at least try."

"Do you not realise he is likely to be charged formally for what he did?" Bethany hissed angry at her sister’s attitude.

"Oh course he is!" Alyx nodded. "One does not harm the Royal virtue without invitation."

"I do not like him in anyway dear sister but I would not wish the anger of my father upon him."

"He should have first been more stealth in his opportunity and I assure gotten your power on his side." Alyx smiled. "Of course dear sister, you are far too beautiful for Philippe."

"It would seem I am not so easy to woo." Bethany seethed.

"Your face will turn one day to the light of some young man’s heart Bethany." Alyx reached to pat her hand.

"As it is widely known in court Alyxandria you are the beautiful daughter, I the skilled one." Bethany sighed at having to say this it was more than apparent that Alyx was the light in most men’s eye though with her wedding coming up so very soon Bethany would not wish their places to be switched.

"True, true." Conceded the other woman flicking her carefully curled hair. "But I think that it is partly because you put no effort into your womanly presence. I could have Loretta come by and do your hair for you as Suzanna has no skill with curls." She made the offer with a genuine smile.

Bethany was about to turn the offer down without thought but she stopped the words holding in her mouth.

‘Perhaps, yes.’ She thought smiling to herself. ‘That would make a lovely gift for Zana.’

"That would be most kind Alyx."

"Of course dear sister." She nodded. "We must get you a prince of your own soon."

"I am sure Father has a list an arms length already. He just has to whittle it down." There was an edge to her voice.

"I beg interruption dear nieces." A tall bearded man approached and bowed to them.

"Oh he does he does." Alyx looked up at the interruption. "Uncle Bernard, you are looking well and good." She nodded to him.

Bethany left her conversation with Alyx willingly and looked at the tall man before them.

"As do you Alyxandria." He nodded to the girl fully expecting her move then to turn away.

"Dear Uncle." Bethany softly smiled as she stood up and moved to hug him.

"Sweet Bethany." He bowed to her slightly. "I heard the most disturbing rumour and now it seems true, how is Suzanna?" He hugged her back happily.

"She fairs better." Bethany replied.

"Will she be well for the trials, for practice?" He questioned quickly.

"I have had her moved from the healers."

"Oh very good, it is cold and damp down there. I know not how anyone would heal there."

"She needs rest and good food." Bethany nodded retaking her seat she nodded to Charlotte to move to the floor so that her Uncle could sit beside her. The young woman promptly did so and the man took the seat. "That is just what I said this very morn, I must talk to my father about it." She glanced briefly at the King.

"It there anything I can do for you to assist her?" He asked glancing with her at the King heartily into his ale and the company of Lady McAllison. Again Bethany’s mind whirled with options.

"Perhaps dear Uncle, we could come and see you, at your estate. The air there is so much fresher than here."

"That would be lovely." He smiled at her happily. "The spring run has been heavy for this earlier time and you could get some practice in."

"And I miss you and dear, dear Aunt Celeste."

"Aunt Celeste would be overjoyed to see your glowing face." He gently patted her hand. "I see not how your father could object as he is quite busy with his guest for the next spell."

"Perhaps you would even let me trial with Ahren, you know how I envy you that bird." Bethany grinned to the point where she positively glowed. "Father has pronounced the next while a Royal holiday. Which relieves us all of our duties. A short trip would be no issue. Especially in the name of the trials."

"Ahren adores you." He glowed back. "But I only agree if I may take mistral for a jaunt. If we guarantee him a win I’m sure I could whisk you to France for a month and he would not object." He glanced at his brother and laughed lightly. "We know his hatred for the Newark’s."

"Indeed." Bethany laughed.

"I should retake my place." He looked around as the next course was brought out.

"Oh yes." Bethany nodded slightly.

"I am so happy to hear Suzanna will be well and I’ll arrange for your visit."

"We will talk later yes?" Bethany asked hopefully.

"Of course sweet niece." He kissed her lightly and deliberately on the cheek. "You have a new glow about you." He hung close to her and smiled.

"Do I?"

"Might a young heart have found the fancy of love this spring?"

"I fear it is more the new warmth in the air." Bethany smiled at him hoping he would not figure things out.

"Shame." He smiled at her and moved away.

"Dear Uncle."

"Yes Princess?" He moved back hearing her call.

"We know that my father is the ruler of my heart or at least the keeper of it." She looked up at him through thick eyelashes.

"Ah sweet Bethany." In an uncharacteristic move he crouched down by her chair but for him it was forgiven, as he had always not followed the rod. "Your father is the keeper and ruler of many a thing but not even his rule can seek to quell the rise of love in a young woman’s heart."

"Maybe." She whispered after looking at him silently for a moment.

"If your fair mother had lived she would tell you the same." He whispered back to her.

"But can he not destroy that which would cause the swell?" She whispered.

"Yes, but would that not fuel the feeling to be lost at it’s height? As you take down the buck dear Bethany, does the doe not hover near the scent of its lost mate?" He kept his voice low.

"Old stories also say dear Uncle." Bethany said her voice a little louder. "That one doe in every three will linger there until it whither and dies. Not wanting to live without its mate."

"I have seen it true sweet niece." He nodded sadly. "And as the doe, the hearts of young women break and die as love is pulled from their breast."

"Then dear Uncle surly no one has the right to kill the buck." Bethany’s voice was once again a soft whisper.

"Well seen sweet Bethany." He nodded softly. "I pray you, seek my help if your father meets your buck in the forest." He whispered too her almost silently. Bethany grabbed her Uncle’s hand and pressed it to her lips. "As unlike my brother, I have let many a ten point pass my sight just so I might only see its grace."

"God blessings dear Uncle."

"God blessing to you sweet niece." He smiled and stood again to move to his place.

********

"Lord Stanley, I pray you give Bethany room." A slightly drunk call came from the King as he pointed at the man to his right. "Sweet daughter come sit by me." He motioned to her smiling, the meal had been finished and the tone soon pointed to the King retiring and freeing everyone from the meal. Bethany stood swiftly, panic hit Charlotte as to if she followed or stay as the Princess moved to the free chair. Turning to Charlotte, she motioned that she should stay a respectful distance away. The new handmaid did as instructed so happy for the guidance.

"Sweet daughter how goes your day?" He smiled at her and motioned for new glasses to be filled for them.

"It has taken a sweet turn to see you so well attended to." Bethany looked at the Lady beside her father and smiled nodding her head a little.

"Oh you remember Lady McAllison." He turned to the heavy chest blonde beside him. Lady McAllison nodded back to her smiling.

"Of course, such a Lady I would not forget." Bethany’s smile remained strong.

"Yes so well attended to, I question if I might not order her stay another fortnight." He patted her leg without care. Bethany laughed lightly the woman laughed lightly still smiling.

"Then do so Father." Bethany forced the lighthearted comment.

"You need not order dear King, I would do so willingly at the slightest encouragement." Lady McAllison piped in charmingly. "It is good to see you so well Princess Bethany." She nodded to the young woman.

"And you." Bethany said cordially. "You look most well. How fairs your great father?"

"It is the company." She smiled and glanced at the King again. "My father fairs well though he fears the trials." She laughed lightly. "As it is already known far and wide you shall put our hawks men to shame."

"She will she will!" The King grinned widely.

"There is no shame in being beaten my Lady." Bethany laughed lightly. "Only in the way one deals with such an event."

"And there is shame." The King chuckled. "For my fair daughter shall turn the stomach of the most hardened men when her hawk obeys such as the slightest twitch of her eye."

"Oh father!" Bethany laughed.

"But all will be well as it gives me leave to have the greatest celebration and all are invited." He raised his glass to the suddenly interested room that all turned away as he turned back to his conversation.

"So my Lady." Bethany addressed her softly. "Is there anything my sister or I can do to make your time with us anymore enjoyable?"

"You are most kind Princess." The woman nodded. "But your benevolent father has already filled my calendar quite full of activities and provided the most lavish of accommodations."

"I shall be personally entertaining my beautiful guest." The King winked at his guest. "You my dear child shall be concentrating on the trials."

"Very good." The Princess couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

"Is all well with your chosen partner?" He asked speaking over her. Bethany turned her attention to the King still wearing a beaming smile. "My brother tells me she speaks to the hounds in an almost ungodly manner." He laughed. "Such talent should serve Mistral well."

"Suzanna has great skill." Bethany said succinctly as recent events welled up and threatened to make her blush.

"I trust in your judgement dear daughter." He smiled at her and took a sip from his glass. "You had wished to ask me something?"

"In preparation for the trials. I wondered if you would consider it appropriate. For Suzanna and I to visit Uncle. Just for a short time, whilst our dear guest is here." Bethany again nodded at the Lady.

"Ah... " He thought for a moment, looking lustfully at his Lady friend. "This idea pleases me." He put his cup down. "Would your Uncle have to be swayed to the idea?" He smiled at her knowing his youngest held his brothers love since birth.

"I would not imagine so Father." She glanced towards her Uncle who was laughing heartily.

"Well then go with my blessing." He smiled at her. "Take a fortnight at least." He looked to the blonde again. "Or two if the forest is good to you and your practice."

"My thanks Father." Bethany cooed at him.

"I fear..." He looked over the table to where Sera sat. "Your governess is too frail to make the trip." He shook his head lightly. "God reward that woman for her service to my crown. I trust under your Uncle’s eye all will be proper and I need not worry for you as I do Alyxandria."

"We could take two of your finest guards with us father if it would make you happier." Bethany suggested helpfully as he looked to his oldest daughter flirting with everything that walked.

"Guards for the journey to accompany." He instructed thoughtfully. "But no need when you are there."

"My thanks again Father, I shall take a messenger bird or two, to keep you informed. When would it be appropriate for us to leave?"

"Good show." He smiled at her. "Leave at your leisure my daughter and pray you don’t miss me if I do not see you off." He looked at the blonde not wanting to explain.

"Well I would not want to miss the many preparations for Alyxandria wedding."

"Preparations go fine and will not need your input for some time" He smiled at her. "Alyxandria is blessed to have an attentive sister such as you."

"So we will leave on the morrow?"

"On the morrow be it." He waved his hand in agreement.

"There will be none more happy than me to see her married in finery." Bethany said smiling knowing this was the truth. Having her sister’s malicious tongue tempered by marriage would be a great ease in her life.

"And so it shall." He finished his wine and stood. "I pray you all good night far gentlemen and women as the sun has dropped low and I wish to retire." He offered his arm to Lady McAllison. "Fair trip dear daughter." He offered her as they walked away.

Bethany nodded and watched her father retire she could hardly wait to tell Suzanna the news. The dinner broke up slowly as everyone else retired as well.

********

(a good pampering filler )

AND

(a little Suzanna worried filler)

********

Bethany smoothed her hands down her dress and just gently touched her hair. Taking a slight breath she opened the heavy wooden door and slipped into her chambers. The first thing she saw with the warm fire that crackled and hissed in the hearth and then instantly her eyes fell on the figure in the chair. Wrapped in an emerald green blanket, eyes closed, breathing regular, deeply asleep was her Suzanna. Bethany felt her heart leap a little just at the sight of her handmaiden. She moved quietly across the room coming to stop in front of the fire just a little way from the other woman

"Zana." She said quietly. "Wake up Zana."

Brown eyes blinked open slowly as her head lifted a bit of the chair.

"Sorry my Lady." She smiled unable to stifle a yawn she rubbed her face lightly before looking at the Princess for the first time fully awake.

"No sorry needed Zana." Bethany smiled.

"Oh my!" A short gasp escaped her and Bethany’s smile grew. "You look. You look..." She stammered lost in the spell of the soft light that framed the Princess, her hair hanging in thick full curls. "Your beauty outshines a thousand suns." She whispered finally as she studied.

"Oh Zana do you like?" Bethany turned round slowly to give the other woman a complete view.

"It makes my heart jump." The handmaiden whispered softly without thinking as she sat mesmerized watching the woman turn. She pulled the thick blanket off and moved her legs out from under her a little unaccustomed to the pillowing of the silk shift she wore as she stood up. "You are so beautiful my Lady." She cooed still entranced as she walked closer.

"I should have it done like this more often?" Bethany asked as she stepped forward.

"For special occasion in the least, I beseech you." Suzanna smiled at her almost giddy.

Bethany closed the remaining distance between them and hugged Suzanna hard. Suzanna hugged her back eagerly.

"I missed you." She whispered into the curls that clung around her face in the embrace. It had been along time since they’d even been apart this long.

"And I you." Bethany held tightly.

"I must say again my Lady." She ran her hand gently past the curls not wanting to disturb them. "You look so beautiful."

"I wanted to look so for you." Bethany admitted though even as she said it she thought how absurd it sounded. "Does that makes sense dear Zana?"

"In my eyes especially you are always beautiful my Lady." Suzanna reassured her. "But yes, it makes perfect sense." She boldly turned her face and lightly kissed the Princess’ cheek.

"I have the best of news." Bethany moved away slightly unsure of her handmaiden’s kiss.

"What my Lady?" She asked anxiously moving back as well realizing her bold error.

"On the morrow we are going away." Bethany warmed her hands at the fire as her mind tried to slot things back into place. She had just deliberately had her hair and face done for Suzanna but when she kissed her, she had backed away.

"Going where my Lady?"

"To my uncles." Bethany replied standing up straight again and turning back towards her handmaiden. She stepped forward looking at the other woman her eyes lingering on the fine silk slip.

"To Prince Bernard’s for how long?" Suzanna’s mind went to packing and such as was her duty beyond anything else that wanted to occupy her mind. The sight of the silk again brought to Bethany’s mind the bath they had shared after, after… Bethany shivered a little.

"Two weeks, maybe more." Bethany’s voice was low as her eyes traced over Suzanna from the tip of her head down to her feet.

"Ah... how many in our party?" She asked noting the slowness in the woman’s voice and her mind cleared from her thoughts to notice the detailed exploration of the Princess’ eyes over her body.

"Four for the journey." Bethany’s voice was even slower. "Two for the duration."

"Only two?" Suzanna didn’t know what to think. "Your Governess?" She thought of the scary old woman who haunted her nightmare.

"You and I, Zana." Bethany reached out and placed a hand on Suzanna’s shoulder moving it slowly up to cup the other woman’s cheek. Zana smiled into the hand. "Just you and I."

"That pleases you my Lady?" She asked softly as her eye’s met the Princess’.

"It does." Bethany nodded not breaking eye contact. "And you?"

"It pleases me greatly." Suzanna smiled wider not looking away either.

"The chances for training for the trials are great there." Bethany wondered if Suzanna would be concerned by the sudden decision to go.

"Training for the trials of course." She continued to smile though it dimmed a little.

"And just think Zana. You and I, together, no Governess, no Bishop." Bethany beamed, her fingers danced on Suzanna’s cheek.

"That is very good news." Her smile grew bright again.

"Hold me dear Zana." Bethany asked suddenly. Suzanna moved silently to wrap her arms around the Princess revealing in the freedom to do this.

"Do you like I wonder how we ever existed before this?" Bethany asked as she leaned heavily into the embrace.

"I try not to think of it my Lady, as it saddens me so." Zana held her tightly.

"Does it truly please you to be going away with me?" Bethany pulled back a little.

"It truly, truly does my Lady." Suzanna squeezed her even tighter for a second. "It would please me to go anywhere with you my Lady." She whispered softly.

"I would kiss you now dear heart." Bethany whispered back as she leant forward and first placed her lips on Suzanna’s cheek.

"A kiss is what my heart wishes for." She whispered back.

Bethany moved her lips to Suzanna’s and pressed down gently, Suzanna pressed back gently into her new lover.

"There has been a banquet this night Zana. " Bethany pulled just a little away "Needs must that you lie with me to protect me."

"It would forsake my duty to leave you." Zana smiled back. "And break my heart worst yet." She added softer.

"Then shall we to bed? Or do you feel up to a stroll maybe upon the veranda? The warm spring air rises and there are fire flies in the meadow."

"A stroll would be wonderful my Lady." Suzanna spoke light-headed from the kiss and the dictation of duty that allowed her a content night.

"Be still a moment dear heart." Bethany moved away from Suzanna to the large wardrobe. She pulled it open and drew out a long hooded velvet cape. Suzanna stopped and watched her movements. Bethany closed the door softly and returned to Zana’s side.

"Here." Bethany moved to place the cape around Suzanna’s shoulders.

"But..." She went to object but the loving look in the Princess eye made her hold her words. "Thank you my Lady."

"It suits you." Bethany moved to open the door that led to her private veranda. "Shall we?"

"Yes, please." Suzanna moved behind her loving the feel of luxurious velvet that enwrapped her mostly since it was her ladies.

"Though I would love to…" She said suddenly having stopped before leaving the room. "The guards will be out, you must stay a pace behind me." She hated having to say the words.

"Of course my Lady." Se smiled softly. "I understand though might I remind my Lady, the guards, though they might see they cannot hear us."

"Reminded and gladden is my heart. And at the wall, you may stand beside me." The young Princess smiled and nodded. "No law dictates we cannot watch the stars together."

"Not one." Zana nodded. "At your uncles we might have leave to walk together." She whispered hopefully.

"Oh we shall, we must train side by side dear Zana." Bethany closed her arms around Suzanna in a tight embrace.

"I look forward to the morrow for that and so many other sweet things." She hugged back.

"Come the stars wait upon us." Bethany slipped from Suzanna’s grasp and stepped out into the spring night.

"And shine anew this night." She fell into her pace behind and closed the door as they reached the outside.

Suzanna gently pulled the door too moving with one hand to draw the cape closed around her. The air slightly warm, but cooling to her in the slim slip. The air was heavy as in summer but the wet of it was cool enough that it did not sit heavy on the skin but skimmed by on the breeze taking the soft scents of new flowers with it. From her place behind she watched the gentle wind play with the fiery curls as she wished she could and it took all she could to not reach out to one.

"Are you quite warm my Lady?" She asked softly realizing that the Princess wore no outer covering as she.

"Quite warm thank you." The Princess turned slowly her look verging on the beatific.

"We are graced by Venus this evening." Suzanna looked out to horizon and the shiny orb that hung upon it too large for a star. The young Princess walked across the veranda and stopped against the wall.

"We are?" Bethany turned looking lost at her handmaiden.

"Yes, my Lady." Suzanna took the place beside her.

"Where?" Bethany breathed.

"There at the horizon." Suzanna lifted a hand palm up to cup the area of the sky where the bright planet sat.

Bethany drew her eyes along the pearly white skin of Suzanna’s arm to her hand and with wonder in her eyes saw the bright light seemingly held in the other woman’s palm.

"You can tell that it is not a star." Suzanna spoke softly. "As it is only a hand width from the horizon and it is not lost for it is brighter than any of the others."

"It shines like a crystal tear in your hand." Bethany’s voice was filled with awe.

"If I might pluck it from the sky for you I would my Lady." Suzanna pledged softly as she brought her hand back down.

"I believe you have taken me to the stars Zana. I have no need for one of them to be brought to me." Bethany held the curved stones that topped the wall, as Suzanna blushed at the reference earlier in the day.

"I would not bring them to you in need my Lady but only so that they might not have to look longingly on your beauty from afar." She spoke gently always conscious of the guards below who could not be allowed to hear them.

Bethany shifted her gaze to the meadows, looking over the tall grass and shrubs that flourished there.

"See Zana." Bethany pointed out suddenly to the tree line in the distance. "See how the fire lights dance." The handmaid turned her gaze to where the Princess pointed.

"Oh my they are so beautiful in their dance." She watched smiling as the little lights darted about.

"Did you ever hear my mothers story about fireflies?"

"No I fear I did not." Zana turned her head slightly so that she might see the Princess but if a guard below was curious it would still not look out of place. "Would you tell me the story." She asked in a whisper.

"Long ago." Bethany began her eyes misting over a little as the flames from the torches flickered in her eyes. "Before we built grand castles such as this, people lived together, in the hills and the forests, sharing all things with nature."

Zana watched her mesmerized placing her hands on the wall though keeping them on the inner edge out of sight from below.

"But the Queen of the forest was troubled. For many, many nights she would sit and listen, and hear soft cries echoing through the darkness. There came a time when she could bear it no longer and sent out scouts to find out the cause of the distress. Word came back to her that the cries were that of children, frightened by the deep and complete darkness of the night. The Queen thought long and hard, and she called together the creatures of the forest. None could think of a way to light the darkness."

Without a thought Suzanna let her hand creep closer to that of the Princess’ as she listened to the beautiful tale.

"Until a lowly fly suggested that the Queen should give each child a little light. A light all of their own." Bethany slid her hand lower on the wall towards a goal she could not resist. "The Queen was so moved by the warm heart that had inspired the suggestion, she thanked the fly and asked for God’s blessing upon it. That very night when the queen drew nigh to her bed, a small but bright light distracted her. It was the fly, God had blessed it by lighting up it’s tail thus providing a light in the darkness."

Suzanna didn’t realize how close their hands had become until the smallest fingers of their hands gently brushed against each other in approach.

"And so thanks to the kind heart of that small and some would say insignificant animal, each and every child who lies alone and frightened by the darkness can find comfort and guidance in their own light." Bethany stopped as she felt the touch of Suzanna’s hand, and the dampness of a tear on her cheek. She did nothing to move her hand, or brush away her tear.

"Your mother was a woman with no equal my Lady." Suzanna’s voice was soft but honest as her hand moved the last slight distance to cover the Princess’ and offer loving comfort.

"Zana, I often wondered if she knew then." Bethany looked again at the dancing lights. Zana kept her turned look to watch both the meadow and the Princess. She didn’t know what to say, the Queen’s death had been a blow of heartache to the entire kingdom. Though none held it’s burden as hard as the woman whose hand she held. "If she had lived do you think she would have hated me for what I have done?"

"Your mother hated no one my Lady." Suzanna turned to look at her momentarily.

"Oh Zana I didn’t mean you and I. Oh no not that." Bethany corrected suddenly.

"What then my Lady?" The handmaiden questioned puzzled, it had been the obvious tone of the question.

"My hunting, my archery, all the things I do that are ‘unfitting ‘ for a Lady of the court." Her sister’s words came back to haunt her as they often did.

"Do these things please your heart dear Princess?" Suzanna smiled at her brightly. "Do they make you smile? Give you joy? Fill you with goal and purpose?"

"I have only found one thing that pleases it more dear heart." Bethany turned to glance at Suzanna.

"To see you happy and in joys embrace would be the only wish your mother would have to fulfil dear Princess." Suzanna squeezed the hand she held. "And if archery and hawking give you that joy, she would be the first at the trials to watch you shine. As I have found one thing that pleases mine above all others." She added softly.

"What of your mother Zana?" Bethany asked gently.

"My mother was a gentle woman." The handmaid smiled as the memory struck her.

"Do you miss her?" Bethany asked quietly.

"Yes." She glanced at the Princess for a moment before turning back to half looking at her. "But she is always with me."

"Do you have her hands?" Bethany suddenly pulled her own hand from Suzanna’s grasp. She brought both of her own up into the moonlight she held them out and turned them palm up.

"I do indeed have her hands, though mine our softer as my duty easier." Suzanna watched the Princess study hers.

"I have my mothers." Bethany shared the observation. "Such small hands." She looked at her hands a moment more.

"Not small my Lady." Suzanna whispered. "Just fitted right to hold love tight and safe within them."

Bethany moved her hands back to hold the wall as she thought of her lover’s comment.

"But with fingers as long and as delicate as yours such a cradled love would feel protected and strong." Bethany admitted wanting Suzanna to know that she had noted her hands.

"I would hope so, as protected love would be." The handmaiden smiled. "But within small hands a love would know in it’s safety it filled a precious space and it must have been carefully chosen for the honour."

"If I were to have a daughter Zana I would have her have your hands. Far be it better to protect a love than merely hold it safe." The Princess words were quiet but full of emotion.

"I see both as noble tasks my Lady." Zana whispered back wanting so much to hold the woman she loved. "For neither easy and both a struggle against those things that would will a letting go."

"Do you feel a chill in the air?" She asked suddenly as she shivered.

"It has cooled my Lady." Suzanna turned into the slight wind that had risen. "We should return to the fire lest you catch a chill."

"A chill would spoil our time away so let us inside." The Princess agreed.

"It would dear Princess." Suzanna moved back from the wall behind her to wait for her to walk.

"And to bed." The Princess added with a sly smile, stepping back at the door waiting for Suzanna to open it.

"To bed my Lady." The handmaid opened the door for her smiling.

********

perhaps a little Suzanna monologue of her beautiful Princess on horse back

and a little beautiful woman monologue form Bethany in turn

*********

The small party rounded the last turn and the entrance to the enormous estate came into view. One guard led the pair of women and another followed. The man in the rear tethered to two pack horses laden with luggage. It took them no time to reach the courtyard of the estate after the long mornings travel.

The large main house sat with its large back garden facing the rising sun and an enormous stable was lower down a hill in the distance.

"Good afternoon your Highness." The house’s steward came out to greet them as they arrived "Your Uncle apologizes for not being here to greet you but he was called to the south wall this morning to oversee repairs." A young fresh faced stable boy came running to tend to their horses as other servants lined the front walk bowed and curtsied.

"It is no matter Patrice." Bethany slipped to the floor from her saddle. Suzanna was a bit slower in her dismount as the ride had not been kind to her new situation. That she and the Princess had not fallen into exhausted sleep till late into the night further compounded her predicament though she would not change a moment of it for the world.

"How is Lady Peinforth?" Bethany asked as she handed over her reins to the nearest stable boy.

"She is well, she waits for you in the lounge." He motioned to the house.

"Good. I trust all goes well with the repairs." Bethany stepped up to the steward.

Suzanna handed off her reigns with a nod to another boy.

"For all word, our lord shall return by dinner. May I show you to meet The Lady?"

"Patrice, please I know the house and I am sure you have other duties to perform." She smiled warmly at him.

"If you are sure my Lady?" He smiled back.

"Of course I still have so much to make up for over my appalling behaviour when I was a child." Bethany laughed as she took the steps into the house. Suzanna moved to her customary place a step behind moving to open the door as they reached it.

"Shall I instruct for lunch to be brought to the lounge?" Patrice called to her.

"Lunch would be most agreeable." Bethany called before slipping inside. Suzanna followed her in.

The Princess smiled to herself as she walked down the relatively short hall towards the lounge. There were times she hated the Palace, as everything was so big, here was so much nicer, not that this was small by any standards.

"Are those the footsteps of my dear niece?" A woman’s loving voice called out at them. "She who would go so long without visiting me."

"Celeste." Bethany gasped her pace quickening instantly. Suzanna pushed to keep her pace with her Lady.

"I hear a voice that sounds familiar." The woman laughed through the words of jest.

"Oh dearest Aunt." Bethany sank to her knees beside the chair on which her Aunt sat, embracing her tightly.

"Sweet niece." She grinned brightly. "Oh my what woman is this who steals the voice of my angel?" She hugged her back tightly. "With hair in curls no less, I fear I hug an impostor."

"You like?" Bethany laughed lightly and shook her curls just for show and then repeated the simple action again.

"They do become you." She moved back to appraise and glowed after a moment. "Though you are gorgeous no matter how you wear your hair." She caressed her cheek lightly.

"What do you think dear Uncle will think?" Bethany tilted her head slightly enjoying the caress.

"I fear he will have you surrounded in guard for the Lords shall beat our door down to see you." She laughed. "He said you glowed anew and now I see myself it true."

"I wish to see no Lords, for the duration of our stay!" Bethany objected light heartedly, though she meant every word.

"Not even at the masquerade my dear Lord plans at the full moon in your honour?" She brushed the Princess’ cheek again with her hand.

"A masquerade?" Bethany’s voice was filled with excitement instantly.

"Yes, the air will be warm and he is to cordon off the garden for the event, though please do not reveal I tell his surprise." Celeste realized what she’d said.

"You both truly spoil me so."

"I can not spoil she whose deserves the world." Bethany’s Aunt replied sincerely.

"Is it to be full masquerade? Or merely masks?" Bethany gushed her mind a whirl. "Do tell Aunt, please."

"Full of course." She whispered laughing causing her niece to clap happily.

"Oh this news is such joy to my ears."

"What shall you go as dear niece?" Celeste patted her hand.

"I do not know." Bethany thought hard. "I shall go in a guise so clever that none shall recognise me."

"Yes do Bethany so that you may dance and drink without worry as a young woman should." The older woman found herself struck by the idea.

Suzanna watched the pleasant exchange smiling from one side of the room away from them.

"I have it!" Bethany laughed loudly. "I shall go dressed as dear Uncle Bernard! For truly no lord would want to woo me then!"

"No but to see my Bernard so young once more, you may catch my eye!" Her Aunt laughed and added. "Shall my dear Bernard dress as you?"

"I fear his beard would not suit curls." Bethany laughed also holding her stomach lightly.

"No, I fear it would be a dreadful sight." The woman held a hand to her laughing. At the corner of the room Suzanna tried to keep from laughing and showing that she listened to them.

"Would it be a terrible thing if I managed to catch your eye?" Bethany asked losing her laughter momentarily. From her corner Suzanna muffled a gasp with a cough.

"You could no nothing terrible sweet Bethany." She kissed her forehead. "You are incapable. We shall dress you as Bernard if that please you."

"I fear his girth to be greater than mine." Bethany relaxed again.

"Then we shall stuff you with padding as this evening’s bird." The woman laughed.

"Or I could go as a pheasant!"

"To be shot by arrow I think not." The woman playfully shook her head. "Your handmaid alone is here to shoot the pheasants, would you have her make you game and take you home with her?" She smiled at Suzanna. Suzanna nodded slowly trying not to show her shock at the statement.

"Perhaps Suzanna should be a hawk!" Bethany said happily oblivious to her handmaid’s reaction, caught up in the joy of being ‘home’.

"A pheasant and a hawk." The woman laughed. "What could be more fitting for you two huntswomen?"

"Oh dearest Aunt do you remember the year when my mother dressed as peacock?" Bethany asked she curled up on the floor by Celeste feet.

"Oh yes I do remember Bethany. Your mother was always a peacock, though not proud but stunning and beautiful."

"I wish I had seen that dress she wore. It was the talk of the court, but I was too young to go."

"It was." Celeste smiled down at her. "You were a mere babe my love."

"Perhaps I should be a peacock dear Aunt?" Bethany looked up into loving grey eyes.

"You should go as whatever strikes your heart my little bird." Celeste cupped her cheek. "As your mother did as the peacock, and when you make your choice let no one sway you."

"Did you have masquerades in France dearest Aunt?" Bethany asked resting her head on Celeste’s lap.

"We did." She laughed. "Grand affairs, though often only mask with new gowns then in full costume."

"And did Patrice hate them as he does now?" Bethany giggled.

"Oh Patrice hates everything." Celeste laughed. "Suzanna please sit the journey must have been quite long for both of you." She addressed the young servant briefly before looking back down at Bethany.

"Oh my yes, Zana." Bethany turned her head suddenly feeling horrible for not thinking of her lover’s state. "Sit down. Do you need to rest?"

"If I might suggest." Suzanna smiled back at them. "I will go to your quarters and settle your things. If this pleases you?"

"Do we have our usual quarters?" Bethany asked glancing at her Aunt before looking back at her handmaiden.

"Yes of course." The older woman nodded. "Your Uncle will not let another place their head there, though Suzanna." Celeste looked up to her. "I have strict orders from the Prince that you are here to train and he will provide others to help you with your normal duties so you might concentrate."

"That is too kind my Lady." She curtsied to her. "But I will delegate to others deeds as I might to please the Prince of course." She nodded gently and slipped out of the room quietly.

"You are blessed with a lovely maid dear niece." Celeste smiled down at the Princess noting how the young woman watched Suzanna leave.

"I am, she tends me so well. Yet another thing I must thank Uncle for." Bethany managed to tear her gaze away from the door that Susanna had left by only turning back when the handmaid had long exited.

"But I see sweet niece, like Patrice she does not tend you solely as a master, for over time you have become friends."

"Zana is a dear friend." Bethany said with a secret smile.

"Dear friends are precious to our lot Bethany, hold tight to her and do your best to treat her with some respect." Celeste spoke in a soft serious voice. "For servants can be forced to serve, but it takes inspiration of spirit to tend."

"I will." Bethany matched her Aunt’s seriousness.

"I trust you already do" Celeste kissed her forehead again. "You must be hungry, let me call for lunch."

"I hunger for your company beloved Aunt." Bethany beamed.

"And we shall not part sweet niece." Celeste smiled back. "And only still our voices to take mouthfuls of whatever sweet treat dear cook has created for your arrival. She remembers well your taste for pastries."

"Only her pastries." Bethany underlined with a laugh.

"Ah but you pretend to like others as you always do." Celeste laughed. "Come now I’m sure Patrice has things set for us and is sour at our hesitant arrival."

Willing Bethany rose and followed her Aunt her mind and spirit doing happy cartwheels as she went.

********

The large open aired room was warmed by the well stoked fire in the room’s north wall, the natural temperature of the walls stone was chilly and the heat of the fire covered them in a thin film of humidity as the room heated after a day of flames. The hard wood floor gleamed from its polish, as did the ornate large canopy bed and series of wardrobes and dressing table that framed the room. A small sitting area with well stuffed chairs sat near the fire and under the shuttered large window, a door off to one side lead to the smaller room designated for the Princess’ handmaid the door to the outer hall was bolted closed as was the hall beyond for privacy.

"Would you like the silk or the wool this evening my Lady?" Suzanna asked the normal question as she approached the wardrobe. It was quite late, as the family had had a very long dinner with much conversation.

"You choose." Bethany replied with a sly smile.

"The walls retain much heat, so I fear it will be warm this evening." She smiled into the wardrobe. "I would suggest the silk." She pulled the sheer shiny blue shift from its place in the wardrobe laying it out on the bed.

"Sounds perfect." Bethany replied dreamily. She could not remember a time when she had felt so content.

"Would you like to dress for bed now my Lady?" Zana asked turning down the top of the bedclothes in a perfect crisp fold.

"I think so Zana." Bethany decided she had had enough of being in her finery.

"Oh course my Lady." The handmaiden moved over gracefully to her place behind the woman raising the hands to undo the laces as was her duty, though her hands held a new softness
that recent days allowed her to express she carefully untied the extensive ribbon that held the dress in place.

"I wonder if you will ever be able to do that to me without making me tremble inside Zana." Bethany mused softly as her eyes fluttered closed.

"If it is the same tremble I feel myself, I would hope that I never learn that skill my Lady." She spoke softly back and was happy to hear a light laugh from the Princess. "It is so wonderful to hear you laughing so often my Lady" She whispered hoping she was not out of place. "It is a music missing to most dinners at the castle."

"Oh Zana how could I not? I am in the most wonderful company. I love my Uncle and Aunt so very much. And my dear, dear Zana I have you." The Princess turned her head to catch her lover’s eye as she spoke the words.

"You will always have me my Lady." Finishing with the lace, Zana moved to take the dress down off her shoulders being very careful of the ornately embroidered material.

"No but I have you." Bethany stressed the difference. Behind her Zana beamed as she moved around to lower the dress.

"You will always have me." Zana stressed back as she waited for her to step out of the
pooled material. "I am yours for eternity." She whispered Bethany stepped out from the dress and turned to look at her lover. In a fluid motion Zana pulled the dress up to straighten it and moved to place it in the wardrobe.

"Do you feel as relaxed here as I?" Bethany asked with a gently curious look.

"I do my Lady." She fussed expertly to place the dress before moving over pick up the shift from the bed.

"You were quiet as we arrived indeed you are a little quiet now. Dinner seemed a little strained for you also, does it bother you that Uncle treats you more as my equal than my maid?" The Princess didn’t move, though she freely watched her lover with a wanting eye.

"No, it does not bother me my Lady." Zana approached with the silk shift ready to slip it over the woman’s head. "It is just that I am not accustomed to such treatment in open company."

"If you would rather I am sure if I said something we could change that. He would not like you to be unhappy."

"Oh no my Lady, I quite enjoy how I am treated I must just reset my faculties as we are not currently in the castle and I need not act as such. I am sorry if I have failed to show him proper gratitude." She added softly.

"Oh Zana there is no need for apologies, far from it. If my Uncle is anything like me, there merest smile is reward enough a thousand fold."

"Well then smile I would always, as I did when he invited me to eat with you at dinner." She smiled again remembering how shocked she had been. "Your shift my Lady." She held the pooled material up to slip it onto her. Bethany moved so that Zana could put on her shift easily which she did in expert moves, beginning to tie up the soft lacing after settling it over the woman’s body.

"If the weather is fine on the morrow Zana we should take the hounds out."

"I pray then it will be a fine morn my Lady." Suzanna smiled as she finished with the lace.

"As will I." Bethany acknowledged feeling a new tremble inside her.

"I fear the handlers from the castle may not have pampered them on the journey here as would I." She smiled to herself.

"They will still turn circles for you my Zana." Bethany breathed softly. "You have a way of charming things."

"They do it for they wish as I to please you my Lady" Suzanna did not lower her eyes as she spoke the gentle words of love.

"Zana." Bethany asked her voice shy. "Where would you sleep this night?"

"I would sleep wherever my Lady would wish me." Zana spoke gently.

"I think I wish you to sleep by my side for an eternity." The Princess’ voice was once again dreamy.

"Then by your side is where I shall be sleeping when eternity has passed." She cooed back. "With my heart dreading that eternity has passed so quick and it might have to leave your side."

"That pleases me, but you must remember to bid your guard good night." The Princess mind remembered suddenly.

"To please you is my pleasure my Lady."

"You speak of pleasure my Zana but what if I could give you it would bring you the
most pleasure?" Bethany moved a bit closer to the dark haired woman.

"To know I have you love my Lady makes my heart swell." Suzanna answered honestly.

"This I truly know, but I ask of you name your gift. And it shall be yours." The Princess beamed.

"A gift my Lady?" Zana was a bit stunned by the offer.

"Indeed." Bethany replied grinning.

"I would not begin to know what to ask for." Suzanna smiled to herself.

"Then let me help you. I could get you a new horse, or a hawk. Would you like a hawk of your own? I could train you with it." Bethany enthused as she listed off her ideas.

"My Lady, concierge is a fine mount." Zana smiled. "And it is on your arm a hawk should be as I call the hounds to assist." She smiled brighter.

"Then perhaps I should get you a puppy. Would you like a dog to raise as your own?" Bethany happily reeled off more ideas. She had given this question long thought on the ride to the estate.

"My Lady I would adore but we cannot have a dog follow us among the castle halls." She hated dampening the woman’s happiness but this was their reality.

"We could have a page carry it on a silken cushion, with its name embroidered upon it." Bethany laughed, though knew if her lover wanted it she would promptly have it done.

"And what would we call it my Lady?" She laughed lightly at the idea what a trio they would make.

"The name would be yours to choose." Bethany replied instantly.

"To name a puppy, such a responsibility I could not take alone. Though as I think I might know what I could ask." Suzanna smiled softly.

"Tell me of your idea." Bethany reached out and brushed her arm.

"It is a silly one my Lady..." Zana blushed slightly.

"Silly or not name it dear heart." She pushed lightly.

"I would like an empty book" Suzanna smiled not sure if the other woman would understand. "It’s pages unmarred by quill’s ink."

"And what would you do with such a book?" Bethany smiled, not sure exactly what such a gift could fulfil.

"I would have it to contain the words of my love for you." Suzanna whispered as she held the redhead’s eyes.

"Oh Zana that would not be a gift for you, but a gift for me." Bethany whispered back her heart fluttering within her chest.

"It would be when it was finished yes." She kept a soft voice. "A present in the circle of our hearts."

"This wish I will grant with all haste dear heart." The Princess put her hand over her heart as she promised.

"Thank you my sun."

"On the condition." Bethany reached out and brushed a hand down her lover’s cheek. "That you spend sometime thinking on a gift that is just for you."

"I will my Lady." Zana put her hand over her heart as the Princess had in pledge.

"Zana, I would ask you now to go to you chamber and bid your guard fair tidings prepare for bed and join me." Bethany felt the trembling inside her growing and she longed to be curled within the safety of her lover’s arms in bed.

"I will do so with much haste my Lady." Suzanna smiled moving off towards her room.

********

"I have bid the guard goodnight my Lady and all is quite in the house." Suzanna floated back into the room after finishing her tasks.

"I swear you get faster dear heart." Bethany laughed lightly though it eased her nerves that Suzanna did return with such haste.

"Motivation breeds swift feet and hands my Lady." Zana smiled as she approached the Princess.

Bethany moved the heavy sheets back and patted the thick mattress beside her. Zana moved over to the high bed and climbed in beside her quickly.

"Would you desire anything before sleep my Lady?" She asked the normal question trying to keep the blush out of her cheeks.

"Sleep? Is that what you have in mind Zana?" Bethany replied instantly moving to hold the other woman nestling into her shoulder.

"No, I must admit my mind does not think of sleep." Zana moved her arms around to hold her close, breathing the woman in.

"Then pray tell me dear heart what is it your mind thinks of right now?"

"It thinks of holding you dear sun." She whispered back. "It thinks of lying in your sweet embrace."

"Oh yes, holding you close, that my heart and mind think on."

"What else would you think on my Lady?" She questioned back her hand gently stroking the arm of the woman against her.

"How soft your lips are on mine, and how gently they kiss me."

"Would you wish to be kissed now?" Zana asked her voice sparked by words into passion.

"Always." Bethany breathed back.

"As I always wish to be kissing you sweet Princess." She breathed back moving slowly to press their lips together.

"Begin always." Bethany whispered as she closed all gap.

"I have waited with such impatience for this kiss." Suzanna broke the contact slightly as she whispered.

"Oh Zana as have I pleasant as the company is nothing compares to this."

"With the open company." Suzanna kissed her lightly again. "I almost did venture to your lips as we had tea in the garden by the setting sun."

"As I almost moved into them. Tell me dear heart what do you think would be the reaction? It cannot be said my Uncle follows the will of the Bishop." She asked the question quietly.

"I do not know my Lady." Suzanna said honestly. "As you say your Uncle is by far not the Bishop and with Patrice in company Lady Celeste seems quite inattentive to our Bishop as well."

"Dearest Celeste would not be my Aunt if the Bishop held any sway here." Bethany said thoughtfully.

"Your Aunt is a woman of standing far above the Bishop my Lady." Suzanna said reverently for the magnificent woman.

"But she is a foreigner to this land dear heart. Her life has been far from easy." Bethany mused more to herself than Suzanna.

"That anyone would seek to put burden on that dear woman’s life is incomprehensible to me." Suzanna kissed her cheek lightly.

"And to me." Bethany agreed turning into the kiss slightly.

"What would you suggest there reaction if we had been freer in our motion?" She asked kissing her again.

"I dare not even let my mind think on it." Bethany answered quickly as she concentrated on her lover’s attention.

"Why not my Lady?" Suzanna asked with wonder.

"For if I do and my mind would lean favourable I would find it harder still to hold back from you." She pulled back slightly to look Suzanna in the eye.

"Ah, a steady course to take." Suzanna kissed back closer to her ear. "As if I thought favourable waters did surround us I might catch myself unable to hold."

"I find instead it better to focus on the fact that tomorrow we may go hunting alone." Bethany’s voice was sultry.

"You see opportunity in the hunt?" Suzanna kissed closer still to her ear, purring the words.

"Opportunity? Dear heart I am unsure what you mean. But we have always sheared the beauty of nature and have often stopped to smell the flowers, and watch the clouds dancing. I would look forward to such activates here." The Princess knew she had plans for many other things but her heart and body concentrated on the moment.

"As would I my Lady." She kissed her again moving down to her throat.

"Maybe then in nature we could explore what we have come to share?" Bethany suggested her voice soft.

"That exploration would be quite wonderful my Lady." She whispered into the Princess’ ear before kissing and lightly sucking the flesh behind it.

"How do you fair Zana? The look on your face after our ride was one of discomfort I wondered if I should look into a new saddle for you." Bethany asked worried suddenly.

"At your leisure my Lady, a new saddle might be quite presentable for the trials." She kept up her kissing.

"So your saddle does bring you discomfort?" She tried to clarify.

"It did this morning my Lady, but I fear to presume it was not solely the fault of the saddle."

"Perhaps then a hunt on the morrow would not be for the best." The Princess felt a pang of disappointment but she could not bear to think of her lover in pain.

"Oh no my Lady, I pray hunt on the morrow." She pulled back to look Bethany in the eye.

"Oh dear Zana is it too soon after your illness? I have been selfish dear heart. Just last morn you were in the healer’s arms." She smoothed her hands over the other woman’s back.

"My illness has been treated with a brew no healer could mix my Lady, one more powerful than anything to heal both body and soul." She smiled and kissed both the Princess’ cheeks in turn. "I am wonderful and will improve each day hence with that powers application."

"So what is it that ails you today Zana?" Bethany asked softly.

"No ails my Lady." She resumed her kissing at the Princess’ throat. "Only that circumstance would kept me from my current pleasure."

"Circumstance?" Bethany asked confused.

"To be in the company of guards." She kept kissing lightly.

"Silence and inattentiveness can be bought Zana." Bethany whispered.

"My Lady I would not give risk to your precious self that money might not keep tongues quiet." She whispered back.

"I feel so safe with you Zana." Bethany snuggled in close enjoying the other woman’s heat.

"I will work with all I am to keep you safe my Lady." She whispered back holding her closer.

"Then I will be safe forever."