THE MARCHIONESS

GENRE:  Renaissance, Original Fiction

RATING: PG – 13

SUMMARY: An Angolan girl marries into European royalty.

est. reading time: 60 – 65 minutes

PROLOGUE

The Diary of Marquis Leopold De Vere

The Twenty-First of April, 1579

I find myself ensnared. Not by nets, nor bandits looking to partake of my wealth, but by a girl, a dusky African girl no less than nineteen years of age, grandniece to the Angolan King with whom my country trades quite frequently.

Her name is Cohla. She sits in on my meetings with the king with great interest, giving surprisingly insightful input. Like a young Elizabeth, she is.

She is set against his dealings in the human trade. And I must say, her arguments are quite persuasive. She holds true to the basic moral idioms that we men have long since abandoned.

She is charming; blessed with both wisdom and innocence, and I find myself quite captivated by her beauty. The white-skinned noble ladies of my homeland, cannot compare. My longings have turned away from mine own countrywomen. O’, traitorous heart.

Cohla spends her days honing her skills as a caretaker; weaving, cooking, studying, and even fighting while the delicate ladies of my home do nothing but allow others to wait upon them, all the while gossiping about inconsequential trifles.

I have been a happy bachelor these many years. I have never felt the need of a bride, for my needs have been sated quite well in bachelorhood. I am a distinguished gentleman of the court even forty years past, or so I’ve been told.

I have found it difficult to believe marriage would change this…but now? I must consider it, nay I must act for my need of this girl is great. I may not possess her, but for the legitimacy of marriage, so says the Angolan King.

What shall the people of my lands think on this? My taking on a dark foreign girl as my bride? Dark mistresses are not uncommon, but a bride of her shade?

I am too old for such piddles as to what members of my circle might think. My station is secure enough. They would gossip if I were to marry a local woman of noble lineage.

And so I shall have this girl. For all my fair and decent dealings with King Theke, and the peoples of Angola, this I deserve.

~

The Fifth of May

We are married and she has voluntarily taken on the more familiar name of Collette, a name I must say, is worthy of her beauty. Oh, but she charms more and more with each passing day.

I am reluctant to steal her virginity, though she does offer it well, as a dutiful bride should. She arouses, even without the effort of the task.

I fear the taking will destroy that part of her I love most.

~

The Sixth of May

We have bedded well and she is no worser for it. I gave her great pleasure before I took her maidenhead, so she hardly noticed it had been broached. I must say, the pleasure I gave her, I also felt seven-fold. This, I have not had with any of the many conquests in my life.

I know I will find great happiness with her.

I care not what my people think on this.

CHAPTER I

Marchioness Collette De Vere
The Thirtieth of June, 1579

Land.

My feet are on it and yet, I still sway as if still on the sea. We are neither fish, nor fowl. To set upon it or ‘neath it is not our chosen task, but these white men…They are driven to it, like rats fleeing some disaster.

I have never trusted these white men from the north, with their foul odors, hair which hangs like the animals’ and loud insistent talk, but Leopold…

He is different. Calm, thoughtful, and respectful in his manner towards me. The others tried to claim me, as if I were a common whore. Leopold even had to restrain them on an ‘eve when they had imbibed far too much of their demon wine.

My dark skin is a bait among them, while their skin is bane to me.

They do not even bother to learn our customs and manner, as I have for them. Still, I cannot complain to the ends’ of this. It has been to my advantage to sit watchfully as they assume my dark skin precludes ignorance. I have found that the crew’s own knowledge was lesser than that of an Angolan child, in many instances. Many do not even take down words, nor read them.
Leopold has never assumed my ignorance, even in meeting. He has spoken to me kindly, reverently, and with great courtesy to my station.

I found myself growing increasingly fond of our talks and so, when he spoke to my uncle on the matter of matrimony, I was not as trepidatious as I would have been otherwise. His face is also, not unappealing, for a man of the north.

Do not mistake…I do fear. I am no idiot, but our people must know what goes on in this Other World; what has become of our people. And he is quite the man, fair of skin or no. I would have been hard-pressed to find his equal even among my own people.

Damnable corset!

It takes my breath. These many layers of covering that I must now wear are no more comfortable here, than they were on the ship. The Portuguese climate is too warm and kissed by the sea as it is, it molds to me like searing bindings.

Though I must admit, visually, this strange finery does appeal to me. There is intricate weaving, for which I have yet to find the pattern.

Leopold’s home is impressive, expansive, and very green. The estate seems almost a waste, for it’s space could house two villages. Instead it houses two persons of station and enough servants to populate two villages.

The servants, I have found to be curious and surprisingly warm to me. They seem astonished that I would even look them, greet them as I do.

My maidens have enjoyed playing with my hair, which they say is naturally in the state that is the fashion.

Today, I shall trav…

~

“Leopold, you startled me.”

“I have made my butterfly flutter, well then?”

Collette smiled.

“We must away to King Julius palace. He is curious to see a real African royal.”

“Oh, Leopold I fear this.”

“Do not. I am sure you shall charm his majesty as you have charmed me.”

He said, and lifted the back of her delicate brown hand to his lips.

Collette had been especially dressed for such an occasion, her deep ruby red skirts shining with gold Fleur de lis’, bosom heaving temptingly from her décolletage, a ruby and pearl pendant, a gift from her new husband dripping from her neck.

She looked every bit the royalty she was.

“How long will we stay?”

“Not long, my love, for dinner and the Masquerade Ball, consorting with many other royals and then we shall away home…I assure you, it will not be painless.” He said, with a wry smile.

She admired this, he had not a dishonest bone in his body. Even now, he did not lie about the challenges she would face, hint of sarcasm included.

These royals, Europeans from near and afar keen to see the new curiosity would sooner eat her alive, than allow to shine.

“Well,” Collette thought. “Let them try.”

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

Marchioness Collette De Vere
The Eighteenth of June, 1579

The carriage ride has been bumpy, but I did eventually learn to sleep through it. Night travel has been chilly, but my Leopold has been attentive to my needs.

We are now in the final day of travel and I am grateful, despite what awaits me.

I look into my Leopold’s eyes and I feel his strength heartening me.

The gates are within view.

Gods, what have I gotten myself into? It is immense. A row of guards in plumed hats stand before it, peering at us, skeptically…

~

“THE MARQUIS LEOPOLD DE VERE AND THE MARCHIONESS COLLETTE DE VERE!!!”

The imposing guard screamed at the top of his lungs, in announcement.

The carriage horses cantered slowly to a stop in front of the palace doors.

Collette felt rank. She had not bathed since she’d left the estate. She feared the King would be offended.

…Until she stepped out of the carriage. It seemed even nobles had not acquired the habit of bathing.

Collette suspected Leopold had picked up the habit in his travels in Angola and for that she was thankful.

A sharply dressed man dressed in sparkling finery, clicked his heels and tipped his hat before us.

“The King has requested the honour of meeting you, post-haste.”

Leopold took her hand in his and squeezed. They walked into the great foyer, their steps echoing against the cathedral ceiling.

It appeared every member of the court from the lowliest servant to the most familiar lords and ladies, were scattered along the hall, staring and whispering behind fans. Looks of contempt, wonder, and of course, curiosity were nakedly obvious.

Collette felt completely exposed.

Finally, they had arrived at the King’s hall and another sharply dressed servant performed his loud, annoying, duty.

They entered and performed the necessary protocols, bowing ang curtsying deeply with the proper address.

The King said nothing for a moment, but then beckoned her with a flit of a few fingertips.

“Here, girl, let me see you…”

It bothered her, that he would address her so informally, but she did as she was told.

She let go of Leopold’s hand and walked to the foot of his throne, curtsying deeply before him.

King Julius, turned out to a be a round, sweaty little man, with dark curling ringlets around his face. His naturally olive-skinned face had been lightened with powder.

“Well, she certainly does not have the look of a savage.”

It took great effort, but she held her tongue.

“Yes, very pleasing to the eyes… Does she speak our language?” The King said to Leopold, and she could no longer maintain her faux demureness.

“Yes, your majesty, I do…and well.”

The entire court broke into a low appalled murmur.

“Ah, so you can!” He said, his eyebrows raised. “And feisty, this one. I’m surprised she has yet to spend you completely Leopold.”

A few of the ladies of the court giggled behind fans.

“Your Majesty, I request that you neither address nor speak of me so informal…I am royalty. I was before I stepped on these lands, before I took Leopold as my husband. I may be a savage in your eyes, but my title, my gender deserve respect.”

The silence that followed this, was deafening.

The king reached into his pockets, retrieved a tiny jeweled tin, opened it, dipped his fingers in and sniffed the substance within.

“Yes, a feisty one. Hold on to this dusky filly.” He said.

“Leopold old friend….please recover yourself in your quarters and prepare to join us for supper. I look forward to being further entertained by this one.”

By this point, Collette was seething.

Leopold lead her gingerly from the King’s presence, distantly thanking him for the invite.

Once in their quarters, Collette let lose upon him.

“Leopold, how could you allow him to show me such disrespect!! He sees me as nothing more than some new exotic pet!”

“Collette, I did warn you, this was how it would be…I would not shame us, by becoming what they expect.”

Collette crossed her arms across her chest and looked away, her eyes brimming with furious tears.

He cupped her face in his hands. He brought her around to face him.

“We must stay beyond it.” He said, finding her eyes.

Collette nodded in agreement, but her face was still tight with anger.

~

Collette bathed and had her ladies dress her in her most dazzling finery. A heavy dark gold satin gown embellished with rhinestones. Her hair, was combed up into an intricate plaited updo. Jeweled plumes adorned it.

She looked stunning.

Leopold took her hand and escorted her into the grand dining room, but not before giving her an encouraging look.

“Stay beyond it.” It said.

They sat at the already buzzing long table and looked around.

“The Marchioness De Vere, I presume?”

The beautiful brunette sitting immediately opposite her said…

“I am Lady Margeaux.” She said. “Your haughtiness this afternoon, certainly speaks of your title.”

Collette flushed.

“No, child make no mistake, it is a desirable trait in these circles.”

“You have made an excellent impression on the King.” She said. “He spoke those very words to me, after you retired to your room.”

“Please…Would you tell me of your homeland?…I have traveled to the east, but not South.”

“Well, it is warmer than here, but dryer. We have great large beasts which can be dangerous, beautiful, or both. We love and protect one another well and we do not treat our slaves as I have heard you do.”

“Slaves?”

“Yes. I do not agree with their export to other lands. That which is foreign is always treated as such.”

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

“Did you not keep slaves in your homeland? I dare say, they are necessity in the Americas.”

“Yes, we did, to settle debts or as casualties of war. I have never seen as many slaves in the villages as we export away.”

Margeaux let out a girlish chuckle. “Are you suggesting that we would behave in such a barbaric manner towards your people?”

“I am suggesting that I do not know what it is you do.” … ‘And that is part of the reason why I am here’, she thought, but did not add.

“From whereabouts do you hail?” Collette said, seeking to change the rather tense subject.

“Solebell.” She said.

“You have come, very far.” Collette replied nodding.

“Well, I must admit, that like many of the guests here, I too was curious to see the dark foreign girl of royal lineage. I have heard tell of your…unusually high culture and intellect for one such as yourself and truthfully, I have not been disappointed.”

“Tell me, Margeaux, how would one such as yourself judge other dark peoples if you have never engaged them?”

Margeaux blinked. “Well, that is a question.”

Leopold chimed in. “I have had a great many experiences with people of all shades and creeds and I must say, my wife’s people have shown me the most hospitality, the most genteel manner, and most stimulating conversation… I have learned so much from the Angolans.” He said, turning towards her.

“Of that, I am quite certain.” Margeaux said.

“…Collette, if you ever have a need, I would be quite happy to help you hide that rather thick accent of yours.”

“I should hope not.” Leopold said.

“Nor I…” Said a strong female voice from further on down the table.

“It speaks of where you’ve been. To erase it, is to erase your past.”

Collette could only gape, for it had been the Queen Mother who had spoken, Agnes
Veronica De Lima.

The handsome old woman, sat erect and powerful in the upright chair, her eyes sparkling with wisdom.

“Margeaux, if you worried more about cultivating your waning marriage instead of those two sides of your cracked visage, perhaps the Duke would not be keeping company with your young cousin.”

The table erupted into a smattering of chuckles. Margeaux grew red and glared at her hence-to, quiet husband.

“Cohla, I knew your grandaunt, a Queen of strong character. I see much of her in you.” She said, her face remaining neutral.

“I am honoured by the compliment, your highness.”

“I do hope some of what you’ve inherited rubs off on my children, for I fear I have spoiled them far too much…I hope you also find time to keep my company during your stay, as well?”

“Of course, Highness.” Collete said, allowing the first smile since she’d arrived to crease her lips.

She definitely liked this woman. She reminded her of the old wise matriarchs in her village, to whom even King Theke deferred.

The horns blew an announcement of King Julian’s arrival. And he quickly took his place at his mother’s side.

He pecked her on both cheeks while the old woman, had a long since look of tread-upon patience, her eyes lazily rolling in her head while she sighed.

The rest of the meal was spent listening to the King boast of his prowess as a hunter. It proved tedious, but she was grateful no more of the attention turned to her.

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

“How was your night, Mi’lady?” the maiden asked as she gingerly removed Collette’s delicate chandelier earrings.

“A disaster.” She sighed. “I’m quite sure the entire court detests me. The single exception is the Queen Mother.”

“Mi’Lady.” She said, pausing at the clasp in Collette’s necklace. “If you don’t mind me saying, her highness is the only member of the royal court for whom you had need to make a favorable impression…And that you did. By that measure, your evening was a rousing success.”

Collette turned to face the maiden, a girl who could not be more than fifteen years old. She practically glowed from head to toe, she was so pale. Her white-blond hair blended almost perfectly with her skin.

The girl’s cheeks seemed permanently stained red and she had the cherub chubbiness of a young girl still holding onto her babyfat. Her hair texture was thick and naturally curly, close enough to Collette’s hair texture, that she was most expert of her handmaidens at styling it. Elaborate plaits were the girl’s specialty and she seemed to enjoy twisting Collette’s hair up into intricately patterned styles.

“Why thank you Daphne.” She said, reaching up to gently pat the girl’s hand. Daphne started at the touch.

“I know these are customs of your homeland, but I shall never grow used to that, mi’lady…” She said, shaking her head.

“Never say never…”

The girl, smiled.

“Why do you say this about the Queen Mother?”

“Well, I should hope it would be obvious, mi’lady…You’ve met the King… My mother, rest her, used to say men are like lutes…the biggest ones making the mightiest sounds have only hot aire’s goin’ through and through…”

Collette laughed. “Your mother was wise. Well, I must say, that your hairstyle made a grand impression.”

“Oh, it was my pleasure, mi’lady…You hair holds the syle so well.” She said, appraising the winding halo of plaits.

She peeled Collette’s hard bodice away from her ribcage and Colette let out a long gasp of air.

Daphne laughed. “It’ll grow easier as time passes mi’lady…For now though, I’d say your lord is most certainly missing your company?” She said, unsure of whether she’d broached to far into personal talk.

“Why Daphne, are you shuffling me off so that I may be bedded by my lord or so you might be bedded by the faire young squire you held company with afternoon, past? ”

Daphne giggled and turned three shades of red.

“Well, do bed him and bed him well…But take thine preventive tincture, first?”

She said, gesturing at the small glass vial of brownish gel, on her vanity.

“Yes, mi’lady.”

~

Collette sat in a chair near the open doors of her balcony. The sheer embroidered curtains rippled gently in the night breeze..

Her husband, was surely meeting with his old friends and associates. She knew he would be late coming to their bed.

As her thoughts drifted along the manicured bushes in the landscape she felt a large calloused hand slip about her neck, another winding about her waist, pulling her into a warm embrace.

“You are a spectre of beauty in this light…” Leopold said, his voice husky against her ear.

Collette let her eyes flutter closed as his lips brushed the nape of her neck, her shoulders…

“Your friends kept you far too long, Leopold.”

“I will not argue…” He said as he hummed his pleasure, his hands gently cupping her bosom.

~

Late into the night as they lay each other’s arms, lazily stroking each other, they watched the high moon as it’s pale light shone on their huge canopied bed.

Leopold brought her fingers to his lips.

“I knew the Queen Mother would take to you. The both of you, stubborn hard-headed females…You understand one another.”

“Is that so?” Colette asked.

“Yes. She sent word, evening past that you are to join her for an afternoon game of pall mall…She did not wish to say as much at the table, for fear her son would assume his own invitation.”

Collette chuckled. “Your relatives are quite the colorful brood.”

“…And thankfully distant.”

Collette was quiet for a few moments.

“Hav you been treated…. similarly, of late?”

“Not near so much. More is expected, so do not fear for me. I am well-worn and settled in my way.

Though the talk will never cease. It is, after all, a rare amusement among royals. But it will wane as some new matter of gossip takes center.”

He looked into her wide brown eyes. “I do not regret this. I am a better man for having you in my life.”

He lazily entwined his fingers between her own and sighed the heavy burdens of a man who has lived many lives.

“When we met, I was crawling away from my worst self. I’d spent my youth in unapologetic debauchery. Swilling away my worth…taking up with whores, just as bored and purposeless as my relatives…but I had an epiphany on the long journey to your home.

We’d sustained some damage to the ship due to storm and our rations were running dangerously low.

It had been like an oven beneath the deck and a skillet above…

One afternoon, after I’d swilled away much of the rum in the high-heat of the day, I had reached death’s door. I felt my myself slipping into oblivion.

…I could not abide by my lack of accomplishing anything, being anything for which I could go with pride into the great hereafter.”

Collette propped herself up a little more, listening carefully to this tale. Leopold had been very secretive about his past.

“Cohla, the way you respect your deities, your ancestors, elders, gods… I had not considered mine own until that moment.

I will never be the servant like those in the church, but I cannot deny…Never again. I felt it then, which as much surety as I feel this solid thing. ”

Leopold thumbed the small golden crucifix pendant around his neck.

“But, I am a heathen…I do not believe your God.”

“Still…” He said, his eyes focused on her own, thoughtfully. “It is clear to me, He would not disapprove of you, mi’love.”

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

Marchioness Collette De Vere
The Nineteenth of June, 1579

I still feel anxious here, but my Leopold has heartened me. Oh, My Leopold. He constantly worries about my well-being in his homeland and his own, only in relation to me. So selfless. I hope to give him good strong sons to carry on his line, soon.

But for today, I am to meet with her Highness, the Queen Mother. This I look forward to, for she has proven to be a woman unafraid to air truth.

Tonight, there shall be a Masquerade Ball. I look forward to this despite the increased crowd.

I wonder how similar it will be to our own masked rituals?

~

Daphne adjusted her coif as she swiftly entered Collette’s dressing room.

“I beg your pardon mi’lady…”

“Daphne, I would have been disappointed had you not been late…I take it you had an enjoyable evening with the young squire?”

“Yes, mi’lady.” She replied sighing wistfully. “Very much so. Wesley is quite remarkable.”

Collette giggled as the girl quickly set about dressing her.

“I’m sure. Today, I want it very simple. I am to enjoy an afternoon of sports with the Queen.”

“Okay…I’ll loosen the laces.” She said, with a wink.

~

Collette wore a pale seafoam colored gown with light layers, her hair was simply wrapped with cloth in a style she ultimately did herself, from her homeland.

The Queen sat in light wooden chair on the vast hilly lawn. A large canopy-sized umbrella shielded her and a few attendants. She too was dressed comfortably.

“Collette, I am pleased you’ve come.” She said with a beckoning hand.

“I wouldn’t miss it, Your Highness.”

“So,” she said, as she stood up and lifted a mallet. “How have you been enjoying the country, thus far?”

Collette sighed. “Well, I think the land is quite lovely, my servants, Leopold, and of course, present company, has been quite kind and wonderful…but I feel it has been quite a bit of work winning over everyone else.”

“Well, young Lady, a hard-won prize always feels all the better for it’s capture.”

The Queen stepped on the ball and hit it down the hill. It knocked Collette’s ball from the course.

“And I can assure you, you will win it.”

The queen adjusted her elaborate veil as she began to make her way down the hill.

“…Likely, not this prize, however.”

The ladies played on past two, ending with the Queen, soundly beating Collette.

They both set under her umbrella to a gorgeous lunch palate, filled with exotic cheeses, breads, wine, a large roasted peacock, and apples.

“Do not be too hard on yourself Collette. You have given me the most competition in this sport for years. Listen, I wanted to tell you a bit more about your great-aunt, Ngola. It was known that she was a great warrior, but before her hand was forced to that, she was quite the kind, gentle, beauty….Still stubborn, but that serves us all, when the need arises.”

She adjusted herself in her seat.

“My son is less amused than he is afraid of you…Like the rest of the court. Fear breeds prejudice.

Our country’s history with your own isn’t helping the matter… Still, I wanted you to know you are not alone here. There are other high-ranking members of European courts some of whom may appear this evening, who have a heritage from Afrika.

I just want to caution you. Reign in that temper of yours until it is needed. Many members of court would find amusement in your distress. Do not give it to them so easily.”

“Yes, your highness. I take these wise words to heart.”

“Now tell me more about yourself…How did you end up with Leopold, of all people? I thought he’d never find a lady to marry.” She said smiling.

“Well, he had been a friend of my uncle’s for some years. I believe he had saved his life at one point. I have been sitting in on his meetings with other rulers for quite some time.

In his human trade negotiations, he knew I had strong opinions on the matter. So he allowed me to be heard. I was still quite surprised that Leopold respected and agreed with much of what I had to say.

He’s given up his end of the human trade, because of it.”

The Queen sipped from her goblet of wine.

“Good. He was never suited for it. Quite frankly, his father forced him into it. Being in it so long was wrecking havoc on his conscience. It was killing him.”

Collette spread some soft cheese on a piece of bread.

“I’ve always wanted the best for him. He’s the son I wish I’d had. I’m glad to finally see him, truly happy.”

“Now, let us go back inside before the members of the court, start to panic in our absence….And besides. You need to get ready for the Masquerade, this evening.

You thought the court yesterday was intimidating? Tonight, we will have visitors from all over Europe. This event is always a big draw to the neighboring territories.

So, you can see why I wanted to prepare you.”

“Yes, Your Highness and it is much appreciated.”

~

Leopold met her in the foyer. He too had been catching up with his old friend The Baron Belvian Von Gent, a wiry looking fellow with impressively groomed facial hair and short cropped silver-white hair.

Belvian introduced himself with a jovial laugh and a deep bow.

“Charmed….I am all too pleased to meet the woman who has finally shown my best friend, the true gift a good wife is.”

She followed his eyes to a very round and beautiful redhead across the hall surrounded by the other ladies of the court. His wife she presumed, with whom he was clearly in love.

“I hope you’re prepared for this evening…I told my Georgine to keep an eye on you.”

“Well, not yet, but I will do my best.”

~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

Marchioness Collette De Vere
The Nineteenth of June, 1579

I am very pleased with the alterations Daphne made to my gown. It was inspired by a creature from my homeland, the caracal cat.

It has lovely golden brown hues and black accents. The mask, especially is as gorgeous as it is elaborate. It is completely black and covered in black ostrich plumes. Practically every piece is accented with matching crystals.

I feel giddy to wear it.

~

“How does it look Daphne?” Collette asked as she spun around.

“Stunning, mi’lady….Time will stop when you enter the room.”

“You flatter too much, Thank you.”

“I have a surprise for you.” She turned to a trunk in the corner of the room and unlatched the lock. From within, she lifted out a pale blue gown.

“This is for you to wear, tonight.”

“My Lady….This is too much. I can’-, I cannot-”

“-Enjoy yourself, this evening.” Collette said, as she shook off her refusal with gently raised hand.

“I hear Wesley will also be in attendance.”

Daphne clutched the gown to her chest like a treasure, her eyes shining…

“This is the only thing anyone’s ever given me.” She said quietly.

Daphne had been an orphan raised in a convent. It had been very short, difficult childhood.

“This evening shall be as a dream to me. I’ll always treasure this, mi’lady.”

~

Prince Felix Richmond
The Nineteenth of June, 1579

I find the protocols of my station increasingly meaningless, especially now. This night, I shall once again find myself surrounded by those who would truckle to me for my title.

I have only just returned from service in our Royal Navy. I want nothing more than to rest and pay tribute to the memory of the fallen.

This trifle is a waste. Kowtowing to our neighbors to the south, in the same manner we do year, after year. They are firm in their notion that we are their allies. It would not have been too big a sin to forgo the festivities this year, but I could not convince my father of this.

His grows less well, with each passing season. He knows his time is short and it pains me to admit that he will go unmissed by me, except in vacating his title.

As it is, I shall wade through, sickly sweet smile plastered upon my lips.

There are a few true friends, I do hope to see this year. Perhaps, they will make the journey worth it.

~

The great hall was abuzz with the sounds of tinkling silver, the gentle melodies of flutes, drums, and harps and the chattering of old royals, all dressed in their best masquerade finery.

Leopold stood by Collette as they both spoke to Belvian and Georgine. Georgine turned out to be a loud brash woman with a manner and behavior which betrayed her humble background as a farm-maiden. Her costume was inspired by mermaids.

She grabbed a turkey leg from a passing tray and took an indiscreet bite.

“I’m actually quite thankful for your arrival, because it means that it is now your turn to take the most hated member of the court crown.” She said with a smile and side-hug.

Lady Margeaux, dressed as a peacock and surrounded by her gaggle of followers, glared at them both from across the room.

“…I cannot believe how far down this court has gone, a black Afrikan girl? It is ridiculous…”

Leopold and Collette made their way around the room, introducing Collette to the endless stream of royals. Collette even spied Daphne speaking intimately with her Wesley.

It was particular uncomfortable on two occasions.

One silver-haired Countess from France, Beatrice had a member of the Pygmy tribe on a leash as an accessory to her costume.

Collette was quite keen on meeting her, but Leopold stepped in smoothly.

“No, I’d really like to meet her, Leopold… Introduce me.”

“Yes, and you’ll leave her much worser for the wear with great pleasure, I’m sure.”

The other was in the meeting of another of Afrikan heritage, Lady Susanna of Belgium. She was café au latte in coloring, and looked like the few Northern Afrikans, Collette had met in the course of her travels.

“Lady Susanna,” She said, “Do you hail from Tunisia?”

She laughed uncomfortably… “Why, where did you hear that?” the woman said, the mane on her horse costume swishing against the floor.

“I didn’t. You have a look about you.”

“Well, it is lie. I am from The Far East.” she said coughing, and quickly excused herself.

“You really owe me for enduring this, Leopold.” Collette whispered, while he laughed.

But then she caught the Queen Mother’s eye, which winked encouragingly at her.

“Leopold!” An excited voice practically yelled from across the room.

“Felix! You’ve sprouted up like a weed! Come here boy!” He gathered him into a bearhug, while Collette watched the the scene.

“Well, you’ve grown more wizen and gray, old man!” They both laughed heartily.

“I’m sorry, my love…This boy use to be under my mentorship. I taught him practically everything he knows, combat, manners, history….

This is Prince Felix Richmond, of Wales. Felix, this is the love of my life, The Marchioness Collette of Angola.”

She curtsied. “Your Majesty.”

His momentarily forgot himself, his eyes softening as he took in her beauty. He lifted her hand and gently brushed his lips upon the back of it. “Charmed.

Now, I see why you’ve been gone from us for so long.”

The band began to strike up an old folk ballad.

“You won’t begrudge me stealing her for a dance?”

Leopold laughed.

“As long as you bring her back , before you turn your attentions to your ladies, fair…” he said, indicating a circle of blushing maidens watching the Prince from across the room.

He offered an outstretched hand. “Mi’lady?”

Collette looked to her husband, who nodded and then took his hand.

He gently lead her out onto the floor, side by side, palm to palm beginning the intricate steps of the dance.

“….Actually, I think upon seeing you, the other maidens may simply give up.”

“You did learn from my husband.” Collette said smiling, emphasizing the word ‘husband’.

“And I have a few tricks of my own.”

“…but not humility, obviously.”

“You’ve judged me harshly for some reason. Already. Why?”

“I find your manner with your mentor’s wife untoward.”

“Well, I find you hold yourself as an old marm, even in your obvious youth.”

“Your Majesty, the quality is called maturity. Perhaps you should try it.” Collette said, smiling.

Felix laughed. “Where on earth did he find you?”

“Were you not listening? Angola.”

“Rescued from the human trade?”

“It is never prudent assume.”

The dance had ended and Collette walked away, annoyed.

“He’s a great young man, who shall one day rule Wales.” Leopold said. “How did you find him?”

“Brazenly inappropriate, with your wife no less, and intolerably arrogant.”

“Yes. And that’s just the shallows of the river, I’m afraid.” He said, mock-sighing.

“Do not worry, he means nothing by it. He sees a woman. He easily tires her.
Now, let me introduce you to the Duchess Tania.”

As Leopold lead her through the crowd, Felix watched her leave his line of sight.

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

Prince Felix Richmond
The Nineteenth of June, 1579

I have managed to find space for myself on the balcony, away from the constant buzz of the people here at the palace. It is a relief. For to make mine own way in this Masquerade is to wear a poker-face in hell.

My father insists that we break our alliance with the Portuguese, but I cannot keep to this, once I have the crown. My father would rather fight a needless war, in order to appear strong than to keep the peace for the good of the people. I am forced into this childish game with real adult stakes. Even opposing mine only true friend.

It is fine news that my mentor has finally seen the error of his ways. The lifelong bachelor, and former trader of slaves, has been seduced by an ambitious African slave. It is poetic.

His pretty young wife speaks with a razor-sharp tongue and the carriage of one with a much higher station. This will earn her many enemies I’d wager, but I must admit, it does intrigue me.

Where did she come by such an education?

And I do wonder how much she does know of Leopold’s past. Her pride seems large. If she were to know the full truth of it, I doubt she’d remain in Portugal…

I think have given far too much thought to this girl, but I cannot help it. She is rose among weeds. Every eye has passed her way without her effort, all strong in reaction. I have seen it; hatred, jealousy, desire, admiration, curiosity… She is a variable I had not foreseen, in this.

Still, I cannot tarry over this, for I have other plans and they must carry off without error. Spying will never become me-

~

“-Oh. You are here. I should not interrupt. My apologies Your Majesty-“

Collette turned to leave.

“No, please. I’m glad you’re here.” Felix said as he lay the quill on the small table and got up from his chair. He quickly bound his journal and slipped it into an inner pocket.

“-I wanted to apologize. I am informal to those whom I consider to be my friends. I assigned such role to you by proxy instead of allowing the time to earn that place with you. I am sorry.”

Collette shook her head. “It is already forgotten.” And turned again to leave…

“-I must admit, I am surprised Leopold has taken a bride with your youth and carriage…Truly, the fact that he has taken a bride at all is remarkable!” He laughed.

Collette turned back, unamused. “So, I’ve heard.”

“May I inquire about your meeting?”

“I am King Theke’s niece.”

Felix raised his eyebrows at that revelation. ‘…not a slave…’ He thought.

“….From the time that I was just past girlhood, I have been an adviser to my father in all of his foreign negotiations, including those with Leopold. I found him thoughtful, kind, and generous of heart. We grew close. I was more than honored when he asked my uncle for my hand.”

“I see…Then I have much more to apologize for. I thought you a slave with ulterior ambitions. I tested you and judged you in the manner I condemn others for.”

“…And what if I were a slave?” She said, stepping forward, with her eyes narrowed.

“You would still see me as an opportunistic girl preying on your friend and mentor. And that would still be a lie. Now, you see I have given up much to be with him. I have sacrificed much more, than he ever could.”

“Yes.” He said, quietly and thought ‘…and he doesn’t deserve it’.

“You speak the truth and expose my faults. I do continue to work on them. Pray, I grow to earn your respect and friendship someday, mi-lady?”

“Yes.”, she said, coldly. “-Do pray.”

Collette turned and left him on the balcony, alone.

~

“I thought you needed air, my love.” Leopold said.

“The balcony was occupied.”

“Let me guess….Lady Margeaux? Or perhaps Beatrice with her human accessory-.”

“-No. It was your friend, Prince Felix.”

Leopold sighed. “From your tone, I’d say he is still on your bad side.”

“Leopold, may I be frank with you about him?”

“Of course.”

“I know he is your friend…but I do not think he should have your complete trust. I read people well. He is not showing his full face. Even to you.”

Leopold could see she was firm in this conviction.

“Why do you say this?”

She sighed. “It’s just a feeling. He is not just here for the festivities, husband.”

Leopold frowned. There was a time when he did doubt his young charge’s loyalty and it had endangered the lives of them both.

Leopold had been his mentor despite his Portuguese heritage. He’d proved stubborn and there were plenty of times when Leopold’s resolve was tested, especially by the boy’s father. Still, Felix had seen him at his worst and stood by him. The reverse was also true.

“Of course not, mi’love. He is here to see friends, drink himself to a stupor, and probably bed the most nubile young maiden.” He smiled.

“Now, Georgine has been asking about you and I am sure the Queen Mother would love to have a word before you retire.”

Collette was no fool, she could see that he was holding back. Still, she allowed this, for now. It was not the time to press it.

She kissed him, briefly. “I have been meaning to sit down with the Queen Mother, again. If I retire first, I’ll let you know.”

~

A young wiry dirty-blond boy with electric blue eyes and deep dimples in his cheeks kissed the full-bodied pale blond girl in dressed as a blue jay…

Wesley and Daphne were pressed against a wall in a desolate hallway, their breathing heavy with desire.

“Your mistress gave you this gown? You look like a rare jewel in it.”

“Yes- it, uh…” -smooch,smooch- “-is nice.”

“You are fortunate to have such a generous master…”

“-Yes. I am. My lord and lady both have well-earned my respect.”

“And you have earned their coin, not I…but that doesn’t mean we won’t take it.”

Daphne stopped abruptly as confusion and then dawning realization crossed her face.

Before she could take in a breath to speak, she felt a cold blade pressed against the delicate skin at her neck.

“You’ll bleed out in less time than it would take for your body to slip to the floor….”

He leaned in close to her ear, as if to give her another sweet kiss, but instead whispered…

“Show me her room.”

~

It had all been a matter of chance. Chance that The Queen Mother tired before Belvian and his jolly wife. Chance that the De Vere’s room faced the southern wall where there was a small rift just large enough for those who knew of it, to slip through.

Chance, that of all the wealthy guests at the Masquerade, the De Vere’s had been the most opportune target. Chance, that Daphne would be attracted to the young accomplice in the guise of a sweet young squire…

~

Wesley was joined by another much larger oily-looking man who guarded the door, while the former squire rifled through Collette’s things, stuffing jewelry and other finery into a large sling.

Daphne sat bound and gagged near the couple’s bed.

The light clicking of heels echoed from distantly down the hall….it was headed their way.

Wesley, mouthed the words to Daphne…

“Make a sound and you both die.”

The second man entered the room all the way and gently closed the door. Both men waited on either side of it.

~

Leopold smiled as a heavy-lidded Collette approached him.

“It has been a long day, I must retire.”

He briefly caressed her cheek.

“I shall follow soon, my love.”

“I have been honored by your company.” She said to the Belvian and Georgina.

“Goodnight.” She slipped from the crowd.

The hallway was eerily empty, but Collette was too tired to be anything but oblivious. She rubbed her neck as she walked down the hall towards her room.

~

One last frightening warning gesture to Daphne and they both braced in silence.

Collette entered her room and was immediately grabbed from behind.

She easily overtook Wesley, using the skills she’d grown up learning to release his grip, painfully dislocating his thumb and catch him with a firm direct hit to the throat and groin.

The larger one knocked her out from behind while she was distracted.

Wesley was still moaning on the floor, while the bigger one laughed at him.

“You didn’t say the dark one could fight more like a man, th’en you.”

“Shut up, Quinn…What do we do with them?”

Quinn looked from Daphne, who was quaking in the corner, to Collette knocked unconscious, but still breathing on the floor.

“Take her…” He said pointing to Collette.

“We can trade her for more coin. And if her husband don’t take her, we can still sell her.”

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~

Collette was back on the ship. Thunder boomed above her on the ship’s main deck. She could hear Leopold shouting orders at the men. The rocking motions were making her ill. There was a great lurch in the ship, tipping it so forcefully, her perfumes slid from her dresser and onto the floor, shattering…

Collette opened her eyes to utter black and the rhythmic sounds of heavy hooves clopping on the ground. Slowly, she came to a sense of where she was. Her arms were tied behind her back and she lay face-forward across the back of a steed. She tried to scream and found that she was gagged too. She had been kidnaped.

“….Quinn, you sure you’re not just deludin’ yourself about this plan? She is a black Afrikan. I’m not so sure he’d be want’n her back. Maybe we ought-“

“Shhh!…The girl’s awake.” The horse cantered to a stop. The larger one, Quinn dismounted the horse and used both hands to remove Collette, as well.

Wesley, pulled his horse up behind. “We’re wasting time! They’re not far behind.”

Quinn was looking directly into Collette’s eyes.

“Nay. We’ve got a few hours head start on them. We’ll reach the border, well ahead of them.”

“I might remove the gag, but I’ve got to be certain you will nah’ make a sound.”

“Quinn-.” He held up a hand. It was that was needed to quiet him, again.

Collette’s eyes darted to the younger one, her handmaiden’s Wesley, the traitor, and then back to the clear leader. She nodded.

“Good. If we continue in this fashion, you will survive, with no harm done.”

This did not have the reassuring affect, Quinn thought it would. Instead, Collette noticed the cold look in his eyes. His goal was avoiding the obstacle. She could see he had no qualms about smashing directly through, if given no other alternative.

He removed the gag.

“Do you have need of the use of a chamber, at present? A tree w’ill have to suffice.”

Collette shook her head and Wesley found that very funny, laughing at length.

“Afraid we’d watch, I’d wager.” he said.

Quinn laughed too, but his face remained hard and neutral. “We’ll be walking for a time. The terrain here ain’ good for horses, but perfect for us thieves and bandits. Keep up or I’ll have to use force. Do nah’t make me do that.”

He unsheathed a frightening looking dagger. He cut the bonds at her feet. Collette briefly thought about how easy it would be to bring her knee up to his face, but she then thought about facing the other one, with her hands tied. On the slim chance that she bested them both, what about these strange woods? With such large, close-growing trees, what manner of creatures could live here?

That done. he took a length of rope leading from her wrists and held it firm in hand.

He grinned and clicked teeth. “Good gu’l.”

~~~~*~~~~

“Tell us exactly what happened Daphne, from the beginning.”

“Bandits infiltrated the castle and took her. I was stupid. T’was all my fault, milord…” She said sobbing.

As another lady in waiting stood at the ready, he subtlely nodded his head. She took the signal to hand her a handkerchief. He couldn’t bring himself to touch her. He was unreasonably furious at her and terrified for his wife’s safety. A woman of royal blood was most valuable unspoilt. But would they treat her any less because of her dark skin?

Prince Felix stood at the doorway, listening as Daphne finished the tale.

“…They weren’t from here, milord. Their accents sounded like his majesty.”

“They’re Welsh?” Leopold gave Felix a meaningful look. “Are you certain?”

“Quite certain, milord.”

“Thank you, Daphne. You’ve been quite helpful. You may retire, recover yourself from your injury.”

The other lady in waiting escorted Daphne away.

Leopold rounded on Felix.

“What is this?!”

“I swear, I have no knowledge of it.”

Leopold stood for a moment clenching his jaw and then grabbed Felix’s collar.

“If this is a lie, what friendship we have is finished.”

Leopold let him go and swiftly strode down the great hall, his men trailing behind.

“PREPARE THE HORSES!! TONIGHT WE RIDE! We must catch them before they reach water.”

Felix had not lied…completely. He knew his father still hated the Portuguese. And he knew he had planned an end to the truce, but this. He would not. He could not orchestrate this.

Well, they would see, when they tracked them down.

If they were headed north, it would not look good for him.

“HANG ON! I’ll ride out with you.” Felix said

~~~*~~~~

Collette couldn’t understand how they could do this. Walking on in this inky blackness. With all of her skirts, she stumbled often and she found herself out of breath.

They came to a sudden stop.

“I believe I’ve warned you to keep up.”

“I can’t breathe.” Collette said.

Quinn sucked his teeth impatiently and yanked her close to him with the rope. He wrapped his arms around her as if in embrace and slipped the blade of his knife up the back-laces of her skirts and corset. They fell away. She was down to her chemise and her bloomers and already, she felt a chill.

He stood back and resheathed his knife.

“Walk.”

~~~*~~~

Day was beginning to break. And the forest was beginning to thin.

Quinn and Wesley had remounted the horses.

Collette rode with Quinn, her arms tied in front. Her mind was going.

She could perish in this strange forest alone and she would certainly not be seen as anything more than a servant, looking as she does now. Escape was not an option. She might be worse off, “rescued” from these men. At least, they knew her value was far too much to be trifled with.

As they reached a large meadow, they stopped. Quinn cupped a hand around his mouth and made a warbling sound.

Several heads popped up. The men in the meadow greeted Quinn in Spanish. Collette had learned some of this language. Enough to know that they were from a nearby fishing village and that Quinn was looking to meet the rest of his men and get to his boat.

~~~~*~~~~

It was frustrating traveling with so many. Leopold knew it hindered their speed, but he had no idea how many men he would face.

While on a rest, he pulled Felix aside. “I’m going to ride on ahead.”

“What? Leopold, don’t be stupid. If they catch you alone, you’ll be as vulnerable as she is right now.”

He knew he’d said the wrong thing, as soon as the words had left his lips.

“Felix. She is my life.” He said matter-of-factly.

He sighed, knowing he’d already lost. “You know, I am your man. We’ll be right behind you.”

Leopold mounted his horse and rode on, at full speed.

~~~~*~~~~

The people leered at her in her disrobed state. It was humiliating. Women, children, and of course, the men, just stared. Her hair by now, was half undone. He slippers and the hem of her chemise were caked in mud.

She was being pulled behind Quinn like some farm animal.

She could smell the sea in the air. They were close.

She had been silent until this point, so she chanced a question.

“Where are we going?”

“Wales.” Wesley said, before Quinn could stop him. The look he gave him made him whither.

“That’s rather far. If you hope to seek coin, it would be wiser to stay where it can be delivered with ease.”

“Ease of delivery equals ease of capture, mi’lady. -I l’iked you better when you were quiet.”

Quinn said, looking ahead instead of back at her.

“Pray that it should it also be for me to get back to my husban-” She said.

Quinn rounded on her and struck her down with the back of his closed fist. She fell to the ground.

“I don’t take kindly to threats, mi’lady.” He said, smiling, his eyes still unnaturally calm.

“Wesley, help the lady to her feet.”

Wesley, looked confused for a second, but quickly followed orders. When he reached his hand down, she knocked it away and stood on her own.

Quinn chuffed.

“We’ll be boarding the ship b’fore the day is through, mi’lady.” He said.

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

The Twenty-First of June, 1579

All is proceeding as planned. We have caused a stir, as requested. On your word or when we touch Welsh soil, we will cause an unrepairable rift.

Collette watched carefully as Quinn rolled the tiny note and slipped it into a brass canister. She could not identify it from where she was, but she could see from the markings, it was for royal eyes only.

He delicately attached it to the foot of the cooing bird.

~~~*~~~

Felix was deep in thought. The more he considered, the more certain he was, his father had some part in this.

If that were the case, he knew exactly where they were headed. Leopold would never reach her in time.

And so he made a fateful decision. He took his few men and made a detour, cutting back through the forest towards his ship on the Atlantic coast. He left behind one man to get the message to Leopold, when came back through.

~~~*~~~

“Move!” Wesley prodded her in the back with his sword. Forcing her up the stepped plank and onto the ship. Quinn watched with amusement as she stumbled back from her shock at the sight.

There were some black people on this ship…dressed in a hodge-podge style of clothing. Spanish pantaloons and Arabic headwraps, dangling jewels from a few ears, all men of course.

They stared right back at her. She heard one of them whisper in Fulani, “I didn’t know she was Afrikan….It can’t be her.”

“Gentlemen!” Quinn yelled as they took up the anchor.

“This is the Marchioness Collette De Vere! She’s horrible luck, but she’ll only be wit’ us for a short time! Make sure she don’t jump overboard, until such time as we want her to!”

The men laughed.

Quinn walked over to her. “I’m sure you’ll be wanting to change.”

“No. I’m quite fine like this.” She said, trembling in the ocean breeze.

Quinn smiled his horrible smile, again.

“I have these for you.” He said and held up a gawdy wench’s dress.

He grabbed her arm and shoved her into the captain’s cabin, closing the door behind him.

“Put them on.”

She shook her head.

“I won’t tell you again. I’ll simply strip you m’self, and throw you on deck with the men.”

Collette sighed and picked up the flimsy bodice. She began to put it on over her own chemise.

“Ahh… That’s far too dirty. I’ve brought you another, here.”

He held up a much shorter, thinner, and dingier-looking chemise.

Collette pursed her lips together and defiantly slipped her own chemise up over her head.

Quinn let his eyes roam over her body in a way that made her skin crawl, but she resisted the urge to cover her breasts with her arms.

These Europeans their obsession with naked flesh. She simply met his eyes (or tried to) while she put on the things he’d brought.

That done. He sighed, leaving her unmolested.

“Pity.” he said shaking his head.

Once again, he took her arm and shoved her through the cabin-door. She was greeted with whistles and taunts.

At that she spook in her own language… “I am Princess Cohla of Angola, Niece of King Theke. Many of you know of my fa-.”

Another hard hit across the face. This one would leave a mark.

“Mi’lady, I don’t enjoy striking women, but you force my hand. Don’t do it again.”

Quinn looked around at his men, the black ones, especially. Giving them a warning look.

“Wesley, take ‘er down into the lower level hold.”

“Wif’ pleasure.”

~~~*~~~

Leopold arrived in the Spanish village in half the time it took for Collette and the men to reach it, but still, it was too late.

There were signs that she had been there though. He found her dress and corset in the forest and thought the worst, at first. But being a tracker, he saw no other signs of a struggle and thought (hoped) it was done so they might travel more swiftly.

He drew his sword and aimed it at the throat of a fisherman. He asked in Spanish, “Did you see an Afrikan girl come through here?”

The man nodded vigorously. “Where did they go?”

“To the docks. -They are at sea. Since last evening.”

“Do you have any more ships here?”

“No, mi’lord. Just fishing boats.”

Leopold dropped his sword, in defeat.

“We’ll have to go back and get my ship. We’ll lose time, but we have no other option. DAMN!”

~~~*~~~

“Let out the sails!!” Felix yelled as the ship caught a lucky wind. As Leopold lost time, they were making it up, thanks to an unusually high ocean wind.

They might even sight them in a few hours, if they stayed lucky.

~~~~*~~~~

Wesley shoved her face-first into the dank room.

“Get in there!” He yelled.

And then he closed the door behind himself.

“You owe me, for busting’ mi’thumb.” He made a grab for her but she darted out of arm’s reach.

“Won’t your captain be angry with you?”

“Probably.”

“Then you should not make trouble for yourself.”

Collette yelped as he caught her by the waist and drew her close, swinging her around to the sweating wooden walls.

“I never had me a real black royal, before…”

This time Collette did draw her leg up, kneeing him square in the family jewels. When he fell to his knees, she kicked him again. This time, in the face, knocking him out.

“…And you never will.”

~~~*~~~

After a time, Quinn himself came down to check on him, appearing amused by the unconscious Wesley on the floor.

“Tsk-tsk.” He said. “He was a plum idiot to try.”

“Well then. We can’t ‘ave you going round abusing my men.”

He nodded his head and many came from all around. She feared the worst and did fight fiercely, but she slipped in a wet spot and twisted her ankle.

They grabbed her and shackled her to the wall, by both wrists. A tall Berber man had been the one doing the shackling. She winced when pressure was put on her right ankle.

“Thanks for the help, mi’lady.” He mocked.

“Up, fool.” He said, kicking the still unconscious Wesley.

He lunged at her, but Quinn drew his rather ugly looking cutlass.

“Ah, ah… We need ‘er. For now.”

~~~*~~~~

A solitary man, high up in the crow’s nest peered through the spyglass. His eyes were sharper than any of the other men. Tiny, glistening against the horizon, he spotted the ship.

“Ship! HO!!” The man shouted and slid down the waxed pole.

Felix came in close. “How much time?”

“Two more hours.”

“Good, we’ll approach under cover of darkness. DRAW UP THE SAILS!!”

~~~*~~~~

Leopold was just boarding his ship, but he now had half the King’s army with him, courtesy of the Queen Mother and they had a faster ship.

“FULL SPEED AHEAD!!” he yelled.

~~~*~~~~

Felix was thankful for the cloudy, almost moonless night. All light on the ship had been doused.
The small boat lowered into the water…

~~~~*~~~~

Collette stood trembling against the damp walls, her arms stretched up above her head. She was soaked from head to toe and smelled of mold and shelled fish.

She’d been busily trying to slip her hands from the shackles. One came undone rather easily. She wondered if the Berber man who had locked it, had left it loose, purposely.

Now, she poked and pushed and squeezed her left hand into a funnel.

“UNNH!” Eventually, it too popped through the shackle. Now what?

She looked around the room and spied a loose plank of wood. She began pulling at it, until it came loose. She examined the splintered edge and hoped it would be more substantial than it looked.

That done, she stood with her weight on one leg, by the door.

She didn’t know what she would do, but she was clear of the implication, Quinn gave her.

Regardless of payment, she would die, but she would not go as a lamb to the slaughter. She gingerly tested her injured leg.

…At least, she hoped she wouldn’t.

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

At least one man would be awake and watchful. This, Felix knew. He and ten of his best men silently crawled aboard. Crouched undercover, they looked around until they had spied the night-watchman.

“There.” Felix mouthed. And gestured toward the large Scot staring off into the night….Peering a bit too closely in the direction of his ship.

One of his men, quickly and silent snapped his neck. The others checked for other hidden watchful men.

…None, they could see.

Most of the men stayed hidden above deck, but Felix and three of his hist best slipped below.

Almost immediately, the single guard at Collette’s door spotted and made to raise an alarm. Felix tossed his dagger. It landed in his neck and he fell to the floor, dead.

~~~*~~~

Collette was getting tired, but the noise of a struggle got her attention. She listened, hopeful.

Was it Leopold?

The door creaked open and she almost ran to meet her rescuer, her husband, but stopped mid-stride.

Felix frowned when he saw her face swelling under her eye. And what was she wearing?

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, mi’lady, but you will see him soon, enough.” He whispered.

“Were you molested?”

She shook her head.

“Come now.” She limped and almost lost her balance.

He leaned forward and lifted her so she lay across a shoulder and then stood up.

“You’re not a light as you look, mi’lady.”

“-Nor you as strong.”

They’d just made it to railing, when he heard an alarm raised.

“INTRUDERS!!”

“Can you swim?”

“Yes-“ He dropped her over the railing and into the sea, before she could say another word.

~~~*~~~~

“You.” Quinn said, boarding the deck, his cutlass raised.

They circled each other, weapons raised.

“I have no quarrel with you, ‘sire.”

“But I do have a quarrel with you.”

“He said, you would not interfere wit’ this.”

“But you picked the wrong one. Fate was not on your side.”

“It’s for the good of the country, highness…”

“The good of the country. Well, that’s a matter of opinion.”

They parried. Quinn was his match. Scrappy and savvy, he was not afraid to fight dirty.

While Felix had speed and youth on his side.

~~~*~~~

Collette climbed up into the dinghy.

The men already aboard reassured her, as she glanced back at Quinn’s ship.

“You’re fine now, mi’lady.”

~~~*~~~

Quinn knocked him on his back with the combined blow of the hilt of his sword and his fist.

“Highness, forgive me but you ain’ my match.”

Felix swept Quinn’s legs out from under him and he too, was on his back.

He stood quickly, pointing his sword down at him triumphantly.

“I HAVE THE SHIP.” He said, looking around at those still fighting.

“Drop your weapons.”

“Your father will be put out.” Quinn said.

“I am my own man.”

“She’s an Afrikan. She ain’ even your woman.”

Felix sighed deeply. “Quinn, I will be leaving you to your men, quite soon. It would not be wise to insult one of their own.”

“And tell father, I could not abide this. He will need to take another course.”

Felix stood for a moment and then stabbed the downed man in his upper thigh, twisting the blade.

Quinn gasped in pain.

“That’s for striking her.”

Felix slipped off his signet ring and tossed it down to Quinn.

“Now, be on your way.”

~~~*~~~~

“But mi’lady, it’s hardly appropriate.”

“I don’t care, I am tired of these..THINGS, you make your women wear. It is torture.”

The men snickered under their breath.

“Ai, mi’lady. As you wish.” He tossed her a pair of breeches a tunic and boots.

She ventured into the cabin and put them on, taking the time to put two cornrows into her thick hair.

When she resurfaced Felix was there, shaking his head in amusement at her appearance.

“I thank you for your services, highness.”

“I was obliged to do it, mi’lady.”

“Where is Leopold?”

“On our trail, now I suspect.”

“Why is he not here? And how is it, you are?” Collette asked, rather suspiciously.

“Did you come by knowledge he did not have and not bother to share it with him?”

“You do not trust me.”

“No, highness, I do not. Your people’s relationship with the Portuguese is strained, at best. And…I find it quite odd indeed, that you were able to escape Quinn’s men so easily.”

“I would like to be honest with you.”

“Then you should.”

“-Why is that, I wonder?”

“Out of loyalty to your mentor, I should hope.”

“No. It’s not just that.” He said, staring at her in a way that made her thoroughly uncomfortable.
“You are remarkable. You know that?”

“Yes, highness.”

“Well. Did you get any answers aboard that ship, at least?”

“Answers?”

“About your people… What has become of them.”

“How did-? Leopold.”

“No. They did not appear to be in servitude. They were mercenaries, like him.”

“Mercenaries in Wales. Escaped convicts, slaves, and the like in Portugal or Spain, I’m sure.”

“Are you implying that your people are somehow Leopold’s moral superiors?”

Collette said, “…Your people, who probably orchestrated this elaborate intrigue in order to begin a war, instead of just owning up, facing it head on, like men?”

“Hmm. Interesting.” She said, an eyebrow raised.

“How do you do that?”

“What?”

“Make me feel all the less for attempting to show you that I am more?”

“Just the attempt, highness, is a breech of loyalty, of trust. Just the attempt sets you back.”

“I see.”

Collette began to limp away.

“There is much more, I would like to say…About your Leopold.”

Collette laughed. “Felix, none of us are mistake-free. I see him as he is, not as he was.”

Felix frowned and watched as she walked down into the cabins. It was not fair. The girl had no idea what kind of man he was. Treating her people horrendously, while he’d worked tirelessly to undo the trade, from the start.

A moment of clarity was all it took to change everything for him and to land him this dusky beauty.

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

The Marchioness, Collette De Vere
The Twenty-Third of June, 1579

After being far too long away, I shall be in the arms of my love this afternoon. So says, Felix.

I cannot wait until I see my husband. I am quite certain he has made himself ill with worry. Once, I was away for safari, for a day longer than planned . When I returned he held me so tightly I thought he might break me.

Felix has turned out to not be as awful as I had first thought. Spoiled and entitled, yes. But not unreasonably so, given his position. He thinks himself a great upright man, for his station and he expects to be rewarded for it.

He is like many men I have observed. They think great works will win great rewards, when in fact the opposite is true. Perhaps, he seeks to make a name for himself past his death. I know not, but I do know his fondness for me is growing less and less harmless.

It seems the more I spurn him, the more he beckons. I tell myself these are simple flirtations, but I do not believe this to be the case.

I think he sees me as somehow too good for my husband, but of course not for him.

What an ego he has…

“Do you find the parchment and quill suitable for your needs?”

“Yes, Highness.” Collette found herself embarrassed, feeling as if she had been caught gossiping about a subject who has just shown up mid-sentence.

“Good.”

“My apologies for interrupting mi’lady, but a storm is coming. Please, stay below until further notice.”

~~~~*~~~~

The Marquis Leopold De Vere
The Twenty Third of June 1579

We have sighted the ship. But we will approach with caution. If any harm has come to her, may God have mercy on their souls.

~~~~~*~~~~~

As Leopold and his men boarded the ship, cutlasses raised, he noted a very calm-looking Quinn, with his leg bandaged up tight.

“Where is she?!”

A conniving look spread across his face.

“Gone, milord. Taken by your friend….You did not intercept them, then? Odd, that.”

“Do not toy with me, sir.” Leopold slashed his sword, skillful disarming the man before he could think to raise the weapon properly. He then raised the blade beneath his chin.

“Who is your employer? A lie will cost you a pinky.”

“-His Majesty, The King of Wales, milord.”

Leopold’s eyes grew wide. “It is a-“

“It is not a lie. And you know it.”

“Hawk!” Quinn called.

The swarthy dog-eared man, placed the small brass canister in Leopold’s hand.

After noting the royal seal, he promptly unrolled the message.

Good. Finish it before landfall.

It was neither signed nor dated. Leopold crumpled it.

“And there’s more sir.”

Quinn produced Felix’s signet ring.

“This can’t be.”

“I assure you, milord it is.”

Of course there was some truth mixed in the bigger lie and now this man giving him the work of deducing the difference. Wonderful.

He sliced off his pinky finger. And Quinn howled.

“I did not lie sir, you did.” Leopold said, his voice dangerously low.

“It is truth. The Welsh empire is responsible milord. On my honor as a Spaniard.”

“Yes.” He said. “ This is truth.”

He lowered his sword and the man let out a held breath.

“I want you to know, I found my wife’s gown in the Spanish forest.”

He said, quite casually.

“Did you touch her?”

Of course, he hadn’t. But he had looked, and for a just the briefest space of time, he paused before beginning to answer “No.”

Leopold plunged his sword through his chest to his hilt. The man slid off his sword coughing blood, falling to his deck with a thump.

One brave man lept forward and was slashed across the belly before he could properly raise his sword.

“Anyone else?”

Wesley came forward, his hands raised and dropped to his knees.

…He began to search the body.

~~~~*~~~~

It was deja vu for Collette.

The ship lurched and things slid from the table to floor, smashing to bits….But this, was much more violent.

The ship heaved so much, it was almost completely vertical. Then, it began to take on water.

Collette yelped as a great wave of ice cold water swept into the lower decks, quickly flooding.

The force of the water was so powerful, she was pinned back against the wall and unable to move.

Suddenly, Felix was there.

“Collette! Take my hand.”

She inched across the wall and reached.

He looped one arm into the rope door pull, and leaned forward.

“Reeeach!”

He could just barely touch her fingertips, but he somehow managed enough leverage to sweep her up into his grip.

She wrapped both arms around his neck, holding on for dear life. They struggled up to the deck.

“The ship has capsized, we need to swim for a dingy.”

Collette nodded.

She jumped, really the ship lurched again and tipped her, into the water.

Felix followed right behind.

When she surfaced, she saw that every other man had long since abandoned ship.

He had come back for her.

~~~~*~~~~

Leopold cleaned his sword as he reboarded his ship.

“Which direction milord? North or South?”

Leopold considered for a moment. If he believed Quinn about Felix’s treachery, he would head north to Wales.

“South.” He said.

~~~~*~~~~

“Look out!!”

Felix yelled as the dingy was dashed upon the rocks. It came fell apart like matchsticks and most of the men perished.

Collette, knocked unconscious began to sink beneath the waves.

Once again, he followed her, diving for her. Shore was in sight. But what shore?

Felix, Collette and four others, were the only survivors.

“We need to get a fire going or the chill still might take her life.” He said, rubbing her arms.

“Hurry men!”

It took at least an hour while he covered her body with his own, busily fighting off the chill and the involuntary responses his body was having being so close to her.

She was wet and wearing men’s clothes. Not much of her was left to the imagination, with the way they clung to her.

“Think of Queen Mother Agnes, Think of Queen Mother Agnes, -Queen Mother Agnes.”

Finally the fire was roaring and her damp clothes were drying and she was coming to.

She moaned. “Where are we, highness?”

‘Not exactly sure, mi’lady. But there is not much here.”

“Close to home at least?”

“I believe we might have drifted east…Closer to France than Portugal.”

Collette looked stricken.

“It is just another snag, is all.”

“I tire of snags. I want my husband.” She said, quietly.

~~~~*~~~~

The Marquis Leopold De Vere
The First of July, 1579

There is no sign of them. It is as if they have disappeared from the face of the world.
Aunt Agnes believes they were lost to the sea, but I refuse to believe this.

I would feel it. I would know it. And right now, I am certain she is alive.

A hand lay on his shoulder.

“I have deployed one third of our navy in the search. They will find her, if she is still out there.”

“What about Wales?”

“We must exercise caution. Giving them what they want would not be the best prudent as of now. Especially, when we are so uncertain of where we stand.”

“You cannot keep your son in the dark for much longer, I fear.” Leopold said.

The Queen sighed.

“I fear that too.”

~~~~*~~~~

His Majesty, The King of Wales,
George Richmond
The First of July, 1579

They claimed to have finished the job and I foolishly, believed. Still no word, nor action from King, Leopold, nor my son!

Here we sit twiddling a thumbs, waiting for the other to make the first move.

We are where we always have been. …At an impasse.

If I knew the fate of my son, I would make the first move, but for the risk of his injury, I cannot. The boy is a thorn, but I need him.

My health fails me. I know have not much longer, but I must push on, until this is finished.

~~~~*~~~~

~writ in the sand~

Two of the men have died from infection. Yet another died when he was caught under the dangerous undertow current of this isle., while swimming. This last, I do not trust.

He looks at me in the way, some of Leopold’s men did, like I am beneath him.

They had been surviving on the local birds, wild onions, fish and a fresh water pool they’d found inland.

“Highness, may we speak alone, sir?”

“What you need to say, can be said, in front of the Marchioness.”

“No ‘sire. It cannot.”

“I am not offended.” Collette said, shaking her head. “Please, go. Have your male talk.”

They got up and walked down the beach.

“Highness, I think she is cursed. The blacks in from that land know strange magicks. I’d wager she’s a witch.”

“….Ralph, you cannot be serious.”

“I assure you, I am. Why, I seen a witch-doctor on that very ship we brung her from.”

That was it, Felix lost it. He doubled over in laughter.

“I do not think this is funny, highness.”

“Oh, but I do and for that I thank you. Really.” he said, recovering himself.

“She is a girl, and that’s it. Albeit more tanned than we are used to, likely due to the sun in her region. She has no magical powers, I assure you.”

“Really highness? That is to say, she has not bewitched you?”

He stopped laughing completely then.

“No. She has not.”

“Me thinks His Highness, fools himself.”

“Me thinks it would be foolish to imply one of a higher station is making himself to be the idiot.”

Ralph lowered his eyes.

“This subject is finished.”

~~~~*~~~~

Later, as the day waned and the young soldier fished in the cove, the two sat quietly by the fire.

“He looked down at her ankle. May I, mi’lady?”

She nodded. He gingerly lifted it and she winced.

“It still pains you. My apologies.”

“It is a small matter, here.”

“This too.” he said, angling up her chin in order to afford a close look at her eye.

“Yes, highness.”

He held her face in his hands for far too long. She pulled away.

“You must stop this, highness.”

“Stop what?”

“Do not pretend, you do not know. I appreciate what you have done for me, greatly…but I am married.”

“And you love your husband.”

“Yes. So do you.” she said.

“How do you feel about me?”

“You are a good man. Arrogant, for sure, but still true to your word and loy-“

He had closed the distance between them with a kiss.

Collette lingered far too long, in her mind, before pushing him away.

“How could you?”

She got to her feet and limped away.

Ralph returned with a cache of fish.

Dropping it to the sand, he said.

“As I said, she’s bewitched you.”

~ by Raven White on December 30, 2008.