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The King’s Conquest
CHAPTER TWO
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND 1701
CROMWELL CASTLE
“Your Majesty, do you think the maiden speaks of the truth?”
“I have received word from my brother that King Raphael, is arranging to have a spy planted within my monarch.”
“Your Majesty, may I be given permission to speak freely?”
King Javiah nodded his head.
“This maiden is different, something about her puzzles me.”
“You are my highest knight. I take that as a form of weakness. Should I entrust my monarch, and the security of my throne to another?”
“Your Majesty, you appointed me a knight to hold the best interest of your kingdom, which I have. Therefore, I take it you could explain this.”
Sir Pious dug into the front of his leggings. He pulled out a brochure from the African American Historical and Cultural Museum.
He handed King Javiah the brochure.
King Javiah opened the three-page leaflet and read it. He walked around his Throne Room. He looked up every now and then and glanced over at his knight. He closed it.
“This is the plot of King Raphael, riddles to seize control of my monarch.” King Javiah glanced down at the brochure once again, he flipped it over. “Wait, this document is dated in the future.”
“I was wondering Your Majesty when you would see the point. I say, the woman, is hiding something.”
“Other than being a witch. Please bring her to my bedchambers.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Sir Pious bowed, turned, and walked out the Throne Room.
Sephora rubbed her arms down. The dreary room she was detained in, was crappy, and cool. She walked to the window and looked out.
“So much for this king lying in my bed.”
The castle was nestled on acres of greenery. A moat surrounded the entire boarder. She saw several knights galloping toward the drawbridge. She wondered what the knight’s name who brought her to this castle.
Sephora heard raised voices in the corridor; she turned toward the door and ran over to it.
Someone inserted a key into the lock.
Sephora hid behind the door; she did not want to be burned at a stake at the permission of the Archdiocese for the accusation of practicing witchery.
Sir Pious turned the doorknob and pushed the heavy steel door open. He adjusted his vision to the dimly lit room.
Sir Pious looked around. His hand dropped to the hilt of his sword. The fragrance he associated with the foreigner welcomed his nostrils.
Sephora tiptoed around the door. Her waist was immediately pulled against the muscular frame of a hard body.
“If you try that again, you will not live to tell another.”
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
Sir Pious, against his better judgment squeezed Sephora’s tighter.
The softness of her body aroused him.
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
“Some spells are worth it,” he whispered in her ear.
“Please unhand me.”
“Is this what you really want?”
Oh, his breath against her skin gave her Goosebumps.
“Yes.”
Sir Pious’ hands briefly toured Sephora’s skin.
“Does the witch powers prove worthy against man.”
His hands explored her breasts. He smelled her neck and squeezed her petite frame.
“For such an accusation, considered you are now under my spell.”
Sephora inched back. Her back rested against his metal breastplate.
“Your Majesty has summoned you.”
I’m fine right here.
Sir Pious dropped his hands and retreated a step.
Sephora turned around and lifted her eyes.
She appreciated the manliness erected in front of her. He was very tall. His sinewy stature was powerful to an observant eye. His breastplate shielded her eyes from fully exploring farther.
“What is your name?”
“Sir Pious, Your Majesty’s most trusted and humble servant.” He bowed and lifted his head. “Does the maiden have a name?”
“My name is Sephora.”
“Sephora.”
He had an inviting smile to match a widen mouth, and a set of straight teeth.
“Yes.”
“Come Sephora, Your Majesty awaits.”
“Can I...”
He gripped her upper arm.
I guess the introduction period is over she thought
Sir Pious ushered Sephora out the room in the tower. He loosened his grip once they walked down the corridor.
Sephora was escorted down several winding concrete stairwells.
Sir Pious grabbed a hold of Sephora’s hand, before she stepped into a puddle of water.
Two knights stood outside the door of the king’s bedchamber.
Sir Pious released Sephora’s hand.
“King Javiah is expected of me.”
One of the knights hit his balled fist against his breastplate. He turned and opened the door.
King Javiah and his Holiness, the Cardinal was in a conversation.
Both men stood.
Cardinal Webster turned his head from the sight of Sephora’s partial nudity.
“Your Majesty, the.” Sir Pious looked at Sephora. She smiled. “The witch, as you requested.” He bowed his head; he looked over at the confusion in Sephora’s eyes.
Sir Pious turned and slowly walked to the door. He exited the king’s bedchamber and pulled the door close.
King Javiah walked over to where Sephora stood. Without his crown, and minus his royal attire, the man was too damn handsome. She liked the way his goatee circled his mouth. His walnut-brown skin tone complexion was well nourished.
Sephora’s eyes melted in the pit of his dark-brown deep-set eyes.
“What purpose has brought you to my kingdom?”
“I came about your kingdom by accident. I am not a spy, nor am I a witch. I am a schoolteacher. I know this may sound far-fetched, but I was at a museum, and your mannequin was on display. I landed on your lap, I hit my head, and when I awaken, I was in 1701.”
King Javiah lifted a strand of Sephora’s hair and placed it behind her shoulder.
“How did you come to know about me, and what is this rubbish about my kingdom’s demise.”
“It will happen.”
“And by whose hands. Is it the England army?”
“Betrayal by the indirect hands of a woman.”
King Javiah stepped back. He walked over to where the Cardinal stood.
“Maybe we can use her to return the favor to King Raphael.”
“I do not understand Your Majesty.”
“I will allow King Raphael to believe, his spy has infiltrated my kingdom. I will feed her false information. Once that misleading information has been returned. King Raphael, will not know who is responsible for overthrowing his government.”
“Is that what your head has led you to believe?”
“Yes, I see no other way. This is an excellent opportunity.”
“In no certain terms can you be convinced a peace treaty and an alliance in parliament would benefit.”
“I will not raise the taxes of my people or incite a revolt against my kingdom for such an occurrence.”
Cardinal Webster looked over at Sephora, and then back at King Javiah. He bowed his head at the progression of the king’s plan.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Groveland Castle
Sir Pious removed his attire. He assembled everything on top of the duvet. He sat on his bed and removed his footwear. Sir Pious stood and walked over to the oval antique mirror. He traced over a plantation of battle scars on his chest. He knew his raised scars would condemn him to a life of solitude, never to feel the soft hands of a woman, never to embellish in the nectar of breasts so soft to the touch, and never to taste the offering of sweet lips.
“For such an accusation, considered you are now under my spell.”
Someone knocked on the door.
Sir Pious turned from his reflection in the mirror. He lifted a covering and slipped into the comforts of it.
“Please enter.”
The door was opened.
A butler carrying a silver serving tray entered.
“Sir your dinner is prepared.”
“Thank you.”
His butler walked to the window and sat the severing tray on a wooden table.
“Would that be all Sir Pious?”
“Yes.”
“Can I be frank sir?”
“Certainly.”
“Word has it you were involved in the apprehension, of a sorcerer.”
“The woman is not a sorcerer.”
“And you are quite sure of this sir.”
“Yes.”
“Very well sir.”
His butler bowed, turned, and walked out the room. He pulled the steel gray door close.
Sir Pious looked around his bedchambers. He closed his eyes to the memory of his captive’s body.
His duty to King Javiah permitted him from fraternizing with women of the Royal Court; does that hold merit for the woman whose presence he encountered.
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
Sir Pious walked in the direction of the outhouse.
CROMWELL CASTLE
King Javiah waited in his bedchambers for the Queens’ Ladies-in-waiting to redress the woman. He looked up at the, wall which held a portrait of his beloved. There was something about the stranger’s eyes, her voice, and her smell, which tugged at his heart.
There was a knock at the door.
“Enter.”
His High Steward opened the door and walked in. He bowed.
“Your Majesty, the message has been delivered to King Raphael.”
“Thank you.”
His High Steward bowed, turned, and exited the bedchamber.
He could not wait to see the look on the face of his mortal enemy, when he sees he has snared him in his own plan.
Sephora’s skin was Loofah in Myrrh, sweet cicely, roses, and goat’s milk. She stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror.
“The color of heather will bring out your eyes,” one of the seamstresses stated.
“You look quite fetching my’ lady,” another stated.
Sephora pivoted from side-to-side.
The lavender velvet gown was snug against her flat abdomen. The sagging neckline and bustling sleeves emphasized her slender neck. The corset nearly squeezed her diaphragm. She stood back. She had to give credit. She hardly recognized herself. Her dark-brown loose curls were coiffed, loose tendrils hung at her temples, and down her back.
“I think this would be perfect.”
A ten-caret teardrop amethyst necklace was clasped around her neck.
The Queens’ Ladies-in-Waiting stood back.
“You are truly beautiful my’ lady.”
“I must thank you all for the personal service.”
“It is our job; we were the traveling entourage for the queen that was until her unfortunate...”
“Blasphemes child, shut ya mouth.”
The youngest of the Queens’ Ladies-in-Waiting discounted talking. She held her head down in shame.
“You will remain here until you are escorted to the Dining Hall,” the woman of the bedchamber declared.
“Thank you everyone once again.”
“If there is anything that is needed my’ lady, please call.”
Everyone bowed and scooted backwards toward the door.
Sephora walked to the window. She had to get out of here.
The material of the dress felt heavy, and the corset cut off her circulation. She wanted to laugh at the Queens’ Ladies in Waiting after she refused to wear the leggings. Surprisingly, the court was noticeably quiet.
“It seems so surreal and very different than what is portrayed on television I see.”
Sephora cranked her neck after hearing the stampede of approaching horses. She wondered which one of the knights were Sir Pious.
Sir Pious dismounted his horse.
Sephora nearly mashed her face against the window to get a better view of the men walking toward the entrance of the castle.
Sir Pious entered Cromwell and walked the quiet hall. He entered the Great Hall. He was secretly hoping the king sent Sephora to the dungeon. He craved her presence, and he knew that could be his downfall, for treason against the king.
“Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious stopped and turned around.
“I have been given special instructions to ask you to join the king and the others in the King's Room.”
Sir Pious followed the butler into the King’s Room.
King Javiah looked up from a map he was reading.
“Thank goodness for you to have joined us.”
“Did I miss anything relevant to that map you’re studying?”
“Nothing that you and your knights could not handle.”
Sir Pious took his place at the Knight's Round Table.
“How could my men and I be of service Your Majesty?”
“I have sent word to King Raphael that he and I would sit down and discuss a possible alliance.”
The twelve-seated knights’ mouth dropped.
“Your Majesty, may I have permission to speak.”
“Certainly.”
“Is it safe to say, leading my cavalry on these nightly attacks and safeguarding the castle, are in vain.”
“No, however, the plan is to show the enemy what you have in one hand and strike him at his knees with the other.”
Everyone looked at one another.
“I will use this woman.”
“In what way,” Sir Pious spoke out.
“I would flaunt King Raphael’s own weapon in front of his eyes. My brother has forewarned me the woman is a spy.”
“Your Majesty let some of my men ask around to make sure this is to be true.”
“I have been given word by a reliable source this information is to be taken under consideration. I will be traveling to London at dawn, but tonight we feast, and then we plan to strike.”
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
“I will see everyone this evening. Sir Pious I need you to remain.”
Sir Pious nodded his head.
Eleven knights stood and marched to the door.
“All right my good friend. I have seen that face several times, speak freely.”
“I am not convinced Sephora is a witch.”
“And your opinion is based upon what misgivings.”
“I have no concrete answer at this moment.”
“I’m sure there will be logic in your sense of reasoning, after your belly is full.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Is the prisoner secured in the dungeon?”
“No, she is at the mercy of the… of my departed wife’s Ladies-In-Waiting.”
“Your Majesty, once we avenge the queen’s death, will you take another?”
“I have not given it much thought.”
“And the prisoner Your Majesty.”
“Will be my first choice, her eyes are the window to a questionable soul, I felt I’ve encountered somewhere in time. King Javiah palmed his goatee. “And she is very comely. Sir Pious, I, as you sense there is something questionable about her. I say King Raphael pulled his most defensive weapon out to secure my monarch, a woman, an incredibly beautiful woman, who has sorcery powers.”
“Who will most likely be beaten at her own game?”
“Yes, by my game, and by me?”
Both men laughed.
LONDON, ENGLAND
Highland Court
“King Raphael, I say the invitation to visit this court is a set-up.”
King Raphael palmed his cheeks.
“Yes, it could be. However, for King Javiah to venture out of his court to travel abroad, may be what is needed to execute my plan. Once he has stepped foot in Highland Court, then we place a spy in his. I say gentlemen; this execution of plan is working in a timely matter. Is there any indication that King Javiah will be traveling alone?”
“I have been given word King Javiah, will be traveling with his entourage.”
“Please have the finest linen and sheets prepared in case of overnight guests, and make sure, Drusilla is aware of the man she sees tonight, is the man who would be eating her soul out the palm of her hands.”
His knight bowed, turned, and walked out the Throne Room.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Cromwell Castle
Sephora looked at her reflection in the mirror.
“Much better.”
Sephora pivoted side-to-side. She looked down at the corset she removed; she opened a drawer and stuffed it inside. She pushed the drawer close.
Someone knocked on the door.
Sephora stepped back and turned toward the door.
“Please come in.”
King Javiah opened the door and entered. He closed the door back. He palmed the golden medallion at his neck and walked to where Sephora stood.
Sephora bowed.
“Your Majesty.”
She lifted her head.
King Javiah’s eyes penetrated hers.
Maxine, the man is too damn handsome, she thought. Her friend would have already been on her knees.
Sephora cleared her throat.
“I would like to know, is your accommodations satisfactory for the maiden?”
King Javiah stroked Sephora’s cheek.
“Yes.”
King Javiah stepped closer.
“I hope your presence would fit well within the walls of Cromwell Court.”
King Javiah leaned over and smelled Sephora’s neck. He scooted closer.
“There is something about you that I find reminiscent of another time.”
King Javiah kissed Sephora on her temple. His lips slowly traveled to her lips.
Sephora tilted her head.
King Javiah slowly kissed Sephora’s lips. She linked her arms around his neck. His lips deepened against hers. He squeezed her frame to his. He needs to know how far she would go to use her sorcery powers on him. Now that he had the answers, why weren’t his lips retreating. He inched his face back and looked down into her eyes.
“You smell good, and your lips taste inviting.”
King Javiah leaned down and kissed a breast nipple through her gown. He palmed one of her breasts and squeezed it. He will have to scorn his seamstress for not adding a corset to the witch’s dressing attire. He leaned down again and kissed the other breast nipple.
“Oh.”
He cupped her buttocks and suckled the nipple through her gown.
“Umm.”
‘I think it could be trickery, to plant a spy in the court. Be wary and vigilant.’
King Javiah inched back. He captured Sephora’s eyes. He traced over her lips. He leaned down and kissed them again. King Javiah stepped back.
Sephora traced over King Javiah’s goatee.
“If I must say, you are a very handsome king, Your Majesty.”
King Javiah smiled.
“I have come to escort you to dine. If you weld your sorcery powers, my knights have been trained to kill you on the spot.”
The comment took Sephora by surprise.
“I am no witch, or an enchanter.”
“Come.”
King Javiah held his arm out.
Sephora linked her arm around his.
Both walked to the door.
LONDON, ENGLAND
Highland Court
“King Raphael, I have been given word that King Javiah has incorporated the works of a sorcerer to defeat you, Your Majesty.”
King Raphael walked to the window and looked out. He placed his hands behind his back.
“And is this information authentic?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, Cardinal Webster has confirmed this.”
“I see King Javiah, has pulled his ace card to have me believe a sorcerer exists in this day and time. It’s nothing but a Jester, practicing hocus pocus.” King Raphael turned around. He rubbed his chin down. “Have this gentleman preformed any wondrous works.”
“Your Majesty, the sorcerer is a woman, and the word around court is, a very beautiful woman, who has immediate access to information foreign to the eyes, and hearsay to the ears.”
“A female, well this little bravado between King Javiah, and me, is getting extremely interested. What steps should be utilized, Your Majesty.”
King Raphael thought for a minute.
“I have an elaborate plan. Have my knights to meet me here in twenty minutes.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” Sir Armorld bowed, turned, and walked out the Privy Council Room.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Cromwell Castle
Sir Pious looked at the door. He heard footsteps echoing throughout the foyer.
A hush fell upon the Dining Hall. King Javiah’s twelve knights stood.
Sir Pious’ hands begin to sweat in anticipation.
King Javiah entered the Dining Hall, with Sephora on his arm.
The standing guests of importance in ranks; bowed his or her head in respect, as King Javiah progressed his steps.
Sir Pious looked at Sephora as the two passed his presence.
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
King Javiah escorted Sephora to the opposite end of the table; he pulled the chair out for her.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Sephora took a seat.
The feast laid out in front of her richly consisted of meats and fowl including brawn, beef, mutton, bacon, goose, veal, and lamb. Kid, hens, capons, and peacocks also were featured, as did cygnet, mallard, teal, woodcock, ousels, thrush, robins, cranes, bitterns, buzzards, and venison.
Sephora’s eyes traveled the length of the table.
Sir Pious looked forward; he refused to capture Sephora’s eyes.
King Javiah took a seat. Everyone around the table, sat.
Sephora’s eye fell upon Sir Pious. Her heart fluttered.
Do not turn your head. Sir Pious convinced himself. He pivoted and looked at Sephora as the king’s chief served her a slice of Venison.
Her full lips were very enticing. Her breasts, which spilled over the gown made him squirm in his seat.
“Venison, Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious looked up. He looked at Sephora, who at the moment returned the stare. Sir Pious waved his hand.
The king’s chef addressed the next person.
King Javiah looked the length of the table at his lovely dinner companion.
The woman was too beautiful to be a witch he thought.
Cardinal Webster stole a look at Sephora.
As soon as word gets to the holy church. He will make sure the Catholic Church hangs here for witchery and hearsay.
“Young lady what are your views on the doctrine of the Catholic Church.”
“I apologize Your Holiness, but I am a Baptist.”
The Cardinal’s eyebrows rose.
“Not a Catholic.”
“No sir.”
Sir Pious stole several looks at Sephora throughout her meal. He wanted to taste her lips. Her smile and enlighten talk around the king’s table had everyone waiting for her next word to be spoken.
The king laid his eating utensils aside, as did everyone else.
The house servants began removing the plates from off the table.
The king stood, and then his twelve knights stood.
King Javiah walked in the direction where Sephora sat. He leaned his hand out.
Sephora placed her hand in his and stood.
King Javiah escorted Sephora out the Dining Hall.
“Your Majesty, I need a word with you.”
King Javiah dropped Sephora’s hand and turned to face his Master of the Horse.
The Master of the Horse bowed.
“Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious stepped forward and bowed.
“Yes, your Majesty.”
“I will leave Sephora in your grace, until I return.”
Sir Pious hit his fist to his chest, and then bowed.
King Javiah turned and walked away.
“This way Sephora.”
Sir Pious walked several steps of Sephora.
The other knights fell in line behind him.
“Sir Pious, there is something questionable on the floor. Are you going to carry me?”
Sir Pious stopped and turned around. His eyes dropped to the floor.
“Carry on,” he hissed to the other knights.
The eleven knights continued to progress.
Sir Pious walked up to Sephora and lifted her up in his arms. He looked down at her lips.
Sephora wrapped her arms around Sir Pious’ neck and inched closer to him.
Sir Pious nuzzled her neck.
“You smell very good.”
“Thank you and you look very handsome in your knight attire. Oh, I think we passed the puddle back there.”
“Are you trying to cast a spell on me, Sephora?”
“If that was so, then I will have to do this.”
Sephora leaned in and slowly kissed Sir Pious on his lips.
Sir Pious squeezed Sephora tighter. His lips were clumsy against hers.
Sephora inched back.
“I see you have no practice in this.”
“I suppose your spell will teach me.”
“No, I will have the pleasure of that myself.”
Sir Pious stopped and looked at Sephora.
“You bewitch me Sephora.”
Sephora leaned in and whispered in his ear, “You have not seen anything yet.”
Sir Pious set Sephora in front of the arch of the Great Hall.
“Your spell does not work on me.” Sir Pious glanced down at Sephora’s lips. He looked around the entrance hall. His eyes fell on her. “I will not be taken in by a sorcerer,” he whispered.
Sephora reached up on her toes, and kissed Sir Pious on his lips. She planted her palms on his breastplate and kissed him under his chin. She inched her lips up to his.
Sir Pious closed his eyes, wrapped his arms around her waist, and heightened the kiss. He inched closer.
Sephora inched backwards and looked up into his eyes. She felt his erection through his leggings.
“You already are,” she whispered against his lips. She stepped back, lifted her gown, and walked into the Great Hall. She turned around and winked at Sir Pious.
Sir Pious watched Sephora mingle among the prime members of the Royal House. He would never cross the line to bed her. Therefore, why was his groin tingling in curiosity?
Someone palmed Sir Pious on his back.
“My good friend, you are not enjoying the festivities?”
Sir Pious turned around.
“Your Majesty…”
“I need to speak to you in private.”
Sir Pious bowed and lifted his eyes. He looked inside the entrance hall.
“What about the witch Your Majesty.”
“I have eleven other knights in attendance.”
King Javiah walked away. Sir Pious looked inside the Great Hall. His eyes found Sephora’s eyes. He bowed his head at her, turned, and walked away.
King Javiah and Sir Pious walked into the Throne Room.
“Sit.”
Sir Pious walked to a velvet settee and took a seat. King Javiah sat across from Sir Pious.
“How can I be of service Your Majesty?”
“I have been given word by some of my spies that King Raphael, is planning to raid my kingdom by dawn’s early light.”
“Your Majesty is the information accurate.”
“Yes.”
“We will have our defenders waiting for them Your Majesty.”
King Javiah palmed his cheeks.
“No, let it proceed.”
“We can meet them at Hilt’s Point there; we will use the sorcerer as bait.”
“Meaning.”
“We can pretend to let her go; therefore, if King Raphael values her as a spy, then he will retreat, or find other extreme measures to insight a battle.”
“Prepare the witch for the journey.”
“Yes sir.” Sir Pious stood and bowed. He turned and walked out the room.
HILT’S POINT
Dawn's Early Light
Sephora adjusted her derrière on the saddle pad. She pivoted to face Sir Pious.
“How could you and this kingdom believe I am a spy,” she whispered
“Quiet.”
King Javiah lifted the looking glass and looked through it. Things were too quiet. He tuned his hearing to the stampede of approaching horses.
“On my command.”
King Javiah's field of army and twelve knights stood in waiting.
King Raphael sitting upon his horse led his army to the forefront of the battlefield. He lifted his looking glass and looked through it again; he canvassed King Javiah’s army.
“It appears our presence has been met.”
The roar of King Javiah's army echoed their war cry.
King Javiah looked around.
“Bring me the spy.”
“Please don’t let them have me, please,” she whispered. “I am not a spy; I could help you.”
Sir Pious dismounted his horse. He pulled Sephora off his horse. He looked down into her eyes.
“I guess your weakening spell does not work in this lifetime.”
“Do not follow through with this. You will all regret this in the end.”
“Quiet.”
Sir Pious grabbed a hold of Sephora’s upper arm. He walked to the front of the battlefield. He squeezed their presence through the stream of horses. He paused in the middle of the battlefield and gently pushed Sephora down on the muddy grass.
Sephora landed on her knees.
“King Raphael, your whore,” King Javiah hollered. “You have less than five minutes to command your men to cease, if not, battle will ensue.”
King Raphael lifted his looking glass and looked through it. He looked at King Javiah’s army. He lowered the looking glass and palmed his goatee. He then readjusted his eye back on the looking glass. He lowered the looking glass and focused on the woman knelt on the grass.
Sir Armorld leaned over and whispered, “King Javiah is voluntary surrendering the sorcerer,” his knight mentioned. “It could be a trick.”
“Go fetch the sorcerer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Sir Armorld dismounted his horse.
Sir Pious arched his eyebrows.
The plan was not working, he thought by now King Raphael would turn around and retreat.
Sir Armorld drew his sword. Sir Pious drew his sword.
King Raphael looked on.
“We will meet on the battlefield again Sir Pious.”
“Yes, and make sure, you do not send a spy to do a man’s duty.”
Sir Armorld yanked Sephora to her feet. He placed her behind him.
Sir Pious found Sephora’s eyes.
Sir Armorld and Sephora slowly backed up.
Each step Sephora took, Sir Pious’ heart begin to beat faster.
Dammit, why would King Raphael relieve the duty of his spy?
Sir Pious took a step forward.
Sir Armorld’s hand went to the hilt of his sword.
“I will never forgive you Sir Pious in this lifetime, or the next for handing me over to the enemy, never.” Sephora spat at his feet.
Sir Armorld and Sephora made it back to his horse.
King Raphael dismounted his horse.
Sephora bowed her head, and then lifted her face.
King Raphael looked into the woman’s eyes.
God she was exquisite.
“I am not a witch or a sorcerer. My name is Sephora.”
She curtsied.
King Raphael could not see past the flawless skin tone complexion, full lips, and alluring eyes. He gently lifted Sephora up and settled her on his saddle pad.
Sir Pious looked on with jealousy.
Sir Raphael mounted his horse, turned around, and trotted off. His twelve knights fell behind him. His army of men slowly retreated the battlefield.
Sir Pious walked back to his horse.
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
“Some spells are worth it.”
“Is this what you really want?”
“Yes.”
Sir Pious mounted his horse.
The king’s plan did not work out as planned. Sephora should have returned to King Javiah’s kingdom.
Sir Pious’ horse fell alongside King Javiah’s horse.
“King Javiah; what is it, which lays up the road?”
King Javiah and Sir Pious stopped the progression of their horse.
The knights riding behind, stopped.
Sir Pious held his hand up.
One of the other knights jumped off his horse. He joined King Javiah and Sir Pious at their horses.
Sir Pious lifted his looking glass from out his saddle bag and looked through the eyepiece. He lowered it to make out a figure sprawled on the road. Sir Pious closed his looking glass and dropped it back inside his saddle bag.
“King Javiah, my men and I will handle this.”
King Javiah nodded his head. Sir Pious slid off his horse.
The remaining knights followed pursuit.
Twelve knights drew their swords.
Each one spread out, camouflaging their presence by the darkness of the forest.
Sir Pious slowly advanced forward. As he got closer. He heard the moans of what sounded like a woman.
Sir Pius looked back at the way he traveled.
The moans became clearer. He expelled a loud whistle.
The hidden knights slowly emerged from hiding.
“Someone is wincing in pain,” he whispered to one of the other knights.
“Sir Pious it could be a trap.”
“Then we will deal with it swiftly.”
All twelve knights lifted their sword and ran to face the enemy at hand.
“Help... please help me,” a soft voice stopped each man in their path.
“Speak, who call out to the night.”
“My travels bring me this way, and I fell off my horse, and injured my leg.”
Sir Pious slid his sword back into the scabbard and progressed forward. He dropped on one bent knee.
The woman slid back the hood of her black cloak. Light brown curls cuddled her face.
A pair of dark-brown eyes held a hint of apprehension.
“Could you move your leg lass?”
Drusilla tried to move her leg.
“Ouch,” she winched in pain.
Sir Pious scooped the woman up in his arms.
Drusilla wrapped her arms around Sir Pious’ neck and scooted her body closer to his.
Sir Pious returned to his horse. He positioned Drusilla on his saddled pad. He placed his foot in the stirrup and positioned his person behind her. Sir Pious grabbed ahold of the reins, and then clucked his horse.
Several knights followed him. King Javiah’s horse fell in place.
GROVELAND CASTLE
Sir Pious laid on his back staring at the ceiling. He linked his hands behind his head.
“I see you have no practice in this.”
“I suppose your spell will teach me.”
“No, I will have the pleasure of that myself.”
“You bewitch me Sephora.”
“You have not seen anything yet.”
“Your spell does not work on me. I will not be taken in by a sorcerer.”
“Come to me Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious sat up and reached for the lantern. He twisted the knob of the lantern and illuminated the room. He looked around.
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
He slicked his hand back through his hair.
“What if she was telling the truth?”
Maybe she did cast a spell on him, then that could only explain why he is now hearing voices.
“Sir Pious save me.”
Sir Pious jumped out the bed and reached down for his sword near his bed.
“Show your face witch.”
He looked around his bedchamber.
The sound of frogs croaking in the distance background was heard.
Sir Pious sat back on his bed. He repositioned his sword near his bed.
Copyright©SKC-2020
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND 1701
CROMWELL CASTLE
“Your Majesty, do you think the maiden speaks of the truth?”
“I have received word from my brother that King Raphael, is arranging to have a spy planted within my monarch.”
“Your Majesty, may I be given permission to speak freely?”
King Javiah nodded his head.
“This maiden is different, something about her puzzles me.”
“You are my highest knight. I take that as a form of weakness. Should I entrust my monarch, and the security of my throne to another?”
“Your Majesty, you appointed me a knight to hold the best interest of your kingdom, which I have. Therefore, I take it you could explain this.”
Sir Pious dug into the front of his leggings. He pulled out a brochure from the African American Historical and Cultural Museum.
He handed King Javiah the brochure.
King Javiah opened the three-page leaflet and read it. He walked around his Throne Room. He looked up every now and then and glanced over at his knight. He closed it.
“This is the plot of King Raphael, riddles to seize control of my monarch.” King Javiah glanced down at the brochure once again, he flipped it over. “Wait, this document is dated in the future.”
“I was wondering Your Majesty when you would see the point. I say, the woman, is hiding something.”
“Other than being a witch. Please bring her to my bedchambers.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Sir Pious bowed, turned, and walked out the Throne Room.
Sephora rubbed her arms down. The dreary room she was detained in, was crappy, and cool. She walked to the window and looked out.
“So much for this king lying in my bed.”
The castle was nestled on acres of greenery. A moat surrounded the entire boarder. She saw several knights galloping toward the drawbridge. She wondered what the knight’s name who brought her to this castle.
Sephora heard raised voices in the corridor; she turned toward the door and ran over to it.
Someone inserted a key into the lock.
Sephora hid behind the door; she did not want to be burned at a stake at the permission of the Archdiocese for the accusation of practicing witchery.
Sir Pious turned the doorknob and pushed the heavy steel door open. He adjusted his vision to the dimly lit room.
Sir Pious looked around. His hand dropped to the hilt of his sword. The fragrance he associated with the foreigner welcomed his nostrils.
Sephora tiptoed around the door. Her waist was immediately pulled against the muscular frame of a hard body.
“If you try that again, you will not live to tell another.”
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
Sir Pious, against his better judgment squeezed Sephora’s tighter.
The softness of her body aroused him.
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
“Some spells are worth it,” he whispered in her ear.
“Please unhand me.”
“Is this what you really want?”
Oh, his breath against her skin gave her Goosebumps.
“Yes.”
Sir Pious’ hands briefly toured Sephora’s skin.
“Does the witch powers prove worthy against man.”
His hands explored her breasts. He smelled her neck and squeezed her petite frame.
“For such an accusation, considered you are now under my spell.”
Sephora inched back. Her back rested against his metal breastplate.
“Your Majesty has summoned you.”
I’m fine right here.
Sir Pious dropped his hands and retreated a step.
Sephora turned around and lifted her eyes.
She appreciated the manliness erected in front of her. He was very tall. His sinewy stature was powerful to an observant eye. His breastplate shielded her eyes from fully exploring farther.
“What is your name?”
“Sir Pious, Your Majesty’s most trusted and humble servant.” He bowed and lifted his head. “Does the maiden have a name?”
“My name is Sephora.”
“Sephora.”
He had an inviting smile to match a widen mouth, and a set of straight teeth.
“Yes.”
“Come Sephora, Your Majesty awaits.”
“Can I...”
He gripped her upper arm.
I guess the introduction period is over she thought
Sir Pious ushered Sephora out the room in the tower. He loosened his grip once they walked down the corridor.
Sephora was escorted down several winding concrete stairwells.
Sir Pious grabbed a hold of Sephora’s hand, before she stepped into a puddle of water.
Two knights stood outside the door of the king’s bedchamber.
Sir Pious released Sephora’s hand.
“King Javiah is expected of me.”
One of the knights hit his balled fist against his breastplate. He turned and opened the door.
King Javiah and his Holiness, the Cardinal was in a conversation.
Both men stood.
Cardinal Webster turned his head from the sight of Sephora’s partial nudity.
“Your Majesty, the.” Sir Pious looked at Sephora. She smiled. “The witch, as you requested.” He bowed his head; he looked over at the confusion in Sephora’s eyes.
Sir Pious turned and slowly walked to the door. He exited the king’s bedchamber and pulled the door close.
King Javiah walked over to where Sephora stood. Without his crown, and minus his royal attire, the man was too damn handsome. She liked the way his goatee circled his mouth. His walnut-brown skin tone complexion was well nourished.
Sephora’s eyes melted in the pit of his dark-brown deep-set eyes.
“What purpose has brought you to my kingdom?”
“I came about your kingdom by accident. I am not a spy, nor am I a witch. I am a schoolteacher. I know this may sound far-fetched, but I was at a museum, and your mannequin was on display. I landed on your lap, I hit my head, and when I awaken, I was in 1701.”
King Javiah lifted a strand of Sephora’s hair and placed it behind her shoulder.
“How did you come to know about me, and what is this rubbish about my kingdom’s demise.”
“It will happen.”
“And by whose hands. Is it the England army?”
“Betrayal by the indirect hands of a woman.”
King Javiah stepped back. He walked over to where the Cardinal stood.
“Maybe we can use her to return the favor to King Raphael.”
“I do not understand Your Majesty.”
“I will allow King Raphael to believe, his spy has infiltrated my kingdom. I will feed her false information. Once that misleading information has been returned. King Raphael, will not know who is responsible for overthrowing his government.”
“Is that what your head has led you to believe?”
“Yes, I see no other way. This is an excellent opportunity.”
“In no certain terms can you be convinced a peace treaty and an alliance in parliament would benefit.”
“I will not raise the taxes of my people or incite a revolt against my kingdom for such an occurrence.”
Cardinal Webster looked over at Sephora, and then back at King Javiah. He bowed his head at the progression of the king’s plan.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Groveland Castle
Sir Pious removed his attire. He assembled everything on top of the duvet. He sat on his bed and removed his footwear. Sir Pious stood and walked over to the oval antique mirror. He traced over a plantation of battle scars on his chest. He knew his raised scars would condemn him to a life of solitude, never to feel the soft hands of a woman, never to embellish in the nectar of breasts so soft to the touch, and never to taste the offering of sweet lips.
“For such an accusation, considered you are now under my spell.”
Someone knocked on the door.
Sir Pious turned from his reflection in the mirror. He lifted a covering and slipped into the comforts of it.
“Please enter.”
The door was opened.
A butler carrying a silver serving tray entered.
“Sir your dinner is prepared.”
“Thank you.”
His butler walked to the window and sat the severing tray on a wooden table.
“Would that be all Sir Pious?”
“Yes.”
“Can I be frank sir?”
“Certainly.”
“Word has it you were involved in the apprehension, of a sorcerer.”
“The woman is not a sorcerer.”
“And you are quite sure of this sir.”
“Yes.”
“Very well sir.”
His butler bowed, turned, and walked out the room. He pulled the steel gray door close.
Sir Pious looked around his bedchambers. He closed his eyes to the memory of his captive’s body.
His duty to King Javiah permitted him from fraternizing with women of the Royal Court; does that hold merit for the woman whose presence he encountered.
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
Sir Pious walked in the direction of the outhouse.
CROMWELL CASTLE
King Javiah waited in his bedchambers for the Queens’ Ladies-in-waiting to redress the woman. He looked up at the, wall which held a portrait of his beloved. There was something about the stranger’s eyes, her voice, and her smell, which tugged at his heart.
There was a knock at the door.
“Enter.”
His High Steward opened the door and walked in. He bowed.
“Your Majesty, the message has been delivered to King Raphael.”
“Thank you.”
His High Steward bowed, turned, and exited the bedchamber.
He could not wait to see the look on the face of his mortal enemy, when he sees he has snared him in his own plan.
Sephora’s skin was Loofah in Myrrh, sweet cicely, roses, and goat’s milk. She stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling mirror.
“The color of heather will bring out your eyes,” one of the seamstresses stated.
“You look quite fetching my’ lady,” another stated.
Sephora pivoted from side-to-side.
The lavender velvet gown was snug against her flat abdomen. The sagging neckline and bustling sleeves emphasized her slender neck. The corset nearly squeezed her diaphragm. She stood back. She had to give credit. She hardly recognized herself. Her dark-brown loose curls were coiffed, loose tendrils hung at her temples, and down her back.
“I think this would be perfect.”
A ten-caret teardrop amethyst necklace was clasped around her neck.
The Queens’ Ladies-in-Waiting stood back.
“You are truly beautiful my’ lady.”
“I must thank you all for the personal service.”
“It is our job; we were the traveling entourage for the queen that was until her unfortunate...”
“Blasphemes child, shut ya mouth.”
The youngest of the Queens’ Ladies-in-Waiting discounted talking. She held her head down in shame.
“You will remain here until you are escorted to the Dining Hall,” the woman of the bedchamber declared.
“Thank you everyone once again.”
“If there is anything that is needed my’ lady, please call.”
Everyone bowed and scooted backwards toward the door.
Sephora walked to the window. She had to get out of here.
The material of the dress felt heavy, and the corset cut off her circulation. She wanted to laugh at the Queens’ Ladies in Waiting after she refused to wear the leggings. Surprisingly, the court was noticeably quiet.
“It seems so surreal and very different than what is portrayed on television I see.”
Sephora cranked her neck after hearing the stampede of approaching horses. She wondered which one of the knights were Sir Pious.
Sir Pious dismounted his horse.
Sephora nearly mashed her face against the window to get a better view of the men walking toward the entrance of the castle.
Sir Pious entered Cromwell and walked the quiet hall. He entered the Great Hall. He was secretly hoping the king sent Sephora to the dungeon. He craved her presence, and he knew that could be his downfall, for treason against the king.
“Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious stopped and turned around.
“I have been given special instructions to ask you to join the king and the others in the King's Room.”
Sir Pious followed the butler into the King’s Room.
King Javiah looked up from a map he was reading.
“Thank goodness for you to have joined us.”
“Did I miss anything relevant to that map you’re studying?”
“Nothing that you and your knights could not handle.”
Sir Pious took his place at the Knight's Round Table.
“How could my men and I be of service Your Majesty?”
“I have sent word to King Raphael that he and I would sit down and discuss a possible alliance.”
The twelve-seated knights’ mouth dropped.
“Your Majesty, may I have permission to speak.”
“Certainly.”
“Is it safe to say, leading my cavalry on these nightly attacks and safeguarding the castle, are in vain.”
“No, however, the plan is to show the enemy what you have in one hand and strike him at his knees with the other.”
Everyone looked at one another.
“I will use this woman.”
“In what way,” Sir Pious spoke out.
“I would flaunt King Raphael’s own weapon in front of his eyes. My brother has forewarned me the woman is a spy.”
“Your Majesty let some of my men ask around to make sure this is to be true.”
“I have been given word by a reliable source this information is to be taken under consideration. I will be traveling to London at dawn, but tonight we feast, and then we plan to strike.”
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
“I will see everyone this evening. Sir Pious I need you to remain.”
Sir Pious nodded his head.
Eleven knights stood and marched to the door.
“All right my good friend. I have seen that face several times, speak freely.”
“I am not convinced Sephora is a witch.”
“And your opinion is based upon what misgivings.”
“I have no concrete answer at this moment.”
“I’m sure there will be logic in your sense of reasoning, after your belly is full.”
“Indeed, Your Majesty. Is the prisoner secured in the dungeon?”
“No, she is at the mercy of the… of my departed wife’s Ladies-In-Waiting.”
“Your Majesty, once we avenge the queen’s death, will you take another?”
“I have not given it much thought.”
“And the prisoner Your Majesty.”
“Will be my first choice, her eyes are the window to a questionable soul, I felt I’ve encountered somewhere in time. King Javiah palmed his goatee. “And she is very comely. Sir Pious, I, as you sense there is something questionable about her. I say King Raphael pulled his most defensive weapon out to secure my monarch, a woman, an incredibly beautiful woman, who has sorcery powers.”
“Who will most likely be beaten at her own game?”
“Yes, by my game, and by me?”
Both men laughed.
LONDON, ENGLAND
Highland Court
“King Raphael, I say the invitation to visit this court is a set-up.”
King Raphael palmed his cheeks.
“Yes, it could be. However, for King Javiah to venture out of his court to travel abroad, may be what is needed to execute my plan. Once he has stepped foot in Highland Court, then we place a spy in his. I say gentlemen; this execution of plan is working in a timely matter. Is there any indication that King Javiah will be traveling alone?”
“I have been given word King Javiah, will be traveling with his entourage.”
“Please have the finest linen and sheets prepared in case of overnight guests, and make sure, Drusilla is aware of the man she sees tonight, is the man who would be eating her soul out the palm of her hands.”
His knight bowed, turned, and walked out the Throne Room.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Cromwell Castle
Sephora looked at her reflection in the mirror.
“Much better.”
Sephora pivoted side-to-side. She looked down at the corset she removed; she opened a drawer and stuffed it inside. She pushed the drawer close.
Someone knocked on the door.
Sephora stepped back and turned toward the door.
“Please come in.”
King Javiah opened the door and entered. He closed the door back. He palmed the golden medallion at his neck and walked to where Sephora stood.
Sephora bowed.
“Your Majesty.”
She lifted her head.
King Javiah’s eyes penetrated hers.
Maxine, the man is too damn handsome, she thought. Her friend would have already been on her knees.
Sephora cleared her throat.
“I would like to know, is your accommodations satisfactory for the maiden?”
King Javiah stroked Sephora’s cheek.
“Yes.”
King Javiah stepped closer.
“I hope your presence would fit well within the walls of Cromwell Court.”
King Javiah leaned over and smelled Sephora’s neck. He scooted closer.
“There is something about you that I find reminiscent of another time.”
King Javiah kissed Sephora on her temple. His lips slowly traveled to her lips.
Sephora tilted her head.
King Javiah slowly kissed Sephora’s lips. She linked her arms around his neck. His lips deepened against hers. He squeezed her frame to his. He needs to know how far she would go to use her sorcery powers on him. Now that he had the answers, why weren’t his lips retreating. He inched his face back and looked down into her eyes.
“You smell good, and your lips taste inviting.”
King Javiah leaned down and kissed a breast nipple through her gown. He palmed one of her breasts and squeezed it. He will have to scorn his seamstress for not adding a corset to the witch’s dressing attire. He leaned down again and kissed the other breast nipple.
“Oh.”
He cupped her buttocks and suckled the nipple through her gown.
“Umm.”
‘I think it could be trickery, to plant a spy in the court. Be wary and vigilant.’
King Javiah inched back. He captured Sephora’s eyes. He traced over her lips. He leaned down and kissed them again. King Javiah stepped back.
Sephora traced over King Javiah’s goatee.
“If I must say, you are a very handsome king, Your Majesty.”
King Javiah smiled.
“I have come to escort you to dine. If you weld your sorcery powers, my knights have been trained to kill you on the spot.”
The comment took Sephora by surprise.
“I am no witch, or an enchanter.”
“Come.”
King Javiah held his arm out.
Sephora linked her arm around his.
Both walked to the door.
LONDON, ENGLAND
Highland Court
“King Raphael, I have been given word that King Javiah has incorporated the works of a sorcerer to defeat you, Your Majesty.”
King Raphael walked to the window and looked out. He placed his hands behind his back.
“And is this information authentic?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, Cardinal Webster has confirmed this.”
“I see King Javiah, has pulled his ace card to have me believe a sorcerer exists in this day and time. It’s nothing but a Jester, practicing hocus pocus.” King Raphael turned around. He rubbed his chin down. “Have this gentleman preformed any wondrous works.”
“Your Majesty, the sorcerer is a woman, and the word around court is, a very beautiful woman, who has immediate access to information foreign to the eyes, and hearsay to the ears.”
“A female, well this little bravado between King Javiah, and me, is getting extremely interested. What steps should be utilized, Your Majesty.”
King Raphael thought for a minute.
“I have an elaborate plan. Have my knights to meet me here in twenty minutes.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” Sir Armorld bowed, turned, and walked out the Privy Council Room.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Cromwell Castle
Sir Pious looked at the door. He heard footsteps echoing throughout the foyer.
A hush fell upon the Dining Hall. King Javiah’s twelve knights stood.
Sir Pious’ hands begin to sweat in anticipation.
King Javiah entered the Dining Hall, with Sephora on his arm.
The standing guests of importance in ranks; bowed his or her head in respect, as King Javiah progressed his steps.
Sir Pious looked at Sephora as the two passed his presence.
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
King Javiah escorted Sephora to the opposite end of the table; he pulled the chair out for her.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Sephora took a seat.
The feast laid out in front of her richly consisted of meats and fowl including brawn, beef, mutton, bacon, goose, veal, and lamb. Kid, hens, capons, and peacocks also were featured, as did cygnet, mallard, teal, woodcock, ousels, thrush, robins, cranes, bitterns, buzzards, and venison.
Sephora’s eyes traveled the length of the table.
Sir Pious looked forward; he refused to capture Sephora’s eyes.
King Javiah took a seat. Everyone around the table, sat.
Sephora’s eye fell upon Sir Pious. Her heart fluttered.
Do not turn your head. Sir Pious convinced himself. He pivoted and looked at Sephora as the king’s chief served her a slice of Venison.
Her full lips were very enticing. Her breasts, which spilled over the gown made him squirm in his seat.
“Venison, Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious looked up. He looked at Sephora, who at the moment returned the stare. Sir Pious waved his hand.
The king’s chef addressed the next person.
King Javiah looked the length of the table at his lovely dinner companion.
The woman was too beautiful to be a witch he thought.
Cardinal Webster stole a look at Sephora.
As soon as word gets to the holy church. He will make sure the Catholic Church hangs here for witchery and hearsay.
“Young lady what are your views on the doctrine of the Catholic Church.”
“I apologize Your Holiness, but I am a Baptist.”
The Cardinal’s eyebrows rose.
“Not a Catholic.”
“No sir.”
Sir Pious stole several looks at Sephora throughout her meal. He wanted to taste her lips. Her smile and enlighten talk around the king’s table had everyone waiting for her next word to be spoken.
The king laid his eating utensils aside, as did everyone else.
The house servants began removing the plates from off the table.
The king stood, and then his twelve knights stood.
King Javiah walked in the direction where Sephora sat. He leaned his hand out.
Sephora placed her hand in his and stood.
King Javiah escorted Sephora out the Dining Hall.
“Your Majesty, I need a word with you.”
King Javiah dropped Sephora’s hand and turned to face his Master of the Horse.
The Master of the Horse bowed.
“Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious stepped forward and bowed.
“Yes, your Majesty.”
“I will leave Sephora in your grace, until I return.”
Sir Pious hit his fist to his chest, and then bowed.
King Javiah turned and walked away.
“This way Sephora.”
Sir Pious walked several steps of Sephora.
The other knights fell in line behind him.
“Sir Pious, there is something questionable on the floor. Are you going to carry me?”
Sir Pious stopped and turned around. His eyes dropped to the floor.
“Carry on,” he hissed to the other knights.
The eleven knights continued to progress.
Sir Pious walked up to Sephora and lifted her up in his arms. He looked down at her lips.
Sephora wrapped her arms around Sir Pious’ neck and inched closer to him.
Sir Pious nuzzled her neck.
“You smell very good.”
“Thank you and you look very handsome in your knight attire. Oh, I think we passed the puddle back there.”
“Are you trying to cast a spell on me, Sephora?”
“If that was so, then I will have to do this.”
Sephora leaned in and slowly kissed Sir Pious on his lips.
Sir Pious squeezed Sephora tighter. His lips were clumsy against hers.
Sephora inched back.
“I see you have no practice in this.”
“I suppose your spell will teach me.”
“No, I will have the pleasure of that myself.”
Sir Pious stopped and looked at Sephora.
“You bewitch me Sephora.”
Sephora leaned in and whispered in his ear, “You have not seen anything yet.”
Sir Pious set Sephora in front of the arch of the Great Hall.
“Your spell does not work on me.” Sir Pious glanced down at Sephora’s lips. He looked around the entrance hall. His eyes fell on her. “I will not be taken in by a sorcerer,” he whispered.
Sephora reached up on her toes, and kissed Sir Pious on his lips. She planted her palms on his breastplate and kissed him under his chin. She inched her lips up to his.
Sir Pious closed his eyes, wrapped his arms around her waist, and heightened the kiss. He inched closer.
Sephora inched backwards and looked up into his eyes. She felt his erection through his leggings.
“You already are,” she whispered against his lips. She stepped back, lifted her gown, and walked into the Great Hall. She turned around and winked at Sir Pious.
Sir Pious watched Sephora mingle among the prime members of the Royal House. He would never cross the line to bed her. Therefore, why was his groin tingling in curiosity?
Someone palmed Sir Pious on his back.
“My good friend, you are not enjoying the festivities?”
Sir Pious turned around.
“Your Majesty…”
“I need to speak to you in private.”
Sir Pious bowed and lifted his eyes. He looked inside the entrance hall.
“What about the witch Your Majesty.”
“I have eleven other knights in attendance.”
King Javiah walked away. Sir Pious looked inside the Great Hall. His eyes found Sephora’s eyes. He bowed his head at her, turned, and walked away.
King Javiah and Sir Pious walked into the Throne Room.
“Sit.”
Sir Pious walked to a velvet settee and took a seat. King Javiah sat across from Sir Pious.
“How can I be of service Your Majesty?”
“I have been given word by some of my spies that King Raphael, is planning to raid my kingdom by dawn’s early light.”
“Your Majesty is the information accurate.”
“Yes.”
“We will have our defenders waiting for them Your Majesty.”
King Javiah palmed his cheeks.
“No, let it proceed.”
“We can meet them at Hilt’s Point there; we will use the sorcerer as bait.”
“Meaning.”
“We can pretend to let her go; therefore, if King Raphael values her as a spy, then he will retreat, or find other extreme measures to insight a battle.”
“Prepare the witch for the journey.”
“Yes sir.” Sir Pious stood and bowed. He turned and walked out the room.
HILT’S POINT
Dawn's Early Light
Sephora adjusted her derrière on the saddle pad. She pivoted to face Sir Pious.
“How could you and this kingdom believe I am a spy,” she whispered
“Quiet.”
King Javiah lifted the looking glass and looked through it. Things were too quiet. He tuned his hearing to the stampede of approaching horses.
“On my command.”
King Javiah's field of army and twelve knights stood in waiting.
King Raphael sitting upon his horse led his army to the forefront of the battlefield. He lifted his looking glass and looked through it again; he canvassed King Javiah’s army.
“It appears our presence has been met.”
The roar of King Javiah's army echoed their war cry.
King Javiah looked around.
“Bring me the spy.”
“Please don’t let them have me, please,” she whispered. “I am not a spy; I could help you.”
Sir Pious dismounted his horse. He pulled Sephora off his horse. He looked down into her eyes.
“I guess your weakening spell does not work in this lifetime.”
“Do not follow through with this. You will all regret this in the end.”
“Quiet.”
Sir Pious grabbed a hold of Sephora’s upper arm. He walked to the front of the battlefield. He squeezed their presence through the stream of horses. He paused in the middle of the battlefield and gently pushed Sephora down on the muddy grass.
Sephora landed on her knees.
“King Raphael, your whore,” King Javiah hollered. “You have less than five minutes to command your men to cease, if not, battle will ensue.”
King Raphael lifted his looking glass and looked through it. He looked at King Javiah’s army. He lowered the looking glass and palmed his goatee. He then readjusted his eye back on the looking glass. He lowered the looking glass and focused on the woman knelt on the grass.
Sir Armorld leaned over and whispered, “King Javiah is voluntary surrendering the sorcerer,” his knight mentioned. “It could be a trick.”
“Go fetch the sorcerer.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Sir Armorld dismounted his horse.
Sir Pious arched his eyebrows.
The plan was not working, he thought by now King Raphael would turn around and retreat.
Sir Armorld drew his sword. Sir Pious drew his sword.
King Raphael looked on.
“We will meet on the battlefield again Sir Pious.”
“Yes, and make sure, you do not send a spy to do a man’s duty.”
Sir Armorld yanked Sephora to her feet. He placed her behind him.
Sir Pious found Sephora’s eyes.
Sir Armorld and Sephora slowly backed up.
Each step Sephora took, Sir Pious’ heart begin to beat faster.
Dammit, why would King Raphael relieve the duty of his spy?
Sir Pious took a step forward.
Sir Armorld’s hand went to the hilt of his sword.
“I will never forgive you Sir Pious in this lifetime, or the next for handing me over to the enemy, never.” Sephora spat at his feet.
Sir Armorld and Sephora made it back to his horse.
King Raphael dismounted his horse.
Sephora bowed her head, and then lifted her face.
King Raphael looked into the woman’s eyes.
God she was exquisite.
“I am not a witch or a sorcerer. My name is Sephora.”
She curtsied.
King Raphael could not see past the flawless skin tone complexion, full lips, and alluring eyes. He gently lifted Sephora up and settled her on his saddle pad.
Sir Pious looked on with jealousy.
Sir Raphael mounted his horse, turned around, and trotted off. His twelve knights fell behind him. His army of men slowly retreated the battlefield.
Sir Pious walked back to his horse.
“I do not want to die, I can assure you I’m not a witch, and please let me go.”
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
“Some spells are worth it.”
“Is this what you really want?”
“Yes.”
Sir Pious mounted his horse.
The king’s plan did not work out as planned. Sephora should have returned to King Javiah’s kingdom.
Sir Pious’ horse fell alongside King Javiah’s horse.
“King Javiah; what is it, which lays up the road?”
King Javiah and Sir Pious stopped the progression of their horse.
The knights riding behind, stopped.
Sir Pious held his hand up.
One of the other knights jumped off his horse. He joined King Javiah and Sir Pious at their horses.
Sir Pious lifted his looking glass from out his saddle bag and looked through the eyepiece. He lowered it to make out a figure sprawled on the road. Sir Pious closed his looking glass and dropped it back inside his saddle bag.
“King Javiah, my men and I will handle this.”
King Javiah nodded his head. Sir Pious slid off his horse.
The remaining knights followed pursuit.
Twelve knights drew their swords.
Each one spread out, camouflaging their presence by the darkness of the forest.
Sir Pious slowly advanced forward. As he got closer. He heard the moans of what sounded like a woman.
Sir Pius looked back at the way he traveled.
The moans became clearer. He expelled a loud whistle.
The hidden knights slowly emerged from hiding.
“Someone is wincing in pain,” he whispered to one of the other knights.
“Sir Pious it could be a trap.”
“Then we will deal with it swiftly.”
All twelve knights lifted their sword and ran to face the enemy at hand.
“Help... please help me,” a soft voice stopped each man in their path.
“Speak, who call out to the night.”
“My travels bring me this way, and I fell off my horse, and injured my leg.”
Sir Pious slid his sword back into the scabbard and progressed forward. He dropped on one bent knee.
The woman slid back the hood of her black cloak. Light brown curls cuddled her face.
A pair of dark-brown eyes held a hint of apprehension.
“Could you move your leg lass?”
Drusilla tried to move her leg.
“Ouch,” she winched in pain.
Sir Pious scooped the woman up in his arms.
Drusilla wrapped her arms around Sir Pious’ neck and scooted her body closer to his.
Sir Pious returned to his horse. He positioned Drusilla on his saddled pad. He placed his foot in the stirrup and positioned his person behind her. Sir Pious grabbed ahold of the reins, and then clucked his horse.
Several knights followed him. King Javiah’s horse fell in place.
GROVELAND CASTLE
Sir Pious laid on his back staring at the ceiling. He linked his hands behind his head.
“I see you have no practice in this.”
“I suppose your spell will teach me.”
“No, I will have the pleasure of that myself.”
“You bewitch me Sephora.”
“You have not seen anything yet.”
“Your spell does not work on me. I will not be taken in by a sorcerer.”
“Come to me Sir Pious.”
Sir Pious sat up and reached for the lantern. He twisted the knob of the lantern and illuminated the room. He looked around.
“If you do not unhand me, I…I will cast a spell on you, and this entire kingdom.”
He slicked his hand back through his hair.
“What if she was telling the truth?”
Maybe she did cast a spell on him, then that could only explain why he is now hearing voices.
“Sir Pious save me.”
Sir Pious jumped out the bed and reached down for his sword near his bed.
“Show your face witch.”
He looked around his bedchamber.
The sound of frogs croaking in the distance background was heard.
Sir Pious sat back on his bed. He repositioned his sword near his bed.
Copyright©SKC-2020
Published 3rd May 2020
| Edited 4th May 2020
Author's Note
This is a chapter from one of my many published novels. I will be adding a chapter as fitting to celebrate life in general.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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4th May 2020 1:54am
4th May 2020 4:55am
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