Thread: A new king and his queen (Closed)

Gwyn liked her life at the convent. Loved it even. She was isolated from court, away from the life of her mother. Her father, the now dead king, had married her mother, his second wife, for the sole means of procurring a wife from a foreign country to open up trade. The fact that she had been born was only a testament to the fact of her father's virility. She had been an accident and a daughter. What good was she to the empire except to be married off to some foreign dignitary. She had procurred her father for a life of chastity as she had been brought up in the convent after her mother's death when she had been three. Instead of growing up knowing courtly gossip and being sought after by lords and princes, she had grown up tending gardens, learning to dance, how to read and write, mathematics, science, languages. SHe could speak English, French, German, Gaelic, Italian and Portugese. All fluently. She was mindful of herbs, and knew how to cook and run a household and though she was a novice nun, she desperately wished to recite her vows and become a bride of Christ.Unfortunately, her father had died before he could respond to her request. Now her fate laid in the hand of one of her half brothers. Men she had never truly known. After all, she had been only three when she had come to the convent. Wearing a simple wool gown, her blonde hair braided in a simple plait, she was on hand and knee, digging up root vegetables. She was not like most princesses. her hands bore callouses, and she was not about the latest fashions and mindless gossip. She was practical and smart. Much more clever than the average seventeen year old lass. As she tended to the garden, she heard the distinct sound of horses and turned her head towared the front gate, seeing a whole procession of horses and knights. And then she saw the family crest of her father. Meaning whichever brother had ascended the throne had sent for her. Her heart sank and she quickly finished with her chore and got up from her place on the ground, running the basket to the kitchen before watching as a man entered the abbess' quarters. Biting her bottom lip, she slowly approached the door to the abess' quarters, listening in. ...has told me to retrieve his sister. The matter to be discussed with her highness on the way back to the palace. A private matter, the man was saying in a gruff tone. She frowned. what could be so important that she had to return? And why couldn't the man tell her abbess? But then, the abbess was hardly of noble blood. And she was not part of the nobles class and so she might not be privy to information. I see, the abbess said, her voice sounding grave. Princess Gwyndolyn was wishing to take her vows to the church...Is that a possibility? she asked. Gwyn bit her bottom lip and heard the man shift and clear her throat. Nay...she will not be returning to the convent, he said. Frowning, Gwyn burst through the door and saw the gray haired soldier turn to look at her. She frowned. I'm going to the palace to marry aren't I? she demanded. The man gave a curt nod. She closed her eyes. Who? she asked. A prince, or some Lord's son? she aksed softly. Not wanting to marry at all. This was absurd. Why did she have to marry anyone at all? That information will be explained on the road back to the palace. Men have already gathered your things. Say your goodbyes. By the king's orders, you will return home immediately, he said simply. Gwyn stiffened and then gave a diplomatic nod before turning to the abbess. She gave her a hug, being really only close to the woman who had raised her like a mother. She gave a kiss to her cheek, promising to return and then slowly turned, walking to the group of horses and then entering the carriage put aside for her. After sinking down on the seat, she closed her blue eyes and held in any emotional tears that pricked her eyes, the watched as a man entered the coach and it started to move. She said nothing at first, and instead watched him. He looked uncomfortable and she only meant to make it worse. What is it that the King wants? Who am I marrying? she asked. Well, the man said. You will be marrying the king...your half brother King Roger... As a young woman that thought herself strong of mind, she fainted when she heard the news. ----- The following evening, after being dolled up in a gown that she had never thought of wearing, as it was cinched to tight to her slender waist and the cut was such that it showed off the cleavage of her breasts. Instead of gray or black, it was a beautiful blue with white lacing and ribbons. Aye it was pretty. And her hair was coiled and coiffed in the latest style with a silver circlet laying on her brow with a sapphire glinting in the middle that matched her eyes. Led to a chamber, she walked inside, seeing her brother. The man who also wanted to marry her and held her tongue till after the introductions and the servant left. Once alone, she glared. I am not marrying you. You are my brother. Cousins may marry cousins but I will not degrade myself and marry you. Despite having a different mother, the same man fathered us and I'm not going to share a bed or a marriage with you...King or not, I refuse your suit, she said plainly, arms crossed, looking as regal as any queen or princess despite the fact that she had not been brought up as a normal royal.