Thread: The King's Bride. (Cr0ssy994 x LingeringDesire)

When Harick awoke the first thing he felt was the warmth coming from the woman who lay next to him. Endolynn, his Queen. At some point in his sleep he had wrapped her up in his arms, cradling her gently. He adjusted and slipped from the bed as gently as he could without waking her. He took a moment to look at her, with a few rays of sunlight creeping over her sleeping form. He noticed the tear stains on her cheek, realising how he had treated her. He felt a pang of guilt as he moved away and dressed in a dark red doublet, black trousers and sturdy boots. He belted his sword once again to his waist. Before leaving he stopped at a small desk, dipping a simple quill into a pot of ink to write a quick a note, which read Endolynn, My dear Wife and Queen, I must apologise for my cold nature when we first met. There is no excuse for how I treated you and would like to make amends. I will send a maid to tend to you and help you to get settled. Then, come midday, I would very much like it if you were to meet me in the throne room, so that we may eat lunch together and become more acquainted. Harick Left the letter at the, leaving it on the small table beside the bed, giving Endolynn a kiss on her forehead before leaving the room.The morning was rather dull as he went about his daily duties, hearing petitions and signing whatever documents required his attention. All the while he did so with at least a half smile on his face. His thoughts were turned towards Endolynn. He had yet to sit down and speak with her, but he felt like they would get along just fine. The servants and castle staff noticed the change in his personality, and began to whisper and talk of him, and the effect of his wife. Then the afternoon drew closer, along with the days excitement. Several towns and villages in the mountains to the East had grouped together in a protest to the King. They wished to separate from the kingdom of Cyrene, and had chosen a leader who had come to the castle to talk with the King and negotiate terms. He was a tall man, who stood before the throne delivering his terms, but not as muscular as Harick. He had dark hair and wore simple, thick clothes, lined with animal furs. How would you protect yourself? The king asked, cutting him off suddenly. The kings mood had changed drastically over the course of the negotiating. He had returned to his cold, calculating mood, to the mindset of a tyrant. You would be a small backwater country, with no army or means of protection. I would not risk my army for a group of traitors. Harick growled, his voice a fierce snarl as he stood and approached the man, who looked anxious. No, I reject your terms, you and your people will remain a part of Cyrene, under my protection, for which you pay for with my takes. The leader of the eastern people opened his mouth to protest, but Haricks hand was already on his sword and slashing brutally, separating the mans head from his body. Go back home. Harick bellowed to the men and women who had accompanied their leader, and now stood cowering before the king. Tell your people that they remain a part of Cyrene, and over my dead body will it ever change. The king sheathed his sword as his subjects fled and the body was dragged away, stopping when his eyes found Endolynn, stood at one of the doors to his throne room.