Thread: Taking Back the Knight (Camp and Devilla-Roche)

Roland slept. He truly slept. There was a dream or two in which dark creatures unseen pursued him, but each time he was whisked away in soft strong arms. After seven hours he awoke, only to realize he'd been caught by the enemy and bound head and foot and....wait...that wasn't it. His eyes opened to the early predawn light streaming in through the glassed window. Only his face felt the early chill, for the rest of him had Charlotte as his blanket. In a rush, it all came back, the betrayal, the loss of his parents, and the gaining of one who loved him. He tried to move to hug her and realized that he was entirely pinioned. She had perfectly covered him so that her weight would not mash him, but that he was completely immobile. He realized then that he had not been to the bathroom in some time and his kidneys had been working overtime, processing the delicious milk with which he'd been fed. Chawotte...hewwo. His mouth was smothered under her and he could not even yell. He tried ot wiggle, but to no avail. As he started to hyperventilate, he forced himself to relax. He was a knight and knights did not panic. So he wiggled his head until he could turn it and gain a slight gap. Darling Charlotte, keeper of all I hold dear, would you please awaken and let me venture forth to the toilet? I'd really prefer not to pee your bed. He paused to listen and it hit him. Just what was Charlotte to him. Oh, he loved her touches, trusted her and such. He'd rather be with her than any other, and her body was his idea of perfection. But what was their relationship? Technically he was her lord and master, and she beneath him...of course at the moment, he was definitely beneath her! But how did he feel about her...it was a conflict. She was his willing servant, and yet...he respected her...now he truly needed her. But for what? He tried to imagine his life without her and it was grey and bleak. To sleep apart form her...wait...sleep? He had slept! She had broken the curse! He HAD slept! His eyes looked up at her and he considered...if he lost her...a horrible ache in his heart began and he wanted to hide...suddenly he had to look back on feelings he had denied himself for years. He loved her. But he had a duty to take care of his people. Could he we her knowing that he would probably lose the Barony? his decision was lightning, yes...he could. Charlotte...my love. Please wake up. I love you. I want you. May I be permitted to court you? I want to give you time to know who you are dealing with.... a man scarred inside and out, imperious, sometimes foolhardy, but loyal to a fault. Perhaps someday I will earn the right to ask you to wed, but until then, please court me. Birds had begun to sing outside and his squire, Jon, came in. He looked around curiously for Roland, and lit a few candles, then when he turned his mouth dropped and he blushed. He'd never seen his cousin in such a state of undress...and atop...oh my. Purpling further, he averted his eyes and went over to them. Charlotte, Cookie is making hotcakes and wonders how many you'll have. The manor and surrounding buildings began to awaken to a new day...one better than they'd seen in a long time. Roland had to wait until Jon left. Charlotte, please! If you care for me at all, let me up, it's starting to ache.