The Escape Plan

We strolled past Vivian and Jake’s chamber, their voices carrying through the lavish corridors.

“It appears that trouble has already found its way into this paradise," Jacob remarked.
"Well, one can hardly expect marital bliss when a spouse is whisked away the day after the grand wedding," I replied.
“Pardon me, what did you just say?"
"Nothing of importance, my lord," I quickly responded.
"Indeed, that is precisely what I thought," he retorted.

Without uttering another word, we continued our journey towards our own chambers.

"Prepare yourself for slumber," he commanded upon entering our room.
"Yes, my lord," came the obedient response, as I felt a sense of relief wash over me, finally liberated from the weight of my extravagant gown.

I delicately removed my makeup, allowing my face to breathe freely. Gazing upon the crown that adorned my head, a surge of frustration coursed through me, tempting me to hurl it against the ornate walls.
However, I composed myself and returned it to its rightful place within its exquisite case, proceeding to elegantly braid my hair.

I reentered the bedchamber. I caught sight of Jacob reclining on the bed, clad only in his undergarments. Sensing my gaze upon him, he flashed a charming smile. I averted my eyes, attempting to conceal my emotions.

"Do not feel embarrassed, my dear.”
“ It is perfectly acceptable for a woman to admire her husband," he reassured me confidently.
"I assure you, I was not admiring you.”
“I was simply lost in my own thoughts."
"Of course, my love.”
“Whatever you say," he responded.

Unexpectedly, Jacob appeared behind me, his presence sending shivers down my spine. With a swift movement, he spun me around, and our eyes locked. In an instant, he pulled me closer, and our lips were frustratingly close. His kiss was gentle at first, but soon his hands were entwined in my hair, and we found ourselves on the bed. The weight of his body pressed against mine, and I could feel his desire growing with each passing moment. His lips moved from my neck to my chest, and the heat of his body against mine was almost unbearable.

"My lord?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
"Yes, my sweet," he replied, his voice deep and seductive.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say.

"What do you plan to do?"

A sly smile crossed his lips.

"Make love to my beautiful queen, of course."

A sudden fear crept into my mind.

"Is that safe for the baby?"

Jacob's eyes softened, and he reassured me with a gentle touch.

"As long as I go softly, the baby will be fine."

Before I could say anything, he began to pull down my panties, and I felt a surge of panic. I wanted to push him away, but I lacked the strength. My wrist was still broken, and he outweighed me by a hundred pounds or more. Once he had me ensnared within his grasp, he effortlessly restrained my delicate arms above my head with a single hand. With unwavering confidence, he divested himself of his undergarments and, without a moment's hesitation, seamlessly penetrated my sacred sanctuary.

Although his approach lacked the brutality of previous encounters, an acute pang of discomfort coursed through my being. I dared not defy his desires, for doing so would only nourish his insatiable ego. Such is the essence of a devoted and dutiful wife, he mused. My anxiety grew as he abruptly shifted my supine form onto its side.

"My lord," I whispered, my voice trembling with trepidation.
"Hush," he commanded, his tone laced with a tantalizing air of secrecy.
"You are on the precipice of a delightful surprise."

He withdrew from within me. An unexpected sense of unease washed over me, failing to provide the anticipated relief.

"The physician assured us that during this early stage of pregnancy, such acts would not harm our unborn child," he declared, his words laden with a twisted sense of reassurance.

Without warning, he compelled me to assume a position on all fours, my hands and knees bearing the weight of his dominance. I winched in pain. The weight on my wrist was unbearable. He pressed my face into the plush confines of the pillow, he resumed his fervent thrusts, intensifying in tempo with each passing moment. The culmination of our union resulted in a cascade of his essence, trickling down my trembling limb as he withdrew.

"Now, attend to your cleansing," he commanded, his voice leaving no room for dissent.

With a sense of urgency, I rose from the bed and hastened towards the sanctuary of the lavatory. I swiftly prepared a lavish bath, adorned with fragrant oils and rose petals, and immersed myself in its soothing embrace. Reluctant to part ways with such indulgence, I leisurely adorned myself in the softest nightgown. Exiting the lavatory, I beheld him, reclining upon the bed, his eyes serenely shut. I nestled beside him. He enveloped me in his tender embrace, planting a gentle kiss upon the nape of my neck.

"You are truly an exceptional wife," he murmured, his voice dripping with admiration.
"It appears that you have finally grasped the essence of our union."

With a heavy heart, he extinguished the lights, and as he succumbed to slumber.

Meanwhile, Jake lay beside Vivian who was sound asleep. He acquiesced to her wishes, yet deep within, a profound sense of desolation gnawed at his soul. His thoughts were consumed by Katherine, and he harbored no resentment towards Jacob for taking Vivian along on his journey. For when he eventually escaped with Katherine, he had no intention of bringing Vivian with them. Dawn was the designated hour of their departure, as Vivian had informed him. However, he cunningly devised a plan to delay their escape until the following day, ensuring that no one would be alerted in time.

The ensuing morning greeted me with solitude, and a wave of relief washed over me as I recalled Jacob's absence for the entire month. I rose from my bed, disregarding the throbbing pain that coursed through my body. With a sense of urgency, I hastened to adorn myself in my least constricting attire. Once I was fully attired, I made my way to Jake's quarters. Without hesitation, I knocked on the door, noting the absence of any guards in the vicinity. Jake welcomed me with open arms, and I embraced him passionately, heedless of his scant attire.

"My apologies, my love.”
“I have fulfilled her request," Jake spoke softly.
"It is of no consequence, my dear Jake.”
“The same goes for Jacob," I replied.

"Wait, so you mean to tell me that the scoundrel took advantage of you even while you were with child?" Jake inquired.
"Yes, he did," I replied, my voice heavy with emotion.
"Although he was more gentle this time, it still caused me immense pain."
"That is of no importance," I continued, kissing Jake once more.

In response, Jake lifted me up in his arms and carried me to his bedchamber. He laid me down gently, and I shyly requested that he hold me. Without hesitation, Jake wrapped his arms around me, holding me with such tenderness that I felt as though I might shatter at his touch. While he kissed me, I ran my fingers through his dark curls, gazing into his warm, honey-colored eyes.

"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you," Jake replied, kissing me once more.

Our moment of bliss was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"What shall we do?" I asked, my heart racing.
"Fear not, my love.”
“I shall handle this," Jake reassured me

He rose from his seat with a graceful poise, delicately closing the door behind him to shield my presence from prying eyes.

His voice, a mere whisper, inquired, "Who seeks entrance?"

Alas, the identity of the visitor eluded my ears, their words carried away by the wind. The creaking of the door, however, brought solace to my anxious heart, for it signified their departure.

Then, like a gentle breeze, Macy's voice floated into the room, inquiring, "Has the queen arrived?" "Indeed, she has taken refuge in the boudoir," came the swift response.

Without a moment's hesitation, Macy glided into the chamber, her presence a welcome relief.

"Katherine, you startled me," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine concern.
"I should have known this would be your sanctuary in the king's absence."
"Fear not, dear Macy, for I am unharmed," I reassured her.

Though she was a year my junior, Macy understood the trials of pregnancy all too well. It was the reason she had already been promised in matrimony, though the nuptials had yet to take place. Tragically, she had lost her child during childbirth a year prior, prompting her to postpone the union until she reached the appropriate age.

"I am well, dear Macy, but your concern warms my heart.”

Upon learning of his nocturnal escapades, an immediate concern for your well-being consumed my thoughts.

“Alas Jacob denied me the privilege of setting eyes upon your countenance.”
"Did you acquiesce?" she inquired.
"Indeed, I played along, yet it was imperative for him to perceive me as a trustworthy confidant during his absence," I replied.
"Your courage knows no bounds," she praised.

"Pray, what is your plan of escape?"
"Our plan, my dear, is to abscond under the cloak of darkness tomorrow at the break of dawn," Jake revealed.
"I shall infiltrate Katherine’s chamber through the clandestine tunnels," he disclosed.
"They lead directly into the depths of the forest."
"I am acquainted with a charming cottage nestled amidst the mountains, ensconced within a serene clearing in the heart of the woodland," Jake shared.

"It sounds idyllic," I exclaimed.
"I shall pack the queen's belongings with utmost care," Macy assured.
"Will you not accompany us?" I inquired.
"No, I cannot abandon my betrothed in such a manner," she replied.
"Perhaps he could join us," I suggested.
"Alas, he would not comprehend," Macy lamented.

"Moreover, I am unfamiliar with the path to this mountainous abode concealed within the woods."
"I shall dispatch the physician to accompany you, providing assistance during your delicate condition," she proposed.
"Is he an ally?" I questioned.
"Ever since he encountered you and witnessed your circumstances, he has pledged his allegiance," she confirmed.

"I shall make the necessary preparations for your arduous journey," she declared.
"Considering your delicate state, a carriage shall be arranged for your transportation, as it would be unwise to subject you to the rigors of equestrian travel."
"I am grateful for your unwavering support, Macy," I expressed my gratitude.

"When news of my absence reaches their ears, undoubtedly they shall seek solace in your presence," I voiced your concern.
"Fear not, Ms. Katherine, I shall remain resolute and divulge naught," she assured.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"You have been more than a mere maid; you have been a true friend."
"Worry not, miss, for our paths shall cross once more," she reassured.
"I shall leave you to your private deliberations," Macy concluded, gracefully exiting.

"Pray, do pardon the interruption, my dear," I whispered, drawing him closer to me.
"We were, I believe, indulging in a moment of pure bliss."

His lips met mine in a slow, tantalizing kiss, and I returned it with equal fervor. He held me close, but with a gentle touch, and spoke softly.

"My love, as much as it pains me to say this, you must return to your chambers now.”
“The guards will be here soon, and this is the first place they will search."

With one final kiss, he opened the door and peered cautiously into the hallway.

"Until tonight, my beloved," he murmured, before slipping away into the shadows.

I crept back to my chambers, my heart still racing from our stolen moment. Just as I settled in, there came a knock at my door.

"Your majesty, your breakfast awaits," a voice called out.
"I shall be down shortly," I replied, but the voice persisted.
"Nay, Your Majesty, I have been instructed to escort you myself."

I opened the door to find a new guard, handsome but timid, standing before me.

"Pray tell, how long have you been in service here?" I inquired.
"Only a week, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I beg your pardon, but I have been instructed not to speak to you, only to escort you."

So we walked in silence, the weight of the morning's events heavy on my heart. I was taken aback by the sight of Jacob's esteemed parents gracing the table, a rarity as they seldom dined with us.

"Behold, my esteemed daughter-in-law," exclaimed his mother.
"Pray tell, how do you fare?”
“How fares the precious babe within?"
"I am in good health, I thank you kindly," I replied.
"Has the physician divulged any insights regarding the child's gender?" inquired his mother, her tone filled with anticipation.
"Alas, madam, it is too premature to ascertain," I responded.

Settling down to partake in the meal, a sudden wave of queasiness washed over me.

"Pardon me for a moment," I pleaded, my urgency palpable.

Swiftly, I dashed out of the dining hall, making a beeline for my private quarters and the sanctuary of the lavatory. Reaching the sink, I succumbed to the inevitable, expelling the contents of my stomach.

“This confirms my suspicions," I murmured to myself, my voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination.

After cleansing my mouth, I composed myself and returned to the grandeur of the dining hall.

"Dear, are you well?" exclaimed his mother, concern etched on her face.
"I am quite fine, Your Majesty, just a touch of morning sickness," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"So you are with child!”
“This is wonderful news," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"I cannot wait to share this news with Jacob," she replied, a smile spreading across her face.
"Are you in need of sustenance, dear?" she inquired.
"I was not, but I knew it was necessary," I replied yes.

After our meal, we parted ways, his parents retiring to their winter palace to grant us privacy. This meant that I could slip away unnoticed, and for the remainder of the day, I would have the palace to myself. I decided to rest, as I was feeling quite dizzy. As I awoke in the midafternoon, I found myself enveloped in my love's strong embrace.

"Jake, what are you doing here?" I asked, surprised by his presence.
"I heard of your condition at breakfast and I simply had to check on you, my love," he replied, his voice filled with concern.
"How did you gain entry to my chambers?" I inquired, curious as to how he had managed to find me.
"Behind the wardrobe lies a secret passage, my dear.”
“I told you of it before," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Yes.”
“ I recall now," I replied, a smile playing at the corners of my lips.

"Are there such passages in your chambers as well?" I asked, my eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Since I am the head guard, I am privy to such secrets, but the prince remains unaware."

"How are you feeling, my love?" he asked.
"To be honest, I am feeling quite dizzy," I replied, my hand resting on my stomach.
"My dearest, I am not angry with you.”
“ I understand that you are carrying Jacob's child," he replied, his voice filled with understanding.
"Thank you for your understanding, my love.”
“ We shall take this one day at a time," I replied, my heart swelling with joy.