Meeting in the Secret Garden

“Welcome, my dearest Jake," I greeted him with a warm smile as he entered the room.
"My heart was aching with the thought of not being able to see you."
"My love, nothing could keep me away from your side," he replied, his eyes filled with adoration.

"How are you, my dear Katherine?" he inquired, concern drawn on his face.
"I feel as though my back has been set ablaze," I replied, wincing in pain.
"My apologies, my dear”.

“I was not informed of the situation in time to protect you," He expressed my regret.
"Please, do not blame yourself.”
“There was nothing you could have done," I reassured him.
"I would have gladly taken your place if it meant keeping you safe," he declared.

"However, it is not safe to speak here.”
“Do you know of a more secure location?" he asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
"I discovered a secret garden today, hidden from the view of the castle.”
“ It is accessible through the tunnels," I revealed.
"Lead the way," he instructed, eager to explore this hidden gem.

We walked through the tunnels. I noticed the need for a thorough cleaning.

"I really should have this area tidied up," I chuckled.

After a short while, we arrived at a dead end. I quickly located the hidden switch, and the passageway opened up to reveal a breathtaking moonlit garden.

"In all my years as a guard, I never knew of this garden's existence," he marveled.
"Jacob informed me that it was a royal secret," I explained, my eyes sparkling with excitement.

Together, we basked in the beauty of the garden, reveling in the luxury of our secret hideaway.

"I am elated that you have discovered a venue befitting of our rendezvous.”
“Pray tell, what tidings have you gleaned regarding the peace treaty?”
“Vivian had forewarned me of your dissent.”
“What of Jacob's actions?"

"Jacob has taken it upon himself to secure a matrimonial contract for your progeny, yet unborn.”
“His intentions are for one of your offspring to be betrothed to the king's son.”
“This is the customary practice amongst the nobility."

"I shall not permit him to barter our child for his own gain.”
“I am resolute in my stance."
"I empathize with your distress, my love.”
“I vow to safeguard your offspring from this cruel fate."

Jake's tender embrace enveloped me, and a solitary tear trickled down my cheek.

"What ails you, my dear?"
"I cannot bear the thought of bearing his child, nor can I bear the thought of losing you."
"You shall never lose me, my love.”

“Perhaps it would be prudent for Jacob to seek a mistress.”
“I suspect Vivian may already hold that position."
"Mayhap he shall leave me be and devote his time to her."

He bestowed upon me a tender and delicate kiss, a gesture that sent waves of pleasure coursing through my being. In response, I reciprocated his affectionate gesture, our lips dancing in perfect harmony.

With an irresistible magnetism, he drew me closer to him, his touch enveloping me in a cocoon of warmth and desire. My hand became entangled in the luscious strands of his hair. I reveled in the exquisite sensation of his curls cascading through my fingers, a tactile symphony that ignited a fire within me.

In that enchanting moment, time seemed to stand still, as if the universe itself conspired to grant us an eternal embrace. His lips, like a whisper of silk, ventured from my mouth to my neck, eliciting a contented sigh from the depths of my soul.

Sensing my pleasure, he sought my consent, his voice dripping with tenderness, "My dearest, does this please you?"
Overwhelmed by the intensity of my desire, I responded fervently, "It is more than pleasing, my love.”
“I yearn for nothing else."

Ever the epitome of chivalry, he expressed his concern for my comfort, his words a testament to his unwavering devotion.

"I would never wish to cause you any discomfort, my darling," he confessed, his voice brimming with sincerity.

In that moment, I longed for nothing more than to escape to a secluded haven, where we could revel in each other's presence, wrapped in a tender embrace.

"How I wish we could find solace in a sanctuary, where we could cuddle and bask in our love," I whispered longingly, my heart aching for such intimacy.

We sought respite on a nearby bench. He enfolded me in his strong and protective arms, creating a sanctuary of his own. Resting my head upon his broad shoulder, I surrendered to the blissful tranquility that washed over me, the rhythmic beating of his heart lulling me into a state of serenity.

It was then that a fleeting memory of a nearby shed crossed my mind, a hidden treasure trove that could potentially offer us comfort and luxury.

With a sense of adventure, I proposed the idea, my voice filled with anticipation, "Shall we explore the confines of that shed, my love?”
“Perhaps we shall discover pillows and blankets, transforming it into our own private sanctuary."

Eager to please, Jake rose from his seat and ventured into the shed.

He discovered a selection of cushions and a pair of exquisite blankets. With utmost care, he unfurled one of the blankets upon the ground, creating a comfortable resting place. Tenderly, he lifted me up and gently settled me upon the soft fabric. I reclined upon my side, while he mirrored my position, his head finding solace upon my bosom.

"Jake, may I pose a query?" I inquired.
"Katherine, you may inquire about anything your heart desires," he responded.
"Shall we endeavor to escape once more?" I asked.
"I am confident that an opportune moment shall present itself for our liberation," he assured me.

I endeavored to resist the embrace of slumber, determined to remain alert.

"Katherine, you need not worry.” “I shall stand guard while you find respite," he reassured me.

Nestling into his arms, I found solace in his warm embrace, feeling an overwhelming sense of security envelop me. Despite the searing discomfort emanating from my back, I endeavored to disregard it.

Sleep beckoned. Jake subtly shifted his weight, allowing me to rest my head upon a plush pillow. Succumbing to the allure of slumber, I drifted into a peaceful sleep.

In the midst of an enchanting evening, the regal carriage gracefully arrived at the charming village inn. With utmost gallantry, Jacob assisted Vivian in alighting from the carriage, their presence commanding attention.

The innkeeper, adorned in his finest attire, eagerly awaited their arrival at the entrance.

"Your Majesty, it is an immense honor to have you gracing our humble inn."
"Might I entice you with a delectable dinner?"
"Nay, we seek naught but the most exquisite chamber for this eve," Jacob responded.

The innkeeper, fully aware of the significance of their request, promptly guided them towards the upper floor. Ascending the staircase, he halted at the pinnacle, presenting a room of utmost grandeur.

"Would this chamber befit Your Majesty's discerning taste?" he inquired.
"This abode shall suffice splendidly; we desire utmost seclusion," Jacob declared.
"Indeed, Your Majesty," the innkeeper acknowledged, bowing respectfully.

Jacob swiftly closed the door, ensuring their privacy.

"Jacob, do you truly believe that Jake and Katherine shall remain oblivious to our clandestine affair?" Vivian questioned.
"Even if they were to stumble upon our secret, what power do they possess?" Jacob reassured.
"Now, my lord, how may I bestow pleasure upon you?" Vivian inquired.
"Silence your words and disrobe," Jacob commanded, his tone commanding obedience.

Without hesitation, Vivian shed her garments, revealing her exquisite form. Jacob, too, divested himself of his attire, his desire palpable.

With a firm grasp upon Vivian's hips, Jacob guided her onto the bed, their passion igniting. He possessed her with an intensity that left her breathless, their bodies entwined in a dance of ecstasy. Vivian succumbed to slumber in his embrace, Jacob's thoughts wandered to Katherine and their unborn child.

The golden rays of the sun gracefully ascended into the sky, casting a luminous glow upon the world, my beloved Jake gently roused me from my slumber.

"Dearest, it is time for us to retreat to our chambers.”
"We mustn't allow anyone to discover our clandestine escapade."

With haste, we gathered the pillows and blanket that had adorned our secret hideaway, carefully returning them to their rightful place within the confines of the shed. Swiftly, we traversed the labyrinthine tunnels, guided by my unwavering knowledge of their intricate paths. Leading Jake to the sanctuary of his chamber, our lips met in a tender kiss, a silent reassurance of our unbreakable bond.

"Will you be safe, my love?" he inquired.
"Fear not, Jake," I replied.

He disappeared into the sanctuary of his quarters. I gracefully made my way back to the my chambers. Upon entering, I was met with the startled gaze of Macy.

"My lady, you are pushing the boundaries of time this morning," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mixture of worry and reproach.
"Forgive me, dear Macy, for I succumbed to the embrace of slumber," I replied.
"How fares the precious life within you?" she inquired.
"For now, the babe rests peacefully," I assured her.

Sensing my weariness, Macy offered her assistance in drawing a bath, a gesture that I graciously accepted. She meticulously prepared the bath. I gracefully shed my garments, allowing the luxurious fabric to cascade to the floor.

Her skilled hands gently caressed my hair. I luxuriated in the embrace of the steaming water, its warmth enveloping me like a cocoon of serenity.

With haste, I adorned myself in my finest attire as Macy tended to my locks with the utmost care. Once I was fully prepared, I descended the grand staircase to the dining hall. To my surprise, Jacob was already seated at the table.

"Jacob, I had not anticipated your presence until the noon hour," I exclaimed.
"I decided to return early," he replied, his scent of Vivian's exquisite perfume lingering in the air as he greeted me with a kiss.
"Won't you join me for breakfast?" he invited.

I gracefully took my seat at the table and inquired about his evening.

"It was restful, thank you," he responded.

The remainder of our meal was consumed in silence until the sudden sound of the warning bell startled us both.