His Secret Slave to Scandalous Queen

Richard sighed. "Not ready to give up my freedom just yet."

"You do not have to give up your freedom," Henry said. "You just have to be free more secretly."

Richard burst out laughing. "I’m sure you are right. Because in my case, I am not so sure love is ever going to find me."

"I thought the same too, brother," Henry said quietly. "I thought the same."

*****

When Baroness Cresswell opened the door and found the King of England standing there, her eyes widened so dramatically Henry feared, for one wild second, they might actually fall out of her head.

Behind her, the girls were screaming. They were quarrelling about something. The baroness went pale.

"Your Highness!" she gasped, dropping into a curtsy as quickly as her heavily pregnant body would allow. "We had no idea you would be coming."

"My apologies, Baroness," Henry said, trying very hard not to smile. "I was nearby."

"Girls!" the baroness snapped over her shoulder.

The screaming continued.

"Girls!"

Nothing. Henry pressed his lips together. The baroness turned back with an apologetic smile that looked ready to collapse, then spun toward her daughters with the authority of a woman who had created too many children and regretted none of them except during waking hours.

"His Highness is here!"

Silence fell instantly. It was magical. Four girls appeared in the hall. Hair crooked, ribbons loose, cheeks flushed, but suddenly perfect. They lined themselves up in order of height, smoothed their skirts, lowered their eyes, and became the very picture of grace.

Henry smiled at them.

"Your Highness," they chorused, curtsying.

"Ladies," Henry replied.

One of them giggled. The baroness looked as if she might faint from shame. Henry’s smile softened as he watched them. The noise, the warmth, the chaos, the mother trying to keep order and failing with love all around her—what he wouldn’t give to have a home such as this.

He swallowed and returned his attention to the baroness. "I came to see Lady Bella."

"Of course! Of course." The baroness stepped aside immediately. "Please, come in, Your Highness." She told the eldest girl to go and fetch Lady Bella, then escorted the king to the drawing room.

Henry followed, pretending not to notice the chaos trailing behind them. The younger girls followed at a distance, whispering loudly. The baroness closed her eyes briefly. Henry bit back a smile. "I was of the opinion you had a housekeeper to help you with the children," he began, as they entered the drawing room.

The baroness gave a weary laugh. "We have had several, Your Highness. Most quit after a month."

"That bad?"

"My lord, I have six daughters, another child trying to kick its way out of me, a husband still praying God will suddenly remember how to make boys." She flushed slightly. "Forgive me."

"No, please continue. This is far more entertaining than council."

She smiled. "It is hard to find a housekeeper capable of handling a household as big as ours. My mother has been tremendously helpful, and Lady Bella...She is quite great with her nieces. They have taken a liking to her."

"So she is doing well now, I presume."

"Slowly but surely," the baroness said.

"Your Highness," Lady Bella said. She stood at the entrance in a simple dark gown, her hair neatly pinned, her face no longer lifeless. "You’re here."

Henry smiled gently. "Yes. I was in the neighbourhood. How are you?"

"I am better, my lord. My nieces give me enough grief." She gestured toward the girls.

"Du thé, monsieur?" the eldest girl, Anne, asked. She stood very straight, hands folded before her, face bright trying to impress a king and not die of excitement in the process.

The pronunciation was not perfect. The thé came out slightly too hard but the courage was admirable.

Henry turned to her. "Oui, je voudrais bien du thé, s’il vous plaît."

Anne’s entire face lit up. She looked as if the king had just handed her a duchy. "Yes, Your Highness!" she gasped, then remembered she was supposed to be elegant and curtsied quickly.

The baroness closed her eyes briefly, praying for patience. Anne hurried away.

Henry glanced at the baroness, amused. "Impressive. They are learning French."

"Oh, it was their father’s idea," the baroness said. "With the new alliance coming, he wanted them to be able to socialise if they ever find themselves near the French court."

"Ambitious."

"He is a father of daughters, Your Highness. Ambition is all he has left after calculating dowries. Their tutor only started yesterday, and that is all I have been able to hear since then. French for tea. French for coffee. French for bread."

"I’m glad the baron is thinking ahead," Henry said.

Bella shifted slightly. "I would like to learn also, Your Highness. I have been thinking about it. It is quite the fun language."

A knowing smile touched his mouth. "You don’t have to be coy with me, Bella. You want to know when the princess says something unflattering about you in French."

Bella smiled gracefully, suddenly shy at being caught. Anne returned with the tray of tea then, carrying it with both hands.

"Careful," the baroness warned.

Anne reached the table and placed the tray down, only rattling the cups a little. "Here, Your Highness."

Henry accepted the service. "Thank you, Lady Anne."

Anne glowed.

Henry lifted the cup, then paused. "You know, sire can also be used to address the king in French."

Anne’s eyes widened. "I did not know that, sire."

Henry smiled. "It is quite alright. You have only had a day of lessons, and you are doing remarkably well. Tell your teacher I said so."

"I will, your highness."

The baroness gave Henry a grateful smile. "You have made her entire month."

Bella watched the exchange with warmth. Henry was good with children. He always had been, she realised. Even with Thomas, for the short time they had all been allowed him.

The memory hurt.

"If you would, Your Highness," Bella said, drawing herself back to the room, "I would like her to tutor me too when I return to the palace."