Chapter Five

After her bath the maids dressed her in the most beautiful white dress that she had ever seen. It had lace sleeves that went to her finger tips. The skirt was so full that it nearly stood on its own. The jewels across the bust sparkled brilliantly in the sun and the silk was softer than any animals fur. It was a dress to be envied by all other queens and nobles. And she felt regal in it.

Her long raven hair was was curled and pinned to the side and out of her face. And a diamond and amethyst tiara was placed on her head. She looked in the mirror and smiled as she realized she look exactly like her mother, the only difference was their eyes. "You look absolutely stunning, my lady." The maid smiled at her.

"Thank you... I can't really breathe."

"Good! That means the corset is on right." She smiled. "When Sir Allyn sees you..." The maid stopped speaking at the sight of Adryanna's lips twisting into a frown. "What's wrong my lady?"

"It saddens me...Allyn is the man I love... But Christof will be by side today..."

"Don't worry, princess. These things have a tendency to work themselves out."

The music began to play as the double doors swung open. Seated on either side of the throne room was every noble in the kingdom and their families. Knights and and the royal guard lined the walls. Her mother sat atop the throne, with her two proud uncles standing at her sides, all of them smiling at her. Allyn stepped in behind her in his place as her retainer. "You look so beautiful in that dress it will be a shame to pull it off of you." Her face turned red as a tomato as she looked back at him briefly but knew that all eyes were on her so she couldn't say anything back.

Slowly she began walking down the isle with her eyes locked on her mother. She walked to the steps up to the throne and then kneeled on a silk pillow. Allyn moved slightly to the side but kept his eyes locked on her. The Bishop stood up and began to speak. "Princess Adryanna Violet Amell of Morea today is the day when you are to take on the role that your father and mother assigned to you at birth. You are to become the next queen of Morea and the newest hope for the people...." Adryanna was so nervous she began to tune out the words the Bishop was saying. She could fell the eyes of every person in the room burning her back.

She tried to keep breathing normally but she was so nervous she could hardly catch her breathe she then heard a small whisper. "I believe in you, Adryanna" hearing Allyn's comforting words relaxed her immediately and her breathing returned to normal.

"Princess Adryanna Violet Amell of Morea do you swear to serve the people and protect Morea with every means at your disposal and to never use your magic against a citizen of Morea from this day until your last?"

"I solemnly swear to put Morea and her people above all else."

"Very well." The bishop spoke with a great smiled. "Please stand."

Adryanna stood and the bishop placed a heavy Violet cape over her shoulders. Next her tiara was replaced with a heavy amethyst and diamond crown that had been worn by every ruler before her. A scepter was placed in her left hand and the royal crest in her right. She was then turned to face the crowd. "Presenting the 100th Queen of Morea, Adryanna Violet Amell. Long live the queen!!"

The crowd then joined in chanting, "Long live the queen! Long live the queen!"

Adryanna then walked back down the isle still holding the scepter and crest for all to see. After the double doors were closed she handed the objects to a priest and then turned to face Allyn who had followed her out. "I'm so glad that's over." She chuckled.

"You did a great job." He smiled at her.

"I'd like to go to my room until the ball." Allyn nodded at her and followed close behind.

Once they entered her room and the door was closed Allyn stepped closer to her and kissed her. "You look so beautiful." She smiled at him.

"You're so cruel." She smiled.

"How so, my queen?"

"Do you not recall what you said to me before we entered the throne room?"

"Of course." He smiled as he picked her up and carried her over to the bed. "I just wanted to see if you remembered." He then laid her on the bed and climbed on top of her. He tried to kiss her but her skirt was making it difficult to reach her. "This has to go." She blushed wildly as he began untying her underskirt. He continued to remove her clothing throwing each piece to the floor until she was bare. He smiled wildly at her. "You looked beautiful before but now..." He began kissing her, his lips exploring her body.

"Allyn..." She whispered as she sat up. She then slid her hand to his side and undid the clasp holding his breast plate on. After his armor was on the floor he removed his shirt. Her eyes lingered on his firm chest which had almost no hair. "Your chest..." She kissed his chest running her fingers down his arms. "You are so handsome." Her lips found his once more as her hands untied his pants. "I love you, Allyn."

"I'm the luckiest man alive." He said as he kissed her.

The maid walked in as their we're laying under the sheets once more. "I've got to stop walking in on the two of you like this." She smiled. "Your Majesty, we need to get you ready for the ball."

"Very well, please give me a moment." The maid nodded and left the room. "Allyn..." She sighed. "I fear this will be the last time we are able to be close like this."

"What do you mean?" He sat up and pulled her tightly against his chest.

"Tomorrow I have to marry Christof and we will move to the royal chambers..."

"If you allow me, I will find a way. I don't want to be with out you. I can't live without you."

"Allyn... I will spend the rest of my days longing for your touch... Please allow that to be enough."

He sighed. "I feel as if I have been gut kicked. I don't know if I have the will power to follow behind you all day without pulling you into my bed and taking you as my own... But if that is what you wish, this will be the last time I ever know the feel of a woman."

"Allyn, I cannot ask that of you. You are free to..." He reached out and poked her forehead while decisively shaking his in return. She smiled and kissed him once more. "I love you and you alone."

The time came for her to go to the ball room after having to put back on her dress from earlier. She walked through the door and all eyes were instantly focused on her. "Presenting her majesty, queen Adryanna Violet Amell. The 100th queen of Morea. Long live the queen!"

"Long live the queen!" Everyone called out. She curtsied deeply and walked down the stairs where she was instantly swarmed by nobles. While trying to remain polite she searched the room for Allyn but he was surrounded by women himself. Their eyes met and he smiled at her but neither one of them moved to meet.

She talked with the nobles for nearly an hour before nodding to her guard and walking out on the balcony. She breathed in deeply taking in the cool night air. "Long live the queen..." A familiar and terrifying voice called behind her. She turned to see Christof standing there dressed in all white, his blond hair shining in the moon light. "You look pretty." He smiled. "You'll have to be sure to remain so slender that way you look good standing next to me."

"Good night, Christof." She lifted her skirt and began to walk past him back into the ball room but he grabbed her still healing arm causing her to freeze. "You're hurting me."

"I heard from a little bird that you have given your purity to another man." She gasped at his words. "By your reaction I'm guessing that it's true." He then looked to the guard. "We are going to discuss wedding details privately."

"Sir Allyn instructed me not to leave the queen's side..."

"I don't care what Allyn said. I will be your king tomorrow you will leave me alone with my bride." The guard nodded and left in fear and Christof drug Adryanna behind him.

"Let me go!" She yelled. "Allyn! All..."

A hand was then covering her mouth. "Shut up."

"Mhhm" she tried to call out but her screams were muffled.

He then pulled her into one of the empty prayer rooms and shoved her down. He climbed over her and sat himself on her chest pinning her arms down with his legs. "If you want to be a whore you will be treated like one. I may have been kinder If I were your first." He grabbed the front of her dress and gave it a strong pull sending all of the gems flying and tearing the fabric exposing her chest.

"No!" She screamed. "Help! Allyn! Allyn!!" Her screams were silenced by the feel of his fingers on her bare chest and she began to sob. "Christof, please..."

"Oh," he smirked. "So now you want me to touch you."

"No! I will never be yours!" In a panic she cast a spell and a great gust of wind began to swirl about the room.

"Oh are you finally going to use magic?" He laughed. "But using your magic like this is considered taboo, isn't it. The royal family should never use their magic against a citizen of Morea. What are you going to do? If you use your magic to stop me you are unfit to be queen. And if you don't..."

"I will stop you!" Allyn said in a deep angry voice as he grabbed Christof and pulled him off of her. He then punched him in the face sending Christof falling to the ground.

"Allyn..." She called his name in a pathetically weak voice as she sat up trying to cover her chest.

He moved over to her pulling his cape from his shoulder covering her with it. "I'm here." Several more guards poured through the door following up on a report about the queen being forced into a empty room. "Arrest that man! He tried to force himself on the queen."

The guards all looked to the crying Adryanna who was in Allyn's arms for conformation and she nodded. The guards then placed Christof under arrest and removed him from the room while he heavily protested "Allyn..."

"I'm here, Adryanna. I'm not leaving you ever again."

"H-how did you find me... I thought for sure..."

"Your mother..." Allyn sighed. "She saw you leave with Christof and summoned me to go after you."

"Oh..."

"She shouldn't have had to send me though. I should have known." Allyn gave her a self deprecating smile. She said nothing but took his hand in hers and gave it a slight squeeze. He scooped her up in his arms and began walking out of the room not caring who saw them. Allyn tucked her head under his chin, pulling her tightly against his chest, to hide her tears as he kept his head high walking through the palace to her room.

He sat her down on her bed and then left the room calling for the maid. "Get the queen changed." He said in a soft voice. The maid then nodded and ran into the room while Allyn stood watch outside of the door.

Once the maid left Allyn entered to room to find Adryanna sitting on the couch staring out the window. He stood there watching her silently. "Thank you..." She whispered.

"I did nothing..." He sighed.

"I was going to use my magic... I would have become queen and been exiled all in one day... You saved more than you might think." She did not look at him but continued to look out the window. "I think I'd like to sleep alone tonight..."

"Of course." He walked over to her and kissed the top of her head before backing away. "I'll be outside your door if you need anything just call my name." He then left the room.

Once the door shut behind him Adryanna sunk to the floor and began to sob uncontrollably recalling the feel of Christof's fingers on her skin. Outside of the door Allyn could hear her crying but fought off the urge to break through the door to hold her. He knew that she had to work through this on her own but the thought of her suffering alone killed him. Neither of them slept a wink that night.

Several days later Adryanna was called to her mothers room. She walked in and sat next to the bed where her mother looked at her with concerned eyes. "Adryanna..." She sighed heavily. "Why didn't you tell me what he was putting you through? Why did I have to hear from my chamber maid all of the awful things that Christof had done."

She looked at her mom with sad eyes, "I just wanted to make you happy."

"I never would have paired you with him had I known! You should have told me after the first time he hit you! When he broke open your lip!"

"I tried... But you told me that Morea needed his family's wealth desperately so I decided that I would marry him and deal with his awful behavior. As long as I had Allyn around to protect me I thought I would be safe. But I was wrong."

"Any man willing to torment his queen is unfit to be king..." The former queen looked to her daughter with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. I'm so thankful that Sir Allyn did what I could not." She smiled softly. "Tell me Adryanna, and be honest, have you fallen in love with this knight? I have heard whispers that you have invited him into your bed."

Adryanna's face redden at her mothers sudden question and all she could do was nod. "I-I love Allyn."

The former queen smiled reminiscently. "You're just like your mother. Did you know that I was married before your I met your father?"

"Yes. Uncle told me all about him."

The former queen shook her head. "Of course he did. I married him with out your Uncle's consent, because I was deeply in love. And then your father." Adryanna looked at her confused for a second before she continued. "I was not supposed to marry your father. He was the crowned prince and I was his retainer... but we loved each other so deeply we said our vows without the blessing of Arlyn and your grandmother was so angry when she found out she tried everything in her power to have our marriage annulled. We never had her approval and it tore me apart for many years... But marrying your father was one of the best thing that ever happened to me. Therefore, I will not repeat your grandmother's mistakes. I will not make you chose between Morea and love because only under a truly happy queen will Morea flourish. You have my blessing, Adryanna. Marry Allyn and be happy."

"Mother?!"

"But do so quickly. I want to see you married before I join your father and my first love in the next life. What a reunion it will be."

Adryanna nodded happily before standing up, "thank you mother!" She then ran out of the room and went straight towards the guards quarters.

Excitedly she knocked and second later Allyn pulled open the door. When he saw her he got a surprised look on his face because he hadn't seen her since the night she asked him to leave. "Adryanna..." he smiled.

"Can I come in? There is something I'd like to talk to you about." He nodded and stepped to the slide allowing her to enter before closing the door. He turned to face her expecting the worse but when their eyes met she smiled at him. "Allyn, I know that I have been distant lately. But I really just needed time to myself." He nodded. "But the more time I took to think the more you were on my mind. Every minute of every day you have been in my thoughts. I thought I wanted to be alone after what happened to me but really I wanted you to be next to me while I worked through my feelings. I love you, Allyn. I should have never..." Her words were cut off by his lips. "Mhmm." He kissed her many times before she stepped back and looked at him with a serous face.

"What's wrong?" He asked. "I thought you wanted me to kiss you."

"I did." She smiled. "there is something I need to ask you..." He nodded as he waited for her to finish. "Allyn, will you cast aside your blade... And take up the crown?"

"What?" He asked with wide eyes.

"Will will be my king and rule over Morea at my side?"

"Are you serious?" He asked not being able to believe what he was hearing.

"Mother gave her blessing this morning. So, I'll ask again, Allyn, will you marry me?"

He said nothing but instead picked her up by her waist holding her over his head as he spun in circles. Slowly he sat her down and kissed her softly. "I would give up breathing if it meant that I could spend the rest of my life with you."

"Very well." She smiled. "We will marry as soon as Christof's trial is complete." She sighed. "He must deemed unfit before I announce our engagement."

He nodded. "Don't make me wait forever to be your husband."

She shook her head, "I wouldn't dream of it." She then kissed him and pulled him to the bed where they spent the rest of the day and all night.

Days later Adryanna was summoned before the high court to give her testimony of the events that lead to Christof's arrest. Their questioning was intense and with every accusation she felt her words shrink back into her throat. "But you told the healers your arm was broken falling from your horse, isn't that correct?" A stern faced man dressed in a robe asked.

She gulped before answering, "that is correct."

"Why? Would would you lie to the court healers?"

"I... He was my fiance... I had to protect Morea. Our marriage would end the financial crisis we face."

"So you lied for money?" Another man demanded.

"No. I lied to save our marriage..."

"The marriage that has now been called off?"

"Yes. After he attempted to..." Her words caught in her throat as remember Christof wicked eyes as he exposed her chest and touched her. Tears began to stream from her face.

"I believe her majesty needs a break." Allyn spoke from the corner were he was permitted to stand and guard her from. He then walked over and stood in front of her cutting of the questioning. "My queen." He extended his hand to her and she took it standing up. He then lead her from the room and to a sitting room down the hall.

She sat down on the couch with a sigh her hands shaking. "Th-thank you, Allyn. I don't know how much more of their questioning I could have endured."

He reached his hand out and poked her forehead. "Hey..." She looked up at him. "You can do this. Just tell the truth."

She nodded at him. "Can... Can I have a kiss for luck?"

He looked at her with wide eyes, "when did you become so bold?" She shook her head. "I like it." He then leaned down and kissed her before leading her back to the court room.

Adryanna sat before the magistrates with a new confidence that she did not have before. "Where were we," one of the men asked. "Oh yes, the marriage is now called off?"

"Christof attempted to take advantage of me when he thought no one was around. He would have succeeded if not for my mother sending the guards after us."

"The guards? You mean Sir Allyn?"

"He is my guard is he not? In fact he was present nearly every time Christof attacked me. If not for him I fear a broken arm and busted lip would be the least of my problems."

"But you have romantic feelings for Sir Allyn, correct?"

She paused a moment, "yes. I love Allyn." The magistrates looked at one another. "Our feelings for each other do not matter. I would have married Christof for the good of Morea had Christof been looking out for Morea's best interest instead of his own. He said I was means to an end and nothing more. All he wanted was to be king... He would have done anything to sit atop the throne."

"And you will repeat all that you've said here in front of the bishop, the rest of the court, and the Howell family?"

"Yes." She said confidently.

"Very well, your majesty. We are finished for the day."

She stood and walked to the door with Allyn following close behind. Once the door closed she sighed heavily. "You did really well." Allyn squeezed her hand comfortingly.

"I don't know if I can do this with the Howell family staring me down."

Allyn wrapped his arms around her and smiled softly, "I will be there to hold you up if you need it."

She carefully turned to face him. "Allyn... What would I do without you?"

He gazed deeply into her eyes. "You don't have to worry about that because I will never leave your side." He then kissed her lightly. "Let's go. You need to get your rest."

On the way back to her room Duke Littleton stopped her. "Your majesty, might I have a word?"

Nervously she looked to Allyn who nodded. "Of course, my lord." She lead him into a sitting room and sent the maid for some tea. Once the maid returned she smiled weakly. "How can I help you?"

The Duke looked at her with sad eyes, "it's about... My son." He sighed. "Christof has always been... Difficult. But I can't believe that he would ever physically harm you."

"I've known Christof all of my life..." She sighed. "I did not think it possible but he did in fact break my arm... And much more."

"I've no other male heirs... Your majesty, if this goes to trial... My family name will be ruined. My line will die out..."

"What are you asking of me?" She furrowed her eyebrows but met his eye.

"Let me take him from the capital. He will leave our estate here and go to the summer villa over the mountains and he will not return. You will not see him again. But he will carry our name to future generations."

"Adryanna..." Allyn called out from behind her.

She gave Allyn a reassuring smile and then met the Duke's gaze once more. "Give me some time to think it over. I will have your answer before the trial."

"Very well, your majesty." He bowed and walked down to hall.

Instantly Adryanna turned and hugged Allyn abrasively startling him and making him lose his balance. He stumbled backwards finding himself against the wall with Adryanna pressed against him. "Oh, I'm..." but her words were cut off by his lips. He wrapped his hands around her head pulling her close deepening the kiss. With his tongue he coaxed her lips apart so it could find hers. She moaned and he smiled against her lips releasing his hold on her. "Allyn..."

He laughed, "so much for keeping us a secret until after the trial." She looked at him confused and he pointed to the open door where several maids and a two guards where gawking at them. Instantly she turned bright red as a bashful look spread across her face. "Hey!" Allyn said as he turned her back to the door, "don't show that face to any one but me." He smiled as his red eyes locked on hers reflecting her in them.

"S-sorry..."

"I forgive you." He smiled and he sat down on one of the couches grabbing a cup of tea. She sat next to him and took a cup. They sat in silence for a while before Allyn finally spoke, "what are you going to do. About Christof..."

"I don't know. I would like to forgo a trial. But I don't want him to treat any other woman the way he treated me."

Allyn said nothing but nodded and finished his tea. "You should go back to your room. I need to go to the training yard."