The Inn

The Inn proved to be much more Exciting in Nature. The small crowded Tavern was filled with tables, chairs, a long bar counter, and showcased two open doorways to symmetrical halls leading to rooms.

A large blazing fire warmed the hearth. "Seamus." I said to the man standing beside me.

"Yes, my QUEEN." He replied.

"Perhaps it is Better that you Lead this Endeavor." I look around me, taking in the rowdy groups of large men feasting and drinking belligerently around the room.

"Mm." He grunts in Agreement. "Follow me, my QUEEN."

Seamus pushes his way through the tight spaces between each table with me trailing closely behind. One man grabs my waist, pulling him firmly onto his lap. "I think a taste of this pretty dame would do me well for tonight." He drunkenly claims to his fellow comrades.

"Get your hands off of me." I cooly seethe.

"I got me a feisty one, fellas!" He nearly bellows as he lets out a loud, Entertained Laugh.

A fist flies, landing hard on the man's face, knocking him backwards off of the bench. Another hand wraps around my waist and pulls me to my feet as the man falls unconsciously to the floor. My eyes widen.

Seamus turns to the remaining men at the table and slams his first down, rattling the platters and beer mugs all around. "If any of you cowards so much as think about laying your hands on my Woman, so Help me GOD, I will cut out your throats." He growls threateningly. The men raise a loud cheer, Celebrating Seamus and slapping their heavy hands on his back. They pour another round and raise their steins to him, throwing their drinks back and cheering again. Seamus's face breaks out into a wide grin as he too lets out a cheer. The men begin to chant. "Bed her. Bed her. Bed her. Bed her.." Seamus turns around, throws me over his shoulder, and walks to the bar counter. The men letting out another loud cheer that fills the Tavern.

Seamus drops a small coin purse down on the counter, shouting, "Your finest room and a fresh pint."

The bar maiden grabs an empty stein, fills it and walks over to Seamus. "Follow me." She Says.

Still slung over his shoulder, he carries me down the hallway to an empty room. He walks in, drops me carelessly on the bed, and turns back to the maiden. "Tell Layra to bring two hot Meals." Seamus Demands. "We are going to Need our Strength." He turns back to me giving a crude wink. The woman nods and turns to leave the room. Seamus gives her a hard smack on her bottom. "Mmm." He growls. "I may bed you next." She bites her lip before exiting. The door closes.

Seamus immediately turns back to me, reaching out his hand to Help me up off of the bed. "Forgive me, my QUEEN. This is the Behavior Necessary to blend."

"It is quite alright, Seamus. I Gave you the Lead. You did well." I casually respond. "Though, I Must Say. These men are absolute heathens."

Seamus cannot Help but grin. "You have Surprised me Today, my QUEEN. Many Times." He replies.

"Oh?" I Say.

"Your Sense of Humor is Beguiling." He Boldly States.

"Thank you, Seamus. Your Protective Care Required the Moment."

"Spoken of a TRUE QUEEN." His eyes grow Warm.

I reach out my hand instinctively, placing it gently along the side of his face. "You have Served Me Well Today."

"My QUEEN.." His Voice falters.

A knock on the door shifts the Energy of the Moment. Seamus moves to open it, while I take a seat at the two-person table across the room. A young woman enters. She is pretty and soft. Her wavy, blonde hair is tied back out of her face. I take her in. She is not like the other Women I have Become Accustomed to Seeing Sebastián with.

"You may set the tray down over there." Seamus Speaks.

She crosses the room, setting a platter carrying two large hot bowls of meaty, vegetable stew, a fresh loaf of bread, a large pad of butter, and a pitcher of mead on the table in front of me. She pours two mugs and lays the Meal out Appropriately.

She turns to leave. Seamus blocks her way. "Sit and eat." He firmly Commands.

"My Apologies, Sir, but The Kitchens are Expecting me." Her eyes cast downward to the floor. She is meek.

"Layra." I Say Gently. She looks up, Meeting my eyes. "Are you understaffed?" I Inquire.

"No, Ma'am. The Keeper does not like me fraternizing with The Guests. It is in poor Taste." Her cheeks heat.

"I See." I reply. "Seamus. Pay The Keeper extra for her Time." He bows his head. Her eyes go wide, and her hands Begin to shake. "Now sit." I Calmly Say. She does as she is Asked. "Eat." I wave my hand toward the fresh bowl of stew. She takes a bite, delicately wiping her mouth.

I Observe. She would make an Excellent Handmaiden. Perhaps she would be Open to a Change of Employment.

"My Dear." I Begin. "Do you Know WHO I AM?"

"No, Ma'am." She slowly shakes her head before continuing. "Though, you Must Be someone of Importance for that Gentleman to Bow his head."

"Clever." I Say. "I am The QUEEN."

Layra lets out a soft gasp before standing to curtsy, Bowing her head.

"There is no Need for Formalities." I Kindly Say. "However, there is something we Do Need to Discuss." I wave my hand toward her empty seat. She nods and sits.

"Are you Interested in a Change of Employment?" I Ask.

Her hand flies to cup her cheek. "Your Highness! Do you mean to Say.." Her Voice trailing.

"Yes. I would like for you to Come Stay at The Estate as my personal Handmaiden. You may Bring Jeremiah." I Confirm her Inquiry.

She blushes. "Your Grace, Please Forgive me.." Tears well in her eyes. "I Did not have a Choice.."

Horror washes over me as I Realize the Severity of the Situation. "My Dear," I Tenderly reply, "my Husband is a monster. He will not Come near you or your Child. In Fact, the king is Being Charged with treason and will soon Be Sent into Exile." She Releases a Deep Sigh. "Jeremiah will Grow up with you and his Other Brothers and Sisters. I Will Raise them as a GOOD Mother Should." She nods quietly, at a loss for Words.

"Do you Accept my Offer?" I Ask.

"Oh your Majesty, Yes! I would Love nothing more than to Serve you if it means a Better Life for my Child!" Tears stream down her face.

"GOOD. Then that is Settled." I nod. "We Leave Now." I Rise and turn to Seamus, whom is standing Silently by the door. "If you Would Escort us out."

"Gladly, my QUEEN."

The three of us exit the room, making our way quietly toward the Main Hall of the Tavern. The noise grows louder. We slip along the wall Silently, going unNoticed until we reach the Main Door.

"Hey, Mate." The Inn Keeper places a heavy hand upon Seamus's shoulder. "Where do you Think you are Going with my girl?" He growls. Layra flinches at the Sound of his Voice.

Seamus pulls his dagger from his cloak, spinning the point directly underneath The Keeper's chin. "She Belongs to me now. You will Find some nice coin on the table as a Token of my Gratitude." His eyes flash.

"You Think a little knife will scare me?" The Keeper throws his head back and Laughs, pushing Seamus away. He grabs Layra by the wrist. "Come on, Sweetheart. You are Coming with me." He Begins pulling her away.

Seamus grabs him by the throat and slams him down upon the nearest table. The Tavern men go wild, as they cheer loudly, Creating a brawl. Seamus swings and lands a few punches before walking away.

"Shall we, my QUEEN?" He Confidently States, holding both arms out for Layra and me.

I Place my hand Gently on his forearm, Layra hesitantly does the same. "We Shall." I Smile coyly as we walk out of The Inn to Layra's House.