Imposter At Night

Princess Elesha was annoyed, for she was left all alone with no groom at the feast. Dear God where was her husband when she needed him? Her family had hugged and kissed her before they took their leave to their bedchambers, to retire for the night. She was still left standing in the Great hall greeting the last of the guests that were taking their leave.

"Your Highness, this is for your household," said a foreign envoy presenting her with a gift box that had a bright green bow on it.

"Thank you, sir," she said simply forgetting the envoy's name entirely.

"Your most welcome Your Highness, and may I say heartiest congratulations on your wedding day, it's a day that signifies peace and prosperity for both kingdoms as there will be, I hope, an increase in trade between the kingdoms and the outside world."

"Yes, of course sir, this is what we have accomplished and we shall aim to keep it that way," she replied with a smile this time as she felt that there was much coming forth from her union and her sacrifice would not be in vain.

Princess Elesha collapsed in exhaustion onto a divan that was near a window.

"Bea, will you please bring me a cup of plain chamomile tea, no sugar and get me dressed and ready to spend the night with the King? Just in case he should enter my bedchambers or summon me to his."

"Yes, Your Highness", said Bea her ladies maid before taking leave and heading straight to the kitchen.

In that moment Princess Elesha felt a small coil of panic beginning to unwind itself at the thought of what was expected of her as she prepared herself mentally for the bedroom. Her tea arrived and as she sat staring out the window, she looked up at the sky and could vaguely see the moon peeking at her between the clouds. The stars were out, and while she stared at the sky and sipped her tea she couldn't help but wonder if her family were satisfied now that all their problems were solved.

She comforted herself with the thoughts of her people and how this union would ensure they were safe and secure. She pushed the panic down and refused to give into the emotions that were threatening to spill over from her eyes.

She made her way tiredly up the stairs to her bedchambers and undressed herself with Bea's help. She soaked herself in the bathwater a mixture of vanilla, cinnamon and rose essence that were added into it. She dried herself and brushed her teeth with a wooden brush and concoction of mint leaves. Bea brushed her hair till the tangles were removed and they slipped on her white satin and lace night dress. Bea her ladies maid tucked her into bed and left her bedchambers.

As soon as Bea left, there came a soft knock on her door. Princess Elesha groaned at the sound just went she wanted to fall asleep, someone wanted to come into her bedchambers. She quickly got out of bed and opened the door. She saw King Hans standing in the doorway, with a small smile on his face.

"Tired? Were you falling asleep?" He asked her.

"I was, but you can come in," she replied.

"Actually, I wanted you to spend the night in my chambers as you are now my queen and I am your king."

"Of course Your Majesty," she said softly.

"Just, Hans will do from you dear," he replied.

He took her hand and they left her bedchambers and made their way to his. Princess Elesha's heart rate sped the closer they got to his bedchambers, she would go through with this she told herself sternly, even if it killed her. His bedchamber was twice the size of hers with draperies of red and gold, the whole bedroom was decorated in those colours at the center was a very large bed more than enough for two people. She blushed when she saw the bed, he locked the room door and turned around to face her.

He began to remove all his clothes till he stood before her stark naked. Princess Elesha let out a small gasp and felt her face heat up,she had never seen a man naked and even though it was dark, the room was well lit and she could see that he was powerfully built and muscular.

"Remove all your clothes," he ordered her.

So she did, in that moment she felt so vulnerable that she was fearful. As she recalled she had deceived him and probably made a fool of him as well at the wedding. Naked and unashamed she boldly approached him and fell to her knees and touched his feet saying.

"Your Majesty, I plead for your forgiveness for deceiving you for the entirety of my stay here." Her eyes closed and her hands grasping his ankles she steadied her voice before saying, "I am sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, love," said the king bending down and gently picking her up in his arms. He carried her and laid her on the bed. She sat up and wanted to explain herself but before she could the king took her face between his hands and kissed her full on the lips. He knew she was tired and he merely got up from bed blew out all the candles and settled himself next to her. The room was plunged into darkness and Princess Elesha felt the king get back into bed beside her.

Her eyes began to close and before she let sleep take over, she softly asked him.

"Are you not going to consummate the marriage, Hans?"

"Your tired love, maybe another night there is no hurry."

She rolled closer to him, searched for his mouth with her fingers in the dark and kissed him whispering, "thank you," before falling asleep.

The king wrapped a protective arm over her shoulders and fell asleep beside her. Chuckling to himself he said "good night, my beautiful imposter." He thought she was sound asleep and would not hear him but he heard her whisper,

"good night, my handsome king."