Chapter 3: Vanessa

"I know you want to plan a dinner for the pope, but I also want you to rest at the same time.", Winston speaks to Lillian as he walks her to her room.

"Winston, I assure you I can handle it. It's not like I'm lifting anything.", Lillian responds amused.

"True, but if you need to get off your feet just have one of your ladies report to you.", Winston concedes. He turns his face to her. "Remember he comes tomorrow, so you have time. Now how about I walk you to the kitchen before I leave you.", he says. Lillian smiles graciously.

"Thank you and I'll like that.", she says as they change their direction.

After leaving Lillian Winston spends time preparing for his meeting. He doesn't consider anything major only to ensure the church's cooperation with his programs will continue. As he finishes a knock sounds at the door to his studies.

"Come in!", he calls. One of his page boys enters the room holding a sealed letter.

"This arrived by pidgin at the front gate, sire. The guards say it wouldn't leave until someone took the letter.", the page boy tells Winston as he presents the letter.

"Thank you. I'll take it.", Winston tells him. He knows there is only one pidgin trained to do such a thing instead of reporting to the roost. The anticipation of finding out its secrets rises rapidly, but he controls it with a refined and seasoned will.

Once the page boy leaves the room he opens the letter.

'I want to see you tonight if it is possible.', the note reads. Placing a hand to his chin Winston can't help but smile. He decides to head out after dinner.

......

As he planned, Winston leaves the castle after first going to bed then waiting for Lillian to fall asleep. Afterward he makes his way through the secret passageways within the castle. Winston admittedly is uneasy about this expedition into Lumorra. It is the first time he has gone to a meeting like this without Vincent to accompany him. He will just have to watch himself and not be seen.

He comes to an ordinary house among others. The glow of candles escaping through the windows. Winston knocks on the door. It quickly opens revealing a woman twenty-one years of age. Her hair is a shiny, chestnut brown and cascades down to the middle of her back in waves. Her eyes are deep brown and seem to glow in the light.

Upon seeing him at the door she takes Winston into an embrace with a smile.

"I'm so glad to see you. Honestly, I didn't hold much hope. Sorry for the short notice.", she says coming out of their hug.

"It's fine. I wanted you to be able to get word to me if you needed to.", Winston says smiling at her. He steps inside the home as the beautiful woman goes on.

"Thank you again, Winston. I just needed to talk to you.", she says.

"That's fine, Vanessa.", Winston says, taking off his hood. A serious look comes on Vanessa's face. She takes a seat on a couch for two and invites Winston to sit by her. "What is wrong?", Winston asks, concerned now. Vanessa takes a steady breath.

"I told you before that I didn't want to be a disruptive force in your life. That I didn't want to have a complicated life. I also told you that I love you and that what matters to me is that you make me feel safe, secure, and that you do love me as best you can. You have done that and I thank you for it.", she says to Winston in a careful manner.

At her words Winston's concern grows and he becomes uneasy. What could she be possibly getting at? "What are you trying to say?", he asks. A moment passes before Vanessa answers. She looks reluctant to do so. Winston places his hand comfortingly on her's. She takes in a deep breath before releasing it.

"I…am…with child.", Vanessa says somberly. Shock covers Winston's face. He doesn't say anything right away fearing he did not hear clearly. Thankfully he notices that Vanessa is still watching him and looking for any sign of an answer.

"That's wonderful...", he brings himself to speak. "Putting the circumstances aside, this is wonderful, Vanessa.", Winston goes on more convincingly. Vanessa looks him in the eyes.

"R-really? You are truly happy about this?", she asks him with a hint of relief in her voice.

"Of course.", Winston ensures her as he takes both of Vanessa's hands in his. He gives her a pure smile. "It doesn't change anything between us. I just have to find a way to take care of you and our child."

"I'm glad to hear you say that and you don't have to worry about the care. What you do now will be enough.", Vanessa responds.

At first Winston considers agreeing, but then an idea comes to his mind. It's only right that he has all his children under one roof and he takes care of them equally. Even if one will be considered illegitimate.

"No. It won't. I want you to come to the castle. You can live there with our child.", he tells her. "I know you might not want to be seen as the king's mistress, but-"

"No, no I don't care about that. I love you and you love me. That's all that matters to me.", Vanessa interrupts. "The problem is…I don't want to ruin someone else's life and what they have worked for.", she goes on getting to her feet.

"By someone you mean my wife, Lillian.", Winston corrects her getting to his feet.

"Queen Lillian.", Vanessa counters turning to face her lover.

"I understand, but leaving you here…is just not right to me.", Winston tells her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Taking responsibility for what we've done will be easy for us. The problem is how it will affect others. Leave it to me and I'll think of something, but know that you will be in that castle before this baby is born. Understand?"

Vanessa raises a hand to place on top of one of Winston's. "Yes. I do." , she says in a hushed voice. Winston leans to her and delivers a passionate kiss upon her lips which she returns.