A Dinner Request

She found him in the pool, swimming in the water his muscular chest glistened under the sunlight, dripping with water. He saw her walking reluctantly towards him and took the steps, climbing out of the pool.

Taking a towel and wrapping it around his waist he approached her.

"Princess I did not think you would find me here," he said smiling at her rather curiously.

"Nor I, Your Majesty, I am sorry to interrupt. I had to ask a special request from you." She said shyly, refusing to meet his eyes.

She was so embarrassed that he stood before her almost naked except for an undergarment he wore and a towel.

His eyebrows went up.

He threw back his head and laughed.

"What is this request?" He asked studying her intently.

"If you are not busy, we could have dinner in my chambers," she blurted out quickly before she could withdraw what she wanted to say.

"That would be nice," he replied without even thinking it over.

He took her dry hand in his wet hand and kissed her palm.

"I shall see you tonight, princess" he said before hurriedly leaving her to attend to his duties.

Princess Caroline stood where he had left her, she could still feel the warm touch of his lips on her cold palms, I hope I have not made a mistake, she thought as she went in search of her cook that had come with her from the Winter Court.

She found her in the servant's quarters, and Marta was kind enough to fetch her to meet the princess.

"Abigail, I will need you to create a splendid Winter Court Menu so that His Majesty can taste the flavours of our court for himself."

"Of course, Your Highness, I shall start on it now. I will not let you down."

"Thank you Abigail, I look forward to it."

At night, the fireplace in her chambers crackled warmly, the air was peppered with the scent of Winter Court dishes.

The table was set up with the delicacies that were eaten in her homeland. Roasted venison with blueberry glaze, honeyed pears and apples, thick slices of bread covered in a mixed herb butter and a rich mulled wine spiced with cloves and cinnamon.

The meal was simple but enough just for her and the king.

The door to her chambers opened and in walked King Casimir, his black hair tousled by the wind, in his white shirt and black breeches.

His eyes found hers and he gave an intimate look which made her blush.

They took their seats, Princess Caroline fiddled with the sleeves of her light purple chiffon dress as he ate each dish that she served him. 

"I wanted to share a taste if the Winter Court with you." She said as she watched him finish his meal.

"The meal was delightful, the flavours were strong especially the wine. I now see why they endure the cold so well."

Caroline smiled. She collected all the empty plates and passed them to the maids that were standing just outside her doors.

She went into her bathroom and took a gold basin and filled it with warm water. She perfumed the water with her scent of soap from the Winter Court. She wrapped a towel around her waist and brought the basin to the king.

For a split moment she wished she could keep the night lighthearted to distract herself but the weight of her own safety and the safety of her parents depended on her. She could not keep silent while a threat lurked in the shadows.

King Casimir saw her and looked at her puzzled.

She placed the basin near his boots and started unlacing them.

He bent down as though to remove her hands.

"Please let me." She pleaded with him softly.

So he let her.

Casimir watched her place his feet in the basin filled with scented water, she washed them and dried them on the towel that was wrapped around her waist.

Then she poured a scented oil of sandalwood and pines onto his feet and rubbed them till he felt the tension in the muscles leave.

After she had finished, she kept the things away and washed her hands.

Casimir said nothing for a long moment, she sat down beside him.

He took both of her hands and asked her gently.

"What troubles you?"

"There are some nobles who want to get rid of me, I am afraid of the nobles in my own court at home who seek to gain should our marriage fail at bringing peace." Princess Caroline said simply.

Not looking at him as she said this.

Casimir stiffened and asked "Who are these nobles?"

"I do not know, I only overheard a conversation in the courtyard."

A tear slipped down her cheek and Casimir reached and cupped her delicate face between his hands, his thumb brushing away the tear.

"No harm will come to you," he vowed.

His eyes ablaze with quiet rage as he thought of his next move.

Things were already building itself up against them and they were not even married yet.

Casimir wondered what was to stop them from building an uprising.

He needed to gather his closest advisors as soon as possible, tonight he thought in the Solarium.

Still touching her he kissed her temples and whispered.

"I will take care of it, sleep well princess."

He then got up quickly and left her chambers.