Light A Flame

The dining hall was dimly lit and there was a roaring fire in the fireplace at the center of the hall. King Hans sat at the end of the large table whereas Queen Elesha sat at the other end. The food was spread out on the table and a grand meal they had. Queen Elesha thought she would vomit out her food if she ate another bite. Full from the food she sat daintily sipping at her wine glass. The best thing that she had for dinner that night was the custard pudding that was served with cream and raspberries. A simple dessert it had been but Queen Elesha relished each and every bite of it. Satisfied with dinner her eyes lazily roamed all over the room and settled on her husband who sat opposite of her. He stared at her as well and they were soon engaged in a staring match. She broke it first and smiled as she took another sip of wine.

"What are you smiling about?" asked King Hans noticing how her mouth curved up at the edges into a sweet smile.

"I was thinking of you actually, about the time I woke up and found you in bed with me for the first time."

"Why did you seek me out in my chambers?"

"I wanted to meet you under informal circumstances. You seemed relaxed at that time and less guarded so I thought it would be great to meet you first."

"Hmmmm....." she said in response as she thought about what he said to her.

"What do you want to do for the rest of the evening?"

"I was thinking you could tell me more about yourself, over there by the fire."

"As you wish," she replied submissively, getting up to sit on the great big divan that was facing the fireplace."

King Hans settled himself next to her and placed his head on her lap. She stroked his forehead as she told him about her father, mother and her sister. He asked her questions about her family and she answered candidly not wanting to hide anything.

"Why did you pretend to be your sister?" He asked her.

"You already held her in such high esteem and I didn't want to disappoint you," she replied simply.

"You should have said something, to me I would have accepted, nevertheless, it is a thing of the past.What matters now is the future we build together," he added slowly.

"Tell me is it true you have never been in love? Surely there must have been some men seeking your hand at court." He asks her curiously.

"Father never arranged for me to meet any suitors officially, I suppose it's because my sister was still unmarried and my age."

"How old are you?" King Hans asked her suddenly, realising that she indeed looked youthful.

"I am nineteen years old, Your Majesty," she replied softly.

"You're so young, I'm sorry it turned out this way," he said taking her hand and kissing it. But I don't regret it," he said looking at her eyes and giving her a handsome smile.

She bent down and kissed his forehead, as soon as she lifted her head, he sat up right and turned around to kiss her full on the lips. He gently lifted her and turned so that she was now lying atop of him. He broke the kiss reluctantly and looked at her again.

"We have another long day to look forward to tomorrow, you best get some rest," he said looking at her with desire in his eyes.

"You won't come with me to sleep?" She asked softly, kissing his cheeks and his nose.

"I have to read some reports, which will take time, I'll be up till late tonight."

"Why can't I stay with you?" She asked him again looking at him with longing in her innocent green eyes.

"I can't be distracted by my beautiful wife," he said the last bit softly and kissing her for the last time before gently lifting her up once again so that she was in a seating position. He kissed her forehead and whispered good night before taking his leave through the double doors of the dining hall without looking back.