Master of the Region

Chapter 6

        I awake and am horrified by my own behavior last night. It is very inappropriate that I was alone with High King Nikolai in the kitchen last night, especially in the state of undress that we were both in. I know that he said we needed to pretend to be courting, but it is important that I still keep my virtue intact. Should I hope to have an actual suitor someday, then I need to ensure that my name is not involved with impropriety. I am so embarrassed that I do not want to leave my wing. I do not know how I will face Niko after seeing his bare chest last night nor having his arms around me. I wonder if he is embarrassed as well or if this is a normal interaction for him. The thought that this was a normal sort of encounter for Niko stabs at my heart. He is a sought-after member of the imperial family; I am sure there are many ladies who would be willing to engage in impropriety with him under the hopes of securing his heart. I feel as though I may cry at the thought. There is a knock on my door and I reluctantly call for them to enter. Bernedette enters and approaches the bed.

               “Good morning, Lady Abigail. Are you ready for me to help you dress?”

               I shake my head. “I am very tired from my journey. I think I may stay in my wing recovering this day. Would it be possible for you to bring my meal here for me to eat?”

               She nods her head. “Of course my Lady. I will go and have a plate made for you.”

               She curtsies and leaves the room as I pull the blankets up over my head, wishing to disappear.

               Shortly after there is a knock once more. “You may enter,” I call from under the blanket. “Place the tray on the table please Bernedette.”

               “Ahem… It isn’t Bernedette…” I hear the familiar voice of Niko. No… why is he here. Again, this is very improper and I am not dressed for visitors. “Abby… are you going to come out from my blanket today?”

               “I am not prepared for guests… I am still undressed.” I feel the bed move and realize that Niko has sat on the bed next to me. He begins to tug the blanket down, exposing my face.

               “You look lovely. I was not kidding when I say I enjoy your hair wild and curly.”

               I sit up, covering myself with the blanket and I quickly try to smooth down my hair. “Good morning High King Niko. I was not expecting you to enter my wing.”

               “I apologize for coming unannounced, especially into your bedroom while you are still in bed, but I heard Bernedette telling Penelope that you were going to rest and would like your food delivered. I wanted to ensure that you are well.”

               I nod. “I am well, thank you. I am not accustomed to traveling and the journey has tired me. I wish to recover before beginning work on the school.”

               He nods understandingly. “Yes, it is true that such a journey can be very exhausting. I just wanted to make sure that you were not ill… nor that you were trying to avoid me.”

               My eyes widen. He knows. “Um… What, pray tell, makes you think that I am avoiding you?”

               He shrugs. “I just wanted to make sure that I did not make you uncomfortable with the interactions associated with our ruse. Should you ever feel that I am crossing a line, please do not hesitate to inform me. I do not take a lady’s virtue to be a jest.”

               I nod. “I understand. Thank you.”

               He smiles and I am awestruck by how drawn I am to him. “Wonderful. Now, I am afraid that I must travel around again today, so I will not be around. Everyone here knows to give you anything you wish, so should you need anything, all you need do is ask.”

               I nod and smile at him. “Now, I best leave before Bernedette returns and thinks that we are engaging in behavior unbefitting of a lady.” He leans forward and places a gentle kiss on my cheek before standing and leaving. My cheek burns where his lips were and that burn travels through my body, setting my center on fire once more. My entire body feels as though I have been doused with cold water and every hair is now standing on end, but yet I feel as though I am burning from the inside out. When Bernedette returns I am lost in my thoughts about this feeling within me. She places the tray down on the table and askes if I require anything else. “May I please have some paper and a writing implement. I wish to pen a letter.” She nods and leaves to acquire my desired items. I stand and put on the night robe gifted to me from Niko. I sit and being to enjoy my breakfast while looking out the window. It is snowing lightly out. I gaze out the window, infatuated by the snow as I have never seen it before.

               It is then that I spot Niko. He walks out in dark gray trousers with black boots, and he is wearing a thick fur coat and a fur hat. His attire is nothing like I have ever see before coming, but I have come to realize these outfits are the style common to the region. Bernedette returns as I am finishing with my trey. She takes the tray from me and says she will be close by should I need anything. If not, she shall return to me before next meal to see if I would care to eat in my room once more. I thank her for her diligent service and excuse her until mid-day. I pull the paper out and set it flat on the desk, desiring to write my dear Agnes, but unsure of what to say. I surely can not tell her about the school program incase my letter is intercepted or read before leavening. I want to apologize for leaving suddenly. I also want to apologize for not saying a proper goodbye. I wonder if she would be interested in coming to this region for a visit. She does have a desire to travel.

“My dearest Lady Agnes,

               I am so very sorry that I did not get to bid you farewell before leaving. I will understand completely should you be crossed with me for my lack of consideration, but please do know that you have been on my mind since leaving. You are my dearest friend and sister. At the ball, after sharing a dance with the High King, there was no denying the attraction between us. But, as is with Masters of the Region, he had to return to his region quickly in order to fulfil the duties of his position. Never did I believe I would agree to leave with a suitor so quickly, but had I not, our courtship would have ceased immediately.

               It would be untruthful to tell you that I am not drawn to him. I find myself desiring to be close to him, in his company, at his side. We have also had closer interactions recently and I fear that my attraction to him may cause me to compromise my virtue. You, my dear friend, know better than anyone how steadfast I have been to my morals and ensuring that I am a lady at all times, but something about High King Nikolai makes me feel as though I am burning within. I wonder if you have ever experienced such a thing. I for one have not and it is a troubling and puzzling feeling.

               The High King has shown his affections towards me. He has held my hand in front of others as well as to take me in his arms. I was concerned that we may be frowned upon for our inappropriate displays in the presence of others. However, the people of this region see, to be very kind and understanding. High King pulled me in to an embrace in front of the entire house staff, and no one paid us any mind. I feel as if I must tell you that I do wonder if their lack of concern with our behavior is a bad omen. Are the people so used to seeing such interactions because this is a common behavior for the High King? Or are they simply people who understand the desire of suitor’s to be close. My mind is very confused.

               I wish that you could visit dear friend. I do not know what you have planned now that we have finished our school, but should you desire to visit, I am sure the High King would allow it. Please write me back and let me know if you would like to join me. I would love to have a friend here. We could spend days together exploring the town, trying the local food, and playing in the snow. I also have some projects I would love to do. I desire to teach my server how to read and write, so that she may read and pen my correspondence. I would love someone like you to assist me in this. I miss our conversations and time together dear friend.

               Please write me soon, I long to hear from you,

               Abby.”

               I seal and address the letter. Please Agnes… Please do not be upset with me. I need you.

               I continue to read my book while enjoying the sun coming in through the window. If this is to be my life now, it would not be the worst thing to happen. Educating the children and spending my days looking out over the snow, reading books… If only my parents were here, it would be perfection. There is a knock on the door and Bernedette enters. “My Lady, would you like to eat elsewhere or remain in your quarters?” She asks. I ponder, looking out over the grounds. “I believe I would like to remain in my quarters. It is a lovely view, it is not?” Bernedette walks over and peers out the window. “It is very beautiful to view when the snow is freshly fallen. But to travel in it is another story.” I am confused by her comment. “Pray tell, what does that mean?” She blushes and steps back. “Apologize Lady Abigail. I did not mean offense.”

               I am further confused. “No, I truly do not understand your meaning and would like to be educated. Please feel free to speak freely.” She blushes. “I am being truthful.” I reassure her. She nods, but the fear is still present as she beings to speak.

               “The snow, while beautiful, is extremely cold. When snow touches your garments, it sticks and you clothing then becomes damp. It is painful to be both wet and cold. Because of the coldness, the wetness never dries and the day is spent walking in heavy, wet clothing that causes aches within your body.” I think about what she has said. “The day I arrived, I exited my carriage without gloves and my hands ached with coldness. Is this the sensation that you are talking about?” She nods, “Yes my lady, but it is your entire body that moves with this ache. Once inside, the ache does not stop. The wetness of the clothing causes the ache to continue most the day.” I listen to her and wonder about how this may be prevented. I thank her for educating me. Knowledge is a wonderful thing. She returns with my mid-day meal and I eat, looking out across the snow and wondering how to best assist the staff with this issue. The few moments of ache were horrible, I could not imagine spending my entire day in such a state.

               Bernedette returns with my food and I invite her to sit with me. As I eat, I show her the first few letters of the alphabet and invite her to practice writing. She practices while I eat and I am thrilled to see how interested she is in learning. Should all the children be as interested in learning as Bernedette is, they will progress very quickly. When I am finished eating, she takes the tray away. I ask her to please return shortly to dress me, as I wish to go out into the snow to see firsthand what it is she is has told me about. She returns with Carolina who assists her in tightening my corset once more. I thank them and give Carolina the letter for Agnes, asking her to please ensure its delivery. I put on the coat that my aunt gave me, and the gloves from Niko, and exit my room. I stroll down the stairs and towards the door. “Lady Abigail, would you like me to accompany you out?” Bernedette asks, thought he look on her face tells me how little she would like to go out. “No, I am fine. You are relieved. Should you like, you may return to my quarters and practice your letters further.” She smiles and nods, then curtseys and heads up the stairs. I approach the door and shove.

               The guard realizes that I am trying to open the door and pulls it open, allowing me out. “Lady Barclay-Gillingham. Should I call for you a carriage?” I shake my head no. “I would like to take a walk around the grounds, thank you.” He looks at me confused. “Lady Barclay-Gillingham, it is snowing very hard. Perhaps it would be best to wait for the snow to slow down.” I know I should say something about how I did not ask for his input, or that he should not speak to a lady so, but I know that his comment is from genuine concern. “No, I wish to walk now, thank you. I shall return soon.” I begin out the door and head towards the side of the palace, making my way towards the servant quarters. I am not sure how the staff enters or exits, but this will give me a good idea of the distance they travel while going to the palace. As I walk, I feel my dress getting heavier as the bottom comes in contact with the snow, becoming wetter. I can feel my coat beginning to turn cold as the moisture soaks through the outer layers.

               By the time I reach the servants quarters I am shivering immensely and my entire body aches. I now know what it is that Bernedette was speaking about but know that I am still warmer than she as I have this expensive coat and gloves. I knock on the door and a little girl that I do not recognize opens it. “Hello, I am Lady Abigail. May I please enter?” She looks confused and runs to grab an older woman. She comes looking confused. “Lady Barclay-Gillingham, how may I help you. Are you lost?” I do not recognize the woman, but I have clearly met her before. “I was exploring in the snow and am horrified to find how much the snow lingers on clothing. I am soaked through and ache all over.” She nods knowingly. “Please, come and warm near the fire. I shall send one of the boys to call a carriage to return you to the palace.” I thank her and follow her to the fireplace.

               “I apologize, but I do not know your name.” She curtseys, “My name is Genevieve, Lady Barclay-Gillingham.” I smile at her, “Please, I prefer Lady Abigail. Genevieve, how do the staff enter the palace.” She looks at me confused. “We enter through a door off the kitchen at the back of the house, Lady Abigail.” I nod. “Would you say that it is a longer or shorter distance than walking from the main entrance.” She stops and things. “Hm. I believe it would be about the same Lady Abigail.” I nod once more. “Thank you for the information. And thank you for your hospitality. I must admit, the ache that took over my body with this cold was not something I was prepared for. Had you not offered me your hearth I would still be in pain.” She smiles uncomfortably. “This is property of the High King; it is not my place to determine who is welcome or not. But should this have been a home of my own, I would have gladly offered you my hearth my lady.” I am more and more aware of how these people had been treated under Master Yanicoff. A young man enters, pulling our attention.

               “Apologies, Lady Barclay-Gillingham, but the carriage is here to take you back to the palace.” The poor young man is soaked through, his face and hands red with the sting of the cold. “Thank you so much, please come and warm yourself by this hearth, you look in a worse state than I when I arrived.” He smiles and bows to me, then moves from the door, allowing me to exit. I put on my coat, though still wet. It has not had a chance to dry completely while it hung by the hearth. Genevieve opens the door for me and I quickly move for the carriage. The ride home is short. The journey that took me what felt like an eternity on foot, was but mere minutes in the carriage. Upon arrival at the palace, I immediately make my way up to my room, desperately needing a warm back and fresh, dry clothing.