Chapter 22: She Read A Book
A faint, contemplative smile touched his lips. She had spent a night with the king and didn’t even know it.
A few minutes later, Bella arrived at Henry’s chambers. The soft knock at the door was followed by her graceful entrance, announced quietly by the guard stationed outside. Henry was seated in a cushioned chair near the hearth.
Bella paused just inside the doorway and bowed. "Your Majesty," she greeted softly before rising and approaching him. The gentle rustle of fabric accompanied her steps.
Henry regarded her with a curious smile. "So tell me, Bella. What have you been reading?" he asked, his tone light with genuine interest.
Bella’s lips curved into a playful smile. Without a word, she untied the ribbon securing the cloak around her shoulders and allowed it to slip gracefully to the floor. Beneath it, she wore a delicately crafted nightgown of fine muslin, fashionable, revealing. The sheer fabric hinted at the soft contours of her figure, accentuating the fullness of her breasts—features Henry had long admired.
"It’s easier to show you than to tell you, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement.
Henry’s brow arched in surprise, amusement flickered in his eyes. Bella had always been gentle and somewhat reserved; this newfound boldness was unexpected. What in heaven’s name had she been reading? he wondered.
Bella closed the distance between them and, sank to her knees before him. The firelight danced across her features as she looked up at him, seeking reassurance. When none came, she reached forward, her hands resting tentatively against the fabric of his breeches.
Still seeking an answer, he repeated with quiet amusement, "Seriously, Bella. What have you been reading?" He shifted slightly as his cock responded to her touch.
"The librarian gave me a book with images and instructions," Bella said.
Oh... that horny bastard, he thought, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Did he know anything besides naked pictures? Henry mused, suppressing a quiet groan.
"I saw some things we haven’t tried yet, Your Highness," Bella continued sultrily.
Henry leaned back slightly in his cushioned chair. "I bet you did," he replied, his tone silently mocking. Bella’s initiative was unexpected, yet it spoke volumes about her desire to maintain his attention.
As she reached forward and carefully freed his cock from his breeches, Henry felt a rush of sensation.
This instant reaction to Bella is Livia’s fault, he reflected. She has me all wired wrong. Under different circumstances, he might have gently reprimanded Bella for accepting such material from the librarian, perhaps even ordered the man to confine his recommendations to more respectable texts. First, he would have called Bella’s attention to the fact that the librarian was a disgusting pig whose head was filled with filth, he thought with a hint of irony.
Yet, as Bella’s lips closed around him, Henry found it difficult to maintain any semblance of moral judgment. Oh, who am I to judge? he admitted inwardly. After all, the desires explored within the privacy of his chambers were no less human than those illustrated in the librarian’s clandestine volumes.
Bella’s eyes fluttered briefly as she concentrated. A low sound escaped him, unbidden yet sincere. "Hmmm..." he grunted.
Bella’s determination was unmistakable. She did make an effort, he thought, and the least he could do was honour that effort.
He shifted slightly downward in the cushioned chair, granting her more space and comfort.
Bella’s fingers joined her lips in their task. Henry’s hand tightened around the carved arm of the chair as sensation coiled low in his belly, building steadily.
His breathing grew uneven as the tension mounted. Just as the crest of his pleasure approached, he guided her away from him, his release spilling across the fabric of his breeches.
Bella leaned back, her expression glowing with unmistakable triumph. In her eyes, Henry saw relief that she had pleased him, that her efforts had been worthwhile.
Henry took a moment to steady his breathing, the tension gradually ebbing from his body. He adjusted his clothing.
"How did that feel, Your Majesty?" Bella asked, her voice soft yet hopeful as she searched his face for reassurance. She was not merely seeking praise for her actions but affirmation of her place in his life. Offering her anything less would have been unjust.
"Beyond expectation," he replied gently.
Bella’s shoulders relaxed, her happiness evident in the soft curve of her lips.
"You may go," he said kindly. "Get some rest."
"Of course, Your Highness." Bella rose gracefully to her feet, gathering her cloak from where it had slipped to the floor. She wrapped it around herself once more. After offering Henry a respectful bow, she allowed herself a final, pleased smile before quietly slipping out of the chamber.
Henry remained seated. He leaned back in his chair, exhaling a slow breath as the events of the night settled over him. "Of course, she read a book," he murmured to himself, rolling his eyes slightly. Bella’s efforts had been sincere, but the connection he felt with her remained markedly different from what he had experienced with Livia.
*****
When Livia arrived at Beaumont’s establishment the next morning, it was as though a princess had returned from a royal engagement. The brothel was already stirring with the sounds of daily activity—servants sweeping the entryway, the faint clatter of crockery from the kitchens, and the distant murmur of merchants beginning their trade.
Stephen helped Livia down from the carriage. As always, the king’s valet maintained his characteristic silence. Livia offered him a shy smile. "Thank you... for everything," she said softly.
Stephen inclined his head in acknowledgment but spoke no words. His loyalty lay in discretion.
Before she could gather her thoughts, the front door swung open and Nicholas Beaumont himself appeared. Impeccably dressed in a tailored coat and waistcoat, he radiated an air of theatrical delight.
"My dear girl!" Nicholas beamed, sweeping forward with open arms. "Are you tired? Was he kind to you?"
Livia flushed slightly, her fingers tightening around the folds of her simple dress. "Y...yes, sir," she replied, her accent lending a gentle musicality to her words.