Stand By Me Darling

"I have to leave tomorrow, Fred," Talia said ruffling Arthur’s hair who was now burying his face in her belly, sulking. His hot breath seeped in through the fabric and warmed her up. "The Spring Ball is in just a couple days and I have to get prepared. There is the final dress fitting, some final arrangements and..." she giggled, "Celine told me that The Duke and Duchess of Luxxenshire aren’t very pleased right now. Apparently Louis has asked The Duke to step back and pass on his title to the heir by himself before His Royal intervention. The Ball is going to be a hoot! Can’t wait to see Judith glaring at me," Talia was really happy.

"Can’t you stay away from the politics and concentrate on charities and looking pretty? Your elder cousin is pushing you in the front to fight, making you the bad guy and hiding behind you. And what is the use of that other cousin? What a pair of wimps!" Arthur wasn’t as pleased as Talia.

Arthur really wasn’t feeling comfortable that she is making enemies for herself. Everyone around her is relaxed that she is perfectly safe now that the one enemy who wished her dead - Jared Cooper, is no more.

But in his heart, he had a sneaking suspicion that it still isn’t over. Of course his doubt about Ray and Jared Cooper coming with the same plan to destroy Talia’s reputation was cleared by Lord Lockhart’s report that there was a guy who was Jared’s plant with Ray.

But still... Maybe I should check Ray’s belongings to see there are more clues. Eh! I have to return to that house, but I will endure it for her.

"It’s been the duty of the siblings of the King to support him for ages. Lambert IS doing his part. Why do you think he is very interested in the Military? My guess is that some old generals are going to ’retire’ just like The Duke of Luxxenshire. So don’t pout," Talia patted his head. She understood his concern, but rather than just supporting charities, her interest lied with exposing corruption and in governance.

"Hmpf! Ages old tradition? Just tell me YOU are interested in it. You are not that much of a traditionalist. You make me worried, Iris. And I don’t trust those guards of yours. They can’t protect you even in their own hunting event. How good are they? You insist on not not carrying weapons and... I’m worried enough to leave everything and become your full-time bodyguard." Still with his head buried in her belly, Arthur trailed his hand over her smooth leg. His long boney fingers made little circles on her calf making her flinch a little.

"My bodyguard? Then who’d take care of the Northern Star? You just want to stay close to me so that you can-"

"F*ck you whenever I want, wherever I want?" Arthur’s hands reached to her thigh, shifting her slip upwards gradually.