Until death us do part

She sat in her chambers with her hand pressed over her belly. Once again she had excused herself from supper, even though she knew her disappearances were causing whispers. She would have to tell him soon. She did not even know why she delayed. He would be so pleased with the news that the realm could expect an heir. No, she did not love the king, but he was a pleasant companion and a good friend. If she could not please him in the months to come she would have to find someone else to take her place.1

Silently she rose from her chair and searched for the clothes she wore so seldom. They were old, shabby and certainly made her unrecognisable to anyone who knew her. Except perhaps the king. After slipping on her soft shoes she blew out the candle and crept down the servants’ stair to the courtyard. The court was still feasting, celebrating the feast of Christ the King. A small smile crept onto her lips. Her husband knew how to keep the people happy and she was proud to be his wife. They liked each other well enough and it was not to be expected anyway that arranged marriages always worked out this way. 2

The streets were deserted as she stepped around the piles of dirt that never seemed to get smaller. The houses were close together in total contrast to the wide-flung palace. Washing lines were strung from windows on one side of the street to another and rangy cats slunk across the roofs. Her destination was a small, but well-kept house on the street corner, where even now people were laughing and drinking. For a moment she stood in the doorway unnoticed watching the spectacle. Then she was spotted by the mistress, who greeted her with a smile and a kiss. 3

“It’s been a long time, dearie” she smiled, seemingly oblivious to her friend’s social position. “Come in and have a drink or two.”4

The other woman smiled woefully. 5

“On any other occasion I would but I must hasten back lest I am missed.”6

“Snuck out again?” laughed the landlady leading the way across the room and into an adjoining chamber. “What is it this time?”7

Making sure the door was well and truly closed the lady took off her hooded cloak to reveal auburn hair done up in a hurried bun.8

“I need one of your girls.”9

About to sit down on the bench the mistress started up and stared. Then she smiled a slow smile.10

“Finally. And here I was thinking I’d never get to see an heir for the country.”11

“Just please make sure the girls” the lady paused, “forget about whom they accompanied. It is important for the country to keep things the way they are. Otherwise we might soon find that there is no legal heir to the throne.”12

Again the landlady smiled and her smile had a wolfish edge to it.13

“Don’t worry heart’s dearest. You will keep your position and I will keep my girls. Then we will both be where we belong.”14

Smiling sadly the lady rose and went to the door putting on her cloak as she did. About to leave the room she turned on her heel and gave her unusual friend a hug and a kiss.15

“I will come and visit you if I can.”16

Then she was gone.17

Months later the whole realm rejoiced in the birth of their prince. The king was happy and his lady was smiling quietly to herself as she rested in her chambers. Their relationship had changed and her husband was now her best friend more than anything. He appreciated her thoughtfulness and together they spent many happy evenings together talking, playing at cards, listening to music. They would retire to connected but separate rooms each to spend the night with someone they loved, only to show happy contented faces again in the morning. The court was at peace and the realm bloomed and it was all thanks to the friendship between the wise king and his even wiser queen.18