(Click photo for larger image)
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ForevaXena's FanFic . . .
Uninvited
by Deb Kern
Disclaimer:
Copyright:
This is an alternative uber tale. No copyright infringement is intended.
This is not to be used for profit.
Subtext
and Sex: Yes and yes. If the idea of two women loving each other is not your cup
of tea; go get a glass of milk and skip this. If you are under the age of 18
years of age or this type of story is illegal in your state or country, please
do not read it.
Violence
and Language: There are scenes of fighting. The language is pretty mild.
Credits:
This story line is completely my own, but the poem that is found as a journal
entry in Section Three is by a very talented poet. I inquired if she would lend
her beautiful words to this story and she accepted. I cannot tell you how
honored and grateful I am. Thank you Renotta. Your poetry is always a source of
inspiration.
Dedication:
This is for my twin sister. She has been a constant source of inspiration and
encouragement and like me, is a huge romantic. You’re amazing.
Thank
You: Big hugs to Cindy at ForevaXena, Jude, and Tracey for beta reading and for
your words of encouragement. Kisses to the ex-Guards for all the wonderful
feedback and for giving me a home in your talented community. A big thank you to
Mary D for the Xippy’s on "Written
in My Days" and "My
Cup of Tea". I’m a beginning writer and these awards have encouraged
my to write on.
Email: dikern@aol.com
|
Cover by Deb
Kern (Click photo for larger image)
|
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| Artwork by
Maria
Mercado (Click photo for larger image) |
The
princess was invited to Spain, or so her father said! Danielle knew this was an
arranged visit. It was inevitable. She would be twenty-one years old in a
fortnight, and after already turning down two of the suitors her parents had
chosen, she was to be given only one more chance. Being twenty-one, a princess
and unmarried in 1703 was unheard of in France.
The vision of her mother fainting if she refused again came to her mind
and she chuckled lightly to herself.
‘It
would serve her right. I know she loves me, but all this marriage talk has
darkened my soul,’ Danielle thought, as she turned her green eyes toward the
open window and peered out at the dying of the day. The soft, low light outside
cast a purple glow across the gardens. The twittering of a bird caught her
attention and she watched it swoop effortlessly across the sky.
‘Oh
little bird, what I wouldn't give for those wings.’ Danielle mused, thinking
that taking flight may be her only option.
‘I'd
gladly give up my title and all the spectacle of these riches to freely choose a
love that was based on more than just what was appropriate and good for my
country.’
A
knock at her door caused Danielle to jump slightly and jolted her from her
romantic notions.
"Who
is it?"
"It's
your mother darling . . . we need to talk."
Danielle
slowly made her way to the large wooden door, dreading the conversation that
would follow.
"Hello
mother, some words of advice I presume. Let’s see if I remember from our last
talk, behave in a ladylike fashion, be courteous and above all ACT like I am
head over heals for the Spaniard," Danielle spat out sarcastically.
"Danielle,
what am I going to do with you? You know how hard this is on your father and I,
and yet you do nothing but sabotage our efforts." her mother said brushing the
folds from her gown and adjusting her oversized ruby necklace.
"Really
Danielle, we almost died from embarrassment at your last display in Italy.
Honestly child, your father still hears about how you loaded your plate at the
welcoming meal not twice but three times, and don’t even try the ‘I
was only hungry’ line on me again. We know you did that on purpose. The
only conclusion that young man could draw was that he would be marrying a woman
who would triple in width in no time." her mother finished.
Danielle
couldn’t help the smirk that came across her face. She remembered very well
the eating display she put on for the royal family. Wide eyes stared in
amazement when she devoured three plates and then asked about dessert. She
started laughing outright as the memory came to the forefront of her mind.
Try as she might, Danielle’s mother couldn’t help but join in. At
first her chuckles came out in half spurts and coughed gasps as she tried to
cover her amusement with her handkerchief. Finally, upon watching her daughter
remembering the event, she joined her in a contagious laughter.
Both women gripped hands in their entertained state.
As
the women slowly composed themselves, Danielle’s mother gently reached up and
brushed back the blonde strands of hair from her daughter’s cheek. She studied
the beautiful face before her and felt a twinge of sadness.
"Cherie,
I know this is hard. Being born into royalty carriers with it a burden and an
obligation that mustn’t be taken lightly. We have had this conversation
before, and as much as your father and I love you, we must ask you to remember
your position in France." She finished solemnly, bringing the conversation
back to a serious tone.
"We
leave tomorrow morning dear. Do I have your word that you will not disappoint us
again?"
"You
have my word, mother." Danielle said.
"Thank
you. Goodnight dear . . . I love you." Her mother said kissing Danielle’s
cheek.
As
the door closed Danielle felt her hopes and dreams vanish, replaced now with the
sense of responsibility and tradition. This was her duty to her family and
country.
Danielle
rarely prayed for herself, but tonight she needed strength that was not her own.
"Lord,
if you see fit to give my life true meaning, then please let this man my parents
have chosen be strong in will but gentle of heart. Let him understand my
independence and embrace my differences. If there is a chance that he could be
the holder of the blue eyes I have dreamt of for years Lord, I would be
eternally grateful. But, if my life will be one of honor not desire, of loyalty
not happiness and of pretenses not passion, then Lord . . . I pray you give me
strength to live it."
Blowing
out the candle she lay down in bed and brought forth the vision of the crystal
blue eyes that had been visiting her in her dreams since she was fourteen years
old. Never being able to put a clear face to the eyes didn’t stop Danielle
from fantasizing about them. She knew if she were ever actually looking into
them, she would be seeing her true love. All she could do was hope upon hope
that those eyes were waiting for her in Spain.
Falling
into a relaxed and dreamy state, she thought about those blue eyes once more.
She had an inexpressible sweet desire to find this one true love. Danielle
slowly put her hand to her mouth, nipping and sucking the tender piece of flesh
between her thumb and forefinger as she imagined kissing the holder of those
eyes.
She imagined being pulled down on silk sheets as her dress was eased open
with those blue eyes settling in, kissing her neck, collarbone . . . breasts.
Slowly her hands moved lower as she gave into her desire and the vision claimed
her soul.
_______________________________
Maria
woke in an overheated state, sitting straight up in bed.
"No,
no, no, don't wake up, not yet." She quickly flopped back down and covered her
head with a pillow, willing herself back to sleep.
"Arrgh
. . . it's no use!" she bolted from bed and went to the window. Cora, a
springer spaniel and her furry companion was at her side in an instant.
"Sorry
girl, I didn't mean to wake you," she said scratching the spotted, curly long
ears. Cora trotted across the room and stood next to the rifle propped by the
door.
"No
Cora, it’s not time for hunting girl. It’s even too early for the pheasant
to be up." she smiled at her anxious hunting partner. Dejected but clearly
understanding, the dog jumped back on the bed, made two circles and settled back
into sleep.
Maria
watched the stars and thought about the green eyes that she had been kissing in
her sleep. "Why do I always wake before I see the face that belongs to those
eyes?"
________________________________
The
princess and her entourage, which consisted of her mother the Queen, her
handmaid Anne, the Queen's handmaid Sophie, the Captain of the Guard Luc and
twenty of the most highly acclaimed regents of the French army, made a grand
parade across France and marched into Spain.
Along
the way, Danielle and her mother discussed the Spanish family they were going to
meet and the political climate that existed in Spain. A marriage to a high
ranking Spaniard would help continue the alliance that was formed when the
Bourbons came to power in Spain in 1700. Danielle was well aware of this.
Philip
V, the first Bourbon ruler of Spain, was chosen by Danielle's father King Louis
XIV the great from direction of the Pope himself.
While this decision was favored by some, many Spaniards were upset with
the transfer of power back to the French. Fighting from Spanish dissidents was
intense.
Three years into Philip V’s rule, opposition was starting to wan but
small raiding parties could still be found.
King
Louis XIV the great produced many offspring by maidens of the court in his
younger years. However, when he married Danielle’s mother, his exploits
stopped. The Queen, 14 years younger than Louis, bore him additional, legitimate
children.
Danielle was his youngest daughter.
King
Louis handpicked the gentleman that Danielle was on her way to meet. Fredrick
Cordoba, son of the Minister of Spain, was set to take his father's place in the
royal court. Spanish dissidents scouring the land in 1701 had mistakenly killed
Frederick’s father.
Fredrick,
21 years of age, was dark skinned with blue eyes and broad strong shoulders. He
was the perfect political match and secretly, the King had left him for the last
arrangement with Danielle. He knew his daughter would turn down the first two
suitors, or so he had hoped.
Now Danielle, left without a choice, would be forced to marry the man
that Louis had wanted to begin with.
________________________________________
Looking
out of the windows of the horse drawn coach, Danielle dreamily commented on the
Spanish countryside.
"Spain
is like a great castle that rises from the sea." Danielle began slowly,
rhythmically, like the beginning of a poem.
"The
air is crisp and spicy. It reminds me of sweet hot cider on an autumn day, and
look, the entire perimeter of the country is marked by ranges of mountains."
Pointing,
Danielle excitedly called out. "It's beautiful. Look! Many of the peaks are
still snow covered."
The
handmaids, drawn into the vision Danielle painted, rested their heads close
together peeking out of the carriage as a group. Anne was half sitting on
Danielle’s lap and all three women held each other’s hands. Danielle had
made up her mind to enjoy this trip, even though the outcome might lead to
unhappiness. As always, Danielle lived each day finding something good and
beautiful to be thankful for.
"You've
always had a way with words. Finding beauty in almost everything is a special
gift you have," the Queen said looking lovingly at her daughter and the
ladies.
Danielle
looked back and smiled at her mother. She snapped her head back when Anne
pointed out a rabbit darting for the bushes.
Danielle
was a friend to everyone in the French court. Anne and Sophie were more like
sisters to Danielle than hired help. Danielle treated everyone with respect and
dignity. She was a breath of fresh air in the castle and the Queen knew she
wouldn't be the only one to miss her youngest daughter.
Watching
the women laughing together, sadness crept into the Queen’s thinking. ‘I
hope Danielle doesn't loose this special quality after her arranged marriage.’
she mused lost in her thoughts.
The
Queen looked down to her folded hands and closed her eyes as Anne, Sophie and
Danielle continued to point, laugh and enjoy a sunny day in Spain.
______________________________________
"Cora,
wake him." Maria ordered softly to her companion as she swung the door open.
Cora
jumped up on the bed and with one long stride, stood atop the sleeping form.
Tongue poised for a morning kiss, the springer spaniel looked back at her master
for the command.
Maria
nodded and with a cold wet, slap in the face, the sleeping form awoke.
"Good
God! Get that mongrel out of here. Who let her in?" the irritated voice
demanded as a quick hand wiped a wet dog kiss from a stunned cheek.
Cora
growled softy at the choice of words used to describe her and jumped down.
Sleepy
eyes focused on the head hovering above his bed. "I should have known!
Maria,
what are you doing in here so early, and didn't I tell you to keep your dog away
from me in the morning? Can’t you let your poor brother sleep? You know I only
have so many days of my freedom left. Do you plan to torture me to the bitter
end?" Fredrick said sternly to his sister.
"Now
that you mention it . . . yes." Maria said sarcastically as stepped over and
pulled open the heavy drapes.
"Actually
baby brother, I thought you might like to go hunting with us this morning. From
what I hear the French Princess can eat her weight in gold." Maria placed
another dig in. "There may not be enough fish and fowl in all of Spain to
satisfy this girl’s appetite. Cora and I are getting a jump on it; mustn’t
let the Princess starve now can we?"
"Oh
sure, go ahead and make your fun. Who appointed you court jester today?"
Fredrick moaned. "Please, I beg of you, leave me to what little peace I have
left." Fredrick rolled over and covered his eyes, too tired to continue these
games.
"Are
you sure you won’t come then?" Maria half laughed. She was waiting for a
response but none came. Walking back and leaning down, Maria saw the slow rise
and fall of her brother’s chest; she placed a small kiss on his forehead and
quietly walked out. Cora was one step ahead.
Maria
was extremely close to her only sibling. Even though she teased him, it pained
her to see him forced into a marriage of convenience, but tradition and family
name came at a high price. Maria knew her brother as an honest and decent man.
He would treat the Princess kindly no matter what kind of person she turned out
to be. Maria’s job was to make her brother’s life livable and she planned on
doing anything in her power to comfort him.
"She
better treat him well Cora," Maria said following the wagging tail ahead of
her. "Anything less than respect will end in a Royal Princess with a black
Spanish boot up her butt."
Maria finished toughly as she headed to the kitchen to prepare for her
hunting trip.
Since
her father’s death, Maria was friend and guardian to her brother and mother.
She naturally stepped in as head of the household and kept things running just
as smoothly as her father had. Maria 30 years of age, was never an ordinary
Spanish woman. Her father indulged her passion for horses, hunting and sword
fighting.
Most men were too intimidated to approach her, and the men who had tried,
Maria found boring and a complete waste of her time. Maria’s mother had all
but given up hope that marriage would ever be a part of Maria’s life.
"Good
morning mother." Maria addressed the yawning woman by the window.
"Good
morning and good morning to you little one." the woman said bending over and
placing a small piece of sausage in front of Cora’s waiting mouth.
"Where
are you two headed so early this morning?" Maria’s mother questioned.
"A
little hunting to prepare for the arrival of the French Princess." Maria said
laughing as she winked down at Cora.
"That’s
very thoughtful of you. I'm sure Fredrick will appreciate that." The elderly
woman commented.
Maria
laughed louder as her mother looked on confused at the amusement in her
daughter’s response.
"Oh
I’m sure he’ll think of some way to thank me." Maria joked as she grabbed
a couple pieces of sausage and wrapped a piece of warm bread in a cloth.
Maria
and Cora headed out the door and down to the stables.
____________________________________________
The
Queen’s head snapped up with the sudden stop of the carriage.
"Why
have we stopped?" the Queen questioned Danielle.
Before
she could answer a single shot rang out. The sound of running horses and
shouting broke the silence. More shots were heard.
The
Captain of the Guard, appeared before the open carriage window. "Your
Majesty, keep these doors closed and the curtains tightly pulled!" he
commanded. "There are bandits afoot. Do not leave this carriage under any
circumstances. I’ll let you know when it’s safe!"
"Be
careful Luc!" Danielle yelled out as her mother pulled the curtains together
firmly.
The
Queen grabbed Danielle’s hand, her worried expression conveyed the truth; they
were under attack.
Luc
quickly rode to the front of the fighting, leaving ten of his men as a wall to
guard the Queen and Princess. There appeared to be at least twenty Spaniards
dressed in black and armed with swords; six of whom carried single shot
muzzle-loading weapons. A round whistled past his head as he jumped down from
his horse.
The
stench of gunpowder hung in the air. He heard moaning from men in obvious pain.
Turning in the direction of the cries, he saw one of his men on the ground
clutching his stomach. Blood spilled through his fingers. Another of his men lay
motionless a few feet away.
Only he and eight of his regents were now left at the front of the
fighting. It would only be matter of time before many of the Spaniards made
their way towards the carriage.
Drawing
his sword, he engaged a bandit running his way. He did not like the odds of this
situation and was hoping he could dispose of the man quickly and move on to
another adversary before the other Spaniards advanced. Suddenly, behind him, he
heard a woman’s voice.
"What
do we have here?" Maria yelled. "Is that you Ortega? What cave did your soul
crawl out of today?"
The
man in front of the Captain pulled away and was moving backwards at a slow pace,
staring at the woman approaching.
"Stay
out of this Maria. You should be on our side and you know it. You do not honor
your country by supporting the French." Ortega spat back at her.
"I
see Ortega, and you call murdering innocent people an honorable action. Funny,
but that has all the markings of the coward that I know you are." Maria drew
her sword as she moved forward.
"Call
off your men or I will run you through right now." Maria said as she eased
forward, stopping at the side of the French Captain.
Glancing
over, Luc saw a figure that left him speechless. This woman was over six feet
tall, a cape covered her broad shoulders and black hair fell loosely from under
a black rimmed hat. Crystal blue eyes scanned him for an instant and then
retrapped her prey. A medium sized dog flanked her on the left.
"Welcome
to Spain." Maria said softly out of the side of her mouth. Her eyes never left
Ortega. "Is the Princess safe?"
"She
and the Queen are in the carriage behind us mademoiselle." Luc replied just as
softly.
"Cora,
protect!" Maria commanded her companion and motioned with the tilt of her
head.
Cora
sprang into action. As fast as her four legs would carry her, she was past the
fighting, leaving a small trail of dust and with a single jump dove through the
curtains and into the window of the carriage, landing right between four
startled women.
The
women jumped off their seats. "Oh my!" yelled the Queen. "It’s a .
. . it’s a . . . it’s a"
"It’s
a dog mother." Danielle said with a calm voice, looking over at her mother and
rolling her eyes.
The
Queen had her hand on her heart and was trying to get her breathing back under
control. Sophie had fainted and Anne was busy fanning her in an attempt to
revive her.
Reaching
down, Danielle spoke, "Hello little one. Aren’t you the brave soul."
Danielle
scratched behind the dog’s ears and then patted her on the head. Cora looked
up wagging her tail. Danielle continued to pet the adorable dog as she struggled
to hear what was taking place outside.
A woman’s voice seemed to be yelling something barley audible.
Danielle couldn’t make out what she was saying, but it sounded like she
was engaged in the fighting.
Cora
continued wagging her tail but never took her eyes off the window she just
sailed through. Outside the fighting grew nearer. Hearing steps coming closer,
Cora began to growl; her teeth were showing from behind arched gums. Danielle
removed her hand and along with Cora watched the carriage door.
"I
won’t repeat myself again Ortega. Call these men off or this will be your last
day of fighting!" Maria stepped closer to the retreating figure in front of
her.
Luc
heard footsteps behind him. Whirling around he raised his sword catching the man
off guard. A thin red line appeared across the Spaniard’s cheek letting Luc
know that his sword had found its target. The Spaniard put one hand to his cheek
but kept on fighting. Another assailant soon joined the bleeding Spaniard and
the Captain had his hands full.
"Your
father would be disappointed in your actions Maria! He was a true Spaniard."
Ortega baited Maria. "Bourbon rule will be the end of Spanish tradition. Stand
up for what is right and fight with us."
"My
father would curse your misguided deeds. No true Spaniard would go against his
King." Maria spoke from behind clenched teeth, her anger was building quickly.
Hoping
to catch Maria in an emotionally charged state Ortega shouted, "Your father
would call you a coward!" as he spat on the ground.
"No
more talking!" Maria lurched forward with her sword extended, arm bent at the
elbow and legs in a wide stance.
Ortega
lunged at her as metal hit metal. Each move Ortega threw at Maria was matched
and with as much force and resistance. Her skills were legendary in Spain.
Ortega knew he had to find an opening.
He lunged at her chest with his sword, and with lighting fast speed
dropped to the ground making a sweeping move with his legs. Maria jumped in the
air and flipped forward completely untouched. Ortega jumped to his feet and felt
the slice of a blade tear through his shirt as a crimson line appeared quickly.
He
knew Maria could have killed him in that instant, but she chose to wound him
instead. If he stayed she wouldn't give him a second chance.
With
her sword still pointing at Ortega’s chest she raised her left hand wiggling
her fingers back and forth. "Come on, you want some more? My blade is just
getting warmed up!" Maria snarled, her left eyebrow raised and lip curled up
at the corner.
Ortega
knew better, he was hurt even if it was mostly a flesh wound and the mood Maria
was in scared him enough to call a retreat.
"I’ll
meet you again Maria!" Ortega breathed quickly as he headed for the trees,
holding his chest. "RETREAT!"
Luc
ordered his men to regroup and check on the wounded. He then turned to the
dark-haired woman.
"My
name is Luc mademoiselle. Your intervention was greatly appreciated. Without
your help, I’m afraid to think what the fate of the Queen and the Princess
would have been. Thank you." The Captain held out his hand.
"It
was the least I could do senoir. You’ll have no more trouble on this road, of
that I’m quite certain. Your destination is only five miles to the South."
Maria said as she replaced her sword, wiped her hands and shook the extended
hand of friendship. "You'll find a doctor’s home just three miles ahead.
It’s a large farm. Stop there and see what can be done for your wounded. Tell
him Maria sent you."
"You
know of the Cordoba family then?" Luc inquired.
"Yes,
. . . yes I do." Maria finished.
"Cora,
come!"
Maria raised her head and yelled in the direction of the carriage.
Inside,
Cora stood rooted in place. The Princess continued to pet her and scratch her
ears. Her touch was gentle and comforting and even though Cora heard her
command, she lingered for another pat. The women inside could tell the fighting
had stopped but the Captain had been adamant about staying in place until he
returned. Since the voices outside were muffled, the Princess decided to follow
his command.
"Cora!
Come!" Maria said with more authority in her voice.
"I
think someone is calling you little one. Let me get the door for you."
Danielle cracked the door just enough to let her protector out and then closed
it right behind her. Cora pranced
to her master’s side and sat.
"If
there is nothing more I can do here, I’ll be on my way." Maria said as she
mounted her horse tipping her hat in the direction of the Captain. "Be safe
Luc."
The
captain bowed his head at her gesture and watched the mysterious figure ride
away. The dog was right behind her.
Luc
moved quickly to the carriage. "Your majesty, are you all right in there?"
the Captain inquired, standing just outside the door.
"Yes,
quite fine Captain." The Queen called out.
Opening
the door and pushing back the curtains, Luc poked his head in, making certain
his precious cargo was indeed all right.
"Captain,
what was that all about?" the Queen asked, her hand was still held closely to
her heart.
"It
appears not every Spaniard has taken to the idea of French rule, my lady.
Luckily for us, at least one very brave Spanish woman has." he concluded.
"So
it was a woman’s voice I heard?" Danielle asked.
"Yes,
Princess. Quite unbelievable really. This woman is truly remarkable. Her
fighting skills would rival the best in the French army, and her appearance . .
. well, it would stop you dead in your tracks," he remitted. "I've seen
nothing like her."
"Can
you tell me more about her?" Danielle asked, she was intrigued by the
captain’s response and what did he mean about her appearance?
"I’m
sorry my lady it will have to wait until later, we really must have our wounded
attended to and we shouldn’t sit here any longer," Luc said with urgency in
his voice.
"Of
course Luc. Later then." Danielle nodded and closed the curtain.
The
women inside sat in silence as their journey continued. They were all shaken
from their experience. Danielle was thinking about the Spanish woman. She wished
she could have seen her in action. She was impressed with such bravery. Even
more importantly, she couldn’t wait to hear about what the woman looked like.
Danielle silently wished she would get a chance to meet her.
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