by N. C. Reed
“Reckon I 'll go back,” she said finally. “I got a home and a job there waiting. I can't stay here without you. I don't know nobody else and I ain't gonna be here alone and by myself.”
“You can't do that!” Stephanie protested at once.
“You can,” Winnie shrugged. “Reckon I can do as I please, being as I'm grown and all. This was a fairy tale anyway, and fairy tales ain't real. I know that much if I don't know nothing else. I can't be here alone. I make too many mistakes as it is. This bunch would eat me alive if you weren't here. And I don't react well to that sort of thing.”
“So reckon I 'll head back where I belong,” she nodded. “What you aiming to do? Go back to the hospital or stay here?”
“Winnie you can't leave!” Stephanie ignored the question. “You're. . .the King. . .I mean you just can't!”
“I can too, and I am,” Winnie told her. “Done made up my mind. I need to see my pa first though and let him know. And I guess I need to see 'bout getting a ride,” she mused. “You don't reckon I could get that carriage to carry me back, do you?” she asked suddenly. “I mean, don't it belong there, anyhow? Or is that yours?” she asked suddenly.
“What? No! It isn't mine,” Stephanie shook her head. “And it doesn't matter because you can't go!”
“I already said I can,” Winnie told her flatly. “I'm not staying here alone. And no matter how many people may be around, without you I'm still alone. I came here not knowing nobody, just riding along with you. I didn't ask the King to be sweet on me, and didn't encourage or lead him on neither. Ain't none of that my fault.”
“Winnie we're talking about the King!” Stephanie continued to protest. “You can't just. . .things like that just aren't done!”
“Reckon it was you told me that not being a noble meant I didn't have to care what people thought,” Winnie shrugged. “And how they don't care no way, since I ain't nobody to start with.”
“That wasn't what I meant!”
~*~
“This is Parno's fault,” Memmnon almost murmured. “Somehow, someway, he's responsible for this, you mark my words,” he said to Whip.
“Now I can't see how he would go and do something like this,” Whip protested.
“He probably didn't mean to,” Memmnon allowed. “But he's a lightning rod. He attracts, encourages bad luck and misfortune. Creates it almost, leaving destruction in his wake almost everywhere he goes. Comes as naturally to him as breathing.”
“Milord, perhaps you ought to try and find out exactly what the problem is before you go assigning any blame for it?” Whip did his best to sound reasonable.
“What? Oh,” Memmnon seemed to take note of what Whip was saying finally. “Yes, yes of course,” he nodded. “Send for them both at once,” he ordered. “Have the guard send for them both. Together. We 'll find out what my brother has done this time to get all this going.”
“Aye, milord,” Whip sighed, shaking his head as he made his way to the door.
~*~
“What does he want?” Winnie demanded, arms crossed. “I'm busy at the moment.”
“Winnie, dear,” Stephanie managed to intervene. “This is an official summons of the Sovereign,” she pointed out. “There is no ignoring this. Or putting it off, either,” she sighed. “When?” she asked the arms man.
“It was immediate, milady,” the man kept his face neutral.
“We 'll need a minute,” Stephanie said.
“I 'll be here,” the man promised/threatened. Stephanie closed the door and leaned against it.
“Well, now you've done it,” she said quietly.
“I've done it?” Winnie looked at her crossly. “I'm not the one who ran out cr-” she stopped abruptly as she remember she had done exactly that. “I'm not the one who started all this,” she settled for saying, feeling somewhat justified.
“You certainly haven't helped any!” Stephanie shot back, moving to the mirror to check her appearance. “You had better prepare yourself unless you want Memmnon to see you like that!”
A look of dawning horror on her face, Winnie fled to her bedroom leaving Stephanie to shake her head.
“For someone who isn't interested in a fairy tale, you seem very determined that the King not see you look a fright, dear.”
~*~
By the time the two women entered the King's audience chamber, Memmnon was working into a fine temper tantrum. He was the King, dammit. While he might wish he weren't, he was, and that meant that he got to know what was going on around him. And he meant to know what was going on today.
“Why here?” Winnie almost whispered as the two were shown into the seldom used room. Well, never used for them before. Neither had been here.
“I think Memmnon is reminding us he's the King,” Stephanie said just as softly. “As in he wants to know what's going on and he's not going to take no for an answer.”
“I don't have to-!” Winnie hissed but was cut off by Stephanie's glare.
“He is the King!” she hissed right back. “So yes, you do have to. Now be quiet and lets see what he wants.”
Biting back a reply Winnie followed Stephanie into the main room where Memmnon sat upon his seat waiting, crown perched atop his head. He seldom wore it and Stephanie took this as another sign that Memmnon meant to have his questions answered this time.
“Ladies,” he said curtly as the two curtsied before him. “I want to know what is going on around here, and I want to know right now without any further beating around the bush. And no crying and running away, either,” he added. “I've had quite enough of that today, thank you. Start whenever you're ready.”
“Now you wait one da-” Winnie started off angrily only to get an elbow in the ribs from the doctor.
“Milord, this has been, all of this has been a complete misunderstanding,” Stephanie said politely. “The fault for this lies entirely with me and I sincerely apologize that my problems have caused you any irritation.”
“I'm not interested in finding fault since I assume that Parno is somehow to blame,” Memmnon told her flatly. “He always is. What I want to know is what is it that he has done that has led to all this . . . drama,” he settled for saying.
“Milord, I assure you that Prince McLeod is in no way to blame for any of this,” Stephanie told him, her voice tightly controlled. “He has done nothing untoward nor caused any problems of any kind. Even were he so inclined I doubt he could find the time.”
“I didn't say he did it on purpose,” Memmnon nodded. “Still, as I told Mister Hubel, Parno is a lightning rod for trouble. He doesn't have to make an effort, it comes to him naturally. And you still haven't answered my question,” he added with a raised eyebrow.
“Now you look he-” Winnie tried again only to receive an elbow to her stomach this time, cutting her off nicely.
“Milord, the night before he left, Prince Parno and I had a disagreement that was completely my fault,” Stephanie decided she had to just come out and admit it. “I tried. . .I attempted to force his hand on something that I knew he didn't want to do, and when he refused again I. . .I became angry. I said a great many things to him in that anger that I should not have. Things I didn't mean. I meant to try and make amends with him the morning after before he departed, but he left earlier than anticipated and I. . .I missed him. I am afraid that I have bungled our relationship very badly. To the point that I seriously doubt we still have a relationship,” she admitted, looking at the floor.
“So, when I mentioned being in-laws. . .” Memmnon mused.
“I'm afraid I became somewhat emotional and fled your presence lest you see that and assume, as you did, that Parn-, Prince McLeod was somehow to blame,” she nodded.
“And you?” he shifted his gaze to a smoldering Winifred. “I assume that your accusations toward me were because you just assumed that I had done something to the good doctor that caused her to cry?”
“She had been here and came back crying,” Winnie crossed her arms under her breast
s, refusing to be cowed. “So yes, I did assume that. And that was wrong,” she barely manged to choke out. “So for that I reckon I owe you an apology too.” Memmnon nodded regally, accepting her apology.
“While I understand the doctor running out as she did, why did you do so?” he asked her a bit more gently this time. “Does the thought of being married to me really cause you such grief?”
“You caught me by surprise or that wouldn't have happened!” she shot back, red faced with embarrassment. “I didn't expect it, that's all.”
“I see,” Memmnon was fighting off a smile now. “And Doctor, why is it that you feel you need to leave the palace? Just because you and Parno are having difficulties does not mean you aren't welcome here. Surely you know that. I did not ask you to become the Royal Physician because of your relationship with him. Nor out of simple gratitude, though you have that and always will. I need a physician. It is that simple. Your family has provided physicians to the House Tyree since. . .since there has been a House Tyree, in fact,” he shrugged. “It is entirely appropriate that you should take up that mantle yourself, should you so desire. If not then of course you don't have to, but I would be disappointed. And I believe that Winifred would be sad to see you leave.”
“I'm le-” Winnie managed to dodge the elbow this time, but it still cut her off mid speech.
“Milord, while you needed me it was entirely appropriate for me to be here,” Stephanie began after a warning glare at Winnie. “So long as Prince McLeod and I had a suitable arrangement it was also not entirely inappropriate that I use his residence here in the palace, since he wasn't using it and I needed to be close by. But none of those things apply, now. He and I. . .we will likely never. . .I made a terrible mess of things,” she sighed in defeat, having no better way to describe it. “I like as not cannot repair the damage I've done, and thus there is little likelihood that he and I will reconcile. That being the case, I am extremely uncomfortable using his rooms anymore. It simply feels wrong, Highness. And it saddens me,” she admitted. “It reminds me too much of him.”
“I see,” Memmnon mused. “You're aware I assume that there are other rooms available? That this palace is an extremely large place that can accommodate many people? That being the case, finding you suitable permanent quarters that will not remind you of my idiot brother will be no trial.”
“He is not an idiot, Highness,” Stephanie said at once.
“If he left here without trying to mend his relationship with you, regardless of who was at fault, then yes, he's an idiot,” Memmnon said flatly. “I know there is nothing I would not do within my ability to reconcile any rift that occurred between myself and Winifred,” he added, ignoring the furious blush on Winnie's face at his words.
“I left him with impression there was no reason to do so,” Stephanie shrugged, her voice small. “As I said, the fault here is entirely my own.”
“Be that as it may,” Memmnon decided to cede the point, “I still need a physician, and Winifred desires your company here. I dare say that without you here she will not want to remain. I will do anything I can to prevent that short of actually forcing her to stay. If she desires to go, she may at any time and with my blessing. It will break my heart, but that is not reason enough for her not to do what she will. That being said, if she is leaving solely because you are then I implore you yet again to remain. I will order a new apartment prepared for you today. One the two of you can share if you like, and decorate as you see fit. So long as you are here to act as her chaperon then there can be no attempt at creating a scandal. I will not have her slandered.” His voice was a bit dark as he said that.
“I. . .” Stephanie started and then stopped. Her arguments had been very handily repulsed so far.
“I 'll stay if you will,” Winnie said softly. She turned to see the younger woman looking at her imploringly, green eyes pleading with her to say yes.
“Winnie,” she began but then halted once again.
“Please,” Winnie added, on the verge of begging. Suddenly Stephanie realized that for all her bluster, Winnie wanted very badly to stay. Not because of the palace or the finery or anything like that, but simply because Memmnon had managed to win her heart. She hadn't yet admitted it to him, but it was evident to Stephanie as she looked at her young friend.
“You must answer the King,” she said suddenly, her voice as soft as Winnie's. “Provide him an answer, and I will go wherever you want to go. If you say no, then we will both return to Cove Canton. As you said, we have homes and jobs waiting there. If you say yes, then. . .then we 'll remain here and I will act as your chaperon.”
“That's blackmail!” Winnie hissed angrily, her face flushed.
“Yes, it is,” Stephanie nodded. “And it's my final word on the subject,” she added primly, crossing her arms in a defiant posture. Two could play that game.
“Humph,” Winnie tossed her hair and looked away. Looked away to hide the smile that she couldn't contain any longer. She had done it. It had cost her, but she had done it. Schooling her features, she looked back at Stephanie and then at the King.
“Ask me again,” she ordered. “Ask me again and do it right this time,” she clarified. Eyebrows raised, Memmnon rose to his feet, stepped down from his dais, and walked to where Winnie stood waiting. Without flourish or fanfare he knelt before her wincing only slightly and held the ring before her once more.
“Winifred Hubel, this ring was my mother's,” he said quietly. “My father placed it on her finger the day he asked her to be his wife. To be his Queen. I do not know how many generations this ring has been used for this very occasion and doubt anyone does. But I offer it now to you as so many of my predecessor have done, asking that you consent to become my wife. That you become my Queen at the proper time and rule beside me, bear my heirs and raise them to be strong and honorable, just as their mother is.”
By the time he was finished Winnie was blushing furiously once more, her face so hot that she had to make a conscious effort not to fan herself, especially at the 'bear my heirs' part as that implied, well, you know. Her heart beating almost out of her chest, blood running hot, she looked down at the man who had won her heart not as King, but as a man.
“Will you, Winifred Hubel, marry me?”
“Yes,” she nodded, only a single tear falling this time as she knelt in front of him and let him slide the ring on her finger. “Yes, Memmnon McLeod, I will marry you. And I will do my best to give you strong heirs to one day, long in the future, follow in your footsteps. I love you,” she almost whispered as she hugged him tightly. They stayed that way for perhaps a minute before. . . .
“All right, that's quite enough of that,” Stephanie said firmly. “That kind of contact could be misread after all. The proprieties must be observed at all times from henceforth until the wedding.”
“What!?” an enraged Winifred was on her feet in a second.
“You heard me,” Stephanie smirked. “As your chaperon I have sway over these kind of things and this type of conduct is extremely unbecoming. A brief embrace upon meeting, another upon parting, and that will be quite enough. Anything more is excessive.”
“Why you-” Winnie was about to explode when Memmnon, still on his knee, took her hand.
“A little help, here?”
Winnie was beside him in an instant, helping him to his feet. Stephanie watched, hiding a smile of satisfaction. Winnie thought she was so smart. Well, she would show her!
“I will prepare a schedule of arrangements for you today,” she informed Memmnon haughtily, and winked at him when Winnie wasn't looking. The King had to fight to hide a smile as he nodded gravely.
“Very well,” he managed not to choke with laughter.
“What!?” Winnie screeched. “Are you gonna let her get away with that?” she demanded.
“I have no choice,” he shrugged. “I asked her to be your chaperon and ward and now I must accede to her authority in this matter. She will be in charge of our courtship unt
il our nuptials. It is the custom, and even the King cannot ignore it.”
“You planned this,” Winnie hissed, turning on Stephanie like a she-wolf. “All this time you-”
“That surly behavior will simply not be tolerated, young lady,” Stephanie had to really fight now not to laugh. Over in a corner, forgotten, Whip Hubel was having the same trouble, watching his fire tempered daughter be caught in a snare she had made herself.
“Now, we will repair to our rooms until the King has prepared our new accommodations, at which time we will be moving. You may attend the evening meal with His Highness, assuming he has no pressing court business, but at no time will you be unsupervised while in his presence. Now come,” she whirled at once, less the outraged Winifred see her grin.
“You seriously can't do anything about this?” Winnie demanded of Memmnon, who shook his head gravely.
“It is all but law,” he told her truthfully.
“What good is being King if you can't change things the way you want?” she demanded.
“I ask myself that daily,” he sighed. “You had best go, lest she ground you.”
“Ground me!?” Winnie almost howled in rage. “I 'll be da-”
“Language young lady!” Stephanie's near shout cut her off. “Now come with me!”
“You have to go,” Memmnon made himself look forlorn. “We will see each other at dinner,” he promised.
Looking to make sure Stephanie wasn't looking, Winnie rose on her tiptoes and kissed Memmnon's cheek.
“I saw that!”
“Until dinner,” Memmnon promised again as Winnie silently implored him to have Stephanie executed. Or banned. Something. Anything.
“Fine,” she sighed. “Until dinner.” With that she trudged after Stephanie, muttering the whole way under her breath. As soon as the door was firmly closed Memmnon was laughing, joined by Whip as the older man made his way across the room.
“You do realize, I reckon, that once she finds out this is all a bunch o' hogwash, she 'll kill you both,” he said easily.