Overruled by Fate

by Leila Snow

  He rose from the water like a god, shaking his head and sending water spray the distance to where she stood. Madeline’s mouth went dry as she admired his sculpted body. He was beautiful. She chuckled at the expression of shock that animated his face when he saw her standing spellbound on the shore.

  “Linny!” he exclaimed. “Damn it! What are you doing here?”

  “Now, now,” she chastised him dryly. “Is that any way to speak to a lady?”

  Instead of laughing as she had expected, his eyebrows dropped over his blue eyes and he glowered at her.

  “It is not safe for you to be out here by yourself,” he berated her, his eyes full of worry in the moonlight.

  “Pfft,” she shook her head. “I am fine,” she said, just as a sharp pain splayed across her back, causing her to wince.

  “Nay, you are not!” he proclaimed, moving with large hurried strides from the water.

  Madeline was distracted from the sight of his nakedness by a matching pain that now caused her belly to clench. Grabbing on to the horse’s saddle she gasped at the sharpness of it.

  “I am,” she insisted after a moment. “Though I am beginning to regret my actions,” she confessed.

  Nate snatched his clothes from the ground and hurriedly donned them.

  “You are in no condition to be traipsing across the countryside!” he shouted at her. “I begin to think you have more courage and stubbornness than intelligence,” he grumbled, moving quickly to her side. “Leave the horse,” he said, pulling the reins from her hand. “She can graze and drink here.” He lifted her into his arms with a grunt. “You are much heavier than the last time I carried you thus,” he teased.

  She slapped his arm but buried her face in his shoulder and groaned as another pain struck. Carefully he laid her down upon the pallet he had laid out before the fire.

  “Are you in pain?” he asked, distress creasing his forehead.

  “Nay,” Madeline said, attempting a smile, which turned into a grimace as the strongest pain yet clenched her insides. “I lie,” she finally managed.

  “Is it the babe?” he asked, his eyes wide with panicked concern.

  “Having never done this before, it’s difficult to say,” she joked, when yet another pain had subsided. “But I begin to think that is the case.”

  “No!” Nate exclaimed anxiously. “We must get you somewhere!”

  “To where?” she replied testily. “There is nothing around for miles.”

  “I will go and get help,” he suggested, rising rapidly to his feet.

  Madeline reached up and clutched at his hand, groaning slightly as her body felt as if it was being squeezed in a vice. “Don’t leave me!” she moaned. “I need you!”

  “You foolish, stubborn, hard-headed girl!” he admonished as he sank back down beside her.

  “I tend to agree with you,” she winced and then cried out as the pain amplified. “Ahhh!” she wailed.

  “Madeline!” he fretted. “What can I do?”

  She couldn’t answer him. Indeed his voice had receded to a buzzing in the distance. Her entire being was now focused on the clenching and bearing down that her body seemed to be doing of its own accord, completely without her permission.

  Suddenly, she felt a warm flow gush from between her legs. “The babe,” she shrieked at Nate. She bent her knees up and wrapped her arms about them. Instinctively she pushed with a need and a pain greater than any she had ever known.

  “Catch the babe…” she managed through clenched teeth. Vaguely, she heard her own voice rise to a wail as the incredible pressure within her built to a crescendo. Then suddenly, the babe slipped from her. Almost immediately the pressure eased and the horrendous cramping subsided, leaving in their wake a deep exhaustion.

  Panting and sobbing, she gazed down through her naked legs. Nathaniel knelt between them, staring in awe at a flailing red bundle in his arms. Slowly, his gaze lifted to meet hers.

  “You have a son,” he whispered to her, pride and love shining in his eyes. “You have a son!” he repeated wonderstruck.

  “How does he fare?” Madeline begged, just as the tiny creature let out a wail at the injustice of having been expelled from his warm home into this cold, inhospitable world. “Give him to me,” she pleaded as Nate wrapped his fur-lined cloak about the infant. Ever so carefully he placed the babe in his mother’s arms, then gently pulled her skirts back down.

  The wrinkled newborn crinkled his face and let out another lusty wail. Madeline found herself completely enamoured and infatuated with the wee boy. “You are beautiful,” she cooed as she cradled him.

  “He is beautiful,” Nathaniel agreed, unable to release them from his watery gaze for several long moments. Finally he cleared his throat and rose. He moved to where Madeline’s horse grazed, and rummaged in the small bag she had flung over her saddle. He found an extra chemise but not another dress, which was unfortunate as the one she wore was ruined. He bundled the clothes into his arms and rushed back to Linny’s side.

  “In the absence of rags or cloths,” he said flushing. “I think we must use your chemise.”

  Madeline shrugged uncaring, as she stared lovingly down into the face of her child.

  Quickly and efficiently, Nathaniel lifted her skirts and gently laid the clothes beneath her.

  “Thank you Nate,” she whispered, her eyes drooping in fatigue.

  He smiled and pressed a sweet kiss to her forehead. “You are utterly amazing, my love,” he praised. “Rest now whilst the babe is quiet,” he bade her tenderly.

  Two separate divided silences,

  Which, brought together,

  would find loving voice;

  Two glances

  which together would rejoice

  In love, now lost

  like stars beyond dark trees;

  Two hands

  apart whose touch alone gives ease;

  Two bosoms which,

  heart-shrined with mutual flame,

  Would, meeting in one clasp,

  be made the same;

  Two souls,

  the shores wave-mocked

  of sundering seas.

  ~Dante Gabriel Rossetti

  CHAPTER 32

  Madeline was awoken several times during the night to attend to the needs of her demanding new son. Nate also woke instantly each time the infant fussed and he ensured the fire was tended, keeping them all warm. He watched in awestruck wonder when she put the infant to her breast.

  “How do you know what to do?” he asked amazed, in the early hours just before dawn.

  She smiled at his charming curiosity. “I don’t really, to be honest,” she answered, “Though I’ve seen the peasant women feeding their babes. Thankfully he seems to sense what he needs to do,” she said gazing affectionately at the wee bundle.

  “He does indeed,” Nate noted admiringly. “Have you a preferred name?” he asked pensively.

  “Aye,” she said, nodding, a twinkle in her eye. “I shall have him baptized, Matthias.”

  “It is a good name,” he agreed and Madeline beamed. Suddenly melancholy, he brushed his hand over her hair where it had come loose from its braids. “Have you need of anything?” he asked quietly.

  “Nay,” she said softly as she settled herself and the babe back down.

  “Sleep well, my love,” she heard him whisper.

  * * *

  They awoke just as the sun began to peek over the distant hills. Madeline was curved around the tiny body of her newborn son. She smiled with joy. He was the best gift she had ever been given.

  She glanced up to see Nate. His back against a nearby tree, he had sat and guarded her and Matthias whilst they slept. “Good morrow,” she whispered to him.

  His eyes crinkled in a tender smile and he returned the greeting.

  “Nate,” Madeline began uncomfortably. “I have need of…umm. Could you mind the babe for a few moments?” she asked.

  “Of course,” he insisted. “But are you well enou
gh to manage on your own?”

  “I hope so,” she chuckled lightly. “Though I feel like I’ve been put through the grinding wheel then dragged behind a horse,” she groaned as she tenderly rose to her feet. Nate jumped up and assisted her as she gingerly made her way to the edge of the trees.

  When she painfully and haltingly arrived back to the clearing a short time later, she stood silently a long moment to admire the two greatest loves of her life. Matthias had awoken and Nathaniel cradled the wee babe in his powerful arms. Softly he swayed as he held a hushed dialogue with the infant. Both were so intent on the other that they didn’t notice Madeline’s reappearance.

  Quietly, she walked near and peered over Nathaniel’s arm at the perfect little creature. In the daylight the babe’s resemblance to his handsome father was striking. She wondered if Nate would recognise it and guess her secret.

  “He awoke,” Nate said in a low tone. “He stopped fretting the moment I lifted him, though I think I have not what he seeks,” he laughed at the little puckered lips. Carefully, he passed Matthias to Madeline.

  She sat and put the baby to feed. Nathaniel lowered himself beside her. “You cannot travel in this condition and we do not have the resources to remain here. Thus, I have decided I must ride to the nearest village and procure whatever necessities are required for yourself and the babe, as well as enough food to last a day or two. By then, hopefully you will be well enough to continue on to Woodstock in a cart.”

  “We don’t have a cart, Nate,” Madeline pointed out.

  “Then I must procure one of those as well, mustn’t I?” he joked.

  Madeline nodded. She didn’t want him to leave even for a moment, but she had to admit that the situation was hardly ideal. “Very well,” she agreed.

  “I will return by nightfall, but hopefully earlier,” he suggested.

  “I don’t want you to go,” she whispered.

  “Linny,” he answered, resting his forehead against hers, “If I never had to leave you I would be the happiest man alive.”

  * * *

  Thankfully Nate was back just as the sun had begun to sink in the sky. Madeline had spent the day dozing, feeding her son, and acquainting herself with his faultless little form.

  “I found a village not more than a score of miles from here,” Nate said breathlessly as he dismounted, pulling several sacks from the saddle behind him.

  Madeline smiled with sheer pleasure at the sight of him. He returned her happy regard. “How do you fare?” he asked gently.

  “Well,” she answered. “Though I will be grateful for those clothes and the babe is beginning to make a shocking disgrace of your cloak,” she quipped.

  Nate threw his head back and laughed. “Ah, Linny!” he exclaimed. “When have you ever done anything properly or easily?”

  Madeline feigned an injured expression. “I have no idea of what you speak,” she pouted teasingly.

  “Allow me to hold the babe whilst you change your garments,” he said stretching his hands out eagerly for the newborn. “There is a new dress, chemise, cloths, and soap in there for you,” he pointed out, tipping his chin to the sacks. “Though I’m afraid I was unable to provide a warm bath, so the stream will have to suffice for now. The boy and I will leave you to your toilet, milady,” he winked at her as he wandered deeper into the clearing with the child.

  Madeline sighed with pleasure as she stripped off the soiled dress and cleaned herself in the shallows of the cool stream. When she began to shiver, she stepped from the water and donned the chemise and woollen gown. She was grateful for Nate’s thoughtfulness as she rummaged through the sacks, finding everything she needed for herself and the babe.

  * * *

  They stayed in the glade two days. It was a blissful time for Madeline. She had Nate and their son all to herself with no distractions. When Nate suggested on the third day that they must depart for Woodstock she was devastated.

  “Let us not return to the palace,” she begged.

  He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her lips sweetly. “We cannot stay here, Linny,” he explained gently. “The weather has been fair but we have been fortunate. How would I keep you and little Matthias warm and dry if it were to rain or storm? Nay, I must think beyond my own desires and get you both to safety and shelter.”

  Madeline nodded, knowing he was right, but she hung her head, tears threatening to fall.

  “Linny,” he said insistently. “Look at me.” She raised her emerald eyes to meet his brilliant blue ones. “I have lost you not once but twice. I will not lose you again. Have faith,” he stated determinedly. “I love you.”

  “As I love you,” she answered, leaning into his solidness, the babe between them.

  The sound of wheels on the nearby rutted road interrupted the moment.

  “Ahh, your chariot arrives,” Nate said grandly, with an ironic lift of his brow. “Remain here,” he insisted, “whilst I take the horses and your belongings. I will return for you and the boy.”

  Within short order she and Matthias were bundled as comfortably as possible into the back of a farmer’s cart and trundling off down the road. Nathaniel rode his horse beside them and chatted amiably with the old farmer who was incredibly grateful for the generous coinage he had received.

  Though she was grateful not to be riding, the small cart was jarring and smelled of manure, and so Madeline was immensely relieved when Woodstock’s high stone wall came into view. She anticipated a warm bath in front of a fire, not to mention a proper meal, and then a long sleep in a soft bed.

  * * *

  Madeline woke the next morn feeling rested and quite well. Gratefully, Matthias had woken only once briefly to eat and then had immediately dropped back to slumber. She looked around herself at the blue bedchamber. It seemed she had only just left it and she wished she had been given a different room, too many memories haunted her here.

  A servant-girl bustled about as she built up the fire and set out Madeline’s clothing for the day. “May I help you dress, my Lady?” the girl bobbed a polite curtsey.

  “Please,” Madeline nodded, climbing from the bed, careful not to disturb the babe.

  Within the hour she had refreshed herself and was gowned in a new dress the servant had managed to procure.

  “I will fetch you some food to break your fast, my Lady,” the girl said, stepping from the room and closing the door.

  Madeline sighed and walked to the window. So many hours she had spent staring out at these gardens. The last time she had seen them they were just beginning to sprout to life, now they were vibrant with blooms and carefully pruned greenery. A knock startled her and Madeline spun about, unsure as to whether it had sounded from her door or the secret panel. Her question was answered when the tapestry hiding the panel fluttered, then was pushed to the side as the king entered.

  “Sire,” Madeline said sinking down.

  “Arise, my Rosamund!” he uttered with a tremendous grin. “I cannot wait to see the great gift you have presented me with, my beauty.”

  “He sleeps, sire,” she pointed out, gesturing towards the bed.

  “It is Edward,” he reminded her, before striding to the bedside. “Ahh! He is a handsome boy,” he said proudly, looking down at the little blanket-wrapped bundle. “Well done, my Rosamund.”

  Madeline simply smiled, guilt sitting uncomfortably within her at the deception that she played out.

  “I must depart,” Edward said, leaning in to kiss her on the forehead. “But I had a strong need to see my son without delay. I will come again later,” he informed her.

  “As you wish, Edward,” she accepted.

  * * *

  As promised, he did attend her some hours later. Though he was less cheerful than earlier.

  “Were you aware of the contents of this letter from your father?” he questioned her as he paced before the fire, hands behind his back and his face tight with suppressed anger.

  “Aye,” Madeline admitted. “The maid confe
ssed all to me.”

  “The heinous, vile swine!” the king growled. “His own uncle and sister?” he spat in disgust. “It cannot be excused nor forgiven, yet if I execute him it will be a black spot upon the family, and indeed, the babe,” he declared.

  Madeline looked up sharply. It was a fact, that in her anger and desire for revenge, she hadn’t contemplated.

  “Though it goes against my natural inclination,” Edward continued crossly, “I am inclined to have him dealt with quietly and furtively. What say you, my dear?”

  “You are wise, Edward,” Madeline said bowing her head. “I bow to your wishes and thank you for your consideration to my son and I.”

  He nodded to her briskly and lay a hand on her cheek. “It shall be done,” he stated.

  * * *

  “Madeline!” A pounding commenced at her door a short time after Edward had departed. “Madeline!”

  Quickly she strode to the door and opened it to reveal a distraught Nathaniel standing before her. He stormed into the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

  “You knew!” he glowered at her, a muscle twitching in his jaw. “You knew that bastard murdered my wife and my child and yet you didn’t tell me!”

  Madeline cringed at his anger. “Nate,” she said softly, soothingly. “I couldn’t tell you.”

  “You damn well could have,” he fumed, overwrought. “And you should have! That evil bastard has been living a high life these last few months, whilst Aileth and my child have been rotting in their grave.”

  “If I had told you, you would have killed him,” she reasoned with him, pale and troubled.

  “Aye, I would have,” he agreed. “Which is no more than he deserves.”

  “You speak truth,” she continued calmly. “But it required the king’s command, else you would also have been condemned.”

  “I care not. Not if it means I can wrap my bare hands around his throat until the life drains from his wicked body,” he growled.