Forever Christmas Love

FOREVER CHRISTMAS LOVE

CHAPTER 1

Lady Madeline Fitzroy stepped back from the gold candle stand on the mantel after the tiny flame wavered into a burning light joining the other scented candles to illuminate the bedchamber. This casted a glow on her raven silky hair, giving the bedchamber that nostalgic Beachwood vetiver and sea spray driftwood smell.

A faint smile twitched on her plump lips, Lord Bryon was returning. Nothing mattered to her anymore, she’d dreamt of this moment all fall to finally have Lord Bryon back in the Manor.

Of all the occupants of the Fitzroy Manor, the ones with power, none treated her with such great respect as Lord Bryon. Queen Alysa bore bitter feelings of resentment towards her, one that was constantly there like filth on silk, typical of a stepmother.

But this Christmas wasn’t going to be like the rest, Lady Madeline knew it, she felt it. Something was different that December not because of the anticipation of having her stepbrother - Lord Bryon’s return. Something was overwhelming but that wasn’t it, neither was the royal orchestra that would be playing in the banquet hall every day of Christmas, she was certain it was not the Christmas decorations, lights, Balls and the Nobles that'd be coming from far and near to attend each ball, but it was something else, one she couldn't pick point.

Humming some merry song, she swooped towards the East wing of the Manor, the wing she'd spent most of her life in since her father, Lord Fitzroy breathed his last. Lady Elenore met her by the stairs, her anger seemed to have simmered down now: She was nineteen, a year older than Madeline, and two years younger than Lady Elizabeth was a model for the young girls of Cumbria, she was elegant and sophisticated, well-mannered and generally beautiful with long black hair, the most sought after by princes, Noblemen, peasants and men of all class but none was of interest to her, her heart and mind were fixed on the young warlord; Lord Perez, the Last Viking King who stayed in power, whose fame spread across Europe; that was the only man Lady Elenore felt she belonged to and he was arriving the Fitzroy Manor she needed to look exceptionally beautiful. Alas! That was where her anger stemmed from.

"Madeline I've been waiting for my gown for ages now!" She glared down at Madeline from the stairs, curling her cherry painted lips to a defiant pout.

Madeline slightly bowed her head, "Pardon Lady Elenore, I'll go get it from the seamstress now!” standing solemnly by the stairs. "You know how dresses are of great importance to the Ladies, especially the Fitzroy Manors' Oh! who am I kidding?! Not like you know anyway!" Her big brown eyes regarded Madeline's copious layering of thick taffeta skirting and knitted petticoats in disgust.

Just as everyone, Lady Elenore had shortcomings but hers were terrible ones leaving her rotten on the inside. "Aye m'lady, pardon, I'll get it now!" Madeline gave a bow before hurrying towards the stairs. Madeline was the last daughter of Lord Fitzroy, conceived by a chambermaid, Lady Lucretia, who hadn't just made Lord Fitzroy's bed but shared it, after she caught the flu and couldn't make it, Madeline was left in the care of Queen Alysa who had two daughters, Lady Elenore and Lady Elizabeth and a son Lord Bryon now the ruler of Cumbria since Lord Fitzroy passed on five years ago.

Few hours after tiring efforts of having to pick out and help Lady Elenore change out of her gowns she was now exhausted and hungry, she dashed into the kitchen on the East Wing of the Manor.

"I can see someone is in a great mood!" Jenny the chief cook a plump lady with curly strands of hair smiled at Madeline over the pie she was making. "Lord Bryon would be returning this evening,

"Madeline's smiles became wider "Aye m'lady, let me guess," Dal the errand boy dramatically coughed holding up his hand in a hilarious impression of Lord Bryon, "no! I forbid Madeline to pick the berries, she's royalty!"

The role of laughter ebbed as Queen Alysa walked in through the kitchen double-doors in a thick emerald coat above her shimmering gown, Sir Adolfo the chief guard zooming on behind. Her brown neatly braided hair framed her disgruntled face. "Why is the pie not yet in the oven?" Her voice although quiet and calm rang through the now quiet kitchen.

Jenny the chief cook dropped to her knees, "pardon my Queen! It'll be ready in no time! "Adolfo!" Queen Alysa called out. "Aye, my Queen!" Adolfo sprang forward.

"See to it that this woman is punished after dinner tonight, tardiness isn't tolerated, not a chance!"

"Aye Queen Alysa!" He confirmed. Queen Alysa's searching brown eyes dropped on Madeline, "and you, a suitor came for you, finally to be rid of you, be prepared, by next week Chartwell would be here to take you as his bride home! Who would've thought?" "Chartwell? The peasant?" Madeline's voice came out weak, "Who else? Looks like you only attract your kind, you came from filth Madeline, your mother was filth and you always will return there!" Queen Alysa scowled.

Madeline for the first time shot Queen Alysa a burning glare, her fist balled up, fighting the tears that welled up in her eyes she quickly left the kitchen.

CHAPTER 2

Trojan was Madeline's only companion at times when she was empty and broken inside. Queen Alysa knew exactly how to pull those strings and she did them effortlessly well. A gentle hush cloaked the land as Madeline rode as fast as possible on her horse. Trojan galloped a hundred miles per second through the whalebone-white path, the sky was overcast with clouds and chilly winds were blowing back Madeline's raven hair.

Her knuckles were white and clenching tight to the reins, her beautiful face paled from the cold, the soft leather of her boots did less to shield her toes from freezing in the snow. She had nowhere in mind, but all she wanted was to go somewhere far from the demeaning Manor, a place she once called home now a curse she felt trapped in. After spending her entire life as royalty, Queen Alysa was finally going to marry her off to a peasant of Cumbria, no, she didn't belong there she was a warrior queen she didn't belong to the peasant class.

***

The vibrant colors of the oaks and pines faded into white in the snow as the troop of four best friends galloped through. Lord Perez, Lord Bryon, Sir Lann and Morgan went on raids, adventures, conquests and war together fighting side by side against barbarians, claiming territories, seeking justice for the weak. They'd led bands of armies to victory and with them, victory was guaranteed in every battle. Lord Perez the Vikings Lord a warrior and an adventurer by choice was fearless and feared, at twenty-six dreaded the custom of living a quiet life in the castle or enduring the boring tasks of a ruler. He was a man accustomed to challenges, raids, chivalry, feasting on dangers and earned victories of which he had scars to prove.

Though the youngest of the band, Morgan, nineteen years of age, red haired and a typical clown was a peasant boy who got oddly closer to Lord Perez something no one dared to, he was adept in combat, horses, and had proven to be a skilled warrior not just by the sword but also by heart, Lord Perez took him on raids and finally he was a part of the band. They were on their way back from their last raid of the year.

Sir Lann was the oldest of the band, at thirty-five he was old enough to know better, his life was dedicated and sworn to protect Lord Bryon who obviously didn't need protection but Sir Lann went everywhere Lord Bryon went since the day he was a year old until now he was twenty-three years, and for the last decade, it had been from one adventure to another.

Bryon was hosting the entire troop at the Fitzroy Manor that Christmas this was something Morgan was looking forward to and what Lord Perez dreaded, he wanted more adventures and having to stay at home all Holidays was sickening for him. But he was happy to visit Cumbria for the first time. Lord Bryon's horse came to a sudden halt, making him lurch back and forth. Sir Lann pulled his reins causing Spine to halt, "Everything alright, Bryon?" Lord Perez cast him an inquisitive glare before wiping off a flake of snow from off his grey bonnet which secured his iconic golden mane from the snow.

"Relax mate, I've got to take much time to breathe in the Cumbria air, I thought I'd never get to see Cumbria again!" He grinned, exhaling audibly. "You have all the time to but could you give me a map to the castle Lann, Moran and I need to leave this freezing snow! Gill is sick and needs to be tended!" Lord Perez growled.

When Lord Bryon was still dreaming, Morgan leapt off his horse in a skilled move, took a fistful of snow hurling it at Lord Bryon's head.

"Ouch!" Lord Bryon jerked at the sudden hit from the cold snowball. "What'd you do that for?" Morgan leapt back on his horse, "you're welcome Your Highness, can we get moving now?" He smirked. "I'm home I expect to be treated like someone that saved all of your lives!" Lord Bryon looked from Morgan to Sir Lann, and met Lord Perez's glares. "I guess that makes us even Lord Bryon!" Sir Lann shrugged. The troop continued with their journey through the snow. Soon the Fitzroy Manor situated on the hill came to view.

CHAPTER 3

Madeline returned that evening, ignorant of Lord Bryon's return. She was much sober after letting it all out. Her fingers affectionately snaked through Trojan's white mane. "Thanks for today. I hope Lord Bryon doesn't stress you this winter!" A sudden movement at the far end of the nearly dark stable caught her attention, she moved closer to get a clear view. A rustler? Madeline thought. She swiftly moved to the back stable and there was the thief by the horse.

"Stop right there and turn around then I think I could consider this a misunderstanding!" Her voice was firm and commanding. Lord Perez moved from Gill, his sick horse to face the source of such ethereal voice. He froze with squinted eyes when he saw her. A short skinny girl who was barely his size, her hair raven-black stumbled down her shoulders, her lips were plump and defiant, her stance defensive, She had a decanter shaped waist and her complexion had an impeccable hue, her clothing plain and simple.

"Put your hands up or I alert the guards!" She scowled. "Look, I think this is a big misunderstanding!" Lord Perez took two giant steps to her. Madeline's mouth dropped open at the figure that towered above, a whiff of sandalwood lingered in her nose, she was a bit intimidated by his size but she had to defend their stable from rustlers no matter their sizes. Before Lord Perez knew her fist had connected with his jaw in a strong jab. Madeline watched him put a soothing touch on his jaw with his large palm, his blue eyes seemed amused. And was that a smirk on his lips?

"Stealing horses I see! Who are you and why are you trying to steal our horses?" She balled another fist. "Stealing horses?" Lord Perez looked as confused as Madeline looked.

"You must be one of those rustlers...." She threw another blow but this time he caught her fist. Madeline quickly backed away due to the effect his hand had on her. He seemed to have noticed it as well. He got way closer to her knocking off the last breath from her, she tried to focus on something else other than his bulging muscles from underneath his snug leather jerkin.

"Step away from me!" She'd intended to scowl but her voice betrayed her coming out as a plea. Lord Perez gave her a smirk before stepping back.

"Still that little mouthy fellow? I see!" Lord Bryon strode alongside his horse into the stable, a wide grin plastered on his face which faded the minute he sensed the thick tension.

"Lord Bryon!" Madeline cried out in joy. Lord Bryon's grin widen as she ran to him, her delicate hands winded around his brawny shoulders in a tight quick embrace smiling into his face but her smile faded instantly when her gaze fell back on the disturbing stranger in the stable.

"Good thing you're here m'Lord, this rustler was trying to steal our horses!" She found her voice. "Hang on there don't you think you're being too quick to judge?" Lord Perez was annoyed now, muttering under his breath, "all these maids!"

"Excuse me! I am Lady." Madeline, Lady Madeline daughter of the Late Lady Lucretia... And Madeline this is Lord Perez, the one you tales about and..."

Madeline's mouth dropped open as everything added up immediately she didn't hear a Lord Bryon was saying any longer, her gaze was now fixed on the Vikings Royal tattoo on his chest. And his bonnet must've covered his golden mane.

Lord Perez smirked at her now enlightened gaze. "Oh, so you're one of those that helps spread my fame?"

When Madeline said nothing he added, "you don't look like the type that ever run out of things to say, cat caught your tongue M'lady?"

"If it's the apology you're waiting for then you have it, Lord Perez next time please do not misrepresent yourself, what if I had drawn a sword?" She snickered. "Please pardon her ignorance, Lord Perez!" Bryon pleaded on her behalf.

She was bold, something Lord Perez loved about his women and he didn't meet any as bold as Lady Madeline.

He'd heard little or nothing about Bryon's family, Bryon never shared such news and it still came to Lord Perez as a surprise Bryon had a wild, fierce and untamed sister. Indeed this Christmas was going to be the best, especially with his kind of 'puddings' ready to be served hot.

***

Madeline got herself busied with helping her step sisters Lady Elenore and lady Elizabeth to pick their dresses for the evening. Why did they have to stress it when they'd got a wardrobe full of gowns and fans? "What do you think of this black dress? I heard Lord Perez adores his women in Black!" Lady Elenore asked gleefully. "I already told you he's mine, Elenore! I know the tale of his conquests by heart, I can't believe he's In the Manor!

I can't wait to charm him with my enchanting beauty!" Lady Elizabeth dreamt aloud. Queen Alysa walked in, a glint of pride in her eyes.

"My beautiful Ladies of the royal Fitzroy Manor, are you two ready for the special dinner held in honor of your brother's return?"

"Never been so ready!" Lady Elizabeth giggled, " not with Lord Perez in Cumbria!"

"Excuse me, Ladies?" Madeline turned to leave. Queen Alysa stopped her in her tracks. "Madeline, I don't want to see you anywhere close to the banquet hall, go help in the kitchen that's the only place you're relevant!" Irritation was clear in Queen Alysa voice. "But Lord Bryon said I could attend the dinner!" Madeline argued "And how would I introduce you to all the Noblemen? As the daughter of a captive who seduced the king and got pregnant for him? That's filth, Madeline you're filth!" Queen Alysa barked, Madeline went instantly quiet. "I don't want to see you tonight!" She muttered.

CHAPTER 4

The sun came out the next day giving it Cumbria a vibrant look. Madeline took some fresh apples to the stable to feed the horses, it was what she'd done since she was able to hold herself up, and she was always looking forward to doing it.

Neigh!

The horses cried. She put down the basket taking out some apples in both hands.

"I didn't see you at the royal dinner Lady Madeline?!"

Madeline stiffened at the deep voice that held a note of huskiness at the edge.

She whirl around, facing in the morning light an extremely tall fellow with curious ocean blue eyes, square jaws which were clenched and his golden mane were let loose, he looked glorious. Madeline tried not to bask in those eyes for fear they'd hold her captive.

"Aye my Lord, I had a terrible fever last night, rest was a better option!" She lied.

Lord Perez arched closer to her making her take an uneasy step backwards, holding firm the fresh apples in hand, trying to calm her roaring heart.

"Take care of your health lady Madeline!" He spoke into her beautiful face, holding her gaze and without breaking it, his hand wandered to hers taking the apples from off her hands.

Madeline went blank, it amazed her he was considerate of her health. Lord Perez moved from her towards the new horses in the stable. That was when she found her voice again.

"Feeding the horses aren't any task my Lord! "

"I don't believe so!" He said, giving out the apples to the first horse Gill.

Madeline kept stealing glances at his wide back.

"Like what you see m'lady?" He asserted, returning to get more apples from the basket ."Aye! Wait... W.. what.. no!" She stutter with flushed cheeks. Her eyes met his blue eyes.

Was that a smirk? Lord Perez was handsome but on the cocky side. "I mean your horse, he's not bad to look at M'lord!"

"Gill, he's sick but I hope she recovers soon!"

"Oh! I had no idea! Want me to tend him for you?"

"Tend horses? You tend horses?" The disapproval was louder than his surprise.

"I know a Lady should never do such lowly things but it's what I find pleasure in!" she nods over at Trojan "She's Trojan my horse, the strongest horse in Cumbria, Lord Bryon rides her when he's at home!"

"And you ride horses!" He added incredulously.

"I bet you don't want to compete in a race? Never for once had Bryon, I mean Lord Bryon stood a chance against me!" She boasted.

"I like a good challenge but I'll pass on this one, this season is filled with merry, care to wonder what could happen if you snap your neck?"Hump!

"We might never know if we don't try?" She shrugged.

"Now bite your tongue! Here, let me have some of those apples!" He pointed to the basket on the floor for more apples.

"Aye M'lord!" Madeline stretches the basket towards him avoiding his eyes as possible, ignoring her trembling fingers underneath the basket. Lord Perez towered above her as his hand fished into the basket taking out two big apples, a crooked smile twitched on his lips when he noticed her trembling fingers.

"I'd be grateful if Gill gets better before I leave Cumbria." He watched her avoid his eyes. So innocent! He thought. "Does that mean you agree I tend him, my Lord?" "Let's see the magic you can work!" He nodded.

CHAPTER 5

Nothing bubbled in Madeline's heart but great joy to finally be attending one of those balls again, she owed it all to Lord Bryon.

Walking down the vast hall, to the most neglected part of the Manor The North wing. She stopped by the door leading to her bedchamber, pushing it open she stepped into her room. Her bedchamber only had the necessities, a wooden bed with soft bedcoverings that matched her curtains, a cupboard by the window which had a vase of roses and some neatly stacked books of which the tale of Lord Perez's raids, adventures and conquests which were those tales she told children in the moonlight last summer and it still shocked her to think she couldn't recognize Lord Perez in person and she cringed at the words she said to him that evening.

Madeline heaved a sigh, moving to her wooden wardrobe at the far corner of the room. Amongst her set of ghastly rags were four elegant gowns, fondling through each fabric her fingers stopped at a gown she recognized so well. One Lord Fitzroy gave her, sadly she never had a chance to wear. Without hesitations, she made up her mind.

Lady Elenore had seven maids to get her set for the royal ball while lady Elizabeth was still uncertain about the dresses to choose from.

"Mother I have to look my best lest Lord Perez doesn't spare me a glance!" Lady Elizabeth cried. "Elizabeth dear, you look good in the blue gown, look at those crystals on the dress, if anyone is going to steal Lord Perez heart I'm certain it's either one of my two beautiful daughters!" Queen Alysa beamed.

"That's the issue mother, Elenore is a tough competition, I won't let her steal Lord Perez from me!" She muttered the latter much to herself.

That evening, Royal carriages arrived conveying princesses and princes, Noblemen from faraway lands and near to the Fitzroy castle.

***

Lord Perez stared out the window into the whalebone-white snow on the trees, his mind rocking back and forth on what happened earlier that day in the stable, her soft little voice rang over and over in his ears.

"Rustler?" Lord Perez twitched a smile on his lips.

Morgan caught his smiles, confusion creased his forehead. "Never have I seen you smile all to yourself! What fascinates my Lord?"

"Err, what are you talking about Morgan?" Morgan cast him a suspicious gaze before shrugging it off.

"You know what I'm talking about!" Lord Perez left the window to Morgan. "How come Bryon never mentioned he had sisters?"

"What? He's always mentioned that everything okay?"

"No, I mean, yea! Just his pretty wild sister, lady..."

"Madeline?" Morgan scoffed "an untamed cat!"

"You've heard about her?" Lord Perez asked trying to sound as casual as possible.

"Not much, but heard she'd rather ride horses than knit, she'd rather combat than braid her hair and about seven years ago when the knights of Cumbria set off to war she sneaked in to join the troop it was a good thing Sir Adolfo caught her before the troop exited the borders of Cumbria, although heavily punished, it never stopped her from trying again..."

"Wild cat! She's not that bad to look at!" Another smile twitched on his lips as he walked away from the now puzzled Morgan.

***

Madeline walked into the ballroom and caught her breath. She’d been in this space more than twice yet each time she does it made her feel so small...or so plain. Crystal chandeliers spiraled down from the arching white ceiling, illuminating the glistening golden walls and a floor brown and so polished that it looked like an iced-over lake. And the elegance wasn't just the ballroom–the Ladies sparkled much more like a box of ornaments, shades of emerald and diamond and ruby whirling before her, their low chatter, their gowns, hair and pieces of jewelry accompanying wafts of rose, sandalwood, hyacinth and jasmine. The royal orchestra played soft melodies.

Madeline looked down at her simple green gown and was aware of her simply styled hair. She caught the image of Lady Elenore in a graceful conversation with a princess from a faraway land. Her eyes darted through the busy hall to Queen Alysa and Lady Elizabeth by her side smiling into a potbellied Lord that was rumored to be seeking a fifth and last wife.

Madeline literally stopped breathing when her eyes snagged the now familiar blue eyes from across the ballroom. He seemed to have paused from his word the moment he noticed her- or so Madeline thought.

It was a terrible idea to have summoned her nerves to attend the ball, she quickly turned to leave.

"Where are you going? The dance is about to start!" Lord Bryon stopped her.

She was perspiring when she caught sight of Lord Perez walking towards them through the sea of smiling ladies. She needed to leave real quick.

"I'm sorry Lord Bryon, but I feel a terrible headache I need to rest, my Lord!" She spoke hurriedly.

Lord Bryon dropped his height to match hers, then he whispered in her ear, "you know the consequences of lying to me, right?"

"As Lord Bryon, or as Bryon?" She asked a little silly. Bryon was considerate for a while before whispering back,

"As Bryon!"

"Look Bryon I don't think I look good tonight can I pleasego back to my bedchamber? She confessed.

"No, not yet! You don't look bad, now you get around the ballroom and mingle or I cease Trojan for six months!" He commanded.

"I'd rather get punished by Lord Bryon!" She snapped.

"Or you get to feed the prisoners for a month? How about

that?" She dreaded feeding those prisoners, their rude remarks and disheartening words.

"Oh no! I'd rather not get punished at all!" Lord Bryon grinned at her. .

"Look I think that princess's got eyes for you, Bryon!" She changed the subject. Lord Bryon moved towards the now smiling princess in blue,

Madeline eyes searched the ballroom for Lord Perez she finally found him in a chat with Lady Elenore who by Madeline's standard was the best dressed of all the ladies in the ballroom.

A moment passed by and no one seemed to pay attention to her and after a few hand waves and nodding to greetings, she felt she was long overdue for fresh air. She left the ballroom unnoticed to fill her lungs with air. Lord Perez saw her leave and immediately made his way towards the entrance.

CHAPTER 6

Lord Perez caught up with Madeline at the balcony where she

stared into the dark ominous wood from the height of the balcony.

"Lady Madeline?!"

Madeline turned abruptly, butterflies in the pit of her belly, heart throbbing and palms sweaty above the rails.

"My Lord!" She looked everywhere but at his captivating gaze. "Sorry I had to catch a breath! Balls aren't my thing..."

"What's your thing then?" He joined her by the rails, taking a good look at how plain she looked, she was beautiful without even knowing.

"I rather spend the whole evening with the sir Williams Royal smith. I heard he wielded your sacred dagger with Odin engraved onto its blade that the Vikings believe each Viking foe slain by it to be sent to Loki?" She peered outside the woods.

Lord Perez chuckled, she did tell those tales. She looked small and fragile in her ball gown that it made Lord Perez wondered what she'd be like in heated combat.

"Aye, but there's more to every tale you've ever heard and told!" There was a glint of pain in his sparkling blue eyes, which disappeared as suddenly as it emerged.

"I know!" She looked up at him, into his eyes and they held her captive.

His hard jaws were slightly clenched, his eyes now soft locked on hers. Carefully, she averted her gaze back to the woods.

"I was told my dagger was from Cumbria but never knew the smith that wielded it!"

"If you want I could take you to him or send for him by tomorrow, he's always wanted to meet you, he speaks so highly of you my Lord!"

"I take the dagger with me everywhere I go!"

"Does that means it's here with you?" Her eyes widened.

"It's the best gift I've ever received from my father..." He stopped a little unexpectedly and stayed silent for some time.

But Madeline heard it, the pains in his tone, she realized indeed there was more to those entertaining tales she told about him making him appear a god to children. But he was mortal, he could feel he had those pains safely tugged in his heart he had scars to prove those pains.

"Want to dance m'lady? You're so beautiful tonight and I can't resist a dance!" His deep voice was low almost a whisper bringing Madeline back to the moment.

Nay! Don't, you're not worthy of dancing with the last Viking Lord, Madeline you're filth, you'll regret this moment, they'll forever torment and haunt you and... Her insecurities streamed.

"Nay my Lord, I'm terrible at it! You need your toes in good condition throughout this winter!" She declined.

"Well then I'd love to see how terrible you are and I wouldn't mind getting my toes massaged!" He jested.

Before Madeline had the chance to protest, he stretched out his large hand in an irresistible offer, Madeline stared at his hand, hesitated at first, ignoring the effect he had on her and the battle of wits inside.

Without thinking of the consequences, she took his hand, he pulled her suddenly but gently closer to his broad torso. He caught a whiff of her lavender smell, his hand encircled her slender back holding it firmly and almost possessively.

"Now put your hand on my shoulder, Beautiful!" Lord Perez cooed. She obliged.

Madeline Fitzroy stopped breathing she prayed Lord Perez shouldn't notice the crashing of her heartbeats. He was smiling the whole time when he took her hand and her waist pulling her close. She smiled into his face unsure of what to do next. Gently, he moved gracefully, pulling her closer to himself, making her move along too. As she slowly swayed to the direction he led her, it felt a little simple at first, like she was dancing on air, with his arms around her, felt like she was treading on a rainbow.

Madeline leaned into him the more, holding the proximity, losing herself in his enchanting gaze, sniffing into his strong sandalwood, ignoring the thrashings of her heart. She fought the urge of resting her head against his hard chest.

The faint sound of the orchestra from the ballroom was just perfect for the moment, her eyes almost flickered close, it felt like that night could last forever like they'd be that way forever for Madeline.

"I heard you almost sneaked out to war?! Is that how badly you want to be a warrior?" His voice brought her back to the world she'd zoned out of.

"Heard? But from who?" When no reply came from the towering figure above her she added nonchalantly, "and I thought I was the infamous Fitzroy!"

"I'd love to see you combat!" He confessed.

Madeline almost stopped but he led her on."By any chance would you love to accept a challenge from me?" She tested the waters.

There was no reply from him again.

"When I combat it's until death!" He breathed out a reply after what felt like ages.

"Then I don't mind building your funeral pyre!" She quipped.

"You have so much confidence in your stance as a supposed warrior Queen?" He chuckled before adding, "I'd love to crush your walls of confidence but Lord Perez doesn't combat women!"

"I am more than a woman," she scowled stepping away from him as he'd stepped on the tail of a sleeping dog. "Give me a chance to prove to you, to Bry... I mean Lord Bryon, the entire Cumbria they're wrong about me!" .

Lord Perez pulled her back to his arms, "then pick an opponent you stand a chance against! I'd snap your throat before you get to throw your first blow!"

She stopped again, "how about I challenge you in front of all the people back inside the ballroom?" A devilish grin ceased her face.

"You would do no such thing!" He declared.

He cupped her chin in his hand, slightly lifting it.

Emotions clogged his throat. If only she knew how fragile and vulnerable she looked, he couldn't even conceive the thoughts of combating with her, but just as Morgan had said she was untamed, wild, stubborn, confident, extremely fearless and no was never an answer for her, and to be honest, those were the qualities that attracted her to him. He didn't know how far she would want to go to achieve her dreams.

He looked her square in the eyes holding firm her gaze and repeated sternly, "you would do no such thing! If I spare you, the Vikings warriors would never, they'll haunt you and kill you!"

"I'm not afraid of the Viking warrior..."

Lord Perez ardently sealed their lips muffling back the words in her mouth. Slowly Madeline surrendered to his tantalizing kisses.

CHAPTER 7

Lady Madeline woke up from her night rest. Sitting up, she looked tired and worn out. She moved to the mirror by her wooden closet, gazing at the image that looked back, she looked thin and her hair a mess. Then it flooded back to her mind. The events of the previous night! Madeline blanched as memories of her dance with Lord Perez in the balcony slapped hard into her senses.

"I kissed him!" She whispered blankly to herself in the mirror touching her swollen lips lightly with her fingers. "Nay, he kissed me!" She mentally corrected herself in the mirror!

"Nay, we kissed! Nay, that was a dream, it had to be a dream!"

After grooming herself, she went down to the East Wing of the Manor.

The rich aroma of pi great aroma of lemon meringue pie filled the entire kitchen. She breathed audibly her face radiating.

"What a pleasant morning m'lady!" Jenny slightly bowed. "Very pleasant, indeed!" She giggled giving Jenny a tight hug.

"What happened to you? This isn't always your mood the next day after a Ball!" Dal raised a brow. "Today's just a wonderful day nothing more, can't you see the sun came out?! I'll go feed the horses with apples now!"

"Ahem! I pray this mood lasts forever!"

***

Lord Perez knew exactly where he'd find her that morning and wasn't mistaken, he saw her walk cheerfully into the stable with a basket of apples. He quickly confirmed Gill his sick horse was doing alright before walking towards her. She looked cheerful, unlike the first day he had seen her. She gave out an apple to the white horse, "Trojan, let's go for a ride I have a secret I want to share!"

"Mind sharing it we me as well?"

Madeline became frozen, he was the last person she'd expected to see in the stable that morning. She caught a whiff of his sandalwood, his hair shiny his eyes alluring. Last night came flooding back, her cheeks flushed.

A smirk on his lips was a clear confirmation the previous night wasn't a dream at all. What now? She felt her cheeks heating up. The sheer embarrassment left her speechless. That was the first time she'd gotten into such intimacy with a man and was unsure of what to expect. Knock it off, it was just a kiss! She mentally slapped herself.

Just a kiss? You don't get just a kiss often or never had, well except last night and from him!

"Shut up!" She mentally snapped at her senses.

"I beg your pardon?" Lord Perez slightly frowned at her flushed face.

"What?" Realization hit her she'd said that aloud. She blushed "oh, I, I meant the Uhm, horses!" She stuttered.

He looked around the quiet and serene stable confused, "But the horses are all quiet?" He plastered his signature smirk on his face "just can't get over last night?"

Madeline's mouth dropped open, how did he know?

"Your features says it all!" He chuckled.

"You read minds as well?" She rolled her eyes. He got dangerously close to her, lifting her chin in his palm, holding her gaze, his voice low almost a whisper, "I don't but yours is not hard to read, you just don't know how wonderful you are Madeline!" She gulped.

He leaned into her, brushing his thumb gently on her lower lips watching the effect radiate on her beautiful face as the basket of fresh apples fell to the ground each apple rolling out freely. He pulled her in, brushing his lips against her in a slow and gentle kiss. Madeline responded to each havoc his strokes of kisses were rendering on her.

To her disappointment, Lord Perez pulled back from the kiss, she tried to stop him but was futile.

"Let's go for a ride, I want to see your horse riding skills!" His tone was deep and husky.

"That's a challenge?" The effect of the kiss clogged to her tone.

"Well except you're too frightened to get on a horse!" He shrugged.

"It shall be recorded that on this day Lord Perez got defeated by a woman! Just don't blame it on your sick horse!"

"Thought you said you're more than a woman? And nay, I'll be using Spine, Gill needs his rest."

Grinning she hopped on Trojan, "let's go before you change your mind!"

CHAPTER 8

Lady Madeline reached the finished line minutes after Spinehad crossed the line.

Madeline came down with a pout, walking towards Lord Perez by the oak tree.

"You're not that bad in horse racing, you're better than most of the Viking warriors in horse racing, where did you learn such skills from?"

"Father taught Lord Bryon and Bryon taught me then I developed on myself. Impressed, I see?"

"I can't deny!" He shrugged. Watching her smile.

He took a seat on the grasses below the oak tree. Madeline joined him, leaving Spine and Trojan in the morning sun.

"If I knew I would've packed some pies! You hungry m'Lord?" She asked picking off some fluffs from her dress.

"I'm good, great pies over here, I had some this morning! You weren't at the table, again!"

"Oh, I was, well, err, helping in the kitchen!" She looked away. Lord Perez said nothing but wasn't content with Madeline having to help out in the kitchen, maids were in the kitchen, she wasn't a maid. It was obvious how she was treated, but none mattered to him. He liked her, her simplicity, and that was all that mattered.

He pulled her to his arms and held her there. Madeline rested her head against his chest, her fingers trailing a scar on his exposed chest.

***

Days went by and Lord Perez and lady Madeline seemed to get closer and closer.

Madeline tended Gill and he was recovering, she helped in the kitchen every time she could. She took Lord Perez to visit Williams the royal smith who was about ninety years of age stricken with old age gave Lord Perez a sword, which he'd told them he'd wielded for his son who never returned from the last battle alive.

CHAPTER 9

Lord Bryon rode alongside Lord Perez, Sir Lann and Morgan from the gates of the prison. They'd paid a visit to some of the prisoners, granting amnesty to some.

"What do we say? We intervene or hold our peace?" Sir Lann asked uncertainly.

"When bloody barbarians threaten, takes the lives of innocent people, when they decide to render children bastards and wife's widows then Odin would never forgive if I hold my peace!" Lord Perez answered.

"We'll meet tonight to map out the plan and know what we'll need for this raid next year!" Lord Bryon announced to his folks.

"Whoo-hoo! It's been about three weeks now we, I had an adventure, was starting to get bored!" Morgan simpered eagerly.

As they moved on, Morgan and Sir Lann were somewhat engaged in a deep political chat, Lord Perez felt it was time to talk to Bryon about what he'd on his chest.

"So Bryon, don't you think it's time you take a wife? Cumbria needs a Queen..."

"Cumbria has a Queen, Queen Alysa!" Lord Bryon retorted.

"Nay, you know what I mean!" Lord Perez insisted.

"And the Vikings would behead you if you gave them a Queen?"Lord Bryon clapped back.

Lord Bryon was exactly how he'd predicted, Lord Perez couldn't know anyone better than Bryon.

"I know right? I guess Cumbria isn't a terrible place as I

imagined!" He cast Lord Bryon a knowing wink.

"You're welcome, Lord Perez!" The sarcasm was loud in his tone.

"What I mean is that.." he glanced at Bryon, his voice a bit

lower, "I think I've met someone I want to rule side by side

with!" Lord Bryon gave him a crooked stare before bursting out a high laugh, cutting Sir Lann and Morgan mid in their serious talk.

"Perez's found a wife Odin must be drinking at last!" Lord Bryon teased. "He said he's ready to settle! Perez never joke that way! And I wouldn't let you lead any woman in Cumbria on and leave her hanging!"

'Wait until you know she's your sister!' Lord Perez said to himself.

"I'm not surprised at all you're dumb, all that surprises me is how you rule Cumbria!" Lord Perez indignantly spat.

"If you hurt any woman in Cumbria I'll haunt you and shove a stave down your heart!" Lord Bryon threatened.

"What a backbreaking combat that would be!"

CHAPTER 10

Queen Alysa found Madeline by the garden the next evening, she released an exasperated breath before walking up to her. "What are you doing here? Get your things ready, your Chartwell would be coming in to take you home!" Queen Alysa announced. "I don't remember agreeing to marry anyone Queen mother!"

She retorted.

"Ah! Always trying to be smart I see!" Queen Alysa scoffed.

"I am a Fitzroy, I can't be married off to a peasant! That is not my destiny!" Madeline tried to reason. "So you're saying it was your mother's destiny to seduce my husband Lord Fitzroy and leave you behind at my mercy?"

"It wasn't Lady Lucretia's fault my father fell in love with her!" She defended, folding her arms.

"How dare you!" She slapped Madeline hard across the face.

"Mother!" Lord Bryon joined them shielding Madeline from her fury. "What's going on?" "Uh, nothing"

"Mother's trying to marry me off to the Chartwell the Peasant!" Madeline chirped in, hurrying each word.

"She's trying to what?" Lord Bryon asked incredulously.

"Oh well I am, she has a suitor and she's come of age to marry! So why not?" Queen Alysa feigned a smile.

"I forbid you to do that mother!" Lord Bryon growled.

"You're my son and I expect you to yield to my decision!"

She yelled.

"No, I am the ruler of Cumbria and so decide what goes on especially in this Manor! Madeline is of the royal blood and I forbid her to be married off to a peasant especially against her will and that's FINAL!" "Oh my Lord!"

Madeline threw her arms around Lord Bryon, weeping out her heart!

"All I did was for her, she's almost twenty and she's still living in her father's Manor! It's a thing of shame, other ladies get married before their even eighteen!"

"Other ladies like Elizabeth and Elenore?" Lord Bryon clapped back, releasing Madeline.

"How dare you, Bryon?!" The pain his words caused her radiated on her face

"Enough of your demeaning attitude towards Madeline mother, you've hated her enough! Please!" He begged. Queen Alysa glared at Madeline before turning to leave. Sir Adolfo joined her by the entrance.

"Thank you so much, Bryon! I owe my life to you, my Lord!" Madeline wept some more.

"Yeah you do, now start acting like a lady, take ballroom lessons and dancing classes, learn to knit as every Lady does, sit and comport like a proper Lady, no more horse riding, no more worn out linens and no more playing around with sword you're now grown, that way a Nobleman can come

for you!" Lord Bryon lectured. "That wouldn't be necessary because I love my Wild cat just the way she is!" Lord Perez came into the garden Morgan following.

"I beg your pardon?" Lord Bryon raised a brow.

Madeline's mouth dropped to the floor.

"I want to do this the proper way, get your people together

I'll bring mine, in no time I'll be taking my bride, the Vikings Queen back to her people!"

"If I didn't know you well I'd think you're joking!" Morgan gasped.

"Is that how much you want us to be related, Perez?" Lord Bryon grinned.

"No!" Takes Madeline's hands "that's how much I want to spend the rest of my life with your wild sister whom you kept a secret from me!"

The End