Pain And Glory free porn video

Pain and Glory by ShannonQ Synopsis -- It is the 14th Century. England had just beaten the French in the Battle of Portiers Edward the 2nd is King. A boy is born to bring trouble upon this King and his son. Only is it a boy? Where does the Wizard Milton come into all of this? Will he be King or she Queen? ONE At birth I was named Prince James. I was very small and sickly. The cold climate of the northern part of Scotland did not help my situation healthwise. My mother the Queen Bess took me to her naked body at night to keep me warm. I was too young to recall this. She had her under garments made to allow me just to slip down to her breasts. She breast fed me for almost two years. I was born in 1325 on a cold January night. My father was King of Upper Scotland it was Argath back then. The walls of our castle were thick and formidable. He was at war with Edward and in the late spring he would march south from his kingdom to raid upon Edward's villages taking what goods he found, all domestic animals, women and children while killing all the males. All of his hording parties were quite successful in stumping on northern regions of Edward's lands knowing that the English King was too concerned with the constant raids from the French attacking his southern kingdom. I grew up in very poor health. My father would curse that he had such a weak son. He couldn't see for the life of him how I could ascend to his throne to be King. Even my mother, the Queen, believed this to be also. Thus I wasn't taught the arts of warfare. I was given lessons in reading, poetry, song, playing various instruments, and mathematics. All of which I learned in an easy manner. I was short, thin, pale and had little strength at all. "I want a strong son," my father King Lawton angrily assailed me more than once. It was always at the evening meal when my father had too much to drink that he shouted angrily. "Shit! He's ten and can't even pickup a sword." "He still is your son," Mother would remind him. "He needs to learn how to fight. Singing isn't going to kill any man in battle! He is more like you than he is of me. When I was his age I was hunting bear and boar with my father and I got me share of them," he growled as I sat nearby listening to him belittle me. It was a night when the cold permeated the entire castle. Everyone, including myself were wearing thick layered clothing. Even gloves adorned the ladies as well as me. My parents retired early that one particular evening. "My King," Bess cuddled her naked body to his. They had tried since I was born to produce another issue. A boy who would be strong and rule when the King died. However none came forth. "Suppose we send James away to see how he fares with Milton." "The wizard?" my father questioned. "Yes, perhaps he can cast a spell or make a potion to make James big and strong like you. It is worth a try. He can't develop into your ideal of a future king with you always dragging him down. Even if he did grow strong and brave, what you are doing to his head will make him a weaker person than you desire." "Hmmmm," he pondered. "You might have something there. Let me think about it for a few days." "Yes, my King," Bess said. "Do you want to try once more. I am at that time of the month to give you a child." Lawton laughed, "I would be pleased." He mounted his wife as she slid under the big man. *** I was sent to the Wizard's lair the very next day. My mother kissed me for the last time and told me to obey Milton. My father was there trying to hold back his emotions. It was that at that time in my youthful life that I realized he did love me. Maybe just a little, but he did. I rode off in a covered ox cart to my new home. I was choked with tears as Lorna hugged me. She would play a big part in my life to come. *** The trip took many days as we moved further north. It was summer but still it was cold. I would enjoy only a handful of warm days in my new life. Each night we would stop at an Inn or some home of the King's loyal subjects to be put up for the night. Lorna had the bag of gold coins to pay for our room and board. I slept in the same bed as she. I was now ten and Lorna was ten years older than me. She cuddled me to sleep and woke me in the new morning. Being summer, the sun only set for a few hours due to how far north we were. Unknown to me at the time, Edward concluded a truce with the French King. It was to last for two years. King Edward gathered his forces and marched north to battle against my father. He had been itching for a fight with Edward for a long time. He already had his plan in place. But Edward's main weapon against our kingdom was the long bow. The English King forbade any other sport except for archery. No one but ladies could play tennis, or football, or running which very few engaged in. Those sports almost died due to Edward's edict. We arrived at Milton's lair on the sixth morning. A messenger had been sent to herald our coming. He was promised a handsome reward if he could change me from a sickly child into a strong man to take the throne of my father upon his death. He took one look at me and shook his head. Lorna held my face to her breast as I looked at the wizard with fear and awe. "The King asks the impossible," Milton muttered. "Get down boy, you'll live with me and I'll see what we can do." "I am staying with him," Lorna spoke up. "This the command of the Queen." She showed him the document written in my mother's own hand. Milton shook his head once more. "Come then," he motioned us off the cart. He turned to the peasant driving it and told him he could stay a few days to rest and recuperate before returning back to the castle. The lair was impressive. It was a huge cave with several rooms carved out and a thick wooden door that was closed when all were inside. Milton explained that this was to keep wolves and bear at bay. Being the summer, these predators were looking for prey. I found that the cave was quite warm. It felt cozy to me. Milton showed me to what was my room and Lorna to hers. I stared at her anxiously knowing she promised to be at my side at all times. "I will sleep with the boy until he begins turning into a man." She was adamant and was not going to take no for an answer. "Once the onset of his manhood, then I'll sleep in my room alone. Not a minute less." "I see I'm going to have my hands full with the two of you. Woman, can you cook?" "I am very good at cooking, sir," Lorna replied. "Good, I'm a very experienced man in making potions but I can't cook to save my life," Milton smiled. "At least you can pay for your keep by doing the cooking and a little cleaning around here." We settled into a routine right away. Milton gave me exercises and a potion to drink that was to make me stronger. The potion was the most foul tasting drink I ever had or will have in the future. Lorna was a wonderful cook and immediately Milton was pleased. I slept with Lorna every night. On our journey I would suck on her breasts and continued to do so. I loved her nipple in my mouth. In minutes she would squirm about which did puzzle me at the time. When she began moaning and twisting about I knew I was having some sort of effect on her. Her body became labored and her heavy breathing told me that I was giving her some pleasure. When she made low grunting noises I knew that she was experiencing something that she treasured. After she composed herself, she kissed me on the lips. Her sweet breath wafted to my nostrils as her tongue entered my mouth. I only wished I knew at the time what I did to give her such enjoyment. TWO We learned after we had been there for six months that my father's castle was laid siege to. Lawton underestimated Edward's resolve and skill on the battlefield. The long bowmen were out of range of our archers and they were picked off one by one. "Here boy," Milton motioned to me. "Drink this." He gave me a goblet of potion. Only this was green, not dark brown like the one I was taking. "Drink it all." "What are you doing to the Prince?" Lorna asked. "Quiet woman, I know what I am doing," Milton said. "What kind of magic are you putting him through?" she demanded. "Something that keep his head from Edward's ax. Once this potion does its work, you will have a great task ahead of you," he told her. "What will this do for me?" I inquired. "I will explain later. You need to take this to survive." "I want to know," I stated firmly. "It will turn you into a woman," Milton answered me. "WHAT!" Lorna was aghast. "Do you want a live princess or a dead prince?" Milton stated flatly. "If he doesn't turn into a young girl, the King will surely kill him. Because Lawton will not win this war. Edward will certainly slay him and possibly his wife. Lawton has caused much damage to the English King and will face Edward's wrath." "No one has breached our walls yet," I argued. "There is a first time for everything. It won't be long before the fortifications will run out of food. Edward will surround the castle and starve them into submission. Now drink up boy, we will have to change your name too. But that will come later. Woman, begin making female clothing for him now. This will take a few months from today before he becomes a complete woman. Now drink up or I'll force it down your throat." Frightened of the wizard, I drank it down. All of it without stopping. It left a pleasant after taste that I liked. Nothing close to the other potion. It tasted strange but sweet. I yawned. "Yes, you will tire until your body gets used to it. If you are so inclined, you can sleep and do your lessons once you awake again. Woman, prepare a filling stew. You are going to find that this young man or young woman will be quite hungry upon waking up. He is to be allowed to eat as much as he wishes until the whole process is completed." Lorna went to the many bins of vegetables and dried meats to make the stew. My eyes drooped as I made my way to our bed. I did not have time to think about being a woman as sleep overtook me. *** I awoke at night sometime. Lorna was sleeping soundly beside me. She had her hand on my flaccid penis. The warmness of her palm began to have an effect upon my organ. It grew as I felt her squeezing it. I gazed into her face. The small candle was still burning as I looked at her lovely body. Her eyes opened then she smiled. "Lorna, what are you doing to me?" She shifted her weight until she was very near to my face. "I want to make you feel like a man before Milton changes you into a lady," she whispered then kissed me on my mouth. I felt a wonderful sensation when she forced her tongue to enter. Lorna leaned over my body placing my penis into her mouth. It felt wonderful. She sucked it a long time but I could not ejaculate. Finally giving up, she collapsed on her back. "I was hoping that I could do this for you but you are too young, my Prince." A tear trickled down her cheek and I felt bad for her. I leaned over and licked the salty tear from her beautiful face. "Perhaps we can do this later," I told her. I knew I would never be a man but I said this to make her feel good. She opened her dress and pulled out a breast. Like a starving infant, I went to it with great desire. It took ten minutes before she started gasping. My hand found her love nest and I rubbed it. She made no effort to stop me. Lorna reached down folded my hand then took my middle finger to the entrance of her sex. She had me slide it in and her gasps became moans. While sucking the nipple as my finger went in and out of her, I looked into her eyes observing the glazed look she had. Her hips bucked against my fist. She reached down and took my other finger to add to my middle one. Whatever she was feeling at the time, I wanted her to be fulfilled. She bit her lip breathing deeply then I felt a gushing coming from her sex. My fingers and hand were all wet. It took a long time until she composed herself. She took my hand away but allowed me to lick her nipple. The aromatic smell from her sex drifted to my nostrils. I stopped sucking to look at my hand. The candle had burned out so I brought it to my mouth. I tasted it. I was very sweet and delightful. I never savored anything so good. I licked my hand clean then I boldly propped myself upon my elbow and kissed her. Her tongue licked my face to get any of her wetness that stayed there. "Enough for tonight, my Prince," she said happily. She took her exposed breast and put it back into her garment. She turned her back to me to return to sleep but she pulled me close to her while we drifted away. THREE We did this every night except when she had her blood flow. Then she didn't want anything to do with me during that time. She was kind enough to explain that it wasn't me, but her. She said she would talk more about it later. Lawton, my father, used his knowledge of the land and of his thick castle walls of Argath to resist Edward. With catapults, Edward lobbed huge boulders against the walls to weaken them. They just bounced off harmlessly dropping into the moat. Lawton would climb a ladder shaking his fist at Edward showering him with profanities and making fun of his ineptitude for breaching the walls. Meanwhile I felt something happening to my body. Drinking Milton's potion was causing confusing things inside me. I felt myself gurgling in my abdomen. It was so odd hearing it at night while I tried sleeping. My body had become strange looking. I had budding breasts, my fingers looked slimmer, my hair was longer and my penis was shrinking. Milton announced another month of his potion would complete the change fully. I should become a woman capable of having children. Lorna made me gowns like her own. Milton had the material but lacked the knowledge of making them. Word came to us that Edward had my father's castle completely surrounded. All the peasants, small lords that King Lawton appointed, and his army was boxed in. Edward had 3000 men to my father's 1000. As expected my father would never surrender. This angered the English King that he proclaimed not one man would be left alive. The women were to be sold into slavery and the children brought back to England to be trained for warfare under his command. He also stated that the Prince would be slain as well. My father shot an arrow at him in defiance but it dropped one hundred feet short of the English King. *** It was June 1345 that I had turned completely into a woman. I was twenty years old and been with Milton for over ten years. Where the time went, I could not tell you. I had grown breasts, my waistline was very slim, my hips had expanded, while my long blond fell down to the small of my back. Lorna and me brushed each others hair every morning and at bedtime. Little did I know then that my future destiny was being settled for me. Edward the 2nd was murdered by someone unknown and Edward the 3rd succeeded him to the throne. He turned his attention to the south again due to the French launching raids on the coast near the White Cliffs. All of sudden Argath was no longer important to him. My father had outlasted the siege but at a great cost. Over four years subsisting upon the domestic animals. He sent raiders out under the cover of night to steal food from the English. Most were successful but those who were caught were killed by torture in front of our people who watched from the fortifications. Some of our best archers managed to kill them to prevent further agony. With a truce concluded by Edward, he marched south while my father vowed to keep his word he promised in the new truce. Rumor had it that the French were gathering in their old territory of Artois to carry them across the channel to invade England. They had over ten thousand men and all the supplies they needed for war on foreign soil. They even made a large fort in parts that could be put up in hours to protect them from any attacks by the English at night. The French King himself would lead his army into battle. Meanwhile I chose the name Kate for my feminine name. I was no longer a boy, but a very pretty female. Lorna and me continued to sleep together. At first Lorna was very tentative regarding to women being in the same bed, but once I started to kiss her and fondle her breasts, we became lovers. If Milton knew, he looked the other way. He had taken an apprentice to teach his trade. His name was Robert and was an eager student. He ogled at me all the time when he thought I wasn't noticing. I was well aware of his stares because as a boy I had done the same to Lorna. I was a very comely girl. Ripe and ready for marriage to bear children for my husband. "I'm not looking forward to going back, my darling," I told Lorna in a whisper one night after making love. We had been together for ten years while Milton sent word to my father I was indeed ready to return to Argath to resume my role in the royal family. "It is your duty, my Princess," she replied. "I don't want to leave, I'm comfortable here with you at my side," I wept. "Your father has called for you to come home, you must obey him." "You have to come with me." "No, this is my home now. I will marry Robert with Milton's blessing. He is so young and handsome. He will be a man who is easy to love," she said dreamily. "So I've noticed. But you are too old for him," I tried to reason with her. "I may be too old, but I'll be the only woman left and I need a man. I am thirty now. I do not have that long on this earth. I want to make my last years to be happy ones." "You will not listen to your Princess?" "I will if you command me, but I beg for you to release me from your servitude." "You know I will. I just love you so much." "You will love the man your father chooses to be your husband. You will do your duty as a wife for him." "What if he learns that I was born a boy? He might be upset that he is married to a man who was transformed into a woman by a wizard. I often dreamt that I am a man with a manhood chasing nymphs through the gardens of our castle. I am wearing male clothing, It is an unnatural dream because I know and feel female but I can't change my dreams." "No one can control their dreams," Lorna snuggled up to me. "But I've never dreamed of being a woman, only a man." "Don't worry about it, my Princess," Lorna giggled. "The man who breaks your maidenhood will change those dreams. I am tired now, I would like to sleep now." "Goodnight, my love," I kissed her cheek then cuddled her in my arms. FOUR It was late spring 1346 when my father came to get me. He was told in advance that the Prince was now a Princess. He and my late mother the Queen Bess had no other child. He married again but once more, the new Queen was barren. Her name was Eleanor. My father stayed long enough to rest up from the trip. He had become an old man. His eyes looked tired and the siege upon the castle had taken a lot of his vigor from him. He was so anxious to see me, he walked right by shouting. "WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER!" "I am here, Father," I replied, curtsying for him. He turned to see me with my head lowered and my eyes to the ground. "James?" "It's Kate now, my King," I remained in my curtsied position. "Up... up.... up," he commanded. I could see the shock in his eyes as he saw me for the first time since I was ten years of age. I was a sickly child then, Now I was a very beautiful young woman now. "Did Milton do this to you?" "Yes, my King. But with my permission. I would have been an embarrassment to you as a man. I am better suited for you as your daughter." With his fingers he touched the side of my face and felt how smooth is was, "Amazing." "Amazing indeed," Milton entered and bowed. "She is fully a woman now." "Is all of this her," he motioned to me from head to foot with his rough hand. "Yes, my King." Milton allowed. As he was conversing with Milton, I studied his features. His hair and beard were now gray. His once strong posture was no more. He walked stooped over. His many wounds showed on his legs and arms. He had teeth missing. But he was still an imposing figure and as a King, he carried himself very well. I stood there with my hands folded in front of me. I had on my best gown. It was a blue velvet with a gold belt to show my waistline. My little slippers were hidden by the hem at the bottom. "We leave tomorrow," he commanded sitting at one spot at the table that sat four. "Come here girl, let me have a good look at you." I obeyed. He held my arm as he glanced at me from head to toe once again then turned me around. "You're beautiful like your mother was," he choked. "Thank you, Sire," I lowered my eyes to prevent him from looking at my face. I knew there was no resemblance between us. "My King, can we wait one more day?" "Why?" he asked harshly. "Tomorrow Lorna takes a husband. She is marrying Milton's apprentice Robert. The cleric is on his way and should arrive this evening." "Lorna....Lorna, wasn't she the Queen's lady who was to take charge of you?" "Yes, my King." "She's not going back with us?" "No Sire, she prefers to be here with Robert." He took a drink of wine Milton had poured for him and thought for a moment, "All right," he declared. "We'll leave the day after tomorrow." *** It was very frigid on the way back. I had forgotten the trek of ten years ago and how cold it was then. I had on a heavy fur with gloves and leather boots but I was chilled to the bone. My father had paid Milton handsomely for me being in his care. We were escorted by ten of his knights all looking handsome in their armor. They sat straight and looked strong in the saddles as their steeds flanked my horse as I rode side-saddle. The way was cleared for us by a herald sent ahead to announce that the King and his daughter were on their way. Each night I sat by the fire eating my dinner and trying to get the chill out of my bones. The knights stared at me. A small woman in heavy clothes but looking young and vulnerable. They swore to lay down their lives for my safety. I had no way to defend myself and they were an imposing group of men. The only clean shaven one was Sir Edric. He looked to be my age and seemed to try to work up the courage to approach me. I found him to be a good-looking man and felt an attraction to him. He had black hair, blue eyes, strong squared jaw, very muscular but also very shy. I made him nervous staring back at him and he turned away only to come back to see that I was still looking at him. I never thought that I would feel this way toward a male after sleeping and making love to Lorna, but I did. After I was done eating, I motioned him over to me with my head. "Yes, Princess!" He looked very fidgety standing before me. "Dear Knight, would you please take away my plate and bring me a small cup of wine?" I asked gently. "It is my pleasure to serve you, My Princess." He bowed and took my plate. The other knights had watched him. My father was drinking heavily but seemed to have his wits about him. He smiled slightly at my antics. The others looked enviously upon Edric. "Princess, your wine." He handed me a cup. "Sit!" I commanded pointing to the other chair facing me. The warmth of the fire was finally taking the nippyness out of my hands. Edric sat in the chair in an erect manner like myself. "Tell me, Sir Knight, how long have you been in the King's service?" "Four years, My Princess." He stumbled a bit on his words. "Three as a common soldier and one as a knight." "And how did you achieve knighthood?" "The King saw me dispatch three of the late King Edward's guards and rewarded me with this honor." "I see." I took a sip to think of another question. It was obvious that I was to take the lead in this conversation. "Were you inside or outside of the castle at the time?" "Out! We were returning from a raid to get grain to make bread. I stayed back to cut off anyone chasing us. Three were gaining on our group so I dismounted and fought them." "All three at once?" "No Princess." He tried to sound humble. "I decapitated the first as he got off his mount. The other fell hard to the ground and the third fought me bravely but I managed to kill him. The one who fell to the ground recovered and we sparred for about three minutes until I prevailed. The cheering from the castle was very inspiring to me. I ran as fast as I could, ran across the drawbridge as it was being pulled up and collapsed from exhaustion. The King knighted me the next morning." "Well deserved," I told him with a smile. He seemed to wilt a bit. "I love to hear stories of men who earn their spurs." I held my hand out to him, he took it and kissed it. "Thank you, Princess." "Thank you, Sir Knight. I am tired, can you escort me to my chamber?" "My pleasure, Princess." He held out his arm for me to take. He walked me up the stairs and to my door. "Thank you, Edric." "Thank you, Princess." I opened the door and walked in, closing it behind me. I smiled with satisfaction with my flirtation taught to me by Lorna. I undressed and climbed into bed with a hot brick at my feet to help keep me warm. *** Everyday thereafter, I talked to and flirted with all the knights but Edric was my favorite. I had him sit with me by the big fire of the Inns as we took supper then had him escort me to my room. On the last night before reaching our castle, I kissed him lightly on the mouth. I had taken him by surprise and by the time he recovered I was in my chamber smiling at my little conquest. *** The next afternoon we rode across the drawbridge. I looked down the at moat to see my reflection. The quick current from an underground spring from the mountains prevented me from having a clear look. I glanced at Sir Edric and found him eyeing me. I gave him a smile. He quickly turned his head and it was that moment I realized the power of a woman over a man. He was brave enough to slay three of the enemy on foot, but he was afraid of a tiny beautiful woman. Sir Edric helped me off my mount and I invited him to escort me to the throne room. My father had slid off his saddle and ran ahead of me. I savored his strong hands about my waist as he easily lifted me from my horse to the ground. Now I felt his hardened biceps as my hand held his arm. "Did you like my kiss last night?" I asked him in a soft voice only he could hear. "Yes, Princess. Very much." "I enjoyed it too." He did not answer me. "I would like you and your fellow knights to sup with the King and myself tonight." "I will relay the message to my friends. I think they will be honored." "Are you honored, Edric?" I felt his arm tighten under my touch. "Yes, Princess. I am very honored." "Thank you for your escort," I smiled at the huge door of the royal apartments. "My pleasure, my Princess," he bowed then carefully stepped away backwards still facing me. When I turned, he did also running to his steed. I guessed that the guards knew of my change and stood at attention. I nodded to each one and smiled to them. I hoped that each would regard me as one who would protect from any potential dangers that may come my way. *** I kept my eyes on Edric for most of the evening. I was wide awake due to a nap I took shortly after my arrival. I was wearing my late mother's golden gown with a crimson belt to show my breasts and small waist. My father gave me her tiara which signified me as being royalty. Though he had not admitted it, the King acknowledged that I was his blood. I sat next to him talking softly to him as he leaned an ear my way to hear what I had to say. I didn't ask him for anything. I just talked to get to know him. He didn't have too much to say but he was never a man to speak much except when he had to much to drink. Then he became annoyingly loud and profane. Every chance I got I glanced at Edric with a warm smile. He smiled back at me but tried not to make it too obvious. His fellow knights laughed at him due to his awkward motions. One said loud enough for me to hear, "I think the young one is in love." Which was followed by loud laughter. It only made me smile warmly as Edric turning very red. I suddenly felt a stab in my heart when I realized that Edric was a commoner. I could never have him. I felt saddened by the thought. My smile faded and I didn't look at him anymore. I had to rethink my position as a Princess. I had lived with Milton too long to learn all of this royal protocol. I only knew that royalty never married a commoner. I felt a stronger attraction for Edric. He was forbidden fruit and I wanted a bite of it. *** My first full day as Princess in the castle was taken up measuring me for gowns, coats, bedwear, and footware. Boots, slippers, shoes. Also undergarments. It took most of the time and in the afternoon I laid down for my nap. It became a habit when Lorna was my lady-in-waiting. Only now I did not have a nipple to suck on. So what I did, I reverted back to my childhood and sucked my thumb. It calmed me into a wonderful sleep which I could stay alert for dinner with my father. I often fantasized about Edric. FIVE I was completely settled in after one month. The summer was in full bloom even though there was a chill in the air. I had my new ladies-in- waiting, Sir Edric and Sir Thomas as my guards, and my father's love. I seldom saw his second wife Eleanor. I learned that she was pushed into this marriage for an alliance with another fifedom called Coldwin. The King who went by Matthew though his real name was unpronounceable, had six daughters and planned to marry them all off to keep his borders secure. Eleanor was the eldest and she detested Lawton. She refused to take the title of Queen so she stayed in her chambers praying and doing needlepoint. I tried being friends with her but she was cold and distant. I did not dislike her, but I felt she wished she were dead. It was a lovely day. My ladies were in a giggling mood as I walked about the royal garden listening to a troubadour playing a pleasant ballad as my entourage followed me around. My mother Queen Bess had planted and built up this lovely retreat and I enjoyed the rich red roses which were her passion. My father tolerated the garden but he was interested in his training ground taking youths of thirteen and turning them into fighting men. He'd sit on a wooden throne and watched the instructors give lessons. Often he would fly off the throne to show the boy how to parry and thrust. After his run in with Edward the 2nd, he trained his archers in the long bow having lost so many men to Edward's. Lawton thought that two could play this game. I sat on a marble bench and asked my two knights to join me at each side. Neither believed that I was born a Prince and through Milton's magic I was turned into a Princess. All the knights had heard the Rumor but I didn't deny nor confirm it. I let them see me as I was. A lovely princess to be protected. "Tell me Sir Knight, what was the siege like," I asked Thomas. I heard of Edric's part of it and I wanted another perspective. "My Princess, it was as bad as it ever gets," Thomas started. While he told his story, the ladies slowly walked through the maze of the garden while the troubadour sang another ballad for them. I reached back and put my hand atop Edric's as he rested it there beside me as I pretended to pay attention to Thomas. I worked my fingers to interlocked with his as Thomas took his time detailing everything that occurred during the siege. For the first time I felt Edric give my hand a squeeze which caused me to have butterflies. My stomach took flip-flops. I liked that finally he was bold enough to acknowledge my caress. After a long lecture from Thomas, I loosened my grip on Edric and applauded him. "That is why Edward could never breach the walls." I was sure that Thomas exaggerated his exploits as Edric downplayed his. The skies were clouding over warning us of impending rain so I called my party together and made our way back to the castle. Ten minutes later the cold showers fell. Only Thomas and Edric were getting rained upon as they left us at the door to get to the Knight's Field to practice with wooden swords. A courier rode up as King Lawton was just climbing the steps. He used to run up them two or three at a time but age had brought him down so he walked it swiftly but at one stair. He unrolled the parchment to read that the French had never landed. There was a storm in the Channel as they made their way across and lost many ships. Those that did survive were forced back to France. Lawton did not know what to make of this. Was Edward the 3rd going to resume what his father did? March his men back up here to resume the siege? He called for his scribe to write the English King to learn of his intentions noting that he kept his end of the bargain and not initiating any raids into his northern settlements. That did not preclude him from raiding other villages and hamlets not under his rule. Lawton continued that practice. That was where he got some of the materials for my gowns plus food to eat for his people. Some of the jewels that graced my neck, ears, wrists and fingers were gems taken by his raiding hordes. He immediately inspected the walls inside and out for any damages done to the previous attack. He found very little but he did two things to ensure our survival if that were to be repeated. He diverted some of the water from the flowing moat to an underground water storage area that was carved out of solid rock. And he repaired what little damage there was before. As an afterthought, he had catapults built to hurl the large boulders back at those who launched them. He was ready for war, but hoped for peace. All this time I took small liberties with Edric. He started growing a beard but I asked him, not commanded, to keep himself clean shaven. He adhered to my wish. We met in dark shadows and shared kissing. I had to teach him to use his tongue in my mouth. He even built up the nerve to fondle my breasts as I rubbed his manhood. Once he shot his seed onto my hand which surprised us both. We both had a silent laugh out of that as I pushed him away until our next reunion. Curious, I licked his liquid and found it nice. I knew then what Lorna was trying to do to me before I grew into a man which I never did. I loved his taste and looked forward to it again. I found myself wet in my undergarments too. That pulsating thrill that shot through me felt so wonderful. I knew I was in love with this man. By Christmas 1346 King Lawton was dying. He had spent too many days in the freezing winter and now he was on his back in bed fighting for each breath. I asked Eleanor to appease him and make an appearance, but she would not. This angered me. I went to her chambers to demand that she be there as he died. She stared at me with the same hatred as she had for my father. "I will rejoice when he dies," she said to me. "You will not rejoice," I replied to her. "I will put you in irons in the dungeon until you die." My threat had little effect upon her. "I am the queen." "You refused the crown. You hated my father from the first day you laid eyes upon him," I said at the door. "I pray for his recovery for the both of us. Me becoming the Queen and you spending the rest of your life in chains. If you don't make an appearance at your husband's side before he passes on, I swear on everything that is holy above, you will live to regret the course you have taken." I left her chambers in anger. I felt the glow to my cheeks. I was ready to carry out that order if she avoided her husband the King. I went back to his chamber where the physician was tending to him. "He doesn't have long, my Princess," he informed me. "He is too weak to recover. We can only make him comfortable as we can." That night my father died right in front of me. I cried. It was early morning when I changed into a new gown and called the knights and war captains to inform them that King Lawton was dead. "Long live the Queen," Edric shouted drawing his sword and raising it up. The others did the same and followed suit. Soon the castle reverberated with shouts and they swore an oath of loyalty to me. "My Lords, knights, and captains. I accept your call for me to rule. If you ever see me over step my bounds as Queen, do not be afraid to reproach me and show me the error of my ways. My coronation will take place a week from today. You will have my loyalty to you as you have sworn your fealty to me. I want a kingdom of peace where our children will not know war. But if war does come, we will meet and defeat any enemy who wishes to destroy us." All the men and the few ladies knelt and held their swords blade to the ground with the handle up and repeated the Lord's Prayer several times then one-by-one they each swore allegiance to me. One of my ladies found my mother's crown and placed it on my head. I dismissed the men and asked for four guards to follow me. We walked up to Eleanor's chambers where we found her already dead. She had slit her wrists and bled to death. I ordered the guards to take her to the commoners graveyard and bury her with no markings to show that she ever existed. I then turned and went to my father's chamber to arrange his funeral. Like all previous Kings of Argath, he would be cremated on a wooden funeral platform for all to see. It saddened me. I never got to know him well, but I did love him as gruff as he was. I slid the ring containing his seal off his finger and held it tightly in my hand. It was too big for my fingers so I thought putting a chain on it and wear it between the cleavage of my breasts. Close to my heart. SIX My coronation took place on January 1st, 1347. My father's body was burned three days before. Lady Lorna returned for my coronation. I still loved her. Her husband turned out to be a fine man. He swore an oath to me. Milton was too old to make the trip. In a cat's eye. He most likely thought I resented him making me into a woman. I did not and I told Lorna upon her return to convey that to him. I supped with her alone that night while all the people celebrated my ascension to the throne. There was a huge bonfire and my subjects all rejoiced in song and drink. After the sadness of losing their King, there was now jubilation that they had a Queen to carry on with his rule. "You are going to make a splendid monarch, my Queen," Lorna smiled as we ate slowly. "Lady Lorna, what we did in the past when we slept together, I command you to call me Kate when we are alone like this. After all, we were very intimate." "Yes Kate," she responded. "I sucked your nipple for many many years and we did learn how to please each other. it gives me chills when I think back upon those pleasant memories." "And I too, Kate." "How is Robert as a husband." "Loving." "And?" "I never interfere with his work. He has turned out to be better than Milton......" "Oh come now," I interrupted. "Milton is a master of magic." "Even Milton admits to it." "All right but does he show you attention and devotion?" "His love and devotion are enough for me. He doesn't give me the attention that other wives crave but I do not need it. I have my books, my writings, my housework and cooking all those things keeps a girl busy." "No children?" Lorna teared up and shook her head. "I think that I am barren. We do try many times a week. He is as good at making love as any man I know. I hate to disappoint him." "Well have him make a potion so you can have a child," I suggested. "He tried, and so did Milton. Nothing has come forth." "Perhaps Robert should make a potion for himself. It could be his fault." "I can't ask him to do that." "I can command him to do it," I stated. Lorna shook her head. "Please don't. He will think that I asked you to command that, but it isn't a bad idea. Let me wait a few months and I'll plant some seeds into his mind while we make love. I have the ability to make it seem like it is his idea to begin with." We ate the rest of our meal in silence. When we were finished, we put on our warm cloaks and joined the festivities. "Have you found a man for yourself?" Lorna asked quietly in my ear as we watched the people rejoicing. I was aware that many were looking to me, their new Queen, for some recognition. I waved and a deafening shout emerged. "Yes," I answered. "However he is a commoner." "Oh!" Was her only response. "He is the shaven knight that brought the crown to the priest to anoint me and place it on my head." "He's a handsome one." "Yes, we meet discretely from time to time but it is only to kiss and proclaim our love for each other. We can't go any further than that." "My mother told me that a Queen can marry a commoner but he must always stay in the royal background. Wherever she goes, he must walk ten feet behind her." "Where did you hear such nonsense?" I asked. "The Queen has a right to make a law like that as long as there is no King. You being royalty, he must stay a commoner. She usually makes him a Duke or a Lord. Any children between them will be royalty but he never will." "Let me give this some thought." I turned my attention to my people. Robert and Lorna left for their home two days later. King Edward the 3rd sent a courier back to our land. He was surprised that King Lawton was dead and Queen Kate was on the throne. After the small pleasant discussions, I was handed a parchment. It read that Edward had no designs on our land as long as Argath abided by the treaty made four years prior. I had my scribe write down that there would be no hostilities from me or any of my subjects. If they violated the law, I would personally invite him up to see them hanged. My Kingdom would not suffer under my rule. I asked the King to sent a regent up here to discuss trade talks so we did not have to do anymore raiding to the south. We had many commodities to trade such as copper and iron which was abundant in the mountains just north of our castle. We could exchange that for grain and other products. The courier left three days later to present this to the King. As I said before, I was well read. I recalled a book by Julius Caesar that had been translated into our language about 100 years ago. It was his commentaries on the Gaelic Wars. I reread with interest the formations that he formed to make his armies victorious. I called for Sir Thomas and handed him the valuable book to draw me up how Caesar had used his legions to win battles. Several months later he returned with sketches and drawings how the ancient Roman had formed his legions and moved them about at will. Then I asked my war captains what they thought about this. Most were unfamiliar with it but took it on as an exercise with our 1200 men. Not exactly the size of a Roman legion, but to do it on a smaller scale. I just wanted to make sure that I had the strength of men to counter and kingdom who wished to take advantage of a young Queen just starting out her reign. Little did I know that an enemy that was far worse than any man was about to invade Europe. *** In October of that year, nine months into my rule of Argath, a boat came into the port of Messina, Sicily with valuable trade from Kaffa on the Crimea. From that boat rats had infected the entire crew. Most were dead or dying. The ones who boarded were almost immediately infected. They found men with black bulbs oozing pus or blood from their armpits and other parts of their bodies. The disease spread rapidly across Sicily to Italy. Thousands were killed in days. This was named The Great Mortality. It struck everyone from the poorest to the richest. Secular and clergy. It showed no discrimination. People who tried to nurse the sick also caught it and died. Word reached us from England that the plague had devoured all of France, Germany, Belgium, and Spain. It stopped the invading Mongols dead in its tracks. They were not immune either. When the cold set in that winter, it stopped moving northward. All the small kingdoms of Northern Scotland were spared that cold icy season. I was thought as a wise ruler when I insisted that all our people gather wood throughout the year in order to keep warm. Very few deaths took place amongst my people that awful winter. *** I found a secret passageway from the base of the castle to my chamber. I kept my own and allowed only our men to take care of my father's large bedroom. Other than that, it was vacant. I showed Edric the passage and had him come to me at night. I did not care if this secret was learned or not. I loved him. He took my maidenhood at my command and he pleasured me several times during the cold. I wondered if my ladies knew of my escapades of lovemaking. It did not bother me. Learning from Lorna, I often took his manhood into my mouth to draw out his seed. He also did the same with me. Tonguing my sex. The most pleasurable was him putting his hardness into me. He was large in that regard. I was so tiny underneath him but we seemed perfectly suited for each other. "I love you, Edric," I told him as I lay my head on his muscular chest playing with his hairs as my slim fingers ran through the mass. "I love you, Kate," he kissed my forehead. As cold as it was in this room, we enjoyed the warmth of each other's body. "I want to marry you." "But I am a commoner," he debated me. "I am the Queen, I can make any laws I wish. But if we do marry, because you are a commoner, you cannot possibly be King." "Oh just to have you for my very own would be enough. I don't want anyone or anything else. Only you will suffice me if I could have you for the rest of my life." "I will have you for life, my sweet, sweet Edric. You make my heart flutter whenever I see you. I will be a loving wife to you and I want to have your children." SEVEN The winter slowly left us. It was unseasonly warm that spring. At that time I had no idea of what that meant. The plague had returned! Some Frenchmen had raided the English coast. They were all infected by the rats on the ship that carried them to England. They all died within days but it was too late. They infected some of Edward's subjects too. He had already lost his daughter on her way to marry the King of Spain last fall. I hoped that the distance between us and the southern area of the island would make some difference. Edric and me met as often as we could in my chambers. I wanted to wait for the right moment to reveal to my people I wanted to marry him. I could think of no one else for me except my beloved Edric. He pleased my soul, my spirit and my physical being. I wanted him with me always. After making love several times, we would lay in each other's arms just talking. Planning our life together, how many children we wanted, what place he would take as my husband and me being Queen. Then we'd just talk about nothing at all. Horses, the weather, the coldness of the castle, the peace that was in our land and just about anything else that came to mind. In my bed, I was not the Queen. I was a woman. A woman who loved the man she was with. I loved the feeling of his finger drawing circles about my nipples. I also loved holding his manhood. I noticed how it pulsated when it was rigid. Soon he would be on top of me as I willingly spread my legs to received him. *** I was sitting on the throne reading some petitions from my people. There were many since I encouraged them to take the liberty of writing their wants and needs. Those who could not write often found someone who could for a reasonable fee. Each one was important to me. Sometimes my mind wandered thinking of Edric but eventually I shook my head in order to concentrate on what was written. One petition was for a boy of twelve who was large for his age to be allowed into our troops early. The woman writing pleaded that it was what the boy wanted and the fact that he was so big, he was eating them out of their meager rations. I allowed it! Then a man who lost his wife asked to marry a widow who was avoiding him. He said how much he loved her and for me to grant my grace for them to marry. I decided to postpone that decision until I had a chance to interview the woman in question. Those were some of the easier ones. The there were some cheating another man out of his little plot of land, two men taking a knife to each other one severely being wounded. I had to decide these cases. My father would have decided harsh punishments for them. I, on the other hand, ruled that they work out their differences. If they could not, I would step in. My warning of doubling their taxes was far more austere than any hanging or physical torture. As I was deciding whether to inflict this pair with double taxation, a messenger arrived from the small kingdom of Ayre to the south that the plague had reached there. I ordered the man bringing the news to get out of my kingdom immediately in case he was carrying this pestilence. I allowed him bread and wine to take with him. He was gone in less than ten minutes upon his arrival. I called my war captains and the clerics to see what they would do if the scourge hit Argath. We discussed this for hours trying to come up with a plan. Immediate exile was decided upon. From the lowest peasant to the Queen. If I were afflicted, I would mount a horse and leave my kingdom. My subjects were more important than myself. The discussion continued through our supper. Burial procedures, caring for anyone who were too ill to leave, even immediate execution if I so deemed. Not having my usual nap, I retired early to rest. I even motioned to Edric that I didn't want to be disturbed that evening. I was upset that my woman's curse had come to me which meant I was not with child as I had hoped. *** It was early July when the first of my people discovered a black bulb under his armpit. Word had reached us that Edward's subjects were dying by the thousands. Now it had come to us. Two months before I asked Milton and Robert to make a potion that would have us immune from this dreaded disease. So far nothing. I sent off a messenger to go as fast as he could to see the progress they were making. Out of fear, one of my knights killed the infected man. Nonetheless, it did not stop it. It spread to others. Many of my knights surrounded me including Edric to ward off anything attacking their Queen. I admired their bravery but sent them away because I knew we were fighting a different foe, not any man. I had a large pit dug to put those who died into it right away. Then spades of dirt were shoveled over the body. The messenger returned with a flask of Milton's potion. I noticed immediately that he had taken a portion for himself. I didn't say anything to him. My knights begged me to be the first. I drank of this potion which was as foul tasting as when Milton gave me to become a stronger man. I had my knights each drink some then what was left, we gave to my war captains. I sent the messenger back for more. *** My dear Edric was one of the first to fall to the plague. It broke my heart to send him away. I knew I would never see him again. Only a few nights before, he planted his seed into my womb. Now he was gone. Half of me wished I were struck down too. The other half told me that I had a kingdom to rule. Until the cold weather came late that fall, over half of my people had perished. It was over, for now. Oh but at what cost? My love was dead, most of my knights, even the messenger I sent back to Milton was found with his body all shriveled up with sores all over. I knew I had to continue my rule but when winter would leave, the scourge would be back. EIGHT "My Queen," Thomas knelt before me as I sat on my throne somewhat still in a daze at all that I had lost. "Yes Thomas." "We had a courier at our border say that the sickness has abated." "Very good, thank you Thomas." "My Queen, may I be so bold." "Yes Thomas." "I know of your love for Sir Edric, but you must be our ruler. We are all looking to you to guide us. Those who are remaining are depending upon you." "You are so right, Sir Knight. I will continue to rule as before. My heart is not breaking only for Edric but for all my subjects this horrid thing took from our kingdom. You will see me as a strong Queen from here on." "Thank you, my Queen." "Thank you, Sir Knight." I smiled at him. He stood up, kissed my hand and bowed. As I watched him leave I realized how selfish I was feeling pity upon myself. I wasn't one who labored in the fields eking out a living to survive after paying a portion to the crown. I was the Crown. I had to show my remaining subjects that their Queen was strong and vibrant. Yes, I lost so much. So did they. I was determined to make their lives and mine much better. *** King Edward's regents arrived that summer. The plague was gone from the island. I had been told that out of twenty million people on our soil, more than half had perished. It was sad. Then word came that France lost sixty percent of their people, Italy sixty-five percent, Spain and Portugal were numberless as was Germany and the smaller nations. One good thing out of all this, the Mongols retreated from their conquests back across the Ural Mountains. This left a vacuum for the Muslims to take back some of lands that the Mongols took from them. I was sitting on my throne to receive them. I wore a smaller gold crown because my mother's was too heavy and that caused me to get headaches. I would rather not wear one at all, but royal protocol indicated I had to. "Majesty," Duke Simon bowed to me. "It is so gracious of you to receive us." "The pleasure is all mine," I smiled, indicating that they should rise with my hand. "We are here to see if all is well with you," Sir Barth added. "I lost half my subjects to the plague," I informed them. The thought of Edric entered my mind as I fought back the tears suddenly welling up within me. "The King has sent us here to thank you for keeping your end of the treaty your father and he worked out. Plus the trade agreement that you also made with the late Macon of Lexington. The scourge carried him and his entire family off." "Give my condolences to the King and to any of Macon's family who remains." "Thank you, your Grace. The reason we have come to you is that our King Edward would like for you to visit his palace near London. Since the weather is pleasant we are able to provide you with comfort on your trip." I paused for a moment, surprised by the revelation. I leaned toward Sir Thomas who bowed his ear to my mouth. I whispered some sort of nonsense in his ear. He did the same back to me. I raised up and looked at the English delegation. "I will give you my answer in two days, but tonight you will be my guest at supper. I'll arrange some entertainment for you." I rose from my throne dismissing them. I told Lady Lorraine to see to their comfort. She curtsied and held her hand out for them to follow her. "What are your thoughts on this?" I asked the remainder of my knights and war captains. I wanted to get their ideas before committing myself to this long journey. I received a mixture of emotions. Some were for it, some were adamantly against me leaving and the rest had no opinion in either way. I knew I would have to make this decision for myself. There was a sweet young lady that accompanied them to be my companion to see the King. Her name was Cora and was very beautiful. She had long dark hair and eyes with very white straight teeth as she smiled constantly. "Give me some time to mull this over," I dismissed my men. I was weary and needed to get to my chambers for my nap. I purposely set my thoughts on Lorna to keep my mind off Edric. If I dwelled on him for very long I would not sleep but end up crying as I missed him so very much *** As we supped that evening I made up my mind to go but did not tell anyone of my final decision. At my request, I had Cora and Simon sit on either side of me. Simon for reason of politics, Cora for lady-to-lady talk. She was very stunning as well as cheerful. I asked her what the women wore at King Edward's court. She told me I dressed acceptably and wouldn't have any problem fitting in with all the ladies there. I had to decide what gowns, cloaks, coats, jewels, and other female items to take with me. I asked Cora what she wore on her lips to make them look so red and inviting. She replied that she had some coloring it her quarters and would show it to me in the morning. I had Esther, our best singer, as our entertainment. She accompanied herself with her mandolin as she sang ballads with her rich soprano voice. Simon whispered in my ear that Edward did not have a singer as talented as Esther. I nodded with a smile knowing that she was indeed a beautiful singer. NINE I stood before my knights and handed the Seal of the Queen to Sir Thomas to act as my Regent in my absence. I gave him all the powers to rule my Kingdom except to attack and make war. However I instructed him that if attacked, to take the initiative in any way he see fit. With that, I was helped onto my mare with Cora as my companion. Due to the Pestilence that killed so many including my beloved Edric. The journey was to be a long one. All the way down Scotland into England then to the King's Palace. I found Cora to be a wonderful consort. She was always smiling, talking gently, and I felt I could tell her almost anything. When we stopped for the night, the English knights and archers set up our shelter which was a very nice canvas dwelling with chairs, tables and beds that were fit for royalty. We were the first to be served supper which was almost always delicious along with some wonderful spiced wine. Due to the chilly nights we had our beds placed side by side so we could cuddle to keep each other warm. Cora's sweet breath and odor wafted to my nostrils and soon we found each other embracing and kissing passionately like I had done with Lorna. Cora's little tongue snaked into my mouth as I kneaded her lovely small breasts. On the second night we were already lovers. If the men who accompanied us knew it, they never let on. "So tell me," I asked Cora on the fourth day. "Is it true that the King's Palace has marble floors? I've been told that it is magnificent." "Only the throne room, the rest is made from good old English wood," Cora answered. "However it is a delight to dance upon." I laughed merrily. "I love dancing." "I too," Cora beamed. "There is nothing better than to dance with a man who knows how to do it. Most are so clumsily, you know." "How well I know but my Edric was a very good dancer," I lied. I was so in love with him that I made things up in my mind about him that were totally untrue. But I chose to believe it. "There some knights and lords who are excellent in dance. but their manners are like gluttons at supper and swine at drink." I threw my head back laughing at her remark. She joined me at the merriment. We were delayed for five days due to some heavy rains that soaked our party. Being Queen of Argath and the King's guest, Cora and me were kept dry as they threw a second canvas covering over the first. It was a cold rain. We made the best of the time by playing cards or chess while we traded life stories. Our most intimate details. She confessed to me that she was the King's youngest daughter and was really a Princess. She said that her brother Richard the Second would be King one day. She spoke fondly of him and said I would be an excellent match for him even though he was younger than me. "I don't think anyone could possibly take the place of my Edric," I said, playing a card. Cora trumped me with her ace. "After all I think a woman has one true love in her life and mine was Edric." "I agree." Cora tossed down a card. "A woman has many loves but only one true one." I threw down my hand conceding the game to her, "Yes but all my other loves have been women. Lorna and you." "You love me?" she asked me, aghast. "Of course I love you. What's there not to love in you?" Cora shrugged her shoulders, "I feel the same way toward you but I never thought that you would love me. I believed you were using me for your amusement." I took her face gently in my hands and kissed her passionately, "Is that a kiss of the kind of amusement or is it love?" "I honestly want to be loved by you." "And you are my sweet Cora. I would love to bring you back with me to be my special lady. We could be very happy together." "I have my doubts if my father would allow that. If you were King instead of a Queen, he might consider it. I have had both man and woman. I feel the gentleness of a woman's touch to be much more preferable," Cora confessed. "I too love the tender touch of another woman." I kissed her again. Once the rains stopped, we continued our way to slowly toward the palace. I was weary of being in the saddle all day so I alternated between a covered wagon and my mare. Cora always joined me if I chose wheel or horse. We got to know each other so well we could almost think what the other was going to say when we conversed. In the wagon I managed to nap but it wasn't as nice as my bed back home. I felt a great love for Cora. I giggled at the thought that I was once a male before Milton turned me into a female with his magic potion. If I remained a male, she could have been my bride. However I knew that I would be a weak scrawny king that she would probably be put off by how thin I most likely would be. As a lady, I was very fair. As a man, a weakling no matter how strong willed I might become. Ladies wanted their men to be mighty both physically and in spirit. Also she wanted a man who knew how to please his wife in their chambers. I considered that I would be a failure in all three. "My Queen," the captain of the knights woke me. "I regret to inform you that we have to take a different way to the King's palace." "What is it, captain?" Cora asked as I shook myself out of the fog of sleep. "The Plague," he informed us. "Word has reached us that the two towns ahead of us are under attack from this Scourge. My advice is to take another way." "Very good, captain," Cora spoke for both of us. "Unless the Queen desires otherwise." "No, you are right," I affirmed. "Take the long route," backing Cora's decision. I laid back down but the restful slumber I enjoyed escaped me. That night we undressed under our warm blankets to make love. It was almost time for my curse so I wished to have the pleasure of Cora's body before it struck me rendering me with bloating, cramps and bleeding for three to four days. It was windy outside our shelter so hopefully neither of our cries of bliss weren't heard by others. We giggled like little girls thinking we were getting away with something naughty. Coincidentally Cora's curse occurred just hours after mine. For the next few nights we just embraced each other from behind. More to keep warm than for any romance on either's part. 'Oh how I love her,' I thought feeling her warm breath on the back of my neck. I had much stronger feelings for Cora than I ever did with Lorna. Edric was a fading memory as I