Re: The Outlaws of England (Reserved)

[Guest]

Justin attached the bag once more to his belt and made sure it was sucurely fastened to it this time. He walked Desiree down to the dining room where he was sure that the King, Queen and the Arch Bishop would already be. When they arrived he saw the Arch Bishop sitting there. He looked arrogant, pampered, and a man that needed to be taken down a notch or two. He was elegantly dressed in clothes that were for an Arch Bishop, but they were made of fine clothes that seemed to go against everything that a man of the cloth was suppose to wear. He was going to enjoy robbing the man, probably take his fine reignment and throw him some rags ragged clothes a poor person would ware.


As John embrased Desiree he fought the urge to break the man's arms. Even the Arch Bishop's remarks made him want to carve out the man's toung. But he kept a straight face and he gave a bow to the Arch Bishop. When Desiree spoke of almost running into the Highwayman but that he had escorted her to the Manor house before his arrival, he smiled. Not only because he was playing the hero before two bafoons but because he was the Highwayman.

When the food came he saw Desiree go stand by the Queen, but he took her lightly by the arm, "My Lady." he spoke to her, then turned to the queeen, "With your permission, I would enjoy Desiree's company at the table." The Queen smiled and nodded and Justin seated Desiree and then sat down next to her. "Your Grace is lucky indeed not to have meet this rogue. I saw your armed escort. Only a fool would have tried to rob you with them around." Justin commented. He would have to find a way to seperate him from his escort. Looking over at the queen he could see the smile upon her lips as she looked at Desiree and him.

"As I was telling the King, this foul Highwayman would not dare attack a personage of the Church." Oh how Justin wanted to laugh at that. But he just nodded his head to the Arch Bishop and as the servents began moving the food around he took some for both him and Desiree. The dinner progressed and music was played for entertainment. Justin looked over at Desiree and smiled warmly at her.

[Xuxa_Rene]

The bile was burning her throat Desiree wanted to lash out and strike the Arch Bishop but in doing so she would at the least lose a hand, in the worse case she would lose her life. An attack on a man of the cloth was as bad as an attack on the king himself. But King John was no better she hated how he paraded her around like she was some charity case. King Richard would be rolling in his grave if he knew how he was treating her. But King Richard was no longer here to protect her she was alone in this world.

She had taken her place by her Queen and had wondered why Justin hadn’t taken a seat but her question was answered when he took her arm and addressed the Queen. Being given permission Desiree curtsied. “As you wish My Queen” She then walked with Justin and sat down “Thank you Baron Greystone, you honour me greatly” She bowed her head to him. Although they had just played a game together and she had been much more relaxed now she had to be proper and her training came into action. She kept her back straight and her mouth shut.

She had to stiffen a grin though, when the topic switched to the Highwayman. If her assumption was right, the reason why the Arch Bishop had not been attacked was because Justin had saved all the animals for her. She eyed him closely. Wondering if she could trust. Wondering if Richard was still alive if he would want Desiree to marry the Baron Greystone. She couldn’t think of marriage though. Men could beat their wives, as long as the stick wasn’t thicker then his thumb and Justin’s thumbs looked fairly thick. No marriage wasn’t an option. Why was she even thinking about it? She licked her lips and began to eat at the food. Her long day had worked up an appetite.

As Justin smiled at her she felt her checks heat up. She looked down and hoped that no one noticed her blushing but she did smiled back her long hair falling infront of her face. The arch bishop looked at her and spoke up. “Mistress Desiree” Desiree looked up

“Yes your emiance”
“What do you think should happen to the highway man?” The King sat back and also waited for her anserws
Desiree raised an eyebrow “Mi Lords” Desiree spoke in a soft voice but her hands were clinched in strong fists under the table “Being of the fairer gender I try not to think upon such matters and leave them to the males” Smiling the King clapped his hands.
“Lest you have the some sense in you Desiree”

Desiree nodded her nails had cut into the tender flesh of her palm but she just used her other hand, the one furthest from Justin and ate more of the food and drank more of the wine. She still hand her hand clenched and could feel the moisture.

The conversation continued, punishment for the highwayman. Hanging till half dead, cut down, tared and feathered or dropped in boiling oil. Desiree was feeling very light headed. She didn’t want any of that to happen to him. He was only doing what was right. Weather the highwayman be Justin or someone else. The more the men talked though and the more graphic it got the fainter Desiree was feeling. She blinked trying to remain strong and beside Justin, to which she wasn’t totally turned off of anymore.

[Guest]

As the conversation turned to the Highwayman, he listened intently. He liked the response that Desiree gave the king and Arch bishop. It made it seem she did not care or want to. When John and the Arch Bishop talked of what they though should be the punishment for the Highwayman if caught he listened intently. The Arch Bishop was very graphic in his thoughts and to be a man of the cloth, not preaching forgiveness and mercy. Another one that Justin would have no qualms about taking down.

He could see that Desiree was wishing to do something to the two of them. Her body was tense and as he looked down he saw that she had dug her nails into the palm of her hand. He looked over at the two talking and eating. How he wished he could spoil their mood and the dinner for them. He was already thinking of what he was going to do with the Arch Bishop. The residence of the Arch Bishop was not as well guarded as the Kings castle. Being a holy man, he had no need of that. People would not dare invade his privacy, his home nor want to take anything of his. Oh that was about to change.

The King turned to him and asked him, "What about you Baron, what do you think should be done to the Highwayman when he is caught?"

Justin rubbed his jaw a moment and looked like he was thinking. When he turned his head towards them he shugged his shoulders. "My King, your eminense I think you have covered all the possiblities, all the good ones. Any other would pale with what you have instore for this Highwayman." he smiled and gave a slight bow to them.

John smiled and looked smug. Having described what was going to happen to the Highwayman had made him feel good. He would of course do his best to keep from that fate, and make John's life misserable. He continued to suffer through the small talk and the talk of politics until dinner was done. A few words whispered into John's ear by the queen had him, excusing him and the queen. After that the Arch Bishop rose and left himself. Justin could breath a bit easier and relax. He hated formal functions like this. He prefered quite and more friendly dinners that everyone could enjoy.

"I think you had best take care of that hand." he leaned over and whispered in Desiree's ear. He then rose from his cair and helped her up. He began walking back towards their rooms. He figured he would have to help her out of her dress since he had to help her tie it up.

[Xuxa_Rene]

It seemed like her answer please everyone at the table she hated it though. Richard allowed her to speak her mind and had asked her thoughts on many things. But now with John she was demoted to nothing, no longer allowed to voice her own thoughts or speak out of turn. She kept up with her reading and writing though, he Queen insisted on it. John didn’t know though, sometimes he would speak in Latin thinking that Desiree was too dumb to know what was being said but she understood it but was smart enough not to let on.

As the King asked Justin what he thought should happen Desiree perked up a little but the King and the Arch Bishop were too drunk to notice. She listened closely but kept her head down. She nearly smiled at the response that Justin gave, it was close to her answer but she still wanted to clobber the King and smack that smug look off of his face. But she remained still and having finished her meal she leaned back in her chair, as was custom.

When the Queen whispered to the King she recognized that look, she would not be needed again tonight. Going to stand but being waved to sit down by the Queen Desiree bowed her head and kept it bowed until they were gone. When the Arch Bishop left she again bowed her head but her eyes were full of hate towards him. Embarrassing her like that in front of Justin made her want to strike him but she knew better.

Being alone again with Justin she was beginning to think that this was planned. As he whispered she looked down at her hand and gasped. “Oh dear” She stood with him and walked back to her room. She turned to him. “Baron Greystone, I may be needing you assistance again, King John dismissed my tiring maids” She nodded then walking into her room she ripped a piece of extra cloth she had laying around and dipped it into a bowl of water then cleaned off her hand. Then taking another piece she attempted to tie it around her hand but she kept failing finally turning to Justin she held it out. “Can you tie this for me Baron” She shrugged “Please”

She kept using his proper name and wondered if he was going to ask her how it had happened, she looked out the window the sun was setting and it would be time for her to change again, which Justin would have to help her again especially with her wounded hand now.

She looked up at him her eyes showing weariness still “It seems I have the night off again, The Queen is going to keep her husband busy tonight” She blushed slightly “I suppose I shouldn’t be talking about such private events” She looked up at him “Promise you wont tell even as a ward of the court, doesn’t excuse me of treason and I could lose my head” In a way she supposed this was kinda like a test. If he rated her out, even if it meant her most likely losing her head she would know he was not trustworthy, if not he would earn some points in her book

[Guest]

Justin went with her up to their rooms and then int ot hers as she began to clean up her hand and try to bandage it. He helped her tie it off and then he raised it to his lips and kissed it. "You have nothing to fear from me, my lady." he told her when she asked him to promise not to tell any one what she had said. "Can't let such a lovely head be given to the headsman's ax." he grinned. "Now let me help you with this dress so you can get some needed rest. I think the King will be returning to the city tommorow." With his hunt ruined and not wanting to leave the runing of the country to his so called advisors for long.

He stepped behind her and began undoing the lacing on the dress. He took his time, letting his fingers brush against her skin. Since it was a dress that exposed the back, he was enjoying it. "You need to be more careful." he leaned in close bare inch from her ear. "The King is a man that is new to the real power of the throne. Before, he ruled in Richard's name but had no real power. Now I think the power has gone to his head." Once he had the laces undone he stepped back. "I think I had best be getting to my rooms." he stepped in front of her and brought his hand up to caress the side of her face. "Sleep well my lady." he smiled and then entered his own rooms shutting the door behind him.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Watching him as he tied it she smiled. Then blushed as he kissed it. She looked into his eyes as he spoke. She hoped that she could trust him. Her life dependent on it as he could charge her with treason then he would be granted the few things that she had. The land that he claimed she had. But if he was the highwayman then she had nothing to fear.

As he began to unlace her dress her heart began to beat quickly. Her palms began to sweat and her throat seemed to close up. She inhaled sharply as he whispered so close to her ear. He was right and she nodded turned to him as he caressed her face. “Good night Baron” She curtsied then watched as he left she shed her outer dress and slipped on a full length night time gown, brushed her hair and climbed into the bed. She reached under her bosom and pulled out the necklace.

She opened the clasp and looked at the picture of King Richard. She let a single tear fall down her cheek. “How I miss you.” She sniffled “I have met Baron Greystone” She continued whispering “I understand now why you wanted us to met” She kissed the photo and then closed it up and put it back where it was hidden and closed her eyes and fell asleep.

[Guest]

Justin had almost closed the door completely, but for some reason he decided to leave it open a bit. From his darkened room he watched Desiree shed her dress and under dress so she was naked. He looked her up and down enjoying the view. He saw her take the locket and open it and then talk to herself. He wondered if Richard had been grooming him for her. He had talked about her enough but at the time he just thought he was like some fathers that loved to talk about their children. Desiree was like that to him, even though she was not his blood.

Had that crafty old goat been planning to get him and her together when he got back to England. From what he had been told, she had extensive lands in France and the man that married her would be very rich indeed. Being a Baron and having land in England, and then in France, well then he would indeed be a powerful man. That was what Richard wanted. Someone he could trust to represent him in France while he dealt with things in England. He shook his head. Richard had things planned out and even with him now dead, things seemed to be playing out as he intended.

He finally closed the door all the way softly and stripped down himself. He had no worry about the King bothering Desiree with the Arch Bishop there. He was asleep in a matter of minutes.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Although she fell asleep promptly it was not a restful sleep. Memories of how she lost her dad haunted her dreams. The fire, the shouts, watching her father being stabbed to death her being forced to watch she tossed from side to side and in doing so her necklace fell out of its hiding spot and landed on the ground. She woke with a start rubbed her face and fell back into a light sleep.

Again she did not sleep long. As long before dawn there came a knock at her door she woke with a start thinking the Queen needed her she walked to the door. A guard stood there blushing at the sight of her in her nightwear bowed his head. “Lady Desiree the Queen are leaving within the hour, you are to dress and join them” He then quickly left. Desiree closed the door slipped out of her nightdress and slipped on her many layers she could not tie it but a extra lady in waiting to the Queen and pulled her in. Although she had to pay her a coin the lady tied her dress for her. Desiree quickly packed her extra dresses and went to say good-bye to Justin but a guard came again to her door.

“We are to go now” He said in a gruff voice. Desiree gave a longing look at the door and nodded and quickly left. She was led outside and placed into the last carriage. Alone and sighed as they left it was still dark outside. She went to take a look at her necklace that she thought was still hidden and realized it was gone. She gasped and began to weep. She had lost the necklace from Richard. Gone forever in her mind.

[Guest]

Justin slept well, until a knock on his door woke him. Wraping a blanket about him he answered the door. "The King wishes to leave very early. He wishes for you to prepare for departure before the sun rises." He raised a brow at that, wondering why the King wished to leave so early. He had but a couple hours before it would be time for them to leave. He nodded and closed the door then got dressed. He quickly made his way down to where his men were staying and woke them. There were rooms above the stables for servents and guards. They grumbled some but got up and dressed.

It looked as if the Arch Bishop was going to be leaving early as well as his men were saddling horses and preping his carriage. "Ahhh this would be such a good opportunity for the Highwayman, but with the king expecting me to be around in case he showed up would make that difficult. But don't worry we will have a fun time with his emminence here soon enough." he told his men. Staying with his men he missed seeing Desiree getting in the carriage provided for her by the queen and them leaving. When he could he returned to his rooms to collect his things and then looked into Desiree's. On the floor he saw the locket that she had taken out a bit earlier. Picking it up he put it into the pouch with the ring from Richard.

Not long after he and his men were following the caravan of carriages and mounted soldiers. The sun would be rising with in the hour and it was still dark out. Why he did it he was not to sure, but he stopped changed and had one of his men ride up to the carriages to see which one Desiree was in. When he returned, Justin rode forward. The driver paid no mind figuring it was another of his men making sure all was alright. He rode up to the right side of the carriage and reached over and opened the door, then grabing the top of the carriage he swung himself from his horse and into the carriage.

He quickly took a seat next to Desiree, putting a finger to the handkerchief that covered his lower face. "Ah we meet again." he chuckled. His horse was picked up by one of his men that kept close to the rear of the carriage. Taking out the locket he took one of her hands and placed it in to it. "You need to be more careful with such precious things." he whispered.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Too distraught about losing the necklace Desiree did not even notice the horse ride up to her carriage, the king was paranoid about being attacked and robbed so there was extra security all around them. Most of it closer to him and his wife leaving Desiree pretty much alone except for guards behind her or what she thought were guards. Her carriage was pretty much empty except for decoy bag of gold. The king had told her that if by chance they were attacked to give the highwayman the bag. She figured it was to throw him off of attacking the rest of the convoy. Proving in her mind that John had no love for her for he was putting her in danger risking her life to protect himself. He was supposed to be her protector but she was truly alone in this world.


When someone opened her door she quickly turned to the noise and seeing the highwayman entering her moving carriage she brought a hand to her mouth in surprise. She had to smile at him though. She recognized those eyes she was sure of it now. Or was it just hopeful wishing. She looked at him unafraid. “You are in danger” She whispered hoarsely. “The King has put a price on your head” She was going to continue but he took her hand and placed in the locket.

Her tears wheeled up in her eyes. “Thank you” she whispered “I thought I had lost it” She brought it to her lips and kissed it and turned to him. “I thank you, you do not know what this means to me”

She didn’t however admit that she probably lost it during a nightmare. They were coming closer together and getting worse. She didn’t want him to know that she were having them though .

She opened it “Other then my bag that the Baron broke this is all I have left from the one true King” She had whispered that last part hotly into his ear. So there was no danger in her being over heard. She looked deep into his eyes and then down to his gloved hands. But she was sure now that he was Justin and Justin was the highwayman.

[Guest]

Justin smiled behind his mask. "Ah A price on my head but only a few that would wish to try and collect it, and those poor fools might find it a bit hard to collect it." he told her. "Why do you stay at court with such a bafoon, that rules. Would you not be better off in France at King James' court?" Even though she was a ward of the court, she did have the choice to return home. She did have lands there that even though fell under Johns so called protection and gave him a yearly tax, the land still belonged to her and if she wished could seek King James' protection and have the revenue go from John to James.

Justin could not understand all the political thing about having lands in France while being the King of England. How could one rule over land that was so far away and with another King there that basicly surrounded those lands with that of the country he ruled. To hold, to defend such land was near impossible should the King of France decide that they were his and send troops there to take them. But he was just a baron and his lands were in England.

He awaited her answer and knew that he would have to be leaving the carriage soon. They would be coming to a steep downgrade that the driver would have to slow down for and he would be able to jump from the carriage and be picked up by his men.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Hearing his response to her warning made Desiree raise an eyebrow he was not nervous though, nor did he seem to take her words to heart, he was pushing his luck. But she didn’t have time to tell him that before he stated the question. She stared at him. A bit shocked she quickly tired to remember if he had told her of her lands as Justin or when he was playing the highwayman. She wasn’t sure if he wanted her to know who he really was, the mystery was fun she could be a little freer with him being in disguise.

About her lands she looked up at him with longing keeping her voice quiet. “I was not aware of the lands, but how am I to get there? I am a lowly woman, King John barely pays my room and board.” She looked up at him knowing that what she was saying could be seen as heresy but she trusted him. “Also” She continued. “I have no idea how I would protect my land, any one find out the lands being ran by a female they would attack it.” She stopped suddenly and shuddered remember her father again. “Also King John wouldn’t let me go so easily, I am his pawn don’t you see” She sighed “John will marry me off to what ever man could make him richer or more powerful.” She looked down at her hands. “I doubt I will ever see my lands again” She looked up at him. “I suppose I stay for my Queen too, she loves to converse to me in French and I am the only one close to her that can” She sighed again “I guess we all have our duties”

Taking the bag of gold she handed it to him and placed it in his hand “King John gave this to me, he had a feeling you would attack the last carriage, seeing it as the weakest, the least protected and he put me in it since you didn’t harm me last time, well at least that what he said.” It was clear though that she didn’t believe that is the reason why he let her carriage be the one least protected. “He also figured that you wouldn’t go away empty handed he told me to give you this in hopes that it would please you. And you would leave the rest of the caravan alone”

She smiled into his eyes then down at his gloved hand. She knew she only had moments to go before they had to slow down for the steep downgrade that was coming so she took a deep breath and bent down moving the glove so the scar was visible she brought it to her lips and softly kissed it. Then brought his hand slowly to her face. “The driver will be slowing soon.” She paused then brought her lips to his ear “We are not stopping until we get home” She said home as if it was poison in her mouth. She continued “But I wouldn’t mind a visit from Baron Justin, so if you see him let him know for it is a long lonely ride in here alone.” She teased. She kissed the scar one last time then replaced his glove. “Go quickly, I will explain the missing gold as here when I fell asleep and gone when I awoke, King John will believe it, he thinks I am just a brainless female” She didn’t want him to go clearly hating to be left alone but she knew that so he wasn’t captured he had to leave

[Guest]

Justin grinned when she handed him the bag of gold. But he sat it down on the floor. "No. I do not wish you to be punished for it. I can always make his life miserable another day." He noticed her looking down at his gloved hand and raised a brow. When she took his hand and pulled the glove from it to reveal the scar he looked at her intently. He knew that she had figured it out. When she raised his hand to her lips and kissed the scar and then replaced the glove he shook his head.

"Well now you have discovered my secret." he reached up and took the kerchief from his face. "No I can not take the gold." he again told her. "I can not have you punished for that." he took one of her hands and brought it to his lips and kissed it. He did have to go. The incline was coming soon. "We will talk more later." he then leaned in and gently kissed her lips before he opened the door again and keeping an eye on the driver he jumped out and let the door close. His men arrived shortly after and he remounted his horse. Now he had to figure out what he was going to do. Desiree knew his secret. Would she keep it?" he had to be prepared for any eventuality.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Seeing his reaction to the bag of gold then him putting it down surprised Desiree although she knew it shouldn’t have. The highwayman or Justin as it turned out he was had shown her grace before, leaving the gold that she was carrying when they had all come here, why would he take it now? But the King would be full of himself that they weren’t attacked with him there, but she took heart that he promised to get back at John.

Her heart skipped a beat as he took the handkerchief away from his face. She smiled at him and fought the urge to reach up and stroke his face. Now that she knew for sure that he was not a supporter of John she allowed herself to study him more closely.

He was a very good-looking man, his eyes, his lips, his body everything about him was drawing her in. He wanted to protect her and as much as she hated to admit it, and how she could not admit it for fear of being charged her heresy. She lost her love for court life. She missed the dancing, and merriment that was around with King Richard now court life was frightening; even for Desiree who was suppose to be protected under the law of court.

“You can trust me Justin,” She whispered. Keeping her eyes fixed on his. “He gave me the gold to give to you, protect him at a risk to myself thinking you would be happy with just the one,” She gasped as he kissed her hand thinking nothing could get better then that.

She was about to bid him farewell, as she knew the decline was coming up fast but as she felt his lips upon hers she blushed and felt all the air leave her. Her heart skipped a beat. Her knees went weak and if she wasn’t sitting upright she would have surely fallen. As soon as it happened though it was over and she opened her eyes just in time to see him leaving her.

When he left her she placed a hand on her heart and leaned back in the carriage. She closed her eyes and sighed. Was this what Richard was talking about? When he told her that there would come a time when she would find someone she could see spending her life with. Justin was that man, the one that could protect her from the evil plans of John, but maybe he only wanted her for her land. It was a fleeting thought but he was already rich in monies and land, she at least wanted to see him again to find out if what she felt was right and if he felt the same way about her.

She closed her eyes; the rocking of the carriage and the boredom of being alone was wearing her, also the shock of what she just found out was overwhelming, plus he just kissed her! She wasn’t asleep but her eyes were closed and she may fool someone. But there was no one to fool. She was alone like most of the time she curled up her legs on the bench and sighed. She wished that her courtship had been finalized with Baron Justin before King Richard had died, King John would never agree to it now, she was sure he had some evil plans for her. She was destined to die alone, in service to the Queen where John could keep an eye on her.

[Guest]

Justin was tired by the time they reached London. Everyone was except the King and queen and perhaps the servents riding in carriages. They had an opportunity to sleep while the soldiers, drivers and Justins men did not. The King only had them stop long enough to rest the horses. But along the way he had that opportunity to visit Desiree as himself. When the caravan stopped he rode up to the carriage and dismounted. The driver nodded to him as he opened the door and climbed inside.

"It seems the King is in a great hurry to get back to London." he chuckled and sat down beside her. "How are you holding up?" he asked her. He knew that it would be boring for her to be riding alone. He probably could ride with her, but he wondered where that would lead.

King John was boasting to the commander of the soldiers that the Highwayman would never dare attack this caravan with me here. The man is obvious a coward. He was enjoying the moment not realizing he had the Highwayman in his mists. The soldiers had fanned out to secure the perimeter. The queen sat quietly listening to her husband and not saying a word.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Lost in thought the landscape just raced by this was her life now. With Richard she was in luxury, she rode with him, as his daughter, robes, ladies in waiting even a lap dog to keep her company, and now John had taken everything from her. Sure he acted as if she was precious to him but Desiree knew the truth, he only wanted to further his power his reach, surely she would be married off to the feared Scots or anyone else that would further his kingdom.

She thought about what Baron Justin had said, about her lands the fact that she could leave the fearful life of court and live in somewhat peace if there was a way she could get to her lands and keep them safe and the people safe it would be a bit more of a choice but there was no way that she could protect the land. Woman were just not meant to hold land or rule, everyone knew that, and she felt she would just be endangering the people if she tried to take over, but who was taking care of them? Could John be robbing her people like the people here? She had to know! She would ask Justin first chance she got.

That chance came sooner then she thought it would. When the caravan stopped Desiree looked out. Just another chance to rest the horses she sighed. She hated to travel the carriage was really uncomfortable and nearly impossible to sleep in. Too jolty but she was distracted by her door opening. Seeing Justin, dressed as Justin she smiled quickly looked to make sure no one was watching the greeted him with a kiss on each check.

“I am well thank you” She chewed her bottom lip “Well to be honest the joltiness and loneliness is getting to me” She sighed and looked out the window. “King John is just upset that his holiday was runined by the evil highway man” She winked at him.

She overheard the King boasting and groaned. “So full of himself” She muttered under her breath. She then turned to him and grasped his hand gently. “Baron Justin, please tell me how are the people on my…errr umm” She struggled to find the right words then just gave up “How are they treated?” There was desperation in her voice and she was clearly worried about the people and the land that she was just told about.

[Guest]

Justin grinned as he heard the King boasting, knowing full well that later he would make him eat his words. He had plans for the King and all were to make him miserable. Some of the nobles in the north already were up in arms about the way he was ruling. Before long he might have a full rebellion on his hands. If that happened he would definately join in on it. The King would be fighting on two fronts then and Justin knew he would lose.

When Desiree asked about the people of the Lands that belonged to her he sighed. "You know how John is taxing the people here, well he is doing the same there and all the lands that he inherited. He needs money to run the country, his way. Instead of listening to those that have experience at this sort of thing he thinks, he can do it by over taxing people. " He took her hands in his. "He will pay for all of this one day. Right now we can only do what we can to help the people the best we can." he knew hearing what he had to say would not set well with her.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Closing her eyes as she heard the report her fists and her jaw clenched. Her body was shaking with anger she took a deep breath and opened her eyes and looked at Justin as he took her hands. She swallowed hard and clenched her jaws tightly trying to stop herself from crying. She nodded her head to him. “Can he not see the suffering?” She shook her head “People are starving in the streets and he throws big banquets” She didn’t mention how he had taken pretty much anything from her, she was left to make her own dresses, but she didn’t mind it was the peoples suffering that worried her more. Taking the gold again she handed it to him. “Please take this and hand it out” She smiled “I have my ways to explain it away”

She looked at him with pleading eyes. “The people will be untrusting receiving it from me, since I am a lady in waiting to the Queen, some may think it’s a trap, but from you” She paused and winked. “The will be more willing and less worried that the king is sitting in waiting to take it back and charge them with treason” She paused “I will there was a way I could see my lands, to see the people” She sat down dejected “I would help them if I could, but a woman can not rule alone, her lands would be attacked” She sighed “But I am not really looking forward to what King John has planned either.” She paused “I have heard whispers” She looked up at him. “I am a pawn for King John, I know that he will sell me off for a marriage to further his reach” She shuddered “To the Scots I bet or who knows anyone to make him more powerful” She looked over at Justin “I become Marring age in only a couple of months. I am not looking forward to being a caged bird” She referred to their discussion when they first met when she compared marriage to caging a wild bird

She shook her head and then tried to shake it off. “Do forgive me Baron I am sure you did not come to hear me complain. “I do hope you stay with me for a little while. I can never sleep that well when we travel. She shivered slightly but didn’t add that she had slept fine with she traveled with King Richard.

Instead she quickly changed the subject. “How about you Baron how are you traveling, I know it must be a rough ride, you are of course welcome in here and rest, if need be I can ride your horse, if you remember I have a way with animals” She smiled and waited to see his answer, she of course did not know that she would have an effect on him. Still innocent on things like that.

[Guest]

Justin shook his head at taking the gold. "No. As I told you before if it came up missing, the king would surely have you put in the dungeon or worse. No, I have other means of helping the people right now, and do not worry the King will not have this gold long either." he smiled. "I will enjoy releiving him of it on another day."

He listened to her fears of being married off to some one that wold make his postion as King of England more secure. "That is a good possibility but I think the Queen would talk him out of it. It seems she is the only saving grace for John. Why she married him is a mystery." When asked about him and how he was doing, he streached and said, "I could do with a bit of rest myself. Riding long hours in the saddle can be hard. So if you do not mind the company, I will travel a ways with you. He poked his head out the window of the carriage and called up to the Driver. "Driver could you teather my horse to the back of the carriage. I ride with the Lady a ways."

The driver nodded, "Aye Sire." the man grinned and went to do Justin's bidding. Before long the caravan began moving again. "Now my lady, if you wish to try and sleep, you have a soft shoulder to lay on."

[Xuxa_Rene]

When he again refused the gold she sighed. “It is simple really” She shrugged “He seems to think I am a weak he blames King Richard, little does he know I am trained in the bow and arrow and sword. Richard had me train with some of his Knights, he always told me that I had to be able to defend myself” She shook her head “I can just tell the king I heard a noise and it frightened me and I threw the gold from the carriage” She smiled up at him. “After my scare with the highway man he will just think I was foolish and laugh at me, but if it will ease the suffering that he is causing the people I can handle being laughed at” She was trying to convince him to take it but it was clear that he would not.

As he spoke of the Queen she sighed. “Isabella does take a liking to me, probably only because I can speak French so fluently” She smiled. “Either way I am in the service of the King” She looked out the window. Talking quietly mostly to herself but just loud enough that if he was listening he would hear her. “I do tell you one thing I will rather run away and seek sanctuary in a nunnery then marry some of the evil men that John would have in mind for me”

As he spoke she turned to him. “Well probably married for the power and money that comes with being royalty he showers her in gifts as our people starve and bury their own.” Her anger was evident but she took deep breaths to hide it as a proper lady of the court would do.

As he talked of rest she nodded prepared she was prepared to leave but then gave the word that he would be ridding with her. She raised her eyebrow. “You wish to ride with me Baron?” She didn’t forget his kiss the way her heart had quickened and he had stolen her breath. She was about to move to the other bench when he offered her his shoulder she stared at it and looked him up. “That does sound lovely” She laid her head down on his shoulder and lifted her legs so they rested on the bench and closed her eyes. “Rest well Baron Greystone”

As they started moving a bump moved her head to his lap she made attempt to raise her had but she was too tired and the bumps just kept landing her in his lap. “I could move if you wish” She said half asleep. It seemed that with company she was able to sleep.

[Guest]

As the bump caused her to fall into his lap and she stayed there, to tiered to move, he grinned and placed a hand on her head, gently caressing her hair. "That is alright. You relax and try to sleep." The carriage hit a patch of good road that continued on for some distance. The gentle swaying of carriage finally had him falling asleep. He could do with the rest. His dual identity kept him awake much longer then he would have liked. At the rate they were going the carravan finally arrived at London in the wee hours of the morning. He had not stopped again to rest the horses and there fore had gained a bit of time, though the poor horses were very tired.

Justin awoke as the carriage came to a stop. He looked out the window and saw that they had arrived and was surprised that he had slept so long. Desiree still lay on his lap and he still had a hand resting on her head. Gently shaking her, "We have arrived at London. Time for you to awaken." he said softly. As the carriages finally pulled up to the castle's main house Justin's men rode forward to the carriage. Helping Desiree to sit up, he grinned and again kissed her lips gently before exiting the carriage. "I will call upon you later on today my lady." he smiled and mounted back up on his horse.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Feeling his hand on her head and the way he caressed her head caused her to relax all the more. She yawned and curled up her feet and fell asleep. Nightmares did not come to her as they did most nights, instead they were pleasant dreams of her riding her horse in a beautiful field. Then Justin invaded her dreams as well ridding along beside her and handing her a flower. Smiling in her sleep Desiree sighed contently in her sleep.

When they stopped and he awaked her she sat up and rubbed her eyes she was surprised that she had slept that long she had never slept that long since King Richard had died and John had taken over and had taken everything away from her. She smiled at Justin even though her hair was matted to her face and her eyes were read and swollen from the sleep. When he kissed her she blushed again but puckered her lips and excepted more but all to soon it was over. As he made to leave her she bowed her head. “Farethewell Baron Greystone” She knew that she had to show him the respect still.

Stepping out of the carriage she took the gold and walked to the John’s carriage and gave it to him. He grinned

“So he was too scared to attack me” Desiree remained silent John had been drinking again. “So Desiree tell me what do you think should happen to this highwayman scum”

“Your majesty I am a simple woman I have no idea on the politics, but wouldn’t it help your ratings with the people if you just leave him” Prince John began to laugh

“You are right Desiree you are too simple minded to understand the ways of the men be off with you we will not be needed tonight nor tomorrow we be working on an heir.”

Desiree curtsied then made her way to her room. She went to the fireplace and started her own fire then carried her own water up the stairs and made sure the fire was going to be well stocked. All this stuff she used to have at least help with, all of the other ladies in waiting did. But because she was a ward of his brothers John seemed to see Desiree as a threat to the throne. But since he couldn’t kill her due to the protection she fell under John just seemed to want to make her life a living hell.

Like with everything else Desiree simply adapted and overcame what ever was thrown at her. She walked to her vanity table brushed her hair and undressed from her outer dress and laid down in her under coat a thin nearly see through article of clothing then climbed into her bed and cuddled into her blankets and closed her eyes. Her mind drifting to Justin what did her dream mean? Justin presenting her with a flower while ridding?

Nothing made sense anymore. She sighed and attempted to close her eyes again. She had been so lost in thought she hadn’t even closed either of her doors.

[Guest]

Justin and his men rode their horses to the stables where they handed them off to the grooms. He then told his men to go get some rest, before he himself went up to his rooms in the Castle. Once there he told one of his servents to take a message back to his castle in his barony. He quickly wrote the note and sealed it, then handed it to the servent. "Ride all day and night if necessary. I want what I requested back here in the next couple of days." The servent nodded his head understanding the instructions.

He had rested fairly well in the carriage so he was not to tired. He changed from his travel clothes to some clean ones and had his things brought up from the stable. Not feeling tired he made his way down to the castle's kitchen and rummaged through the stores, finding some meat, cheese, some wine and bread. That was something he needed, since he had not eaten for a while. Heaping it on a platter he munched on it all as he made his way back to his rooms. Passing Desire's rooms he seen the door opened and shook his head. Seemed she had a habit of leaving her door opened. He looked in and saw her on her bed, snuggled in her blankets.

Shaking his head he closed the door quietly and continued on down to his own rooms. Setting the platter down on a talbe he pulled up a chair and poured himself some wine and began eating. Then it dawned on him that Desiree probably had not eatened either. So he picked it all up again and went back to her door and knocked.

[Xuxa_Rene]

Although she looked asleep she was not just relaxing and thinking about what had happened. The man that she despised only a few days ago was also the man that she honored and respected. He was playing the game just like she was the game to stay alive. Show respect to John’s face while hating him with every once of strength of themselves.

Why couldn’t Justin come to court when King Richard was here? Her life could defiantly be different. But she couldn’t and wouldn’t focus on what could have been. Everything happened for a reason. She heard her door close and looked up but seeing no one figured it was a servant.

When she heard a knock on her door she sat up slightly rubbing her eyes she was about to call “enter when she looked down and realized the state of undress she jumped up and grabbed a light house coat it was open but she wrapped it around herself, she was still in a somewhat state of undress but was a little more undressed. She had an idea it was Justin, John would have just entered and no one else really ever came to her. She took one last look then opened the door.

“Baron GreyStone” She curtsied. “What ever do I owe this honour too?” Seeing and smelling the food her stomach immediately growled in hunger. She hadn’t eaten in awhile and she opened the door wider. “Care to come in?”

[Guest]

Justin entered the room and sat the platter of food down on a table. "Thought you might be a bit hungrey so I brought up enought for both of us." He had planned on eating it himself but he was a gentleman after all and she seemed to need some one to look out for her. He poured some wine into goblets and handed one to Desiree as he took a sip from his. Setting the goblet down he pulled a chair out so she could sit down at the table.

Once she was seated, he moved around the table to take a seat. He looked over at her smiling. She had a robe on over a light undergarment. To some it might seem improper but she was French after all and King John was married to a French woman, and from what he had heard things had been quite wild when he had first brought her to England, while he had been married to someone else. He did wonder what she would look like with out anything on. As he looked at her he reached over and took some food and began nibbling on it.

"I hope I am not disturbing you or your sleep." he finally spoke again. "I know that the trip here was tiring and that everyone probably needs to rest. But I seemed to have been able to get some sleeep in the carriage and don't feel the need for more at the moment."

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