Chapter 79: Chapter 79 - Promises
In Diana’s bedchamber, Gerald sat at the edge of the bed, gazing at Diana, who was still fast asleep. The faint sound of servants moving about the corridors reminded him he couldn’t stay much longer. Within the hour, guests would begin to wake.
Gerald’s eyes lingered on Diana for a moment longer before he looked away and rose from the bed. He needed to dress and return to Lilith’s side before his absence was noticed.
"You didn’t need to get up so soon," Diana’s voice came softly from behind him.
"I am starting to gather that it is your intention for us to be caught. Isn’t that why you called upon me to your chamber?" Gerald asked, still facing forward as he pulled on his clothes.
"No, it is not. I told you I was stressed about Richard and wanted you to help me. Do you truly think I want to expose this to my son now? He is a married man, and I am grown, but it is too soon," Diana said, sitting upright.
Gerald paused, raising his head to stare at the ceiling beams. "I was thinking last night that there must be a goal for this. There must be something waiting for us at the end of it, or are we only sneaking around?"
"What are you speaking about? You are the one who doesn’t want this known because you served my husband, and now you serve my son," Diana pointed out. "I only said we have to wait for now."
"Then tell me honestly. When time passes, and His Majesty is no longer a concern, can I be known as your man? Will there come a day when that can happen?" Gerald asked, turning to face her.
"If I remember correctly, last night I said that if you were to be jailed by Lilith, I would save you. You said to let you perish. One day, far from now, I would like for us to be together. But not now, when Cassian has just taken the throne," Diana answered.
"Will you not come to me if it doesn’t happen sooner?" Diana asked, clutching the blanket to her chest.
"I will come each time you send for me. From now on, I will keep in mind that one day I will be known as your partner and you as mine. I will try to come to you as much as I can and not speak of you, to protect your name," Gerald promised.
Diana welcomed Gerald’s words, though they were a leap from last night. "What has changed your mind?"
"Richard might no longer be here to trouble you. If he had witnessed us together, he would not have left you alone and would have disturbed your place with the Mortimers. I know you care for them, so I will not be what ruins your standing with the Mortimers," Gerald vowed.
"Gerald, once I move on, my power in that family shall weaken a little, but my son is still a Mortimer. Since I am no longer the duchess, I don’t bother myself with the affairs of that land. I yearn to be here near my son, but he is sending me away," Diana said, wanting to stay near the men she cared for.
"I am at the age where I don’t need power. I fought my own battles when I was a duchess and survived them. I have a home we could return to when this is all done, and we can be together. We may go there in time," Diana promised with hope.
Gerald still suspected Diana was using him for her own pleasure, but he had grown so attached to her that he didn’t mind being used.
"Send for me when you need me. I must leave now to get to the queen’s side before I am missed. I will keep an eye on her for you. That woman is not easy," Gerald said, recalling Lilith’s actions the day before.
"That is why you must be careful. I should have had Cassian place you as my guard so we had a reason to be seen together. Just hold out a little longer, and I will move you from her side. Lilith will become a target in the future," Diana said, worried it would place Gerald in danger.
"It is expected for a queen to always be in danger, just as you were always in danger as duchess. I will see you when I can," Gerald said, returning to the bed to press a parting kiss to her lips. "Please, stay out of trouble, Milady. Do not get involved in what happened to Richard."
"Why would I bother myself with what happened to him? I will need to show my face and ask how he is faring. Go quickly before you are seen," Diana said, shooing Gerald away with a flick of her hand.
Gerald smiled, remembering how she had not long ago wanted him to remain at her side. He gathered his belongings, opened the door quietly, and slipped out.
Just as Gerald exited, Sarah entered the chamber.
"Milady," Sarah greeted with a curtsy.
"Were you out there all night?" Diana asked.
"I lingered nearby during the early hours of the morning. I come to bring you this," Sarah said, producing a small bottle. "You cannot become pregnant now."
Diana took the bottle from Sarah. "I forgot it. I didn’t think I would need it in the castle. Have you heard word of Richard’s state?"
Sarah lifted the blanket from Diana and answered, "He’s dead."
Diana spat out the concoction before she could swallow. "What?"
Sarah peered down at the mess Diana had made. "You must be more careful, since I didn’t bring many bottles with me. I cannot go to the castle doctor."
"Why didn’t you come to tell me sooner?" Diana asked, slipping off the bed in her naked glory. "This is wonderful. Should I wear a black dress this morning?"
"That would be too soon, wouldn’t it?" Sarah replied.
"You are right. Prepare a beautiful dress. One that matches the mood of the castle, but still suits my status. I must remember not to smile too often," Diana said, eager to begin the day.
