WHITE KNIGHT CH.4

"More than That"

He escorted his companion to her room. Anette closed her door and locked it. As soon as she did a tiny black kitten came up to her mewing. Anette gasped and picked up the tiny, mewing kitten. She had a tiny silver collar around her neck. The kitten had been weaned and was very tame. Anette set the kitten on her bed and the kitten nudged a envelope that had been placed on her pillow. Her name was written on the envelope which had been sealed with wax. The wax was shaped into a crest but she couldn't tell whose it was. Anette broke open the seal and took out the letter inside the envelope.

Dear Anette,

This small kitten is a gift for you. I found her a few days ago looking for a lap to curl up in, which hopefully you will grant to her.

You may name her anything you so desire. But you must in return come every evening to my study to keep me company

along with the kitten if you wish.

Sincerely,

Prince John Hunyadi

Anette smiled. She wanted to find him and kiss his cheek but it was late. She changed into a comfy, clean nightgown and climbed into the bed. It felt like a cloud, it was utter heaven to her. The kitten seemed to think so too. She curled up on the pillow next to Anette, her green eyes searching her mistress' aqua blue eyes. "I should name you, hmm?" anette said the kitten's ears twitching. "How about Prasha?" Anette asked the kitten. The kitten mewed in a fit of happiness and excitement clearly liking the name. Anette smiled and pet Prasha's head. Prasha purred and fell asleep on the pillow. Anette fell asleep shortly after.

Hunyadi eagerly awaited Anette in his study after the long day. She came through the upper entrance with the kitten in her arms. He smiled at how happy the kitten was and how happy and beautiful Anette looked. Her long hair was down and she wore a beautiful red gown. As soon as he took her hand and kissed it she gave him a kiss on the cheek. It was a soft, tender, joyful peck on the cheek. Hunyadi was slightly startled. "What was the reason for that manner, my lady?" he asked. Anette smiled. "For being so kind to me and giving me gifts! But that was mainly for Prasha." she said the kitten's ears twitching at the sound of her name. The prince smiled and rubbed behind Prasha's ears. Prasha mewed happily and rolled over onto her back clearly wanting her chest and belly to be rubbed. She wanted either her mistress or the man that was kind to her to rub her belly and chest. Anette laid Prasha on the couch and sat next to her, rubbing her chest and belly. The kitten mewed in a fit of happiness and purred in comfort. Hunyadi sat next to Anette and scratched behind the kitten's ears. The kitten mewed happily as the two people rubbed and scratched her to her heart's content.

The next day Hunyadi had to go into battle. Anette was worried for the prince and he was worried for her. When he left for battle she felt as if he somehow had taken part of her with him. It confused her. Why was she feeling like this?

As Hunyadi fought in battle he kept seeing Anette in his mind. And her image kept him going and fighting harder and harder. When he emerged victorious and more importantly alive he knew that he felt something for Anette. He knew that it was not lust but instead care and affection. He rode back to his castle and Anette saw him. She let out a deep sigh of relief that she had been holding in for hours and smiled in happiness to see that he was alright. After his wounds had been treated he laid in bed thinking about his relationship with Anette. They had not been courting but he had been trying somewhat to woo her and she was definitely doing the lady's role perfectly, to play hard to get. Whenever she played that game with him his feelings for her grew. He wanted her. He wanted to have her in his arms and bed night and day for the rest of his life.

A storm passed through that night and Anette woke up from the loud crashing thunder and bright lightning. The loud thunder roared angrily and scared her. She couldn't go back to sleep. She had never seen a storm that large before! Prasha was curled up safe and sound underneath the blankets sleeping deeply. Anette got out of bed and took the lit candleabra and picked up the sleeping Prasha. She walked down the hallways to the prince's room. The door was unlocked and she slipped in quietly. Anette saw that Hunyadi was asleep. She set Prasha on the bed and set the candleabra on a nearby table. She blew out the lit candles and carefully got in the prince's bed with him and fell asleep. Still asleep Hunyadi rolled over onto his side and pulled Anette to him until her back hit his chest. He buried his face in her hair and his dreams turned from battle and death to love and happiness.

The next morning when Hunyadi woke he realized that his face was buried in a woman's hair, Anette's hair. He was also holding her to him by her waist. She had gotten in bed with him during the night when he was asleep. Prasha was asleep at his feet completely comfortable. He could tell that she was waking up so he buried his face in her hair again. Anette woke up and felt strong arms around her waist, a strong chest against her back, and warm breaths in her hair. The prince had held her to him and buried his face in her hair during his sleep. She smiled. She loved the feeling of it, to be held in such a tender and affectionate way. She pretended to be asleep so he would still hold her and keep her warm and safe.

Anette had lived in the castle for three more weeks and she had odd feelings whenever Hunyadi was near her. She knew that it was time for her to wear her favorite dress that the prince had given her. It was green with gold embroidered swirls on the skirt and bodice. There were gold accents at the neckline and the dress skirt trailed after her. She did some of her hair back in a bun with the rest of her hair flowing down her back. She pinned a small crown of golden leaves in the small bun. She wore a golden chain with a green gemstone around her neck. She wore gold flat shoes and went to the prince's study.

Hunyadi was working at his desk as Anette descended down the stairs. He looked up completely amazed and stunned by her beauty and radiance. He rose from his chair and took her hand. "You look ravishing, my lady." he said before he kissed her hand. Anette smiled and curtsied. "Thank you, my lord." she answered. She looked like a princess and had the grace of one as well. Anette helped Hunyadi with his work as usual. As he watched her get books, papers, and other things for him he realized his feelings for her. He loved her and at that moment as she felt his eyes on her, she realized that she loved him as well. "Anette could you please fetch me that book on the middle shelf?" Hunyadi asked. She nodded and stood to fetch the book for him. He silently rose from his chair and stood behind her. His arms wrapped around her waist and he leaned into her ear. Anette was blushing at the fact that the man she secretly loved was touching her waist.

"I love you.." he whispered in her ear. She blushed even more. She was stunned. The prince loved her!! He loved her back!! Hunyadi turned Anette to face him and leaned in to her lips. She leaned in slightly as well. "Do you accept my love?" he whispered. "Yes.. I do.." she answered in a whisper. Hunyadi kissed Anette passionately and she kissed back. He was glad to be kissing the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She pulled away to his disappointment. "My lord I-" she said before he pressed his finger to her lips to quiet her. "Shh.. Anette never say my title. Only say my name.. John." he told her. Anette nodded. "John.. I.. I don't know how it happened but.. I fell in love with you.. I'm sorry.." she said blushing. "There is no reason to be sorry my dear.. There is no reason to be ashamed of our love." John told her truly meaning every word he said. "But.." Anette said before she was silenced by his finger against her lips. "Shh.. There is no reason for doubt and worry. We love each other and that is all that matters." he told her. She nodded and he removed his finger.

John led Anette to one of the couches to sit. He sat next to her and she couldn't look at him without blushing.

TO BE CONTINUED..