*~*Forbidden Lust*~*



*~*Chapter Four*~*



Beatrice descended the staircase, her bare feet slapping heavily against the cold stone steps. She shuddered, pulling the cloak she had on her arm around her, finally becoming warm as she reached the dining room.

To her surprise, her mother was standing there at the door, her arms crossed as she stamped one foot on the floor. "I hope you're well rested, young lady! I've been calling for you for at least a half hour and you have company!"

"Sorry, mother!" Beatrice looked down at Charlotte with kind eyes. "I was in a heavy sleep."

"I'll say! Anyway, go get yourself dressed and come back down to see your guest. I can't keep them entertained forever!"

Right, you and your THRILLING conversations about the court couldn't possibly entertain someone for three minutes. Beatrice thought to herself as she headed up the stairs again, her maid not far in front of her.

When she entered her room, the maid pulled out a violet silk dress adorned with amethyst flowers on the bodice. She helped Beatrice with her corset, and turned away when she put on the dress. The maid then tied the dress before leaving the room to get another maid to help tidy up. Beatrice stared at herself in the mirror, looking at herself. She looked exactly the same, yet felt completely different. As if that night with Andre had done something more...

*~*-*~*

She entered the living room at last, and to her surprise, stood Joseph, a long lost sweetheart of hers. He smiled, unsure of what to say. She has grown so much, he thought to himself. What if she doesn't remember me?

Beatrice ran to him, almost tripping on her dress. She embraced him tightly, not wanting to let go. "Joseph, I've missed you so..."

"And I you, Princess." He held her just as tightly, his arms gripping her waist tighter than her corset. "I come with news." He stood back and straightened his posture, standing significantly taller than Beatrice. He fluffed the lace at his cuffs, and cleared his throat. "I have just gotten a new estate south of here. It isn't far, and I plan on building a castle on that land. It is beautiful, Beatrice. What I mean to say is..." At this he dropped himself to one knee, holding a gold ring. Embedded in it were three gems: two Amethyst stones and one beautiful square-cut diamond. "Beatrice LaVerre, will you marry me?"

Stunned, Beatrice looked into Joseph's eyes. She began to scrutinize him to his very last detail. His chocolate hair, his grey eyes, and his modest build. Nothing like Andre, but he DOES love me... She shook her head, looking again into Joseph's eyes. "I WILL!" She threw herself into an embrace, and stood long enough to slip the ring on her finger. Then Joseph stood and they departed towards the front doors.

*~*-*~*

Charlotte looked over at the maid, a wide grin on her face. She proceeded to walk into the kitchen where Jaques was preparing the day's lunch. She grabbed him by the arms and began swinging him aimlessly around the kitchen. "La di daaaaaaaaa....Oh, Jaques...I'm so happy for her. She'll finally be able to be happy again." She hugged him again, and walked out the door to the throne room.



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