Pre-Arranged Love Ch. 06

16/02/10

Hey guys, this is ch. 6. I know some people commented on who she was and I'm sure everyone whos been following my story up till now has been wondering the same thing. I won't say anything but I'll continue to drop hints. :p

I am absolutely elated that some of you readers out there really enjoy what I've written. I thank you all for the votes and comments and feedback I've recieved, lol, reading all those comments and feedback always puts a smile on my face. :)

I will try to re-address the issue of 'short chapters', (this ch. is 6 3/4 A4 pages) but I tend to bring a chapter to an end when an overall 'scene' is finished, but hey, I'm willing to compromise. ;) I'll make the next ch. double this chapter, but it'll take a while to come up. lol, I haven't even started it yet, so you guys might wait a while. (Sorry guys, but I only have so much free time on my hands, and it'll lessen as my studies start to demand more time of me...)

Well, last of all, this chapter could be considered a little 'dull', but it's essential to the story. :)

Thanks everyone, happy reading!

le kitty

~*~

The door opened again a short while later. I looked up to see a woman, perhaps in her mid thirties, enter the room. She was carrying a tray of fruit which she set on the table in the room before coming over to sit on the bed.

'My lady, hot water is being sent up presently, would you like to bath?'

I nodded, swallowing the lump that was forming in my throat. I got off the bed, allowing the woman to drape a thin cloak over me before she ushered me through the smaller double doors that I had spied earlier. Stepping through, I discovered it was another chamber, although quite small, it felt huge. There was not much in the room save for a rack for leaving towels and that sort and a very huge tub that reached just below the waist.

I stared at the unending train of page boys rushing in and out through the two doors to the side of this chamber. Each emptied a bucket of hot water before exiting. I stared dumbly, amazed at the amount of servants needed, just to prepare a bath. The tub was almost full with hot water and the woman dismissed the last of the page boys.

The woman hustled about, scattering petal roses into the water before turning back to me, 'my lady, would you care to step in?'

'Thank you. I am no lady, just Callie will do,' I spoke softly. With a shrug of my shoulders, I slipped the thin garment from my shoulders, allowing it to pool at my feet before I stepped into the tub and lowered myself to sit the water. As the water swallowed my neck, I leaned my head back with a soft sigh as I closed my eyes, a smile playing on my lips. The only time I had partaken in such luxury was when I had bathed in a hot spring.

Behind me I could hear the wisp of fabric as the woman picked up my discarded cloak, 'I will send some maids up to help you wash.'

My eyes opened, 'no, please do not trouble them. I would like some peace and quite.'

There was a pause, before the woman replied, 'very well my lady.'

Annoyed, I turned around to face the woman, 'Please will you just call me Callie.'

The woman paused, before complying, 'okay, I will call you Callie.'

'Thank you and what shall I call you?'

'Grizela, I am just Grizela. I will leave you presently, ring the bell when you're done and I will attend to you.'

'Thank you.'

I settled back into the tub, acknowledging the soft click of the door that meant Grizela had left and I was truly alone to contemplate what I should do. Escape. The word flitted straight to forefront of my mind. I turned the idea around, if I was to escape, I needed a good plan and I needed to know my enemy and my enemy's ground well for that. My thoughts drifted, arriving to what Llewellyn had done to me, remembering how he had touched and pleasured me. The memory itself was enough to stir the pits of desire in me and I blushed, shifting to diffuse the sudden rush of tingling. Focus Callie, I thought, it would not do to fall victim to the pleasures of flesh.

The water began to cool after a while so I grabbed the soap, washing my hair and scrubbing myself clean. Without bothering to ring the bell, I stepped out. Grizela had left a towel at my disposal and I flung it around me, toweling myself off before stepping back into Llewellyn's chamber.

I stood, dumfounded, the curtains were drawn back from the bed, and the sheets were clean and made with no hint of what had occurred just a little while ago. The curtains by the window were drawn and light poured into the chamber without abandon. I could still hear the chirping of the morning birds and seized by a sudden desire to go outside, I grabbed the bell and rang it.

A short while later, Grizela came up, followed by maids who were bringing up a rack full of garments.

I looked at Grizela questionably.

Grizela smiled, 'Lord de Clare deemed it appropriate for his lady to be dressed accordingly. Once your measurements are taken, we will have gowns and kirtles ordered from London and have some tailor made to suit you, however, in the meantime, these should do well.'

I could only stare disbelieving. 'No!' I was angry, I did not want to be dressed up like a doll, pulled around and told what to do. 'First of all, I am not his lady; second of all, I am not a lady! Third of all, you can all go shove those gowns up your asses.' The last statement came out with a hiss and I felt immense satisfaction at spitting out the foulest of words; there would no doubt just what a lady I was now. There was an audible gasp from the maids and Grizela stiffened. I had done more than just preach my status; I had offended and deeply insulted them, perhaps not in the worst way possible since I had heard and seen worse, but these simple servants probably didn't know the difference.

Grizela turned, returning the way she came with the maids hot on her heels, the rack left forgotten. They turned back to glimpse fleetingly at me and I caught their expressions of disgust and wonder, however the last girl out shot me a look of complete and utter loathing. I blanched and the sudden notion; 'if looks could kill', flittered across my mind before I shook away my unease.

I had not meant to be so angry, but it could not be helped now. I sighed, stepping over to examine the gowns and kirtles. All were beautiful, soft and intricately designed with beautiful lacework. There were numerous corsets, kirtles, gowns and such but no other type garments. Annoyed I stepped away and padded to the windows, holding the towel around me. I had no wish to wear the gowns and I could not without another pair of hands to tie up the laces that ran across the back of the corset. I looked over the beautiful gardens, peace and serenity stealing over me. Almost hypnotized, I did not hear the chamber doors open and close with a soft click, nor did I hear the bare whispers of footsteps approach me until they were almost upon me. Startled out of my daze, I whipped around just as Llewellyn stood before me. He arched an eyebrow, as though amused at my play, but I could see the hardness lurking in the depth of his blue eyes.

'I have never in my entire life met someone who refuses to dress. As for the swearing, I've heard my share, but I do not want to hear it from you.' Llewellyn placed his arms on the window, leaning down to stare me in the face, 'Callie, I will give you a second chance. I will call the maids back up and you will dress appropriately.'

'To hell I will, I'm not your lady, hell, I'm not a lady. I don't want your upper class clothes and I don't want you're upper class tittles,' I felt vehemently rebellious as I replied.

A smile touched Llewellyn's lips, but his eyes remained as hard as ever, 'most peasants would jump at such a chance. You tell me you are not a lady, yet you talk with the demeanor of one,' Llewellyn laughed softly.

'No, you are a lady Callie and you will relearn the ways of a lady; that I can assure you.'

I stared at him stonily, 'what is it to you? I cannot understand you; you purchase me from a prostitute market, you take my virginity and now you want me to be a lady? Who are you...?' I whispered.

'Not just a lady, Callie, my lady,' Llewellyn chuckled, 'as for who I am,' he tapped my forehead, when you remember, you will know; although, the question should be who you are and not who I am. Now, will I call the maids up or will you continue to refuse?'

'I'm not interested in playing your games.'

'Mm, then...you leave me no choice...' Llewellyn grabbed me and I shrieked as he hoisted me over his shoulder, moving swiftly to dump me on the bed.

'First off, this towel has to go,' Llewellyn tugged at my towel, but I clutched it tightly, lying insistently on my stomach. 'No.' I ground out, stubborn.

I felt Llewellyn grip my shoulders, forcing me to turn around, I kicked out at him, but he deftly blocked my kick, capturing my ankle before it made contact just below his waist.

'Quite the vixen, aren't you,' Llewellyn chuckled before grabbing my towel, this time it tore from my fingers, burning as it slid from beneath me. Llewellyn tossed it aside, his eyes never leaving me. I kicked out again, but Llewellyn's quick reflexes deflected my attack, 'it seems we will have to do something about you legs,' he murmured.

Llewellyn left the bed, walking to the drawer that stood by the wall. Not waiting to see what he was going to do, I scrambled off the bed, scanning the room for a makeshift weapon. I spied the plate of fruits on the table and I was halfway across the room when an arm slid around my waist and Llewellyn's voice sounded in my ear, 'don't make this hard on yourself,' I yelped, how did he do that, creep up so silently?

Llewellyn carried me back and I bounced on the bed before he grasped my ankles, tying them securely before working the same knots on my wrists. He stood back, his face almost expressionless as I struggled. I glared at him as he sat down and his hand reached out to grip my chin. I jerked away from him, but he only caught me chin again, gripping it firmly. 'Callie, I don't want to do it like this, but you leave me no choice. Understand, you will dress like a lady, you will act like a lady, you will familiarize the rules of etiquette, you will learn to read and you will learn to write. You will learn everything that is required of a lady, and if this is what it takes, then so be it. I promise you, this is for your own good.'

I looked into Llewellyn's eyes, angry at the sincerity I read there, 'God damn you, I hate you.' I articulated each word through clenched teeth, my each and every word cutting. I did not want his kindness; I did not want anything he had to offer, not after what he had done. His kind did not do this, why did he have to be like this?

For a moment, I saw hurt flicker across his eyes before it was gone and Llewellyn stood up, I felt savage pleasure at having broken through his façade.

I watched as Llewellyn walked over to the rack, looking over the garments. As he began picking out undergarments, I started working my bonds furiously, rubbing my hands up and down in the hopes that the bindings would loosen. A moment later, Llewellyn's hands came over my wrists, 'please don't do that, you'll only chafe your skin,' he spoke softly, firmly. I looked up, startled by his compassion, but he was already walking back to the rack. I watched as he picked out a low cut chemise that reached just beneath the knees, hoses, a corset, a farthingale, kirtle, sleeves and a gown. He turned back to me and I stared at him incredulously.

Llewellyn walked towards me, placing the garments on the bed before he untied my wrists, pulling me up off the bed to stand a few feet away. I wobbled, unable to keep my balance with my ankles still tied together and Llewellyn steadied me before he grabbed my wrists, deftly pulling the chemise over me, fitting my arms through the sleeve. Angry at being dressed like this, I slapped at his chest and lost my balance. I yelped as I toppled, but Llewellyn reached out and caught my arm, using his strength to pull me into his chest.

I heard him sigh before he whispered in my ear, 'I am happy to play games with you, but if you intend to hurt yourself with your continued defiance, then you will find me in a different countenance.'

Llewellyn slapped me gently on my bottom to emphasize his meaning and my eyes widened in surprise. I let out a shuddered breath, this was too embarrassing. I knew Llewellyn was going to dress me now, either with or without my cooperation and I did not want to humiliate myself further. Coming to my senses, I calmed and spoke, 'stop, I'll dress.'

Llewellyn lifted my chin to look me in the eye. I did not flinch as I met his blue ones, 'good girl', Llewellyn spoke, kissing me softly on the forehead. He reached down to untie my ankles.

A moment later, I gripped the bed post as Llewellyn fitted a low square neck corset over me. 'Suck in a breath Callie,' he spoke. I sucked in a breath and felt the laces tighten, accentuating my waist. It felt tight and stiff as the whale bone in the back forced me into a stiff posture I was not accustomed to. The next article of clothing was the hoses, then the farthingale which Llewellyn laced to the corset, followed by the kirtle, which was a beautiful gold. Llewellyn slipped it over the corset, attaching it to the farthingale. His hands lingered on my waist and I breathed deeply, my breast heaving, never in my entire life had I been dressed by a man. Surely this was not what the nobility did?

Llewellyn reached for the gown; it was rich blue in color, with intricate black lacework and patterns. I allowed him to slip it over me; his fingers brushed my breasts as he did up the bodice. Llewellyn slipped the white sleeves on, attaching the ends to the corset. I had never worn such sleeves; they puffed and gathered at lengths, cuffing at my wrists.

Llewellyn settled the gown, and the kirtle, the blue and gold provided a noble mix of color. Llewellyn stepped back and smiled, 'breathtaking, you look beautiful,' he breathed. I felt somewhat self-conscious, a blush crept up my neck and a warm feeling erupted within me, nobody had ever called me beautiful.

Llewellyn chuckled softly as he brought his hand to caress my cheek, 'even lovelier when you blush,' he murmured and drew my brown hair back and tilted my face up to kiss me on the lips. I didn't resist him; it was getting harder to, when he offered up such gentle touches. Llewellyn broke off the kiss, 'come,' he grabbed my hand, taking me to the mirror that was situated by the closet. I grasped my skirts, lifting them so I wouldn't tread on them, but Llewellyn took my hand away. 'No, a lady does not walk with her skirts in her hands.'

I stared at Llewellyn incredulously, 'but I'll trip.' My skirts weren't this long and when they were, I had always lifted them to walk and run, nobody walked with their skirt in the mud.

'You'll learn. Come, try,' Llewellyn prompted me.

Deciding to just play along, I stepped forward, treading instantly on the hem of my kirtle and almost tripped. 'Well, that was helpful,' I replied, my tone anything but.

Llewellyn laughed, 'Callie, you cannot just step forward and walk as you please. A lady walks with grace and rhythm, back straight. Do not lift you feet too high, move your feet in a small arc so that it sweeps the hem aside. Move your hips with your feet, it will help.'

I stared at him in disbelief before laughter tore from my throat. 'Might I ask how you came to be this knowledgeable in the matter of a lady's gait?' A light chuckle burst forth as I uttered the last word.

Llewellyn arched an eyebrow, 'my mother is forever telling Lilliana how to behave, now walk Callie.'

I briefly wondered if I should refuse, 'you will one way or another,' Llewellyn spoke lightly, as though guessing my thoughts.

That decided me, I would play along with anything Llewellyn threw my way and only because that was the only plan I had.

Slowly, I brought my foot in a small arc, stepping forward as my hem flared out, a couple more steps and I was getting into the rhythm, gently swaying my hips in syndication with the movement of my feet. I realized why my posture had to be straight, if I leaned forward, I could not walk in the proper manner and it would serve to hamper me more even though I could not lean forward much to start with.

Quite ingenious I thought; how the clothes forced such a gait upon the lady, serving up gracefulness and sensuality with the hip motion.

'Very good,' Llewellyn nodded approvingly. He offered me his arm and I took it, allowing him to guide me to the mirror. I let out a small gasp, the corset really did accentuate my waist, but it did more than that, it pushed up my breasts, partially revealing the sensual curves and the cleavage of my small breasts. The low square cut gown revealed the smooth skin of my soft cream complexion. The gold kirtle contrasted beautifully with the blue gown, creating a perfect image of status and wealth. Llewellyn slid an arm around my slender waist, bringing me against him. My hands came up to clutch his arms as I stared at the image I presented.

I swallowed, watching as my breasts heaved slightly as I breathed deeply. I looked the perfect image of a lady; there was no doubt of my sensuality.

Llewellyn nuzzled my neck, delivering tenders kisses all the way down. 'Llewellyn,' I swallowed again, trying not to give in to his pleasurable kissing. 'I can't go out like this.'

'Hm,' Llewellyn worked his way back up, nipping my earlobe. I could feel his manhood growing erect against my back.

'Llewellyn,' this time I grasped his arm, pulling it away, he stopped what he was doing to look up at me in the mirror. 'I can't go out like this.'

Llewellyn paused for a moment before he asked, 'why?'

'It's, it's revealing too much,' I swallowed, watching my breasts rise up and down.

At this, Llewellyn chuckled softly, 'so naïve.' He moved his right hand up, coming up against the contours of my left breasts. 'I mean it. I can't go out like this.'

'Shh, you can. It's the latest fashion at court,' he murmured.

'I don't care, I'm not going out like this,' I replied, insistently.

Llewellyn chuckled again, 'you will. Have some confidence, you look beautiful.'

I growled, slapping his hand away, 'no, I'm not going out like this.'

Llewellyn's eyebrow shot up amused and he captured my wrists, 'Callie, enough of your childisness. This is how you will dress and you are not going to hide.'

I glared at him in the mirror but I kicked myself internally for forgetting to play along. It wasn't as easy as it seemed.

'Come, we're going out now.'