"Alexandra," said King Richard as he walked into the room. His face soft, no sign showing that he could ever harm this woman in front of him. He stepped towards her and gently rubbed her shoulder before leaning down and kissing it and gently forcing her to stand and walk towards the bed. "I love you, my Queen."

***

  "Winter," whispered the young servant gently into a woman's ear. "You are so beautiful."

  Winter turned and smiled at Snoedan. He was such a handsome man, raven black hair, the most lovely green eyes, tall, muscular and caring. Queen Winter, the young Queen who was unhappily wed to an older man. He cared for her yes, and she for him, but not as husband and wife, not as lovers. He was a good man, but his temper was quick and he ever found out about Snoedan; the young man would surely be hung.

  Winter kissed her love on the mouth and brought him closer to her. She was as any young Queen should be, soft, long, blonde hair, creamy white complexion, blue eyes and slender.

  "Snoedan," she whispered unsure of herself.

  "What is, my beautiful, beautiful Winter?"

  "I'm pregnant."

  Fear became evident in the young man's eyes. He stared at her for a long moment, not knowing how to respond to the news.

  "By me?" The Queen could only nod, tears were rimming her eyes.

  "I have not seen my husband for nearly three months, when my belly shows and I can no longer hide it from him, he will know."

  Snoedan stood and breathed a deep, worried breath, then let it out slowly. What was he supposed to do now? What about Winter? What would become of her when the King knew?

  "He will do nothing to me," Winter said as if reading his thoughts. "I know he won't. But if he finds out it is you he will surely kill you! And any rumor that travels by any scurry maid would be of you."

  Snoedan knew this as well. He nodded at what he knew he had to do. He kissed Winter once more and promised her it would not be the last time they saw each other. Then he left...

***

  "Nanny," said Charming as the old woman filled the tub with one bucket of hot water and one of cold. She dipped her hand in to feel the temperature and added a little more cold water before answering him.

  "Yes, Prince Charming?" The name Charming, what parent would inflict that on a child? But then thinking of his father she thought perhaps when the boy was older he would live up to his name.

  "Father would never hit Mum, would he?" The woman looked at the small boy for a long time.

  "Who told you such lies?" she asked bending down and looking into the boy's grayish colored eyes.

  "Nobody told me, Nanny." he said matter of fact. "Mum has black around her eye."

  "It's dirt child, nothing more." said the older woman as she lifted the now naked child into the tub. "In you go, Prince."

  "It is not dirt, Nanny." Said the Prince as he let the woman lather up the cloth and begin the bathe him. He stopped her and put his face very close to hers. "I know it's not dirt, Nannidella."