The King was so much in love with his bride, and it was a great source of pride that she loved him, too.  It was not always thus with kings and queens, and everyone would have understood if such a beautiful young woman was not interested in a king of such advanced years.  It was her love that helped keep him young.  Never, though, had she done anything as brazen, or exciting, as she had tonight.  First, the gown she wore .. she had to know every male in the room would be panting for her ... and now this.  Under the table!  He knew it would take every ounce of willpower to avoid letting the whole assembly know what was happening.  Katelyn was becoming very frisky, indeed.<br/><br/>Still, there was the issue of his upset stomach.  He would have enjoyed her hand on his member a lot more if it weren't for that damnable Reikmar cuisine, and the huge portion he was served.<br/><br/>It was Castello, Duke of Caraci, the King's oldest and dearest friend, who first noticed the king was having some difficulty breathing.  He discretely waved one of his servants over and told him to<em>discretely</em>bring the king's physician.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, the old king began whispering in a way he hoped only Katelyn could hear.  "Love you.  Love you."  Part of him wanted her to stop what she was doing.  Because of his age, he knew he was probably good for only one orgasm, if that much, and he didn't want to waste it in her hand under the dinner table while he was having to maintain his composure.  On the other hand, if she stopped he would want to burst into tears and beg her to continue.<br/><br/><em>What</em>, he wondered,<em>has gotten into her?</em>The gown.  Not informing him of her relationship with von Holstein.  And now, this.  Perhaps it was because her childhood friend aroused the irresponsible child in her?  This could be embarrassing.  It could be dangerous.  This has to stop.  Tomorrow.<br/><br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8274196#msg8274196">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 23-05-2013, 16:22:21</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“Tell me, good Prince, did you have any luck with the gift of our country this afternoon? Prior to the feast? I realize it might seem odd to give a locked container as a present, but I trust that my lord appreciates a challenge, does he not? No doubt the Prince knows well the thrill of the hunt is in the chase.” </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/><br/>"My apologies, my lord, I've not yet had time to work the puzzle.  As you say, the thrill is in the chase, and I didn't want to be distracted from preparations for this banquet in your honor."<br/><br/>His tone was much more, neutral.  Perhaps even a bit friendly.  The idea was forming in his mind -- if this man was a friend of Katelyn's, and if he had no designs on her himself, then he could be quite useful.  Quite a useful friend.  The boy smiled at this revelation.  And to think only a moment earlier he was prepared to kill Manfred in defense of the honor of the woman he loved.  He will be much more useful as a friend, and Gilberto knew he had learned a valuable lesson in how to be a good king.<br/><br/>"You're a hunter, I take it?  Would you be so kind as to share with the court what sort of hunting you enjoy in the Reikmarches?"<br/><br/>----------<br/><br/>The king was almost elated his son asked the Count about hunting.  Now, he hoped, all the attention would be on von Holstein as he answered, and not on the King and Queen and whatever activity might be taking place under the table.