Hayley walked into the castle of the Lord of Middleton, Nickolas Carter. She was a handmaiden to his wife, Lady Amanda. She had been out on the grounds for a walk while Amanda was resting. She had gone through a difficult time of her life. Lady Amanda had been carrying the heir of Lord Nickolas only for the baby to be stillborn. Hayley helped bury the baby in the cemetery and was there for Lady Amanda when Lord Nickolas shut himself in his study to mourn the loss of his child. Hayley headed up the stairs and looked up and saw Lord Nickolas standing at the top of the stairs.

        “My lord, I’m sorry for your loss,” Hayley said bowing her head.

        “My lady is waiting for you,” Nickolas said. Hayley bowed and went to the room where Lady Amanda was waiting with the doctor.

        “Hayley, there you are, come here,” Amanda said. Hayley bowed and walked over to her and Amanda had her sit down and took her hand.

        “You are my most trusted handmaiden, the doctor is going to tell me some news and I need you by my side for this, my lord had things to take care of with the country,” Amanda said.

        “Yes, my lady,” Hayley said. They looked at the doctor.

        “After examining you, my lady, I’m afraid that you won’t be able to bear any more children,” The doctor said.

        “That is not possible, my husband wants children, he wants an heir,” Amanda said.

        “I’m sorry, but that is what I have found out,” the doctor said.

        “Oh no, my lord will be displeased,” Amanda said.

        “Would you like me to inform him of this news, my lady?” Hayley asked.

        “If you would, please, I need to be alone,” Amanda said. Hayley bowed her head and walked to the study and knocked on the door. 

        “Come in,” Nickolas said. Hayley opened the door and saw the lord sitting at his desk. She went in and closed the door.  He looked up and saw her.

        “Miss Hayley, is my lady okay?” Nickolas asked.

        “I’m afraid she isn’t, my lord, she has received some bad news from the doctor, I’m sorry, my lord, she is no longer able to bear any more children,” Hayley said. Nickolas sat back in the chair.

        “Is that what the doctor said?” Nickolas asked.

        “Yes, my lord, she was very sad about the news,” Hayley said.

        “Thank you for informing me of the news,” Nickolas said. Hayley bowed and turned to the door. She put her hand on the doorknob.

        “Miss Hayley,” Nickolas said as he walked up behind her. He put her hands on her shoulders.

        “My lord,” Hayley said.

        “Thank you for being there for my lady, she has told me that you are her most trusted handmaiden,” Nickolas said.

        “Thank you, my lord,” Hayley said. There was a knock at the door. Nickolas went back to his desk. Hayley opened the door and saw Lady Amanda standing there.

        “There you are,” Lady Amanda said coming in and closing the door.

        “My lady,” Nickolas said. Lady Amanda walked to the desk.

        “I am sure Hayley told you my news,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Yes, she did, I’m sorry about that,” Nickolas said.

        “I have an idea, you want an heir, right,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Yes, I do,” Nickolas said.

        “Hayley can give you a child, she can carry a child for us,” Lady Amanda said.

        “My lady,” Hayley said.

        “You want me to sleep with Hayley?” Nickolas asked.

        “Yes, just until she gets pregnant,” Lady Amanda said.

        “My lady, I couldn’t do that, it is wrong,” Hayley said.

        “What you ask me to do is adultery, I will not do anything to ruin my reputation,” Nickolas said.  Lady Amanda looked at Hayley and at her husband.

        “I thought you wanted an heir,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Yes I do, but I will not sleep with another woman to get one, I know you aren’t able to give me any more children, but it is something I’ll have to live with,” Nickolas said.

        “If you will not do what I ask, then our marriage is to the point of destruction,” Lady Amanda said turning and walking out of the room. Hayley looked at Nickolas and bowed and followed Lady Amanda out of the room.  Nickolas saw his most trusted servant, Howard, walk into the room.

        “My lord,” Howard said.

        “My lady wants to make sure I have an heir, and she wants me to bed her most trusted handmaiden, Hayley, I’m at lost, Howard, I can’t break my vows,” Nickolas said.

        “My lord, you must do what you must,” Howard said. His other most trusted servant, Brian came into the room.

        “What must he do?” Brian asked.

        “Lady Amanda wants to make sure Lord Nickolas has his heir that he desires, that she wants him to bed Hayley,” Howard said.

        “My lord, if Lady Amanda wishes you do that, then it must be done,” Brian said.

        “I will not break my vows, Brian, Lady Amanda is my wife, I will not commit adultery,” Nickolas said.

        “It isn’t adultery if your wife asked you to do that,” Brian said. Nickolas sat there thinking of everything and realized what he must do.

Chapter 2

Hayley was tending to her duties to Lady Amanda when Brian and Howard came in. She looked at them. They bowed to her.

        “Miss Hayley, Lord Nickolas wishes to see you in his study,” Brian said. Hayley stood up and followed them to the study.  Lord Nickolas looked up and saw her and smiled. Brian and Howard bowed and went out the door and closed it and locked it. Hayley stood there and she bowed.

        “You wished to see me, my lord,” Hayley said.

        “I have given it a lot of thought, about what Lady Amanda wishes,” Nickolas said.

        “My lord, I don’t know if I could do that,” Hayley said. Nickolas stood up and came over to her.

        “I know you think that it might hurt Lady Amanda, but it’s what she wanted, she trusts you and me,” Nickolas said.

        “I can’t ask you to do this, it’s wrong, no matter what,” Hayley said.

        “What if I told you that it was something I was considering before Lady Amanda mentioned it,” Nickolas said.

        “I can’t give you a child, my lord, it would be a bastard child, I couldn’t live with that,” Hayley said.

        “We can cover that, we can have Lady Amanda look like she’s with child, and we could say that you are carrying Brian’s child, that way the people will think it’s mine and my lady’s child and won’t be labeled a bastard,” Nick said.

        “But I will know, I’m sorry, my lord, I can’t do this,” Hayley said turning away. Nickolas came up behind her.

        “It can work, Hayley,” Nickolas said putting his hands on her shoulders. He moved her long hair from her neck and placed a soft kiss on her neck.

        “My lord, please,” Hayley said softly. His arms slid around her waist and pulled her against him. He began kissing her neck.

        “We can do this, I have been admiring you from afar, Hayley, I want this,” Nick said. He turned her around and pressed her against the door. He kissed her tenderly. She rested her hands on his shoulders. She pulled away and walked to his desk.

        “We can’t,” Hayley said softly. Nickolas came over and stood behind her and turned her around and cupped her face in his hands.

        “We can,” Nickolas said kissing her softly. Knowing he wouldn’t give up on the quest, she gave into him. He kissed her deeply as he moved stuff off his desk and lifted her up onto the desk and pulled her close to him and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Two hours later, Hayley came out of the study and saw Brian and Howard smiling at her.

        “Brian, Howard,” Hayley said.

        “You are doing a good thing here, Hayley, helping out the lord and lady,” Brian said.

        “I hope so,” Hayley said. She went to her quarters and washed up. Later, that night, she retired to bed and laid there thinking of what happened in the study. She heard a noise and saw Lord Nikolas beside her bed. He shed his clothes and got into bed with her. He kissed her deeply. He removed her panties and nightgown and laid between her legs and pushed himself deep inside her. He ran his hands down and put her legs over his shoulders and moved deeper inside her with every stroke. He came inside her and laid on top of her. He kissed her deeply and got up and got dressed and sat on the bed.

        “My lord,” Hayley said.

        “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Nickolas said kissing her forehead and he left the room. She went to sleep. The next morning, she woke up and got up and got ready for the day. She went to Lady Amanda’s room and walked in and saw her asleep. She started get her stuff ready for the day. Lady Amanda woke up and saw her and smiled.

        “Good morning, Hayley,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Good morning, my lady, how did you sleep?” Hayley asked getting the lady’s clothes out.

        “Very good, I feel great this morning,” Lady Amanda said sitting up and stretching. There was a knock at the door.

        “Come in,” Lady Amanda said. Lord Nickolas entered the room and saw them. He smiled and kissed Lady Amanda on her forehead.

        “Good morning, my lady,” Nickolas said.

        “Good morning, my lord,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Good morning, Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “Good morning, my lord,” Hayley said.

        “I have a meeting in London, I will be back later tonight, will you be okay?” Nickolas asked.

        “Yes, I will be fine, Hayley will be here to keep me company,” Lady Amanda said. Nickolas smiled and left the room. Lady Amanda got up and got dressed and they went for a walk in the gardens. They sat down on a bench.

        “Nickolas said that you are going to give us a child, that he’s been bedding you,” Lady Amanda said. Hayley hung her head.

        “Hayley, I’m not mad, I’m glad, Nickolas wants an heir and you would be helping us get one, no one will know that you are going to carry a child for us, I’m going to pretend to be pregnant to cover for you,” Lady Amanda said.

        “My lady, I would do anything to help you and Lord Nickolas in achieving the goal, but what if word gets out like the press getting close to a conversation or the press hounding the doctor,” Hayley said. Lady Amanda shook her head.

        “No way, the grounds and house are secured, security is everywhere and no one will get past them, or the dogs,” Lady Amanda said.

That night, Lady Amanda and Hayley were in the lady’s chambers when Brian came in and smiled at them. They looked at him.

        “The lord has returned with some good news,” Brian said. They went to the lord’s study and found him talking with Howard.

        “My lady, Hayley, I have received some news in London, at the meeting, the four heirs in line for the throne of England before me have stepped down, giving up their right to the throne and that leaves me next in line, the queen has decided to step down, within two weeks, I will be king of England, my lady and you will be queen, and we will be moving to Buckingham Palace,” Nick said.

        “King Nickolas and Queen Amanda, I like the sound of that,” Lady Amanda said.

        “That is great news,” Hayley said. She bowed and left the room to continue her duties. She saw Lady Amanda return to her chambers. Hayley was finishing cleaning the hallway mirror when she looked up and saw Lord Nickolas standing behind her.  He had her put her rag down and led her to a room and closed the door.  He pulled her close and kissed her deeply as he pressed her against the wall. He removed her clothes and his and lifted her up and pressed her against the wall and pushed inside her. She moaned and held onto him as he pounded her wetness. He came spilling himself deep inside her and held her there.

        “Oh Hayley, I can’t get enough of you,” Nickolas said. He let her down and got dressed and helped her get dressed. He kissed her hungrily and left the room. She went back to cleaning before retiring to her room. She closed the door and laid down on the bed and closed her eyes.  She turned on her side. She felt someone get into bed with her and spoon up behind her.  She looked and saw Nickolas looking at her.  He removed her underwear and lifted her leg and entered her from behind and went slowly and gently. He pulled out and turned her to face him and laid on his back and pulled her on top of him and grabbed her hips and lifted her above him and she sank down on him. He held her hips as they moved together. He sat up and kissed her deeply. He came spilling himself inside her. She rested her head on his shoulder.

        “My lord, you are wearing me out,” Hayley said. Nick pulled back and looked at her.

        “I know, I just want you all the time, you are addictive, Hayley, I can’t get enough of you,” Nick said kissing her neck. They made love two more times before Nickolas left the room. Hayley laid there exhausted. She went to sleep.

Chapter 3

Three weeks later, they were moved into Buckingham Palace and Lord Nickolas was now King of England and Lady Amanda was Queen.  The new king and queen sat in the queen’s room with the doctor who was examining Hayley. He looked at the king and queen and smiled.

        “She is with child,” the doctor said. Nickolas and Amanda smiled and hugged Hayley.

        “I do have some more news, I reran the tests I took when I was here, to be sure of the diagnosis, your majesty, you can still have children, I just got the results today, I’m sorry I didn’t run the tests sooner,” the doctor said.

        “Oh no,” Amanda said.  Hayley ran out of the room. Nickolas motioned Brian to go after her. Brian caught up with Hayley and took her to his room and sat her on the bed and hugged her.

        “Hayley, it’s okay, they didn’t know before now, they will still want this baby,” Brian said.

        “They want a child of their own, they won’t want a bastard child, Brian,” Hayley said crying.

        “Hayley, they didn’t know, and now that they know, and you are carrying the king’s child, they will still want the baby,” Brian said.

        “It doesn’t matter, Brian, they can have their own child,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley,” Brian said.

        “I did something that is forbidden, Brian, that should never have happened,” Hayley said.

        “What, Hayley,” Brian said. Hayley looked around and ran and closed the door and sat back down on the bed.

        “I fell in love with the king, I mean, deep in love, no one can know, Brian, it’s wrong, it’s forbidden, Queen Amanda treats me like a sister, I’m her most trusted handmaiden and I’m in love with her husband, that is not good at all,” Hayley said quietly. What they didn’t know was that Nickolas heard everything.

        “Hayley, I won’t tell anyone, I know it is wrong,” Brian said. She hugged him.

        “You are my best friend, Brian, I don’t know what I would do without you here, you are like a brother to me, that won’t change,” Hayley said.

        “And you are like a sister to me, and my best friend,” Brian said. She got up and opened the door and saw Nickolas standing there. She froze.

        “Your majesty,” Hayley said softly.

        “I heard everything,” Nickolas said.

        “Your majesty, I’m sorry,” Hayley said. He took her by the arm and took her to his study and closed the door behind him and locked it and looked around. She stood there shaking.

        “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I didn’t plan on it happening,” Hayley said. He came over to her.

        “Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “You can send me away, I won’t tell anyone, I won’t talk, I won’t do anything,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, stop,” Nickolas said.

        “Please don’t hurt me, I didn’t mean to do it, it happened,” Hayley said crying.  Nickolas covered her mouth with his and kissed her hungrily.

        “Shhh, I know you didn’t mean to fall for me, because I didn’t mean for the same thing to happen, I fell for you, too, I know, it’s forbidden, but I can’t help it, I thought once was enough but I kept wanting you, I still want you all the time, I know you are carrying my child now, but I can’t stop wanting you,” Nick said sliding his hands under her blouse. He caressed her stomach.

        “The queen and I have come to an arrangement, she and I are going to try for a child of our own, and you can be the mother to this child, our child, yours and mine and to me, it won’t be a bastard, if she becomes pregnant, I’m double lucky to be a father to two babies, but she can’t know how I feel about you, no one else can know besides me, you and Brian,” Nickolas said.

        “Your majesty,” Hayley said. Nickolas put his finger to her lips. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly.

        “I want you to be my mistress, when the queen is with child, I will not sleep with her again, but I will sleep with you and make love with you only, both of you have a piece of my heart,” Nickolas said. Hayley looked up at him.

        “Your majesty, it’s wrong, I can’t hurt the queen, she trusts me,” Hayley said. Nickolas shook his head. He kissed her deeply.

        “I have some business to attend to, tonight, when you go to sleep, no clothes,” Nickolas said kissing her hand and he left the room. Hayley stood there. She rubbed her face and put her hand on her stomach. She went to continue with her duties. She walked by the queen’s chambers and heard moaning and saw the door cracked open and she knew she shouldn’t look but was curious and took a peek and saw the king and queen in bed, making love. She went on cleaning. That night, she was in her quarters and thought of what the king said. She removed her clothing and got into bed.  She closed her eyes. She heard her door open and close. She felt someone get into bed with her. She opened her eyes and saw Nickolas.

        “Your majesty, this is wrong,” Hayley said. He shook his head and kissed her deeply.

        “I am the king and I decided what is right and wrong and this is right to me,” Nickolas said kissing her neck. He moved down to her breasts and licked her nipple before sucking on it. He kissed her stomach and smiled and moved back up and kissed her deeply. He laid between her legs and pushed inside her. He pulled her legs up and held them. He pushed deeper inside her. She held him close as he kissed her deeply. Their tongues met in a passionate duel. He moaned and came spilling himself deep inside her. She moaned and came behind him. He laid beside her and pulled her close. There was a knock at the door. Hayley froze.

        “Who is it?” Hayley called.

        “Hayley, it’s me, Amanda,” Amanda said. Hayley looked at Nickolas. He quietly got up and got dressed and hid under the bed. Hayley got dressed and opened a window. She made the bed and sat by the window.

        “Come in,” Hayley said. Amanda came in.

        “Hayley, you should be getting ready to go to sleep,” Amanda said.

        “I know, I was feeling a little queasy,” Hayley said.

        “I am sure his majesty told you the arrangement,” Amanda said.

        “Yes, he has,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, I know I can trust you with my life and I can trust you to keep a secret,” Amanda said.

        “Okay, let’s go for a walk, out in the gardens, let’s get some fresh air,” Hayley said. They got up and walked to the gardens. They sat down on the bench.

        “I wanted to talk to someone, I know I can trust you, I have done something terrible,” Amanda said. Hayley looked at her.

        “Your majesty?” Hayley asked.

        “I have fallen out of love with my husband, I try to go back and fall for him but every day it’s like we are drifting apart, I want to just end the marriage but I don’t want to break his heart,” Amanda said.  

        “Your majesty, you don’t have to end the marriage, a lot of people stay married and don’t love each other but are friends,” Hayley said.

        “I married Nickolas for love, not duty, it was not arranged,” Amanda said.

        “Did you two try for a baby?” Hayley asked.

        “Yes, we did, I guess I can’t leave until I know for sure that I’m not pregnant, I can’t leave if I am, and I don’t want to hurt Nickolas, he’s so good to me,” Amanda said. They got up and went back into the palace and went to their rooms. Hayley closed her door and Nick came from behind the curtain and locked the door and pulled her to the bed. He removed her clothes and removed his and laid on the bed with her on top of him and grabbed her hips and moved her down and she sank down on him. He moaned and she began moving on top of him. He rolled them over and slowly moved within her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pushed him deeper inside her. He crushed his mouth to hers in a deep kiss as he came inside. She came behind him and he laid beside her. He kissed her and got up and got dressed and kissed Hayley’s forehead and snuck out of the room. Two weeks later, Hayley sat in her room. Every night, Nickolas would come in and make love to her. Amanda and Hayley went for walks and Amanda told her that she has fallen back in love with her husband. They found out that Amanda is expecting a child. Hayley sat there thinking about everything when the door opened and Howard and Brian came in and closed it and sat on her bed.

        “Hayley,” Brian said.

        “I can’t believe this, the queen is pregnant with the king’s child, I’m pregnant with the king’s child, this will be a hayday for the press,” Hayley said.

        “Not if we cover for you,” Howard said.

        “Howard and I talked it over with the king and he thought it would be a good idea if I claim the child as mine if the press finds out the truth,” Brian said.

        “But we never slept together,” Hayley said.

        “We all know that, but if the press gets ahold of the information, they will tear you apart and no one would respect the king and queen,” Brian said. Hayley looked at them and nodded.

Chapter 4

(**means dream)

Three months went by. Hayley was four months along while the queen was almost three months along. Hayley was resting in her bed after she collapsed while doing chores. Nickolas called for the doctor. He came in and checked her.

        “She will have to be on bed rest for a couple of weeks, to be safe,” the doctor said. Amanda looked at him.

        “We will make sure she is comfortable,” Amanda said. The doctor nodded and left. Hayley looked at Amanda.

        “I’m sorry about this,” Hayley said.

        “No need to be sorry, Hayley, you just relax and rest, okay, I will not let you lose the baby,” Amanda said.

        “Even if you are having a baby of your own with the king,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, you got pregnant first, the king said his first born will be heir and that baby is yours,” Amanda said.

        “But it will be a bastard child, the king and I are not married, it wouldn’t be right,” Hayley said.

        “Nonsense, the baby is the son or daughter of the king, that is the most important thing, no child of his will be a bastard child,” Amanda said. Hayley nodded and laid back against the pillow.

        “I will have someone else take your chores,” Amanda said. Hayley nodded. Amanda left the room and Hayley closed her eyes and went to sleep.

**That night, Hayley was lying there when Nickolas came in and locked the door and sat on the bed.

        “Hey, Amanda told me about your concerns, she was right, no child of mine will ever be a bastard child,” Nickolas said.

        “I don’t want anyone calling this child a bastard,” Hayley said. Nickolas laid beside her and kissed her hungrily.

        “If anyone calls this child a bastard, they will be banished forever,” Nickolas said.

        “Nickolas, we can’t keep doing this, you are the king, and married to the queen and expecting a child with her,” Hayley said.

        “But I’m also expecting a child with you, and I’m in love with you, I love the queen but I’m in love with you, you have stolen my heart, Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “Our love is forbidden, Nickolas, if the queen finds out, I will lose everything,” Hayley said.

        “You won’t, I’ll make sure of it,” Nickolas said. He kissed her and got up and went to the queen’s chambers and went in and closed the door and locked it. He walked to the bed and sat down.

        “Nickolas, what brings you in here?” Amanda asked.

        “I have something to tell you,” Nickolas said.

        “What is it,” Amanda said.

        “I love you, and I am committed to our marriage, you are my queen,” Nickolas said.

        “Same goes for me,” Amanda said.

        “We are having a child, but I can’t ignore the child that Hayley is having,” Nickolas said.

        “Nickolas, we talked about this, I know you can’t ignore the child, I asked you to create it with her,” Amanda said.

        “Something unexpected happened during that time,” Nickolas said.

        “You fell in love with Hayley?” Amanda said. Nickolas looked at her and nodded.

        “I’m sorry,” Nickolas said.

        “I suspected that would happen, have you stopped sleeping with her?” Amanda asked.

        “I’m afraid not, I couldn’t, it’s just that, it was amazing and I didn’t want it to stop,” Nickolas said. Amanda took his hand.

        “My dear husband, everything happened the way I planned it,” Amanda said.

        “What,” Nickolas said.

        “I wanted you to fall for her, because at the time, I had fallen out of love with you, and I wanted you to be happy, but I never expected to fall back in love with you,” Amanda said.

        “And now?” Nickolas asked.

        “I have fallen in love with someone else, you know him, Nickolas, it’s Howard, the baby is his, he and I were having an affair at the same time you and Hayley were,” Amanda said. Nickolas stood up and looked at her.

        “You said the baby was mine,” Nickolas said.

        “I know, and I thought it was, but the more I thought about it, I counted back and the night the baby was conceived, you were in the United States,” Amanda said.

        “So what do you want to do about this?” Nickolas asked.

        “I suggest we divorce and you marry Hayley and I marry Howard,” Amanda said.

        “That means we’ll have to come clean with the people,” Nickolas said.

        “Not if we do this secretly and then we announce the changes,” Amanda said.

        “Are you sure about this?” Nickolas asked.

        “Nickolas, you are the king, you have more power than anyone,” Amanda said. They went and got Howard and went to Hayley’s room. She looked at them.

        “Nickolas told me everything, Hayley, and I’m not mad, I’m glad it happened, I was doing the same thing with Howard and I have fallen for him, the king and I are going to divorce, Howard and I are going to get married,” Amanda said. Nickolas sat on the bed.

        “And I want to marry you, Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “A maid, your queen, that is not right,” Hayley said.

        “It is right to me, I’m the king, I have the power,” Nickolas said.

        “What about the people,” Hayley said.

        “The people won’t know until it’s all said and done,” Nickolas said.

        “If this is what you all want,” Hayley said.

        “It’s what we want,” Amanda said. Hayley nodded and Nickolas kissed her hand.**

Hayley woke up and saw Nickolas sitting on her bed, watching her. She started to sit up but he had her lay back down.

        “You are to be resting, calm and relaxed,” Nickolas said.

        “Your majesty,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, call me Nickolas, okay, you are carrying my child,” Nickolas said. Hayley nodded and laid there. He took her hand.

        “I don’t want you to move from this bed, I want you relaxed and calm, no stress,” Nickolas said.

        “I have to,” Hayley said.

        “Good, because I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you or the baby,” Nickolas said kissing her hand. Hayley smiled and took a deep breath and relaxed. Suddenly she grabbed her stomach.

        “Oh no, something’s wrong!” Hayley cried. Nickolas ran to call the doctor. Amanda came out of her room.

        “Nickolas,” Amanda said.

        “It’s Hayley, she’s having pains,” Nickolas said. They ran to Hayley’s room and saw Brian with her holding her.

        “Brian,” Nickolas said. Hayley cried out in pain. The doctor came running in and examined her. Amanda, Brian, and Nickolas stood there.

        “I’m afraid she’s losing the baby,” the doctor said. 

A couple hours later, the doctor emerged from Hayley’s room with a box. Nickolas looked at him.

        “I had to perform surgery to remove what was left of the baby, Hayley is resting and should make a complete recovery, physically, she’ll be fine in a couple of weeks, emotionally is another story, some women don’t recover from losing a child,” the doctor said.

        “If I could recover, so can she, she’ll be able to bear children, won’t she,” Amanda said.

        “I will examine that possibility when she heals up completely,” the doctor said. Brian took the box and went out back to bury it next to the stillborn child of the king and queen. They had moved the baby’s grave to the grounds of the palace to be closer to them.

Nickolas stood there looking at Hayley as she slept. Amanda stood beside him. She touched his hand. He looked at her. She hugged him. He pulled back and went to his study. He went in and locked the door and laid on the couch and started crying as he mourned the loss of his and Hayley’s child.

Chapter 5

Three months went by. Amanda was six months along in her pregnancy. Hayley was completely healed and the doctor said she could have more children. She was still upset over losing the baby. She hadn’t seen the king since that day as he was completely avoiding her and shut himself off from the world. The queen assured Hayley that losing the baby was not her fault. Hayley knew that but she was upset because she lost the only connection she and Nickolas had. Hayley walked in the gardens and she turned to go back inside and saw Nickolas standing there.

        “Your majesty,” Hayley said bowing as she walked past him.

        “Hayley, wait,” Nickolas said. She stopped and turned to face him.

        “Yes, your majesty,” Hayley said.

        “I’m sorry for avoiding you, I was sad and I didn’t know what to say to you, I didn’t want to say something wrong to upset you even more than you already were, you are not to blame for losing the baby, these things happen, like Amanda losing the baby at birth, I know it wasn’t her fault, I’m sorry for not talking to you,” Nickolas said.

        “Thank you, apology accepted,” Hayley said. She went to her room and sat down on the bed. Nickolas came in and closed the door and locked it.

        “Your majesty,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, please, I told you to call me Nickolas,” Nickolas said.

        “I’m sorry, but since I’m no longer carrying your child, that I lost that privilege,” Hayley said.

        “No, you haven’t, I’m still in love with you,” Nickolas said.

        “Nickolas, you are having a child with the queen, I’m not, I don’t expect that to happen again, it can’t happen again, we can’t be anything more than friends and employee/employer, I’m sorry but I can’t hurt the queen,” Hayley said.

        “You are hurting me, Hayley,” Nickolas said. Hayley hung her head. Nickolas pulled her close to him. She looked up at him.

        “I need you, Hayley, I can’t stop this, I can’t stop wanting you,” Nickolas said kissing her deeply. He removed her clothes and his and laid her on the bed and got on top of her and he laid between her legs and pushed inside her. They moved together as he went faster and harder. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pushed him deeper inside her. He kissed her as he moaned her name as he came spilling himself deep inside her. She moaned his name as she came behind him. He laid on top of her and kissed her softly.

        “I can’t stop this, Hayley, I won’t let this end, I won’t allow it,” Nickolas said. He got up and got dressed and left the room. She covered her face with her hands and she knew he was right.

Over the next few weeks, everyone kept busy with the chores and their duties. Hayley and Brian were spending a lot of time together. Every night, Nickolas would come into Hayley’s room and make love to her. One night, Hayley and Brian were in Hayley’s room, playing a game of cards when Nickolas came in and saw them.

        “What is going on here?” Nickolas asked.

        “Playing a game of cards,” Brian said.

        “In Hayley’s room?” Nickolas asked.

        “Yes, why are you here?” Brian asked.

        “I was looking for you, Brian, I have something that needs to be done,” Nickolas said. He told Brian what needed to be done and Brian said goodnight to Hayley and left the room. Nickolas closed the door and locked it and turned and saw Hayley sitting on the bed. He came over to her and she got up on her knees and started unbuttoning his shirt. He took her hands and kissed them.

        “We can’t tonight, Hayley, I have to leave for France for a meeting with the president of France,” Nick said. Hayley nodded. She kissed him softly. He moaned and kissed her deeper and removed her clothes and his and pulled her up and held her as she wrapped her legs around him and took him inside her body as he pressed her against the wall and held her there as he pounded her wetness. He crushed his mouth to hers as he came spilling himself inside her body. She came around him and he held her there and grabbed her bottom and moved within her and moaned as he instantly became hard inside her and moved against her. He came inside her again. He let her down and pressed his body against hers and kissed her deeply. He got dressed and helped her get dressed. He kissed her again.

        “Rest up, Hayley, when I come back, it will be nonstop for a week,” Nick said. He took her finger and sucked on it and went out the door. Hayley laid on the bed and sighed.

The next day, Hayley and Brian worked together out in the gardens. They talked and laughed and were having a good time. That night, they were playing cards in Hayley’s room. Hayley said something and Brian looked at her and began tickling her. He stopped and they looked at each other. He slowly leaned down and kissed her softly. The kiss deepened and they laid on the bed, kissing. Someone cleared their throat and they broke apart and saw Howard standing there.

        “Brian, we have work to do,” Howard said. Brian nodded and got up and went with Howard. Hayley closed the door and locked it and sighed. Howard and Brian went to their room.

        “Brian, what are you thinking, you know she belongs to the king,” Howard said.

        “I know, I can’t help it, I think I’m falling for her,” Brian said.

        “Brian, Hayley is off limits, you know that, you will be banished if you continue with it,” Howard said.

        “The king is married to the queen,” Brian said.

        “It doesn’t matter, Brian, you know what is going on, Hayley is in love with the king,” Howard said. Brian nodded.

        “I know, what should I do,” Brian said.

        “Don’t get involved with her, nothing more than friendship, she is the king’s and only the king’s,” Howard said. Brian nodded.

The next day, the king returned to the palace and went to his study and went in and closed the door. He sat down. There was a knock at the door.

        “Come in,” Nickolas said. Hayley came in and closed the door.

        “Welcome home, Nickolas,” Hayley said. Nickolas smiled and got up and locked the doors and windows and came over to her and kissed her deeply. She pulled away and sat down on the couch. Nickolas sat down beside her.

        “Hayley, what is it,” Nickolas said.

        “While you were gone, Brian kissed me, nothing more happened, Howard saw it and got Brian to leave, Nickolas, I don’t have feelings for Brian, I think of him as a brother,” Hayley said.

        “I can’t believe this,” Nickolas said getting up.

        “I’m sorry, your majesty, I know it was wrong and it was stupid,” Hayley said. She got up and headed for the door. Nickolas grabbed her and pressed her against the door.

        “I’m not mad at you, Hayley, I’m mad at Brian, he should know better, you are mine, no one else’s,” Nick said kissing her neck.

        “Nickolas,” Hayley said softly as she rested her forehead against his shoulder. He lifted her up and wrapped her legs around him and moved to the desk and pushed everything off of it and laid her on the desk and removed her clothes and his and laid on top of her and opened her legs and laid between them and pushed himself inside her body. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pushed him deeper. She held onto him as he went fast and hard. He kissed her as he came spilling himself inside her. She came behind him and he laid on top of her and buried his face in her neck.

        “You are off limits to anyone else, you belong to me,” Nickolas said.

        “I don’t want anyone but you, Nickolas, I’m yours, for sure,” Hayley said. Nickolas smiled and kissed her deeply. He made love to her again before letting her up and they got dressed. Hayley went to her room. Nickolas called for Brian. He came in and saw Nickolas straightening his desk.

        “You asked to see me,” Brian said.

        “I want to make one thing perfectly clear, Hayley is off limits, she belongs to me, she told me that you two kissed, she only thinks of you as a brother, she doesn’t have feelings for you, she wants only me, if you kiss her one more time, you will be gone from here, understand,” Nickolas said.

        “Yes sir,” Brian said.

        “That will be all,” Nickolas said. Brian bowed and went out the door and saw Hayley cleaning the mirror by the queen’s chamber. He went over to her.

        “Stay away, Brian,” Hayley said.

        “Why did you tell on me?” Brian asked quietly.

        “Because what you did was wrong, I don’t have feelings for you, you are like a brother to me, nothing more, you should know better,” Hayley said.

        “One more mistake and I’m gone,” Brian said.

        “I’m sorry, Brian, but you shouldn’t have started kissing me, you know I’m off limits,” Hayley said. Brian nodded.

        “I’m sorry that I kissed you, I know it was wrong,” Brian said.

        “Brian, don’t you have work to do,” Nickolas said from behind them.

        “Yes, sir,” Brian said. He went off down the hall. Hayley looked at the king.

        “He apologized for what he did,” Hayley said. She heard crying from the queen’s room and looked at Nickolas and went into the room and saw Amanda on the bed holding her stomach.

        “Amanda,” Hayley said going to her.

        “The doctor,” Amanda said. She ran out of the room and ran into Nickolas.

        “Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “Get the doctor, fast!” Hayley said. She ran back to Amanda. Nickolas yelled at Brian to call the doctor and ran into the room.

        “Amanda,” Nickolas said.

        “Oh Nickolas, our baby!” Amanda said crying.

        “The doctor is coming,” Nickolas said. He sat on the bed and took her in his arms and held her. Hayley held her hand. Brian came in with the doctor. Nickolas, Hayley, and Brian stood back. The doctor examined Amanda and looked at them.

        “There is something wrong, I can’t explain it but we are losing both of them,” the doctor said.

        “What, you have to do something,” Nickolas said.

        “I will do what I can, I might have to remove the baby, if I do, it is possible that the queen will live, there is a 50-50 chance,” the doctor said.

        “Do what you can,” Nickolas said. They went outside the room. Nickolas leaned against the wall. Hayley stood beside him and held his hand. He looked at her and hugged her and held her close. Brian went to tell Howard what was going on. Howard came back with Brian and they stood and waited on the news. An hour later, the door opened and the doctor came out. Nickolas, Hayley, Brian, and Howard looked at the doctor.

        “Doctor?” Nickolas asked.

        “I’m sorry, your majesty, there was nothing I could do, I did everything I could, I couldn’t save them, I’m so sorry,” the doctor said. Nickolas stood there. Hayley leaned against the wall. Brian and Howard stood beside the king.

        “Are you sure there was nothing you could do,” Brian said.

        “I took some samples and I’m going to run an autopsy, I will find out what went wrong,” the doctor said. Nickolas nodded. He looked at Hayley and went to his study and locked himself in the room to mourn. Brian and Howard went to help the doctor. Hayley went to the study and knocked on the door.

        “I want to be alone,” Nickolas said through the door.

        “Nickolas, it’s me,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, I need to be alone right now,” Nickolas said.

        “I know, you know where I’ll be if you need anything,” Hayley said. She went to her room and closed the door and laid on the bed.

Chapter 6

The next day, the news spread of the queen’s passing and the people were leaving flowers by the gates. Brian and Howard made the arrangements for the funeral. Nickolas was still locked up in his study. Hayley stayed in her room. Howard knocked on her door.

        “Come in,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley,” Howard said.

        “I have no job now, I was her handmaiden, how can I do that if she’s gone,” Hayley said.

        “You have a job to do here,” Howard said.

        “The king lost his queen and his child, he won’t want me anymore,” Hayley said.

        “You rest, okay,” Howard said. He left the room and saw Nickolas come out of his study.

        “Howard, where’s Hayley?” Nickolas asked.

        “In her room,” Howard said. Nickolas went to Hayley’s room and went in and saw her lying on the bed with her eyes closed. He locked the door and laid on the bed beside her. She opened her eyes and looked at him.

        “Nickolas,” Hayley said softly. He kissed her deeply. He rested his head on her chest and wrapped his arms around her. She held him close.

        “I need you to hold me, Hayley, I feel so lost,” Nickolas said.

        “I’ll hold you for as long as you want me to,” Hayley said. She stroked his head as he cried.

The next day, they held the funeral. Hayley stood with the other handmaidens. She so much wanted to be by the king’s side but knew it was impossible in public. That night, Hayley got ready for bed. She laid down and closed her eyes. There was a knock at the door.

        “Who is it?” Hayley asked.

        “It’s Howard,” Howard said.

        “Come in,” Hayley said. He came in and handed her a letter. She opened it and read it.

Dear Hayley, I am writing this letter at the upmost regret but it needs to be done. I can’t be with you anymore. Things will have to go back to the way they were, employer/employee. I am sorry that I couldn’t do this in person but I am scared that I will lose my courage. I need time to mourn and need time alone. You are special to me. One day, things will change. I know I want to be with you in the future. I need the time alone to grieve. I hope you understand. Love always, Nickolas.

Hayley folded the letter and laid down on the bed. Howard left the room and went to the room he shared with Brian.

        “How’s Hayley,” Brian said.

        “She’s fine,” Howard said. Brian nodded and laid back down on the bed.

The next day, Hayley knocked on the door to the king’s study. She heard him say to come in and she opened the door.

        “Nickolas, can we talk?” Hayley asked going in and closing the door.

        “Hayley, Howard gave you the letter, didn’t he?” Nickolas said.

        “So I’m suppose to call you ‘you majesty’,” Hayley said.

        “No, you still can call me Nickolas,” Nickolas said.

        “Okay, good, um, there is something I want to ask you, I was wondering if I could get some time off and go home to visit my family for awhile, I’ve been getting letters from my mother and she said I have a new niece and I wanted to go see her and visit with everyone for awhile, you said you wanted to be alone and I thought if I’m not around, you could have that time without seeing me around the palace,” Hayley said.

        “How long do you want off?” Nickolas asked.

        “How much time can I have?” Hayley asked.

        “Two months, is that okay?” Nickolas asked.

        “Two months?” Hayley said.

        “Yeah, you can come back anytime before then if you want, two months tops is what I can give you off,” Nickolas said. Hayley nodded and bowed and went to pack a bag. She went down the stairs. Howard and Brian came up to her.

        “Alexander has the car out front, waiting,” Brian said.

        “Thank you,” Hayley said.

        “Take care, Hayley, we’ll miss you,” Howard said.

        “I’m only going to be gone for two months, tops, might be back before then,” Hayley said.

        “I know, we got used to working here with you that we all are like family,” Brian said.

        “I know, bye guys,” Hayley said. Nickolas came up to them. He hugged her.

        “Have a good time, Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “Thank you,” Hayley said. He pulled her to his study and closed the door and pressed her against the door and kissed her hungrily. He groaned and slid his hands under her skit and pushed it up and removed her underwear and pulled down his pants and underwear and lifted her up and pushed inside her. He grabbed her bottom and went deeper inside her. She held onto him as she rested her head on his shoulder. He came spilling himself inside her and she came behind him. He let her down and helped her get dressed. He got dressed and he held her close. He kissed her deeply.

        “Have a safe trip, see you when you get back,” Nickolas said. Hayley nodded and kissed his cheek and went out and got into the car and Alexander took her to her parents’ house.

Three weeks later, Hayley found out that she was pregnant. She sat on her bed in her room when her sister came in.

        “Hayley,” Abby said.

        “I can’t believe this,” Hayley said.

        “Being pregnant is a gift,” Abby said.

        “I know, but I’m not married to the father,” Hayley said.

        “Who is the father?” Abby asked.

        “You promise not to tell a soul, not even Mom and Dad,” Hayley said.

        “I promise, cross my heart,” Abby said crossing her heart.

        “The father is King Nickolas,” Hayley whispered. Abby’s eyes widened.

        “Hayley, you slept with the king,” Abby whispered.

        “Yes, numerous times, even before the queen passed away,” Hayley said.

        “Oh dear,” Abby said.

        “I know, Abby, it’s wrong, but he’s the king and he gets what he wants, he wanted me all the time,” Hayley said.

        “Are you going to tell him?” Abby asked.

        “I don’t know, it might not be the right time,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, he has to know, it might cheer him up,” Abby said.

        “Abby, he just lost his wife and child, not to mention, he is still dealing with the loss of their first child and the child I lost, he needs time to grieve,” Hayley said.

A month later, Hayley decided to stay at her parents for awhile. So as the weeks went by, she got more and more scared to think about going back to the palace. Meanwhile at the palace, Nickolas sat in his study. Brian and Howard came in.

        “Did Alexander pick Hayley up and bring her back?” Nickolas asked.

        “He went to pick her up but she sent him away, said she needed more time,” Brian said.

        “I told her two months is all she was getting,” Nickolas said.

        “Obviously she needs more time with her family,” Brian said.

        “Something is going on, call Kevin here,” Nickolas said. Brian nodded and made the call. Twenty minutes later, Kevin came in. Kevin was his most trusted private investigator.

        “Yes, your majesty,” Kevin said.

        “I need you to see what is going on with one of my servants, well, she was my queen’s most trusted handmaiden, she went home to visit her family and I told her two months, I sent a car to pick her up and she sent it away, she needed more time but I want to know why,” Nickolas said.

        “You couldn’t ask her yourself,” Kevin said.

        “She won’t take my calls, she won’t take anyone’s, Brian tried and Howard tried, she wouldn’t talk,” Nickolas said.

        “Yes, sir,” Kevin said.

        “Make sure she doesn’t see you,” Nickolas said.

        “I will be invisible,” Kevin said. He left.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hayley walked out to the gardens of her parent’s house and sat down on the bench. She was unaware that she was being watched. Kevin sat in the bushes behind the bench. He saw a girl sit down beside Hayley.

        “Hayley,” Abby said.

        “Abby, I can’t go back now, it’s a bad time,” Hayley said.

        “When are you going to go back, after the baby is born, Hayley, he told you two months, it’s past that, he sent a car and you sent it away, he is going to get angry,” Abby said.

        “It’s the wrong time, he’s going through a lot,” Hayley said.

        “So you are going to hide out here, and have his baby, Hayley, I want you happy and you won’t be here, you will be happy at the palace, with your baby’s father, I know he won’t turn his back on you,” Abby said.

        “I know that, but I am giving him time to grieve,” Hayley said.

        “He has had time, I talked to one of his servants, Brian, and he said the king is waiting for you to return, I asked if the king was done grieving and he said yes, he was,” Abby said.

        “I can’t go back now, I can’t,” Hayley said. She got up and went inside. Abby followed her. Kevin snuck out of the bushes and went back to the palace and walked into the king’s study.

        “Kevin, what did you find out?” Nickolas asked.

        “She doesn’t want to come back now, she’s pregnant, Nickolas, with your baby,” Kevin said.

        “She’s pregnant, and she doesn’t want to come back, that’s it, I’m going after her,” Nickolas said getting up.

        “My lord, let me talk to her,” Howard said.

        “I need to do this myself,” Nickolas said. He got ready and got on a disguise and got into the car and it took him to Hayley’s family home. He got out and went up and knocked on the door. The door opened and Hayley stood there.

        “Can I help you?” Hayley asked not recognizing him. He lifted his hat and her eyes widened.

        “We need to talk,” Nickolas said. She stepped aside. He came in. She went to her room and he followed. She sat on the bed. He sat down.

        “Nickolas, I need more time with my family,” Hayley said.

        “From what I heard, you aren’t coming back at all, I know everything, Hayley, you’re pregnant,” Nickolas said.

        “How do you know that?” Hayley asked.

        “I have my ways of finding out, I knew something was up, so I got my pi to check it out and he overheard you talking about a baby,” Nickolas said. Hayley looked away.

        “I’m sorry,” Hayley said.

        “Why wouldn’t you want to come back, Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “I wanted to give you time to grieve,” Hayley said.

        “I had enough time, I want you to come back,” Nickolas said.

        “Nickolas,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, you know I won’t take no for an answer,” Nickolas said.

        “I know,” Hayley said. She got her bags together and she said goodbye to her family and they went back to the palace.

Chapter 7

Nickolas and Hayley walked into the palace. Brian and Howard greeted them and Howard took Hayley’s bags to her room. Nickolas led Hayley to the study and they went in and closed the door and locked it. Brian went to his room. He found the secret passageway and went through and found the peephole to the study. He watched the events go on in there.

Nickolas moved some stuff from his desk and gently picked Hayley up and sat her on the desk and stood in front of her.

        “I missed you so much,” Nickolas said.

        “I missed you, too, I am sorry I didn’t come back when I was suppose to,” Hayley said.

        “It’s okay, you were scared but don’t be scared anymore,” Nickolas said. Hayley nodded. He kissed her deeply. He slid his hands under her dress. He pulled the dress off and removed her undergarments. He removed his clothes and pulled her close.

Brian stood there watching the king make love to Hayley on the desk. He turned away and realized his feelings for Hayley. He wanted to be in the king’s position right now. Brian wanted to be the one making love to Hayley. But he knew he couldn’t. Hayley belonged to the king and was having the king’s baby. He knew she was off-limits and he had to get over these feelings. He remembered the king’s statement. If Brian was caught kissing Hayley, he would be banished forever. Brian knew he couldn’t do anything. He loved working at the palace. He quietly went back to his room. Howard came in and saw him.

        “Brian,” Howard said.

        “I have destroyed myself, Howard, I have feelings for Hayley, I can’t shake them, but I have to find some way, she belongs to the king, it is going to be hard to get rid of these feelings,” Brian said.

        “You better get rid of them, the king has requested that all of Hayley’s things be move to his chambers, Hayley will be in there with him from now on,” Howard said.

        “Let’s get her stuff in there,” Brian said. They got Hayley’s stuff together and moved them into the king’s room. They saw Hayley settled into bed. Nickolas was tucking her in.

        “Thank you for getting Hayley’s stuff, I want her comfortable and my bed is more comfortable than hers,” Nickolas said. Will knocked on the door.

        “Yes,” Nickolas said.

        “Dr. Jones is here to see you, he has the results of the queen’s autopsy,” Will said. Nickolas nodded and kissed Hayley’s forehead.

        “Howard, come with me, Brian stay in case Hayley needs anything,” Nickolas said.

        “Brian can go, I’ll stay with her,” Howard said.

        “Howard,” Nickolas said.  Howard glared at Brian and went after the king. Brian sat down in the chair and stared at his hands.

        “Brian, what’s wrong,” Hayley said.

        “It’s nothing,” Brian said.

        “Brian, talk, don’t hide anything from me,” Hayley said.

        “Okay, I have feelings for you, I can’t get rid of them,” Brian said.

        “Brian,” Hayley said.

        “I know you belong to the king, I know if I do anything that I will be banished, I know, I am doing what I can to get rid of this feelings without doing anything,” Brian said.

        “Brian, come here,” Hayley said patting the bed. Brian got up and sat down.

        “Hayley, I will get over this, I have to, I love it here, we all are like family,” Brian said.

        “Brian, kiss me,” Hayley said. Brian’s eyes widened.

        “No, you told on me last time,” Brian said.

        “I won’t tell this time,” Hayley said.

        “No, I can’t, Hayley, I can’t,” Brian said. Hayley grabbed his shirt and pulled him into a kiss. The kiss deepened. Brian pulled back and looked at her.

        “That made things worse,” Brian said.

        “Yeah, it did,” Hayley said. He got up and went out the door. Hayley laid back against the pillows and closed her eyes. She couldn’t believe she did that. She was now beginning to have feelings for Brian. But her love for the king was slowly overshadowing the feelings. She could not tell the king what happened.

Meanwhile in the king’s study…

        “So you are saying that my wife had cancer, and she knew she would die despite being pregnant, and she didn’t listen to your advice to end the pregnancy, my wife wanted that child,” Nickolas said.

        “I know, sir, but I told her that if she continued with the pregnancy, she wouldn’t make it to her due date,” the doctor said.

        “I can’t believe this, my queen disobeyed doctor’s orders, she wanted the baby so bad that she risked her life and lost the battle,” Nickolas said.

        “She wrote this, sir,” the doctor said. He handed Nickolas the letter. Nickolas opened it and read it and saw the queen’s writing.

Dear Nickolas, if you are reading this letter, I must be dead. I am sorry for not listening to doctor’s orders. I should have terminated the pregnancy. I should have left things the way they were, and let Hayley give you a child. I want you to do something for me. I want you to move on with your life and don’t grieve for me. Be with Hayley, my lord, she can give you children and make her your queen. She has earned it. I know you had been sleeping with her all the time. I know you are in love with her. Make her your queen. I know you want her to be. Love always, Amanda.

Nickolas sat there looking at the letter. He looked at the doctor and looked at Howard. He went to his chambers and saw Hayley looking out the window.

        “Nickolas,” Hayley said. Nickolas sat on the bed and kissed her deeply.

        “The queen had cancer, did you know anything about it?” Nickolas asked.

        “The queen told me everything, but not about having cancer, she did throw up a lot but I thought it was morning sickness,” Hayley said. Nickolas gave her the letter and she read it. She looked at the king.

        “She wants me to make you my queen,” Nickolas said.

        “I’m yours no matter what,” Hayley said. Nickolas smiled and kissed her softly.

        “I want you as my queen, be my wife, Hayley, be my queen,” Nickolas said.

        “If that is what you want,” Hayley said.

        “That is what I want,” Nickolas said.

        “I will be your queen, Nickolas, I’ll be your everything,” Hayley said stroking his cheek. He grinned and kissed her deeply. He removed her clothes and his and slowly made love to her.

The next day, Nickolas went to get things in order.  He told Hayley to rest in bed. Brian snuck into the room and closed the door and locked it.  Hayley woke up and saw him and sat up.

        “Brian, what are you doing in here!” Hayley said.

        “I can’t stay away,” Brian said. He sat down on the bed and began kissing her.

Meanwhile…

Nickolas returned to the palace and saw Will and Howard talking. They saw him and bowed.

        “You got everything ready, sir?” Will asked.

        “Yes, I did, everything is set and ready,” Nickolas said.

        “That’s good,” Will said.

        “What’s going on,” Nickolas said.

        “Uh, we are not sure, sir,” Will said.

        “What do you mean?” Nickolas asked.

        “We saw Brian sneak into your chambers, my lord, and the door is locked,” Howard said.

Nickolas looked at them and went to his door and got out a key and opened it and saw Hayley asleep on the bed. He looked around the room.

        “Find him,” Nickolas said. He went in and sat on the bed. Hayley woke up and saw him.

        “Hey,” Hayley said.

        “I want to know what is going on, Howard and Will told me they saw Brian sneak in here,” Nickolas said.

        “I’ve been asleep since you left,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, please, don’t keep any secrets from me,” Nickolas said. Hayley sighed and pointed to the bathroom. Nickolas went in and saw Brian and pulled him out of the bathroom.

        “What is going on,” Nickolas said as Will and Howard came in and saw Nickolas holding Brian. Nickolas sat Brian down in the chair.

        “I’m sorry, your grace, I just couldn’t shake my feelings for her,” Brian said.

        “Did you two kiss?” Nickolas asked.

        “I kissed her, she didn’t kiss back, she kept pushing me away, I’m sorry, sir,” Brian said.

        “I can’t believe this, you are done here, pack your bags, you are gone, I don’t want to see you near the palace or Hayley again, you understand,” Nickolas said.

        “Yes sir,” Brian said. He went out the door. Howard and Will followed. Nickolas closed the door and locked it. He looked at Hayley.

Chapter 8

Nickolas looked at Hayley and shook his head and went out the door and went to the study and closed the door and locked it. He sat down at his desk and thought about everything. He couldn’t believe that one of his most trusted servants made moves on the woman he loved. The woman who was carrying the heir to the throne and the woman who soon would become his queen.  He sat there thinking of everything. There was a knock at the door.

        “Who is it,” Nickolas said.

        “It’s Howard, sir, it’s urgent,” Howard said. Nickolas got up and opened the door.

        “What is it,” Nickolas said.

        “It’s Miss Hayley, sir, she’s gone,” Howard said.

        “Gone?” Nickolas asked.

        “She left in a cab, sir, we tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen,” Howard said.

        “Find her, bring her back,” Nickolas said. Howard nodded and got Will and took off. Brian came by with his bags.

        “Goodbye, your majesty, have a nice life,” Brian said. Nickolas grabbed him.

        “Where did she go?” Nickolas asked.

        “Who?” Brian asked.

        “Hayley, Brian, she’s gone, took off in a cab, was this planned?” Nickolas asked.

        “No, sir, you told me to stay away from her and the palace, that’s what I’m doing, I’m going home to my parents, I can’t have her, she wants you and only you, she belongs to you, I’m sorry for kissing her and all that, I am over my feelings for her, the last time I kissed her, I realized that my feelings for her were like brother-sister kind, that last time it felt like I was kissing my sister, only I never kissed my sister like that,” Brian said. Nickolas sighed.

        “Okay, one more chance, Brian, mess up again, it’s the dungeon for you,” Nickolas said.

        “Yes, sir,” Brian said. He went back to unpack his bags. Will and Howard came back.

        “Well?” Nickolas asked.

        “She doesn’t want to come back, she thinks you don’t want her anymore,” Will said.

        “I want her more than anything in the world,” Nickolas said.

        “She’s at her parent’s house,” Will said.

        “I gave Brian another chance, told him if he messes up again, it’s the dungeon,” Nickolas said.

        “You want us to go to Hayley again,” Will said.

        “I’m going myself,” Nickolas said. He went out and got into the car and Alexander took him to Hayley’s parent’s house. He went up to the door and rang the doorbell. The door opened and Abby stood there. Her eyes widened.

        “Your majesty,” Abby said.

        “You must be Hayley’s sister,” Nickolas said.

        “Yes, I am, I’m Abby,” Abby said.

        “Nice to meet you, I’m here for Hayley,” Nickolas said.

        “She requested no visitors,” Abby said.

        “Even me, I’m guessing,” Nickolas said.

        “Afraid so,” Abby said.

        “Give her a message for me, okay, tell her she best get back to the palace or I will hold a press conference and announce to whole truth to the press and tell her exactly where she lives and put her pictures everywhere,” Nickolas said.

        “Your majesty, that would destroy your reputation,” Abby said.

        “I know, I would rather destroy my life than live without her, that is how much she means to me, I love her, Abby, I want her forever and always, no matter what, good day,” Nickolas said. He got into the car and went back to the palace. He walked in and saw Brian, Howard, and Will standing there. He looked at them.

        “Well?” Brian asked.

        “She requested no visitors but I gave her sister a message to give her,” Nickolas said.

        “What was the message?” Will asked.

        “That if she isn’t back by morning, I will hold a press conference and announce the whole truth to the press and put her pictures everywhere and tell them where she is, I told her that I would rather destroy my life and reputation than live without her,” Nickolas said.

        “I hope she is, for all of our sakes,” Brian said. Howard and Will nodded.

Meanwhile…

Hayley looked at her sister as Abby delivered the king’s message to her.  She sat there thinking.

        “He would say anything to get me back there,” Hayley said.

        “Hayley, he is the king, he looked serious to me, come on, I’ll take you back to the palace and if he confesses that it wasn’t true, I’ll bring you back,” Abby said. Hayley nodded. They got into Abby’s car and went to the palace. They got out and walked into the palace and saw Brian, Howard, and Will talking. Brian saw her. He nudged Howard and Will.

        “I’ll get the king,” Brian said heading to the study. Howard and Will came over to them.

        “Hayley, we are glad you are back,” Howard said.

        “Is it true?” Hayley asked.

        “He told us what he was going to do if you didn’t come back, we thought he was crazy, and he said he was crazy for you, he gave Brian another chance, if he messes up again, it’s the dungeon, Hayley, the king is so in love with you, he is willing to destroy his reputation to keep you here with him,” Howard said. Brian came back with Nickolas. Nickolas hugged Hayley.

        “I love you, Hayley, I really do love you,” Nickolas said. Hayley hugged him.

        “I love you, too,” Hayley said.

        “Please don’t leave me again, I couldn’t bear it if I lost you,” Nickolas said. She looked in his eyes and she knew he was telling the truth. Hayley kissed him passionately. Brian, Howard, Will, and Abby smiled. They turned to give the couple privacy. Nickolas led Hayley to his study and closed the door and locked it and locked the windows and closed the shades and turned and saw Hayley sitting on his desk, naked and waiting. He removed his clothes and went to her and made love to her on his desk.  

Chapter 9

(Author’s Note: I have decided to go a different way with this story, so it’s back to the beginning.)

(**means dream)

Hayley sat in Lady Amanda’s room with her and the doctor as the doctor checked over Lady Amanda’s progress in healing from giving birth to her son who was stillborn.

        “I’m afraid you can’t have any more children, my lady, if you were to get pregnant, you wouldn’t be able to carry to term,” the doctor said.

        “What, my husband wants an heir,” Lady Amanda said.

        “I’m so sorry, my lady,” the doctor said.

        “Thank you, for giving me the news, doctor, I have always trusted you and I always will,” Lady Amanda said. The doctor bowed and left the room. Hayley settled Lady Amanda into bed.

        “Hayley, please tell Lord Nickolas for me,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Yes, my lady,” Hayley said. She went to the study and knocked on the door.

        “Come in,” she heard Lord Nickolas say. She opened the door and closed it.

        “My lord,” Hayley said.  Lord Nickolas looked up and saw her.

        “Yes, Miss Hayley,” Lord Nickolas said smiling at her.

        “I have some news about Lady Amanda, the doctor just finished examining her,” Hayley said.

        “Is she okay?” Lord Nickolas asked.

        “Yes, she is completely healed, my lord, but the doctor gave her some bad news, she can’t have any more children, if she became pregnant, she would not be able to carry to term,” Hayley said.

        “Oh, I see,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “I’m sorry, my lord,” Hayley said.

        “Thank you for informing me of the news, Hayley,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley bowed and went to finish her chores. That night, she went to her room and closed the door and went to shower. She stood there and drifted into a daydream.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

**She came out wrapped in a towel and jumped when she saw Lord Nickolas sitting on her bed.

        “My lord, why are you in my room?” Hayley asked.

        “Don’t you know,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “Know what?” Hayley asked. Lord Nickolas came over to her.

        “I want you in my bed,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “What, my lord, you are married to Lady Amanda, I’m her most trusted handmaiden, I can not do that to her, I can not,” Hayley said turning away from him. He pulled her against him and moved her hair and kissed her neck.

        “I need you, Hayley, every time I see you, I can’t stop watching you,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “My lord, please, we can’t do this, I can’t do this, it’s wrong, it’s forbidden,” Hayley said. She tried to move away but he kept her close.

        “If you don’t let me make love to you now, you will no longer work here, you will no longer have a job and you will not have a place to live and you will never be able to work again,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley stood there and she knew he had the power to do what he said he would do.

        “Why do you want to do this to Lady Amanda?” Hayley asked.

        “She won’t know,” Lord Nickolas said nuzzling her neck.

        “My lord, please, I can’t do this to her,” Hayley said.

        “If you don’t, you won’t have any job ever,” Lord Nickolas said.  She sighed and leaned back against him. He removed her towel and ran his hands over her body and he turned her around and gazed at her body and smiled and moved over to the bed and pushed her down on the bed and removed his clothes and got on top of her and he gently made love to her.**

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hayley shook her head and saw she was still in the shower and she finished up and she got out and she heard someone knocking on her bedroom door. She wrapped her towel around her and went and opened the door and saw Lord Nickolas standing there.

        “My lord, is something wrong with Lady Amanda?” Hayley asked.

        “Yes, she’s very upset and devastated, she needs you,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley nodded and closed the door and got dressed and came out and followed him to Lady Amanda’s chambers. She went in and saw Lady Amanda lying on the bed, crying.

        “My lady,” Hayley said. She sat on the bed and Lady Amanda sat up and fell into her arms. Hayley held her as she cried. Lord Nickolas left the room and closed the door. Lady Amanda sat up and looked at Hayley.

        “You have to help me, Hayley, I need to get away and Lord Nickolas won’t let me leave because he thinks I just need rest,” Lady Amanda said.

        “My lady, I don’t want to get in trouble for it,” Hayley said.

        “You won’t,” Lady Amanda said. She wrote a letter and laid it on the bed and got stuff together. Hayley helped Lady Amanda sneak out of the mansion. Lord Nickolas walked into Lady Amanda’s chambers and saw her gone. He saw the letter and opened it.

My lord, I’m sorry but I needed to get away for awhile. I don’t know when I will return but I will return someday, I need time alone and away from the house and the memories and I will return when I am done grieving. I am sorry for this and don’t be mad at Hayley for helping me get away, she was only doing what I told her to do. She didn’t want to do it because she didn’t want to get in trouble but I made her do it. Please be kind to her, she was only doing what she was told, goodbye for now, your wife, Lady Amanda.

Lord Nickolas dropped the letter on the bed and stood there. Hayley came in and saw him and froze. He looked at her. She hung her head.

        “I’m sorry, my lord,” Hayley said.

        “I told her she couldn’t leave,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “I’m sorry, my lord, I didn’t want to do it but she made me,” Hayley said.

        “I’m afraid that you will be punished for helping her,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley nodded and he came over and grabbed her arm and took her to his room. He pushed her in and closed the door and locked it. She stood there in the room. She sat down on the bed and wondered what the lord would do to her.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Chapter 10

Lord Nickolas sat in his study, going over some papers when his servants, Brian, Will, and Howard came in.

        “Yes,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “My lord, we saw you put Hayley in your chambers,” Brian said.

        “She will be punished, Brian, I locked her in there because she helped Lady Amanda leave when I told Lady Amanda that she couldn’t leave,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “So Hayley is going to be a prisoner in your chambers,” Brian said.

        “I’m still deciding on what to do,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “My lord, Lady Amanda wanted to get away for a little while, away from the memories,” Brian said. Lord Nickolas looked at him.

        “And I don’t, running away isn’t going to change things,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “Hayley shouldn’t be punished for helping her, she was only doing what Lady Amanda said, Hayley is her most trusted handmaiden,” Brian said.

        “I don’t care, Brian, she helped my wife leave,” Lord Nickolas said. He thought about it and looked up and smiled.

        “Go do your chores outside,” Lord Nickolas said as he stood up. He went to his room. He unlocked it and opened the door and closed it and locked it and turned around and Hayley jumped in his arms and he smiled and kissed her deeply. He collapsed on the bed with her and kissed her as he removed their clothes. He laid between her legs and pushed inside her. They moved together and he went faster and harder. He kissed her as she came around him and moaned his name. He came behind her, spilling himself deep inside her. He laid on top of her and kissed her deeply. He pulled back and looked at her.

        “So is this my punishment, my lord,” Hayley said smiling up at him.

        “What punishment, my plan worked like I knew it would, forbid her to leave, she leaves anyways with your help, now we can be together without her being in the house,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley smiled and kissed him softly.

        “You know, this is the first time we slept together, I mean, all we’ve done was sneak kisses, and there was the making out on your desk in your study, but never further than that until now,” Hayley said. Lord Nickolas kissed her hungrily.

        “Now I don’t want to stop, I’m not punishing you, but everyone thinks I am,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley smiled.

        “Let them think it, otherwise, our secret would be out,” Hayley said. He smiled and kissed her and made love to her again. There was a knock at the door.

        “My lord,” Brian said. They got up and got dressed and Lord Nickolas kissed her deeply and went out the door and locked it up.

        “What is it, Brian,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “Lady Amanda has returned and wishes to see you in her chambers,” Brian said. Lord Nickolas nodded.

        “Go back to your chores and no one unlocks this door, got it,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “Yes sir,” Brian said. He went back outside. Lord Nickolas walked into Lady Amanda’s chambers and saw her sitting on the bed.

        “I told you that you couldn’t leave,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “I needed to get away from the house for a little bit, but I came back because I can’t run from the memories, they followed me,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Did you think that I wasn’t going through the same pain, huh, it was my baby, too,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “I know, but I can’t give you anymore children, maybe I should just disappear, end our marriage so you can find someone to give you children,” Lady Amanda said.

        “We are husband and wife, we exchanged vows!” Lord Nickolas said.

        “I know, but you want an heir and I can’t give you one!” Lady Amanda said crying.

        “We can find someone to give us a child,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “You mean you sleep with someone and get her pregnant, that is the only way,” Lady Amanda said. Lord Nickolas shrugged.

        “I don’t know what else to do, Amanda,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “No, you are right, you slept with someone and get them pregnant, but no more after that, um, someone we can trust, I know, Hayley,” Lady Amanda said.

        “I haven’t seen her around since you left,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “I knew I shouldn’t of left, she must be hiding from you, she probably thinks you will punish her for helping me,” Lady Amanda said.

        “I’ll go find her,” Lord Nickolas said. He went out the door and went to his chambers and saw Hayley on the bed. She sat up.

        “She’s home, she couldn’t run away from the memories, they followed her, now she wants you to carry my child,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “I could be after today,” Hayley said. Lord Nickolas closed the door and locked it and pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

        “We have to be careful,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley nodded and opened the door and snuck out of the room and went to Lady Amanda’s chambers.

        “My lady,” Hayley said. Lady Amanda got up and hugged her.

        “Where were you?” Lady Amanda asked.

        “Hiding, in my chambers,” Hayley said.

        “The lord tell you the news, or ask you the question,” Lady Amanda said.

        “Yes, my lady, and it will be my pleasure to carry the heir of the lord,” Hayley said. Lady Amanda smiled and hugged her. She led Hayley out the door.

        “Now there is no sense of waiting, you need to get started right away,” Lady Amanda said.  She pulled Hayley to the study and knocked. They heard the lord say to come in and went in and Lord Nickolas looked up and saw them and smiled.

        “I want you two to get started right away, the sooner the better,” Lady Amanda said.

        “As you wish, my dear,” Lord Nickolas said.  Lady Amanda closed the door. Hayley locked the doors and closed the windows and Lord Nickolas got up and came around to her and pulled her close and kissed her deeply. He picked her up and laid her on the couch and removed her clothes and removed his and laid on top of her and he made love to her. He laid on top of her and buried his face in her neck.

        “I can’t stop this, Hayley, I can’t stop making love to you, I feel like I’m in heaven,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “We can do this until I’m with child,” Hayley said.

        “And beyond, don’t think for a second that I’m stopping when you are pregnant,” Lord Nickolas said. Hayley sighed.

        “You always have your way,” Hayley said.

        “And don’t forget that,” Lord Nickolas said. He made love to her again. They got up and got dressed. There was a knock at the door.

        “Come in,” Lord Nickolas said. The door opened and his father stood there.

        “Hello son,” Robert said.

        “Father,” Lord Nickolas said standing up.

        “I will get back to my chores,” Hayley said.

        “Hold on a minute, who are you?” Robert said.

        “I’m Hayley, sir, Lady Amanda’s handmaiden, Lord Nickolas wanted to speak with me about a surprise that he is working on for Lady Amanda,” Hayley said.

        “A surprise, huh, would that include sleeping with him,” Robert said.

        “Excuse me?” Hayley asked.

        “I know that you two are sleeping together, I have my ways of finding out,” Robert said.

        “I’m sorry, sir, but you are mistaken, we are not sleeping together,” Hayley said.

        “I saw you two, in your bedroom, Nickolas, I was in the bathroom, I didn’t come out because you didn’t know I was in the palace and I didn’t want to scare her,” Robert said.

        “Okay, fine, we are sleeping together, but Amanda knows, Father, she pushed us together, she wants a child and she can’t carry a child to term so I’m sleeping with Hayley until she is with child, she is going to have the baby that me and Lady Amanda, she is going to be our surrogate,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “You could have told me to begin with,” Robert said.

        “Would you have understood the reason?” Lord Nickolas said.

        “Yes, you want an heir and if Amanda can’t carry a child, you have to find another alternative, and it seems you have,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “Amanda trusts Hayley with her life and so do I,” Lord Nickolas said.

        “Then she is a keeper,” Robert said smiling. Lady Amanda came in.

        “Nickolas, can we talk alone?” Lady Amanda asked.

        “Sure,” Lord Nickolas said. Robert and Hayley left the room and stood outside the door after it closed.

        “I want to thank you for what you are doing for my son and daughter-in-law, I really appreciate it, now that I know that Amanda can’t carry a child, I thought I would have a grandchild to carry on for the family but now that I know you are giving them a child, that is reassuring,” Robert said.

        “You’re welcome, sir, I would do anything for Lord Nickolas and Lady Amanda, they treat me like I’m a member of the family,” Hayley said.

        “You are a member now, you could be carrying my grandchild,” Robert said. Hayley nodded.

Epilogue

Nickolas came back into the study and sat down. Robert and Hayley looked at him. Robert stood in front of the desk with Hayley.

        “What’s wrong, son,” Robert said.

        “Amanda wants to dissolve our marriage, she doesn’t love me anymore,” Nickolas said.

        “What,” Hayley said.

        “But she wants Hayley to have your baby,” Robert said.

        “She wants Hayley to have my baby because she wants me and Hayley together, as a family, she can’t give me a child so she wants me with someone who can,” Nickolas said.

        “And what did you say about that?” Robert said.

        “I can’t fight with her, I don’t want to fight with her,” Nickolas said.

        “Hayley is just a handmaiden, not of noble blood,” Robert said.

        “Yes, she is,” Amanda said coming into the room.

        “What,” Robert said.

        “She’s my half sister, something I found out while I was gone, I went home and my mother confessed that my father had an affair with Hayley’s mother,” Amanda said.

        “So she is of noble blood,” Robert said.

        “Yes, we have the same father,” Amanda said.

        “I will get to work right away,” Robert said. He left. Nickolas looked at Amanda.

        “Are you sure about this?” Nickolas asked.

        “Yes, I am,” Amanda said.

Two weeks later, the marriage between Lord Nickolas and Lady Amanda was dissolved and Lord Nickolas married Hayley and she was now Lady Hayley. She had also found out that she was expecting a child. Nickolas and Hayley laid in bed after making love. He kissed her forehead. He smiled. Forbidden love became forever love.

The End!