Crowning Achievement

The royal bedchamber is game only for the bravest of players

"They'll never tear me from your arms. Damn their customs!"

He looked at her cautiously. "You know you've no claim to anything, not even reputation, if we're found out, don't you?"

She looked at him defiantly. "I would almost welcome it to declare that I had such love of the King, even the Queen couldn't match; for I am the one carrying his son!"

King Lucas II moved to the chambermaid's side, wide-eyed. "A... son?"

She beamed at him, nodding.

An offshoot son, bastard lineage!

He wrapped his arms around her gently, murmuring, drawing her toward the open window slowly...