Summary: Kenna and Raydan drink wine and take a bubble bath, and Kenna thinks of a way to help Raydan gain the acceptance of their people.
Author’s note: This was inspired by Duke Godfrey of Karlington’s statement in Book 3, Chapter 3 of The Royal Romance: “I’m sure the best kings and queens accomplished great things by taking a bubble bath and sipping chardonnay.”
Kenna could tell that something was bothering Raydan. He had been quiet and withdrawn all afternoon. She didn’t like seeing him upset, and wanted to help. She sat beside him and put her arm around him. “What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing you need to trouble yourself with,” he replied.
“Raydan, come on. If something’s wrong, it does concern me. I love you.” She gently rubbed his back.
Raydan sighed. “I overheard some of the people talking. I hid in the shadows so they wouldn’t know I was there.” He paused for a moment. “They said I shouldn’t be king. I’m a commoner with a questionable past. And I’m not even from Stormholt.”
Kenna frowned. “They’re wrong. You’re the best man I know. My mother wasn’t born royalty either. And you’re from Stormholt now, even though you weren’t born here.”
“It still bothers me, though,” he admitted. “Sometimes I still can’t believe you chose me.”
“You’re the love of my life. How could I choose anyone else?” She leaned in and kissed him gently, then reached for his hand. “I think you need a distraction. Come with me.”
Kenna picked up a bottle of wine and handed it to Raydan, then grabbed two glasses. She then headed for the bathing chamber. When they got there, they undressed, and Kenna began filling the bathtub. She tossed some soap flakes into the tub, and soon it was full of foamy water.
She poured the wine and handed one of the glasses to Raydan, then stepped into the tub. He joined her, and they began to relax, enjoying the warm water.
Kenna moved close to Raydan and began rubbing his back with her free hand. She could feel the tension in his body melting away.
After they had finished their wine, Raydan took her into his arms. “You always know how to make me feel good. I love you so much.”
“I love you too.” She held him close. She felt so lucky to have him in her life. It hurt her to think that people were saying such awful things about him. Surely anyone who knew him could see how special he was. Wait…that’s it!
Kenna’s eyes lit up as she looked to Raydan. “I have an idea. I think we should talk to the people of Stormholt. Meet with them, let them get to know you. They can see for themselves what kind of man you are. And they can tell us what they want, what their needs are, what their concerns are. In time, they may see that you’re the king they need.”
Raydan smiled. “That’s worth a try.”
Kenna nodded. “And I bet they’ll love your idea about helping the poor. Because you grew up on the street, you know what it’s like, and you can empathize in a way that many others can’t. That’s a real advantage. Surely people will see that.”
“I hope so.” He looked at her tenderly. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Kenna began to stroke Raydan’s thigh. “And speaking of pleasure…” She leaned in and kissed him. He deepened the kiss, and soon all their worries were cast aside as they gave themselves over to each other.