Tea with a Bard

Chapter one: Emergence Of Find You

❧

I had been sulking in the gardens, yet another ball I was forced to attend.
Honestly the gardens where quite lovely this time of the year. Fireflies would flicker along the lanterns. The fountains gargling and the water slowly falling back into the pond were the only sounds. An angel stood in the middle of the fountain positioned so that his hand touching the waterfall.
The bushes were decorated with roses, and hollyhocks. Even for this occasion, a bow was tied on every bush.
I continued sulking to waste time. A flash of a yellow dress caught my eye. From up on the balcony a girl rushed down and into the garden. She kept looking behind her, ensuring no one followed.
Intrigued I decide to investigate. Around the gardens bend, and down the path to the bench she was on. She looks away and I sit down.
"Lovely night isn't it?" I asked.
She is taken off guard and jumps from my question. Sitting across the way, she's looking as pretty as could be. Her hair is slightly tussled, freckles line her face, and yellow dress complemented her complexion perfectly.
"Umm...yes it is," she replied, annunciating every word. What was racing through her mind?
Did she recognize who I was? That would be impossible, no one knew my true identity, it was easy to hide.
Ever since my poor father passed, I had assumed the crown, no one knew except the servants. Rumors were whispered amongst the ton, and suspicion of the kings heir.
My mission was to find a wife before exposing myself. It was also imperative to have loyal friends before making known my identity. A wise king knew who he could and couldn't trust. Being disguised was the easiest way accomplish my goals, even if it meant lying.
At every ball that I attended, my story would change. Sometimes I was a footman, other times it was a squire, or someone who held no title. I would be simply passed off an ignored, just as intended.
But surely, I wouldn't have forgotten her face if we meet.
"I really must be going," she said while standing up. I hoped my silence didn't offend her.
"No, please don't go. At least not yet," My reflexes grabbed her hand. Instantly a bashful smile crosses my lips, embarrassed of how I had just grabbed her.
She froze, and just stared at me. Was my request unreasonable? Surely, she would bend to this request, wouldn't most women?
"Well then,bone minute couldn't hurt," she said sitting back down.
"Tell me, what do you think of the ball?" I asked making small talk. My tutors words come to mind, "most gentlemen try to have conversations with women, not just grab them."
"Honestly I don't like it at all, the crowds are a bit much," She confides.
"You are very lovely, I spotted you from across the garden in that yellow dress. If I recall it is out of style, but I think you put it back in fashion," I said cringing at every word. Did I really say her dress was out of style? I hoped she wouldn't consider this an insult.
"Well thank you, you are very handsome," she said, and slight red colors her cheeks.
"Really, I must be return to the ball," she continues gazing into my eyes.
"Would you mind if I was to come calling on you?" I asked uncertain if this was a common question to ask women at the ball.
"Yes, I think that should be quiet lovely." She said while rising from her seat.
"Till later, m'lady," yet again I grab her hand and kiss her glove.
Without moving, I watched her walk up the stairs and disappear into the ballroom. Only then did I notice the small tare at the bottom of her dress.
"Magnus," I called to my tutor hiding in the bushes. "She might be the one," I still stare fixed in her direction.
"Come now, she is a commoner. From the look of her dress she has neither land nor title. She is no use to you." Magnus advised.
"What does land or title have to do with finding a bride. You are well aware of my origins. Have Eric seek her out and dance with her. After the dance an announcement will be made, and she will be chosen. I have already went over everything with Eric. He has been trained on how to act as my guise." I finish, my tone full of authority.
"As you wish, my king," Magnus said bowing. He turned and left to find Eric.
I smile, she might be the one. Honestly until I assumed the crown, marriage never was much of a thought. I never pictured myself settling down, but a king needed a queen at his side. Since that decision had been made, a written a list of things required of a queen had been made. Most importantly I wanted someone to love and who would love me, not just someone tolerable.
Awaiting my plan, I join ton in the ballroom. Partners twirl around in the room with elegance.
My plan unfolds with the crowd coming to a hush. There she was in her stunning yellow dress, hanging on Eric's arm. Jealousy surges through my veins.
All the lights were shut off except a spot light focused on the pair. I wished she was dancing with me, but it wasn't possible. I would never know if she truly loved me without concealing my identity. Jewels and riches blind even the most just.
Instead of dancing with her, I held my composure and waited for it to end. Eric played his part magnificently. He did everything that he was instructed to do.
With the first words the page called out, something inside me bubbled, this decree would give me the chance to find out if she could love me.
At the end of the decree I rush up the steps to play my part, and hold out my arm, "Allow me to take you home Lady Devante." I bowed low, as though she was already royalty.
She took my arm after curtsying, and I led her out of the ballroom. The carriage waited at the end of the stair case.
I opened the carriage door and helped her in. Then climbed in myself and shut the door. A jolt shook me, and the carriage started forward.
She looked bashfully out of the window, in the opposite direction from where I sat. Her pretty little gloves rested against her lap.
"Was it everything you hoped it would be?" I couldn't help but question.
"I suppose." She replied. He focus still directed out the window. The country side passed slowly before our eyes. I could feel an uncomfortable prick in the air.
"Surly you have many thoughts. You have been chosen by the king," a forced conversation comes forth.
"I'm sure most would be excited and thrilled," her dry words send a sharp jab into my side.
"You don't sound happy to be chosen?" I pried, afraid of her answer.
"And if I'm not?" She stated, and I felt my courage waver.
"What makes you unhappy about being chosen?" I wonder speaking my thoughts out loud. This girl was puzzling.
"I've lived in many places. I've lived with many people, and sometimes not even one place for a whole season. I will yet again have a new room, a new place, and nothing familiar." She stated blandly, and her eyes looked stark.
My heart sunk down to my feet. Was it right to put her through this test? What if I was ripping her away from a home she loved?
"I'm sorry it was so difficult for you. I'm sure your father did his best," I offered my sympathy.
"On the contrary he didn't," she stated icily. "He died when I was a babe, on the battle field."
"I'm sorry," I muttered after making the situation worse. I sat awkwardly in silence and turned my focus out the window. Each second dragged by.
"Don't feel bad, you didn't know. Both of my parents died along time ago, even not it's not an easy thing to mention that I grew up an orphan," she said.
I turned at looked at her but remained silent, unsure of what to say, and nod.
Outside the carriage her house drew near. "Woe boy," the horse driver called.
The carriage stopped. I stood up and opened the door, and offered my hand to help her down.