When I wake I attempt to get up only to realize Arthur's arms are wrapped around me, his breath is on my neck and my back is pressed into his chest.
"Sorry my lady, it was cold last night." He mummers when he wakes up, pulling his arms from my waist. I just nod. I have so many questions. He looks at me.
"Your still wondering why I didn't force myself on you last night?" He asks, I can see hurt in his eyes.
I nod.
"Because I like you quite a lot. And I don't need you to right now of course. It is simply a want"
I nod.
"Do you like horses?" He asks. I nod. "Get dressed and meet me in the stables" he mutters.
*********
I walk into the monstrous barn, where tons of horses have their heads poked out of their stalls. Arthur stands in the center putting saddles on two horses, one black dressed in all white and gold attire. And one white dressed in all black and gold attire. He hands the reins of the white one to me. "This is Annie." He says with a smile "and this is grace" he says pointing to the black horse. We lead them out of the barn and ride out of the castle to the market. I'd never been anywhere like the market. So teeming with life.We walk our horses thorough the little shop area buying little things that catch our eyes. After spending the day and eating there we come back where a chariot awaits us. Lilian and Diane are already in the chariot and George tips his hat to me.
"Lovely to see you again my lady." He says with a smile. I nod. "and to you as well George"
Our things are in the back of the chariot and two guards ride Annie and grace behind us.
"Your highness?"
"Arthur." He corrects.
"Yes Arthur, might I ask where we are going?"
"Why to my castle of course."
Of course. I'd completely forgotten that we had only been visiting his father.
He nods, "we will get there in time for supper."
I feel queasy, would he change his mind? Or would he have a mistress instead!? For some reason this angered me, even though as a prince he could do whatever he pleased. I fall Asleep for most of the drive and awake with my head resting on his shoulder.
"Did I wake you?" He whispered.
I shake my head and go back to sleep.
I feel the chariot stop so I sit up. I smile at Lilian and Diane and take Arthur's hand as he helps me down.
"Thank you George!" I yell as he drives away.
"Of course my lady!" He yess back. Once we are inside we go straight to the dinning hall and eat dinner:pork sautéed with vegetables and wine. And a creamy pastry for desert. Then I go back to my personal chamber with Diane and Lilian and I get dressed into the same silk nightgown and robe.
When I walk into the chamber I see Arthur looking out the window. I walk over to him.
"I am going to see my mistress tonight." He says.
"I'll be back in the morning." This infuriates me. I thought we were getting along! In a moment of stupidity I grab his shirt as he walks away and whisper yell, "I don't want you to go Arthur please don't leave!" He freezes and raises an eyebrow.
"Excuse you." He mutters and I drop my hand feeling broken and sad. But why? This is just how it works. He could marry four other women tomorrow and have a hundred mistresses. Still it upsets me.
"Last night y-y-you held me because it was cold. Are you going to leave me to freeze on my own!?" I cry. He laughs.
"Well do I get to hold you?" He asks with a playful smile touching his lips. I nod. I liked the feeling of him holding me, but it still scared me to think of what he would do if I let him. He smiles.
"Well ok then that changes things" we crawl into bed and he wraps his arms around me. It doesn't please me as much as the way he held me last night.
"Hold me like you did last night." I whisper gently.
He lays on his side and pulls me into him wrapping his arms snug around me and pressing his face against my neck.
"Like this?" He asks. But I can only nod because it feels so amazing, his breath on my neck,and his arms around me. I fall asleep happier than I've ever been.
"When I wake he is playing with my hair so I pretend to be asleep. When he stops I fake a yawn and pretend to just be waking up.
"Good morning" he says with a bright smile.
"Good morning" I say returning it.
I can't help but feel very happy, I like Arthur. But does he like me back?