But she was nowhere to be found once again. Fortunately with one slight difference this time. I wasn't bound by my duties today and could easily search for her.
I stepped into the large kitchen filled with laughter, soft women's voices and the scent of garlic and spice, where one of the servants swore to see her just now.
"Why are you hiding from me in a place like this? Are you aware I can't run around looking for you every time you disappear, right?" I asked the only one who didn't bow in my presence and ignored Jacob trying to hide the fact I just saw him eating bread dough.
"I wasn't aware we were supposed to meet today too. I was waiting for you yesterday's evening, but I was told you - ehm - Your Highness is busy dealing with state affairs." she got visibly nervous as she just now realized she addressed me this personally in front of other people.
"We are to be married, Valleria. I'd really appreciate any moment you could allow me to spend with you. Will you join me on today's ride?" I asked her, trying to sound as respectable as possible, while showering her with word plays.
"I wanted to be of some use, and there is so much work to do I decided to spend my day here. I will happily join you for dinner, in the great hall." she replied, with a short bow. In the great hall. With a lot of eyes. And little to no chance to get intimate.
"I understand." I nodded, but instead of leaving, I approached her and bent to kiss her.
"We are to be married, my love. There is no need for you to be this shy. Come with me, or I'll do all those things to you on this very desk. My bedroom, or this kitchen. What will it be, Valleria?" I whispered right to her ear after I left her out of breath, with blushed cheeks and parted lips.
But before I could say anything else, she held my face in fingers covered in flour and pulled me back, to return the kiss.
"Do you want to do it in the kitchen, then?" I breathed out and grabbed the back of her neck to hold her from pulling away, as I kissed her again with bigger urgency.
"No." she shook her head and pushed me a bit aside "Wait for me in your chambers. I'll finish these first and join you later."
"That's not an option, Valleria. We are either-" I spoke up just a bit louder, so everyone could hear, but she jumped into my speech to shut me up.
"Alright!" she yelped and stood up quickly. She wiped her hands into the apron she had on and pulled it over her head to put it aside.