“There you are, Argyll,” the king said. “We have been looking all over for you. Where had you gotten yourself off to?”
“I do apologize, Your Majesty. I was securing my horse. He was restless and needed some extra attention.”
“Ahh, there, you see, Lady Fraser? He has not left the palace, rather taking the time to care for his horse. A fine attribute that, don’t you think?”
Lady Fraser came forward with an outstretched hand toward Alexander, and her daughter in tow with the other. “Aye, Your Majesty, a fine attribute indeed,” she said with eyes locked on Alexander.
Politeness demanded he kiss her hand and allow her to introduce her daughter. He had to pull patience from his toes for this part of the day.
“My Lord, may I introduce my daughter, Lady Cora?” The woman shoved her daughter forward who looked equally as mortified as Alexander and, in that moment, he felt a slight bit of pity for the lass. Her eyes met his for a moment then cast down again.
“Are you enjoying the tournament?” Alexander asked her, hoping to put her at least a little at ease.
“Aye,” she whispered.
“Do not forget you address an earl,” her mother snapped at her.
“’Tis all right,” Alexander said.
“Truly, ’tis not, my lord,” Lady Fraser said. “The lass will apologize, now,” she said and pinched her daughter.
The lass jumped and squeaked and said, “I am sorry, my lord, for my rudeness. I am enjoying the tournament very much. You rode very well earlier.” With this she stood tall, and when he looked at her countenance, saw none of the earlier shyness, but rather a slight smirk on her face.
And this was the game, played over and over. A minor infraction at the beginning of an introduction draws in his attention and concern, then they jump into the compliments, all in an attempt to ensnare him. God in heaven, how much longer would he have to endure this farce? Maybe it was time to just marry someone and remove himself from the market. He envied the married men off to the side enjoying an ale and banter while he and any other untethered man in the hall had to endure this sort of madness.
He prayed that someone would come and save him from this insanity before he truly lost his mind and fell for one of them.
Chapter Three
At no pointin her life had she ever been so enthralled by God’s creatures. For there had never been a time when she had seen so much of his creation in one place. Marion listened to the queen as she described each and every animal in her possession. Marion found herself drawn to one very colorful bird with a long, elegant neck, beautiful blue-green plumage, and tailfeathers that fanned out to form an elaborate pattern finer than any tapestry or fabric she’d ever seen. The bird also possessed what looked like a crown of feathers that appeared to float above its head. Clearly, God had a finer hand with a needle and thread than any seamstress.
“Are they not the most glorious birds you have ever seen?”
“Aye, my lady. I am truly in awe of your collection, but surely God took extra time on these—what are they called?”
“They are called peacocks. And interestingly enough, it is the male who is donned so. The unfortunate female possesses no such bold colors and markings. For it is he who draws the attention of her,” she said as she pointed to an all-white bird with the same shape, but looked like the artist had not yet set their palette to work.
Marion rather liked that concept and now had more admiration for the peahen. She approached the bird cautiously and crouched low, holding out her hand. The skittish peahen’s head shifted back and forth a few times before inching forward and then placing its beak onto Marion’s hand.
“She likes you, Lady Marion!”
The queen clapped her hands which spooked the bird who then opened her tail feathers for a moment, revealing a delightful spread of exquisite display before skittering off to hide behind a small bush. In her wake, she left a feather close to Marion who picked it up and stroked its soft shape.
“I have an idea, Lady Marion, if you will indulge me.”
Marion stood with the feather still in hand, pleased beyond all belief she had been blessed by this bird’s offering.
“Aye, my lady?”
“Ahh, there you are, my Queen,” a deep voice said from the menagerie’s entrance. “How fares your visit? And I see your new friend has a look of wonder about her that is quite pleasing. I take it you approve of my wife’s pets?”
Marion curtseyed to the king and smiled at the kind look that passed between him and the queen. They might have an age between them, and which resulted in obvious challenges, but it appeared there was genuine affection present as well.
“She certainly does, my king,” the queen said. “I believe I know how I shall dress her for this evening’s masque.”
Was she now becoming another of the queen’s pets? Maybe, but somehow, she didn’t mind for the day was turning out far more interesting than she could ever have imagined. And who could turn down a little pampering from a queen?
“Aye, Your Majesty. I am rather taken with all of these creatures. Truly, God’s creativity is present in each and every one of them.”
