Page 41 of May Queen: May Day

“This is beautiful and magical,” she told him, taking a seat by the water. At the opposite side of the garden were trellises with early blooming, climbing roses. A robin sat in a branch above her head, chirping a happy warble.

“This is where I come to be alone and think.”

“Who takes care of this beautiful garden?” she asked in awe.

“Most of the plants are perennials, so nature takes care of itself. However, I do have my squire tend to the weeding, and I find it relaxing to prune the plants myself.”

“You?” she asked, and giggled. “That is hardly a job for a knight.”

“My mother used to love flowers. As a child, I spent a lot of time playing in the garden. She taught me all there was to know.”

“Were your parents once Lord and Lady of Black Creek Castle?”

“They were,” he said with a slight nod, sitting down beside her. He stared out over the water and picked at a piece of grass as he relayed his story. “About a year ago, my parents both died. Actually, they were murdered.”

“Murdered? That is terrible.” Flora’s heart went out to him. “I hope you caught and executed the person who took their lives.”

“Not yet, but I am working on finding them.”

“Them? So there was more than one?”

“I believe so,” he said, but didn’t add any more. “Flora, I told you the truth about having my squire spy on you. Now, I’d like you to be honest with me about something as well. After all, if we’re to be married, I don’t want secrets between us. It isn’t healthy.”

“I understand,” she said, looking down and playing with the ring on her finger.

“Tell me the truth. Is your father a Druid?”

Her heart lodged in her throat. She didn’t know how to answer. “I grew up being told that my father, Sir Oren Debenham died in battle fighting for the king. It was before I was born.”

“I see.” He threw the grass to the ground and turned slightly to face her. “I have heard of Sir Debenham during my time being fostered by different lords. It is said he didn’t die fighting any battle. Some people say he mysteriously disappeared and that they think he is still alive today. Is he?”

“I never knew my father,” she said, getting to her feet, avoiding giving him an answer. She wasn’t ready to tell him the truth about this yet. “I think I would like to go back to my chamber now.” She turned to go, but Ricard jumped up and took her arm, spinning her back toward him.

“If you won’t tell me about your father, then at least stay here with me for a while. Please, don’t go. I like being with you.”

“I like being with you, as well. However, I see nothing here for us to do so it is pointless to stay.”

“I don’t think so.” He pulled her into his arms and reached out to cradle her face in his hands. Then he leaned forward and kissed her. Flora became lost in his kiss, forgetting for a moment where she was. And when he put his arms around her waist and pulled her up against him, she found herself resting her cheek against his shoulder. She felt safe and protected in Ricard’s embrace. It seemed right to be with him, and she was starting to think that she really wanted to marry him after all.

“I like this,” she whispered, feeling her knees quake under her weight, only because she was excited to be in his embrace.

“Then why do you tremble, my lady? Do you think I am going to hurt you?”

“Nay,” she answered. “I feel safe in your arms.”

“I will always protect you, my little fae.”

“Fae?” She looked up and smiled.

“Well, didn’t you tell me that you were named after the flower fairies?”

“I didn’t say that.” She smiled and felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “I said the name Flora comes from the Roman goddess of flowering plants.”

“That sounds the same to me.” He studied her face and slowly and gently ran his fingers along her cheek and down her neck. Warmth from his touch made her feel alive. “You, my dear Flora, seem at home in nature. You truly belong amongst the flowers.”

“Did you know the goddess, Flora, had a twin sister, Fauna, who was the goddess of animals and wildlife?”

“Nay, I did not know that. Do you have a sister named Fauna as well?”