Court of love or hatred

Chapter 5

It is a warm day today although the sun is hidden behind the clouds it briefly breaks through causing my auburn hair to shine vibrantly. As we approach the beginning of the gardens I see people whispering behind their hands to each other their eyes locked to mine and Keaton's linked arms. I walked on head held high and felt a comforting hand on my lower back.

"My lady these gardens are marvellous what a hidden talent within this court". I admired the flowers as we walked by the beautiful blues and purples mixing together creating a colourful landscape. I continue on in silence admiring the view Keaton makes no further comment looking at the many sculptures and statues as we pass. When we get to the middle of the gardens I notice a blanket laid upon the ground with a pick-nick basket sitting upon it.

As if on cue my stomach made the loudest rumbling noise that I am sure everyone would have heard from within the palace. Prince Keaton turns to me with a slight grin on his face "My lady when you didn't come down for food this morning I saw it as the perfect opportunity to spend time with you. I had the kitchens prepare food and set this up in the hopes that you did not decline my invitation of a walk". I look at prince Keaton for a minute before I reply a slight blush on my face "well there is no way I can hide my hunger now, thank you for thinking off me".

As we sat down he began to pull out sandwiches, fruit, cake and some water. He then handed me a ham sandwich which I nibbled on lightly. He tucked into his sandwich and we looked out at the garden before us. Keaton turned to me "So I suppose we should get to know each other, since we are to be married I would like to know the lady I am marrying"

I swallow down the food in my mouth take a drink of water then turn to him "what would you like to know?". He stared at me in a way that made me feel like he was dissecting my every move just as I was about to speak up he said "let's start easy, what is your favourite colour?" I automatically responded with "purple" and repeated his question to which he replied "green".

I then asked him "what is his favourite thing to do in his spare time?" He responded with a look of fondness on his face "I like to get on my horse and go for a ride through the forest in Arcadia it's so peaceful and invigorating getting away from the court". He goes silent with a look of contemplation upon his face. I speak up "It must be hard being away from home?" He shakes his head losing his dazed look "it's actually refreshing being in a different court seeing how it run's meeting the people" he says the last bit with a smile directed my way.

I plaster a fake smile upon my face as my eyes begin to glaze over at the thought that I soon need to leave the place I call home and go to a kingdom far away to live with strangers. I stand suddenly, Keaton jumps up startled by my sudden movement. I quickly mutter an excuse and rush off in the direction of the palace.

I get about 3 steps when I feel Keaton grab my arm and twist me around to face him. "My lady I am sorry if I have upset you please tell me what I have done so I can fix it". His voice was filled with concern and he had a pleading look in his eyes. I take a deep breath and look at the blue flowers next to me avoiding his eyes " I am just upset because I will have to leave my home soon"

Silence descends for a few minutes until I feel his hand grip my cheek turning my head towards him so that our eyes meet then he speaks up "I can't stop this marriage princess it is for the good of both kingdoms but I can promise you that I will make my kingdom your home I will do anything to ensure your happiness and comfort within the kingdom".

A stray tear falls down my face to which his eyes follow it's movement. I quickly wipe it away and take a few minutes to compose myself "Thank you Keaton I am sure I will enjoy my new life in your kingdom" He nods his head with a look of doubt on his face as if not believing my words then takes my arm and escorts me back to the palace. As we reach the entrance he quietly thanks me for accompanying him and say's he will see me later at dinner.