Renisannce Romance

Secret Gardens & Secret Words

    She held onto him as they rode forward towards the forest.  Her heart was racing as she tightened her grip.  She felt him shift nervously in front of her.  "Are you scared Princess?"  he teased.  She sat up straight, "Of course not, in fact I think we should go faster."  "As you desire Princess."  He grabbed the reigns and the horse sped up.  She laughed and he joined as the wind flew through their hair.  She could smell the must scent from his sweat, it smelled delectable.  She closed her eyes as she took in his scent and the feel of his body in front of her.  She felt like she was dreaming.  Being the horse with Rhett made her feel free as if she had no care in the world but being in this moment with him.

    He slowed the horse down, "Woah girl! We are here Princess. I came to this spot as a child often."  She looked around her and was astonished to see a place so beautiful.  There was a river that flowed into a small waterfall on the side.  Butterflies flew around and landed on pink and yellow flowers.  Fish splashed and jumped in the river.  The grass was the most rich green color she had ever seen.  She watched as the sun made the water sparkle until a breeze made her look away. "This place is so beautiful Rhett, how did you find it?"

    "When my mother became sick, I needed a place to escape from the despair and the dread in my household.  She and my father used to come here together.  We all knew what was coming for my mother was never well my whole childhood.  I am sure you recall her passing, and after she went on I came here almost daily.  I could always feel her presence here.  It was as if the sun shining on the water was her smiling at me.  I missed her smile so much when she was gone.  This place became my sanctuary until I was sent off to the academy.  I never saw another soul here so I assumed no one knew about it, until now that is...until you."

    She remembered his mother dying as his father had been a loyal hard worker at the castle as long as she could remember.  His mother often ran the kitchen because she loved to cook.  Saphirra remembered her more than he knew, "I recall when your mother was in charge of the kitchen.  I would go sit at the table when she was preparing meals.  She taught me how to prepare meals and cook when I was young.  We would talk about everything and she would tell me how she knew I would be an amazing queen.  I always loved when Lucas came in because he would stick his finger in her batter to taste what she was cooking.  She would always laugh and swat him away, but I could tell she loved his antics."

    Rhett smiled at the memory, "They began working at the palace together so they could be close to each other even when they were occupied.  They truly loved one another.  I have always hoped for a love like that in my life."

    "And one day you shall have it Sir Rhett."  Their eyes met and she was surprised at the connection she immediately felt with him.  She remembered sneaking off to play as kids and getting into trouble together.  They had always gotten on so well and had such a grand time together.  She told him farewell when he went off to do his schooling, but she never expected him to become such an astonishingly handsome man.  She certainly did not expect him to make her feel the way she was in this moment.

    "What are you thinking of my Princess?" "I am only remembering when we were children and all the fun we had together getting into mischief."  Rhett smiled, "You know, my mother always said she wished I had been born into nobility."  She stared at him confused, "Why is that?" "So I could marry you."  His eyes were full of lust and she felt her heart skip at his words.

    His gaze was so intense she had to look away for she was afraid her eyes would reveal how she felt about his words.  He continued, "She thought very highly of you and told me you were going to be a magnificent queen.  She said you were so stubborn that it would serve you well one day."  She laughed, "I have never been a rule follower you know."  "That is one of the many things I have always loved about you." 

    She could not help but look at him this time.  "Rhett, we haven't seen each other in years, why are you saying these things now?"  He looked at her for a long moment, "Saphirra, I dare not speak what I am thinking it is not appropriate for a man of my status to say to the future queen."  "I will allow you to speak freely," she said with confidence though she felt she would faint any moment.  

    "Saphirra, while I was away I thought of you and the friendship we shared.  I wrote so many letters I could never send for fear of what you might say.  As I grew into maturity I longed for you and our connection.  I wondered what may have become of it if I had stayed here.  I wonder know what could become of us, you have become an astonishingly beautiful woman.  I never dreamed I would be sitting here with you my first week back.  I thought I would have to work up the courage to approach you somehow.  I did not even know how to get near you, but it seems fate has intervened."

    He was leaning closer to her now and she looked longingly into his eyes. His eyes she thought...."It was you! You were the man from the ball last night. You danced with me."  "I was hoping that you would discover it was me.  I felt things last night I cannot explain which just solidified to me that I made the right choice in returning."

    "Rhett, I have to tell you that I am betrothed to Prince Christopher and I love him, I truly do."  He looked at her with disappointment in his eyes, "I know I have no claim to you Princess.  I am sure I am not the only man who dreams of you and desires to be close to you.  I needed to express how I felt before it was too late. Of course you will marry a royal and you will be a wonderful queen. He should be honored to have you as his wife."  

    She looked up and noticed they had been talking so long the sun was now going down.  "Rhett, we have to get back!  Everyone is probably out looking for me!"  He helped her stand and pulled her in close to him.  He was so close she could feel his hot breath on her lips.  "Remember Princess, I will always be waiting for you."  With that he lifted her onto the horse, climbed on and rode back towards the castle.