Renisannce Romance

Stable Boy

    Saphirra woke up the next morning feeling nervous though she did not know why.  She knew today her family would prepare to announce her engagement and everyone in both kingdoms would know.  They would be expected to do an announcement in his kingdom as well.  It was a formality that they would wear matching outfits and come out in front of the castle as they are announced as betrothed.  They would wave and receive congratulations and cheers from everyone.  This all sounded so unappealing to her, but she loved her people fiercely and knew this was an important step in becoming queen.

    She walked to her window and looked out, something she did every morning though she never knew what she was expecting to see.  This time, something caught her eye.  A boy collecting hay for the horses into a wagon.  He wore a loose white shirt with half of the buttons undone showing off his chiseled chest and brown tan. His khaki pants hugged him in all the right places and revealed more muscles in his legs.  His brown boots were loosely untied with dirt on them.  His black hair laid to the side and she watched as he shook it out of his face and wiped sweat from his forehead.  She bit her lip and grabbed onto her necklace, a nervous habit of hers, as she watched him work.  

    "Good morning Princess!  It is a lovely day outside isn't it?  Your sister says you have something very exciting to tell me though I suspect I can guess what it is!"  Claire walked in with towels in her hand to prepare the Princess for her bath pulling her out of her thoughts though her gaze did not leave the man.  

    "Claire, who is that man?"  She pointed towards the man in the field.  "Oh my lady you know Lucas the groundskeeper?  That is his son Rhett, he has returned from school now that he has finished his studies.  His father has made him his right hand on the grounds, he is in charge of the stables.  He really is a sweet boy, his schooling has made him into a soft speaking gentleman!  Lucas is so proud of him."  

    Claire gave a side glance to the Princess as she stood beside her still staring at the man.  She knew that look as it was the same look she gave her husband upon meeting him, a look Saphirra had never given Christopher.  Claire's tone became serious laced with pity "My lady, the boy is handsome, but he is not a suitable option for king.  He is not fitted for a lady of your stature so I suggest you move your gaze elsewhere."  Her eyes met Claire's as if she was shocked by her words, but she moved her eyes to the floor.  

    She looked back up with a smile, "Claire do not worry, I was only curious as to who he was.  As the future queen I need to know who is working in my castle.  He is quite handsome to look at, but never fear I am engaged to be married now!"  A huge smile spread across Claire's face as Saphirra began to tell her about the proposal.  Claire drew her bath and prepared her for the day as she spoke.  Saphirra felt excitement as she loved weddings, but she felt as if she was speaking of someone else's wedding.  

    The Princess was dressed in a pink dress with white lace around the bodice and pearl earrings.  Claire had placed a French braid across the front of her dark hair holding it out of her face.  She powdered her skin and put blush on her cheeks.  Claire smiled upon seeing her work, she always made the Princess feel beautiful.  She bid Saphirra farewell and excused herself from her chambers.  

    Saphirra looked at herself in the mirror and smiled, she suddenly felt as if she needed to go see her horse Marigold.  She walked to her closet and grabbed her boots to walk to the stables in.  She had always loved riding horses though she had not had the time to recently.  She opened the door and peered down the hallway, she went right, the opposite way from the rest of the house.  There was a hidden staircase behind a door that servants often used to get downstairs quicker.  She practically ran down the stairs to the door leading outside.  

    She stepped out into the sunshine and walked towards the large white stables on the opposite side of the castle grounds.  She walked up to her large white horse and began to pet it.  She heard rattling on the other side of the horse and leaned around to see him. "Well hello there," she greeted.  He looked up with wide eyes almost taken aback by her sudden visit.  He quickly composed himself, "Your Highness, I apologize I was not expecting to see you standing there."  "Do not apologize, I am surprised you recognized me, I have not seen you since we were children."  "My Princess, I could never forget someone as lovely as you."

    His blue eyes bore into her as if he could see deep into her soul.  "Why thank you sir, I could not help but notice you out here this morning and I needed to see who was working my grounds."  His voice was gentle and smooth and she allowed her eyes to rake over him.  She took in his skin and noticed how beautiful it was.  He had small scratches on his hands from working, but she thought about what it be like to have them touching her.  She trailed her gaze down his body and back up to his bright blue eyes.  Her cheeks heated up in embarrassment as he smirked noticing her gaze.  

    His eyes were on her lips as he spoke with a playful tone, "Princess, I am so glad you are so observant of those working for you.  It is rare to find a royal so interested in who is scooping their horses dung."  She could not maintain her composure and laughed heartily.  "I supposed you've caught me Sir, I saw you from my window and was curious and had to come see you."  He grinned showing his very white teeth, was there anything wrong with this boy she thought?  

    "Princess, would you liked to go for a ride with me?  I would like to show you my special spot in the woods."  "Absolutely, I would love to."  He helped her onto her horse and climbed on in front of her.  She was perfectly capable of riding her own horse, but she did not feel the need to point it out. He climbed on in front of her and she placed her arms around his waist and off they rode.