Renisannce Romance

Expectations

    Rhett hurriedly rode the horse up to the castle and immediately saw guards discussing and preparing to ride off in search of the Princess.  Christopher was pointing at a map of the kingdom and giving commands on where to look.  "She's been gone all day! She is never gone this long without informing anyone or taking a guard with her.  We must hurry, she could be in danger."  "Your Highness?" Captian Rogers pointed at Saphirra as she was climbing off the horse followed by Rhett.

    "Saphirra! Where have you been? We were beginning a search of the kingdom for you!  Your mother is worried sick !"  Christopher looked very irate but worry overtook all other emotions shown on his face.  "Love, I wanted to ride my horse today.  Rhett went with me as he was concerned I would not be safe on my own.  That is all it was my dear, I just needed some time outdoors."  She placed her hand on Rhett's shoulder and he tensed under her touch. 

    Christopher looked between the two uncertain and sighed, "I wish you would inform someone before you do such impulsive things.  You are the future queen, your safety is priority you need to be with a guard at all times."  His voice seeped with authority, but she knew it was more of a request as he was not one to tell her what to do.  He loved her free spirit and independence and would never want to tame her.  She nodded in understanding, "I am going to go make sure my mother has not worried herself sick.  Rhett, thank you for a lovely ride and watching over me today."  Her fingers touched his and she squeezed them before smiling and walking into the castle.

    Christopher turned to Rhett, "Sir, I do not know how to thank you for taking care of her on her excursion today.  You look familiar to me though, do we know each other?"  "Actually yes, Lucas is my father, I used to play with the Princess as a child."  Christopher remembered he never played much as a child and always told Saphirra no when she asked as he was too busy learning to ways of a future king.  He did remember the dark haired boy that she would always grab his hand and run off with because he would always go with her.

    "You are the boy she used to get into mischief with? Stealing from the market and running from her maids?"  Rhett smiled and nodded, "The very same, yes."  Christopher's face turned into a frown, "Rhett I appreciate you watching over my lady however, she is to be queen.  She cannot be wild and running off from the palace whenever she gets a whim to. I think it is appropriate that we leave your friendship in the past and move forward as adults.  I believe all are equal, but please remember your place Sir."

    Rhett nodded and looked thoughtfully at Christopher, "I believe it is up to the Princess to decide who she spends her time with.  Furthermore, if the Princess calls upon me for anything, whatever and however she needs me, I will answer.  You will not find one more loyal to her than me Your Highness.  If you don't mind I have work to return to."  With that he turned and went back to the stables leaving Christopher standing there in shock.

    Saphirra walked into the throne room where her sister and parents stood. "Oh, thank God!  We were so worried you have been gone all day! Where have you been?"  Her mother looked her over to make sure she was not injured.  "I am fine mother, I went riding on my horse.  The stable boy went with me so I was not alone."  Her mother pulled away and her sister's eyes widened. "Stable boy? Lucas's son?" the King questioned.  "Yes, Father I was safe.  I apologize for worrying you.  I will not leave without telling you again."  

    The Queen dismissed Avianna to speak to Saphirra alone.  "Saphirra, you are to be our queen one day.  Do you think it is acceptable for the future queen to be riding on the back of a horse with the stable boy?  It is very inappropriate for a lady of your status to be with any man other than her betrothed."  "Mother...it was not anything other than a ride." "My darling, I may be your mother but I am not blind.  I see your cheeks flushing and your eyes sparkling just at the mention of him.  It is disrespectful of yourself and your future husband to behave this way.  You were expected to announce your engagement today instead we are dealing with this nonsense.  I do not want this to progress further so I am forbidding you from spending time alone with this boy again.  He is not for you my dear, not at all."  

    She looked at her mother with anger, "Mother it is my decision if I choose to get to know my subjects and it is my choice who I spend time with.  I am betrothed to Christopher and I have not been unfaithful.  You will not tell me how to behave as I will decide this for myself," with that she turned on her heel and left.

    The Queen watched her as she walked away then turned to the king, "My love, call Lucas and his boy over, I would like to speak with them."