“My lord,” Summer touched his hand, leaning down from the saddle, “Henry, don’t worry about me.” She gave him a joyful smile and nudged Petal into a trot. In what short time could a whole world change. It was as if the sun had come out from behind the clouds of her mind, dazzling her with brilliance.
She wondered how Henry would choose to pursue their relationship. Would he be secretive, guarding her from the world in some wild attempt to protect her? Would he court her after the manner of kings, with gifts and public attention? She hoped neither. She hoped it could be quieter, casual touches of hands in the corridors, stolen kisses in the mornings, heartfelt and thoughtful gifts. A continuation of the simple kindnesses that had led her heart to him in the first place.
Henry smiled as she rode away and he turned back to the fields, taking Pointers – who had his fill of water – he mounted once more and made his way to the castle.
It was empty now at this hour of the day so he made his way to the kitchens to take some food, and to tell the chefs to prepare a meal for him, but nothing too elaborate – he planned to take Summer to his favorite place in all the castle, and there they could not take large feasts of food.
Summer tried to clear her mind of bemusement, making sure Petal was well tended, offering careful apologies to Bertha and the maidservant, supervising the clear-up of her night’s drinking and illness. A pulse of impatience beat in her veins, wondering when and how she could see Henry again, as opposed to the King in all his rulership. Henry the man was all she wanted.
But if they were to be together, she would have to accept the existence of Henry the King as well, and the way his duties would intervene between them periodically. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Summer picked up the book he had read to her from, turning it over in her hands. She’d finish her tale and wait for him to send for her.
Henry walked to her room and knocked on the door, he opened it at her word and then stepped inside and saw her sitting on the edge of her bed. He looked at her with a smile.
“Will you join me this night?”
Returning his smile, Summer said, “Yes, of course.” She laid the book aside, rising to give a quick curtsey before approaching Henry. She wanted to throw herself into his arms, but hesitated, instead clasping her hands before her and simply smiling up at him. “Whither you lead, I’ll follow.”