 |
Hello and Welcome to ~*Love's Arrival*~ This is my first attempt at writing
a short story, for I haven't in many years. I hope you enjoy it as much as i loved writing it. This story is dedicated to my grandfather. I am honored to be his grandaughter. And as he would say with a twinkle in his eye.."Go for it!" with much love.
The midi you hear playing is called "For The Love Of A Princess"..isn't it fitting? Enjoy the story and check back. I'll write more.*smile*
~*Love's Arrival*~
~*Chapter 1*~
Princess Deborah gazed off into the horizon to see a cloud of dust
coming towards her father's castle. It was late afternoon but the sun was
still shining slightly over the tall pine trees growing off in the distance.
She squinted her eyes and looked hard and saw that the swirl of dust
was getting closer now, and closer still. She could now barely make out the
flags of royal purple and gold. Deborah then knew who it was speeding
towards her, and tears of joy trickled down her face. "Father, Mother!
It's Sir Rodney!"she yelled loudly. She ran as fast as she could down to
the main gate, her pale green gown swishing behind her.
The huge mastiff dogs were wagging their tails ferociously and barking,
sounding the news of Sir Rodney's arrival. It was him, her knight,
the one she had found wounded a year ago today.
Anxiously waiting his arrival, the princess tried to amuse herself with
needlework. Soon restless, she would walk down through the
rose garden, to the river where he had confessed his love for her.
She would sit under a huge shade tree, it's branches hanging over
the river's edge, leaves trailing in the water.
She'd languish there for hours. She would even shed her clothing and
go for a swim, even though it was not proper for her to do so
unattended.
Sir Rodney was now coming to marry her in the huge wedding ceremony
that had been planned months in advance. He would then wisk her away
to his castle, at least a week on horseback, after they had stayed one last
night. He had explained his castle and lands to her in great detail
one night as they strolled arm in arm along the river bank. Frogs croaked
and the water gurgled over the smooth stones of the river. The moon shone high and bright that evening, reflecting on the cool water below. Fireflies danced in
the night sky. Deborah remembered that night quite well, for it was
when he had proposed to her on bended knee. She smiled to herself, knowing in
her heart, she had made the right choice for a husband. He was a knight, yes,
but he was also very knowledgeable to the ways of the world and strikingly
handsome. Everytime she saw him her heart would skip a beat at his tall,
well muscled form. He was gentle and kind, but fierce as a tiger.
~*Chapter 2*~
Deborah and her servant were out collecting herbs, when they spied
him lying there. He was there at the edge of the forest, the sun glinting
and shining off his silver armour. His huge black stallion neighed
softly as they approached the still form. Then the stallion trotted
off a short distance away to graze on the rich, green grass.
The knight looked pale and was wounded, a sword must have peirced through the
armour at his shoulder, for there was much blood on the ground beside him.
There were no signs of his helmet, and there was also blood running down
where he had been hit right above the eye.
Immediatly the princess summoned the servant, Maria, to ride back
to the castle to get assistance. Then the princess knelt down beside the
knight and put his head gently in her lap. Then she ripped part of her
under skirt beneath her gown, and started applying gentle pressure to the
wound to his shoulder.
Rodney stirred and tried to rise weakly. He then groaned in pain and gratefully
sank back into Deborah's lap. "There now..lie still, everything will be allright.
You are safe now." She murmmured. Her voice sounded like a sweet melody to
the knight. He opened his eyes then, and tried to focus on the one with such
a sweet voice. All he could make out was a woman's figure, surrounded by a
golden halo of light, and two very gentle green eyes. The knight closed his
eyes once more and let blackness overtake him once more.
~*Chapter 3*~
When he awoke, Rodney was lying on a bed of the softest material. It was a forest
green goosedown quilt and very comfortable. He quickly scanned the room
and saw Deborah sleeping quietly on an ottoman to his left. There was a
big window above where she lay, the long curtains drawn. Then he noticed his
clothing had been removed and his wounds attended to. He pulled up the coverlet, temporarily forgetting about them and fresh blood started seeping out onto the bandage.
Swearing to himself, he laid his head back on the goosedown
pillows and rested once more.
Just then the princess awoke and looked over
to the bed, and saw that his eyes were closed. She got up and went over to
where he lay and sat down beside him. She took a cool cloth and wiped his face gently. "Hello Sir..."she whispered. Startled, she heard him reply
"Rodney," soothed by her voice. "Sir Rodney the
Dragonheart." "I am pleased to make your accquaitance Sir Rodney the Dragon
heart..you have been sleeping for two days now. Are you hungry?" He replied "Thirsty is more like it. Do you have fresh water?" She then went
to the small wash stand to the right of the bed and drew out a cupful of
water for him."Here you go..that's it..easy does it.." The knight drank the
whole cup of water and then realized how famished he was. He then asked
politely "M'lady, I am realizing now just how hungry I am.." His words trailed
off as he was noticing how truly lovely the princess was...
Princess Deborah rose from the bed. The knight noticed her pale green silk gown flowing all around her. She was tall and slender. Her chesnut hair hung to her waist, a pearl and diamond encrusted chain adorned her waist. A rare jewel, with those pale emerald eyes that matched her gown perfectly. He wanted to kiss her, he mused to himself. Take her gently in his arms and kiss her till she trembled like a flower. Kiss her until she wanted no others kiss but his. He sensed her nearness. It was almost painful. It had been a long time since he had beheld a creature as beautiful and graceful as she. Oh yes, there had been plenty of maidens fawning over him back home. Ladies he had waltzed with at the balls his father held. He flirted and shared pleasantries. Some he was attracted to even. But none he had ever taken an interest in like she. He noticed he could not take his eyes off her.
His eyes followed her every move. Over by the large oak door, there was a silken cord of white hanging there. She pulled it twice, turned around to the knight and spoke. "Servants will be here right away. They will tend to your every need. I must go. My maidservant will be wondering where i have been.. " Her voice still sounded soothing and musical. It felt as if it held him under a spell. He couldn't get enough. "As you wish, M'lady." his voice rich and masculine. "I will await your return." The princess smiled, blushing slightly, dimples forming in her cheeks. Then she turned and diappeared down the castle stairs.
~*Chapter 4*~
The weeks past quickly as Sir Rodney recovered. He had regained his ability to walk, and had asked Maria, the servantgirl, for directions around the castle. He needed to leave the confines of his room. "Why don't you go take a stroll in the rose garden?" She asked politely,"There are benches if you grown weary and need to rest." "Excellent choice." He said, and proceeded down the marbled steps. He bumped into the princess and she grabbed his shoulders as she nearly lost her balance. She clung onto him as they both tottered on the edge of the stair. "M'lady!" He exclaimed, as he pulled her back into his arms to keep them from falling headlong down the narrow steps. Deborah started to giggle. "Thank you for rescuing me from harm. I thought i rescued you!" Sir Rodney let out a chuckle. Her perfume was heavenly. It smelled of honeysuckle and roses. How he longed to keep her there, but he was a knight and knew his place. "I came to see your progress, Sir. You are doing wonderfully i see." she said, gazing into his eyes. They were the clearest blue she had ever seen, like the sky on a summer's day. She could get lost in those eyes, she thought to herself. Bringing herself reluctantly back into reality, she gently distangled herself from him. "I need to get outdoors. Feels like i have been in that bed forever."he said warmly. "Would you show me the way to the rose garden? I would enjoy the company." "That sounds like a wonderful idea! The courtyard is talking of your arrival here. Hearing the tales of your heroism and bravery would be delightful." she replied. "Then away we go then M'lady." he said, smiling.
So down to the rose garden they went, Sir Rodney keeping her facinated with his stories. She happily took his arm as she showed him the fountains and beautiful flowers. The couple strolled down to the river to rest. The day was gorgeous. Fluffy white clouds lazliy made their way through the sky, the sun warm and inviting. Birds of bright yellows and deep blues flew across the expanse of the lawn. Peacocks strutted and pecked at the green grass. Butterflies flitted across the river, landing on honeysuckle bushes to drink sweet nectar. Sir Rodney leaned back against a huge oak tree, the princess gathering her deep
maroon gown and sank down into the soft grass, her chest heaving slightly. She then listened intently, noticing his broad shoulders, his well defined cheekbones, white teeth flashing as he gestured and spoke. He was reciting some poetry to her. His voice soothed her, calmed her nerves. She had felt a bit nervous for she knew she shouldn't be with him here, unescorted. Something about him felt right. Comfortable. Safe. That's all she needed to feel. The sun was going down behind the mountains before she knew it and suddenly she realized she needed to get back home. Princess Deborah groaned and interrupted the knight. He paused and she murmurred, "We must be getting back to the castle! My father and mother will be so worried!" "I understand princess, may we resume this conversation again soon?" he inquired softly. She replied,"There will be a special dinner and dance tonight, honoring your recovery. Would you please escort me? My parent's will be delighted that you are feeling better." "I would be honored M'Lady." the knight said with a bow. Princess Deborah smiled and they walked back to the castle reluctantly.
~*Chapter 5*~
Princess Deborah was humming to herself in her bed chamber, thinking about the day they had had together. The maids helping her dress noticed her sweet song. Diana, a seamstress, could stand it no longer and said "M'Lady, you have a glow about you this evening. What on earth has you so preoccupied?" "Well, if you must know, I went to see Sir Rodney today. We spent some time together. He recited some poetry to me and we went for a stroll down by the river. He is a most charming and gallant knight." she replied, smiling again. "But, but..your Highness!", Diana sputtered."You had no escort? Thank goodness you did not get found out! "I know I shouldn't have wandered off without an escort, but it proved to me what a gentleman he really is." the princess retorted. The gilrs immediatly eyes eachother and giggled. They were happy for thier princess. Long had her mother and father searched for her future husband. Deborah then walked into the bath. There were imported scented oils and pink rose petals in the water. Sinking back into the water, the maids washed her hair and dried it as she lay back with her eyes closed. Another maid interrupted her thoughts. "Your highness, which shall you wear tonight, the pale green or the gold satin?" Asked Samantha, a servant girl. "I think I shall wear the gold. It will look lovely with the new slippers father had sent from Europe." she replied. Deborah walked out of the large pool of water and took the soft robe one of the girls offered her. Then she sat at the dressing table and the maidservants took over once more. The dress looked marvelous. It hugged her in all the right places, and flowed like water when she moved. The dress was strapless. It revealed a bit of cleavage, but the princess loved how it looked. Diana put a golden shawl over her shoulders. She looked regal and very beautiful. One of the girls swept her hair onto the top of her head, holding it with a gold and diamond comb. Wisps of hair naturally fell to frame her face. Atop her head they placed a gold tiara, set with diamonds. Teardrop diamond earrings and a matching bracelet completed the ensamble. She slipped on the new gold slippers, which also had small diamonds weaved into them, and went down to the main dining hall.
Her father and mother were there speaking to Sir Rodney and smiling, as were many of the guests. They saw her glide down the stairs, as if she didn't touch the ground. Sir Rodney caught his breath, and realized he had never beheld anything so beautiful. She caught his eye and she walked towards him. "Hello mother and father. I am so glad you have had a chance to speak with Sir Rodney." Her melodic voice held the knight's attention. She then stepped over to her mother and father and gave hem both hugs and kisses in greeting. "Ahh yes," her father said smiling."Sir Rodney was just telling me of his castle and land holdings. Evidently, he and his sister are very happy there." Deborah went to her seat. Sir Rodney held her chair out, and she gratefully sat down. "Please sit down next to Princess Deborah's right for supper." Her mother said gently. The knight noticed the queen had the same melodic voice of her daughter. He smiled and bowed graciously.
The meal was a complete success. Servants poured the imported wine and ales. There was a lovely salad with fresh greens and tomatoes, succulent lamb and veal, sweet breads, jams, wild rice with vegetables from the garden, and a whole suckling pig that had been roasted over coals the day through. For dessert the servants brought out berry ices and freshly b akes cakes. When everyone had eaten their fill, The king clapped his hands and exclaimed with enthusiasm, "Honored guests, please join me and my wife in the ballroom." The guests filtered into the grand ballroom. Beautiful music was wafting throughout the castle. Kings and Embassadors started leading their partners onto the floor for a waltz. The night air carried in scents of jasmine and roses from the gardens. The night sky was clear and bright. Stars twinkled, the new moon overhead.
The princess was exchanging pleasantries with a lovely baroness, when Sir Rodney appeared with two flutes of champagne and a red rose from the garden. The baroness eyed the knight and then looked expectantly at Deborah. She smiled brightly and took one of the flutes of champagne, taking a small sip. "Excellent." said the princess. "I am Sir Rodney the Dragonheart, at your service. I am staying here at the castle for a time out of the goodness of the kings heart. And if you don't mind, I would love a dance with Princess Deborah.." he trailed off, with a sweeping bow. He then handing the other flute of champagne to the baroness. The princess smiled sweetly at the baroness and was lead onto the dance floor by Sir Rodney. The baroness watched the pair standing there. What a striking pair they made! She watched eagerly as the knight presented the rose to the princess. Deborah blushed profusely and curtsied deeply. The baroness then sought out the King immediatly and shared with him what she had seen. All of a sudden all went quiet. "I have an announcement to make. The Queen and I introduce Sir Rodney The Dragonheart to all of you,"The King exclaimed, pointing in the direction of the pair."He will be staying at the castle as long as he wishes. My lovely daughter Deborah found him wounded, and as you can see, he is making a full recovery. I am happy indeed! We may hear wedding bells in the future! Long have I been looking for the man worthy of my daughters hand." Princess Deborah smiled at the crowd of guests and blushed once more. Sir Rodney bowed and smiled also. Then they both stared at the King, embarrassed. The crowd cheered and a few men clapped Sir Rodney on the back. The women smiled and gave the princess encouraging looks. "Let the dancing commence once more," said the King, waving to the orchestra of violins. Princess Deborah and the knight danced through the night, oblivious to the others. All they could do is gaze into eachothers eyes and smile. They seemed to float through the air as they waltzed, so graceful it was to watch them. The Princess started getting heated from the dance, and needed some fresh air. Sir Rodney then escorted her to the terrace, and she gratefully sank down on a cool marble bench.
The night air felt wonderful on her face and neck. she fanned herself a bit with a deicate hand. Sir Rodney smiled softly at her, and took a seat next to her. "Isn't the view lovely tonight?" purred the princess. "Yes it is your highness, and so are you." replied the knight. He placed a gentle hand over hers and looked deeply into her eyes. She gazed back. "Let us go down by the river please, to our favorite place. There is something that I need to say to you." the knight said softly. "Oh I couldn't!" replied the princess, giggling. "What will everyone think? My father will surely be angered." "I fear the whole kingdom knows what is happening between us." Sir Rodney said with a chuckle. He then took the princesse's delicate hand in his, and he led her to the river.
Do you want to continue on with the story? I sure do. On
to the next page then. Please click on the "Next" link below..
 
 
View My Guestbook
Sign My Guestbook
|