CHAPTER FIVE
“Lenee? Why art thou in the garden at this hour?”
“Mother, I didn't hear you enter,” spoke the princess from the bench.
The queen moved closer and sat beside her.
“So my love, were you called upon by Sir Randall again this evening?”
“Yes, my queen,” she said solemnly.
“Tis the fourth time in this week's pace. Cupid must have found love a home within your hearts.”
“If that is what you say, then it must hold truth.”
“Has he asked for thy hand?” questioned the lady.
“He has begun to lace hints around the time together. I even caught him placing jewelry upon his fingers which were of my own,” said the princess while gently lifting a lone white rose peddle off the cobblestone walk. “I didn't confront him for reasons though.”
“As I spoke to you before, whatever shall be my child's decision, so I will abide.”
“I know, Mother, I know,” replied the lass. “Mother?”
“Yes my child.”
“Dost love grow if one waits long enough?”
“If love be the true foundation, it will my dear,” said the queen, then paused in thought. “Remember this, my young princess. When matters of the heart abound, stay truthful to thy own self. For if you love for reasons of convenience, guilt, or even fear, only you shall live its everlasting retribution. And, if there is still a heart which you seek, pray that it may come thy way or come to pass,” concluded the queen as she left the princess among the flowers.
“I pray his memory removes itself from my heart,” mumbled the lass before following the queen.
Back in Maryknoll, James was leading his master's horse back to its stable.
“My knight, another message asking for thy attendance to yet another banquet. From the heir of Naticee. How shall I answer thee?”
“Do such as you have the rest!” said the knight. “My heart has no more place for games, much less fair maidens in waiting.”
“So be it, my lord.”
The knight dismounted and placed his armor down for shining as James rushed to his side.
“May I speak?” questioned the lad.
“To control thy speech would be a true wonder of the world,” cracked Maxwell. “What weighs heavy upon thy heart?”
“Sire, it has been many weeks since, well, since we visited the land of Ponder. Shouldn't we visit the king to continue friendship with him?”
The knight stopped what he was doing, then glared at the lad.
“I want no talk of that place in my presence again! There are many other forests to hunt, many more beasts to stalk. And if ever I hear the mention . . . .”
“Yes, my lord," said the boy.
The knight realized his tone and felt guilty for his rudeness towards the young steward.
“I know you mean well, dear James; but that is a subject for only memory to address. You will learn that Cupid will many times not shoot directly into the heart, but hit the ass as well.”
“But it seemed. . . .” James continued.
“Ye, I know how it seemed, though it was the wench's heart and not mine that needed direction. Since not receiving word of her thoughts, I must give way to the truth and move on,” conceded the knight.
The two then gathered items to put to rest for the night.
“When does one knowst love's action to be true, my lord?” questioned the steward.
“There are times that one never knows.”
As many moons pass across the land, Maxwell occasionally found himself awake and staring up at the stars. Unknowing at the same time, the princess was doing the same. Every time a drop of rain would fall from the heavens, each would place more task upon their day so to distract their feelings for each another.
The princess began to find time spent with Randall much more of the norm, and since hearing not from Sir Maxwell, decides to accept an offer of marriage from her calling suitor.
“Mother, Sir Randall is in chambers with our lord to offer a dowry!” exclaimed the excited Princess.
“Oh, what a blessed moment we have before us, my dear,” shouted the queen. “So many preparations and gatherings to be held.”
“Cupid's arrow must have struck my heart with a potion only to be fulfilled at a later time,” laughed the girl as she gazed out a window.
“If it be his wish, so it shall be yours, my love.”
“Randall does love me so, sweet mother. He grants me gifts as constant as the sun rises and sets. Be that not a sign of Cupid's magic?”
“Yes, my love.”
“And he puts time for me above all. Be that also not a sign of Cupid's magic?”
“Yes, that also my love,” agreed the queen.
“And he has done so much towards homage to this kingdom. Be that also not a sign of Cupid's magic?”
“Of course, my love.”
“Then it seems only fitting that I fight no longer his love for me and give myself unto him,” said the princess.
“My child, do so remember that it is not what is being given to you, yet what you are willing to give in return when love is at stake.”
“By all means, my dear mother. By all means,” said the princess as she left the queens company.