I did not think you would come, she said, pitching her voice to carry over the noisy horse. A ruby signet ring flashed on the forefinger of his right hand, reminding her of his rank and the enormity of his presence before her. He sighed and dismissed the topic with an idle wave of his hand. She tried to draw her hands from his large weapon-callused ones. His rider, who had yet to see her, rode unconcernedly through the meadowlands.Ĭarillon, he said firmly. She heard the jingle of bit and bridle and the heavy snort of the big stallion. Sunlight glittered off the gold of his mount's trappings and painted the chestnut warhorse bright red. The animal reacted to her unexpected appearance with alacrity. He grinned- More like a wood nymph, I would say. I did not say you presented an unattractive sight, Alix. She grinned in devious anticipation and straightened in the deep grass, wiping water from her sun-browned skin. The warriors splashed into the creek, splattering her liberally. She grinned at him and shook her head as he tried to settle the horse- The creek bottom offered treacherous footing to any beast, and me warhorse had yet to find a comfortable spot, Finally his rider cursed again in exasperation and spurred him through the water onto the bank, where he stared down at her from the chestnut's great height. Then her attention was caught by an approaching rider, and she let fall the flowered braid from limp fingers.Įqually startled, reined the animal in with a curse and shot a glare over his shoulder.

She was purpose-fully intent on her work, for if she allowed her thoughts to range freely she would be overtaken by the knowledge and the hope that he still might come.Ī songbird called from the forest behind and she glanced up, smiling at the delicate melody. Stems and crushed blooms littered the coarse yellow gown she wore and damp earth stained the garment, but she paid it no mind. Carefully she twined purple summer flowers into her single dark brown braid, and dabbled bare feet in the rushing water. She sat by the creek, half-hidden in lush grasses. What have you been doing harvesting all the flowers? You are fair covered with them. The prince stared down at her quizzically, one tawny eyebrow rose.

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