Daffodil Lake

Anthony walked out in the early morning the day after meeting Joan. It was strange he thought as he arrived at the little lake, that one he knew so little about would be the one he would be bound to for the rest of their lives. Yet, so consumed with this recent infatuation was he, that Anthony was not phased by this prospect.

He reached the side of the lake and leaned against the old elm tree, arms crossed over his chest and bright eyes on the calm waters.

Anthony smiled upon feeling her gentle hands clasp over his eyes. He chuckled warmly and placed his hands over hers, noticing the sweet smell of her perfume. Eventually he turned around, then looking her in the eye, "I hope you didn't miss me too much," he said mischievously.

He held her chin softly and kissed her forehead tenderly, "I doubt you conceal any darkness."

He then held her hand and began to walk around the side of the lake with her. He looked onto the calm waters, smirking at the quacking ducks, "Why would you say this, Joan?"

He wrapped her arm around his, still holding her hand, "Well...you already confessed your flaws," he began playfully,"You won't make the bed, you'll leave books lying around..."

He then grinned and glanced about them, "While it may have been nice to have a wife who cooked me pies or served my supper...I can always go home to my mother for that."

Anthony smiled to himself, glancing down to his feet, "Yes," he replied simply in a deep tone, imagining her slipping into bed with him.

"I shall take you to my home soon and you shall see for yourself."

I just wanted to know. I whispered gently letting the wind carry my words. Don't worry I'm not trying to ploy you into bed I am just naturally curious. I wrapped my arm around his waist letting my hand rub his back.

He grinned and kissed the top of her head which nearly reached his shoulder, feeling the warmth of her body close to his, "Better curious than fearful."

I was feeling fearful about it. I admitted as I looked down to the ground my whole body feeling flushed. I'm not so fearful now that I have met you. I think that it shall be a beautiful. I stuttered trying to think of the right words. I was half tempted to jump into the lake as I grew more flustered about our wedding night. It's a bit rather hot outside today. It's a shame I didn't bring some bread for the ducks. Reaching up I quickly planted a kiss on his cheek. Thank you for giving me a chance Anthony.

He looked upon her endearingly, "I would never force anything upon you."

He turned her around so that she faced him, holding her waist and bending his knee to reach her level, "You need never fear me, Joan."

He was quiet for a moment, as a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He wanted her, to make her his; so Anthony said, very simply, "Then come to my room tonight."

He shook his head with a smile, "It will happen eventually."

He kissed her, "Why not now?"

He bit his lip and leaned close, taking her hand again, "Then let me direct you to my room."

He then straightened up and chuckled mischievously, pulling her along a little as he led the way back to the palace.

With my hand around his I skipped behind him trying to stiffle my nervous giggles.

Mary had had enough of her father's behavior. All she wanted was a way to escape but she had know, at least she had managed to sneak off and get out of the palace. Now she walked around the lake keeping to herself letting the wind in her hair calm her down.

Mary noticed that she was not alone, the man approaching her was very tall and very handsome she noticed when he got closer. She smiled at his words, "Company would be nice, thank you." Turning to look at the lake she then looked over at him again. "It is a lovely day out and forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Mary Howard."

She eyed him curiously, she had meet a few different people since she came to court but he was not one she had seen before. No she would have remembered meeting him and as she thought this she felt her cheeks start to flush pink.