Cesare Garcia's bedchamber

"I like to take walks in the gardens around the palace" Mary grinned "I like to read, do embroidery, dance and music. I would like to go to the continent for I hear it is quite beautiful"

Mary paused, blushed and whispered "I would not know"

He smiled to himself,"All the noble pursuits then."

He finished off his wine and poured himself another cup,"And there is time yet to discover your pleasures."

Mary looked at Cesare "why do you ask such a question"

He smirked to himself, ignoring the question,"I imagine you have many suitors then..."

"I do not Cesare" Mary blushed and looked down at the floor "why would they"

"Why would they not?"he asked,"You are a beautiful young woman. You'd make a lovely wife."

"Cesare you jest" Mary laughed "I am not beautiful and would not know what to do to be a lovely good wife"

He smiled and gestured to her face,"I am a good judge of beauty and you are...especially when your cheeks are red like that."

"And now you mock me your Grace" Mary giggled

"I do not mock you. I say plainly what I see,"he replied and crossed his legs, resting his stubbled chin in in his hand.

"Oh Cesare, forgive me I am not used to a man paying me such compliments" Mary reached across the table to him "you could have any noble lady you wished for"

Cesare concealed his true thoughts and replied,"Perhaps it is not every noble lady I want, Mary."

He didn't necessarily want her either but he feared to admit what he did. There was however no denying her beauty...

"You must have many women after you Cesare for you are a handsome man" Mary felt her face flush once more and she knew that it was the wine that had made her so bold " you still have not told me why you asked me about pleasures"

He smiled and finished another cup of wine,"It may -in time- be useful to know."

Mary looked away and bit her lip "Cesare" she turned to him "has that been you intention all along?"

He casually poured himself some wine,"You came to my room, Mary. Of course not...do you think that little of me?"

"I came to return your cloak, you said in the garden about your chambers" Mary stumbled over her words "forgive me Cesare I have heard about men at court and thought the worst when you asked me" she knelt in front of him "please Cesare"

Cesare sighed deeply and heavily. He stood up, ignoring her kneeling.

"Mary get up - you are not my servant. Besides despite the fact I won't take advantage of you...it doesn't mean I wouldn't like to,"he said with a teasing grin.

Mary stood up "I am a maid and intend to stay so till my wedding day" she looked at Cesare and felt something stir inside her

He smiled,"I'd have it no other way, Mary."

"Others have tried at my old court but I would not let them" Mary cried "I fear it Cesare"

He suppressed a chuckled at her reaction, she may do,"How virtuous of you."

He rolled up his sleeves again and walked to his desk,"Mary I have been glad of your company but I really have some matters that need taking care of...but I should be glad of your company again."

Mary swallowed hard and dried her tears, she was a fool to let her emotions out so easy "Of course Cesare, I should be getting back to my own rooms. Thank you for the wine and I would like to see you again too" she smiled

As she walked to the door she spun on her heels "I know you are a Gentleman so I know you will not speak of me being here"

"I'll only repeat it in my dreams,"he replied with a teasing grin as he took a pen in his hand.

"As you wish" Mary grinned, her heart skipped a beat at that grin of his and she wanted to kiss him......"and in mine" she sighed as she gently opened the door