Palace Gardens

Richard wrapped his arms around her as she placed herself on his lap. He stared at her eyes and smiled

Sometimes this game can be dangerous, yes. But every game is. The question is...do you like this game..Aurora?

He asked whispering without leaving his eyes from hers

Richard stared at her eyes deeply. He could feel her breath on his face. He sighed. And pulling her towards himself, he pressed his lips against hers

Richard looked at her after parting their lips and nodded. He noticed that she was shaking

Maybe it's time to go back to Palace. You're still cold, and I don't want you to get sick because of me. Come, we'll have dinner together next a warm cheminy..

He suggested staring at her face to see her reaction

You know me to well my king. It had been a long time since she was held in his arms. Casually standing, Aurora looked at him still sitting against the tree. Can we shut ourselves away from the court for the rest of the day? I simply want to be in your company alone.

Richard smiled for her words and caressed her cheeks softly

If you wish so..we can stay here far from the court for a while. I wish to be alone with you as well, Aurora..

He whispered staring at her lips

Pouting her lips at him Aurora sat herself back in his laps. Undoing the top buttons of his doublet, she enhaled his scent like smelling fresh flowers for the first time. She then proceeded to undo the bottom buttons of his doublet and placed her fingers in his lower belly. Just the very touch of his warm scented skin could make her quiver I've never stopped wanting you evening when I've been not so nice. I was sad when you had a child with the empress. As I thought I could satisfy you enough.

Richard let her undoing his doublet. He sighed deeply feeling her touch on him

You can satisfy me much more than you think, Aurora. No need to be sad. I..I wasn't nice with you. And I regret this. But let me show you how much I care for you..

He whispered, closing his eyes and looking for her lips

Eleanor stepped out of the Neuschwanstein Castle into the cool breeze of the palace garden. She enjoyed the quiet walk for a moment, before setting on one of the marble benches. She took a deep breath, trying to regain peace and quiet of her mind.

The last few days since her return were certainly packed with events, and many others would come. She still needed to face Richard. It was the thing that troubled her mind the most. Is he mad at her for being away for so long? Does he still have feelings for her? All those questions raced through her mind. She had no idea what to expect from him.

Eleanor closed her eyes and took another deep breath. Fresh air filled her, loosening the tense muscles and calming her mind. Staying here for a few more hours seemed like a wise decision.

Richard came in the gardens after the Party. He was still confused and surprised. He saw Eleanor. His wife was back from Spain. He was still thinking about a dream, when he saw her again in the garden. Slowly, he came closer. Holding his breath, he smiled and opened his arms

Eleanor..it is really you? I thought..I thought I had a vision before. I still can't believe that you're here, in front of me. I missed you greatly. Come..let me embrace you..

He said with shaking voice. He was looking at her eyes, looking for some love for him

Eleanor caught her breath. It was Richard's voice carried towards her on a soft breeze. At first she thought it was a dream, but when she opened her eyes she saw him in front of her. He'd been even more handsome than she remembered. Her hert leaped at the sight of him and ached like a bitersweet melody. ''Your Majesty.'' She whispered. She wasn't sure if she still had the privilege of calling him by his name. Suddenly she felt nervous. She was scared to meet his eyes.

Taking a deep breath finally Eleanor found the courage to look in his eyes. They were soft and forgiving. In that moment all her worries faded away and she went willingly into his arms. She'd missed him so much. ''Yes, it's me. I'm back. This time for good.'' She said, smilling. It was a soft, warm smile filled with love.

Richard closed his eyes and hold her firmly in his arms. He missed her touch and her good smell. He breathed deeply her long hairs and finally he met her eyes

Please..call me Richard. Don't tell me you forgot my name..

He said jokingly and holding softly her chin. She was even more beautiful than he remembered

Richard cupped her cheek with his hand gently. He smiled at her words

I missed you too, Eleanor. I have prayed for your return. I..I felt so in pain. So long time receiving just few letters from you. But tell me..you're back to stay. Are you?

He asked hopefully and staring at her deep, living eyes

Richard smiled shooking his head I really hope you won't, Eleanor. I missed you greatly. And I have never stopped loving you.. He stared for a moment into her eyes and kissed softly her lips

Richard parted slowly his lips from hers. He took a deep breath before starting to talk again

I'm so happy you're back, Eleanor. I want you to know that even after so long time..I'm still in love with you. But..there is something I need to tell you. Please, sit with me..

He added hesitantly, and showed her a place under a tall tree, sheltered by the warm sunlight

Richard took his seat at her side. He took a deep breath before starting to talk. Maybe he was just looking for the right words to use

You see, Eleanor..you have been far from court for long time. In the meanwhile, many things happened. Your sister Aurora, for exemple. She came back from Spain and now she lives at Palace..

He said with a forced smile but avoiding her glance. He felt her eyes on him

Richard nodded with a forced smile and he went on with his speech

Of course..I know that. But she is not the only guest we have at court, Eleanor. Recently, we had many foreign Princesses. And Isabella of Portugal, the Emperess of Roman Holy Empire is one of them. She has recently came back at bavarian court after a period of absence..

He started to explain, wondering if he could be able to choose the right words. He was almost sweating. Eleanor was a good wife for him. He still loved her. And he didn't want her to suffer because of him