Palace Gardens

Eleanor just stared at him, not sure at first what he was saying, but with each word her eyes became sadder and sadder. Her heart was broken into a million pieces, and her trust in men was destroyed. She looked at Richard for a long while, and when she finally collected herself, she only managed to say, ''I see.'' She knew she shouldn't blame him, she was away for a long time, he was a man after all, but she was hurt.

Eleanor turned away, curling her arms around her stomach and bowing her head so he couldn't see her lip tremble, fighting the need to cry out her hurt from his words. But what she had expected? For him to be faithful to her as he promised? After a moment she allowed him to hold her hands. ''I forgive you,'' She said at last. Bud did she forgive him? Probably not yet, but in time she surely will.

The next words hurt her even more than his previous one, and she felt a shiver of betrayal rush through her. Coming from anyone else it would hardly have bothered her—but from him, this man she loved and looked up to so much, who was her everything,  made her blood run cold. ''Congratulations, you have a son you always wanted.'' The words came out of her mouth painfully because she knew them to be so true. He had a son, an heir to his crown. So what was her point of being here? When she couldn't give him the one thing he expected from her? A son to be a living image of his father. Now when he has one who would say her child, if she had any would come before this boy. ''You say you love me... but what about that other woman. Do you love her too?'' Eleanor asked, pulling her hands from him and placing them on her lap.

Eleanor sighed and she closed her eyes. She kept on asking herself, Why didn't I just stay? Would he be unfaithful to me then? She felt the regret suddenly pile up on her. She took a deep breath and she turned her gaze towards flowers. It's hard to belive your love, Richard, She whispered, returning her eyes to his face. Do you remember when we visit England? You promised me something then. Do you recall what was it? Even now she could vividly hear his words. She was so young then, not knowing anything about life and the ways of men. Now it was different, her innocents were gone in a blink of an eye. Being your Queen still, it's my duty to give you a child. However, I cannot help and not to wonder about this boy. What would happen to him? Will he be in the line of succession? So many other questions where going through her mind, but she pushed them away for later.

She didn't know what to say. Wondered if this was part of whatever tests might come next. That made her nervous. Eleanor didn't know if she believed him or not. And why did it matter? What would it matter if she wasn't an only one? She was still his wife and Queen. Wouldn't that be enough? What if she told him she believed him now? Could things get back to normal? Could she become... herself again? I don't even know who that is. And I promised I'd always be by your side, but I faild too. We both made mistakes and broke promises. Perhaps, it's time to start new, She said finnaly, placing her hand upon his.

Eleanor looked deeply into his eyes, her eyes becoming wet and full of emotion. This was a right choice. Of course, it was. How couldn't it be? When the only thing she wished was to be loved by him. She placed her hand on his cheek and smiled, for the first time this evening. You shall never lose me no matter what, I promise, She whispered before she brought his lips closer to her own, then covered his lips with her own sensual lips in a heart-stopping kiss.

His lips moved over hers with skill and familiarity. The kiss brought her home, back to where she'd longed to be for months now... in his arms. She'd thought about him, dreamed about him, missed him... I hope so, She whispered, turning her face in his hand ever so slightly. I love you Richard , and I always will. Her voice was still a whisper.

These few words were like a ray of light to the Eleanor. He loved her, which was all she could ever ask for. Yes, She said excitedly. Perhaps, being away from here for a little while would help them both to save their marriage and to be as they used to. Perhaps, the fond memories they had in England would help them start new.

Eleanor felt a shiver ripple through her when his breath, soft and warm, fanned her skin. She lifted her gaze to his, her cheeks slightly blushed. She could only nod her response, before his lips found hers again, robbing her of reason, of thought.

Eleanor smiled at him, her lips still tingling with pleasure from the hunger of his mouth. It had been a long time since she had felt such contentment, and she relished each passing moment.Oh, Richard! I cannot wait, She exclaimed.