Palace Gardens

Richard looked at her. He sighed deeply

A start..yes, I always wanted fixing things with you, Aurora. And I'm sorry for what's happened in the past. Again..can you forgive me?

He asked without removing his eyes from hers and holding her firmly in his arms

Richard let her go. Once she was free from his arms, he frowned deeply and shook his head

What are you talking about, Aurora? Jane Renner? How do you know about her? And..whatever the answer is, let me say that you have really a bad opinion about me! I thought that we could solve our problems and forget the past. But this is not possible if you think that I'm a womanizer who spends all day running after ladies! I'm not that kind of man, Aurora. But you don't believe me. And there is nothing I can do about that..

He took a deep breath and rubbed nervously and thoughtfully his forehead He turned his eyes elsewhere

Richard started coming closer as she started coughing. His attention was not focused on her words, but on her attitude. She was not feeling well. He saw her falling suddenly on the grass and he had no time to keep her in his arms. He lowered himself on the groud next to her

Aurora! Aurora! Can you hear me? Aurora..open your eyes..

He shouted holding gently her head against his elbow. He patted softly her cheeks but he was scared. He looked around to see if someone could help him. No one was there. Then he took some water from the fountain and spread some drops on her cheeks and forehead

Aurora..I'm here. Please, wake up..

He whispered worriedly. She looked like fallen into a deep sleep

Richard hold her firmly and leaned her back against a tree gently. He kissed deeply her hand, grateful for the fact that she opened her eyes

Oh Aurora! I was so scared. But yes..I'll give her a good reward for that. Stay here, my dear. I'm going to make an outside fire to make you warmer..

He took some wooden pieces that he found on the ground. Bending on his knees, he rubbed two little stones together until he created a spark, and then a warm fire. The air was now a bit colder. He rubbed his hands together and reached Aurora sitting at her side. He made her lean her head on his shoulder and at the same time he rubbed her arms

Better now? My father taught me to create outside fires. But now I need to know..you talked about a poison, Aurora. What's happened? But.. if you feel still tired..please don't talk and just rest against me..

Richard brought his hand among her long, red hairsand kept on caressing them slowly. He was still rubbing her arms to keep her warmer

We shall never be strangers, Aurora. We have a past..and no one can delete this. You will be always part of my life, and I'll promise that no one will harm you anymore. I still don't know how such thing could happen in my Palace..

He smiled, but his eyes were still thoughtful and he stared at fire

Thank God your cousin helped you. He is a very good man. I'll thank him personally for that. And..who is the blonde lady you talked about? Inge?

Richard noticed that she was still freezing, so he removed his long couat this time, and wrapped it around her whole body. But he also noticed that there was hesitation in her voice

Of course..hope you'll feel warmer, now. Come closer, the warmth of my body will make you feel better soon. Inge is a good lady, yes. She saved your life, and I'll never thank her enough for that. But..what do you want to talk me about, Aurora? Perhaps it could look hard, but you know you can tell me everything..

He catched finally her eyes touching softly her cheek. He smiled

Trust me. And tell me freely what makes you so agitated. What's wrong?

Richard shook his head

A punishment for what? You did nothing wrong, Aurora. And since I know you very well, I know that you're just scared about your future. But you're not alone. You have me..and I'll be always at your side. Don't feel guilty..cause you're not. I just wonder who did this to you..

He said wrapping tightly his arms around her. Her head was now resting against his chest

Richard smiled thinking at his son

Yes..it's Max's first Christmas, indeed. I want it to be special for him. But my relationship with his mother is not so good like at the beginning. Hope to fix things, for Max's sake. And about you..don't think anymore about what's happened. I just want you to relax and enjoy the festivities. With me..

He added into a low whisper, still holding her and looking at fire

Richard sighed looking around

I tried talking with her. I told her that I care for her and our son. But she wants to go back to Portugal, leaving Max here. Of course I told her that Max needs his mother. But you know..you spaniards are stubborn..

He laughed weakly and kissed her forehead, holding gently her cheeks in his hands

Aurora let out a chesty laugh taking his cold hand in her warm hands It's not being stubborn it's being hot blooded and being taught from an only age to stand on our own two feet. That is how us woman are brought up. She frowned when she thought back to all those lessons she had to take to become the perfect lady.

Richard shrugged, looking at his hand in hers

Yes..I know that. But that's not easy making the right choise and making everyone happy, Aurora. I care for Isabella and my son. And at the same time I feel very protective towards you..and your sister. I do my best..as King, and as man. You women don't have all these responsibilities..

He chuckled rubbing more her arm cause the wind was getting colder

Richard laughed weakly

Black sheep, you said? No..I don't think so. I had a very good relationship with my brother, even if there were plots against my coronation. And you shouldn't feel like that neither, Aurora. People always have expectations about us. But you never disapponted them, in my knowledge. But black sheep is a funny fugure of speech..

He added keeping her closer against him

Richard closed his eyes for a moment as she kissed his cheek. He enjoyed that touch. Turning towards her, he smiled

Unluckily, not everyone consider me lovely, Aurora. But don't feel scared. Nothing bad can happen to me. And I admit that I prefer staying here with you rather than getting bored at Palace..

He joked stroking softly her cheek

Richard couldn't avoid to smile for her words

Really? I'm glad hearing that. But I admit that you have a very good smell as well, Aurora. Nothing to do with your..sexual appeal. I think you already have it by nature..

He added whispering and stared at her eyes