Black Forest

They ran through the forest, jumping the ostacles they found on their way easily.
Once they arrived in the path of a large meadow, they slowed down.

"Thank you!" Valerie said laughing and breathing with fatigue "You're not bad as well!"

She turned back and asked "Where are the guards? I think we had been too fast for them!" she laughed again and stopped her horse while looking around.

"Shall we stop here?"

Richar stopped his horse after she did. He was breathing deeply. He turned his head and noticed that the guards were not behind them anymore. He giggled turning towards her

I guess you're right, Valerie. We're too fast for them. Uhm...but this is not a good thing. I need faster guards. By the way...shall we have some rest? I'm exhausted..

He admitted while smiling

We both knew the forest very well and we also knew that people from the land were happy and loyal to the King, however we couldn't be sure of the loyal of everybody.

"Yes, you must..." I said thoughtfully thinking to the little knife I had hidden in the saddle for caution.

"We can let the horse walk slowly until the guards will reach us. I don't think it's a good idea, especially for you, to dismount while we have no protection. Do you agree?"

Richard looked carefully around. He saw no one around them. After a breath, he turned towards her with a smile

Do you fear that an animal could jump out suddenly and kill me? Cause no one is around. The guards will reach us. Come on Valerie..follow me..

He dismounted from his horse waiting for her to do the same

"No, I..."
The truth was that I was a little skeptical. I mean, I wasn't afraid but we didn't know if someone was there really, waiting for us...
Perhaps, that was just a little bit of paranoia...
"I fear nothing" I answered jumping off the saddle.
I took the reins and approached my uncle.
"However, it's not the animals we should be afraid of, but each human being. That's the most dangerous and cruel of creatures, you know?"

Richard sat on the grass, next to a tall tree. He gestured her to do the same by smiling

Absolutely. I think humans are the most evil creatures in the world. But..why are you worried, my dear? Is there..someone who could harm you?

He asked worriedly

Sighting, she finally set beside him, adjusting the bulky gown on the grass.

"Not exactly" I answered snatching a little daisy from the grass "But I know I have many enemies. I trust no one since Philip left. That's one of the last things father teached me before diing"

I shook my shoulders and then smiled to him: "I can see you're wearing my ring" I showed him my finger "I've got mine too"

Richard smiled looking at both their rings. He nodded slowly

Yes..I wore it immediately. It means a lot for our family. Surely your hand is more beautiful and delicate than mine, so it suits on you..

He laughed and took gently her hand while finishing his sentence

And about your fears, Valerie, remember that you're under my protection, now. You're my niece. And no one can harm you until I'll be at your side..

Valerie looked at their hands together: hers was much smaller than his, but they both had long fingers at their rings seemed to be made exactly to fit them.

She smiled and tightened his hand: "I know... but I can't avoid myself to be so... suspicious." I admitted "How did you menage to trust your courtiers? I have you, but you were alone when you became king. Weren't you afraid of... falling? Being so close to the throne is more dangerous than being far from it. Don't you think the same?"

Richard looked at her with a soft smile. She was even more clever than he remembered. He took a breath and shrugged

Yes..I was alone. But your father was like a father to me. He taught me everything I needed before..leaving this world. I was young, but his strenght is still with me every day. And thank God..I never feared of being poisoned, until now..

He added ironically and smiling at her

Valerie swallowed a little and looked at the little daisy in order to do not let him see her glossy eyes.

"You always look so strong and self-confident" she said driving out the tears.

"Do not cry, you stupid!" she thought.

"Then, it must be because two reasons" She said "First" and she raised the first finger "You know you're loved by people, and second" she raised the second finger "You trust them..."

"King Edward IV of England trusted his first brother and he betrayed him twice, then he trusted his second brother and he stole the throne of his son and God knows what other he did... Sometimes, we think too good of the people close to us and we become blind to evidence. That's why I prefer to trust no one. Perhaps, it makes me look like stone, but I prefer to think that it makes me stronger..."

She smiled softly and raised her face: "You know, I've been thinking that I could travel for a couple of months..."

Richard nodded after taking a deep breath

Yes, I know about King Edward, dear. But the only brother I had was your father. And I'm sure he would have never betrayed me. Oh that's nice to hear that you have projects. Where would you like to go, Valerie?

He noticed her tears. But he pretended he didn't

She just nodded: she preferred not to face the argument anymore.

"Oh, well..." she started thoughtfully "I don't know yet. I was thinking to England, or a hot place like Italy, but I'd really like to visit Spain" she admitted "Ambassador Mendoza is always very kind with me, but I fear the Spanish Court a little because of our religion..." she admitted "What do you think?"

Richard smiled and nodded

Don't forget that your aunt Eleanor is Spanish as well. Relationship between our country and Spain is good. And Ambassador Mendoza is a kind man, indeed. So I don't mind if you'll decide to visit Spain. Just...I'll miss you..

He admitted shrugging with a tender smile

"Oh, dear uncle..." she murmured tenderly.

She laid her cheek against his shoulder and remained like that for a while, caressing his arm.
She loved him very much and even if she didn't share some of his ideas he remained a focus point in her life: the lovely father she never had.

"Yes, I remember. I feel a little more comfortable... The Spanish Court must be very different from ours. I will miss you as well, but I won't leave tomorrow: that's for sure" she joked, laughing a little "I met a Spanish Duke, in the Great Hall, last evening, you know?"

Richard turned quickly his head. A souspicious glance came on his face

A spanish Duke? I didn't know there were spaniards at court..besides Ambassador Mendoza. Who is he?

He asked curiously

Valerie didn't look at him while speaking. She knew it was a delicate matter, but she wanted to pretend it wasn't. At least, not at the moment...

"He's just arrived... I'm sure he will talk with you very soon. He told me he's the Emperor's nephew and Duke of Seville." She explained looking at her own hands "We talked for a while... He's charming, indeed, and wealthy. I appreciated his company. But you know" she said looking up at him and shrugging "I'm not very used to men's attentions..."

Richard couldn't avoid to smile. He shrugged, refraining a laughter and looked at her

So..this Duke is courting you. I never heard of him, actually. But I'd like to meet him, of course. You say you're not used to men's attentions. But..you look not displeased at all. Am I wrong, Valerie?

He asked, noticing her blushing suddenly as she mentioned him

Valerie bit her lip and hid a little smile by turning her face on the other way.

"Perhaps..." she answered finally, a little embarrassed.

"He's good looking, indeed... But I didn't notice only that. I don't care about beauty if behind a charming face there is no mind. He had been clever enough to gain my attention. But.. even if he had interest on me, I would show him anything if it is not your desire, uncle."

Richard nodded. He noticed how much his niece was involved with this man

I really appreciate that, Valerie. I should see him, to give you my full approval. That's why I suggest you to be..careful. Don't allow him to have you..before being sure of his feelings. Otherwise you could be hurted..

He added fatherly with a small smile. Valerie was like the daughter he never had, and he wanted to protect her

That topic made me feel embarrassed.. I could't imagine myself in that kind of situation. I knew very little about such things. No one really explained me how things work when.. well, you know...

"Of course not!" I exclaimed blushing violently.

"I... I would never... I mean..." I felt really embarrassed "... I will sleep with my husband only. I would never stain my virtue for any man..."

"I don't expect to marry for love. I know it. But I also know that I'm in the age for marriage and if the Duke asks you for me, I will accept and I'll try to be a good wife." I said "At least, mother will be happy" I joked in the end.

Richard looked at her with an amused smile on his face. Her reaction confirmed that he was right

Of course. If he is a worthy man, I would be happy to grant him to be his wife. And even if there is royal blood in your veins, why you shouldn't marry for love? Oh and about your virtue, I'm absolutely sure that you'll never disappoint me..

He touched softly her chin and smiled

Valerie smiled sweetly. She liked when he showed her affection.

"You didn't marry for love, neither" she made him notice "You found love later... I was a child when you married my aunt and you both were... so beautiful. Everybody could see that you were both going to fall deeply in love... I told Philip that I wanted a wedding like yours, a husband like you..." she sighed "But soon I became skeptical. You were lucky, but it doesn't happen always to people like us and it's rare... Mother told me so. She loved father like a wife, not like a lover. I will do the same with the best suitor."

Richard smiled fatherly taking her hand in his

You'll be a very good wife, Valerie. Love is a rare thing to find. So, if this spanish gentleman makes you happy, I won't put obstacles upon this matter. Has he serious intentions towards you?

He asked with a carying voice

Valerie looked straight in her uncle's eyes and nodded: "Yes, he does. I do believe he is a man of honor. He's looking for a wife and I'm sick of receiving letters from my mother, who pushes on me to find a husband. He's charming and titled enough to suit her standards..." she admitted, rolling her eyes "We'll be a good match, I think. I'm just sad I'll have to leave Bavaria... I love my country"