palace fountain

A widow perhaps that did not seem that bad but if she was a newly widow I would wait awhile perhaps. I am sorry to hear about your loss I'm sure you do a splendid job in raising you're son but every boy needs a Farther figure so to speak have you any brothers. Was I dropping enough hints maybe to much I thought. I was a bit hesitant to answer her question but I could explain just a little. You see as a young lad I had a few ladies as you do but their was one who was very close to home I took pity on her as her husband was never really around but not even Richard knows yet. That was enough to say for now I thought.

Inge smiled weakly. He surely thought that she was a widow. How to confess that she was a King's mistress? She took a breath trying to smile

"Oh..it's a complicated situation, I see. Hope you can solve problems with your daughter, my lord. I think she deserves to know who her father is.."

She threw back slowly her blonde hairs from her shoulder

"And..Leo's father and I were not married, my lord. He left me once he heard I was pregnant.."

So it seemed we both had complicated lives at the present time. I wanted to get to know her differently than I use to with other women in the past a smile perched on my lips was she trying to seduce me with her mane of blonde hair. Who am I to judge we both at some points in our lives to be in difficult situations. I am sure that when Leo is older he will understand all a child wants is love.

Inge smiled sweetly. He seemed to understd her perfectly

"Yes..maybe he will understand once he will be adult. But I don't know if telling him the truth is a good idea. You know..I can't even have a father for him. Who will marry an unmarried girl..with a son?"

She replied, showing him her real worries for her future

I frowned many a man who take on a son as their own especially if they couldn't have one of their own. If it were me and my mother had told me this I would be deeply affected to hear this news but it seems to be playing on your mind how can I help with this. I placed my hands on my knees eager to help this lady did Richard not know about her dilema.

Inge looked at his hands. He had strong, manly hands. She shook quickly her head

"Oh..there is nothing you can do for me, my lord. I don't plan to marry, for now. My life is not empty because of my precious son. So..I don't know if I would like having a man at my side.."

She smiled and blushed at the same time, lowering her eyes

My eyes stood out on stalks was she thinking that I wanted her as my mistress I put up my hands in defense. Forgive me I was not instructing you to go and find a husband or become a mistress even! It is very pleasing to speak with such a courteous lady like yourself Inge. I spoke genuinely yes she was a very beautiful woman but at the moment she wanted to concentrate on her son which is understandable and I would not want to come between that.

Inge smiled softly. She shook her head again

"Not at all. It's alright, my lord. Forgive me if I'm sharing my problems with you. But I feel that you are an honest and loyal man.."

She added almost whispering and she glanced at him with a sweet smile

It is alright I have two ears and when you're son is older I am certain he shall appreciate everything effort and decision you made was for the sake of his wellfare. I noticed that she had gone shy on me on any other lady I would not care for it but on Inge it was inviting.

Inge smiled taking a deep breath after his words. She nodded slowly

"Yes..I think you're right, my lord. Leo is everything to me. And I am aware that he needs a father. But for now..I am enough for him. What about..your daughter? Maybe she needs a father too. Oh..forgive me.."

She added quickly, not wanting to intrude in his private life

They also needed someone to protect them from danger I went and sat next to her. I think a war might start their is a person who wants a war to be rid of a child. I have not been at court but you don't think Richard would kill his own child do you. In my eyes he is just a baby he does not know what is going on and it would be cold blooded murder. Anyway is their somewhere you can go if a war does break out.

Inge turned her eyes to him immediately. His words scared her

"A war? Oh my God..I never thought about that. And..the King would never kill his son. Why do you say so, my lord? Also, I have not another place to go. This court is my shelter since many years. My aunt..sent me away from my village. She feared I could seduce her son.."

She added lowering her eyes

It's treason and they know it to be honest I came back for other reasons and not to meddle in the kings affairs. I frowned maybe this was not the best thing to talk about. Inge had a great sense of humour why she thought so little of herself confused me. Inge you should never let a person degrade you in such a way. I placed my hand on hers for awhile.

Inge shook quickly her head

"Oh no, my lord. All this belongs to the past. Now I am very happy here at Palace. And I consider Cleves's sisters as my family. And by the way..I am not very good in politics. Maybe you should talk with the King himself about that. He is your cousin.."

She said adding a sweet smile at her words

I am not good with politics either. The king has a lot to deal with to burden him besides I would rather much talk with you this is far more interesting. I showed her my kindest of smiles in hopes that she would warm up to me even more.

Inge showed him a kind smile too

"Thank you, my lord. It's very kind of you. If you need something..you can ask to me for everything. I know the Palace quite well.."

She suggested with sweet voice

With a confident smile I had to think about how I was going to ask Inge this question. Inge intrigued me and made me smile I would be a fool if I left it like this. Anything you say will you dine with me tonight no false pretence I give you my word.

Inge blushed suddenly. She smiled for his invitation. It has been a very long time since she was alone with a man

"Oh..no need, my lord. I know I can trust your word. So..yes, I would be glad having dinner with you. Hope you'll enjoy my company.."

She said. She met his eyes for a moment and she smiled again. She couldn't deny he was a very charming man

I felt nervous I had not dined alone with a lady for sometime but grateful for her acceptance. Airily I looked around trying to play down my happiness at such a meeting again. Then I shall meet you in the dining room what time would suit you best. I am very flexible around my time it shall be a nice meal full of laughter for us both.

Inge smiled standing up. She tried to hide that she was nervous

"Oh..that's fantastic, my lord. I love people who make me laugh. Too many serious people around. Well, see you this evening, then. Thanks again for invitation.."

She said with a small curtsy

I nodded with a smile holding her gaze briefly. I didn't want to come across as desperate but I really didn't want to leave her presence just incase she never made it to dinner women often rejected me because I was simply a good man not a sex driven womanizer. And I always enjoy company of ladies who can hold a conversation with me quiet like you. So I shall see you tonight at six. I do hope that this is not short notice on behalf of you're son.

Inge stood up with a soft smile

"Oh..not at all, my lord. At six is perfect. Usually my son sleeps at that hour..and I can leave him with a trusted lady. Then..see you later, my lord.."

She curtsied. Raising her gaze she looked at him once more time. She smiled sweetly and left his presence, walking towards Palace. She just hoped she succeded to hide how much nervous she was