palace fountain

Richard sighed and shook his head

Every man is different from others, Isabella. I love you and my wife in a different way, yes. But probably Inge's lover loved no one else but himself. So don't worry, nothing bad will happen to me, or to you..

He smiled taking her hand in his

Isabella kissed his cheek her hand placed a top of his

"I miss you I feel so disconnected from you in recent days tell me how is the princess of Netherlands she seems very shy and quick worded I am rather fond of Inge and Sybille

Richard took her hand on his cheek and smiled

Yes, Princess Juliet looks shy...but she is nice. She said I could be her uncle. Oh but I'm happy you have friends at court. Inge and Sybille are nice and they care about you..

He said not leaving his glance from her

"You are her uncle? What a fascinating turn of events maybe she will warm up soon"

Taking his hand Isabella moved closer next to him her gaze still on his face.

"Yes now why did Sybille not dance with you I thought she was fond of you darling"

Richard laughed

Yes..it seems I am her uncle. But that's a weird story. I haven't understood well, yet..

He said thoughtfully. As she moved closer, he smiled and shrugged

Oh you see..I promised to Sybille the first dance. But suddenly Juliet came, and I couldn't leave a foreign guest alone. We'll dance next time..

"Another heir to the throne for you then"

Isabella rolled her eyes turning her face towards the moon

"Poor Sybille she lives only to please you it seems will you come to my chamber tonight"

Richard sighed. It seemes that rumors about Sybille's secret feelings reached her ears too

Sybille has a sincere affection for me. I return this affection and I admire her greatly. But there is nothing you should worry about. Of course, I'll come to your chambers..

He said still holding her hand. He kissed it looking into her eyes

"No I am not worried in fact I find it sweet and endearing"

Isabella kissed his lips closing her eyes for the briefest moment

"I am glad that you shall come you can tell me the rest of the story about your new niece"

Richard smiled. He kissed her hand and stood up

I think it's a wonderful idea, Isabella. Considering your conditions, we can do nothing more than...talking. But I don't want to waist another minute without your company..

He smirked and offered her his arm

Isabella placed her arm through his gazing up through his eye's

"No intimacy through pregnancy Richard you are strict but I understand I shall have to just kiss you everywhere instead"

Richard laughed

Considering how tempting your kisses are, you're not "safe". But let's see if I can resist you. Nothing is more important than our child..

He glanced at her belly and walked with her towards Palace's entrance

A feeling of happiness radiated through Isabella she was truly happy

"Yes our child is more important but I know their are other ways to tempt you"

Giggling Isabella rested her head on his shoulder feeling nothing but love

Inge came out to have a walk in the garden. Leo kept her very busy, so she needed some relax. She sat on the edge of the fountain and breathed deeply the fresh air closing her eyes

Arriving back at court I thought I would take my time before letting the king know I was here. I took a stroll in the inner gardens when I noticed a golden hair lady sitting along it would be rude not to say hello. Casually walking over I stood my distance as not to startle her. Mind if I join you my lady I was just passing through and thought it rude of me to not make an acquaintance. I stood on the steps that led to the fountain it was not in my nature to make any lady feel uncomfortable by intruding on their privacy.

Inge opened her eyes suddenly hearing a male voice. She saw a man standing in front of her. An handsome man. She smiled sweetly

"My lord! You scared me..Oh of course I don't mind. I was just having a break. My name is Inge.."

She said naturally, wondering who he was

With a nonchalant walk I walked down the steps still keeping my distance at a length. I did not mean to scare you Inge as you can see I have no weapons on me to harm you I was just on my way to the palace I thought I would take the scenery route. She had a smile like an angel but something dark not to dark gave a hint away in her eyes. My name is Daniel cousin to king Richard I thought I should come and see him due to recent events do you live in court or on some land nearby.

Inge smiled. She didn't even knew that the King had a cousin

"Oh..I'm honoured to meet you, sir Daniel. Yes, I live in court. I'm lady in waiting to Lady Sybille of Cleves. That's a pity you had no chance to meet the King, yet. How can I help you, my lord?"

She asked, hoping she could be useful to him

Please just call me Daniel you can be formal to me inside the palace. I rested on the bottom step stretching out my legs for a second. I have not been back at court since Ludwig passed that day I lost two cousins me and Richard were close like brothers and I would enjoy our adventures together tell me how does he fair.

Inge smiled nervously. She was not used calling a noble with his first name. She also noticed he had an athletic body

"I'm sorry for your loss, my lord. Oh..I meant, Daniel. I didn't know that the King had a so close cousin. How long will you stay at Palace?"

She asked, even wondering why she asked him such question

Their is no need to be sorry I never even stayed around for Richard to be crowned King. Now since you asked about me am I allowed to ask this lady some questions about herself. I took out a pear and started to eat it watching her contently.

Inge smiled and blushed a bit. She watched him eating after removing her blonde hairs from her cheek

"What would you like to know, Daniel? I fear there is not too much to say about me.."

She said with soft voice, turning her eyes around garden

Inge smiled shrugging a bit. She felt flattered that he was so interested in her life

"Oh..I come from a small village. Few years ago I came to Palace to serve Cleves's sisters. I have no siblings. But I have a son, who is the love of my life. His name is Leonardo, but I love to call him Leo. He is just 8 months old.."

She said with a joyful smile. She immediately thought that he was imagining her married

A son? She had a son if their was one thing I had learned never go after another mans wife the hassle is not really worth it. You and your husband must be very happy. I have a daughter although she does not know it yet it's a very tricky situation for now I think I shall leave things as they be. I said with a weak laugh as I avoided eye contact with her.

Inge blushed. She didn't know how to explain her situation, but she smiled

"Oh I'm not married, my lord. The father of my child died months ago. I take care of him by myself.."

She wondered what he was thinking about her, now. After she heard he had a daughter, she smiled again but very surprised

"A daughter..how nice. But..why she doesn't know, yet? Are you and your wife separated? If I may ask, of course.."