Starry Night in the forest

Maybe she seeks you out as a farther figure all I know is that she cares for you and your beard for some reason I smiled trying to lighten the mood

Richard was looking serious. But he suddenly laughed hearing her words

My...beard? Oh I'm flattered to hear that. Never thought that my beard could be...so attractive for someone? But..how do you know that?

He was wondering if she was kidding him or something

Personally I prefer a clean faced man but she told Inge and I overheard I must stop doing that. Since then I have wondered this does having a beard come with more power look at the Ottomans Now I was joking

Richard laughed again

An Ottoman? At least I know Sybille's tastes, now. And also yours, Maria. Is there no bearded man in your life?

He asked with the same joking tone

Playfully I slapped his arm I have my suitor William but I never hear from him if he had the choice he would sway towards that new Princess from the Netherlands! So no their is no beard man for me unfortunately. Why is that an offer I giggled in a joking tone

Richard giggled, raising his hand and shooking his head

Oh no...I never dared. I was just curious about your tastes. I don't know about your suitor. But I'm sure most men would be happy to court you, Maria..

He replied still joking

I jokingly elbowed him. "Well I did meet Ambassador Inigo wife the other day. Hmm but their are not that many men at court for me to play with. Don't be too harsh on Sybille her farther works hard and she to has a marriage proposal already planned out by her farther"

Richard leaned an hand on his knee. He nodded thoughtfully

I see. I have no intention to play with her feelings, however. Sybille is the most sweet and sensitive girl I have ever met. Although, I wish to all Cleves's sister an happy marriage. About William..he has no need. He is already lucky cause he has you, Maria..

He added showing a charming smile

"My king is to kind in his compliments and i hope that you can continue you're little friendship with Sybille". I had to smile the way he was posed and that cheeky smile reminded me of a statue. "Are you posing for a sketch you look like one of those Greek statues tell me how is the Princess pregnancy coming along? All is well i hope" i really wanted Anne and Sybille to be happily married to good men. "Is Amelia Von Cleves already not married? Perhaps it was just a rumour"

Richard looked at himself. He smiled playfully as he noticed his posture and looked at her

Oh..greek statues usually are about very sensual men, at least. So I take it as a compliment, Maria. About the Princess...yes, her pregnancy is going on very well. I'm very excited at the idea of becoming father. But about Amelia...I don't know what's going on with her, actually. I just heard she travelled to England..

He said still smiling for her comment

"I think it has something to do with Egos not to sure." You could see how happy he was when he spoke about the princess. "How long until the arrival of bundle of joy"

Richard smiled shrugghing a bit

Oh I don't know, actually. Usually women are better informed about that. But I think about three months. That's a very special moment for me, Maria..

He added proudly

"You are a very lucky king a baby is a blessing it will be nice for the court" I outstretched my legs feeling them going numb. "It get lonely at court I cannot even hold a conversation with the ambassador without mispronouncing his name" It was starting to grow cold I wrapped my arms around my legs

Richard laughed for her last sentence

Do you mean the Ambassador Mendoza? That's not so difficult..Oh! But maybe you mean his first name. Inigo is not an easy name to remember. Probably the poor Ambassador is used at this..

He giggled, when suddenly he noticed her wrapping her arms around her legs

Are you cold, my lady? You're trembling. Please, take this..

He removed fastly his long cloak and wrapped hit around her shoulders

Taking his cloak i wrapped it around me. It's ok his wife came and then we stopped talking I was trying to prove how brainy I was but I think I confused him. Political matters are not for me it seems"

Richard smiled

That's why the world it's ruled by men. But I admit that women have an important role in our life. Without you women..men would be nothing. I'm sure you agree, Maria..

He added with a soft grin

I let out a light laugh. "Well my king I have this belief and I hope it does not anger you. I believe that kings are given daughters so that in the future they can rule kingdoms. A child is a blessing from god and a king or queen are gods annointed upon earth. That is my belief but you are lucky you have a child about to be born and in the future you're wife will give you children and this child will no longer matter to you as you will finally have heirs from your queen" I found all of this a bitter sweet affair even

Richard frowned after listening her. He shrugged

If Eleanor will give me children, they will be my legitimate heirs to the throne. But I'll love Isabella's child in the same way of my legitimate children. Maybe this newborn won't get the throne. But I'll give it all my love and support. Why you said so?

He asked, wondering why Maria had doubts about his love for Isabella and their child

I saw the way he looked at me and I was not impressed by the least. "My Farther had a Mistress of a higher rank and she lost everything just to be with him and when he spent time with my mother the jealousy drove her to the point of.. well it was not a very nice point but hopefully you understand what I mean."

Richard noticed that this matter involved her in some way. It reminded her something about her past. He just nodded

Yes..I understand. I'm sorry for your mother. But even if it sounds weird..I want no one is hurted by my choices. I wanted this child..and Eleanor is an intelligent woman..

He answered not looking directly at her

I quickly turned my head at his direction "No you have completely misunderstood that story men never listen I wonder why that is"

Richard smiled apologetically

Oh..I'm sorry. I think i don't know, actually. But..I'm curious to know: how would you react if your husband would take a mistress, Maria? Of course I'm not wishing you that. But..it's a possibility..

He asked looking at her with curious eyes

I smiled weakly raising my eyebrows with a heavy sigh. "It depends really their are different types of mistress. If it was someone who I knew personally then it would sting if I did not know them I would be curious as to who they were. I would hope that he would not leave my bed cold at night and that I would not drive him into the arms of a mistress. Do you know what would hurt the most is this if I had children and they adored her more trying to take my place." I hoped that was a specific answer I had answered honestly for him.

Richard thought deeply about her words. He shook his head with a weak smile

I honestly don't think that such thing could happen, Maria. Because children never love their father's mistress more than their mother. No ne can replace a mother..

He answered sincerely

For no sudden reason I began to cry "I had a love affair with Philip but all of a sudden he left court without saying goodbye problem is I really did love him" I don't know why I decided to say this now but it was eating away at me and I missed him I quickly dabbed my eye's with the kings cloak.