Tulip Heaven

Inge laughed shooking her head

"Oh calm down, Sybille. I just said that I met a man, not that I'm going to marry. He is back at court after a long travel abroad. His name is Daniel Meyer. Perhaps you know him, Sybille. Cause he is the King's cousin.."

She answered, curious to see her reaction

Sybille calmed herself this was a very positive step for Inge. Sybille did not know of this man and had never heard of him before so their was not much to tell Inge. No I have never even heard of him before. I don't think Richard would discuss family matters with me it's not like that. Anyway what is he like.

Inge smiled biting softly her lower lip

"He is..quite handsome, actually. He is tall, brown hairs and deep brown eyes. He also has a warm voice. And it seems that we have something in common. Because he told me that he has a daughter. But he is separated, I guess.."

She answered and she blushed a bit while describing him

Sybille smiled as she could see the evident joy this stranger of a man gave her. Did he say more about his daughter? It could be an evident love child who knows. Do you two plan to meet again. Sybille looked around for something to nibble on .

Inge smiled after blushing a bit

"He invited me to dinner, and I'll see him tonight. I admit I am very nervous. But..he said very few things about his daughter, Sybille. I think he is a very private man.."

She answered, wondering what her friend thought about her meeting with sir Daniel

This sounded to Sybille like old fashion courting a romantic meal. She was very happy for Inge. I think that he sounds like a good man. If he is a private man but shared his secrets with you then he is not so private. Just try to enjoy yourself for me please. Sybille extended her hand to Inge.

Inge smiled taking her hand in hers

"Thank you, Sybille. I shall try. But I always feel so nervous in front of him. Maybe because I find him handsome. I shall try to relax and to enjoy his company. Like..you do with the King, I guess.."

She added in a teasing tone

Sybille frowned she knew that their was one eager lady in this court who wanted to be a mistress to Richard. Sybille had no right to be jealous as he was not hers and never would be but what they had was different. I have a rival who thinks she can have what I have with Richard. I hope no other lady at the court tries to be your rival.

Inge opened her eyes bigger. After a moment of silence, she burst into a laughter

"You have..what? You said..a rival? Oh my God, Sybille! Who is this crazy lady? Surely she can't be compared with you.."

She said shooking her head. She really meant that. Cause in her eyes Sybille was the most beautiful lady in the whole Bavarian Kingdom

Perhaps Rival is to much of a bigger word. I am sure you shall have not this problem. Sybille was glad that she could still make Inge laugh after all this time.

Inge smiled. She refreshed Sybille's earlobes with water again

"Don't worry. I am sure that Richard doesn't even notice her. But I am not surprised, cause he is an handsome man.."

She sighed

"Oh I have no rivals, for now. I don't even know what kind of woman sir Daniel likes. But if things between us will become serious, I won't allow another lady to try to seduce him.."

Sybille winced as the water seeped through newly pierced ears. Richard was not hers but she would not beg him. I feel jealous like I could slap someone and this is not normal way to behave. He was most certainly worth the wait a very gentle lover but passionate at the same time.

Inge fixed Sybille's hairs behind her ears gently and smiled

"I think it's natural, Sybille. You and Richard are now intimate. Jealousy is a normal feeling. Just..be carefully. I don't want to see you suffer for him.."

She said with soft and carying voice

Sybille looked at Inge concern now etched across her face. No he won't hurt me Inge it has taken both of us a year to announce our feelings for each other. That if he was to hurt me it would take another year for him to do. Sybille laughed trying to lighten the mood.

Inge laughed softly

"Oh yes..you're right. Relationships between man and women are always so complicated. I don't know why. Maybe that's why I prefer friendship than love. A true friendhip can last for lifetime. While men..you know, men go and come.."

She shurugged playing with a little flower on the grass

Yet neither sex can live without each other. Sybille laughed feeling the cold air passing through. I wonder what kinda man Leo shall grow up to be. He might want to travel to where is it again Spain Is it? He might want to go their and see his Farther's side of the family. Sybille had never met Amelia's late husband also Farther to Inge's son but she hoped he would look more like Inge.

Inge raised her eyes to Sybille and sighed

"I don't know. But I received a letter from Francesca Benedetti. She is Leo's sister, and she asked me news about her little brother. She wants to be part of his life..so I invited her to Bavaria. Her father is dead, and Amelia is in England. So..maybe this is a good chance to forget the past and go on. What do you think?"

She asked, wanting to know her friend's opinion

Inge smiled softly. She knew she could always count on her support

"Thank you, Sybille. You know, this is the only way I have to give a family to Leo. Unless I got married, of course.."

She added, blushing a bit. She never considered the idea of marriage, until then

Inge smiled weakly. She noticed that her friend was worried about something

"Perhaps one day it will happen, yes. The door of my heart is not closed, yet. But what's wrong, Sybille? Do you fear that something will change between us when Francesca will come? You will never lose me. I just want that Leo could meet his sister.."

She said squeezing her hand. Her expression changed since she mentioned Francesca and she noticed that

Inge took her hand smiling warmly

"Oh Sybille! You don't interfere at all. Rather, I need your advices. I know you care about me. But Benedetti's family is not a threat for me and my son. All this belongs to the past, and you will remain my best friend. I only wish..to give him a father, one day. He deserves a father's figure.."

She said sincerely, wondering if this dream would become true one day

Inge smiled squeezing her friend's hand

"Thank you, Sybille. I knew I could always count on you. And tell me..what about you and the King? Have you feelings for him?"