Fantasies

Teach Me How to Love (Part 2)

The short trek to the palace left the Duke blissfully happy as he soaked in the sun shining over the beloved city. As he rode through the town square many stopped to bid him hello. Kindly, he smiled at them and continued on his way, patting his trusted horse on the mane in appreciation as they continued until they reached the golden gates of the fairest landscape and palace in all the land.

Easing Tarzan forward past the gates after conversing with the guards of the reason for his arrival, the Duke unmounted his horse once he reached the palace steps. Handing the reins to one of the trusted stable men, Shawn climbed the stone steps, invitation in hand, ready to give his reply in person to his dear friends of many years. Finally reaching the top step, he grabbed the large gold knocker in his hand, but before he had a chance to knock, the large wooden doors standing much taller than he, were opened with a gust of breeze as he stepped back in amusement.

Passing through the door before him was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her tanned skin, long wavy brown locks, plump pink lips and sparkling brown eyes captivated him, knocking the breath from his lungs; leaving him speechless. She gave him a slight nod before curtsying before him. Selfishly, he took the time to admire the beauty before him as his eyes roamed the dark blue of her dress, golden detail leaving little to the imagination as the corset she wore underneath surely put her breasts on full display for the young Duke.

Nothing but silence passed between them as she excused herself from his presence, awarding him a warm smile before she was escorted down the steps by one of the doorman. A loud shriek broke the silence as the blonde haired beauty known far and wide as the Queen grabbed her friend by the hand and quickly ushered him inside.

"Shawn Mendes whatever are you doing here?" She squealed in confusion and delight, looking at the dazed man in front of her. He seemed to be in another world as visions of the fair maiden he'd just laid eyes upon kept dancing in his head.

"Shawn?........Shawn?..........Your Grace?!!!" Taylor finally yelled while waving her hand in front of the Duke's face.

"Oh.....oh! My apologizes your Royal Highness" he stuttered as he shook the images from his mind and focused on his friend in front of him. "I came to give you my reply to the ball" he said matter of factly as he opened the envelope in hand and retrieved the small card which held his response.

"Oh my god!" She cried in happiness. "You're finally coming back!!" Surprise evident on the face of the Queen as she seemed somewhat out of character, squealing in excitement at the splendid news.

"Yes my Queen. I figured after you took the time to write me a handwritten correspondence that it was high time I made my presence known again in society" Shawn happily replied.

"How lovely to hear my dear friend. I have a feeling you shall not be disappointed" the Queen winked at him as they began to roam the palace halls.

Catching up over tea they were joined by the Queen's husband Joe. The three friends reminisced of old times and shared in jubilation at the return of the Duke of Pickering to the annual ball.

"Taylor, may I ask who the fair maiden was that was departing as I was arriving?" Shawn asked.

"The one with hair as brown as chocolate and eyes that sparkle in the light?" The Queen asked. "Yes dear friend, that would be the one of which I speak" Shawn replied.

"Ahhhh...dearest Shawn, that was this year's "Jewel," the one you are destined to meet at this year's ball. She's quite the beauty is she not?" The woman asked as she raised a brow in question.

"I'm afraid I was rendered speechless your Majesty" Shawn spoke in reply. "She's quite possibly the most splendid being I've ever laid eyes on. I have no words for the beauty she possesses."

"Indeed, that is what she was hoping you would say" Joe interjected. "Taylor spent many a months searching for the next perfect "Jewel," each qualification with you in mind."

"Nonsense, you didn't have to do such a thing!" Shawn exclaimed.

"Your Grace, it was my pleasure in finding a potentially suitable maiden for you! Besides, you're coming up on your twenty-sixth year of birth, I think it's high time you find a lover and a wife."

"Oh dear friend, you mustn't go out of your way just for me" the Duke exclaimed. "I've been quite fine on my own" he replied upon standing in haste, an unsettling feeling creeping under his skin.

Not believing the words from her friends mouth, she stood tall and slowly made her way to where he was now standing by the window.

"Shawn...." she began. "It's been many a year since the passing of the Duke and Duchess of Pickering. You cannot have me believe that you've been happily cooped up in that grand estate of yours. Haven't you ever thought of having what the Duke and Duchess had? A love so rare, like the crowned jewels, that even a moment apart would cause unrest?" She pleaded with the young man as he turned to face her. "I see it in your eyes Shawn, you need someone to love you. You need someone to love. The glint in your eye when speaking of the "Jewel" gave you away. A Queen sees all you know," she winked again at the man standing before her, reaching for his hands.

Holding hands as Joe watched on in delight of his lovely wife working her magic of sorts on their dear and treasured friend, Taylor spoke to Shawn in words of encouragement and passion. Words that surely would spark a fire in the Duke's heart.

"She too has lost all family. She truly knows what it's like to live a life of solitude and loneliness your Grace. As with you, we've been friends many a year. I've watched her become a strong, independent being who needs no one, but does indeed deserve and aspire to have someone."

"And you think I could be that one?" He questions.

"I haven't a doubt in my mind your Grace that you very well could be. A Queen is never wrong my dear, and I have the utmost faith that the stars will aline on the night of the ball, and my dear friend and this year's "Jewel," my most cherished sapphire, will captivate the heart of my other most cherished friend and you two will in fact teach each other how to love."