The King's True Queen (Completed)

Chapter 6. 1810

Shortly after breakfast was over two hours later, Alexander and Serafina mounted their horses for a chaperoned horseback ride. The chaperone that would accompany them wouldn't be right beside them of course, but several yards away to keep an eye on them. That gave Alexander and Serafina some much needed space to talk and get to know one another.

Alexander glanced at Serafina as they rode through the lush green grass and hills. He gave her a soft smile as their eyes met. "I don't believe I asked you this before, but do you have any siblings?"

Serafina returned his smile. "I do indeed, three older brothers and a younger sister. My eldest brother is Frederick, and then Edward, Richard, and then my youngest sister Caroline."

Alexander beamed. "You're one of five children, and the eldest daughter. It must be fun having a large family."

Serafina giggled. "Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I love my brothers and sister dearly, but they can get on my nerves."

Alexander chuckled. "I understand completely. I am the eldest of three siblings, my younger brother David and younger sister Madeline."

Serafina. "I'm glad we both have siblings to play with, that way we aren't lonely."

Alexander. "I agree. However, I want more pressing matters, because I must ask, do you like music?"

Serafina's eyes started dancing. "I adore music. I could listen to the waltz or the quadrille for hours, dance to those steps for an entire evening. If I must speak plainly, the waltz is my favorite dance, and every orchestration  put to that dance is my favorite piece of music."

Alexander smiled brightly. "The waltz is one of my favorites as well. What else do you like?"

Serafina. "I love reading and writing, especially poetry. Horseback riding, as we are doing at this precise moment, is another favorite activity of mine. Although I must admit, I've never picked up a bow and arrow."

Alexander's eyes sparkled. "That's all right, I can teach you. It won't be that difficult once you get the hang of things. Do you enjoy taking walks through the garden?"

Serafina. "Absolutely, I could walk in gardens for hours if I chose. Sometimes I've even done it in the rain, which has not gone well at times."

They continued talking about their favorite subjects and topics, soon moving their horses into a sprint as they started racing each other. Their laughter echoed through the mountains as they moved swiftly, the wind making their clothing flap around. It was evident they had plenty in common, that conversation was easy between them. Both were intrigued with the other, wanting to know even more. There would be several more days for that to take place. Turning around, they rode back to the castle, dismounted their horses so that they could be put into the stables, and walked inside.

Alexander escorted Serafina to his massive library, discovering that she had a love of books just as heated. He showed her the mini volumes that lined the gigantic bookshelf, pointing out his favorites and asking if she preferred those books to others. However, he was beginning to grow distracted by how beautiful she was. I lovely eyes and luscious lips, her sweet figure that was amplified by the dusty pink gown she was wearing. Her creamy neck exposed for his lips to kiss and tease and playfully bite. But above all of those physical attributes, the one thing that kept him glued to her was the smell of her blood. It was sweet and intoxicating, and he was wanting a taste.

Serafina was feeling the exact emotions as he was. She couldn't stop looking at him, his beautiful face and gorgeous eyes. His perfect lips that seemed to be begging for a kiss. His delicious neck that was desperate to be teased and kissed and bitten. But the one thing that caught her attention was his blood. It smelled of richness and delectable intoxication. She was wanting a taste of it, and she knew he was wanting a taste of hers.

It was only a matter of time before Alexander and Serafina realized that they wouldn't just be bound by marriage or by the crown, but by blood. And when that bond was sealed, it would never be broken by anyone.