To Kiss a King 2

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Fiora looked from Erickson to Nora and back again. Their eyes were locked and Eric’s hand was outstretched just inches away from touching Nora’s sleeve. 

“Damn.” Fiora cursed herself mentally. She had just ruined a moment... But there would be plenty more where that came from...

“Good afternoon.” Nora turned away blushing and curtsied towards her. 

“Excuse me.” Eric said quickly and stepped backwards. 

“You’re welcome to join us  Erickson...if you wish.” Fiora tried to hold back her devilish smile. 

“No...no. I must- attend to the the-” Erickson suddenly tripped as he was awkwardly walking backwards. 

Fiora covered her mouth as a small chuckle escaped. 

“the- attend to the new recruits. The new guards.” He swallowed and turned with an utter look of sheer embarrassment on his face. 

Fiora smiled and appraised Nora out of the corner of her eye. She was wide eyed, like a frightened little deer. 

“What a foolish man.” Fiora giggled and ushered Nora into the large sunny drawing room. 

Just as she was about to shut the door a guard appeared in the crack of the door startling her. 

“Excuse me, Queen Fiora. Do you still require me to wait in the study with the other men...or...” 

Fiora held a finger up to her lips and chuckling to herself answered “No, you may return to your duties.” She tried her best to remain serious. 

“Any who, tea?” Fiora quickly said spinning around. 

She hoped Nora didn’t catch on to her clever plan. Just before her arrival she had the guards basically hide from sight so that Erickson was forced to escort Nora to the room. 

“Yes, thank you.” Nora smiled seemingly a little uncomfortable. 

“Tell me, how have you been?” It felt good to have such light hearted conversation with another woman. Rafael seemed pleased at the notion that Fiora was making friends. 

“Enjoy your friend’s company, I shall be back to dine with you. Until then my love-” And with a swift kiss upon her forehead Rafael left for the day. 

“I’ve been very well...I was surprised to receive your invitation.” 

“Were you? Although it was brief, you had such words of wisdom on my wedding day. I hoped to properly thank you!” 

Nora smiled and looked away modestly “It was nothing.” 

“Tell me, are you married?” Fiora inquired, already knowing the answer. 

“No...to much of my mothers disappointment, I am not.” 

“Ahhh, I see.” Fiora laughed. 

And for the next hour and a half, the two women talked and laughed over the silliness of each others lives. Nora told her the ridiculousness of her mother  and how she wishes above all else that she marries some sort of Prince. 

“Perhaps if you and Rafael ever sire an heir, I can marry him!” Nora had retorted throwing her arms up in the air. But that was as close as Fiora could get to talking about men. 

Anytime she mentioned Rafael, or husbands, or marriage Nora would make light of it and change the subject. 

So it was time to get serious and get to the point. 

“Nora...I have to ask, do you know Erickson?”