The Night We Met

Chapter Seven

"So, can you help out a princess in need?"

"This boy better be worth it," said Maria.

"Maria, do I own any simple-folk clothing? I still don't want him to know I am a princess," she says as she is rummaging through her massive closet. "Guinevere, if you care about meeting this boy so much, don't you think you need to be honest with him? Lying never ends well," Maria tells her, hoping the princess would change her mind. "So was that a yes or a no?" Guinevere replies with a bothered tone. "Princess," Maria states, while becoming more serious. "I just lied to my mother not too long ago, and it went well for the most part, so I am not relying on your words of wisdom," Guinevere adds, becoming more peeved. "Fine, but do not blame me once your lies catch up to you," the maid replies. "And yes, I know the perfect dress." 

"Remember, if the Queen somehow finds out I am not here at night, tell her that I went to meet Christopher at Troyes, to spend the day together and we lost track of time, so I had to stay at his palace. Also, If I do not come back within three hours, send the butler, Henri, to come find me, because there is still a chance I will lose my way or that you were right about Adrian." "I thought you found Adrian a kind hearted man who could do no harm?!?" 

"I was merely joking Maria, but not so much about my sense of direction. Do you think you can handle my instructions?" Guinevere asks with desperation. "Your wish is my command," Maria responds with a soft yet concerned smile. 

After she had successfully snuck out of the palace, Guinevere rode on her horse to what seemed like the oblivion through her eyes. For most of the duration of the ride, she thought she was no where near the farm or anywhere in that matter, but she suddenly recognizes a familiar cabin, not too far ahead. Her thoughts of anxiety and fear suddenly fade away when she sees the silhouette of the mystery boy. 

"You look exhausted," he says with concerning, yet also endearing eyes. "I hope I did not cause too much trouble; I can come back another time if midnight is too late." "No I'm perfectly fine, it was just a long day," Guinevere replies. "I can attest to that. My father had me working since five this morning," he let out a small chuckle. "That reminds me...," Guinevere sees him pull out a bouquet of vibrant flowers , and her face immediately radiates, "They are beautiful, where did you---". "I plucked these while I was working in the fields. These yellow flowers are Buttercups, the scarlet ones are Daffodils, and the white flowers are Lillies, and they are all for...I'm sorry, you still haven't told me your name," he said with a teasing tone. "Fine, if you really must know, it's Guinevere, and now you must tell me yours. Although, I was just starting to warm up to the name, mystery boy," she teases. 

"It's Adrian," he answers, while still looking deeply into her eyes. "Say, Guinevere, what is your trade; you have yet to tell me that part of yourself." Guinevere hadn't seen this question coming, even though it was a fairly common question, now that she thinks about it. "Oh well, I am a...an artist, yes, I...love the arts," she anxiously said. "Wow, I love the arts! I assume that you are a painter then?"

 "Well of course, but I also partake in the occasional sculpture." 

"If what you are saying is true, then you must have me be your muse one of these days. I have always wanted a sculpture of myself, though I assume your commissions are only for the best of the best," he adds playfully. 

"I suppose I could make an exception," she grins flirtatiously.  

 The two of them sit down on the field, and continue to get lost in their words for the remaining few hours, until Adrain notices Guinevere starts to doze off a little.

"Guinevere, it's getting pretty late, and you are basically falling asleep on my shoulder," he says, while nudging her to wake up. She slowly starts to wake up, and replies, "What do you mean, how long has it been?" 

"I would say about three hours," Adrian answers. Guinevere immediately gets up.

"I'm so sorry, I really have to go," she says while walking hastily towards her horse. "Wait!" he  exclaims, while grabbing ahold of her hand. Guinevere immediately faces her body to his, and she suddenly feels the warm touch of Adrian's other hand caressing her face. Guinevere meets Adrian's soulful, golden eyes, and before she knows it, his lips meet hers. At first, Guinevere pushes back, due to the shock, but then she goes in for a second kiss, that is equally as affectionate, yet both of their desire and passion rapidly grows, as they get consumed by the intensity of it all. 

Guinevere pushes him back for the second and final time.

"I really do have to go this time," she warns him once again. "Fine, but when will I see you again?"

"A week from now, you shall see me again. But for the time being, you better start working on your next bouquet."