The Commoner's Princess

15

Ben thought about Miranda all night long. He could not believe it's been seven years since he had laid eyes on her.

For the first time in seven years, he actually got to see her up close and it was more than he could imagine. To hear her voice made his world shift on its axis.

As he made his way to the castle he was nervous. He didn't know if it would be guards or anything like he'd experienced before. He was also nervous about meeting his son. Would if his son didn't like him or was angry because of how everything played out?

Ben regretted a lot of things and often he wished he could turn back the hands of time. He wouldn't have waited a week for them to leave or maybe he would have followed his first mind and not carried on a relationship with Miranda from the start.

At noon Ben arrived like promised in front of the castle's gates. He rode in on a European-style carriage only pulled by one horse. It was a fast carriage with two sometimes four high wheels. It was able to seat three to four passengers.

He looked down at his appearance and made sure he looked okay.

"Good afternoon," Miranda voiced loudly on the other side of the gate. Ben watched as she talked to the guards and the gate was opened.

He looked over and her arm was looped through someone else's. Ben's eyes widened when he saw his son.

"We will be back," Miranda told the guards and one insisted that they go with her. "That is not necessary, we are in good hands." She spoke as they walked out of the gate.

William looked at the man in front of them and he traveled his eyes over the figure taking him all in. He never thought to ever question who his dad was and now discovering the man who he thought was another was surreal. He actually looked like his dad.

Miranda watched as the two males starred. It couldn't get any better than this. The love of her life and what they'd created was finally together. It caused tears to fall.

"William, this is your father Doctor Benjamin Warren," she gestured introducing them softly, not wanting anyone to overhear them.

Ben offered his son a hand and a warm smile, not sure if he wanted a hug. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you,"

William hesitated for a moment before reaching out to shake his hand. He looked shy almost and Miranda felt her heart ache. Her kid wasn't even the type of kid who was shy. He was bold in everything so she knew how delicate this was. "Likewise," William said.

Miranda looked over her shoulder at the gate and Ben shifted his eyes to her. "I'm sure you both have plenty of questions for me. As do I. How about we go to my home and I can offer lunch along with answers."

"I would like that," Miranda nodded walking over to the carriage. Ben and William reached their hand out to help her into the carriage and she smiled brightly.

As Ben guided the horse along the winding roads, he stole glances at his "wife" and son. He couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed about his home. It was a simple weathered-down cottage that needed a tremendous amount of work.

"Um excuse my home. I just got it and it was all that was available. I haven't been in this country long and it needs a lot of work." Ben spoke clearing his throat and rubbing the back of his neck.

"It's lovely Ben. A charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the castle. I know you will bring it to its former glory and do even more. I know what you are capable of." Miranda spoke taking his hand, trying to ignore the tingle that went through her at the contact.

Ben smiled but then turned his attention to William who jumped down from the carriage. "You have not been in this country long?" he questioned.

"No, I have not. I'm getting to that. I guess it is only right to start at the beginning."