But Daddy I Love Him (Tayvis Short Story)

three

"Where are you going pet?" My father's voice paused me halfway down the stairs as I rushed in my riding dress.

"To ride Nellie father." I told him. "I did not take her our yesterday and her leg may be sore. I should not be long."

"Do not." Father nodded. "I want you to spend the afternoon with Joe, to get to know him better so that you will not stand on that alter with a stranger."

"Yes father." I nodded.

"Be safe pet, do not ride out past the village."

"Yes father." I nodded again, continuing my descent. Skipping down the main hall with my white dress billowing around my ankles, I made my way across to the stables. Josie already had Nellie tacked up for me, and waved me off with a warning to stay safe just as my father had. I nodded, promising to be back soon, not knowing if I meant it or not.

Urging Nellie forwards, I rode through the gates and down the slight slope of the hill on the grass. The wind tossed my plait out behind me, freeing some strands as I tilted my face up to the bright blue sky. The winter had chilled the air, but the sun was enough to counter it at this time of day, and I was warm enough in my plain dress. Grasping the reins, I rode Nellie past one side of the village and into the woods where there was no path, slowing her down. 

Soon enough, I caught a glimpse of sparkling water through the trees. Smiling, I rode Nellie out to the clearing and jumped down, looping her reins over a nearby tree where she could reach the water if she wanted to, or stand in the sun or shade. Walking to her front, I rubbed my hand over her nose and smiled as she huffed at me. I rose up on my toes, pressing a kiss between her eyes when she lowered her head. 

"Princess?"

I turned around, relaxing into a smile when I saw Travis walking towards me. So, he wasn't a figment of my imagination after all. He smiled back at me, and that flutter against my heart came back as he stopped in front of me. His hand rose and I placed mine into it, blushing as I once again received that soft kiss against my knuckles.

"I was not sure you would come."

"Of course I came." I whispered. "There is something about you Travis."

"I find that there is something about you too princess." Travis smiled at me. "Would you prefer I drop your hand, or would you allow me to keep it in my possession."

"Now Travis, you know I am now betrothed to another man." I murmured, but boldly, I weaved my fingers through his to hold his hand. Travis smiled, seeming to accept my movement, and gave a gentle squeeze of my palm. 

"Walk with me." He murmured.

So I did. Hand in hand, Travis and I walked very slowly across the side of the river, commenting on the cascading water and speaking more about our conversation from the previous night. I found myself even more hopelessly under his spell, blushing with each comment he countered with, blushing with our light banter, blushing with his tiny compliments.

"Are you really betrothed princess?" He asked as we sat at the edge of the river, dangling our feet in the water with our shoes next to our hips.

"Yes." I whispered. "To a duke. He seems nice enough, but my heart is not in this."

"How would your father feel if you did not marry this duke?"

"He would not allow me to decide otherwise." I shook my head. "This is something that is expected of me and I need to go through with it. I am the princess, and this is my duty." Travis nodded, and I could see his eyes watching me, but I stayed staring forwards out at the river. "I do not want to marry him." I whispered. "I want to make my own choice."