Róisin

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

December, 1543

      He walked cautiously closer to her now.  As if one were approaching a wild animal.  Adora never bothered to learn his real name due to the fact that he was a mere farm boy.  She thought he did not deserve her acknowledgement at all.

      “Indeed Milady.  I will be the first for a thousand apologies.”  He lowered his head.

      “GUARDS!”

      “No, I beg you Milady.  Please believe that I left your side for a purpose and not for freedom.  I want to serve you for as long as I live.  Nay, beyond.”  He narrowed the space between them only leaving a gap of an arm’s length then kneeling before her.

      “Thy name?”  She demanded.

      “Milady?”  He raised his head in confusion.

      “I never learned thy true name.”  Adora said while trying to hold onto her pride.

      “Beaumont, Charles Beaumont.”

      “Beaumont?  A Frenchman?”

      “My family is but I was raised here.”  Charles rose to his feet standing tall.  He was now eye to eye with Adora breathing harmoniously with her.

      Adora never quite noticed his masculine features until now.  Charles’ chin was strong, unshaven and his cheeks angular but the texture of his skin seemed soft and rounded. 

He appears wilder in a sense.  Not the polite farm boy she was used to ordering around.

      “Well?”  Adora said waiting for his explanation while she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

      “Well, Milady I… it is something not to be discussed.”  Adora begins to circle Charles like a vulture watching and listening intently.

      “Oh, a secret?  Why dost thou keep secrets?  I do love secrets.”  She said amused.  Adora was now behind Charles and leaned closer to whisper in his ear.  “And will not speak it?”

      “Aye, Milady it is for thy protection.”  Adora maneuvers to face Charles.

      “Thus, I will no longer require thee to stay here in my aid.”

      “Milady do not misunderstand me—”

      “No!  Do not misunderstand me!    I need someone I can trust myself with whole heartedly and no secrets.  Someday I will be a leader to my people and I shan’t keep secrets from them.  People only see me as a spoiled child who receives anything and everything because of my title.”  Adora was breathless.

      “’Tis the reason Milady.”  He didn’t meet her eyes.

      “What?”

      “There are dangerous men lurking the kingdom seeking for an opportunity.” 

      “An opportunity.”  She repeated quietly. Her eyes were searching the distance trying to comprehend what she has just heard.  “To murder me?”  Her hands were shaking and she began to pace the floor.

      “Yes.  ‘Tis why I have returned and the reason I am thy lady’s maid and no ordinary maiden.”  He said trying to comfort her.

      “What ever shall we do?”  Adora asked worriedly.