Morning Light
Bash was already enjoying the morning meal with his mother. All she wanted to discuss was the strange new courtier. When she asked him if he knew anything about her, he lied, fearing that the truth would be misinterpreted as it so often was. It just so happened that Bash had fallen asleep waiting for a guard to come to his door. The guard was a honest countryman who did not question Bash's position. Instead he swore, on his honor, that the occurrence would be kept a private matter. After that, Bash had slipped inside his chamber, dressed and slipped back out to roam the castle before the morning meal. Throughout the entire meal of decadent pastries, he was distracted by thoughts of Roselyn.
"The servants say she's quite lovely, but slightly odd. I just say she's English and the English always are odd. I mean even her name is unfamiliar. What is it again, Sebastian?" Diane droned on.
"Roselyn," he murmured. Before another word was said, he took a gulp of wine from his chalice. He had to erase any traces of the kiss this morning from his lips.
"Roselyn! What an English name!" Diane exclaimed. She laughed, but stopped when she saw how her son's eyes gazed away in unfulfilled wonder. "Who is she?"
"What do you mean?" he demanded defensively.
"You stare off at nothing, my son. Is it wrong for your mother to think that there is a woman you seek?" she responded. "You are a charming boy, I'm sure she is not unattainable. Tell me now, who is she?"
He was about to surrender to his mother, but the opening of the doors stopped him. A few swishes could be heard from gowns sweeping the stone floor. Seconds later, Roselyn entered with her two servant girls. The sun reflected brightly off her silver gown and her hair fell in curls onto her shoulders.
"Lord Sebastian. Your guard informed me that I might find you here." she greeted him warmly. "I knew not with whom to dine, so I thought I would find you."
"Come in then ladies. Sit and dine with us." Diane instructed, clearly surprising her son.
Roselyn smiled kindly and stepped toward an empty chairs.
"I do not recall ever meeting you. I am Diane de Poitiers." Diane smiled back at her and Roselyn nodded. "And it seems you have already met my son Sebastian."
"Indeed my lady, I have." Roselyn replied. "I am Roselyn Howard and these are my ladies in waiting, Truett and Patience."
"Oh, are you of any relation to the late King Henry's wife, Kathryn Howard?" Diane inquired trying to make small talk. Roselyn's face dropped.
"Yes, my lady. She was a cousin of mine, as well as Princess Elizabeth's mother Anne Boleyn. However, I never met either. she developed sadly.
"Perhaps that was best." Diane sad bitterly. "Neither was any more than a mistress; no different from I. Elizabeth should be no more than my Sebastian is, yet there are rumors that she will be the next Queen of England."
"Forgive me, Lady Diane. I meant not to upset you." Roselyn apologized. She stared at the pastries, looking sick. Bash sense her sudden ill turn.
"Lady Roselyn, would you care to walk the garden with me? I believe some fresh air is needed." he offered.
"That would be lovely," she feigned excitement.
They both rose from their seats, Roselyn curtsied to Diane and Bash led the way out. He walked mostly beside her, yet always half a stride ahead of her. As a guide, he gently coaxed her outside into his favorite royal garden. Sunlight hit Roselyn's gown full force and Bash couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the irony of the moment. She stared in awe at the overflowing greenery and flowers.
"What is this place?" she asked curiously.
"It's called Les Anges, or The Angels." he smiled.
She reached out to touch a bright purple flower, but quickly drew her hand back in, fearing she might do it harm. Her childish wonder was beautiful in her eyes and made him thrust away all the formalities of his life, replacing them with love, peace and happiness in their truest forms. What he wouldn't give to leave his life at court and live in the countryside with Roselyn at his side. He could be a simple young man who loved a simple young woman and lived in simple and pure bliss. Despite her own fear of damage, he plucked the purple flower from its bush and tucked it nicely in her curls by her ear. It suited her silver dress and green eyes, making them all relics of the moment. He watched as her delight turned to sorrow and it greatly pained him.
"I am sorry for upsetting your mother Bash. I don't suppose I'm very good with introductions." she apologized.
"It's really nothing against you personally. She simply believes, like most do, that Elizabeth is illegitimate because King Henry and Catherine of Aragon were legally married." he explained. He took her by the hand and led her to a nearby stone bench. They sat down together. "Because she believes Elizabeth is illegitimate, she finds it unfair that England would allow an illegitimate woman rule, yet France cannot be ruled by an illegitimate man. It is frustrating for her to have a son who will never rule, even though his father is the king of France."
"What a horrid predicament! she murmured. "You seem like you would make a good king, Bash."
She looked up into his rich blue eyes. Her look was one of innocence; she bore none of the ill will between England and France. Their fingers were still intertwined and she began to play with his. Without actually looking, Bash knew they were alone together. Her ladies in waiting had broken away earlier.
"Bash, I don't know how to explain this, but I like you. You're different from other courtiers and I...." she couldn't bring herself to spit it out, but he hoped it was what he thought.
"I know," he whispered.
It was true because he felt exactly the same way. He cupped her chin in his hand, tilted it up and kissed her. It was softer, more controlled than the previous one due to their possible publicity. The fingers on his free hand raked through her beautiful curly hair. Her soft hand graced his cheek with her palm resting lightly on his jawline. He felt her fingertips brush his 5 o'clock shadow and it caused him to shudder, almost violently. It was horrible how easily he gave in to her. If his father were not such a womanizer himself, Bash would talk to him and ask him how to avoid such sweet surrender. He succumbed to a beautiful woman, that much could not be denied.
"Bash! Where are you?" Francis called out from inside the castle. Bash and Roselyn broke away from one another and he leaped from his seat next to her. They heard Francis stop and speak to someone.
"Have you seen my brother Sebastian?" he asked.
"Yes Prince Francis. He's is Les Anges with our lady." one girl replied.
"Truett!" Roselyn hissed in anguish at being caught.
A moment later, Francis and the two ladies burst into the garden opening where Bash and Roselyn had previously gone undetected.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Francis boomed.
"I'm sure you have little brother. Now what is it you need?" Bash responded in his usual brooding manner.
"Father says he cannot ride with us this afternoon." Francis informed him. Bash rolled his eyes. Francis continued, "Perhaps Lady Roselyn would like to ride with us?"
They both turned to Roselyn.
"I would be delighted to, Prince Francis," she answered gracefully.
"Excellent! Francis chirped. He grabbed Bash by the shoulder and began to haul him away. "We shall see you this afternoon, Lady Roselyn."
Bash saw her wave silently before turning away and walking the opposite direction with her ladies.
