Dalliance

Chapter Fifty Two

"Why is it you would choose Nicholas as her suitor? He is sick...and has darker tendencies then most men..."

"He was also knighted. He is a noble man now. And the alchemists aided his condition so he can live without bleeding into a kerchief...now, let us dance, while they continue to become acquainted.

Holly kept a close eye on them throughout the remainder of the night. When the festivities came to a close, each guest-including Nicholas, spoke farewell before leaving the castle stained with scuff marks from shoes. With their fingers intertwined, Holly and Dawson were moving to bed as Vera ran up to them with an exciting flare deep in her eye.

"I met the most handsome and kind man tonight!"

"Is that so?" Dawson asked with a forced surprised expression.

"Yes. He was a knight. He said he has fought alongside you and admired my eyes." She swooned as she stood, remembering the moment she had just spoken aloud. Holly realized the affect had been genuine and gave a kind smile.

"Do you see him as a potential-"

"He is returning tomorrow to walk me through the gardens. He spoke of wanting to know everything about me from my life before this and my interests...I have never been this excited in my entire life!"

"We shall find you the perfect dress then." Holly spoke as Vera followed her into the Queen's room.

"One of YOUR dresses? I could never-"

"I am demanding it. You have been through a lengthy ordeal and this man seems to have caused a smile, I do not believe to ever have seen on you before. It is the least I can do. Pick whichever one you desire."

"Are you certain?"

Holly nodded as she sat at her vanity, leaving Vera to search through her clothes. Taking the brush to her hair, she stroked her long locks until sliding her hand down the back, relaxing herself with how soft it now felt.

"Did you find one to your liking?"

"I do not see how Dawson can ever love you."

Holly turned.

"What was it you uttered?"

"I said...I see why Dawson can love you."

Holly shook off the thought before moving to her feet. Upon doing so, Vera pulled out a stunning full lace dress that was tight on the bodice and extended into a ballgown cut. It was truly beautiful, and perfect for a walk-while still enticing a possible suitor.

"Is this the one you desire?"

Shyly, Vera nodded.

"Then it is yours."

"Forever?"

She nodded. "Consider it an early wedding gift."

Vera smiled brightly. Pulling the dress up to her in the mirror, she gasped. "I would never look as beautiful as you, but I will always wear it with grace and honor."

Holly gave an appreciative nod before Vera bowed to her and ran down the hall squealing. Just as she left, Dawson entered the room. Somewhat sluggish, he sat on the end of the bed after closing the door.

"If I ever desire to intertwine two hearts again, please remind me to do so without constructing an entire ball." He laid down on the bed and threw his arms on either side of him. "I feel as though my feet have been pounded between two rocks for the last several hours."

"Here..." She moved to his feet and removed his boots before he pulled her up towards him. Wrapping her in his arms, he let out a deep exhale and they both fell asleep-exhausted from schmoozing and forced smiles.

When Dawson awoke, he found the spot in front of him had been completely vacant. But the bedding itself had been warm. Reaching ahead, he discovered it had also been damp. Using a nearly candlestick, he went close and found it to be blood. Finding the bedroom door open, he ran through the corridors, desperate to find Holly. Searching the study, the kitchen, and the halls-he eventually found her in the throne room, lying flat on the floor. Blood was protruding from her waist as Dawson cried out for her-forcing several guards and servants to see the scene as well.

"Wake up!" He begged as he gently shook her. Holding her in his embrace, he tried to bring her back to consciousness. "My love, I beg of you!"

"We should get her to the healer...he will make sure she will be alright..."

"I am not leaving her side!"

"We must take her." Two servants spoke side by side as he lifted her in his arms, covered in her blood, and taking her down the hall. Dawson was not allowed directly in the room, but he sat in the hall outside as Vera eventually found him. Tears filled his eyes as he held onto his ring, between his fingers.

"Are you alright?"

Dawson turned to Vera. "I am the farthest thing from it." He froze his gaze on his ring. "Do you know how long I have known her? How many trials we have been put through? We have not always done the right thing...but we do not deserve pain such as this..."

Vera placed her hand on Dawson's shoulder.

"You are right. I cannot being to explain how sorry I am...If I can do anything at all...please do not hesitate to ask."

He nodded, a tear sliding down his cheek.

"I promise."

She curtsied and left him alone in the hall. A few moments later, the door came open as the healer stood a few feet away, speckled with the queen's blood.

"She will be asleep for some time...I suggest you try and do the same...or you will be of no use to her."

"I am not leaving her-"

"Your highness...you have not slept in nearly six hours...I beg, for you both...to at least try."

Dawson let out a deep breath before seeing a bottle of alcohol on the table near Holly and gained an idea. Agreeing with the healer, he went towards the kitchen and removed several different types of alcohol and drank as if he was dehydrated.

By the time he woke up, he found himself with a pounding headache with no memory of anything since drinking. Awaking in a foreign bed, he looked over to see clothes on the floor beside him and let out a deep breath. Collecting his clothes, he found a flower near his boot and picked it up and set it on the nearby table before going to check on Holly.

Seeing her sitting up in bed, she saw his condition and chuckled.

"I see you truly cannot function without me."

"I cannot, my love." He knelt at the side of the bed and kissed her hand. "Did they discover what caused this?"

The healer emerged from the corner, giving a sigh. "It is the most bizarre occurrence that I have ever seen."

"What had done this?"

The healer shook his head. "A child."

Dawson looked to Holly with wide eyes. "What?"

"It appears...she has had a miscarriage."

"You mean...she was pregnant?"

He nodded. "I had never thought it could be possible in her circumstances..."

"Oh my! Does this mean that we can have children?"

"I suppose all you can do is try." He gave a mischievous look. "I will allow you two to discuss this.

With them both in tears, they hugged and shared a sweet kiss before there was a knock on the door. Vera entered with a large smile.

"I am so very happy to hear that you are well, highness."

"Very, thank you. Would you mind handing me the pitcher?"

"Certainly." As Vera turned, Dawson froze. In her hair was a specific flower that only she wore. As if that clue was not enough, the long gaze she gave Dawson had been. His heart stopped.

"No..." He said to himself. "I didn't....I wouldn't..." He thought in his mind.