A Beautiful Curse

Chapter 14 - A Tour of the Estate

A/N: Draco's Percheron (image above)

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Draco's P.O.V

  He watched on as she surveyed his lands and property for many long moments. They had ridden through every garden, greeted by every man, woman and child they passed. She admired both the classic and the exotic flowers grown in the gardens, asking about names and origins.

They were riding through the apple orchard, the most quiet place of all as the fruit was not yet ripe. But still good to eat if one likes them sour. He picked one from a tree he passed and took a large bite.

He looked around as he chewed and crunched, and his eyes landed on her. She was looking at him, fighting to keep a laughing smile off her face. He scrunched his brow at her. "What is it?"

"'Tis just... May I make an observation, my lord?"

He sat straight, towering over her on his taller horse. He waited.

She giggled, lifting a hand to cover her grinning mouth. "'Tis just that... that apple must be very juicy. You have it running down your chin there."

He wiped with the back of his hand across his goatee, checking the evidence. He laughed at that and apologized.

"May I?" she inquired slowly, stretching out her free hand to him.

Without a word, he handed it to her. He was finding it very hard to resist that mirthful smile of hers. She took a bite only to also have juice dribble down her chin. He cleared his throat and averted his eyes before his thoughts got carried away into fantasies not suitable for a young lady such as her.

She also wiped away the juice with the back of her hand and took another bite before holding it out to him. He took it from her, prolonging the exchange to brush his fingers slowly along hers. Her body made an unmistakable shiver, turning her face away from him to hide the strong blush blooming on her freckled cheeks.

They moved on, through the many fruit orchards before entering the forest beyond. He guided his horse to turn to the far right and she, oblivious to him, made no move to change direction. She was looking up at the tall oaks surrounding her. He halted his mount and watched her. In her position, she was bathed in sunlight, her features and stance tranquil and entranced. He did not want to ruin the moment for her.

She lowered her eyes and looked around hastily before her eyes landed on him. He held back a chuckle as she seemed to exhale in relief. She pulled at the reins, turning the mare in his direction. Upon reaching his position, she gave him a scrunched up, annoyed face. "Is something amusing, my lord?"

He bit back another laugh. "Aye, there was."

She stopped the horse and raised a cynical eyebrow. "Would you mind telling me what it is?"

Before he nudged his stallion into motion again, he uttered one word, "You."

He rode on and she was left staring at his broad back and the fur cape that covered it. She huffed in frustration, nudging her mare to move forward. There was another long silence before she finally attempted to make conversation, "You are in close counsel with the king?"

"Aye, I am."

He already did not like where this conversation might be heading. He kept his attention on the path they were taking through the forest. He was leading them on an entirely different route back to the house, circling around the gardens. He could feel her intent eyes on him as she went on, "What is he like?"