The Dream Oath

Chapter 4.1

Maria rose and dressed at dawn. Even though her new husband still made her nervous, he had shown more kindness than she'd expected - even if he took every opportunity to touch her hand or her arm gently. He'd come to see her last night in her study when she'd discovered one of the bookcases released into a doorway into his study. She'd been appalled at the time, but it made sense since most of the books she would eventually need were in his study.

When the panel had first opened, she grabbed her pen knife out of instinct and moved to the corner of the room where the intruder wouldn't immediately see her. Preparing to scream at the top of her lungs until she saw Ralse's profile peek through the door. Letting out a sigh of relief she said,

"Ralse, you scared me."

Ralse jumped then looked at her and smiled.

"I apologize. I did not know you were in here. I came across some more books that might prove useful to you. Where shall I put them?"

"On the shelf there, thank you." Maria nodded toward an empty bookshelf at his elbow before returning to her desk and sitting down. She tried to slip the pen knife back into its place without Ralse noticing, but she saw him watch her and smile. At least he didn't comment.

"Will you sit?" Maria asked gesturing to the chair opposite her desk.

"Yes, thank you." Ralse sat in the chair. They looked at each other for a moment. Maria blushed under the scrutiny and resumed staring at the list Ralse had compiled for her. He seemed comfortable in the silence that felt awkward to her. Maria ignored him and resumed composing the plans on how she was going to accomplish each of the tasks on his list. Rebuilding the stables. Recruiting and training new guards and castle staff. There were a million things that all needed to be done, and frankly, it was overwhelming. She might manage half the list. Maybe. But it was the big item on there that caused her stress.

Reverse negative cash flow. This was not a problem she knew how to attack.

"Ralse?"

"Hm?"

"What course of action would you recommend for this last item on your list? Reversing negative cash flow?"

"Honestly," Ralse sighed. It seemed this had been a problem he was struggling with too. "I am unsure. I was hoping you would have some ideas. Part of the reason I am touring the kingdom is to look at the land and find something of value. If I knew what that was, I could send someone else and not have to leave you. But I guess I am just not that lucky."

"I see," Maria said neutrally. It was challenging to stay cold and unfeeling when another person treated you with warmth. "I cannot promise to have everything fixed when you get back, but I shall try."

"Maria, I-" Ralse stopped. "How about I pull my chair around, and we work on it together. It is late. We should go to bed soon anyway, but let's spend a few minutes on it."

"Thank you, I would appreciate the help," Maria replied automatically, then her eyes widened as Ralse picked up the heavy oak chair and set it down next to hers so the arms on their chairs would be touching. When he sat down, Ralse made no move to touch her. Maria relaxed in relief, annoyed at her slight twinge of disappointment.

They continued looking over old ledgers together. They had gone through her father's, grandfather's, and great-grandfather's, finding only poorly kept ledgers where money seemed to inexplicably wander off. It was driving both of them nuts. Several someones had either been incompetent or dishonest. But she didn't know who kept the books. No one alive remembered either.

***

Maria looked back out at the sunrise and tucked a handkerchief into her sleeve before turning toward her door. She had not planned on rising this early to see off her new husband, although it would have looked odd in any other situation. Most of the old staff were still giving her looks of sympathy and saying nothing.

But they way Ralse looked at her made her second guess herself. While she did not care for him, he was going out of his way to show her kindness. She could respect that. That ounce of respect made doing the right thing easier. June in tow, Maria went down to the courtyard where the caravan was preparing. Edgar stood motionless in the center holding Ralse's horse, an enormous grey stallion who stood as rock still as Edgar. Both of them ignored her, so she stood silently next to them.

Ralse strode out the main doors, and Maria turned to look. He looked like a King. He carried himself with all the self-assurance of someone knowing their place in the world - someone who worked hard to attain that place and become a person worthy of it. When he saw Maria and Edgar, he smiled and beelined for them.

Edgar apparently was feeling formal today. He bowed to his brother and waited until Ralse's hand signal to rise before resuming his position at the stallions head.

"I did not expect you to see me off," Ralse said to Maria. "Although I had hoped you would."

"I came to wish you good fortune on your journey," Maria replied without expression. She reached into her sleeve and pulled out the handkerchief she had tucked before leaving her rooms. She had embroidered marigolds in the corners. Maria held the handkerchief out to Ralse who managed to brush her fingers as he took it from her hand.

"It is beautiful, my queen. I will treasure it." Ralse tucked the small piece of cloth into the ornamental leather bracers he was wearing for the occasion.

"Maria," he continued softly. "I will miss you."

"You will be missed as well, my king." Maria carefully replied.

Ralse stepped closer to Maria, who stiffened her spine at the untoward closeness. Ralse leaned in, putting his mouth next to her ear, just barely not touching her, but she could feel the warmth of his face.

"I hope to bring some light into your life when I return, as you have brought into mine," he whispered.