To Kiss a King

Chapter 19

Fiora happened to see Rafael on many occasions throughout the past couple of weeks. Each time had been in the garden or in the stables. She would just happen to turn around and Rafael would be standing a few feet away. She tried not to wander outside but the weather had been so beautiful as of late and Rafael didn’t really bother her. He would glance over and incline his head, or sometimes he would begin a conversation- which Fiora would curtly end. She didn’t want to give him the impression that he was forgiven, for she could never forgive him for what he had done. 

After a small chat with Suzan- Eric’s mother, she headed outside to enjoy the day. Light bubbling laughter lead Fiora to a side garden, what she saw next surprised her. 

Sitting on a small white bench in the middle of colorful yellow flowers was a beautiful woman. Her hair was long blonde and silky, it had a slight wave but was otherwise straight. She had the brightest blue eyes and a small mouth that smiled up at Rafael. 

Rafael held a small pale hand in his and raised it to his lips, the girl blushed brightly. He said something and she let out a pearl of sweet laughter. She looked like a princess, the  slight jaw and tilt of her nose suggested noble birth. She stood up from the bench with a flourish and tucked Rafael’s arm in hers. 

“Another one of Rafael’s prisoners?” She asked herself scoffing. 

Sarah the jealousy enraged maid words came back to her “You are just another of Rafael’s whores!” The words stung her again as the memory came back to her. 

Did Rafael really keep a lot of...female company? Her cheeks reddened at the thought. He had never violated her but he was interested, that much she could tell. Even though she grew up ignorant, she could read lust when it appeared in a mans eyes.

“Well I am glad his attentions are no longer on me.” Fiora said to herself, tilting her nose up in disgust. 

She stole a glance at the young maiden then at Rafael again. The flaxen haired girl moved her hands animatedly but she stopped when she noticed Fiora standing a bit of a ways away. Fiora froze resisting the urge to make a run for it. 

Rafael led the girl over to where she was standing and bowed. “Fiora” He said eyes baring into Fiora’s skull. “Rafael.” She replied shortly, not the least bit interested in meeting one of his whores. 

The girls mouth puckered unhappily and she nudged Rafael. “Ah may I introduce Maria” She looked up at him batting her eyelashes. Fiora choked back a gag of disgust. “Pleasure to meet you...Fiora was it?” Her little voice squeaked disapprovingly. 

“Yes.” Fiora said raising an eyebrow at the little creature.

“What a strange name...” Maria drawled loosing interest.  

Fiora disliked her immediately, she reminded her of a little bird. A bird that would sit outside a window and squawk at all hours of the night, just to be annoying. 

Fiora felt completely uncomfortable standing in their presence, she had nothing to say to this little bird. Rafael's eyes smoldered and she squirmed under his gaze.

“And how is our little kitten doing?” Rafael asked eyes filling with kindness. Maria narrowed her eyes and looked back and forth from Rafael to Fiora. 

“Romeo is doing quite well.” She added quietly. She had named the little rascal Romeo for he had completely stolen her heart. 

“Perhaps I shall pay him a visit later.” Rafael’s eyes never left her face for a second. 

“Of course.” Fiora felt it only right since he had found the kitten and allowed her to keep it. 

The little bird was beginning to get impatient with the lack of attention on her “Well...dear” putting extra emphasis on the d. “It’s getting rather warm out here...” She pouted out her bottom lip. 

“Excuse us.” Rafael broke the trance and bowed curtly to Fiora. Maria ruffled her feathers and flashed a winning smile at Fiora. 

Fiora did not smile in return, just watched as the little bird clung possessively to Rafael’s arm. Rafael was stiff but smiled down at her as she spoke again. 

Fiora felt mildly annoyed and kicked the at the dirt. “Perhaps I shall pay you a visit later.” Rafael’s voice played in the back of her mind. No...not you...him. He wanted to visit her little Romeo, but she would no doubt be present as well. Slight panic set in and she set off to her room wondering when it was Rafael would stop by.