Curiosity

Rose walked nervously toward the stables. She was not worried about seeing the king. In fact, her mind was still with Cole. "He won't get in too much trouble, will he?" she asked desperately.

The princess turned to Philip, who was walking a few paces behind her. Learning from his comrade's error, the soldier remained silent and professional. His short, dark hair was a close match for his emotionless dark eyes. Ever staring forward, he did not seem to even recognize she had spoken. The detail of guards with him followed suit.

"This is my fault," Rose told the mute soldier, again receiving no response. She would get no sympathy from him, nor did she deserve it.

The stables were located between the inner and outer curtain walls of the palace. They were near the front gate on the opposite side from the gardens.

When visitors or members of the court, who came in and out on a daily basis, arrived, their first stop was always the stables unless they came on foot. Though today the castle had been shut down to outsiders, so only the royal horses and those belonging to soldiers were housed within.

The king was outside the wooden structure standing beside an impressive black stallion. Rhodri had been an able warrior in his younger days and could still be considered fit. Although he no longer had need of a war horse, he liked the feel of being able to ride out with the army at a moment's notice. Shade stomped at the ground, ready for a chance to exercise.

Beside him, a much tamer dappled mare munched idly at some hay. As Annie saw the princess approach, she whinnied softly and went back to her snack. Rose smiled sadly toward the gentle creature and then turned her face to her father.

In the late afternoon sun, Rhodri looked quite at home. His white-grey hair gently swayed around his ears, the golden circlet on his head keeping it from blowing into his chestnut eyes. At Borit's insistence, he wore his breast plate armor, but he declined to don the matching helmet. If ever a man looked like an old warrior king, the king of Birle did just now.

Rose was not having the same luck. She had no crown and her hair was loose about her shoulders, being tossed by the whimsy of the wind. However, she did not seem to notice. Looking like a cheerless cherub, the princess approached the king and curtsied.

Rhodri lifted his daughter's chin and examined her face. His brow furrowed. "I had thought you would be pleased to leave the palace. I have heard rumors that you have been feeling cooped up."

Nodding, the princess gave a wane smile. "I am happy about that, father. Thank you."

The king was even more suspicious. "Then why do you look like I told you we were going to a funeral? If it is about the dinner with Sir Samberg, I can work out a different arrangement. Perhaps..."

Rose nearly clamped her hand over her father's mouth. Instead she grabbed his arm. "It isn't about that."

The girl looked over her shoulder and motioned for Philip and the others to back away. The man did not move until the king nodded at him.

Speaking quietly, the princess apprised her father of her blunder. "In Lady Cait's absence, I used Cole as my assistant when he was supposed to be guarding me. Captain Rabert found out, and I am afraid I have made a huge mess."

King Rhodri's face softened. He almost seemed amused. "Is that all? Rabert is a fair man, but if you want, I will intervene. Now, please, may I see a real smile?"

Knowing the king was a man of his word, Rose relaxed and placed a kiss on her father's cheek. "You deserve all my smiles, Your Majesty. Now, where are we going?"

The King lifted Rose to mount side-saddle and then sat astride his Shade. "Just a ride about the countryside. I thought we might take your favorite route through the royal forest and past those lovely falls you like so much."

"Can we go...somewhere new?" Rose tried not to sound as frustrated as she felt. She wanted adventure not a memory of every man who had already tried to court her.

"You want some freedom, hm? I think we can arrange that," the king chuckled. The princess had a glimmer of hope until the king spoke the next words. "Philip?" he called, thinking he had the name of the soldier correct. Not that it mattered, he was the king. "The rest of you hurry and mount up. We will be leaving on an adventure shortly."

Rose sighed. "You and I have different ideas of freedom," she mumbled.

"This will give everyone time to make a final sweep of the castle, though I am sure the intruder is long gone if he knows what is good for him. We can come back to a hearty meal and a quiet evening. I am almost glad that he came! It gave me just the reason I needed to take a day off and spend more time with you."

The man's words melted the princess's heart slightly. 'Perhaps it won't be such a bad ride after all,' she comforted herself. Then the horses filed out of the stables and surrounded the pair of royals. 'Oooor maybe it will be...' Rose straightened her back. 'Let's get this over with.'

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The ride was not as tedious as the princess had anticipated. The air was warm but welcoming and when she closed her eyes, she could almost forget that she was surrounded by more men on horseback than she could easily count.

Dinner was likewise pleasant, especially since neither Borit, who often joined them at the King's invitation, nor any of the members of the court joined them. The Princess listened as Rhodri recounted his adventures as a younger man and they talked about anything and everything happy. Rhodri did not want to see his daughter sad, so he was even more jovial than usual.

Part way through the meal, Captain Rabert joined the men along the wall of the banquet hall. At first Rose did not pay him much mind, but it was clear after a while that he was wanting her attention. He stood behind the king hoping she would take the hint.

When the meal was over Rabert stepped forward and awaited the king's recognition. Upon receiving it he said, "If it is acceptable to you, Your Majesty, I would like to escort Princess Rose back to her room myself. The princess's safety is my highest priority. With the intruder still not apprehended, I would feel better if the task was completed personally."

"Of course," Rhodri said, openly pleased. "I would not entrust the task to anyone less."

"Good night father," the princess stood and curtsied.

"I will have to drown my sorrow at your absence in a good book." Rhodri winked.

Rose stiffened. 'Did Rabert tell Father I was in the library?' The Captain shook his head slightly to indicate that it was merely a coincidence. The princess smiled demurely. "What a splendid idea. I should like to read this evening too. It sounds pleasant." Rhodri reached across and kissed the girl's hand before she left.

Bowing, Rabert followed the princess from the room where they met the rest of her guards. Rose was relieved. The captain hadn't mentioned Rose's afternoon activities to the king. Whatever Cole had told Rabert, he was not willing to report it just yet. This meant that Rose might have a chance to explain before the Captain chose how to act. Her relief gave way to gentle teasing.

"You told a fib," she whispered to the strong man behind her. "Your curiosity and not my safety are your highest priority."

"You are mistaken, Your Highness," the captain said gravely, but then a ghost of a smile touched his face. "But my curiosity thanks you for being so interesting. I do hope you will quell my burning questions soon."

"If I must...but not until we get to my room..."