The Surprise

I wake up slowly the next morning. With my lack of sleep, it takes me several seconds to remember why I was so troubled before. I bolt out of bed the instant I remember what Étienne has teased. What could he be planning? I have chased that question all night, and I am no closer to the answer.

I dress with speed to match the morning after our meeting. I can't contain my anticipation. I quickly braid my hair, and rush down the stairs. I scan the room and spot Étienne in his usual spot in the corner, facing the rest of the room. Charlotte isn't by his side. I smile as I realize that he hasn't noticed me as he consumes his porridge. A plan forms of how to get back at him for his phycological torture of last night.

I slink to the side of the room, as I avoid making any movement that could catch his attention. He continues to fill his spoon with the gruel, and bring it to his mouth, undisturbed by my actions. Once I get to the wall, I press against it, where he won't see me as I approach. I try to stay in the furthest reaches of his peripheral vision as he can see the entire room. He doesn't take note of my movements as he continues to stare off into space. I slide along the wall until I am behind him.

I bolt forward, wrapping my arms around him from behind as I ask, "What are you planning now?" He stiffens at my touch, but his muscles relax again when he hears my question.

He turns around in my arms to face me. "You are lucky I didn't hurt you." He looks up at me, a stern mask covering his face.

"I was lucky to even have the chance. What are you thinking about?" I sit down next to him, my back to the table so that I am facing him on the bench.

"What I need to do when I get back to Montclar. I have neglected my duties on this trip and will have a pile of work when I get back." He explains.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I unconsciously reach out my hand to rest in comfortingly on his muscular arm. He beams at my gesture.

"You can eat." He dips his spoon into his bowl again, but instead of bringing it to his own soft lips, he brings it towards mine. My eyes widen at his gesture, as the wood presses against my lips.

"What?" He slips the food in my mouth as I cry in surprise. Why on earth is he feeding me his food, from a utensil he has used. Has he never heard of an indirect kiss? Also, I am no child! I don't need to be spoon fed.

"I am full and ready to show you your surprise. Eat so we can go." He simultaneously explains and commands as he goes for more food.

"I can do it myself." I intervene, not wanting to be coddled to this degree. He seems to have read my mind last night as I had contemplated being ready for a more romantic relation. Here he is doting on me before I have even acknowledged my feelings to him.

"But I want to pamper you." He complains, his lower lip sticks out as he pouts.

I chuckle at his childlike behavior. "You are pampering me. Didn't you just say the plan for today is a surprise for me?"

"Did I really let that slip?" He pouts even more, but I can tell it is only in jest.

I chortle, unable to contain my mirth at his surprise. I snatch the spoon from him. "Give me a couple minutes and then you can show me." I turn to face the table properly and begin my meal.

"Fine, meet me outside." He caresses my hair, before slinking outside. I down my food, excitement brewing with in me. The sooner I finish the sooner I can stop wondering about his plot.

Once I finish, I dash out, leaving behind the empty bowl for Jeanne-Marie to clean up. I can't wait another instant to drop it off in the kitchen, and I definitely can't get roped into helping out.

Coming out of the doorway I am greeted by the sight of Étienne with two saddles horses. They are both magnificent, with their sturdy muscled defined. There is a darker one on his left, that is a hand taller than the beige one on his right.

"Camille, come meet Elene. She is temperate and a great horse to learn to ride on." He gestures to the beige mare to his right.

"Learn to ride." I repeat as the words sink in. "You are going to teach me?"

"Of course. I told you that I love the feeling of being free that you get with riding. I want to share that joy." He beams at me expectantly. I return his grin, feeling the same enthusiasm as him. Instead of giving him a verbal response he is awaiting, I move close to him and throw my arms around his neck. He stiffens for an instant before returning my embrace, enveloping me in his arms, and pulling me in, lifting me off the ground. He rocks back and forth slightly as he tucks his head into my neck.