Bonds (2)

Spring made its way all over the land and the forest near the castle was no exception. The leaves of the trees were shining green in the warm rays of the sun, making soft noises every time a gentle gust of wind blew through them. Flowers covered every sunny spot there was, covering their surroundings with a mantle of sweet scent.

Iris took in the fresh air until her lungs made their fill, trying to quiet down her racing heart. She and Elisabeth raced on their horses to the riverbank, the soldiers riding near them.

When they reached the destination, with Elisabeth's win, both women burst into laughter, enjoying not only the outdoors but the tiredness in their body. It made them feel alive and excited.

While the two were climbing off their horse, still laughing, Sir Marco took something from his house, much to Iris' surprise. It was a soft blanket and a basket with food and drinks.

"Your Grace, my lady, if it pleases you, there are refreshments for this outing."

"Thank you, Sir Marco for such caring thoughts."

"It is your maid and the cook who prepared all this, I am only the carrier."

"You mean Mary?" When the knight nodded, she continued. "Thank you, sir."

After everything was prepared for the picnic, Iris took her friend's hand to sit together on the blanket. The two ate and drank to their heart's desire in a need to replenish their energy and when they were full, they just sat there listening to the noises around them. The sound of the river and the trees and the singing of the birds made Iris content and peaceful.

It was Elisabeth who interrupted their tranquil sitting, asking something that seemed to be a great weight for her.

"Are you happy here Iris? With your new home and servants? With your husband?"

Elisabeth's inquiry didn't surprise her as there was a drift between the two the past months and only now did Iris realise how much she missed her. But she still pondered on the question because the answer didn't come as easily as she hoped.

There wasn't a thing anyone could complain about the servants who were always doing their best for their new lady. Her personal servants were always there to wait and care for her. From Gilda how was always attentive to prepare her tea in hopes of a heir, and Daisy with her gossips and talkative nature to her little maid in training Eira who was so shy but so eager to please. And Mary who sometimes seemed more than a maid but a protector, seeing to every of her needs, and careful to raise her spirits when she needed.

Of course, not only her maids were satisfactorily, but the others as well. William and the cook, Sir Marco and Ray with his strange behaviour and even the boys working in the stable. Every single one of them welcomed her and opened up to her.

Of course, there were some who she didn't even have time to speak with so much though they were considered her husband's best friends. Luke and Lady Rose were still at the capital and there seemed to be no plans for their return in the near future. Not one since she heard that news, had Iris been relieved, thinking that those were probably involved with each other in more than just friendly interactions, leaving Benjamin only to her.

Her husband, the man she loved most in the world and the reason she left her home, the duchy, to come to this smaller, less important land was the reason for her happiest moments, but her longest as well. But she decided not once to be strong and wait for him, no matter how much time he needed.

"Yes, Ellie," she finally answered, looking at the brilliance of the water. The river was cleaned after Benjamin drove away the monsters from the Dark Wood. Iris smiled proudly and turned to look at her friend. "I really am happy."

Elisabeth stared at her for a long time before smiling, pleased to find confirmation on her friend's face. "I'm glad then. And relieved."

"Relieved? Where do you think I moved to? The wilderness?"

"Almost, as no letter can reach you."

Iris rolled her eyes at her teasing before starting to laugh and Ellie followed, leaning on her. They stayed like that, supporting each other until the air was quiet again, just looking at the river and enjoying each other's company.

"Maybe you'll also see how happy marriage cand make someone, Ellie. Maybe sooner than later."

"I doubt it. It's actually strange that no man seems to appeal to me. Most are after my title, to marry a duke's daughter is no small deal. And the worst part is that you can see it in their eyes. Their greed."

"There must be some who's not like that."

"Only a few from what I've seen, including your husband and the princes." She paused for a moment before adding, "and Lord Rolfe."

"Then maybe he is the one for you. Have you ever thought about that?"

"I doubt it. Because in his eyes is only frost. Never in my life have I ever seen such icy eyes."

"Icy indeed," Iris had to agree, "but only the colour. I never thought his look was cold, more his attitude."

She thought of every time they interacted and never has he been anything less than a gentleman, even last summer, after her wedding when Benjamin and him had a little dispute.

"His eyes are always cold, maybe you were just so taken with Lord Walter to ever notice."

The reasoning made Iris laugh and thought that maybe there must be a grain of truth.

"Maybe such a person is nearer than you think, probably so near you haven't even considered."

Iris was thinking about her friend's loyal knight who was waiting at that moment at Alutus castle. Elisabeth told him not to follow and he didn't despite his willingness. She never mentioned to Ellie how the knight was always watching her, not only to protect but ready to burn entirely for his master.

The knight wasn't low born but not a heir either. He was the third son of a lord in Razan, one of Lord Larossi's subjects. Ans Elisabeth was to marry under her rang as she would be a duchess.

When Ellie didn't answer, she didn't insist on the subject.

"Luckily you haven't met all gentlemen in this country so there is still hope. You're still young."

"I am. Maybe there is still hope. Maybe I'll meet someone next week at Lord Pontague."

"If you like the elderly, who am I to stop you? Just make sure they aren't dying yet."

They both started laughing, their voices reverberating through the forest making a flock of birds fly away. The sound of the river, the warmth of the sun and the softness of the grass made the place a tranquil place where their heart could resonate with each other. Iris felt at peace, so happy her friend was there besides her.

Soon, the sun started to lower beneath the tree and the time to head back was near.

"We should head back, Ellie."

"Yeah, we should. But do we really want to do that?"

"Not really."

Both women giggled and remained there on the blanket, leaning on each other a long time until Sir Marco announced they had to leave in order to arrive at the castle before dark. Only then did the two got up from their place.