Francis was spending what should have been a lovely day at the castle. He supposed he couldn't expect Princess Jean to be here every time he came. He continued hitting balls with his cue stick. It was less practice and more fidgeting. Perhaps he should go.
Casually Francis raised his eyes.
Francis put away the cue stick and approached his lady fair.
"Princess Jean you look lovely as always."
His lips lingered long upon her dainty hand.
Looking deeply in her eyes he asked, "I hope you are quite well?"
"I am now, thank you for warming my hand."
Warming her hand? Her hand is not cold.
Francis realized he still held her hand in his. Regretfully he let it go.
"How are your studies?"
"Quite well Princess. I have been studying long and hard. How I have missed Rosewood."
"Rosewood has missed you as well."
Her voice tickled his ears and struck him deep in his heart.
"It has been too long."
Finally the room cleared out.
"Oh it has Francis, it has."
Francis clutched her to him.
"I've missed you so Francis."
"Sweet Princess,"he murmured, breathing in her sweet scent.
She leaned back. Francis longed to pull her near, for suddenly she seemed so far away. Her lips came dangerously close to his. He was so close to the sweet wine of her lips he was nearly drunk already.
With great effort Francis moved to her side. He lifted his arm.
"Walk with me?"
She took his arm and they walked the castle halls.
"My dear, I've been waiting for you all day."
"If only I had known. I was doing some studying myself."
"All day?"
"Indeed. I do not get as much done as I should. I keep daydreaming."
"What does a princess dream of?"
"You have to ask?"
He stopped and turned to her.
"Perhaps I shouldn't ask."
She blinked up at him innocently.
What was I thinking? My sweet princess? As if even her daydreams could be anything but ladylike.
"Unless of course you wish to tell me."
"Francis, I could tell you..."
"I would much rather show you."
Francis took both her hands in his, effectively putting space between them.
"Princess, the window."
They both looked.
"It is much later than I thought."
"Oh no! You can't be leaving already."
"I am afraid I must."
He kissed both her hands. She moved to hug him again.
"I am so sorry princess. I must go."
He lifted her hands to his face. He held one to his cheek, kissing the other.
"I really hate to leave you," his voice broke.
The disappointment left her face. A soft, gentle look took its place.
"Go. I'm with you always Francis."
"As you are with me."
He reached out and gently caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes, resting gently in his hand. He found himself drifting near her. He softly pulled away. He bowed and took his leave.
It had all been too close.
Yes Princess, I would love for you to show me your daydream. Perhaps you only meant to show me a lovely tapestry you dreamed of, or the piano in the hall. But if I had let you wrap your arms around me you would have an idea what I was hoping you would show me.
As much as Francis longed for the same kiss his princess craved he had to hold her off. He felt ready for...a honeymoon. Could he stop at just a kiss? He could not risk that he might forget himself. Suppose he made her cry? That would break his heart. Or suppose she encouraged him? Could he really resist a willing princess in his arms?
It is best to save that kiss. He could not begin to tell her why.
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