Virgin Queen

Chapter 18 - Babysitting the Queen

Chapter 18 - Babysitting the Queen

Lisa barely saw her husband for the next week, it seemed that he was always holed up in his study, she was sure that something was going on but he and Orrick kept reassuring her telling her that they were about some tedious details on some issues of the crown that she wouldn't be interested in, maybe she would have let it go but there was something in Orrick's expressions that made her wary. I couldn't be too distressing or he would have told her.

The strangest thing by far however was Aiden, since their last conversation by the lake he seemed to be everywhere! If she walked in the gardens, he appeared from around a topiary or came across him sitting on a bench, sometimes he would be passing near her room as she was stepping out and would accompany her to wherever she was heading, not that she minded much, Aiden was good company, with his easy manner and warm smile even the silences were comfortable between them. She learnt a lot about her new friend, for all his controlled manner he could still laugh and enjoyed teasing her, whether it was about what she was reading or how hard she had to try to beat him in a chess game. Currently they were sitting in the library Lisa enjoying something of the Greek persuasion while he was more interested in one of old Celtic folklore, his dark eyes almost hidden by his chestnut hair that was falling over them. She was tempted to throw something small at him just to tease him. she stirred in her chair and closed her book, starting to feel restless.

"Problem Lass?" he questioned, his dark eyes peeping over the edge of the book eyeing her curiously, Lisa jumped, when his brow went up in amusement she scowled at him and stood up,

"I think I fancy a ride" she said putting her book on the table and heading to the door, Aiden rose to his feet the same time,

"I'll join you, that seems like a great idea" he said calmly, she eyed him warily, she really wanted some time away from him, not that she had a problem with him, she just didn't want those dark eyes boring into her for a bit, they made her tummy flutter uncomfortably, she sighed,

"You really don't have to go everywhere with me you know Aiden Altard" she said almost sounding mean, Aiden put a hand to heart and feigned a hurt expression,

"So formal? My lady you wound me!" he said sounding hurt causing Lisa to scowl again, this time she did throw the small chair cushion at him and he laughed easily as he caught it, Lisa felt the odd flutter in her tummy again, she furrowed her brow, she must not be feeling well, maybe she was coming down with something. Just then she felt his large hands encase her shoulder,

"Anything the matter Lass?" came his warm breath near her ear, she shivered involuntarily and immediately stiffened stepping away from his grasp turning to him flushed,

"No, I'm fine" she barely whispered, his warm eyes studied her with genuine concern,

"Are you sure? You look a little flushed" he said taking a step toward her to put his hand on her cheek,

"No, No I'm alright, I'm probably coming down with something" she said quickly "So how's about that ride?" Aiden frowned,

"Do you think we should? I mean if you're not feeling up to it and the weather is a little dismal, maybe you should lie down a bit" he sounded so worried she smiled at him,

"Stop worrying, I'm fine, if you do not wish to ride with me I'll go on my own" she said simply and walked out the door to the direction of the stables, Aiden sighed and followed some steps behind.

Not long after they both made their way slowly across the plain, Lisa was heading toward the edge of the forest to some tree she found interesting, Aiden looked up at the dark sky that was threatening to open up and release its heavy burden, pulling Duke into a little canter to catch up with Lisa he felt apprehensive for some reason, all the hairs on the back of his neck we on its end,