Never Forgotten- When love is destined, is it future or danger?

never forgotten - chapter two

Chapter two

When I awoke the next morning, my eyes were stinging from the bright sunlight streaming in through the small window in my little chamber. I stretched and yawned as I slipped on my morning gown around my shoulders. My dress from last night was still draped over my chair. I went to look outside of my window and to my suprise, the man that I danced with was there. Silly me, thinking that the magical moment in the hall last night was a dream and yet there he was, outside in the gardens. As I peered at him closer, I saw he had a hawk on his arm. By the looks of it, he was teaching it to swoop up to the nearest tree and come back to him from his signal. I decided that this might be the morning to be acquainted with such a fine gentleman without the unwanted aid of my sister.

I washed and changed quickly and within a few minutes, I was quickly walking down the stairs, being careful not to trip over the long back of my day dress. Nobody else was awake at this time of morning so I decided that I would arrive back just in time for breakfast. As I took a shortcut through the parlour, I edged through the small back door and into the gardens. I could still hear the man whistling so I followed his voice until I was standing behind a small thicket, watching him. He must have heard me because he turned his head and smiled warmly. He beckoned with his free hand and I willingly came to him.

His smile widened, "I see the young Elizabeth is interested in my company".

I blushed and replied, "Well, yes, I would like to be acquainted with you. I also do sincerely apologise about last night, I am quite a shy person. However, since you already know my name, may I ask what yours is?"

The man nodded, "I am Frederick, royal hawk trainer and courtier". Frederick seemed proud as he announced this and I could see why. "And yes my lady, it is quite alright. I also have a tendency to be shy". At this statement, we both blushed and looked away. I then found the couraget to move onto anotehr subject.

"That is a fine hawk you have there Frederick. What name does it have?"

"She is called Ashlerey, named after my mother Lady Ashlerey". I gazed at Ashlerey fondly, Frederick noticed and offered her to me,"Would you like to help train her?"

I looked at him in slight fright, "Are you sure? She won't bite will she?"

"Certainly, I'll help you, don't worry". I accepted his help and lifted my arm out feebly. Frederick carried the hawk over to my arm and the hawk stepped onto me proudly . Ashlerey was rather delicate for a bird of power and I felt powerful myself holding something so genuine.  I felt Frederick's hand touch my arm to help Ashlerey stay on and I pulled away quickly. Ashlerey flew off and landed in a tree whilst I gathered myself.

Frederick looked at me strangely, "Whatever is the matter?"

"Your hand" I replied with a confused voice. "It is so...so...cold. Are you ok, you're not sick are you? I can call for matron" Frederick turned away and lowered his head.

Turning back to me, he exclaimed "but it is a cold morning, is it not?".

 I lifted my hands up into the air, feeling the breeze. It was not cool one bit.

"It's actually very warm, it's summer air" I retorted.

"Well then I probably just have cold blood" Frederick smiled politely at me.

"I have never heard of such a thing in a human" I remarked, not realising how rude I sounded.

Frederick looked uncomfortable, so I backed away slowly preparing to move towards the kitchens for breakfast  when I felt his cool hand take mine. This time, I did not pull away. Frederick pulled me back to him and looked me in the eyes. "Elizabeth, I know it is forbidden by the king and queen, but may I see you tonight here in the gardens, please?"