The Last Dance (19)

Okay, yes, I know the 'cliffhanger' was painfully obvious, but in fact it had another purpose... to distract you from thinking about what her reaction would be hehe. Unless you did think that far ahead, in which case kudos =)

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Cheers,

xo.

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Recap:

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I smiled sweetly while leaning in close to him and had the satisfaction of seeing his face turn an even darker shade of red. He'd given up trying to hide it and met my eyes with a resigned look on his face.

"Now will you tell me?"

He looked down at me cautiously and I felt his grip tighten on my waist.

"Fine, but don't overreact"

I scoffed at him, please, why would I overreact?

"He said.. um.. that uh.."

His nervousness was back and he couldn't look me in the eye anymore. His face got, if possible, even more red, and he took a deep breath before looking at me again.

"He said..."

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Chapter 19 - Babysitting?

"Hesaidwewereagreatmatch"

It came out in a rush but I still caught it all. Rory thought we were a great match. Me and John. John and me.

"Oh."

He was regarding me cautiously, like a volcano that might erupt at any moment.

Really, I wasn't nearly as volatile as he was, how ironic. He was probably surprised that I hadn't immediately pulled away, and truth be told, I didn't understand why I was so calm either. Perhaps it hadn't really sunk in yet.

Me and John?

I felt laughter bubbling up and let out a small giggle.

John and me?

I laughed some more, and now John was looking at me as if I'd snapped, but I noticed that neither of us had let go yet. As laugher continued to spurt out I was the first to break our stance to clutch my stomach. John started running his hands through his hair, probably wondering what to do.

"You and me? That's absurd, we can't go five minutes without wanting to rip each other's throats out."

My laughter stopped as fast as it came when I looked up to see his reaction and was surprised to see that it was confused. Did he really think...?

No, there was just no way.

"I mean, you can't possibly think he's right?"

I felt an edge of hysteria to my query. Sure, we were getting along now, but it was different out here so isolated from real life. We'd never last. Not to mention I didn't want to be with anyone, much less someone who's been my enemy for most of my life ...right? And we'd only barely figured out how to be friends, anything more would be ridiculous.

His lips pulled up into a teasing smile, but it didn't quite seem to reach his eyes.

"Of course not, us? It's completely absurd."

He chuckled and leaned in to whisper conspiratorially, "And don't go telling anyone, but I believe we've gone a few hours now without any untoward violence, and I can assure you I haven't felt the desire to do you any bodily damage."

I scoffed. "Speak for yourself I've been sorely tempted to run you through with a sword since we left the settlement."

I walked forward and heard his chuckle behind me; relief filled me again that it was sincere. I probably just imaged that slight catch in his tone, I thought, as he fell in step with me.

Yes, that was definitely it; I pushed any nagging doubts out of my mind. It was only a matter of time anyway and we would be back to our usual antics. Well, I hoped not quite back to usual, but we wouldn't remain this friendly for long. Oddly, the thought made me feel a little sad. I shook it off and continued forward, there was no use getting upset over it now.

We walked through a set of trees and stumbled out of the forest abruptly with Newberry spread before us. We were just outside the city limits and looked down upon the small town below us. The sight was refreshing after all those days among the same trees and constant scenery.

"Well, it seems we passed our time together rather efficiently" John remarked.

I nodded my agreement and strode excitedly forward, holding out an arm when John moved to follow.

He cocked an eyebrow. "You're supposed to be at the castle, remember?"

"Oh... you're not going to leave me alone here all night are you?" He asked hesitantly.

I smiled. "Don't be silly, I'll send Sir Corry back here to sneak you into town. Though you might be stuck here until it gets darker."

He nodded absently, already in his own thoughts and I shrugged and moved out of the line of trees.

I checked to make sure no one was about before walking down to the village. Just to be on the safe side I first crept along the tree line until I reached the main road and followed the path into the village. No one would know I came from the forest that way.

I took a moment to reorient myself and turned my steps towards where I thought Sir Corry's home was. It was nearing sunset and the sky was already a swirl of burnt orange and dark purple. Luckily for me, there were very few people roaming the streets so I didn't draw any undue attention.

I looked down the street nonchalantly hoping no one would assume me to be lost and offer their help. The best thing would be to get in and out unnoticed. I scanned the houses lining the street to find the one I needed. Surely it couldn't be that hard to find.

I knew that as a Knight of the Realm, Sir Corry's house would have some kind of identifying plaque; it was only a matter of finding it.

The houses lining the street looked cozy and welcoming. Each had a small fire build up for the chilly night that could be seen through the window and lit up the streets in the fast approaching dark. Clothes were hung out in lines between properties and fluttered gently in a breeze too soft for me to feel.

One house stood out among the rest with a wooden shield adorning the front of the house. As I got closer I made out the coat of arms of a sword plunged partway into the ground and a rising sun in the foreground; I smiled, it was the realms' Coat of Arms.

Having found the right house I walked up the dirt path to the door. I knocked twice and waited for someone to answer. A petit woman with smiling eyes answered the door and appraised me with surprise.

I wondered how I must look from her point of view; a girl in men's clothes that were probably rumpled from nights in the forest, and a scabbard to boot. Not something you see every day I reckon.

I cleared my throat. "Pardon the interruption madam, but is this the residence of Sir Corry?"

She smiled warmly "Tis indeed dearie, may I ask what be your business with him?" She asked politely.

"Yes, he did the great favour of looking after a pair of horses for me..." I trailed off as realization lit her eyes.

"Ah, you must be Lady Celia then, I've heard many a story of you dearie" She added with a wink. I blushed wondering what stories Sir Corry had told her. Suddenly I found myself being ushered into the house like I was an old friend coming to visit.

"You make yourself at home dearie, and I'll fetch that husband of mine."

I nodded my thanks and looked around. It was a quaint home with tan walls and tasteful furniture and trinkets littering the shelves.

I stepped further into the room she'd left me in front of and explored a bit. A canvas hung above a glowing fireplace and depicted a man and woman, presumably the Knight and his lady.

I looked closer and saw the resemblance to the two people I'd just met. They looked younger in the drawing, and gazed into each other's eyes lovingly. The artist had done a stunning job, capturing the moment perfectly. I felt a pang, wondering what it must be like to feel that way about someone and have the feelings returned. I found myself moving closer and marvelled at the intense emotions that a stick of charcoal had managed to produce.

I smiled wistfully and reluctantly looked away from the drawing to the rest of the room. An oak table sat in front of the fire with couches on either side. In the corner of the room was a pile of discarded toys.

The women, I'd forgotten to ask her name, still hadn't come back, but I wasn't alone for long.

Two girls came running excitedly into the room and I wondered what the cause of it was.

Apparently it was me.

They came to an unsteady halt in front of me and looked up at me in admiration.

"Hello?"

They stayed unnaturally quiet for a few seconds still staring up at me in wonder. It was somewhat unsettling. In unison they screeched, causing me to step back in surprise.

"It her!"

"You're the one daddy was saying..."

"It's Celee Jenny, it's her!"

Before I had processed what was going on, two excited five year olds had grabbed an arm each and were tugging me down the hall. I fumbled along cooperatively since I didn't really see any other option.

I'll be the first to admit I didn't know how to deal with kids this young. The girls I'd sometimes taught had always been at least ten years or older, so this was a bit overwhelming.

To my great relief I was released when we entered what I assume was the play room. Toys were scattered about but something seemed off. A large open space had been cleared in the middle with various fake weapons divided into two piles. Around the edges, discarded and ignored, were dolls, teacups and an assortment of accessories.

"Daddy told us all 'bout you" One of the girls said while jumping up and down.

"We're going to be just like you!"

"Daddy said when we get bigger we can go to the castle and train!"

"And we're gonna be the best and beat everyone like you!"

They ran into the middle of the room and pulled swords made out of twigs strung together out of the piles. They started circling each other and making lunges at each other.

I smiled encouragingly and corrected their stance or the way they held their weapons. It was natural to me making these adjustments since I did it so often for other children.

"You've been quite the inspiration for the girls." I straightened from my crouch and turned with a smile towards Sir Corry.

"I'm flattered truly, but what on earth could you have said to so inspire them?" I asked ruefully.

Sir Corry only laughed and shook his head. "Now, any lass who can best a full knight is worth looking up to" He said with a wink.

"Not mentioning of course your rescue mission, which I take it, was successful?" He said the last part quietly so only I could hear.

I nodded. "He's at the edge of the forest waiting."

"You are both welcome here for the night of course."

"I'm happy to accept your hospitality, it's been a long time since I've slept indoors and I've found myself missing it."

He chuckled. "Aye, it's been several days now since you dropped the horses into my hands. I won't deny I was getting worried."

"There were some... unexpected diversions along the way, and surely my own parents have worked themselves up into a frenzy of worry, not to mention the King... he must be frantic by now" I said worriedly.

I had almost forgotten all the people who waited for us back home. After all, how long could the King convince the people that John was simply gaining field experience? That story would only work for so long, and if I knew the King, he would be resorting to drastic measures soon enough.

"Fear not, the King hasn't done anything drastic yet" He said reading my thoughts.

"But I will be wanting to hear of these 'diversions' as you say" He said with a twinkle in his eyes.

I smiled "I suppose a story is the least I can do for your help."

He shook his head "It is what any Knight would do. And really, it's I who should be thanking you considering it was under my watch the Prince disappeared in the first place."

"I'm sure all will be forgiven when the Prince is finally returned."

He nodded "I hope that's true, but for now arrangements must be made. I'll go fetch the Prince and settle you two in for the night. If you'll just tell Marie what supplies you have left she'll be sure to get you what you need so you won't need to make any trips to the village."

I thanked him again for his kindness and looked at the rest of the household. Marie stood by the door and kissed Sir Corry's cheek as he passed her. I averted my eyes, allowing them privacy and smiled.

"Now then dearie, where's that pack of yours?"

I handed it to her and she bustled out of the room leaving me alone with the kids again. I shifted about uncertainly as they looked at me expectantly. Was I supposed to entertain them?

***

Not five minutes and I felt completely in over my head. This was exhausting! How did mothers keep up with even one child? Much less two!

Perhaps I'd never given enough credit to the young ladies at court who'd surely been trained in the art of child care. It seemed to me an even greater challenge than wielding a sword!

The girls pranced around me with a limitless supply of energy, constantly vying for my attention and asking questions in such rapid succession I hadn't the time to even process, much less answer them.

Never had I felt so at a loss. I really had no idea what to do. Was there some essential trick I was missing? Some secret to tame these wild kids? I was baffled and getting increasingly more frazzled by the minute.

I focused on taking deep breathes and tried to evaluate the situation, yet it didn't become any clearer. The girls seemed unconcerned that I was only standing rooted in the same spot, completely unresponsive. It was at if my body had shut down all function. The noise was so deafening that I noticed at once when it ceased and wondered what had caused it.

I turned slowly to the entrance of the room and saw John standing there with an amused look on his face. He must have noticed my expression of shear panic because he burst out laughing the second I caught his eye.

A pair of loud shrieks then filled the air and the girls literally started sprinting to John. I watched on in shock as he knelt down and caught each of them with an arm around the waist.

"John's back!!"

"Hurrah!"

"Jenny, Abby, how are you two? Training hard I see?" He said indicating the practice swords.

Jenny wiggled out from his hold and ran over to pick up a cardboard sword and proudly held it up for him to see.

"It's mine shword" She made a swipe with it and John started clapping. I covered my mouth to hide a smile.

"Well, Lady Jenny, you obviously know what you're doing. May I have the honour of a duel?"

She nodded excitedly and Abby rushed to hand him her fake sword. I stood back to watch and had to admit to feeling quite impressed with his ability to handle them. What's more, he actually seemed to be enjoying himself.

They had a mock duel and a few chuckles escaped me to see the dramatic expressions on John face as he pretended to fight and, of course, lose. He bowed low to Jenny, saluting her as the winner and she squealed her excitement and launched herself into him again.

Taken by surprise he lost his balance and fell over backwards with the girl landing on his stomach. Tears fell from his eyes from laughing so hard and Abby ran to join her sister on his stomach.

He manoeuvred into a sitting position with each of the girls on his lap.

"Well, how about a story for the winner?"

The girls nodded excitedly, their attention riveted to John while I watched on in awe. He handled them so well when I didn't last even a few minutes! And the peace! They were utterly silent, hanging on his every word. John looked up just in time to see me gaping and I quickly shut my mouth. He chuckled and shot me a wink before leaning down to whisper something to the girls.

I looked on in alarm as the girls jumped up from their seats and rushed over to me. Sending John a scathing look I let them each grab hold of an arm and pull me forward to sit across from him.

He smirked at me, obviously amused by how baffled I was.

Jenny went back to sit in his lap while Abby claimed mine. I uncertainly draped an arm around her waist, mimicking John's position. She immediately snuggled closer to me and I found myself smiling unconsciously.

"And now for the story. Once upon a time..."

***

Fourty minutes later the girls were both asleep in our arms and breathing softly. I looked down at them fondly, liking them much better while they innocently slept. Looking like this it was hard to imagine how hyper they had been less than an hour ago.

"How did you do that?" I asked

"Do what?"

"This" I said taking in the sleeping kids "How are you so good with them?"

He only shrugged "It doesn't take much with kids, you just have to show them you're paying attention and they're happy."

I shook my head in disbelief. "There must be some trick I'm missing."

He laughed, "Trust me, there isn't."

I looked at him dubiously but he merely shook his head at me while holding back a smile. He stood up carefully and deposited Jenny on the couch, and then took Abby from me and did the same.

He sat back down next to me and crossed his legs.

"You're still trying to figure out what the trick is aren't you?" He asked in amusement.

I nodded, choosing to ignore the fact that he was making fun of me "In only five minutes I was at my wits end! Then you came in here and had them hanging on your every word. There has to be a trick" I said stubbornly.

"Well... I suppose it's possible they just like me better than you."

"They do not! I'm the reason they were even playing with swords" I instantly argued.

He tried to keep a straight face but a smile won out. "I'm pretty sure they like me better, seeing as I actually paid attention to them, which really is the only 'trick' you're trying to figure out. Anyway there's no need to be jealous" He added with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Jealous of what exactly?"

"That I was paying more attention to them than you. But really, if you felt left out all you had to do was ask. I'd be more than happy to tell you a story too."

I opened my mouth to give a rude retort but was cut off when I felt his arm wrap around my waist. I let out a gasp as he pulled me onto his lap, keeping his arm firmly around me so I couldn't move.

I felt myself blushing furiously. What an embarrassing position to be in.

I struggled futilely against his strong hold.

"This is getting old you know!" I said in exasperation.

He laughed "Maybe for you it is, but I still happen to find it amusing. Why? Aren't you comfortable?"

Of course I was who wouldn't be? But that didn't mean I could stay here.

I froze mid struggle when I felt his breath on my neck "Now, what story do you want to hear?"

I could hear the smile in his voice and cursed myself for letting him have this effect on me. Not that he knew it, but still, there had to be a way of getting out of this position without compromising my integrity like I seemed to be doing so often.

I stopped my struggling for a moment to answer his question.

"How about the one where the annoying Prince gets attacked by wild animals?" I asked scathingly.

"Are you sure? I prefer the one where the rude village wench falls in love with the charming Prince and they live happily ever after."

"Are you calling me a wench?!" I asked fiercely, ignoring the rest of what he'd said.

"Now, who said I was talking about you? Unless of course you're admitting you are in love with me" He said smugly.

"I--" A click from a door closing sounded and I bit back my response and listened carefully.

That was when I heard the approaching footsteps.