The Last Dance (21)

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Chapter 21 - Like a Lady

Captivated as I was by the movement of his lips I noticed when they stopped and blinked in confusion. Had I been occupied by my own thoughts long enough to miss the whole story?

Another silence had encompassed the room and John's gaze drifted to me. I didn't turn away like I usually would at being caught staring and gave him a faint smile. There was no teasing smirk like I expected, he only returned the smile, though his seemed laced with something more... almost disappointment.

I turned away suddenly to stifle a yawn, but my action didn't go unnoticed. Sir Corry chuckled from his seat and got up. John followed next and offered me a hand up. I put my teacup in his outstretched hand instead and used the couch to pull myself up. He just shook his head at me, grinning.

I shot him a smirk and turned to our hosts. Sir Corry had his arm around his wife's shoulder and they watched us with smiles on their faces.

"Well, I think that's enough stories for one night, you two will have to get an early start tomorrow."

Sir Corry and Maria headed out of the room, each motioning for us to follow as they split in different directions.

I warily turned my steps to follow Maria when John caught my wrist. I turned around to give him a questioning look but his eyes were averted to the ground.

"Well, goodnight then" He murmured.

He stepped closer and pressed a kiss to my cheek, coming away blushing. Before I could even process what had happened he was halfway down the hall. I lifted my fingers to the spot in shock, hoping that my sleep addled brain hadn't made that up.

I shook my head and turned slowly to catch up with Maria. Just when I think I know where we stand he has to go and confuse me again. During the day he acts playful and annoying but at night he's suddenly intense. As if the dark makes things that we'd never do in the light okay. And then the sun rises and everything from the night is brushed away as if it never happened. I sighed. I was far too tired to try figuring this out now.

I yawned loudly and barely managed to keep my eyes open until we reached the room I was staying in. With a mumbled thanks to Maria, I flopped down on the bed, relishing the soft mattress beneath me before I passed out in exhaustion.

***

The sun beat me getting up the next morning, but not by more than an hour or two. I stumbled out of the room and tried to find my way to the kitchen, where I assumed Maria would be.

Obviously I hadn't been paying attention to my surroundings the night before because it took me a few wrong turns to find it. A sad thing considering the house was only modest in size.

When I finally pushed my way into the kitchen Maria was standing in front of the table packing things into my bag. A cup of tea steamed beside her. I smiled and looked around curiously wondering where everyone else could be.

"They're already gone."

I shifted my gaze back to her. "My husband and the Prince," She clarified. "They left just before the sun rose so's to get outta town without drawin' attention. Took the horses with 'em to and had a few things to take care of. You're ta meet them when you're ready."

I nodded my understanding. "Thank you again for everything ma'am, I suppose I'll head out now."

"Oh, no, not yet you aren't."

I raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"I'll not be sendin a guest of mine out of the house lookin like she rolled around in the ashes" She said sternly.

I blushed realizing what condition my clothes were in. They were all caked with dirt and covered in grass stains, and yes, probably ashes too from the forest fire.

She laughed and led me through the house to a large bathroom with a steaming bath set up and towels piled on the side. Maria measured me with her eyes and nodded. "You're about my size dearie, get rid of those rags and I'll round up some of my own things for ye to wear."

"Oh, it's fine really; the castle is only two days ride away."

"Nonsense, that's no way for a lady to be dressed, and not especially in the company of a Prince!"

She seemed positively scandalized at the idea that I would be caught in John's presence in this state even though I'd spend days with him like this already. I hid a smile, it hardly mattered how I dressed anyway, John wouldn't be looking at me that way. Still, even with only a few hours with this woman I knew better than to argue.

It felt good washing away the grime from the last few nights and I had a new appreciation for being clean. Wrapped in a towel I looked down in dismay at the clothes Maria had picked out for me. Needless to say they were not to my usual taste, but I had little choice and grudgingly slipped them on.

Cringing I walked towards the mirror afraid of what might meet my eyes. How silly, I could run into a raging fire without a moment's hesitation, but was afraid of being dressed like a right and proper girl?

I let out a breath and stepping forward to see my reflection. I paused and studied myself critically.

The peasant blouse fit well, too well, hugging the curves I usually covered up and making me feel self conscious. The sleeves reached just above my elbows and had a thin lace trim that matched the one on the neckline, which was a little low for my comfort.

The skirt, which truly cause me to cringe, hit mid calf and swirled around my legs when I walked. The rest of my legs were covered by the supple leather boots that reached halfway up my calves. I was glad they had avoided the damage the rest of my clothes had seen. No way would I have walked out of here in the dainty slippers women wore these days, the skirt was bad enough.

Although not even an inch of skin was bared I felt more exposed than I ever had and wished desperately the material would lie flat against my legs. This would make riding problematical.

Oh no, and John would see me like this. I groaned out loud, I would never live this one down. He'd be teasing me about dressing like an actual girl for the rest of my life.

Great. Just great.

With a sigh I made my way downstairs wanting to get this over with as soon as possible. Maria was busy trying, unsuccessfully, to restrain the girls but gave up when she heard me enter. She turned to face me and a smile lit up her face as she nodded approvingly.

"Well, I see they fit you alright, though I must admit to bein' a bit jealous they flatter you so much better 'n me. Oh to be young and beautiful."

I blushed at the compliment feeling flattered. Beautiful was not a word I heard often in regards to me, outside of family that is. I usually preferred the lose clothing that covered up my shape and more importantly was comfortable and suitable for training. Still, it was sweet that she cared so much about how I looked.

"Yes, now you look like a girl meant to be escorting a Prince if ye catch my meaning dearie."

I didn't, and my forehead crinkled in confusion, but she didn't elaborate.

I took my bag which she had refilled with supplies and also two other sets of clothes that she insisted were too small on her and that I would look 'lovely' in. Her words, not mine.

I knew she was just trying to get me into wearing more feminine clothes, and once again I knew better than to refuse. It's not like she would know if I didn't wear them.

After wishing her a last farewell I headed out. The sun still hung low in the sky, but a few people had wandered outdoors, getting an early start to their day. While we had the whole day ahead of us, I wanted to use it to get as far as possible so that we might have a more leisurely pace tomorrow.

On the way out of town I saw Sir Corry who nodded at me then halted in his tracks surprised.

"Why Miss Celia, for a moment I didn't even recognize you, I hope Maria didn't do anything drastic to get you into that."

I could tell by the twinkle in his eyes that he was only teasing, but I blushed all the same. I muttered incoherently and he smiled.

"Well, I'm sure Johnathan will be surprised, he won't know what hit him." He chuckled to himself and I opened my mouth to ask what he meant but he had already started on his way.

What did he mean John wouldn't know what hit him? Was he referring to the fact that John would torture me relentlessly for being dressed like this? No, he was much to kind for that. I sighed in frustration, why did I feel like I was missing something important here?

I walked the rest of the way out of town before doubling back to the tree line and edging slowly along. I kept my steps light so that John wouldn't catch me unawares. I wanted to prolong the humiliation for as long as I could, and anyway, I was a little nervous about seeing him.

When he came into sight I saw that he was sitting on the ground and leaning back against a tree. He was also reading, obviously a book he's taken out from one of my bags. He had a fresh set of clothes on and was freshly shaven, returning his usual boyish appearance. His hair was damp and in its usual tousled mess that looked effortlessly adorable.

I felt silly standing there staring and, not wanting him to catch me, I traced my steps back a few paces until I was out of sight. I walked back much louder this time so that he would hear my approach.

When I saw him again the book had been put away and he was pulling himself up. He yawned and spared me a quick glance before stretching out his limbs.

Any minute now...

He froze in his actions and returned his gaze to me, his hands dropping limply to his sides.

His eyes swept slowly up and down my body in surprise. I expected him to stop, or start in on his sarcastic comments but he continued to stare. I felt myself turning a bright red under his meticulous gaze.

It seemed I had lost the ability to speak since I couldn't find the voice to make a rude comment.

I shifted nervously, which he seemed to notice because his lips tugged up into a smirk...