Page 57 of Chivalry in the Meadow
“You’re a romantic,” he said. “I’ll bet you love fairytales.”
“Why yes, I do,” she said.
He smiled deeper. “Come with me, princess, and allow me to fetch you something cold to drink,” he held out his arm.
She was more than happy to hold on and let him guide her. She still felt like she was floating on air.
They met up with Lilly and Sir Elias who had just finished dancing. He went with Sir Alaric to get the ladies something to drink.
“Have you satisfied both your wishes?” Lilly asked. “And danced with both knights?”
“Yes, I have,” Mia said. “And it’s been wonderful. A magical evening.”
“I’m glad.” Lilly watched Sir Elias getting her a cup of something. “I told him I wanted to try the mead. But not to let me get drunk. I hear it’s made with honey and just want to try it.”
“Oh, I didn’t think to tell Sir Alaric what I wanted,” Mia said. “I guess I’ll be surprised.”
“They aren’t at the same bartender stand,” Lilly said. “So, we might be getting different drinks.”
The knights returned with mead for Lilly and fruit punch for Mia.
“It’s nonalcoholic,” Sir Alaric said. “I didn’t know if you drank alcohol, or what your preference are, so I erred on the safe side. But if you want something else, I’ll get it for you.”
“Thank you,” she said. “I usually drink wine or lemonade. Lilly is the one who likes to try all kinds of alcoholic beverages.” She took a sip. “This is good.”
“And how do you like the mead?” Sir Elias said. “Is it up to your expectations?”
“Way better,” Lilly said. “It’s sweet and smooth.”
“I’m glad you like it,” Sir Alaric said, then he turned to Lilly. “Mead can go to your head more than you think. So, sip on it.”
“Yes, this is a sipper,” Lilly said. “Want to try it, Mia?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Mia said. Then curiosity got the better of her. “Okay yes, let me try.”
Lilly gave her a sip.
“That’s good!” Mia said.
After a bit, Lilly danced with Sir Alaric and Mia danced with Sir Elias. They all got along quite well, and the ladies were happy about that.
Then Sir Rowan asked Mia to dance, and she said yes.
Sir Alaric didn’t seem to mind her dancing with other knights. At least he wasn’t displaying any signs of jealousy. That felt much better than him and Sir Cedric fighting over her.
Maybe it was just that he didn’t like Sir Cedrick.
He was talking to the blacksmith over in the corner when Mia finished the dance and was ready for a rest again, so she mingled and said hello to other cast workers she’d met.
But soon, she was ready for another walk. By nature, she was an introvert and needed to be away from crowds when her energy dropped low, to sort of recharge.
I won’t go far, she thought, as she stepped away from the party again.It will be fine.
She looked up at the moon, and then watched the stars for a few minutes before starting to walk. It was a beautiful night, and one she would always remember.
Still feeling that glow of happiness, she reviewed the evenings happening so far, in her mind and didn’t pay attention to how far she was walking or what was around her. She was too wrapped up in that happy glow.
Sir Cedric stepped from the shadows with the ease of someone who belonged to them, and she jumped, startled.
