Page 25 of Love Set Apart
Robert’s horse began to walk and Louis caught up to ride by his side. “Tell me what troubles you.”
It was a command. Robert didn’t mind talking to Louis about what was on his mind. The lad was rather knowledgeable, for being only ten and three. That was a good thing because soon he would take over the reign of the kingdom from his mother.
“Is it Emilie?” Louis asked.
“Aye. She refuses to believe that we cannae be together,” Robert admitted.
“I refuse to believe that as well.” Louis sounded indignant for his friend.
“What do ye ken about love, Louis? Have ye ever been in love?” Robert couldn’t believe he should be taking advice from Louis on romance.
“No, I have not and I don’t know much about love, but I do know that when you look at Emilie, I can see something different there. Robert the warrior and Robert my guard vanish to be replaced by a much softer man.” It was quite an observation for one so young.
“I doona believe that to be true.”
“I am wise beyond my years, as you often tell me. I am not questioning your strength. I know what I see. I also know that she looks at you the same way. Anyone else present disappears from view when you have this look.”
Robert didn’t speak. Louis was right. He hadn’t been doing a very good job of hiding his feelings.
“I will speak to my mother.” Louis’ nose tipped upwards showing the pride he felt in helping Robert. “She will listen to me.”
“Please doona.” Robert was exasperated by this whole issue. He wanted it all to be over and he feared that speaking to the Queen Mother would only cause trouble for Emilie.
Louis dropped his head and wrinkling his brow, turned to look at Robert. “Why? It cannot hurt to let her know that she is breaking the heart of someone who is very important to me.”
“I cannae stop you, but ye willnae change her mind. I am sure of it.” It was impossible to argue with Louis when he’d made up his mind about something. There was simply no point to it now.
“You must continue meeting with Emilie. I prefer a happy Robert to the sullen Robert I am riding with.”
“Seeing Emilie is what caused this mood and was the reason for this ride.”
Louis seemed to be mulling this over and for a while they rode in silence.
“Shall we race to the trees up ahead near the bend in the river?” Louis asked. An impish grin spread across his face and before Robert could answer, the lad moved his horse into a fluid canter and then a gallop. Louis’ long, curly hair flowed freely out behind him as he urged his horse to move faster.
Robert could catch and pass him, but it wasn’t a good idea to beat the king at anything. Louis expected to win and Robert would let him. However, he needed to at least catch up with him so the lad believed he won fairly and also so that he could ensure Louis’ safety.
He squeezed his legs and pushed his horse forward to a gallop, holding him back just enough so he would not pass Louis.
Louis reached the bend in the river just ahead of Robert. He whooped loudly, declaring victory. Robert couldn’t help but chuckle. “Ye win once again Louis. Will I ever be able to beat ye?”
“If you give your horse his head and allow him to run as he wishes, you just might.”
“Next time.” Robert turned his horse back towards the palace and Louis joined him, riding up beside him.
“I enjoy nothing more than riding fast. It is thrilling don’t you agree?” Louis leaned forward to pat his horse’s neck as he praised him for his beauty, strength and speed.
“It frees the mind of any and all thought.”
Louis tipped his head as he gazed at Robert. “You are right. It does.”
* * *
Edna watchedas Angus stoked the fire in the hearth. The weather had been warm during the days they’d been in Paris, but the evening air had a chill that permeated their room.
“How was yer day?” Edna asked.
“Informative.” Angus poked at an errant log, pushing it into place next to the others and holding it there until it caught fire.
