Waiting for the apothecary

Prince Henry sighed and stopped pacing. Word had come at last. The Apothecary had worked long into the night with promises of a salve for the silent princess come that next day.

Apparently, the old man could truly work miracles and was preparing to travel to the castle.

This was certainly a relief to the Prince's mind. With his betrothed's voice restored, they could start to prepare for the wedding in earnest.

Why, maybe she'd tell him about herself...or her secrets...maybe she'd open her insecurities and he would earn her favor through comforting her... He had reservations at first, but found her liveliness endearing, especially with how it went hand in hand with her mysterious, yet shy, demeanor.

The marriage he could not begin to conjure in his mind's eye narry two days prior was now so vivid in his...

As she descended the stairs, on hand delicately helped along by one of the maids, her hair and face bathed in the gold of the morning sun, Prince Henry felt his heart skip a beat.

Will's head had still not cleared by the time he reached the steps that led down to the garden, but apparently one of the maids had realized it and held his hand, ensuring he didn't lose his balance.

He smiled to her in gratitude after his words again failed in his throat. Ah well. They still seemed to think him some sort of priest, at least if this shawl was any clue. The only people Will had ever seen wear one were members of the clergy.

The maid released the princess's hand as she reached the bottom step, bowing and quickly retreating back up the stair. The princess walked to him and bowed to him.

"Oh." Prince Henry broke out of his trance. "Come now there's no need in for that."

Will lifted his head back up. So much for just bowing since he could not speak... He decided instead to simply give the Prince a smile. It was best for this priest ruse that he stay in the good graces of...well...his Grace.

Henry felt his heart flutter as her made-up eyelids opened to look at him. This swelling in his chest...he couldn't explain it. He had just met her...he barely knew her... Her beautiful, dark hair alighted with a single, delicate rise... The white, silken dress that cupped her frame so alluringly...Those red, oh-so-kissable lips formed a smile...

Was...was he leaning in closer to her?