Page 36 of May Queen: May Day

“Not much,” he told her. “I just remember when I was a child there used to be a competition to find the fairest lady to crown the statue of the Virgin Mary.”

“May Day is a Christian tradition?” she asked.

“Well, I think mayhap the tradition stemmed from pagan beliefs, I hate to say. As the lady in the village said, my mother always made sure there was a Maypole constructed. The children and women hold ribbons and dance around the pole. Then the fairest maiden would be crowned with a circlet of fresh flowers as she danced in the center of the ring.”

“Oh, so she was the castle’s May Queen.”

“I suppose so,” he said, drinking in her beauty as her eyes sparkled in the sunlight and the gentle April breeze lifted a lock of her soft, auburn hair. “Will you join me later?”

“I will,” she said. “I will meet you in the garden after the meal. I will bring my handmaid.”

“Nay, come alone,” he told her.

“Alone?” She raised a brow. “Weren’t you the one telling me I should be escorted when I go places?”

“This is different. We won’t be leaving the castle walls. Besides, I am your escort, my lady.” He bent over and kissed her hand.

“There you are, Brother.” Dayton walked up with Lang at his side. Flora yanked her hand away from Ricard, and pretended to fix her hair.

“I will see you later as arranged,” said Ricard.

“My lord,” answered Flora with a slight nod, hurrying away.

“See you later?” Dayton looked confused.

“As arranged?” asked Lang, his eyes settling on Flora. “What’s going on?”

“If you must know, we are going for a stroll in the garden later,” Ricard told them.

Dayton looked at Lang and then back at Ricard and shrugged. “I really don’t care for flowers, but all right, I’ll go.”

“I wouldn’t mind strolling with Lady Flora,” said Lang. “I’ll bring some wine.”

“Not you two, you fools! I am strolling with Lady Flora. Alone. Together.”

“If you’re going to be together, you’re not alone,” Dayton pointed out.

“You know what I mean,” said Ricard

“I get the distinct feeling we’re not invited,” said Lang.

“It’s about time you figured it out,” snapped Ricard. “I would like a little privacy, so be sure to mention it to Nash as well. I don’t want to see hide nor hair of any of you while I’m wooing my bride-to-be.”

“Wooing?” asked Lang. “How much wooing are you going to be doing? And do you want us to set up a tent?”

“Never mind that,” said Dayton. “Did you find the Druids’ hiding place in the woods?”

“I might have,” said Ricard, his eyes following his betrothed as he spoke.

“Did she lead you to them like you thought she would?” asked Lang.

“Is she one of them?” asked Dayton.

Ricard’s head hurt from all his brothers’ questions. “I – I don’t know,” he said, holding a hand to his head, his mind set on kissing the girl, not throwing her in the dungeon.

“You don’t know if you’ve found the Druids, or you don’t know if she is one of them?” asked Dayton with a confused look upon his face.

“Or is it both?” added Lang.

“With all your questions, how can I even think straight?” complained Ricard, walking away. “I’ll let you know what I learn when I’m ready to tell you.”