Chapter 3
Regina walked into the stables and looked around. Daniel was not here. He had left with the kings men over a week ago, and she hadn't seen him since. Her mother had said that the king was coming to tea today. While her mother was beside herself over what this honor might mean, Regina could think only of Daniel. Would the king allow him to come back? Hopefully he would at least let her father know where he was.
Regina wasn't planning on riding, as she knew her mother expected her to look her best for their distinguished guest. However, she had not been able to suppress the hope that she would find Daniel here. It felt so strange to be in the stables and not find Daniel. She walked over to her horse to pet her. She had just started stroking the mare when something caught her eye. There, on the shelf in her horse's stall, was an apple.
Apples were Regina's favorite fruit. She even had her own apple tree in the garden that her father had helped her plant. When Daniel had found this out, he had always made sure to bring some whenever they snuck away for a picnic. He teased her endlessly about her having the same fondness for them as the horses he took care of, but she didn't mind. They had eventually evolved into a sort of signal between them. Since Daniel always had some around as treats for the horses, he would leave one out if he was obliged to leave to let her know he was thinking of her.
Regina rushed over to the apple on the shelf with a rush of excitement. Surely an apple placed so deliberately was a sign from Daniel. Somehow, with that little sign, she sensed that he was ok. She still didn't know where he was, but he was surely nearby. With her hope renewed, she left the stable to prepare for tea. With such a hope, she felt she could handle the king himself.
AN: I couldn't leave Regina completely in the dark and once I got this idea in my head it just had to be written. Since this is so short, I will try to get the next chapter up by Monday, where I promise there will be more plot. Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed. Glad you are enjoying it!