I know I haven't updated in a while. I'm sooooo sorry!
Penny's eyes were closed, but the sun was so powerful it filled her vision with the warm red haze of summer. It would be ending soon; the trees were already starting to turn color. Sheldon would be happy, he never did like sun as much as Penny did. She was fifteen today, and she had spent the day just as she had wanted to.
"Penelope, we really should get back!" Raj called from the middle of the large clearing. Penny's bright blue eyes opened, the sun intruding her relaxation.
"I'll be the one to decide when we go back!" Penny laughed as she stood. Her friends might have been young, but they acted as adults. Probably because they were treated as such. Sheldon's father had just passed away, and Sheldon wasn't given a moment to grieve. He was expected to start the following day as the new adviser. Leonard had been knighted years ago, but was finally of age to start his training. Howard had just sold his first large piece from his father's blacksmith and Raj had just finished his apprenticeship with the court astronomer. And Penny? Well, she was just enjoying the sun.
"You're going to burn." Sheldon said seriously. Since his father had lost his battle with some mysterious illness, Sheldon had lost any happiness that he once possessed.
"It's summer, Sheldon!" Penny couldn't help but shake her head. Here everyone was, enjoying summer, and Sheldon was huddled in the shade of the treeline.
"Which is exactly why you will burn."
With a sigh, Penny turned to the others. "Howard will you find my cousin, Bernadette and head back to the castle with the others?" With a nod, the others gladly headed back towards the cool welcoming palace. Penny walked slowly over to where Sheldon sat. Allowing her legs to give out, she crashed to the ground beside him in a cross-legged position. She didn't even care that her dress would become soiled.
"Shouldn't we head back with the others?" Sheldon asked with longing. He had lasted longer in the heat then Penny would have given him credit for.
"You haven't given me my gift yet, Sheldon." She smiled and looked up at her friend. Beneath the rosiness cause by the sun, Penny could see embarrassment staining his cheeks.
"I-I'm sorry, Penny."His eyes darted between her's and the ground several times. "With my father and everything - I just forgot. Forgive me."
"You didn't even ask me what I wanted." Penny smiled lightly and scooted closer to him. She could almost hear his heart pick up as his eyes met hers.
"What do you want?"
"A kiss." His face froze - unsure and worried.
"T- That would be inappropriate."
"You sound surprised."
"Penelope!"
"Sheldon!"
Sheldon scowled for a moment before his face relaxed. Slowly he brought his face closer to hers. When his lips were almost touching her own, he paused. With one final glance at her light blue eyes, their lips met.
Penny awoke from the dream with a frown. That had been a long time ago, and it was still her favorite birthday. She didn't count on this one being any better. Sheldon had not spoken to her in two weeks - not since Leonard had caught them. She had hoped to dance with him at her birthday ball later, but that seemed highly unlikely.
"Penelope!" She heard her cousin's high-pitched voice from under several layers of blankets.
"Please Bernadette, just let me age in peace!"
"I will not!" Bernadette laughed and pulled the blanket off of Penny. It wasn't an easy task seeing as she was very round with child. Luckily for Bernadette, she was not of royal blood. She had happily married Howard last year. "It's not every day you turn twenty!"
With a groan, Penny pulled the blanket back over her head.
Penny laughed as Arthur twirled her around with reckless abandon. She knew it wasn't proper, but as long as she was with Arthur, people seemed to excuse her every action. It had been nice getting to know him over the last few months. He was a good man with a kind heart, and as much as she hated to admit it, the rumors had been true. He was good looking. He had sandy brown hair that always seemed to be tossed by the wind, deep brown eyes and prominent jawline.
"If I didn't know any better princess, I would think you're having fun!" Arthur laughed as he spun her around once more. It didn't help how dizzy she had already felt from the wine.
"Well then, dear Arthur, it is a very good thing that you know better!"
"Naturally." He gave her a crooked smirk and held her closer. "So it is the adviser that holds your heart."
The wine seemed to churn in Penny's stomach. She didn't want to think about Sheldon - not tonight. He wasn't going to even risk talking to her? That was fine, she had perfectly nice company in Arthur. "I don't know where you're getting your information from, but that is entirely untrue."
"Then why, pray tell, does it look like he wishes me dead for touching you?" He asked and pulled her closer, watching as Sheldon's jaw tightened.
"Why is it that you're holding me so close to begin with?" Penny asked with a smirk, hoping to avoid all talk of Sheldon.
"My heart might lay with Princess Guinevere for the time being, but you are to be my wife." He said lightly, but seriously. "You are very beautiful, Penny. I have no doubt that I could very well grown to love you in time."
"Is that the kind of marriage you wish for? One that will grown in time."
"It is the hand I was dealt, and there are those far worse off." He said holding his arm out for her and walking her into the garden. The last thing they needed was for one of the many dancing party-goers to overhear them. "Need I remind you, that you are in the same standing."
"I still don't think you should have to grow to love your betrothed..."
"Would you rather pine after someone you cannot have the rest of your days?"
"And what of Guinevere?"
"She is not my betrothed." Suddenly, Penny needed more wine. She didn't want to admit the truth in his words, or the growing attraction she had been feeling for him.
"I love Sheldon." She said as firmly as she could. It had been the first time she admitted it out loud. She just wished it hadn't been to another man.
"Can you not one day love me too?" He asked in a serious tone as he pushed a golden lock behind her ear. Penny stood silently, unable to respond because she knew very well she could.
Neither noticed the court adviser and head knight who had heard everything.
I'm smelling a love triangle! The next one will be in Sheldon's POV
Reviews are loved
~AAH
