Leith looked at the two of them as they climbed out of the water. "Dear God," he whispered. He was unsure if he should intervene. Save the Queen of France and Scotland from a possible accident or risk seeing her and Lady Lola naked, two women of the king's. There was danger on both sides.
"Well, my little lord," said Leith, tucking the blanket around John, "there's one thing that you will learn. Women put us in terrible predicaments always."
Lola shivered as she got to the top of the rock. Mary was standing on top also shivering. The cool autumn air was nibbling at their skin, and Lola put her arm around Mary.
"What are you thinking about?" questioned Lola. She couldn't tell if it was a stray droplet of water or a tear that was careening down Mary's face.
"I'm thinking about how I wish that we could just stay up here safe forever. Hidden in the night."
"Kenna would say ladies of the night," said Lola, putting her head against Mary's shoulder.
Mary laughed softly. "Yes, I suppose so. I feel as if my whole life has been decided before I even turned seven."
"Take it back then, Mary. Be happy. Take, Francis."
"Oh, Lola." She pulled her arm tighter around her. "Francis and I are childhood sweethearts. An innocence broken. We're friends that are better as rulers of countries than as rulers of our hearts. I will rule even a country that I am cursed never to see."
Lola pointed out to the sky, "I think that I can see Scotland from here."
"Lola, don't be silly. It's impossible."
"Look, it's over there with green hills rolling out and stony fences. There's a glen to your right, and the air tastes salty from the roaring of the sea. And, there's-."
"A herd of horses coming to meet us."
"Those are your noblemen, coming to greet their queen."
"They love you as I do." Mary forced a smile to chide the tears in her eyes and put her head against Lola's.
"I love you as well. Thank you."
Lola and Mary stood on the top of the rock. He could see the outline of their bodies. There was nothing sexual about it, but, as if he were looking at a painting. Their faces glowed in the moonlight both looking back at the castle and then out at the water. The wind blew roughly and the beginning signs of autumn danced through the air as leaves swirled around them. They seemed so peaceful in the inky azure sky. It was as if the stars were paying them audience and the trees were guards watching over with stoic grace a few whispering at their beauty. The hairs on his neck spiked. Then, he saw movement in those trees. He placed John on the ground, and he grabbed his sword.
"Mary, Lola, look out!" he yelled, charging toward the trees.
Lola and Mary screamed as he came toward them and jumped into the water.
Leith raced through the trees trying to catch up to the individual he had seen, but he could find nothing.
"Leith!" yelled Mary.
He raced back. They were swimming toward the shore, but were still twenty feet away. He could see a figure where he had left John.
"John!" screamed Lola in a panic.
Leith cursed under his breath. How could he have been so stupid? His legs seemed heavy as he raced toward the figure. They had John.