Author's note: I am not going to tell you when this one is. Half the time my math fails me and I am saved by one of my more detail-oriented reviewers. (You know who you are) Anyway, at this rate, I'll be done with this and able to return to 'Life of a Father' within the week. Please review, as even though these are coming quickly now, My pace may slow. What author doesn't feel inspired when they see another little review?
Sometimes it amazed her to think of what a numb-skull he was. He was, of course, practicing his weapons. Why would he do that? Yes, the current conditions of the isle were slightly fragile, but Anna was sure that the Irish tribes would help them if it came to war, and they had a dragon. Besides that, what idiot would put the crown prince anywhere near the fighting? But then again, he probably would be that idiot. Anna sighed. It was a good thing he realized that he was a numb-skull. If he hadn't, he might have tried to find a wife that was beautiful, or rich, or powerful. Instead, he had her. Anna sighed again. She could make the kingdoms rich; especially so once her father died and if Cuthbert listened to her like her father never did. She could probably find a way for their kingdoms to become the envy of the isles, conquerors of the Scottish, Welsh and Irish, the most powerful people in the world. She could never be beautiful.
As much as Cuthbert both poor and weak in terms of affairs involving the mind, Cuthbert was handsome. He could make just about every woman in the castle feint, with the exception of those over thirty and the woman he sparred with as she thought. She could tell why. She had seen portraits done of him as a child, and he hardly resembled the babe but for his raven hair and eyes. His face had elongated, becoming strong and definite. He started to cut his hair short so as to keep it from his face, but one short lock persistently remained on his forehead. He was tall, taller than most of the knights, with shoulders broader than most of the knights. The only fault that she had found in his fighting was his inability to move quickly.
Anna did not hear the footsteps behind her until the hand rested on her shoulder. "It seems we are both admiring my son."
Anna tried not to show her surprise. "It would seem so, my Queen."
"That is unnecessary. You are my daughter now, Anna, and I want you to address me as your mother."
"Very well, Qu- Mother."
"These eighteen years have passed quickly."
"Excuse me?"
"It seems that only yesterday he was a mere child. He really was quite a handful, but he would do anything to help any animal that he could find. Has he told you of the story behind the cat insignia on all of his old clothes?"
"No."
"He was five. The cat of one of the girls in the kitchen had a litter, and Cuthbert wanted to keep one. Obviously, he got a kitten. He spent the next year caring for the little creature, but it ran away the first chance it got. He was heartbroken, but to this day, he treats animals with only the greatest of respect. Have you not seen the way that his horse's coat gleams."
"I have. But-" Anna turned to look at the queen, but she was already gone. Anna thought about what the Queen had told her. What was she trying to say? That he would take care of Anna? She was hardly an animal. In fact, for a moment she was offended, but it passed and curiosity as to the Queen's meaning was killing her. She went down to the stables to investigate further as to what she had been trying to tell Anna. She saw Cuthbert's horse. She noticed for the first time that Cuthbert's horse was somewhat disgusting. It was hardly Cuthbert's fault: the nag was groomed perfectly, but it was hideous. Realization took her like thunder. She heard heavy footsteps approach.
"Looking at Prince's Pride?"
"That's your horse's name?"
"Yes."
"Why? This nag hardly is something to be proud of."
"She may not look as good as some of the horses in the stable, but she is easily the best horse here, and the best horse for me. I am not the best rider, but she can lead herself where we need to go. I couldn't get through all of this without 'this nag'." Cuthbert had made his way to his horse, softly stroking her nose, but on these last words he looked up. Anna had thought that he had remained oblivious to the analogy, but something in his look told her he knew what they both meant. "Any other horse would long since have thrown me or fallen on some difficult climb."
"Are you finished with your practice for the day?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"I feel quite exhausted. I need to retire."
Knowledge passed in front of Cuthbert's eyes. "I suddenly feel tired as well."
"Then both of us shall retire."
Cuthbert was not the brightest star in the sky, but he still got some subtle hints. It did help that his wife knew how to make sure he understood her. They were a good pair, he the might and the mirror, she the clever and the crown. Together, they could rule the world, but they were content to retire to their chambers. Together.