Re: Barbara and Dick
Dick gave a mocking gasp, fingertips to his lips. "Oh, temptress!" he teased back at the idea. No nobles. If only the world could be so equal!
The prince considered her words. It wasn't that she was wrong, but his thinking was so adversely different. He saw much more to Barbara than most would ever give her credit for, often for more credit than she would give herself. He stood, taking both of her hands with his. "I would wish to be bonded to someone I can love and trust, whom I know would be with me should the arrows and snakes shatter the world. I would have someone who is clever enough to know when to point out my faults and my short-sightedness. You don't need to stand with me--just be hand in hand with me and keep me from my own foolishness. It is no small task, mind you, but there is no one better and no one who could be less of a burden. Barbara, you're no asset to me. You're my confident and friend." He bowed over her hands, kissing the knuckles of each of them. "And more."
He looked up, blue eyes lively and as he watched her face, lit by all the mage lights hovering overhead. "Right now I just want this present moment."