Picking up Mercedes

[Sergei Romanov]

The days passed ungodly slow til Wednesday. I arrived atop the back of my tall chestnut, the same stallion I'd gotten at the horse faire with Alexei. His training was coming along very nicely; I was quite pleased with him, and secretly luxurating in his long legs, his smooth gait. I needed to figure out how to get a few of these beasts back to Ruskovia, begin filtering my own lines and refining further. There were a few traits here that I rather enjoyed.

Patting his neck, I dismounted, carefully, trying not to jostle the wicker basket strapped behind my saddle. A pair of saddlebags hung too, and in them was a few stuffed items, a blanket, cloth napkins, small things.

Taking the stairs two at a time, I knocked on the door and waited patiently for an answer, my hands folded behind my back. When a maid answered the door and peered at me suspiciously, I gave my name and reason for being here, though I couldn't help but look past her as she led me in to wait in the receiving room.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I agonized for hours over what to wear. But when you came right down to it, my selection of riding gowns was rather thin. I finally settled on the one I wore to the memorial hunt that Queen Sabrina had held for her father. It was in navy blue worsted wool, soft and fine against my skin. A subtle pattern in a lighter blue was woven in around the square neckline, the Aragonian fashion comforting. The lines were simple and clean, making the most of my natural shape.

I wouldn't admit to myself that I really chose it because the wool was so soft, it near begged to be touched.

I looked at myself in the mirror as I pinned my hair back into a caul of pearls. I was still too pale, even when I pinched my cheeks. But then my heart nearly stopped when the knock came on the door. "My lady, Prince Sergei is here." I took a deep breath and grabbed my riding gloves before heading down stairs.

When I entered the receiving room, I caught sight of his profile. Dear Mother he was handsome.

"My lord, it is so very nice to see you again," I said, a smile appearing on my face almost unbidden.

[Sergei Romanov]

Oh sweet Lada, she was so beautiful. A feeling entered my chest at the very sight of her, a feeling no other woman had ever given me, and I still wasn't sure what it was or how to take it. "Princessa," I said, smiling large enough that I hoped it didn't look goofy, but I couldn't quell it just yet. I bowed to her before crossing the room, trying very hard to remain gentlemanly even though my eyes wanted to sift down over her frame. "I'm very happy to see you again."

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I blushed at the look on his face. He was so eager, so... struck by the sight of me. It was very flattering.

"I hope you have been well?" I asked, though his nearness made my breath catch in my throat. I didn't know why this man had such an effect on me, but then, no one had ever kissed me like he had done.

[Sergei Romanov]

"Very well, indeed," I said, thankfully getting my smile under control more. I felt like such a moonstruck boy around Mercedes; it was unnerving as much as it was exciting. No one had ever made me act like a fool before, and I was incredibly unused to the feeling.

"I trust you have as well, and Princess Leyna, of course," I added as I looked at her, enjoying the simple sight of her face far more than I would have anothers.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I met his eyes for a brief moment, but then looked away, blushing even more.

"Yes, we have been well. Though I think we have both been missing my cousin," I said, my voice starting out shy before strengthening. "May I interest you in a glass of wine before we go?" Truly I would have preferred to leave, breath some fresh air and try to calm my red cheeks. But manners were part of who I was, and I had to be the good hostess.

[Sergei Romanov]

The blush looked so fetching on her that it softened my smile at the same time that it lifted my hopes, though I reminded myself on Aragonian ways, of the strictness to propriety. Not terribly unlike my own, which made me enjoy her blushing more.

"If it would please my lady, I think I would prefer to escape the Cities walls," I said, as gentle as I could. At least that silly grin had finally tapered down to something more manageable.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

After the informality of some of his letter, I hadn't been expecting impeccable manners. It seemed Sergei was a man full of surprises. I almost giggled when I thought that, but managed to rein it in to a girlish smile.

"Of course my lord. I believe my mare should be waiting outside with your mount by now. Shall we?"

[Sergei Romanov]

She was so pretty when she smiled like that, so feminine and young, and I couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking. "Of course," I said, feeling that silly grin come back a little more as I held my arm out to escort her outside. "It's really very nice outside. Not too hot, thankfully."

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I took his arm, his proximity having an affect on my body. But I did my best to ignore the D'Angeline whispers in my head and the blush it caused my Aragonian side to paint on my cheeks. I was usually conflicted around handsome men, but this was a little ridiculous.

"Should I take an extra warm jacket then my lord? If it's not to hot for you, I can't imagine what it would be like for me," I teased lightly, glancing up at his rugged face.

[Sergei Romanov]

He jest caught me off guard, making me laugh when I'd have preferred a dignified chuckle. My grin grew again as I led her to the entry, and I glanced out the window as if in deep thought. "I'm not sure," I said, squinting into the sun before peeking back at her with much amusement. "I think this country is beginning to thin my blood. I shall have to wear five coats to survive a Ruskovian summer now."

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

Instead of a suave noise that so many courtiers made, Sergei laughed with abandon, and it caused my smile to widen. I always admired a person who gave themselves that freedom.

"I doubt it will be that bad when you return," I said with a little laugh as we reached the door. "I would hate for you to be teased."

[Sergei Romanov]

"Me too," I said truthfully as I opened the door and waited, letting her walk through first. "My ego could barely stand such a thing."

I grinned at her for the jest as I followed her out, noting both our horses standing, though mine less patient than I'd like with the occassional paw of the ground. Leading her down the steps, I took her to her mare, waiting to see if she should need assistance up. "Your mare is really very nice," I said admirably as I reached out, patting the horses neck. "Deep chest, clean legs.. She looks as if she could run forever."

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"A recent purchase. I've been quite happy with her so far," I said with a smile, glancing at him to see if he would boost me up. The thought of his hands round my waist sent a little thrill through me. "Do you have an interest in horses my lord?"

[Sergei Romanov]

"Quite an interest," I said, smiling. "Had I not been born into the Romanov family, I probably would have been a stablehand of some sort." I grinned at her before turning a little, making a small motion to her saddle. "Might I offer to help you atop your mare?"

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

"Yes please," I said with with a shy smile. Gods, I felt so young and foolish around him.

[Sergei Romanov]

With her permission granted, I turned and positioned myself behind her, hands going to her slim waist. "One," I said, speaking in Ruskovian, "Two," in d'Angeline to give her an idea of what I was saying, then switched again to Ruskovian, "Three."

On three, I lifted her up, marveling silently in how light she was. Ah gods, I was not sure if I was being tortured or blessed with her presence. Most times, it felt both.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

His hands encircled my waist as if it was nothing, and he lifted me with ease. "Thank you," I said, arranging my skirts and trying to ignore the blush that just wouldn't seem to subside.

[Sergei Romanov]

"Anytime, Princessa," I said softly, trying to contain the boyish glee I got just from the simple act of helping her on her horse. In attempt to spare myself the humiliation of letting it actually shine out, I turned and mounted my own stallion, controlling his initial skittishness with my knees more than anything else. My attention remained on her. "Shall we, then?" I said as I gestured, turning my horse to lead her out of the courtyard.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

There was something in his voice when he replied, and I glanced at his face to find him grinning. Dear Mother he was handsome, the sun sparkling on his blond head and making my heart near stop.

Then he spoke up and I snapped out of my contemplation of his rugged form. "Oh yes, of course my lord," I replied with a soft smile, pointing my mare's nose in the correct direction and matching his pace.

[Sergei Romanov]

I would have sold half my horse stock in Ruskovia to know what was going through her head as she looked at me. Svaros but she was so beautiful, regal, poised... and she was stealing my heart one slice at a time. The realization shocked me to the core, and I kept my gaze fixed forward as we made our way through the streets. I liked her a great deal, I knew, but there was something more there now. Something more solid.

Near the City gates, I turned, casting a slightly lopsided smile at her. "I have an idea of where I would like to take you," I said. "It's a short ride, near a stream. Would that be alright, Mercedes?" Mercedes. I even enjoyed saying her name.

[Mercedes de las Aragonia]

I should have corrected his lack of formality, but they way he nearly tasted my name... I'll let it slide, just this once of course, I told myself, a blush painting my cheeks when I realized that I wanted to hear him say it. I barely knew this man and I wanted less formality. His kiss must have done more damage than I thought.

"Of course my lord, that sounds lovely," I replied modestly, though my heart had sped up ever since his arrival.