Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  "Of course. But we were speaking of you, my dear."

  Jilliana's face took on a glow. "Ruyen is what every woman wishes for in a husband."

  Eleanor looked satisfied. "I chose well for you, did I not?"

  Jilliana smiled. "Indeed you did."

  "What are you two gossiping about?" Ruyen asked, coming up behind them. "Can a man join this little domestic scene?"

  Eleanor brightened as she always did when there was a handsome man about. "Richard has told me that Talshamar and Falcon Bruine both flourish under your rule."

  Ruyen pulled Jilliana close to him. "I have help."

  Eleanor laughed. "I taught her well, did I not?"

  "You did that, Eleanor." His eyes dropped lovingly to Jilliana. "Sometimes too well."

  "I see I am not needed here," Eleanor said, rising slowly from the bench. "I'm off to England. Richard has need of me there." She brushed a kiss on Jilliana's cheek. "I wish you happiness always."

  "God go with you, my dearest Eleanor."

  "And you, child."

  Jilliana and Ruyen watched Eleanor move toward her horse with a spring in her step. Several attendants scurried about to see to her comfort, and she took their devotion as her God-given right.

  "I would not have enjoyed my happiness nearly so much if Eleanor had not been freed from her prison," Jilliana said contentedly.

  Ruyen touched his lips to hers, while their daughter grabbed onto her father's leg. He picked up the little princess, who lay her head against his shoulder.

  "The women in my family have me just where they want me."

  Jilliana laughed. "So we do."

  Humphrey and Lord Markem stood at the edge of the garden, observing the happy scene.

  "Talshamarians will speak of Queen Jilliana long after we are all dead," Lord Markem observed. "They will write songs and recite poems about her greatness and bravery."

  "Aye, that they will," Humphrey agreed. "But this is today, and we are blessed to be numbered among those who bask in her glory."