It had been a peaceful two years since Selleck was crowned king. The land was prospering and the people were happy.
One day the king and his brother, Sibon, were out riding in the fields around the castle. It was a beautiful spring day and wild flowers were everywhere. Suddenly a horse and rider burst from the forrest. The lady on the horse was barely holding on to the out of control beast. Selleck raced to her side, grabbed her, and placed her in front of him as he slowed his mount and stopped. She was shaking from head to toe from the dangerous ride. Her golden hair hid her face as he helped her down.
"Are you alright, dear lady?" asked Selleck.
"I am a little unsettled but unharmed," she replied as she looked up at him. His eyes were drawn to her face. She was beautiful! Her hair was the color of sun ripened corn, her eyes like the summer cloudless sky, and the smile of an angel. Selleck was mesmerized.
"What is your name, fair maid?"
"Lady Lela is my name. My father is Lord Bryol. Thank you for saving me, your majesty. My horse was spooked by a bird and bolted," she said.
"I am honored to give you aid. Please tell your father he is requested to dine with me this evening and you also."
That night Lord and Lady Bryol and their daughter Lela dined with the royal family. Selleck couldn't take his eyes off Lela. He was enchanted with her. He knew he had to have her for his queen. The men went out to smoke their pipes and Selleck requested to speak with Lord Bryol privately.
"As you know today I saved your daughter from her runaway horse. I must be frank. I have fallen in love with her. May I have her hand in marriage?"
"I knew your father and step father well. They are Godly men. I have seen you grow and follow in their footsteps. I would be honored for you to marry my daughter, providing she feels the same as you. I want her to wed for love, for she deserves nothing less. Go speak to her."
Selleck went in search of her and came upon her in the garden. She was even more lovely with the silvery moonlight cascading down on her golden head.
"May I speak with you a moment, dearest lady?"
"She turned and when she saw it was he her smile outshined the moon for she was pleased to see him. He had been in her thoughts since she first saw him rushing to save her.
"Of course, your highness. Shall we walk a bit in the garden?" she asked.
"Certainly!" he said. They walked side by side a spell enjoying the beauty of the garden and each other.
"Come, let us sit on this seat for I desire to say something to you," Selleck said. They sat down and Selleck gathered his thoughts.
"Lela, I know that what I have to say may be hard for you to understand. I fell in love with you the moment I saw you," he said then knelt at her feet to take her hand. "Will you marry me?"
"My Lord, I am honored by your words. I also felt love but was afraid that you did not. I am so happy and would gladly marry you!"
With a shout of joy he picked her up and swung her around as they laughed. They both went in and told their parents. There was much rejoicing in the castle that night.
During the next few months all the banns were read and planning the celebration was done. The day of the wedding was beautiful. They had decided to have the cermony outside and it was a gorgeous day for it. Everyone was so happy for the royal couple. They could see the love and happiness they felt for each other.
The hoar witch and her forest full of malformed creatures await Vanx and his curious group of companions as they try to save the fairy folk and their magical Heart Tree from the powerful old crone and her evil.
In this sixth, and final, episode of the Locus Poll nominated, international bestselling, Dragoneer Saga, King Richard, his Nightshade, and the legions of mudged dragons it controls, are coming to take the Mainland throne. Hold on to your dragon! A g
