I have often admired you as you walk through this garden, the prince said. The maiden blushed. I compare you to the rose. See here, (comes to plant) you are beautiful and stately, and yet as delicate as these scarlet petals. She glanced up into the knight's face and saw solemn admiration in his dark eyes. Her heart beat quickly as he slowly took her hand and then knelt on one knee. I began loving you the first day you came to my father's castle, and it wasn't until you were nearly carried away (by the enemy of the kingdom who also loves Olivia) that I realized how deeply I care for you. I would fight the fire-breathing dragon for you, my love. (I defy that dragon to appear that I may prove my sincerity!) Dear, sweet, Olivia, can I even hope that you would favor me above all others? Will you give me the delight of becoming my wife?My face heightened in color. Looking at the ground I whispered, My good sir, I know not how I ever earned your love. I, a simple maiden, am hardly worthy of your affections. I . . . I know not what to say.
Will you, he hesitated, clutching both of my hands in his strong, but tender, clasp. Will you marry me?
Joy welled up in my heart and love compelled me to lift mine eyes up to his ever admiring ones. My affirmative had not time to leave my lips when suddenly a rugged hand grabbed my arm with cruel force. A shriek filled the air which I hardly recognized as my own, as I turned to face the blazing, jealous eyes of the enemy of the kingdom--Sir Raven. My terror flew on the wings of despair until I remembered that my prince, my very own beloved was nearby. I quickly turned again to him but alas! 2 ruffians (Raven's henchmen, no doubt) had him paralyzed on the ground. From out of nowhere, Raven produced a sword and held it under my beloved's chin. "I'm taking her with me," he growled, with a hard smile. "She is to be my bride. No woman deserves an imp who groveles in the dirt for her hand." I tried to free myself from his clutches, but he pulled me ever nearer to himself. His breath was hot as he muttered in my face "You shall be mine. You shall love ME. And this--" his voice took on a blazing tone as he focused his attention once again on the sword and my beloved-- "this fool of yours shall face the dragon just as he wished." My knees weakened and Raven let me fall to the ground. I began weeping as Raven continued his plans for my prince. As I gazed at my beloved, not once did he show any fear. Not once did he cower at the thought of the fiery serpent which he was soon to meet. There was a strength in his eyes I had never seen before. Later, he would tell me that it was the power of his love for me which made him look so dignified when Raven held that sword to his throat. When the ruffians dragged him away to Raven's own castle dungeon many miles away. Indeed, it was also this same love which nearly drove him crazy with fear for my well being. Dearest beloved. If you had only known how much my heart broke for the terror of your dearth. I had never known my love to be so passionate--for not once did I sleep well as I lay in one of the rooms at the top of Raven's castle, the doors locked against my escape. Where would I have fled? Down to the dungeon to be with my Prince was all I could answer.
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