A Walk With a Prince

Monty’s signature bark sounded as he rushed up to them, Richard’s eyes continued shining as he knelt down and let Monty jump around while he pet him. Monty slipped from Richard’s grasp and let Margaret pet him for only a moment before rushing back to Richard.

“Looks like I’m still the favorite.” Richard teased and stood back up, offering his hand to her again.

“Don’t worry, he’ll follow me to the enchanted forest by the end of the summer. And if not I think I'll get myself a Beagle and name him Max.” Richard’s thumb grazed across her fingers as he led her forward, Margaret felt as she does every time she sees Richard, happy to be near him, loving the sound of his voice, their long talks, and his wonderful laugh. “Mrs. Ricci is our housekeeper…” They walked forward, with Monty rushing ahead and waiting for them to catch up before rushing ahead and stopping again; the winding path through beautiful willow trees and so many flowers made Margaret hope that she could return to Citri after the season is over. “…She’s as old as time itself.”

“Does Mrs. Ricci have a first name?”

“Yes but I won’t tell you. Father called her by her name once and he’s never made that mistake again. The legend is Mrs. Ricci lost her name to Calypso after forcing her to grant a wish. Now if anyone utters it she becomes a horrid sea creature.” Richard’s gaze fell to her smiling lips, but he brought it back up to her eyes as they reached a small mound that held an apple tree surrounded by a stone bench and three rose bushes.

“What was her wish?”

“To marry Mr. Ricci.” Richard’s deep calming laugh made a smile fill her soul. “She once crashed Mr. Ricci’s boat into a barge and tried to convince him it was his own fault. So, he made a deal with her: give him her heart and he won’t require repayment for it. Since that day, she became known as Mrs. Ricci. I think she just loved him so much, it’s a constant reminder for her.”

“How’d she end up your housekeeper?”

“Mr. Ricci was a doctor for many years and knew my family well. When he passed away, he asked father to take care of her. She’s been a blessing, I mean a bunch of kids have lived in the manor and my parents could barely kee-”

“Oh hello.” Margaret froze when Elizabeth approached them...