Fascinated

Her sapphire eyes sparkled with curiosity. Cedric smiled back at the lady who stood before him. What reason could a duchess possibly have to require him? Cedric’s cows were run dry, his farms barren, his animals bore no meat, and he could no longer wield a blade. The noblewoman laughed as if she could hear his thoughts from where she stood. Still, he wondered. Why would such an elite lady want a mere commoner, why would she send men armed with swords on horseback to summon and fetch him? What must his wife, Virginia think? What will his children say when and if he arrives home again?

“Cedric,” the seductive sounds that rolled off her tongue caught him off guard. Her beauty was that of a siren, only to be matched by that of the Queen, Herself. Cedric looked up into the duchess’s face. She gazed into his eyes while motioning with her hands for him to come closer. He shuffled forward, unaware of the soldiers that surrounded him. They followed inwards to form a tighter arc around the poor farmer.

When Cedric was only a half an arm’s length away, the duchess reached out her hand. Cedric almost moved away, but decided to stay, compelled by an invisible force. He leaned his head in farther.

“My lady,” He whispered. She traced the scar that ran from his forehead to his left cheek, mirroring the image with the tip her right ring finger’s nail. He was caught in the magic of her spell, hexed by her perfection. He was caught in the turbulent waves of her auburn hair, which danced on her shoulder. The world spun all around him—except for the two of them, drifting in and out of existence. He was totally and utterly captivated. He repeated his words again; the fear that she had not heard his words lingered in him still.

“My lady,” He cooed, wanting nothing but to please his mistress. He was bound to her by heart, mind, and soul. He was obligated to carry out her wishes no matter the consequences. He knelt on the ground in front of her feet, tears of longing landed silently on her toes.