The Daughters of Merlin
Chapter 16: Courtship

Virgil opened his eyes to see that Grace was fast asleep next to him, facing him. There was a small stream of drool going from the corner of her mouth and he had to keep himself from chuckling at how adorable she looked. Virgil gently brushed her hair back from her face.

“See, I told you he would still be here.”

Virgil lifted his head to see his father and nursemaid, Anna, standing in the doorway. The old woman’s cheeks were flushed when she saw the Prince and young girl in her bed, though Arthur was slightly smirking.

Virgil quietly and carefully got out of the bed, making sure not to wake Grace. He then walked over to the two adults, only wearing his breeches.

“She had a nightmare and didn’t want to be alone.” Virgil said, explaining to them quietly.

“No need to explain. I expected as much.” Arthur replied.

“Ms. Anna, could you bring us up some strawberries? Oh, and some bread and butter?” Virgil asked, looking at the short plump woman who was his kind nursemaid that he considered a surrogate grandmother.

“Of course, dearie.” Anna replied, nodding to him before leaving the room.

Both Virgil and Arthur watched her leave. Once she had, Arthur looked over at Grace from where she was still asleep in the bed before looking at his son.

“You know I hate to rush things especially after such a traumatic event, but you should make your offer of courtship soon. If she refuses your offer then we can start looking for a suitable wife. You are eighteen now.” Arthur said.

Virgil sighed. “I know, Father. We discussed it a bit last night. I will talk to her about it more, but I’m most certain she’ll accept.” Virgil gave his father a confident smile.

“Well, that’s most good to hear.” Arthur returned his son’s smile. “Don’t forget to tell your mother. You know she’ll want to hear everything.” Arthur said with a wink.

Virgil chuckled, nodding. “I will.”

With that, Arthur left the room, closing the door behind him. Virgil then walked back over to the bed, laying on his side, facing Grace. He moved her short hair out of her face before leaning close and gently pressing his lips against hers. She lazily kissed him back just as he began to pull away.

“Good morning, Angel.” Virgil said, smiling at her as he ran his finger down her jaw, her eyes still closed.

“Hmm.” She replied, giving him a lazy half smile.

Virgil leaned close to her again to give her another kiss.

“Oh, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Anna’s familiar voice said from the doorway.

Virgil sat up, chuckling. “Don’t worry, you aren’t.”

“Who is it?” Grace asked, slurring her words as she rolled onto her back, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

“It’s Anna, my nursemaid. I had her get us some breakfast.” Virgil answered, smiling when her uncovered ice blue eye met his.

“By the way you look at her I’m guessing this is Miss Grace.” Anna said, walking over to Virgil’s side of the bed and placing the tray on a nearby table, blowing out the candles that were still burning, though most of the wax was now melted into a pile surrounding the small remaining wax which still stood straight. “Virgil’s told me all about you. I do hope you get better soon, dearie. Poor Virgil was worried sick while you were gone.”

“I won’t deny any of that.” Virgil said to Anna before looking back at Grace who was blushing.

Grace slowly sat up; Zana’s blanket which was wrapped around her began to fall, revealing a bit more than her wounds, though she didn’t seem to notice. Instead, her eye landed on the big bowl of strawberries which was set on a tray next to a fresh roll of bread with steam still rolling off of it, butter placed next to it on a small plate.

Virgil chuckled, grabbing the bowl and handing it to her. Once he had, he lifted up the blanket which he had used as he slept, wrapping it around her shoulders so that it would cover her. She blushed slightly when he did this, grabbing a hold of the blanket. “I had Anna get some for you.”

“I’ll have some more prepared in the pantry. If you dearies need anything else, you just yell, alright?” Anna replied, smiling at them.

Grace nodded, taking a bite from one of the strawberries. “Thank you, Anna.”

Anna nodded her head once, slightly bowing before she left the room, closing the door behind her.

“She’s really nice.” Grace said once she was gone.

“Yeah, she is. Anna has always felt more like a grandmother to me than a nursemaid.” Virgil agreed, taking one of the strawberries which caused Grace to slightly glare at him, pulling the bowl closer to her chest. Virgil noticed and he smiled teasingly at her. “Anna said she would prepare more in the pantry.”

Grace didn’t reply, picking up another strawberry and beginning to eat it.

“I hate you.” She said, looking down at the strawberries.

“And why is that?” Virgil asked. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“You had Anna bring up strawberries because you know I love them so much and you knew that I wouldn’t be able to complain about it.” Grace answered.

“That was part of the reason.” Virgil shrugged, smiling. “But I also had to get something I knew you would eat. I could feel your ribcage even through Zana’s blanket.”

“You could before.” Grace replied, looking at him.

“I’m going to make sure you eat. I will not allow my betrothed to be so skinny.” Virgil said sternly, lightly poking her in the side before smiling.

Grace was about to reply, her brows furrowing in anger which then quickly changed to confusion. “What did you call me?”

Virgil smiled. “Father needs to know that it’s official or else he’s going to marry me off to some princess. He’s known how I felt about you since the beginning and that’s why he’s waited so long. So, am I allowed to tell my parents about our courtship or not?”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes.” Grace sighed. “But I don’t want anyone cornering me. No big parties.”

“Don’t worry, that will only happen if we get married.” Virgil assured her. “I love you, Angel.”

Grace glanced at him before looking back down at the strawberries and taking out another one. Virgil noticed that she was trying to be serious but she was smirking. He smiled, leaning towards her where he kissed her cheek.

“You better say it back or else I will take the strawberries.” Virgil said, placing his hand on the rim of the bowl.

Grace looked at him sternly. “I’ll take it back. Right after I freeze your arm.”

Virgil playfully pouted at her, making his brown eyes a bit wider. “C’mon, Angel, I want to hear you say it.” He said, adding a pleading tone to his voice, which caused Grace to not only blush a bit but also smile at him.

“I love you too.” Grace replied, before smirking. ”Little Prince."

This caused Virgil to laugh before kissing her to which she kissed him back.

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