The Squire on a White Horse

“I’m back now, My Lady. I see you’re still awake.”

“Welcome back. I was just about to go to bed when you came home.”

I was relieved to see him looking so well, but at the same time, I felt awkward because I remembered so many things. I tilted my head to disguise it.

“It sounds like you’ve been through a lot.”

“Yes, it was. The weight of the snow caused an old bridge in the ward to fall down, and I was helping to salvage it. Fortunately, no one died. By the time we arrive, the bridge will be better than before.”

As he said this, he rummaged through his Boston bag and pulled out a large one.

“My Lady.”

With a big smile on his face, he held out a box with a ribbon. I didn’t need to look at the contents to know what it was. It was a teddy bear.

Apparently, there was a store near his parents’ house that made teddy bears out of the most fashionable fabrics of the season. They were so popular that even the royal capital was flooded with orders. I don’t know how he does it, but every time I go back to his parents’ house, he would buy me one as a souvenir. The first time he bought it for me, I was so happy, ever since I was ten years old.

“Thank you.”

I hugged the box tightly.

“I’m glad, but I didn’t come here to ask for a gift.”

“Oh, really?”

I looked up at his face as if it was truly surprising, and I looked up at him as if he was truly disappointed.

“I was worried about you because you came back so late.”

This territory was not accustomed to such heavy snowfall. I was worried that he might slip, fall or bump into someone.

Stanley was so happy that I was worried about him. He smiled so big that it almost melted the snow.

“I’m sorry for worrying you. There were a few roadblocks due to the snow, which slowed us down a bit, but other than that, everything was fine.”

“Yes, thank God.”

“How are you feeling, My Lady?”

“Very well.”

“Very well, indeed. The weather has suddenly turned cold. I was worried that you might not be feeling well, but now I’m relieved.”

His hand reached out and pulled my slipping scarf back onto my shoulder. I couldn’t bear to look at his face as he approached me, so I deliberately glanced at the trunk at his feet.

“You must be tired, take the rest of the day off. I’m sorry to keep you.”

“No, not at all. I was relieved to see your healthy face. So I will take your word for it and rest for the day.”

He lifted his luggage.

“Please go back to your room, My Lady. Please stay warm and get some rest. Aishe, do you have any hot water?”

“We have hot water.”

“I see. Then, cover yourself with a blanket and take some honey before you go to bed because it’s very cold and dry.”

“Yes, yes. You are so overprotective. Don’t worry, just go.”

I waved my hand and he smiled.

“I’ll be right back. Aishe, take me before it gets cold.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

Stanley bowed his head, then walked past me and disappeared into the back of the mansion.

I rubbed my cheek, which felt kind of hot. Why did I feel so nervous when it’s just Stanley?

”Then let’s go back to your room.”

“Yes.”

I was relieved to see that he seemed to be doing well anyway.

I went back to my room, sat down on my bed and untied the ribbon from my souvenir. Nestled inside the box was a teddy bear with peach-colored flowers scattered on a natural background.

Apparently, this was the trend for spring this year. It would look so cute in a voluminous dress.

I untied the ribbon and wrapped it around the teddy bear’s neck, tying it in the shape of a butterfly.

“It’s so cute.”

Aishe laughed as she put away the empty box.

“Shall I put it on the shelf?”

All the gifts I’ve received so far were displayed in a glass cabinet to keep them from getting dusty. I stared into the dull black glass eyes for a moment and then shook my head.

“No, I’ll sleep with it for a little while.”

“Very well, My Lady.”

It was probably not my imagination that Aishe’s reply contained a laugh.

I was embarrassed to be sleeping with a stuffed animal at the age of nineteen, but now that I’d been given one, it’s okay for a little while.

I kissed the teddy bear on the forehead as I had done since I was a little girl, placed it on my pillow, and crawled under the covers.