Macha's Journey

When Macha arrived at the park, she spotted Freyr and Alondra talking. Freyr wore a white short-sleeve v-neck silk shirt, and a patterned silk sash tied around his waist. His fitted slacks showed off his athletic figure. Macha dismounted and greeted the two.

Freyr kissed Macha"s hand gently and admired her beauty. He liked the summer clothes his tailor fashioned for her. Today, she wore one of his favorites. It was a short white bell-sleeve dress with a deep neckline. He remembered to let go of Macha"s hand, "You look beautiful as always." Every time he saw her she seemed to become prettier. He wished she only had beauty because if that was the case he could easily stop loving her. Unfortunately, he also loved her for her mind and personality.

Macha rolled her eyes at Freyr. He always acted this way. In a polite voice she offered, "Thank you. You"re looking very handsome today as well." She wished he did not have such an alluring smile. Sometimes his smile made it hard to ignore his adoration. To distract herself, Macha looked around and admired how splendid the park looked. It exceeded her expectations in every way. "Alondra, it"s beautiful. Are you sure we stayed within the budget?"

Alondra was very proud of how the park turned out. Macha giving her so much freedom, allowed her to design it how she wished. Alondra raised her chin a bit, "We actually came in under budget. I was just talking with King Freyr about how to spend the remaining money." Coming in under budget had been an achievement for her. Many times her clients made such ridiculous requests that she had to go over budget.

A warm smile formed on Freyr"s face. It was the sort of smile that could cause flowers to bloom in winter. Freyr trusted Macha to come up with something creative that took into consideration the needs of the people. Her thoughtfulness had been one reason he wanted her as his queen. Macha would not be a person to ignore the needs of the people. Freyr saw Macha as one of the most mindful people he knew. "I was thinking about investing the leftover money and using the profits made from it to help fund programs for the community. What do you think?"

"That is a wonderful idea! I absolutely approve," Macha did not realize reinvesting the extra money had even been an option for them. She did not doubt that Freyr was a good king. He really did care for his country and its people. Macha thought Ma.r.s.eille was lucky he did not act like some of the other rulers she studied about while in college.

Seeing the two interact, Alondra remembered the people in the castle whispered about how King Freyr wanted to make Macha their Queen. It was obvious the King treated Macha differently than any other woman. Alondra decided it was time for her to leave and give the two some time alone. Giving a deep bow, Alondra said, "King Freyr, Macha, I am afraid I have to meet with a contractor. May I leave?"

Freyr nodded, he did not mind being with Macha alone. Due to his busy schedule and her living with Tyr, he only got to visit her once a month. He asked Macha if she wanted a tour of the park and she agreed readily. As they walked along, he enjoyed the different reactions that played across her face. She ran around wanting to touch everything.

The park had a large bush that was designed to create the figure of a cat sleeping on a boat. The boat was made of tubes that allowed wind to pa.s.s through them, creating an enchanting melody when the breeze pa.s.sed through it. The two sat and talked on the boat for a while, enjoying the sound and view.

One of Macha"s favorite areas was the swing set that had lavender surrounding it. Flowered vines that grew up along the pillars and the flowers gave off a sweet scent. She liked the spot because it was up on a hill and she could view the whole park from there. While they sat on the swings, she admired how picturesque the landscape appeared. Macha liked that it evoked a sense of freedom and playfulness.

Sitting on the swings with Macha gave Freyr a sense of freedom. For a few moments, he was not a king with responsibilities that affected thousands of people. He was just a man enjoying a day in the park. Feeling a little playful he asked, "Macha, want to see my favorite place in the park?"

Macha hopped off the swing, "Of course. I"m interested to see what you like. Your gardens are so beautiful I didn"t expect you to like anything here." The park was nice, but the gardens at the palace had no comparison.

Freyr pinched Macha"s nose lightly. "You don"t know me well enough. I love music, so why wouldn"t I love this park?" He did not mention that he especially loved it because Macha helped to make it. He walked away and looked over his shoulder. His eyes shined with playfulness, "Come," he called as he sped off down the hill.

Seeing Freyr run off without her, Macha chased after him. Between giggles, she breathed, "No fair! I"m wearing heels!" She did not know why Freyr seemed so relaxed today. It was a side of him she had never seen before. Macha wondered if he truly took her words about being himself with her to heart.

Freyr led Macha to a large xylophone that had a stone slab installed over the back half to create a bench for people to sit on. Walking around it he beamed, "This is the best thing in the park." Macha tapped the metal keys and made a few notes hum into the air. Freyr laughed. "Not like that. Like this," he focused some energy into his hands and placed them lightly on the different keys.

The world around them exploded with beautiful pink flower petals that fell to the ground. The melody sounded more like a piano than a xylophone and Macha looked around with surprise. Freyr lifted his eyes from the keys and gazed at Macha. He saw her cover her mouth to hide her smile. "Sit, I"ll play you a song," he nodded for her to sit on the bench.

Macha nodded and sat down on the bench in front of him. She realized it was a love song, but the images that emerged from the instrument were so beautiful. Pink petals drifted down and wrapped around them. She was surprised to smell the sweet fragrance of flowers and a slight breeze stroked her cheek.

Freyr tried to express his feelings for Macha with each note as he poured his love for her into the song. He wished things turned out differently between them. Looking up, he watched her smile and play with the petals he created. Freyr had them dance around her hand and wrap around her body. A few caressed her cheek and played with her hair. He longed to touch her the way the petals did.

Macha closed her eyes, and the petals danced lightly along her skin. This song differed from the one Freyr played when she first witnessed his musical talent. The emotions behind each note resonated with her soul and the images seemed so real. It filled Macha"s heart with warmth and affection. The notes wrapped around her and cradled her in an embrace that made her feel safe and cherished. It was unlike any song she had ever heard.

Freyr wished he could play forever, but the song was coming to an end. He gazed up and imprinted the way Macha looked listening to his song into his memories. As the song ended, the images slowly faded away. Freyr noticed tears falling from Macha"s eyes and was glad that the depth of his love moved her so much.

Macha looked around them as the petals disappeared. Slightly embarra.s.sed by her tears she exclaimed, "Freyr, that was beautiful. What song is it?" She loved the song. It contained so much emotion and moved her heart.

Freyr smiled. The sunlight caused his clear blue eyes to shine. He was glad Macha liked it. In a playful voice, he teased, "I always envisioned playing it to the person I marry..." He composed the song just for Macha and it encompa.s.sed his feelings for her. He understood he could not pursue her, but he wanted to write a song he could play whenever he missed her. Freyr never thought he would have the chance to play the song for Macha and her reaction would stay with him forever.

Macha slid off the bench and gave his arm a little slap. She wiped away her tears. "I can wait. I"ll find out someday." She walked ahead of him. A song like that would surely be shared at his future wedding. She did not understand why Freyr was so set on her, but someday he would fall in love.

Freyr followed behind Macha. A pensive smile spread across his face as he laughed, "I hope so. I"d love it if you did." Freyr would only let her know if she married him, so if she found out, it would be because she chose to be his wife.