The dinner continued and ended well enough. Everyone was all smiles and a buzz with the news of the baby. For intents and purposes it was a happy night, one that Brad had managed to get through with only a few inward sighs and a couple of thoughts of beheading the prince. Now, he stood in the expanse of a hall the Queen and he had struck up a conversation before she retired for the night.<br/><br/>“I do not know if I should be flattered that you decided to extend your stay, or worried that you are up to something,” she joked in a friendly manner.<br/><br/>In response Brad laughed softly, “My lady, I can only say that I have grown rather fond of this land and can see this being one of the few places where I could settle down.”<br/><br/>A small smile was given, as if she had some bit of information that he was not privy too. “Well, whatever the reason I am glad for your company. My darling boys are always talking about you, it is as if you are a big brother to them,” though her words stopped, there was just this feeling as if she wanted to add more to the statement. Perhaps, something in terms of how they had never really had one before?<br/><br/>“I adore them myself. I never had family of my own, but always wanted a sibling or two to share in adventures and all manner of other things,” he admitted readily and honestly.<br/><br/>“I am glad you are coming to think of us as family,” she replied with a smile. “You are around enough to be a son to me, so I am pleased to know that the feeling is mutual.” Before the conversation could continue, the King summoned her off to bed. “It would seem that our conversation is to end here, at least for now,” she smiled and curtseyed before him. “Good night, Noble Ranger.”<br/><br/>Bent at the waist in a respectful bow, “The sweetest of dreams to you, Fair Queen.”<br/><br/>It was after he stood there a moment, unsure of what he would do for the rest of the evening that Simprina caught him. Confusion was etched on his face, but he followed her directions, his heart racing just a bit. Into the gardens he walked, the moon high in the air bathed everything in this ethereal light that seemed to transport those within to another place or to some kind of dream state. This, to him was how he felt when he saw here there among the sweet smelling flowers; as if he had fallen asleep and she was but a figment of his imagination.<br/><br/>For a few moments, all he did was watch her. Watched as the moonlight caught in her hair, watched how she leaned down to smell some of the flowers and caused a few strands of hair to fall free and forward into her face. Watched as she was just her and that was a sight that he could enjoy for years and years.<br/><br/>Slow, measured and confident steps carried him to her, where he reached out and touched lightly on her shoulder. “Hello, Maria…” his voice low, tender and sweet.