50 Exotic beauty (1/2)

The exotic calls of the numerous birds that called the palace home echoed melodiously through the stunning open corridors that glistened from the polished marble floors, up the sculpted turquoise columns that merged perfectly with the exquisite gold flaked crown moldings of the ceilings.Prisms reflected all around them as the soft rays of the evening sun bounced of the abundant crystal adorning everything from the numerous hanging lights to the vases, statues, and other knickknacks.

Shelly followed Rin farther out into the huge courtyard, silently taking in the sights as he continued to describe the history of each room as they passed through.

”…And this is my favorite area of all.” Rin stopped and turned toward her as she finally turned away from the architecture of the corridors to see the courtyards for the first time.A brilliant smile lit his face as he watched her eyes light up and her mouth drop in complete awe of his favorite spot.”Before I left home, I would spend all my spare time here.”

Shelly struggled to take it all in as she looked around the stunning gardens.There was a large fountain in the center of a huge concrete pond.Statues were situated at each corner of the pond and shot water onto the top of the fountain.The water could barely be seen beneath the massive lily pads and lotus blossoms.Her feet moved of their own accord forward.A tall willow stood to one side of the pond, her long branches dipping into the covered waters.Under her was another statue. It was a woman holding a shallow birdbath in the shape of a basket out over the edge of the pond. A gentle stream of water flowed over its edges.Beside her was a marble bench.

Rin quietly sat on the bench; his eyes trained on Shelly as she moved around the pond in mesmerized fascination.He couldn't stop himself from laughing as a fish gave an irritated splash when she moved one of the lotus blooms. He laughed harder as she snarled up her nose at him before quickly getting distracted by something behind him.He looked over his shoulder in time to see one of the many peacocks strut by. He caught her hand as she began walking by him toward the bird.”I don't recommend messing with him.The peacocks can get a little aggressive this time of year.” he pulled her down onto his lap.He wrapped his arms loosely around her waist, giving her the opportunity to get up if she wanted to.When she leaned against him instead of trying to get up, he wrapped his arms around her tighter pulling her against him.

She rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes still exploring the many sights of the garden. ”I've never seen anything so beautiful.” She said softly.

He followed her eyes around the gardens for a second before bringing his attention back to her.”I used to think so too… before I met you…”

Her head snapped up from his shoulders quickly as her eyes met his steady gaze. ”Rin… I… You…” Her cheeks heated as she struggled for a response, but before she could come up with one his arms loosened around her waist and one of his hands tangled into her hair. He pulled her lips closer to meet his. Her thoughts were lost as he kissed her deeply.She slid her arms around his neck a small moan escaping her lips as she shifted her head to give him better access.

”Oh dear, I seem to have interrupted you yet again.” Rin's mother forged concern as she walked out toward them.

Rin's head fell back against the willow as he let his hands slide loosely down Shelly's sides. ”Damnit mom…” he grumbled in irritation. When he felt the small arms around his neck tighten and felt the weight of her head rest against his shoulder, he said a silent thank you to the heavens above.

Shelly giggled when Rin's grumbles vibrated against her ear as they watched the tiny woman spread out a blanket and set out a large picnic basket.

Radiant eyes met hers, ”I thought you kids may like a snack after all that walking, and…” she shrugged playfully, ”I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious about you, my dear.”She patted the blanket beside where she sat. ”Come now guys, you're not going to make an old lady drink all this wine alone are you?”She opened the lid of the basket.She lifted out a large bowl of tri-colored grapes, a plate of several different types of cheeses, 3 glasses, and at the bottom of the basket, Shelly could see several bottles of wine.

Shelly giggled again as she pushed away from Rin and moved over onto the blanket with his mom. ”This looks so nice.Thank you.” Shelly took the glass his mom offered her.

Rin huffed and puffed in an exaggerated show of aggravation as he made his way over and flopped down beside her.He plucked a grape from the bowl and held it to her mouth.”Here, try this.You've not had a grape until you've tried these.” She opened her mouth for him and waited for him to place it in.

His mom giggled as she took a sip from her glass, the third in her other hand.”You know dear, the first time I met your parents they were newlyweds… their eyes twinkle… not unlike yours now…”

Shelly tipped her head toward the smiling woman, surprise obvious on her face. ”You knew my parents?”

”Yes, I did… In fact, the old master threw a ball in honor of their wedding and assent to the throne.” She took a long sip as she let that information linger.