A. Springer

“Grinning with delight even as my heart ached”

“Horses sweat, you know, and men perspire, whereas ladies glow. I am sure I looked all of a glow also. Indeed, I could feel all-of-a-glow trickling down my sides beneath my corset, the steel ribs of which jabbed me under the arms most annoyingly.””

“Wait.” The word shot out of me, perilous. And still I could not look at him, for the tears I held back were more dangerous still. I stooped and plucked a violet from the grass, purple blossom and heart-shaped leaves and all. He had once said that my eyes were like violets at midnight, darkest green, darkest poryphry. I offered to him the little rag of a flower and whispered, “A knight needs a token.” My voice trembled only a little.””