Disclaimer: Unlike my books, deleted scenes have not been through full edits.
Deleted Scene: The Bridge-Castle Scene
Charis and Philip approached the grandest castle in the land.
The great stone walls that stretched around the massive series of buildings rose towards the sky. Behind the gray stone walls tall turrets and spires peaked into the clouds. The massive gate sat just across the wooden bridge. Crossing over the wide moat Charis shivered at the thought of trying to swim the cold water. It was a wide and deep moat. Their reflections glimmered off the water as their entourage slowed their approach at the large gate.
After a shout from the leader of their party, a young boy with shocking red locks peeked out of an opening above them. Recognizing the soldier who led the group the boy lifted his hand in a wave, quickly bowed and disappeared back inside. Seconds later the great gate inched open.
Once Charis and Philip’s eyes could see inside, their breathes hitched. The inner gardens and courtyards, the hustle and bustle of castle life was unlike anything they could have imagined.
It was surprisingly clean, even with so many people and animals living here. The castle rose before them. Great white rock walls that were in the midst of receiving a fresh coat of whitewash gleamed in the sunlight. Scents of flowers mixed with spices filled the air.
A little dark-haired girl skipped beside the group on horseback for a moment. Her cheeks dimpled and she held a pudgy hand out to Charis. The beautiful large pink and blue flowers mixed with small yellow ones made a lovely bouquet. Charis tried to reach, but her arms were too short to grasp the bundle. Riding atop Adrastos gave her the feeling of soaring at times.
The little girl’s eyebrows met in a frown. Standing on tiptoes the little girl tried again to deposit her gift into Charis’ waiting hand. Philip leaned down to grasp the bouquet for Charis. The tiny girl beamed up at him before turning to skip off again in the direction from which she had come.
Philip chuckled near Charis’ ear and reached his arm around her to hold the flowers directly in front of her. Charis smiled, knowing Philip couldn’t see her face. She reached out to take the bouquet from him and her hands briefly covered his own warm ones.
Philip wanted to turn his now-empty palm upside down and wrap his fingers around hers. How often had he dreamed of holding her tiny hand in his?
