The hot sun beamed onto my face as I picked the fruit from the trees. It was a beautiful morning here in Arkansas and the birds chirped wildly. Feeling very hot I shook out my wild curls from its ponytail. Mama always told me to be careful of my surroundings as the mansion I worked in were very strict.

I felt the gentle breeze on my chocolate skin. I closed my eyes for a few minutes, suddenly feeling strong arms around my waist. "You look absolutely beautiful in this setting my love" Arthur whispered with a growl.

Turning into his arms we shared a kiss that was warm and passionate. He carrereesd my cheeks softly gazing into my dark eyes with so much love. "Arthur you know you aren't supposed to be  here aren't you supposed to be working" I say trying to be stern.

"I was darling but then I caught a beautiful sight from the window and I just had to come out" he teases rubbing his nose against mine. Me and Arthur live in two different lives, his full of wealth and riches and mine...
Filled with much sorrows.

Me and Arthur have been in love since we were young. It has been said that Arthur's father had tried on multiple occasions to separate us but to no avail. His mother is to thank for that, she always knew we loved each other deeply.

Hearing the sounds of footsteps Arthur kisses my lips quickly before rushing away towards the mansion. He gazes back one last time looking at me with so much love, I blow him a kiss and he pretends to put it in his pocket.

Turning towards the noise I see Arthur's father Sir General Thomas. He is with a few very important people, I pick up my basket filled of fresh fruit and make my way to the Manson.

Sir General Thomas only nods upon my appearance and I bow respectfully. Quickly making my way back to the kitchens to help mama.

***

"Cut up those apples for me, and make sure they aren't too big" mama directs. Sitting at the wooden table in the kitchen I watch mama stir a pot of vegetable porridge. "Now tell me child what took you so long to collect the fruit" mama asked her eyebrow raised and I know she means business.

"Well... Arthur came to visit me.. he needed a break from work" I rush out my eyes set on cutting up the apples. "Hmm" my mama says not believing me one bit. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from that lad even if he is handsome. Men like that don't want no black woman all we do is serve them"!!

Mama always scolds me about my relationship with Arthur. She thinks that because I am African American and Arthur is White we are worlds apart. But Arthur had told me many times that he didn't care if I was blue, red, black he loved me for me. I love Arthur with all my being... but I am afraid of our future.

"I don't want you near that boy, you here me child I is your mother and I will protect you no matter what" mama says staring at me with love. "Yes mama I say trying to hold down my tears, I love my mama and I never want to disappoint her. But I love my Arthur and I know this will break him.

What will I tell Arthur...

***

Midnight arose and the soft moon glow shined against the mansion. The mansion was quiet as everyone was fast asleep in there chambers. Well not everyone was asleep at this hour I sat on my tiny bed mama next to me in her own bed fast asleep.

I was covered with a soft blanket as I awaited for Arthur to come and give the familiar signal. All that could be heard was my mothers soft snores, she really worked herself to exhaustion.

Suddenly I hear the usual pebbles bang against the little window. I drop the blanket onto my bed, opening the window to see Arthur's hands out and ready. Climbing down the tree I jump into his arms safely and we quickly run into the secret garden.

Our of breath we pant until we catch our breath. "I'll never get tired of catching you when you fall my love" Arthur whispers capturing my lips. We've been secretly doing this ever since we were kids no matter what we always met up at Midnight.

Cuddled up in his arms I remember mama's words from earlier. Men like that don't want no black woman all we do is serve them"!! I feel the tears rushing down my cheeks, Arthur takes notice.

"What is it my love, why do your eyes show so much sorrow" he asks wiping the tears away with his thumbs. "Arthur my love... I am afraid mama has told me to stay away from you... she believes we are to different... I would only bring dishonor to your family" I confess the tears coming down harder.

"Shh my love I can see your mother's worries but look at me my darling" he grabs my chin making me look into his eyes. "I love you with all of my heart I refuse to let you go I could care less what anyone may think I want you to be my wife and to someday carry my children. I will run away with you if so be it". He declares and I let out a sob.

"Hush now I'm not going anywhere we will get though this no matter what obstacles we may face,we will conquer them together".

That night I knew that Arthur was what I wanted and I so desperately wanted to marry him for he was the love of my life.

But I couldn't deny the nervous pit in my stomach of what was to come...

***

I try not to fidget under Sir General Thomas's gaze. Arthur stands tall with his wide shoulders he has just finished telling his father about our relationship. My body shakes with nerves and Lady Selma watches us with loving eyes.

She understands our love for each other but his father... has yet to say anything. "Are you out of your mind son I will not allow you to marry this woman. For christ sake she is a low maid she does not possess the power to rule. I will not accept this and she is an African American Woman our people will look down upon you"!!

Suddenly Lady Selma steps forward "my darling husband cant you see how in love they are. It matters not of her race but her heart is what she has given our son". After hearing his wife's words I see the expression on his face softened.

Arthur squeezes my hand placing a kiss upon my forehead. "It seems that my son is truly in love, I will not stand in his way" Sir General Thomas declares. We jump for joy sharing a passionate kiss.

Years later we are married as I rule by his side. The first African American queen.