Roisin cooed and grabbed at Addy's finger. It had been two days since Philip left them in persuit of the ogres. She never thought she would say it, but Addy missed him. She worried for him everyday and prayed he returned safely.

His words still provided her soul with no rest. Every night, she struggled to sleep and woke tired and no more at ease. He was with her for only two days but over that time, she came to grow fond of him. It was so strange to feel this way again. She never thought she would. In fact, she swore against it. But Philip was different. He was kind and he wanted to provide them a secure future.

Sweet Roisin squirmed and bounced up and down in Addy's arms. "I know, darling. You are bored too, aren't you?"

Since the village was ransacked, Addy had been staying with a kind old woman she met and was doing work for her, cooking, sewing, gardening, whatever the woman needed done, so that she and Roisin would have a place to sleep. It was easy work and Addy was grateful for the woman, who had lost her only daughter a year before.

Addy fashioned a long piece of cloth into a baby sling and was able to carry Roisin with her when she gardened. After she made a little cap to protect the babe's head, Addy began working in the garden.

The old woman lived a small distance from the village and her small cottage remained untouched by the ogre's raid. She lived modestly but was able to provide for her needs. Over the past few days, she and Addy had grown close and the old woman now saw Addy as a daughter.

Addy sighed as she pulled weeds from the turnip beds. She sent up a silent prayer that Philip was safe. She would not be at rest until he returned safe to her. Thinking back to the sharp words she spoke to him, she cringed. She would love nothing more to get to know him more and she secretly adored the way he called her 'darling'.  But he was the prince and she was just an orphaned villager who now had a child. As much as it hurt her, she knew that she and Philip would never have a future together.

"Hello there!"

Adelaide looked up and saw a man walking down the path to the cottage. She stood and held her hand to shield her eyes. "Hello. May I help you with something?"

The man smiled and walked toward her, his steps large and with meaning. "Yes, I hope so. I am looking for work. My village was recently and I am in need of food and shelter. I am an honest worker and I work well. Any work you have would be appreciated greatly." He bowed at the waist. "My name is Bailey."

"Well, sir, I am not the owner of this land. I am staying with the woman who owns it. I will be happy to show you to the house so that you may enquirer about a position with her." Addy made her way to the house, Bradley following. She entered the cottage and addressed the old woman. "Madam, there is a man here, Bradley, who is looking for work. I showed him to the house so that he may ask you."

"Wonderful. Thank you, Adelaide!" The woman got up from her seat and clasped her hands in front of her. "Bradley? May I ask what your last name is?"

"Coulson, madam. Bradley Coulson." He bowed and smiled at her.

"Well, Mr. Coulson, please have a seat. Would you care for a cup of tea?"

"Yes, that would be lovely, thank you." Bradley sat and thanked Adelaide when she poured him a cup of tea.

"Mr. Coulson, I am in need of a farm hand. My previous help left me to go to work in the castle and I have not been able to replace him. The work would be hard, but I am willing to pay you. You will also bed in the barn and eat your meals here at the cottage. It is not much, but it is work."

"That sounds perfect, madam. I will start today, if that pleases you." Bradley smiled.

"That would be lovely." The old woman looked to Adelaide. "Would you be so kind as to show Mr. Coulson to the barn, dear?"

"Yes, of course." Addy looked at the man. "Right this way, sir."

"Thank you very much for showing me the way, madam. Er, what is your name, exactly?"

"Adelaide. My name is Adelaide, sir." Addy smiled and looked away.

"That is a lovely name. And who is this little darling?" he asked, tweaking Roisin's plump cheek.

"This is Roisin, my daughter." Addy looked at the little cherub and grinned.

"Your daughter? Might I ask where your husband is? You are awfully young to be a mother." Bradley looked at her, his eyebrow raised.

"Not that it is any of your business, sir, but I adopted her. Her mother's last words were that I take care of Roisin and I plan on doing just that, regardless of my relationship status." Addy straightened her back and briskly walked toward the barn.

"Adelaide, I apologize." Bradley ran after her. "I meant no disrespect. My curiosity overtook my speech, forgive me. It is very honorable of you to take care of Roisin as your own."

Adelaide looked at the darling baby and then up at the ignorant man at her side. "Sir, you don't seem to understand. She is mine. It is true, she did not come from my womb nor did she feed from my breast, but it feels as though she has. She is my daughter just as I am her mother. She has known no one other than me."

Bradley sighed and nodded. "Yes, I see. Forgive me, once again."

"It is no matter, sir." Addy opened the barn door and stepped inside. "This is the barn. The horses are over here in the stable, the loft is above, that is where you will sleep. I know the madam has given you your duties. When meals are prepared, I will come fetch you."

"Thank you, madam. I am sure I will be very content here, indeed." Bradley bowed and watched as Adelaide exited. He chuckled to himself. She certainly was something. Her hair was just as fierce as her attitude. She was very attractive and he had to admit that he was drawn to her. Adelaide. Her name was as lovely as she was.

He heaved a sigh and began to pitch hay into the horse stalls. Hopefully over time, she would come to fancy him.

A/N:

Hello my cute little cupcakes! This chapter is kinda eeeehhh. I mean, if you like it, I certainly won't turn down any votes, comments, follows, and adds you throw at me! ;D

I truly hope you liked this chapter! Sorry the update is late, or early, wherever you are at. It is 10:09 pm where I am (woo central time), so it is *kind of* late. Let me know in the comments below what you think of the chapter and this Bradley dude. Like? Dislike??

I am kind of excited to start school again tomorrow. Kind of not though. We'll see! Have you guys started up yet??

Anyways, just a reminder, "Weekly Obsessions!" will be out tomorrow afternoon/evening on {My Mind Palace}, so if you wanted to go check that out, it will be out tomorrow.

I hope you have a good night/day/afternoon/morning wherever you are!!

Love you gumdrops!!

Peace,

-Red