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I walk helplessly on, outwardly calm but inwardly worried sick. I worry that I will betray my secret. I worry that I will miss our conspirators' meeting. And I worry most of all about my feelings for the King that might interfere with my task.
He draws me into an alcove surrounded by tall hedges, and folds my hands in his. "Now, Lady Isabella," he smiles. "May I see your face?"
My heart thuds. I cannot. Even with all my changes, he may recognize me. I cannot risk it. And yet, to refuse him would certainly give me away.
His hand is hesitating above my mask. I do not move, so slowly he removes the mask. I look down, trying to hid my give-away green eyes, but he tips up my chin, and I dare not close my eyes.
The smile on his face fades to a scowl. He turns away.
"Please, Highness...what is the matter?" I call timidly. My heart is pounding. What will happen to me if he finds--?
"It is nothing," says Edward, and he turns back, the smile returned. "Sorry to worry you, milady."
I want to sigh in relief. So he still does not know who I am, at least.
"It is just...eyes such a beautiful emerald as yours are very...rare," he continues awkwardly, not mentioning the only woman known to have these eyes. "I was...startled."
I nod, speechless.
The King laughs. "Oh, don't be upset now! Let's see that smile."
I smile, and then I laugh. It is so ridiculous. And I am so filled with relief and happiness.
"There we go," Edward smiles. "That's what I like to hear."
My goodness, it is just like before. Again, we talk until dawn, though I am not quite as relaxed, mindful that one slip could cost me everything. At one point through the night I even try to slip away and meet my other obligation.
"Please, Your Highness, I think I must return home. My mother will be worried."
"That may be, but then she will be delighted that you have spent all the time with me. Please don't go."
By the time he leaves, I am fainting with exhaustion, but joy radiates from my very core. I wonder idly where everyone is, what they did while I was gone, how I will get...home, if that's what I must call it now.
I yawn widely, because no one is around to see this un-lady-like gesture, and I am exhausted. Then I stumble out of the gardens and prepare to head home. But before I can take another step, I say on my feet, and almost fall...but someone's arms stop me.
"Sorry, Your Majesty," whispers Lord Philip, aware that he has just violated that sacred rule. "I thought it better than Your Highness falling to the ground." He straightens me up.
"No matter." I yawn again. He looks almost as tired as I do. We had once been used to the rigorous court schedule, but not so much anymore. And dawn was still very late to stay awake, even for the most rambunctious courtier. When we arrive at the old house, we are both ready to drop where we stand. But I give my faithful courtier a small smile and a good night before I go to my pitifully small bedroom, making sure to change my gown and brush out my hair before I finally fall into my broken bed, into a dreamless sleep.
 LadyAlisyn · Wed Jun 03, 2009 @ 08:08pm · 0 Comments |
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