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[It's getting to the good stuff. Just you wait =3 ]
As soon as I arrive, Edward is there to take my arm. I see the knowing glances all around, echoes of last year, only this time they are meant for Edward, and not me. All the ladies who might have hoped to dance with the King have given up. They all know he has eyes for no one else. As I did only a year ago. As I still do.
I had not expected this to happen--not in my wildest dreams. I had not expected I would be spending so much time in the King's company. I know I will hurt dearly for it later, but I am too happy to care. I feel as if I could go on playing Lady Isabella forever and ever to this man who stole my throne, if only he'd look at me as he does now.
This evening, Edward seems distracted. I can guess why...and I am right.
"I had a letter from your mother," he says nervously. I can see the endearing boy he had been. "She said you were tired?"
Lord Philip has explained everything to me on the way here...I had been too exhausted when I arrived home last night to do anything but undress for bed--and barely that before I collapsed into the large queen-size we'd just brought in from a sympathetic furniture-maker.
So I know about the letter. I answer, a bit bashfully, "Well, yes, Your Majesty. I have had the most wonderful time. But I am a little...fatigued." I don't need to act. I have left my mask behind today, so the shadows underneath my tired eyes are no longer hidden, even beneath the makeup. My walk, my face, my sluggish answers--all indicate my immense exhaustion.
Edward notices. He wears a guilty, worried expression. "I am sorry. I should have thought. Perhaps I should send you home for a little while."
"Only if Your Highness doesn't mind," I say hastily. "I would hate to displease you."
Edward shakes his head with a patient smile. "I may be King, but I am capable of caring for others above myself. Please, Lady Isabella. I'm insulted."
I curtsy and lower my eyes. "My apologies." I wonder at the truth of his statement, but then I push the thought from my mind.
"Well, that settles it," says the King. You will be leaving me tomorrow morning. Rest quickly so I may see you again soon." He looks at me, eyes tender and pleading.
"How could I not return as soon as possible?" I say softly, daringly. "I will suffer just as much as you, Your Highness." I cannot bear to tell him that I plan on making excuse after excuse, even death, to avoid him. It will hurt me as much as he will pretend it hurts him.
The others are right. This is too dangerous. Not only because I might be discovered, but also because...how can I keep my resolve if this wonderful dream continues? How can I do my duty as Queen Alisyn if I am so happy being Lady Isabella?
 LadyAlisyn · Wed Jun 10, 2009 @ 02:42am · 0 Comments |
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