by Lisa Heaton
“I know that.”
Night after night Isabel had considered her future, one with the commander only on the outskirts of her life. “I’ve come to conclude that as long as I know that you love me from afar, I can withstand any thing.”
“You can. I believe in you.” He looked away for a second. When he turned back to her, he said, “You can believe in me, that my love will never fail you.”
Chapter 7
Isabel was just about to drift off when she saw a figure enter her tent and close the flap. Her heart began to beat harder the closer he came. Without a word, Elias lay down next to her atop the cover as he always had. When she turned to face him, he pulled her so close to him that their noses touched.
“Forgive me for taking this risk.”
“Already forgiven.”
“I’ve realized that we will never drift off to sleep in each other’s arms again. I would risk death to hold you just this once more.”
“We arrive tomorrow?”
“Yes, my love.”
“Please kiss me just once.” Though she could barely see his face in the dim lighting, his pain at her request radiated from him.
Elias sighed. “I want nothing more, but I can’t do that.”
“I know.” She moved in and brushed her lips along his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you, my sweet Isabel.” He kissed her forehead. “I woke with this thought; it’s what prompted me to come to you. Ahead of you, you have a thousand blessings. Don’t focus on the one sorrow.”
His words were wise, she knew – and true. If all the tales of her king were accurate, she would marry a kind and generous man. Kidian was prosperous. She was loved by this man holding her now. A thousand blessings were hers indeed. That one sorrow, that the king would never likely love her, must be buried and not allowed to cause her to fail at the one thing she was born to be, queen.
***
By now the fire was burning low. Colin had been sitting in one position for hours, anticipating the day to come. For the most part he had looked forward to the princess’s arrival with nothing but dread, but now he found himself more intrigued than anything. Since the soldier had come with news of the caravan’s delay, his mind was filled with unusual images of the princess as the soldier had described her actions over the past weeks. Courageous and strong were words the man had used time and again.
Tactfully, so as not to anger the king, the soldier had described the princess’s appearance as “lovely as any woman alive, maybe more so.” The stories the man told grew ever so inflated that Colin could hardly believe them to be true. From tales of the storm to the devastating illness and the faithful care the princess had shown to the men and livestock, the soldier’s admiration for the princess was so evident that Colin had to believe he at least believed it to be true.
He scooted up in his chair and gazed at the leaping flames, a slight smile forming on his lips. The soldier had told him of the princess traveling on horseback rather than in her carriage. The young man’s cheeks grew crimson when he assured his king that not one man had taken advantage of the moment when she mounted the horse and adjusted her skirt. Already Colin liked this headstrong princess, knowing she would be good for the kingdom, and, he hoped, good as a companion.
***
Stunning was the word that came to mind as Isabel looked over the bluff and toward the Kingdom of Kidian. Truly, it was a breathtaking sight to behold. The palace was farther off in the distance, but all along the winding road leading to it was a large and bustling city. From even so far a distance, she could see how vast it was, nothing like the village nearest her brother’s palace.
The palace itself sat gleaming in the sunshine, as if a jewel in the crown of a king. Its size was astounding even at great distance, with peaks and points sprawling along beneath the clouds. Elias had told her that the palace housed hundreds of officials, clergy, and staff and was temporary quarters to dozens who traveled to conduct business with the crown.
The grounds surrounding the palace were so expansive that it contained within it a small town, likely the homes of the highest officials and advisors. To the sides of the palace was a mixture of rolling meadowlands and dense woods, both surrounding various areas of a winding lake.
Her stomach tightened when she considered that she would be queen over such an impressive land. None of Elias’s descriptions could have done this site justice. Beyond the palace grounds, way off in the distance was yet another town, one not so large as the one closest to them now. That town led to the sea, where dozens of ships were moored. Isabel knew from her brother that Kidian was known as a great trade nation through both imports and exports.
“Tell us your thoughts, Princess.” Elias said.
Isabel turned to Elias. “I can hardly believe it’s not a storybook.”
He smiled. “I believe the men will all agree with me, Princess Isabel. With you here, it is officially a storybook kingdom.”
Men nearest and able to hear the commander’s comment nodded in agreement with the commander.
“Are you ready to go and claim your kingdom and your thousand blessings?”
“As ready as I will ever be, Commander. Lead on.”
While riding through the town, the men who had ridden the last miles of the journey surrounding her allowed her space enough to see the townspeople and be seen by them. Their formally tight formation gave way to men scattered about her, with all watching over her, prepared to move in if any onlooker came too close. The people were cheering her by name, women cried, and men removed their hats as she passed by. All the while, Isabel smiled and waved excitedly, tears filling her eyes at the enthusiastic welcome she was receiving.
Though she had thought she would feel nervous at her arrival, instead she was filled with eager anticipation of all that was ahead. The commander’s words came to mind, that the people’s hearts needed hope. Some even considered their kingdom cursed, able to prosper in trade and harvest but not in royal peace and contentment. That was what Isabel represented to them, hope for a brighter future for their king and kingdom. She didn’t want to let them down.
***
All Colin could do was shake his head in amazement as he watched the spectacle of the procession as it wound through the streets of the city below. Just as the soldier had told him to expect, the princess was there riding horseback amidst the throng of soldiers. Cheers from the crowd were heard all the way to the palace steps where he now waited and caused his own heart to beat with excitement. His excitement wasn’t as much over the princess’s arrival as it was the enthusiasm of the people. They had had little cause over the past years, something Colin understood was only through negligence of his own. It was abundantly clear, this woman on horseback was exactly what would bring new life into the hearts of a people who loved him enough to long for him to remain king.
The sight was impressive, to say the least, as Colin watched his company of soldiers move back into tight formation. Never would you know that sickness had so overtaken them. With the princess in their midst, they passed through the gate looking stately and proud. Their mission to deliver their future queen was complete, one done amid hardship and personal sacrifice.
When all but a few halted, Colin watched in suspense as those closest to her formed an even tighter formation, horse nearly touching horse. They completed a circle around their princess to ensure her privacy as she dismounted her horse with the commander’s assistance.
Colin was barely recovered from the impressive movements of the men when the princess began to draw toward him. The soldier’s claim from before was far from exact. To describe this woman as lovely would be like painting the sunrise with only the shade of pale yellow. Without the use of red and orange as the sun burst brilliantly over the horizon, one could hardly call it a sunrise. This princess was of magnificent beauty, her features soft and serene. Her dark eyes spoke kindness even before she said a word. She cast a shadow of peace over him with only one glance. Without qu
estion, she would put a worried kingdom to rest.
“Princess Isabel, I am honored to meet you.” Colin reached for her hand and drew it to his lips.
“King Colin, I am honored to make your acquaintance.”
She turned back toward the men. “Your men have endeared themselves to me forever.”
“I believe the feeling is mutual, Isabel.”
“Be proud of your mighty men.”
“I am.” He said. “And I’m proud of you.”
Her look of curiosity at his statement wasn’t lost on Colin, but he said no more. Still holding her hand, he led her up the staircase. By the first step of their assent the men behind them erupted into such a roar of applause that they both stopped and turned.
Isabel waved at them with both hands. Their cheers only increased and the applause became louder.
***
Elias sat waiting for the king. He had washed up from the day of travel, knowing this meeting would come sooner rather than later. Understandably, the king was curious to know if Elias had been successful at his mission.
Different from their last meeting, this time Elias was all too mindful of his disloyalty to his king. It seemed like no time ago that he sat in this very spot, unaware of how Isabel would capture his heart or how easily his allegiance would fail.
“Elias.”
“Your Majesty.” Elias stood.
“No, please remain seated. I’m sure you are tired, so I won’t keep you long.”
With no question why he had been summoned, Elias had already prepared much of what he would tell the king. “You have been given a fine treasure, Your Majesty.”
“I hear that’s the case. And I hear I owe you and your men a great debt of gratitude for your protection over my future queen.”
“You owe us nothing, sir. Not one of us would have missed the journey for anything in the world.” Elias smiled. “In fact, you have men so loyal to the princess that dozens have requested to be assigned to the palace guard.”
“Loyal?”
“Absolutely, Your Majesty.”
Colin chuckled. “I think the word you are looking for might be enamored. I can hardly blame them. The princess is a beautiful woman, more so than I anticipated, I admit.”
Elias nodded. “Enamored is likely the better term, indeed.”
“And you, Elias? Are you enamored of the princess?”
“How could any man not be? You can’t imagine the courage and strength of that young woman in a crisis. In ordinary times she is an absolute joy to be around.” Elias had every intention of being honest with the king. “Besides those admirable qualities, she is headstrong and a merciless tease. She loves the outdoors and eats very little. Propriety means little to her, so little, in fact, that you will have to keep her in check on occasion.” Elias grinned. “If you can, that is. She has a way of getting you to do things her way while thinking it’s your idea.”
Elias’s smile faded. “This new bride of yours is kind and gentle.” He hesitated as his heart fell. “And quietly tender. There is a much-too-tender place beneath her confident exterior.”
“Without question, Commander, you are, indeed, enamored. It seems, though, with such a woman that none of you could be anything but.”
“And, Your Majesty,” Elias paused. “She is practical.”
“How did she take such news?”
“Not well at first, but eventually she came to the understanding that her role here as queen is imperative. Because of that, she remains willing.”
“So she considered returning home?”
“Of course.”
Colin looked at him with raised brows. “And you would have taken her?”
“Yes, sir, if she had only asked.”
“Good man. I would have expected nothing less.”
Colin leaned forward. “So is it all true, what the soldier said of her?”
“All true. She disobeyed my orders to remain in the safety of her cave. Instead, I found her watering horses and fetching water for the camp. When I took ill, she cared for me while caring for many of the others as well.”
“Until she became ill?”
Elias’s heart sank as he recalled finding her. “Yes.” He let out a long sigh and shook his head. “I found her on a return trip from the stream, kneeling on the ground in her sickness until she finally collapsed. She must have been working for countless hours already sick and burning up with fever.”
Elias slid to the edge of his seat. “You have an extraordinary woman, Your Majesty. I can never say enough good about her.” He sat for a moment, considering his next words. “Sir, I have no right to advise you in any way.”
“But you’re going to?”
“Without hesitation.” He looked his king in the eye. “Befriend her, Your Majesty. You will have in her a tremendous ally as your queen. I know your temptation will be to keep her at arm’s length because of your circumstances, but don’t. She knows where you stand, so you won’t have to worry about giving her false hope. Allow her to know you. Get to know her. You will never regret that.”
“I thank you for your advice and for your service to her and to this kingdom. As for your men, any who request to be reassigned here may be if it meets with your approval.”
“It does, sir.
“As for Fina and Mary, the maids who attended the princess, they, too, deserve to be recognized. From the moment the soldiers became sick, both worked tirelessly to care for them. Fina especially has caught my attention. I believe it would be in the princess’s best interest to have Fina assigned to her as her lady’s maid. They seem to have formed a fast bond.”
Elias smiled to himself as he considered Phillip’s growing affection for Fina. This would allow them greater access to one another.
Colin nodded his approval.
“I will let Gerard know you are in agreement, sir.”
“Please do.” Colin stood.
“I expect you to join us for supper tonight, Commander.”
Elias stood as well. “I will be there.” Then he thought of his earliest promise to Isabel. “And, sir, will you be entertaining afterwards?”
“In honor of the princess’s arrival, I believe it only fitting.”
“I agree, sir. If you don’t mind, even before we left Moneia, I agreed to dance the first dance with the princess.” Elias knew better, but added, “After you, of course, if you intend to dance.”
“By all means, be the first.” Colin scowled. “I don’t dance, Commander.”
***
Isabel plopped down on her bed, still reeling from the emotions of her arrival. More than any one thing, Elias’s final words stayed most on her mind. He had helped her dismount, and while the men were still turned away, he moved in close and whispered, “Remember to count your thousand blessings, sweet Isabel.”
She looked around at her extravagant room, one fit for a queen with a bed piled high with fine fabrics. Everything about her entrance to her new kingdom only served to remind her of her blessings. Even her king had surprised her with his kind welcome.
Striking, that was the word Elias had said was often used of the king’s smile. No better description could be found in all her vocabulary. Isabel felt as if she had been struck, indeed, when he had smiled and taken her hand. Her out-of-rhythm heartbeat was unexpected and she was not at all prepared as she stood before the handsome king.
Then that moment came when she looked out over the men and caught Elias’s eye. They looked at one another for only a few seconds before she turned away. His fallen expression had caused her heart to plummet. Of course he was wounded as he had just handed over his beloved to another. If she had to guess, in that moment, he wished he was king. It was her wish no matter how striking the king.
Chapter 8
Her stories were gripping, Colin thought to himself as Isabel described the peril she and her traveling companions had faced along their journey. Already she had told of the pressing crowds of Garstall and how her brave soldiers he
ld them at bay. Presently, she was telling of the rapid approach and intensity of the storm and how the commander saved her from her frightened horse in just the nick of time and whisked her off to the safety of a cave.
At the height of her storm story, Isabel rose inches from her seat and placed her hands on the table. Her voice was steady and strong. “I dare say it was like fire directly from hell that struck all around us. Even as we entered the cave it was apparent that danger still lurked all around. Debris swirled and danced at the entrance of the cave, and as I watched,” Isabel pounded the table and caused her plate to jump, “There they came! Soldiers running through the downpour and lightning with my luggage in hand. Risking their own lives, they ensured I had dry clothing and blankets.” She sat and sighed as if satisfied with the climax of her tale. “Your mighty men of Kidian are as impressive and brave as any in the entire world.”
Colin found he was just as fascinated as the others. He had watched the faces of those around the table. With her rise from her seat, most all moved in closer, fearing they might miss even one syllable of her tale. In those times when she lowered her voice for effect, a hush fell over the room. No one took a bite as Isabel told of the dreadful illness that swept through the camp. The story was nearly complete as she began to tell of how the soldiers who were first to recover tended the sick and how they worked on the roadways in order to get her to her new kingdom.
Colin interrupted her. “As interesting as your stories are, Princess, I believe you have left out a few crucial details.”
Isabel turned to Colin, her eyes wide in curiosity. She stammered but never asked his meaning.
With great amusement, Colin turned to the crowd of guests. “What our princess is keeping from her audience is her own bravery in the story. When all were taken ill, even our mighty commander,” Colin caught Elias’s eye as he spoke. “Princess Isabel kept the camp going. She watered livestock, fetched water from a stream in pails, boiled broth, and fed the sick. Even having taken ill herself,” Colin turned to Isabel. “It is my understanding that you remained on your feet serving others until you quite literally fell out in a meadow burning with fever.”
