“Do not scold Mary for my request.” Elizabeth interrupted adamantly. “She made them because I asked for them.”
“Yes, well this is the last time I want to ever see those trousers. Go change into your riding dress, Elizabeth, and then you may leave.” Alayna went back to her ledger as if the matter had been dropped.
“Come, Mary.” Elizabeth motioned for her attendant to follow her out of the room and back upstairs.
Once inside her chamber again, Elizabeth whirled towards Mary with bright eyes full of mischief. Mary inwardly groaned. That look was never good. “So Alayna does not want me wearing trousers, but if she does not know I’m wearing them, then no harm done, right? I need you to sew me a skirt that ties around my waist and covers my trousers. I will wear it out of the castle, and once in the horse stall, I can take it off and ride in my trousers.”
“I am not sure that is a wise decision, Princess Elizabeth. She seemed quite adamant about your apparel.”
Mary watched as Elizabeth paced back and forth with her hand under her chin, deep in thought.
“Nevertheless, it is my request. My corset will remain the same as it is now, but to tie the skirt around my waist it will look like a normal riding dress. I think it will work. I need to be wearing these trousers for my lessons, Mary. Please?”
Mary nodded curtly and motioned for Elizabeth to choose one of her current dresses to make the changes to. Elizabeth grabbed a pale blue dress that had seen better days and handed it to Mary.
“For today, I will remain in my trousers, I will just use the back stairwell to make my way to the stalls. Thank you, Mary.”
“But Elizabeth!” Mary called at her retreating back. “I am to go with you when you leave the castle.”
Smiling sweetly, Elizabeth turned and winked before darting out her door and down the back stairwell.
CHAPTER 2
Elizabeth waved as she spotted her brother through the boundary fog. He grinned and laughed heartily as he pointed to her trousers. She spun in a small circle so he could see her wardrobe. She then reached into her saddlebag and withdrew her small bundle of parchment. She then began to write to him. As she penned her last sentence, she walked over to a small shrub and reached inside the heavy foliage. Withdrawing a small rabbit, she lightly snuggled it close and stroked its fur. "Hello there, Thatcher." She greeted the small animal as she tied her note to the string around its neck. She walked with Thatcher in her arms over to the boundary line and lightly nudged the rabbit to cross over. Once upon the other side, Edward untied her letter and read:
Hello Brother!
I'm sorry I was late, but Alayna caught sight of my trousers and sent me back to my chambers to change at once. However, I came via the same stairwell that brought you here. I am ready for training today. I hope you can see the targets I have created and hung on the trees. I hope to be the fearsome fighter needed for the battle against the Unfading Lands. Any news on your side? Has Lancer caught on to your scheme? How is Cecilia?
Edward withdrew from the line and began writing upon the parchment as Elizabeth began unholstering her sword. She practiced her footwork as he wrote. She swung her sword over her head and tapped the first wooden target. As it swung, she fought her invisible foe and ducked as the target swung over her head. Her movements smooth, quick, and fluid as she worked her way around her small arena with impeccable skill. When she finished jabbing the last target, she glanced over at the boundary line. Edward stood smiling proudly as Thatcher sat on her side of the line. As she walked forward, Edward withdrew his own sword and struck a defensive pose. He motioned to the straight and firm arm he held while holding his sword. Elizabeth nodded, knowing she needed to work on her defensive frame more. Her arms were not as strong as they needed to be to hold a firm stance for long. She untied his parchment from Thatcher’s neck.
She sat and read:
Dearest Elizabeth,
Nice trousers! I bet those did give Alayna heart failure. How is Father’s health? No news on my side in regard to Lancer. There is strong opposition towards him, but without the ability to flee his realm, there is little the people can do here. Cecilia is doing wonderfully. She sends her best regards to you.
Your swordsmanship has improved greatly this past week. I see your lessons have paid off, dear sister. Does Alayna or Father know of your lessons or skills? I have a strong inclination you withhold that information from them. Then again, that is probably a wise decision. Your markings have shifted the last couple of days. This can only mean that Father’s realm is weakening. Lancer’s strength remains powerful, people cross every day. Is Father doing anything to prevent the Lands from growing? I fear for you and Alayna. I pray you two will never have to cross the boundary line.
Elizabeth quickly glanced up as her brother brushed the coat of his horse and waited patiently for her to answer his letter. She quickly made haste:
Father is still weak, but I believe his stubbornness keeps him alive these days. I will not lie, it is one attribute I most admire in him, though I will never tell him for fear we will always tangle our antlers together. Neither Father nor Alayna know of my lessons with you. I find it best they not find out as well. Such behavior is unbecoming of a lady… or in Alayna’s eyes it is. I did notice my markings have moved.
Elizabeth glanced to her left at the red markings she carved into the rich clay. Two notches, a foot length apart from one another now appeared on Edward’s side of the boundary. The boundary line had swallowed more of her father’s realm in less than a week.
I fear the Unfading Lands may swallow my training arena soon. Although, Alayna and Father are attempting to gain strength among the kingdoms. Tomorrow the Kings from the Eastern and Western kingdoms will be arriving to the castle, along with their sons. Father and Alayna hope for a merger between one of the Eastern and Western kingdoms through a marriage. Not for Alayna mind you, but for me. Father has promised Alayna to the Renaldi’s. Can you believe that? The Rendali’s, Edward?! Why can’t Alayna not wed one of the princes from the East or West? Wouldn’t we rather have a new King the people will respect? But what do I know of the matter? I fear for our sister’s happiness and the conditions of our kingdom if she weds a Renaldi. I pray she falls in love with one of the princes coming tomorrow. Perhaps that will change her mind and Father’s.
Elizabeth sent Thatcher across the boundary and picked up her sword again, continuing with her practice.
Edward sat on a large boulder as he read his sister’s letter. He grinned at the thought of Elizabeth marrying. His little sister had so much spirit, it would take a strong man to keep up with her. Then again, he longed for her to find love. He also hoped Alayna would find love as well. The Renaldi’s were not a family to be linked with no matter how desperate his father’s realm seemed. What must his father be thinking?
Sounds to me you will have an exciting next few weeks, sister. Be on guard, I figure you will have several gentleman callers after you and your trousers. Should you be forced into a decision of courtship, I highly recommend a prince from the East. The Eastern Kingdom has been friends with our family for many years, and they are decent human beings. However, if you wish to remain a maiden Princess a little while longer, I say go for it, little sister! You are a brave young woman who has the world and many adventures ahead of you. I must go now. I hear the bugle. Lancer’s guards will be making the rounds soon. I must not be seen conversing across the boundary line. I love you, and have fun this week.
Edward sent Thatcher across the line and then quickly mounted his horse. With a wave, he disappeared as quickly as he had come. Elizabeth read his letter then tucked it into her saddlebag. She mounted her horse, Lenora, and headed back towards the castle. She enjoyed her time with her brother. She came to their spot every day in hopes of finding him there. Unsure of his schedule or the precautions he must take, she was never upset if he did not make an appearance. He was always sure to leave her a letter on Thatcher if his absence spread more than three days. He knew
she would otherwise worry about his safety.
∞
She dismounted Lenora in the stable and led her towards her stall. She then unbelted her saddle and slipped it off, carrying the heavy weight over to its stand. She grabbed the bristled brush and began to swipe it over Lenora’s chestnut hide. The sleek horse snorted in pleasure. Elizabeth smiled as Lenora nuzzled her shoulder. “I know girl, you love having your hair done.” Lenora whinnied softly, and Elizabeth giggled. Finished, she stowed her tools and quickly and stealthily made her way up the back stairwell. Once inside her chambers, she retrieved her letters from Edward and placed them in an intricately carved wooden box, that had once belonged to her mother, under her bed along with all their previous letters. A knock sounded on her door as she began slipping into a new dress.
“Come in.”
“Princess Elizabeth,” Mary entered and quickly stepped forward and laced Elizabeth’s corset. “King Anthony has arrived early with his son and daughter. Your father and sister wish for you to join them downstairs to receive them.”
Elizabeth quickly braided her wind-blown hair and pinched her cheeks. “Do I look like I have spent the morning outside?”
Mary lightly dabbed Elizabeth’s throat with rose water and shook her head. “No, milady. You look beautiful as always.”
Elizabeth smiled at the sweet compliment and then grabbed Mary’s hand, pulling her towards the stairwell. Taking the stairs two at a time, Elizabeth hurried through the corridor leading to the main hall. She slid into place beside her sister, Alayna casting a look of approval at her punctuality just as the castle doors opened. A tall, lean man stepped forward, his white, neatly trimmed beard the only indication of his older age. His red tunic adorned with brass buttons and buckles and his cloak the white fur of a winter wolf, hung snugly around his trim frame. The coat of arms for the Western Kingdom, a lone white wolf encircled by a golden ring blazed with fire, stitched on the front of his tunic, sealed the man’s identity as King Anthony. A young woman, petite and blonde headed, stepped closely behind him in an intricate red and same white furs as her father, followed by a tall, lean young man with dark hair and eyes dressed in his finest apparel.
Elizabeth’s father stood from his throne and opened his arms. “Anthony! Dear friend! Good of you to come!”
King Anthony stepped forward, along with his children, and bowed humbly to King Granton. He then stood and walked forward embracing her father in a tight hug. “Good to see you, Granton. You are a sight for sore eyes.”
“Allow me to present to you my son, Isaac, and my daughter, Melody.” King Anthony motioned towards his children, who politely bowed and curtsied again.
“Of course!” King Granton beamed. “My have you two grown into a handsome man and beautiful young lady. I present to you my daughter, Alayna, future Queen of the Highlands and the Realm, and my daughter Elizabeth, Princess of the Highlands and the Realm.”
Alayna and Elizabeth curtsied politely.
Prince Isaac’s eyes never left Elizabeth as she stepped closer to her father. She squirmed under his scrutiny. He’s a handsome man, she thought. But something in his eyes told her he was not a man to be trusted.
Her father, noticing the young man’s attraction to his daughter, grinned and motioned towards Tomas. “Tomas, why don’t you show our guests to their quarters. We will allow you some rest after your travels and will reconvene at dinner.”
King Anthony and his children bowed and followed Tomas out of the room. Once the main hall doors closed, Alayna giggled. “Looks like Prince Isaac fancies you, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth shook her head in denial. “No. He does not.”
King Granton chuckled at Elizabeth’s adamant tone. “Well, remember Elizabeth, keep an open mind.”
“Yes, Father.” Though she intended to forget about Prince Isaac the moment she retired to her chambers.
∞
The next morning Elizabeth awoke to the sun shining through the heavy velvet drapes and dancing across her closed eyelids. She sighed, stretched, and slowly crawled from beneath her covers. A light knock sounded on her door and Mary stepped inside. “Good morning, Princess. Looks to be a beautiful day today.”
“Indeed.” Elizabeth groaned on a yawn. She slowly walked to her wardrobe and opened the doors. “I’m not quite sure what to wear today Mary, perhaps you will pick for me?”
Mary smiled and nodded, walking over and immediately withdrawing a pale green dress with cream corset and accents.
“Good choice, but it is awfully formal, don’t you think?”
“No ma’am. With the King from the East arriving today, your sister asked that I have you dress for the occasion, formal cloaks and all. This green one always makes your eyes shine bright, and dare I say with a glint of mischief?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Oh, Mary. You know me too well sometimes. I would be honored to wear your choice today. My cloak will also look wonderful with this color.” Elizabeth praised, as she gazed at her formal cloak that hung by her door. Emerald, the colors of her father’s realm and the Northern Kingdom. She sighed as she traced the image of the crowned crest with her eyes. Her father’s kingdom. Soon to be Alayna’s kingdom. Mary pulled the strings to her corset, jerking Elizabeth back to attention. She placed a hand over her chest as Mary’s diligent fingers made swift work of the ties.
The two women quickly worked to ready Elizabeth for the day. Mary brushed her hair and braided Elizabeth’s dark mane, pulling loose strands to frame her face. Her braid draped over her left shoulder and her corset tied, Elizabeth stood and lightly dabbed rose water along her neck and wrists.
“Perfect. I feel so pretty today I may just skip my lessons for the day.” Elizabeth twirled around in her dress and then opened her bedchamber door. Mary followed as she normally did, and the two made their way down the master stairway that led to the main hall.
When Elizabeth reached the bottom of the stairs she turned towards the dining hall. Her boot slipping on the newly waxed floor, she caught herself on the banister and sighed. “Did they wax the floors last night?”
Mary nodded. “Yes ma’am. Best be careful today.”
Elizabeth stepped lightly as she made her way to the dining table. King Anthony sat beside her father, Alayna and Melody sat deep in conversation, and Isaac only stared at her as she entered the room.
“Princess Elizabeth.” Mary announced, causing all heads to turn towards her.
“My goodness, someone must have been tired this morning.” Her father chuckled as Elizabeth hastily made her way to her seat next to Prince Isaac.
“Good morning, all.” Elizabeth greeted as Renee placed a silver platter in front of her with fluffy eggs, buttered toast, and a slice of ham.
“Your agenda for the day, sister.” Always down to business, Alayna handed Elizabeth a piece of rolled parchment with a ribbon tied around it. Elizabeth’s right eyebrow arched in curiosity. She reached to untie the ribbon, but Alayna cleared her throat. Elizabeth glanced up to see her sister shaking her head. Elizabeth placed the parchment in her lap and began eating her breakfast.
“So, Princess Elizabeth, what do you normally do on such a beautiful day as this?” Prince Isaac leaned close as he spoke, his dark brown eyes pouring into Elizabeth’s. She blinked and went back to her plate, trying to think of evasive tactics.
“I have yet to decide what I shall do for today, Prince Isaac. Normally, however, I go for a ride on my horse.” Elizabeth’s quick and direct response had Alayna shooting her a warning gaze.
“I see. Perhaps we shall embark on a ride together later this afternoon?” Prince Isaac winked as Elizabeth’s gaze snapped to his.
“Perhaps.” Elizabeth answered politely, even though in her heart and mind she knew she would not be riding horses with Prince Isaac if she had a say in it.
She finished her meal and Renee retrieved her plate.
“Thank you, Renee. It was delicious, as always. Please give my compliments to Gretchen as well.”
“You’re welcome, milady, and I will.” Renee blushed at the praise and quickly made haste back to the kitchen.
“You praise her too kindly, I’m afraid.” Prince Isaac stated.
“Pardon?” Elizabeth asked in surprise. “Are you unhappy with your meal, Prince Isaac?”
“Not at all. Though eggs, ham, and toast are not difficult to cook.”
“That may be, but I appreciate her cooking them nonetheless.” Elizabeth responded. “If you will excuse me.” She laid her burgundy napkin on the table and stood holding the parchment from her sister in her hands. “I will speak with you later, Alayna.”
Alayna nodded her dismissal and watched as her sister and her attendant walked out of the dining hall. Poor Prince Isaac did not stand a chance with her sister, and Alayna found herself wondering if Elizabeth’s dislike of the prince may be the wisest decision her little sister had currently made. Alayna mentally noted to keep her eye on Prince Isaac.
∞
“Can you believe that man?” Elizabeth asked in disgust as she walked through the castle gardens and clipped a yellow rose for a flower bouquet. She handed the rose to Mary who gently laid it in her basket.
“He meant no disrespect, ma’am.” Mary answered.
“Yes, he did. Not to me, but to Renee and Gretchen.”
“Of course, milady.”
“Mary, how many times do I have to tell you? You do not always have to agree with me.” Elizabeth chuckled as her attendant blushed. “My apologies, milady.”
“For heaven’s sake, don’t apologize!” Elizabeth giggled and lightly tucked a rose behind Mary’s ear before turning to the sound of hooves coming up the royal entrance. She spotted the pale blue and white striped flag of the Eastern Kingdom with its majestic stallion emblazoned across the middle, blowing in the wind.
She untied the string from her sister’s parchment and handed it to Mary. “Looks like a schedule for the day. Will you please keep me on schedule for Alayna?”
Mary nodded and then pointed towards the gate of the garden where Prince Isaac stood watching Elizabeth.
The Unfading Lands The Complete Set Page 3
