The Ash Tree

Chapter 2

Authors Note: Please write a comment/review. Also, i rewrote it so it is different than before.

Chapter 2

I awoke to find myself sleeping in a bed, covered in a thick wool blanket. I looked around but it was too dark to see anything. I closed my eyes and lied back down, hearing faint snores not too far away.

"Good morrow, M'lady." A groggy voice spoke.

I arose, waking to see Ward standing a few feet away eating gruel.

"Good morrow." I said dreamily. It took me a few seconds to realize I was sleeping in his bed.

"Oh!" I jumped falling out of the bed.

"Are you alright M'lady?" He says helping me up.

"Why am I here? Why do you keep calling me M'lady?" I asked flustered.

"I found you asleep in the forge. When I tried to wake you, you fell right back asleep. Your skin was as cold as death and I did not want to leave you there." He began to rub the back of his neck, seeming flustered. "I call you M'lady because of the crest you wear. The wedding band you are wearing has the crest of our Lord Burch of Ashton. Either you stole it or you're a member of the family, M'lady." He bowed. I did not like him bowing. I stare at the wedding band on my hand. There was a wolf standing in front of a tree. I looked and Ward was still bowing.

"Please rise Ward, I do not feel comfortable with you bowing." Ward stood and looked uncomfortable. I looked at the ring again, it was a wedding band meaning I am married the Lord. This is... this is absurd. If I am married to a Lord, why is my - my husband not searching for me? Maybe I did steal it. I look down at my clothes and right away the truth sinks in. I am wearing a beautiful yet elegant blue silk dress. "Impossible." I breathe.

"I heard our Lord was betrothed, but not many know to who. This explains why everyone was ignoring you yesterday." He sounded very nervous.

"This is great news! This means I just need to return home and I will be recognized. Ward this is great!" I cheered crushing him in a hug. He hugged me back, but awkwardly. I am hugging a man I just met. I quickly let go. "My apologies, I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable." I lowered my head, my cheeks feeling warm.

"What is that?" Ward asked sounding alarmed. Confused I looked down and noticed I was absentmindedly holding my necklace.

"I-I am unsure. I knew not I ever had it." I stare at the little wooden tablet. It was a picture of two bird sitting next to each other on a branch. One bird had the letter A, the other had an O. "It is very beautiful." I looked up and saw Ward standing next to me. He stared at the object, his face neutral. He lifted my necklace closer to him and studied it. His eyes got wide and he stared at me as if I was a ghost.

"Ward? Ward what is the matter?" I ask frightened. He studied me before his eyes seemed to get watery.

"My name is Oliver, Oliver Ward. When I was ten, my best friend moved away. Her father's business was becoming very successful and he decided to move to a city. Before she left, I made her a farewell gift. Her name was Alice, Alice Nash." He looked back toward the necklace, my eyes following his. A and O, Alice and Oliver...

"It's a privilege to see you again." Oliver said before engulfing me in a hug.

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A/N: I know this chapter is short, but I want this to be a short story so many of them are going to be quick.