The Star King

War is Coming August 1415

Elisabeth awoke to find the sun shining on her face. Groaning she turned, closing her eyes again before snapping them open after hearing a commotion downstairs. Sitting bolt upright she rubbed her eyes , clambering out the bed and grabbed her woollen cloak to cover her white chemise.

Not bothering with her hair and still half asleep she made her way down the stairs, as she got to the door to the solar she stopped, she could hear her mother's angry tones, wondering who it could be Elisabeth found herself rooted to the spot, trying to hear through the wooden door.

Abruptly the door swung open and there stood her mother and Edmund. She felt herself blush from head to toe as she realized she stood in her chemise, with her cloak only protecting her modesty. Pulling it tighter, she felt Edmund's eyes rake up and down her body and for a moment his green eyes gleamed with desire. Her mother looked shocked at first, then anger flashed across her face until she quickly composed herself.

" Elisabeth I came to say goodbye".   Edmund said and he stepped nearer closing the gap between them, his eyes still shining. Feeling flustered and now wide awake she stuttered a quick goodbye "But why are you going and where?"

" I am going to France.  The new King is commanding an army to attack the French and claim what is rightfully his inheritance" Edmund suddenly looked proud as he puffed out his chest and stood a little taller " The King is asking for men and I have volunteered" he showed her his arm.

On the sleeve of his simple brown tunic was sewn the Cross of St George. Her eyes widened and reaching out she let her fingertips brush against the emblem on his arm " Anyone who fights gets one of these and also we get paid for our services to the King and the country" at this her hand shot back and she stared at him for a second, her brain conjuring an idea but she shook her head quickly and banished the wild thoughts away. She noticed her mother was watching her closely and frowning. Elisabeth prayed to god that her mother hopefully didn't have a clue as to what she had been thinking.

Edmund suddenly broke the silence by taking her hand in his and kissing her fingertips gently with his soft lips " Goodbye my Lady, I do hope to see you again, may fortunes wheel bless me so" his voice went gentle and his jade eyes shone with sorrow, a small, sad smile crept over his face. He opened his mouth as if to say more, but instead closed it and let go of her hand.

Elisabeth stood dazed. She had never realized Edmund's feelings had run so deep until now. It was as if a mist had cleared and she saw his feelings for her as clear as day. Blushing a deep red, she had no idea what to say so instead she said nothing.

Edmund turned to her mother and bowed formally, kissing her hand quickly " goodbye my Lady" with that he gave Elisabeth one last longing look and walked past her and out of the door into the sunshine.

Her mother watched as Elisabeth struggled to control her emotions " How long have you known Edmund's feelings for me Ma-Mare?" Elisabeth said slowly still trying to process the information she had been given. Her mother smiled sadly " A long time my dear, he asked for your hand in marriage a few months ago and again just now. I of course said no as you are my daughter and a Lady" Elisabeth felt enraged. She didn't love Edmund, she knew that, but he was her friend and for her mother to hide this from her and to treat him so badly infuriated her " No ma-mare. I was a Lady until everything was stripped from me. Edmund is probably above me now, I am lucky that he is even interested in me, let alone some Lord. The new King doesn't give two figs about us and to be frank, why should he? My husband was a traitor!" she felt herself explode all the bottled feelings that she had restrained flew out before she could stop them.

Two small figures appeared on the stairs both their faces were white. Mary's lip trembled and her eyes started to water. Elisabeth upon seeing them stopped, her blood running cold. She went to comfort her five-year-old daughter but instead her daughter ran to her grandmother along with her four-year-old son.