Emmy

CHAPTER FOUR

The couple began walking from their vantage point to the tournament grounds to take their seats. Emmy was filled with nerves as she anxiously walked with Alex, hand in hand. Alex however was confident, taking bold strides to show he was unafraid of public opinion. All eyes were on them: a new courting couple was always the talk of any event. Emmy felt their stares as tiny pinpricks, almost pulling her apart at the seams. Alex was so used to the public eye he didn't seem to notice.

Finally, much to Emmy's delight, they arrived at the grounds. Alex led Emmy to the royalty viewing box, and she could scarcely believe she was going to be sitting amongst the other royals. She felt too lowly, too unimportant beside the others who were her superior. Nevertheless she followed Alex where he led her.

They entered the royal box and picked up a spot of lunch and entertainment before the tournament began. All kinds of fancy delicacies were on offer, more than Emmy had ever seen. She was offered a drink in a silver cup which was unlike anything she had ever had before being red, strong and sweet.

"How are you finding being amongst the royals, dear Emmy," Alex asked.

"It's a bit ... overwhelming," she replied, not wanting Alex to know the extent of her nerves. "They are all so grand and superior compared to me, a marquess' daughter."

Alex handed Emmy another silver cup. "You have to forget about your place in society Emmy. You're with me. Nothing else should matter now."

Emmy smiled. Alex always had a way of making her feel better. "You're right," she said. "I shall enjoy this wonderful day your brother has prepared. Speaking of which, where is he?"

"I'm not sure," Alex said. "He said he would be here to open the tournament, but I presumed that would be here in the royal box. Maybe he's just late."

"Maybe," said Emmy. "Have you told him about us?" Emmy began, but Alex's eyes averted to something behind her. She turned her head to see a women who was smiling in her direction. She realised she was smiling at Alex. Was she...?

"Gwendolyn," Alex said. He left Emmy's side to speak to Gwendolyn leaving her feeling vulnerable. "How are you?" Emmy didn't know what to do. She felt sick to her stomach as it appeared her sister's rumour about Alex and Gwendolyn wasn't as fiction as she would have liked it to be. She didn't know whether to follow Alex or remain where she was. Yet, standing in the middle of the royalty box wasn't a good option as she felt alone, vulnerable and out of place.

She decided to join Alex and Gwendolyn's conversation. As she looked at Alex he was staring into Gwendolyn's deep brown eyes. It was like Gwendolyn was pulling him to her and away from herself. Shouldn't he only look at her that way, Emmy thought? Alex didn't even look in her direction. She felt disappointed. 

She slowly made her way over but was stopped by a hand gripping onto her arm. She turned to see a man she had never met before. He was older than Alex by some years but, dare Emmy think it, was just as handsome. He had rugged, curly, brown hair that had been freshly cut that matched his hazel eyes. They stared into hers.

"My lady," the man began, "it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He reached his hand down from her elbow and unto her hand which he proceeded to kiss. "Pierre Bourbon."

"A Frenchman?" Emmy quizzed. She knew she was right from his accent and name, but she also knew men liked to talk about themselves, and if he did he might let go of her hand, causing a smaller scene than the one he was bound to be making.

"Very good madam," he said, releasing her from his grip. "You have an ear for accents then?"

"I was once in Paris when I was younger."

"Was it an enjoyable trip?" Pierre asked.

"Very," Emmy replied. She began to grow nervous at the fact she was talking, unchaperoned, to a man, but also because she couldn't turn around to see Alex. "It was very hot though."

"Ah yes. I find England very cold." Both Emmy and Pierre laughed. "I'm afraid I didn't catch your name, my lady."

"Emerald Longford," she said. 

Pierre stared into her eyes again, and Emmy felt bad that she didn't seem to mind that fact. "Was it a coincidence then your eyes are so lovely and green?"

Emmy blushed at the compliment. She tried to settle herself down. "It must have been."

"You're face is one I shall remember while I am here, my lady." Pierre leaned closer to Emmy. She could smell his sweet scent of spices and the sea. "It might be improper in your country to admit this but I find you very beautiful, and if I had not known you were courting I would have asked you here myself."

Emmy was so taken aback by Pierre's forwardness she was left without words. She made a small smile to try and recover from the situation. She just hoped no-one else was close enough in the vicinity to hear what he had said.

"Alas, I must let you go. Take care, and do not forget me," Pierre said, kissing Emmy's hand again. She watched, unable to move, as he left. She was unable to process what had just happened, but she recovered as she realised she was on her own. The compliments by the mysterious man had distracted her from her Alex. She turned towards him and saw he was still in conversation with Gwendolyn, but he was looking right at her. Had he heard what Pierre had just said? What would this mean?

But before she could get any more anxious Alex beckoned her over to himself. Emmy made the short journey over.

"Emmy," he said, "this is Lady Gwendolyn Snowdon. Gwendolyn, this is Lady Emerald Longford whom I told you I am courting."

The two girls smiled at each other, but Emmy felt while her smile was real, Gwendolyn's appeared to be faked.

"Nice to meet you Lady Gwendolyn," Emmy said. Even though she had received a frosty smile she still wanted to make a good impression.

"Likewise," Gwendolyn responded. "Call me Gwen. Gwendolyn sounds too-"

"Proper for someone like yourself," Alex comically jabbed.

Gwen smirked. "How rude of you, my Prince," she said, grabbing Alex's hand. "I thought you would know better than to make fun of me. After all, you wanted us to have a clean slate." Gwen looked over at Emmy to make sure she was watching.

Emmy caught Alex's eyes and looked down to his and Gwen's hands, still entwined. She raised her eyebrow angrily at him and he immediately took his hand back.

"My apologies, Lady Gwendolyn. We used to joke about such things."

"Yes, we did, and not that long ago," she said. Emmy could see what Gwen was doing; trying to make her jealous. She took the comment with a pinch of salt.

"Are you enjoying the day so far?" Emmy asked, deflecting from Gwen's jealous jabs.

"Yes it's wonderful isn't it? Edmund has always been amazing at creating extravagant tournaments and displays. I'm just so glad Alex invited me to the royal box. It's always got the best view."

Gwen's insults had hit their mark as Emmy felt anger rise within her. Alex could sense a rivalry coming if he didn't interrupt them.

"Come Emmy, let's take our seats. I thought I heard the trumpets signalling the start of the tournament."

"I didn't hear any-" Gwen began.

"What a good idea," Emmy said, grabbing Alex's hand and smiling at Gwen. "It was nice to meet you." 

"Well, I'm sure we'll see each other again," Gwen responded with an innocent smile. Emmy hoped not.

Alex and Emmy moved silently to their seats that had been kept for them. Emmy would've been filled with excitement at her seating arrangement in the royal box if she wasn't so upset about her meeting with Gwen. Her sister was right, there was obviously unfinished business between the two.

Trumpets sounded and Edmund appeared in the jousting arena to begin the games as Alex and Emmy sat beside each other. Both were silent, deep in thought, but still holding hands affectionately.