Emmy

CHAPTER TEN

Emmy turned the page of her book and continued to read a tale involving two knights fighting for the love of a beautiful maiden. She stopped halfway down the page when she realised she wasn't taking any of the words in, her mind elsewhere.

It had been two days since she had last seen Alex. Two long, painful, and drawn-out days. Days filled with worrying thoughts, a loss of appetite, and sleepless nights. Days that she felt hopeless at the fact that Alex seemed to be going further and further away from her.

She confided in her Mother and Father about Alex's miserable mood and angry outburst when she came home from the castle two days ago. Both had been distressed to hear about this sudden change in Alex's character. Her Mother suggested that he was trying to process the sudden accident of his brother, while her Father proposed Alex was troubled at the prospect of having to rule the kingdom without his brother. Both were good suggestions, but Emmy felt they weren't true. She told her parents of her fears over the Duke of York, but they dismissed them.

"York is a nice man, Emmy," her Father said. "Anytime I have talked with him he has been nothing but courteous."

"But you didn't see the way he looked at me, or the way he tried to belittle me," she protested. "He has something against me."

"What do you think that is, dear?" her Mother questioned.

"Our rank," Emmy cried. "It is no secret I am below the status of a Prince. I fear he is trying to break Alex and I apart."

"Emmy," her Father said, embracing her in a bear hug. "Do not trouble yourself with such a thought when you do not know if it's true." He paused. "You and Alex are a strong couple, yes?"

"We are."

"Exactly! You have been together for months, albeit in secret. He knew back then that you were a lower rank than himself, and if it bothered him he would have broke things off then. I think you've got yourself worked up about nothing, Emmy."

Emmy squeezed her Father into a tight hug. "Thank you," she whispered into his ear.

While her parents' conversation had reassured her that night, the fact Alex hadn't called on her in two days made Emmy anxious and terrified. His unresponsiveness could be put down to endless Privy Council meetings or, she worried, a sudden disinterest in her.

She looked up from her book to admire the picturesque scenery in front of her. Behind her home was a vast, blue, clear lake with green, hanging willow trees and flowers of all colours. Ducks and swans alike swam on the lake in front of her. 'How can they enjoy this day when I cannot?' she pondered. This was one of her favourite spots, for her siblings did not like the lake. It was the perfect spot for walking, reading and passing time, of which Emmy needed to do the latter. It was so serene and calm and helped her to relax during the stressful time she was having.

She continued to read her book, although somewhat haphazardly, when she heard the sound of footsteps coming towards her on the gravel path. She turned her head to see one of the servants, bringing with him a man dressed in purple livery. Could this be a messenger from Alex?

Emmy jumped to her feet, anxious to meet the visitor, yet at the same time happy for his presence. "Miss Longford, this is Alfred, a royal messenger from the castle." The servant turned and left.

"Miss Longford," Alfred began. "Prince Alexander has requested your presence immediately."

'Immediately?' Emmy questioned into herself. 'That sounds very sudden.' Emmy spoke out loud, "Very well. How is he doing?"

"He is in good health, ma'am, despite his brother's unfortunate circumstances. He sends his regards about keeping you waiting; the Privy Council meetings have been going on for much longer than he had anticipated."

"Not to worry," Emmy replied, although she had been worrying immensely for the past two days. She suddenly became nervous. "Did Alex mention what he wants me for?"

"He said he would like to talk to you, that is all I know ma'am. It sounded important; as if it couldn't wait."

Nerves twisted Emmy's stomach. "Did he sound happy when he was speaking to you?"

"Oh yes," Alfred replied, a smile on his face. "He sounded very happy indeed."

Emmy's nerves settled for the first time in days. If Alex had been happy when speaking to the messenger to bring her to the castle, then surely they would have a delightful conversation. Plus, she thought, if he didn't want to see her again he would have just sent a letter setting out his intentions, not send for her personally. "Shall we head for the stables?" Alfred nodded in agreement.

The whole way to the stables and then towards the castle Emmy was thinking about Alex, of what she would say to him and how to keep encouraging him in this difficult time. Alfred made polite conversation with her and she half-heartedly answered his questions as her mind drifted to Alex.

Before she knew it they were at the outskirts of town, then at the castle, and finally, outside Alex's private drawing room. She knocked on the door and heard Alex's polite voice, "Enter."

She opened the door to see Alex at his huge desk, sifting through sheets of paper. He continued to look down through the documents as Emmy entered and closed the door. She cleared her throat. "Alex, it's me," she said. He suddenly looked up, and Emmy got the sense something was wrong. He didn't look happy or cheerful; he looked tired and sad. His bright eyes were dulled over slightly, but Emmy tried to convince herself it was because of all the work and stress he was under, not because he was sad.

"Emerald, take a seat," he said. In that one sentence, Emmy's heart shattered. He never said hello, never greeted her the way she usually did, and he had called her Emerald, something he never did unless he had to. Fear gripped her and she felt a chill throughout her body.

"Alex, what is going on?" she asked.

"Just take a seat," he said, his voice quiet. She walked over slowly, different scenarios going through her mind. Her pulse started to race and she felt faint.

She sat down on a hard, wooden chair, separated from Alex by his massive desk. "Alex, I've been thinking about-"

"I am ending our courtship."

Emmy gasped. She barely made out what Alex had just said and the gravity of his words. "What!" was all Emmy could manage in protest.