A Happy Heart

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Elisabeth quickly dressed and went out into the crisp morning air, a slight breeze tickled her face. The guards outside the tent looked at each other but made no comment as she scuttled past.  Blushing from head to toe.


She made her way through the camp, many men were beginning to stir or were already awake and were sitting around lazily talking to there fellow soldiers.


As she walked through the men she overheard a conversation that made her feel conflicted. A young soldier was talking about going home and seeing his wife and children. Elisabeth smiled, she couldn't wait to see everyone again, and yet it meant that her moments with Hal would be over. She might not be able to see him again anyway though.  As she pondered the reality of her situation a man appeared beside her breaking into her thoughts.  It was the soldier who she had danced with.  He handed her a plate full of cheese and bread, smiling at him she gratefully she took it.


Going to a nearby stool she sat and munched listening to everyone chatting happily. The soldier came and sat by her as she ate.  She could see out of the corner of her eyes that he kept glancing at her.  She looked away cursing herself for accepting his dance as now it appeared that he seemed to have the wrong impression.


The boy plonked himself onto the ground next to her giving a yawn and stretching. 


" The men say we are all going home.  Is it true my lady?"

" Yes, we are going back to England.  So you can see your family again"


The boy sat in silence for a moment gazing at the ground " I have no family my Lady" he whispered, raising his eyes slowly to meet hers. Elisabeth looked at him and felt her heart give a thump she wanted to hug him at that moment. Instead, she chewed her lip thinking "Well. Why don't you come home and live with me?"


She gave the boy a big smile as the boy's eyes widened in shock " Oh my Lady. I would like that, I really would!"


She could see the tears in his eyes as he flung himself headfirst into her arms knocking her off the stool they both toppled onto the ground and she found herself laughing hysterically. The nearby soldiers grinned and some wolf-whistled. The solider from the dance frowned, standing up abruptly, he walked away.


The boy clambered off her and she sat up brushing the dirt off of her clothes, still laughing.

"What are you doing on the floor, My Lady?"

A voice behind her made her jump. The boy looking flustered quickly got to his feet and went into a bow " Your majesty" he said looking up at Henry, his eyes wide with admiration.

Henry frowned grabbing the boy by the arm and pulled him out of the bow

" You needn't bow to me boy"

He gave the boy a charming smile before ruffling his hair. The boy's mouth fell open as he nodded quickly not being able to say a word but just gazing up in awe.


Elisabeth got to her feet and went to pick up the toppled stool but he smiled to her and picked it up.

" Thank you" she whispered as their eyes met. She found herself going red and hot. An image of the night before blazed through her brain.


The Kings Uncle Sir Thomas appeared by his nephew's side. She felt his eyes inspecting her and his nephew looking from one to the other. Elisabeth now majorly flustered had no idea what to say so found herself blurting out the first thing that came into her head.


" The boy is coming to live with me" she saw the boy nod enthusiastically beside her as Sir Thomas raised one white bushy eyebrow.


Henry grinned " Ha-ha, lad you are a brave soldier and I shall miss your company. I am glad you will be going with Lady Stafford as I cannot help but think you would miss this pretty maid eh?!"


The boy blushed a deep scarlet and avoided Elisabeth's gaze.

" But what about your family lad? This maid may be a beauty but your family will miss you. Will they not?"


The boy looked up " I don't have any family your majesty" Henry's face darkened for a moment before he pulled the boy into an embrace. The boy looked like he might pass out as his eyes widened in shock.


Elisabeth giggled and Sir Thomas smiled at the scene " My Lord.  Sorry to interrupt but the Duke and Duchess of Normandy have opened there home to you in preparation for your meeting with the French Princess."


Henry's eyes flicked to Elisabeth's briefly before returning his gaze to his Uncle. He let go of the boy patting his head " Very well Uncle.  Let us pack up the camp.  We will leave immediately. I want to return to England as soon as I can. Because  I miss her " he clapped his Uncle on the back.

 "  Plus, we must not keep the French Princess waiting eh?"


He winked playfully at his Uncle who frowned before giving a deep bow.  His eyes briefly flicked back towards Elisabeth who bowed her head to him trying to coax her face into a smile.


" Can I help with the preparations?" The boy asked oblivious to the tension between the three adults.

" You can help keep an eye on my Uncle and also I will entrust you with the special duty of being in charge of the horses."


The boy practically jumping up and down grinned up at Henry " Yes your majesty. I won't let you down" he bowed his head and Henry chuckled patting the boy's shoulder.

 " Off you go then" the boy turned briefly.  Stopped and turned back to Henry and Elisabeth grinning from ear to ear he gave a quick bow and then ran after Sir Thomas.  Leaving Elisabeth and Henry alone.








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