Empire of Dreams

*10*

"I told you, you will need me one day" Mother smirked as she settled in the carriage.

"I do not remember ever contradicting that" I say with a sigh as I settle in the carriage.

I wanted to take Kathyrn and Mary with me, but Mother was inisitent on leaving them behind. Her reasons ranged from Kathyrn's insufficient social aptitude to the Quillion's guest list. After some time I gave in. After all, I couldn't be late to this event.

The cliffside house was beautiful, having more windows than walls. The huge windows were allowing the storm to sweep in, taking the hats and curls of the ladies with it. We were lead straight to the halls at our arrival, our luggage taken to our rooms by the servants. Mother's envy was clear on her face. She wished she could have a house like this. An amendment there, she wished she could host a party like this. It was truly ambitious for a Marquess who was supposed to be one of the low ranking officials in the court. The same seemed to be causing mental distress amongst the other noble ladies.

"The young king is being lead astray, it is a shame no one was made a regent until he came of age." One said, holding tightly both her hat and her plate.

"Why not make Mary or Elizabeth the Queen?" Another said, a haughty but idiotic look on her features. Everybody knew better than to address someone in the direct line of succession without a title, even in gossip.

"Don't act a fool, Faustine, you know they were removed from the line of succession. I remember the tyranny of King Henry, it was treason to move your lips, almost"

At this comment, some laughed, some awkwardly fixed their skirts or settled their curls but Lady Faustine had a look of pure rage.

"Now who's the fool? It is the holy crown, Lady Terewon. One cannot question who it lands on. It seems you were one of the Heretics" Lady Faustine taunted and Lady Terewon took the bait.

"It's no secret you were Catherine Howard's godsister. Your mother, her supposed guardian, wasn't she killed in secret by the royal forces. You don't understand the ways of court- the first rule is to not meddle with the crown"

"I agree that not every King is kind or generous, but that does not mean you can question the crown. And being the godsister of former queen Catherine, I know better than to discredit Mary and Elizabeth for they are friends of mine. It may have slipped your mind, maybe?"

"Do not get so spectacularly involved, my dear"
I almost jumped in surprise at the sudden voice. It was Lady Irem.

"Mother, Lady Irem. Lady Irem, My mother" I introduced them though I was sure they knew about each other.

"I hope you would allow me to borrow Lady Jane for sometime, my lady?" Lady Irem asked my mother, who hesitated and then nodded.

"Now tell me, what captured your attention about that conversation?" She asked the moment we were distanced from my desperately eavesdropping mother.

"I don't know, it was probably the conversation about the royal family."

"You must remember, Lady Jane, you are third in the line of succession, but you have a strong chance of becoming the first true Queen of England. If you want to ever deliver yourself and our holy country justice, then you must work on becoming a wise woman"

"You do know, Lady Irem, that it is Mary or Elizabeth who shall become the Queen, for I am too far behind"

"I know, but you must remember Jane, sometimes life plays out very differently than one imagines it to and that is the miracle. Just like the miracle here with the Marquess. It may not have have slipped your notice that this is too grand a celebration"

"Yes, but the money? The position of a Marquess isn't powerful, I know that much"

"Well, you must know more, Quillion has connections and it is the bonds and connections you make that will help you pave a path to the throne"

I hesitated. Why was it that the people closest to me were all convinced that I was to be the queen? Were Mary and Elizabeth really that unpopular?

Before I could think of a reply, Marquess Quillion clinked his glass, bringing attention towards himself.

"I express my deepest gratitude to you all for coming here to honour us and our marriage. The week long celebrations are planned and letters have been delivered to each of your rooms with the schedule so that you may decide yourself which to attend and which you wish to skip, though I will stand with my wife in support. She has planned the most wonderful activities. Enjoy"

As soon as the speech was finished, the musicians started to play just as supper was served. Not in the mood for dancing, I went straight to the table with food and filled my plate.

After my share of silent eating, I went back up to my bedroom and found my mother beaming at her reflection.

"What makes you so happy, Mother?" I asked, startling her so much that she dropped her necklace on the ground with a heavy thud.

"Can't a woman be happy now, Jane?" She asked though the smile simply couldn't be wiped off her face.

"Brush the act off mother, what happened?" I insisted.

"Maybe, just maybe, you have a potential husband"

I didn't realize exactly when or why I ripped the skirt of my gown but it wasn't enough for the sudden surge of anger I felt.

Hello there! Here we have the 11th chapter of Empire of Dreams. I would like to send love and well wishes to all of you, but specifically to Anneslosthead whom I don't know personally, but just feels very close to me. She has this amazing tudor challenge going on which I suggest you all go and check out. Also, another amazing motivator I've had since the beginning of this story is Egwuji who is also currently working on this beautiful story 'Love and Fabrics'. Go check these out! :)
Love,
Ophelia