Empire of Dreams

*27*

The more time I spent with the Archduke, the more I began to understand him. He didn't like meat, he was always excercising to be in the perfect shape, he was very close to his parents, he loved standing on the roof at dusk and watching the sun go down. I knew everything about him. It only took three balls to know that he would make a perfect king.

We were scheduled to leave for England tomorrow, but we had today. Today was the free day. The events were all done, people were happy and everyone found a way to bond with whoever they hit it off with. Anne went to the local church and had informed me earlier that she planned to spend the whole day praying.

The Archduke and I were left alone in his glorious mansion and we had no idea what to do. We could walk in the gardens, sit by the river stream that crossed through their land in the forest, hunt, ride, read in the library or feast in the kitchens. The options were all wide open. Instead, he took me to a different wing of the house, one I hadn't been in. It was different than the two main wings. This one was dusty and most of the doors had heavy-looking padlocks hanging on them.

I wondered what secrets these doors guarded. We stopped at the end of the corridor and he pulled out a big bunch of keys. He unlocked the door and the sight on the other side was unimaginable. It was so beautiful that for a moment I thought it could beat heaven, perhaps. The room had no ceiling and the sky that day was beautiful. The dark clouds contrasting with the blue sky just before it rained added to the mysterious feeling. Three of walls were covered with book shelves from top to bottom. The fourth one had a stage-like structure with various musical instruments lying around.

I quickly went for the equisite violin. It was intricately carved so it depicted the angels of heaven. I remembered a tune I'd heard one of court ladies play back at home and began to play that. The sound was so heavenly that I couldn't stop playing. I played one song after another with my eyes closed, trying to absorb the beauty of the music. Then I realised someone had joined me on the piano. I looked around to find it was the Archduke. We played like that for maybe an hour and then it started to rain.

We both were quickly drenched wet but we sat there looking at each other and finally realising, probably at the same time, that we had fallen in love. We danced in the rain. Not the formal ballroom dances. He really just danced with me. I was awestruck by how many things he was good at. We talked about our lives and our friends and our likes and dislikes. Finally, he said it.

"I think I have fallen for you, my lady"

"I have fallen a bit in love too" I smiled back.

He kissed the back of my hand gently. We sta there in silence, the rain washing away everything else but us. We had fallen asleep perhaps, because when I was shaken awake by Sia, I thought for a moment that I had dreamt of it all. Then I saw Gerardo lying beside me, our hands still entwined.

"What is it Sia?" I asked sleepily. I did not want to leave.

"You have a letter from your father" she said.

She glanced at our hands and added, "maybe it is not good news"

I reluctantly pulled my hand away from the Archduke and opened the letter. It was short and to the point.

Dear Jane,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the festivities at the Archduke's residence. It is important to maintain good relationships with such important people. However, I would like you to hold back your intentions to marry him now, because the Duke of Northumberland offered me a potential union with his son. This could secure your position as a queen and I want you to seal this marriage deal.

From,
Duke of Suffolk
Lord Henry Grey

I wanted to tear that letter up right there. Just when I had found the love of my life, everything was going to be ruined for me. I knew the Duke of Northumberland. He was a scheming old man and even more importantly, I remembered him from my dreams. I knew how marrying him would end up for me and I was not gonna let that happen.

I ordered Sia, "Write a letter to Aunt Catherine and tell her to pack all her belongings. We are moving to Westenhanger as soon as we get back."