The Royal Entanglement - Not A Fairytale

CH 19: THE RIVERS OF LOVE

Laura was immediately escorted inside the Oakwood Manor at Henry's orders. Although Laura was safe inside the manor she was worried about Henry. It has been about an hour and Henry did not return. As Laura looked out of the window with tear filled eyes, she heard a knock on the door. She rushed to open the door to find Henry.

"Good lord dear. You scared me.", said Laura as she sighed a sigh of relief.

"I am sorry my love. I had to make sure all the workers were sent back. I could never risk you falling ill because of the plague.", said Henry.

Laura was amazed at how much Henry loved her that he did not mind risking his own life in order to ensure she was safe.

"My dear, I am afraid I have to go to my estate in Moon cove town.", said Henry.

"NOW?", asked Laura with terror in her eyes.

"Yes...", said Henry.

" Henry you CANNOT to this. I CANNOT let you do this. Please, do not go. You are risking your life. I already lost my family as a child. I thought I lost all my happiness after the death of my parents and now....I-I cannot afford to lose you. Please Henry, don't do this.", said Laura as she broke down into tears.

"I know....but I have to.", said Henry as he gently brushed the stray hair from Laura's face.

Laura looked at Henry, praying he would change his decision but he seemed firmed about his choice.

"Please let me go love. I promise, I will come back safe and sound.", said Henry.

Laura tried her best to stop Henry. Hesitantly she agreed to let him go. She bid him farewell with a sunken heart as he got into the carriage. The possibility that it could be her last time seeing Henry sent shivers down her spine.

In the Orkwood manor......

Hannah noticed that Emma looked quite bored.

"You look bored", said Hannah.

"Oh it's nothing", said Emma as she brushed it off

"How about you take a tour of the manor?", said Hannah. Although Emma hesitated at first she agreed.

She looked through the marvellous interior of the Orkwood Manor decorated with beautifully detailed statues and gold embellishments on the walls.

Emma made her way through the beautifully decorated corridors. She found herself in the second block of the estate. It was awfully quiet and appeared to be different with less ventilation than the rest of the manor which made it warm and cozy. She opened the doors to see a study room.

As she made her way further into the chamber, she found a library. It was huge and magnificent. Emma stared at the library awestruck at its beauty.

As she went to explore further, she found a book on the table.

"The Canterbury Tales...", she read.

"Who are you?", a sudden voice startled her. She turned back to see a young man with a firm voice.

"I apologize, I -I was just exploring the manor."

"You are not supposed to be here. This is my personal library." said the man.

"Your personal library?....Oh , You must be Lord Philip!.", exclaimed Emma.

"Yes ,but I do not recall being acquainted with you.", said Philip.

" I apologize, I forgot my manners. I am Emma Florence.", said Emma as she quickly bowed.

" Are you from court?", asked Philp.

"No-No my Lord , I am here for my cousin's wedding.", said Emma.

"Your cousin?", asked Philip.

"Yes, Laura, Laura Rosario is getting married this month.", said Emma.

" Oh, I see. You are the cousin of the Rosarios' ", said Philip.

As Philip was talking to Emma, his eyes fell in the book in her hand. Emma thought that Philip had mistaken her for stealing the book. She turned red with embarrassment.

"I-I am sorry my Lord. I should perhaps leave, but I must say you have a good taste in books.", she said as she placed the book on the table and rushed out of the library.

"No- wait!", exclaimed Philip but she had already left.

"Emma Florence, I see.", mumbled Philip to himself with a smirk.

As Emma ran, she couldn't help but smile. It was sure that she was smitten by the young Lord of Orkwood.

At the castle....

Mary was staring out of the castle corridor as her mind raced with thoughts. She wanted to get out of that melancholic state she was in but in vain.

" I finally found you! Care for a walk?", Mary heard a voice. She turned back to see Richard.

"Richard! Pleasant seeing you.", said Mary as she forced a smile.

" But I see that you do not look pleased at all.", said Richard as they continued to walk.

" Oh no , I am fine. I was just worried about Laura.", said Mary.

Just then a guard approached Mary.

"Lady Mary, Lord Henry has sent a word of assurance that Lady Laura is safe in the Oakwood Manor.", said the guard.

Mary sighed in relief.

"Thank you", said Mary as the guard bowed and left.

"Aren't you tired?", asked Richard.

"Tired of what?", asked Mary surprised.

"Tired of thinking you are the one responsible for everything. Tired of wanting to carry everything on your back. Tired of blaming yourself for anything that goes wrong.", asked Richard.

"I-I do not understand ", said Mary.

" You need to take a break Mary. Look at you, you are letting your troubled mind and thoughts eat you alive.", said Richard.

"I-.....What else am I supposed to do? All my dreams are broken and shattered like a piece of glass. I do not know whether I did the right thing, but seeing Laura and Henry look so happy with each other's company makes all of it worth it and Laura is the only person I have left in this world and I have taken it upon myself to protect her at all costs.", said Mary.

"Mary, you cannot protect Laura if you are not in a state to protect yourself. If you continue to stay like this you will not only endanger yourself but Laura as well", said Richard.

"This castle, these people I am surrounded with, the court make me feel trapped. ", said Mary.

" You can always share anything with me Mary. But you need to become strong and fight. Promise me you will try.", said Richard gently placing a hand on hers.

Mary nodded her head. She was glad to have a friend like Richard by her side.