The Star King

Trying to Forget But Then A Surprise

February 1421 Hertfordshire

Elisabeth stood wrapped in a fur lined cloak by the door. Thinking she would take a stroll she headed outside. Walking out into the cold crisp air. It hit her face as she wrapped the cloak closer around her body. 

Life had returned to normal for her. The familiar routine of country life. Dealing with the house and its inhabitants and the farm. Often going to the local market to sell there vegetables and bread. The only thing that had changed was now they had money. It was in abundance. Her lands and properties that had been taken by the crown had been returned to her. Hal had also given her money that was owed in going to France. The house was again buzzing with people and servants. Life had returned.  The lands again filled with all sorts of farm animals and the stables full of beautiful horses. She had brought new clothes for her children, William and herself. Beautiful rich linen, cotton and silk fabrics all stitched with elaborate patterns and vibrant colors. 

A fine mist seemed to hang in the air. Breathing in a huge lungful  she felt the cold go through her whole body making her shiver . It had been six long years. In May 1420 a peace treaty was formed between France and England. Everyone had rejoiced and for the first time Elisabeth felt that she had made the right choice in turning down the Kings proposal. She hadn't told her mother or her children of her time with the King and she intended to keep it that way.

Since he had married Catherine she hadn't seen him once and that pleased her. Her mind trying to forget. Sometimes her heart would ache  and some nights she would toss and turn, yearning for him but she tried to ignore it. Instead she threw herself into tasks and looking after her lands and her people. She had heard from the gossips that came from London that Henry had been quite taken with his new wife and had fallen madly and deeply in love with her.  Also she was reported to be of great beauty. With a  kind temperament. 

Elisabeth sighed as she looked out towards the valley. Standing in front a wooden fence she took in the view. The fields lay in front of her like patchwork quilts.  Everything was still and deathly quiet as the sun was just coming up. The first ray's tinting the sky with a golden red  glow.  Even the rooster that tended to wake them all up was still silent. Sighing again she thought of her dear ma-mare who she hoped had finally forgiven her daughter for going to France.

 Looking up towards the fiery red sky.  Looking for some sign  from heaven that her mother might give her but nothing apart from a soft breeze. 

Resting her arms on the fence she looked out across the fields.

 "Sorry ma-mare.  I miss you"

 Feeling a tear fall she wiped it away quickly. Her mother before she had died had wanted Elisabeth to marry again. Elisabeth was now 28 still young enough to marry again but the whole idea of it just didn't interest her anymore. 

As her thoughts deepened getting lost in her own memories. She was brought back out when she  thought she could hear the sound of hooves. Many hooves. 

 Running back towards the house and  around to the front she stopped dead as horsemen came charging towards her. Panicking, her eyes grew wide as she saw the king's standard fluttering in the breeze. Cursing under her breath she ran to the front door flinging it open wildly making a servant jump.

"My Lady?"

"It's the king. The King is here!"