Once Upon A [Hidden] Time - [Stolen] Series IV

CHAPTER 20

MYRA
19 JUNE 1415

"His Highness has commanded dismissal of the lesson," I heard the announcement from the bellman, clad in deep purple livery. I was in the middle of telling the children the story of Hansel and Gretel. "His Highness has requested the presence of Lady Farrow in the courtyard."

I huffed out a breath.

"We just started, Lady Farrow," one child complained.

"This must be something urgent," I mumbled. I wondered why Edward would ask me to dismiss the lesson. "Why don't you all go to the kitchen and have something to eat while I check what's going on." I tried making the room comfortable to relax and breathe in, as the children looked anxious. "Emma," I stood up, making Emma stand with me. "You are responsible for taking all the children to the kitchen and ensuring they eat properly." Emma looked up at me with surprise. "You're in charge during my absence."

With delight in her eyes, Emma jumped. "Am I to be their tutor today?"

"Yes, why not?" I said. "And after the snacks, you will return to the chamber. Okay?"

"Yes, yes." She clapped her hands in jubilance. "Come on, children, follow me." Like rats behind the Pied Piper, the children followed Emma to the kitchen. Chef Victoria had been given strict instructions to feed the children every day. I knew she'd look after them.

As I headed closer to the courtyard, the sound of commotion increased. There must be something important enough for Edward to want my presence.

"Lady Farrow," Edward announced as I stepped down the stairs to the barren land.

The crowd parted upon my arrival. There were the members of his Council, and James and Elizabeth. And Father Alexander, too. From the priest's proud expression, I could sense there was again something related to religion—and noticing his glare, he didn't like the idea of me getting involved. Why did they consult Father Alexander in everything? Didn't they have their own minds to think logically?

I looked around, noticing Cardinal Wolseley was missing, which was good. I never liked that man.

I noticed two twin boys in their adolescence standing, encircled by the villagers. From the way they were clinging to each other, I had an idea what it was about.

"Your Highness." I curtsied in front of Edward. He blinked in surprise. I had never curtsied for him since I came into his life, but he was Prince Regent now; his authority was equivalent to the King. "You summoned me."

"The King of England has always admired your intelligence, and that is why you were given the most tedious job—to nurture the minds of our younger subjects." He wasn't looking at me, since he was addressing the crowd. "Since you carry the treasure of knowledge over any one of us here, I want you to decide the fate of these two rotting souls."

I glanced at the boys. They were trembling with fear.

"What wrong have they done?" I asked.

Edward looked towards Father Alexander, asking him to continue. Father Alexander stepped forward.

"These two heretics are charged with sodomy," Father Alexander announced.

I rolled my eyes as I heard a wave of gasps and curses among the crowd. Noticing my expression, Edward glared at me. He knew I was challenging Father Alexander again. If I hadn't won King Stefan's favour, I would have been hanged for heresy.

"Do we have proof of it?" I asked.

"Are you asking me for proof?" Father Alexander sounded utterly displeased.