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

CHAPTER 24

MYRA
20 JUNE 1415

I was floating on cloud nine with no King Stefan around. I could freely hold Edward's hand and walk through the corridors of this castle. It didn't matter that he had not said "I love you" to me, but I knew how deeply and passionately he loved me.

I wished the King had a heart attack and died during his pilgrimage, or whatever he had planned to do on his journey. I hoped he could catch malaria or smallpox and never get treated.

Ah! So many wishes!

"What are you smiling about?" Edward asked as we descended the stairs. If I told him I was thinking about his father's death, it would look very rude. No matter how much he hated his father, I'm sure deep down, he did care for him.

"Thinking about Emma and her innocent questions," I lied.

"Yes," Edward smiled. He looked so adorably cute when he smiled, which was so, so, so rare.

"Your Highness." We were greeted by a footman wearing a dark purple livery. "Cardinal Wolseley requests a private audience with you." He gave a letter to Edward, enclosed with the Cardinal's seal. Edward broke the seal and read the letter. The footman took a few steps back, giving us privacy.

"Is it about the Archbishop?" I asked.

"Perhaps, but he says it is an urgent state matter," Edward replied. "I will have to meet him."

"I will go back to the room, then," I said, sounding disappointed. I really wanted to read Jasmine's book.

The footman stepped forward again. "Pardon, Your Highness, but the Duchess of Cumberland requests a private audience with Lady Farrow in her chamber."

"She is asking for me?" I asked, surprised. What would the Duchess want from me?

"Yes, my lady," the footman replied. "Allow me to lead you to her chamber."

"I will see you later, then," Edward said, kissing my forehead, and he walked to the other end, towards the Council chamber.

I followed the footman, who ascended the stairs, and we walked through the corridors towards the guest apartments. We were led there by two more , who were holding torches to guide our way. Two guards stood outside the room, and one of them opened the door upon my arrival.

"Welcome, Lady Farrow," the Duchess called to me as she rose from her seat.

The room was filled with numerous women of different ages—playing cards, knitting, embroidering cushion covers. It was a grand room—deserving for a person of noble blood.

"Your Grace," I curtsied, noticing that Elizabeth wasn't around.

"Pray, have a seat," she motioned me to sit next to her.

The room was all about red and blue. It felt like being engulfed in the British flag. Drapes, upholstery, bedding—everything was a combination of red and blue. I took my seat quietly, wondering why I was invited to her private party.

"I thought we should get to know one another, since you had been appointed by His Majesty, himself," she started the conversation. From her attitude, I felt like she was mocking me, or disliked the idea of me being favoured by the King. "My husband was telling me how much the King admires your wit and intelligence, and the ability to make the peasant children fall in love with you."

"His Majesty is a kind man," I answered, looking at the women completely engrossed with embroidering their cushion covers.

"My daughter is soon to be wed to Prince Edward," she said, pouring the tea into the cup, "and since you two are living under one roof, I decided that I should know the woman who has been so favoured by the King."