The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)

Chapter 3

✿✿✿

"William!" a voice called out, making William halt in his tracks.

His stomach churned as his gaze fell upon Lady Katherine, his betrothed, running towards him, her arms outstretched. A knot formed in his stomach.

'Who told her today was the day of my departure?' he wondered, a frown slowly creeping it's way onto his lips.

"Katherine," William said, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance. He didn't bother to conceal the annoyance in his tone and if she caught on it she simply chose to ignore it.

"I wanted to see you off," Katherine declared, her hazel eyes clouding with a mixture of disappointment. She had been eagerly anticipating their wedding but it had to be rescheduled. The timing of his departure, couldn't have been more inconvenient.

Katherine flung her arms around William's neck, her lips brushing against William's cheek.

He nearly gagged at the gesture.

"Oh, how sweet," William said, his tone dripping with fake affection.
He gently tried to push her away, but her grip only tightened around his neck.

"When are you returning?" Katherine asked, her eyes lashes fluttering coquettishly as she gazed adoringly into Williams sapphire eyes. She had always been captivated by their deep hue and she couldn't help but hope that their future children would inherit them.

"I am not certain" William replied, attempting to disentangle himself from her surprisingly strong grasp once more but he failed again, resulting in her drawing him back and tightening the grip she had on him.

'Is she attempting to throttle me?' William thought, clenching his jaw in irritation. He was itching to get out of the chokehold she had on him.

"But I really must be off," William said, trying to sound polite despite his growing unease. "The ship won't wait and I have a long journey ahead of me."

"Oh, my love, do be safe in that savage environment," she cooed, bestowing his cheek one last kiss before finally relinquishing her grasp.

"Goodbye, Katherine," William said, relieved to be free from her clutches.

Katherine smiled before taking his hand and placing a white handkerchief on it. Hearts were embroidered on each corner.
"A charm for good luck," She stated, her eyes sparkling with sentiment.

William's lips curled into a polite, if insincere, smile though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

He didn't really want it but he hesitated to refuse her gift, not wanting to spark a scene so instead he stuffed it in his pocket.

With a dignified nod, William tipped his black top hat towards his father and mother, his eyes locking on them for a brief moment, bidding them farewell, before getting into the carriage that was to take him to the sea coast. There a ship would be awaiting him to take him to the Gold Coast of Africa.

How he dreaded the upcoming journey.

As soon as the castle's turrets disappeared from view, William discreetly slipped his hand into the pocket of his trousers and retrieved the handkerchief. With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, he tossed it out the carriage window, watching with a hint of satisfaction as it fluttered away, lost in the rolling hills and verdant countryside.

____________

The voyage to the Gold Coast of Africa was a never-ending torment for William. The relentless sea sickness ravaged his body, rendering him unable to keep even the slightest morsel of food or drink down.

The violent storms that churned the sea only exacerbated his misery, towering waves that crashed against the ship, sending it rocking to and fro, took his stomach into ever-greater heights of nausea.

Sleep, too, proved elusive, as William's nights were shrouded in a restless fitful haze. His body screamed for respite but it seemed as though the sea was conspiring against him.

During this trip he had learnt a lot about himself. The main thing being how much he loved being on land and despised being on water due to the fact the water seemed to have mood swings. One minute the sea would be calm and serene, and the next he is holding on to the railing of the ship for dear life.

The moment the ship pulled to shore, William nearly ran off it.

At long last, he had arrived at his destination. For the most part alive, with all his limbs and organs.

The ordeal of his journey was instantly forgotten as he beheld the breathtaking scenery before him. The sweltering summer air enveloped him, heavy with the scent of blooming flowers and the sweet aroma of ripening fruit.

The sun beat down upon his skin, its intense rays filtering through the canopy above. Towering trees, their trunks thick and gnarled, stretched towards the sky, their leaves a vibrant green. In the distance, the sound of a river rushing over rocks created a soothing melody, a welcome respite from the oppressive heat.

"It's beautiful," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the forest.

Henry, William's trusted friend and companion on this journey, nodded in agreement, a knowing glint in his eye. William had coerced him into joining him on this expedition, and he was grateful for his unwavering loyalty.

"Even more breathtaking than the lovely Katherine," he teased, and William shot him a warning glance.

"She's my betrothed by obligation, not choice," William clarified, his tone dry. Henry's laughter echoed through the forest, a carefree sound that momentarily lifted William's spirits.

"It is indeed beautiful, a bit hot, but still beautiful." Henry said.

Just then, a guardsman approached the two, his scarlet tunic and bearskin helmet a stark contrast to the lush green surroundings.

"Your Highness," he said, his voice firm and respectful. "We've reconnoitered the area and located a nearby village." William nodded for him to proceed. "The villagers are Ashanti," he continued. "A prominent tribe in these parts."

His mind began to whirl with the possibilities. "Well, what are we waiting for?" William asked.

✿✿✿

𐙚Thank you for reading. Have a lovely day/night!𐙚