The Colonial Heart ✓ (Editing)

Chapter 34

                               A  M  A

As I presented Lady Victoria with her tea, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate carvings on the oak wood table, likely crafted by the skilled hands of our own artisans.I set the delicate china cup and delicate saucer before her with a gentle smile hoping for a 'thank you' but she merely waved me off without so much as a glance of gratitude. I retreated to the corner, my eyes fixed on the floor as I awaited her permission to depart.

Lady Victoria's beauty was undeniable – her brown locks curled in soft ringlets, her delicate lips painted a subtle pink, and her cornflower blue eyes sparkling like sapphires. Yet, her elegance was marred by her haughty demeanor, leaving me to wonder if her loveliness was merely skin-deep.

"Where is my husband,I have been waiting for him for nothing short of an eternity" Asked Lady Victoria, her voice tinged with impatience. I hesitated, tempted to shrug and tell her
'how would I know,am I your husband's keeper?',

but replied instead, "I am unsure, my lady." Her scowl deepened as she sipped her tea, and I sensed a hint of disdain in her gaze.

"Must you stand there at all times?" she asked, her tone dripping with annoyance.

I would much rather me anywhere else but here darling, your company is as entertaining as counting strands of hair!

I nodded, "I cannot leave until you dismiss me, my lady."

"Yes,yes go now I wish to be left alone with my thoughts."She waved her hand dismissively, granting me leave. I exhaled a silent sigh of relief as I departed. Her presence was truly suffocating and I was overjoyed to be out of her sight.

I finally had the chance to gather as much information as I possibly could and hopefully use it to my advantage.
My destination was Commander Spencer's chamber, where I hoped to uncover secrets hidden within his quarters. I approached the solid oak door, pressing my ear against the wood to ensure I was alone. The silence was golden, and I slipped inside, my eyes scanning the room for any signs of life and luckily I found none.

I began my frantic search through drawers and cabinets, my frustration grew because I was getting nowhere, until I spotted a khaki envelope hidden beneath a hat. My heart skipped a beat as I retrieved it, the crimson candle wax seal already broken.

I withdrew the letter, my eyes devouring the contents with an intensity that bordered on desperation.

Windsor Castle
Post Office Box 221
England
6 June 1940

Dear Commander Reginald Spencer

I take up my pen with a mix of emotions, concern, disappointment, and hope as I write to you in the midst of these tumultuous times. I trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.

It is with a heavy heart that I must express my deep disappointment in my son's faltering performance in Ghana. Despite his valiant efforts, I fear his tenure has reached its zenith, and his continued presence there would be of little consequence. His mother the queen, his betrothed Lady Katherine and I have come to the realization that his return home is imperative.

Upon his arrival, we shall hasten his coronation, to be followed shortly by his wedding - a grand celebration that would have been a joy to share with you, dear Commander. Alas, your duties in Ghana are of paramount importance, and I entrust you with the noble task of expanding our dominion and securing our interests in the region.

I also implore you to convey a message to William and his companion, Henry: they are to prepare for their return home forthwith. While I am not entirely satisfied with the delay in their attack, I shall overlook this transgression as a benevolent father and monarch.

Yours faithfully,

Mathew Adam Harrington

As I read the name 'William', my heart skipped a beat, but I swiftly suppressed the flutter in my chest.

I took note of Commander Reginald Spencer's name for I felt it would be of use in the future but my focus was not seized by that detail for another element that had already enthralled me.

The mention of a task, caught me off guard. What assignment had William been entrusted to? And a coronation? Was he destined for kingship?He was a prince after all but I did not ever consider that he might be the heir to the throne. Goodness all along I was in the presence of a man of such high status and I never even once curtsied!

The revelation struck me like a slap in the face, a harsh reminder of his deceit. He had never breathed a word about his royal aspirations, nor had he mentioned the gruesome fate of my chief, whose lifeless body he had callously discarded off a cliff in an attempt to cover his transgression.

I fell in love with a lying bastard, and the sad fact about this ungodly situation was that I believed that lying bastard...

I returned the letter to its envelope, my hands trembling with a mix of emotions. As I closed the drawers and cabinets, I heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching. Panic set in, and my face paled. I frantically scanned the room for an escape route, but the open window seemed the only option.

I silently prayed that a magic door would appear out of the blue or the earth would somehow swallow me whole but alas life was not so merciful.

I hesitated, my heart racing at the daunting gap between me and the ground. I took in deep breaths, bracing myself to jump and hopefully not break my neck.

With the door about to burst open, I steeled myself for a desperate leap, but fate had other plans. The door swung wide, and I flinched, my blood running cold as I felt the weight of someone's gaze upon me. Jumping was no longer an option since the person must have already seen me, I had been caught red-handed.

As I turned to face the intruder, a flurry of excuses danced on my lips, but they died in my throat. My breath caught as I locked eyes with the newcomer, and for an instant, we simply stared at each other. His blue eyes widened  mirroring my own shock.

"Ama,"

he whispered gently , his voice barely audible as though he did not believe his eyes.

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Thank you so much for reading, I do hope that you have a great day or night!

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