The Peace Offering

Chapter 7

Before I knew it the morning of my departure arrived. Standing in my room I watch as the servants carry out the last of my trunks, some of my belongings are still here and will be remaining so. Everything that I'm taking with me though has been packed and other than these last few trunks are already stored on the ship.

"Are you ready Beatriz? Everyone is waiting," Lady Catherina asks after allowing me a moment to take in the mostly empty room. I nod reluctantly but knowing that I can't delay this any longer, or at all with so much relying on this treaty.

The past few days have felt almost like repeats of the one before. Lessons with Ambassador Koray in the morning then after lunch a fitting from the seamstresses followed by packing. Now that I'm actually leaving though I'd give anything to return to those boring repetitive days.

During one of the lessons Ambassador Koray had mentioned the warmer climate in Usde so I'd made sure to pack some light dresses to wear during the journey, even though it's only the beginning of spring it might be warmer than I'm used to. On the day of our arrival though I'll have to wear the wedding dress the entire time. For now though I'm much cooler in a white off the shoulder dress and a bonnet with a matching ribbon will keep the sun off me as today is unseasonably warm.

"The King and Lord Villaverde have already made their way to the port. They'll be waiting for us there along with most of the court to see us off," Lady Catherina informs me as we near the doors of the palace.

"I had been hoping to leave quietly. I knew that it wouldn't happen but still I hoped," I reply quietly walking outside to the waiting carriage that'll take us to the port. It shouldn't take too long, an hour at most before we get there.

"We'll have plenty of quiet on the journey to Usde," She points out, "So long as we stay out of the sailors way we'll be able to enjoy the sun and sea air to our heart's content."

I nod in silent agreement looking forward to having the peace that she's describing. It might be the last peace I know for a long time based on all that I've learned of my future husband. Not that I know much but what little Ambassador Koray has been able, or willing, to tell me I have an uncertain future among Prince Kudret's concubines.

It's all the more reason to enjoy this voyage as once I reach Usde I can't afford to show any vulnerabilities. Any weakness must be well hidden until I'm alone or only in Lady Catherina's company. I will have to submit to the Prince but I will do so with grace and dignity but I shall not stand to be humiliated or belittled by the concubines when I'm his wife.

The carriage comes to a halt and already I can hear the crowd waiting to see me board the ship so I take a deep breath and steady myself for one final performance in front of them. Soon I'll be free to be myself for most of the time during our months at sea, it should only be Ambassador Koray that I have to present a front for. The sailors won't care for how I act so long as I don't get in their way while they work.

"Here we go," I whisper as a footman opens the carriage door and offers a hand to help us down safely. Polite applause breaks out as I walk towards where the King and my brother are waiting on a raised platform. Lifting my skirt slightly I ascend the few steps to join them and drop into a deep curtsy before the King.

"Your Majesty," I greet politely waiting for him to give me permission to rise. A subtle gesture with his hand bids me rise to see him grinning broadly while just over his shoulder I can see my brother's rather smug grin.

"Lady Villaverde," He greets in reply, taking my hand and turning to face the crowd, "Today you do me and the entire kingdom of Migothein a great service. With your marriage there will be peace with Usde for years to come."