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

CHAPTER 54

MYRA
1 JULY 1415

We took our seats, and some men entered the hall, carrying wooden trunks.

"Your Highness," a man with a Mediterranean accent bowed. He was in his fifties, and had a bulky body with a very broad nose. "Allow me to present some of the finest fabrics from as far as Persia."

"You may," Edward answered.

He opened the trunk and laid the first roll of fabric on the rug at our feet.

"This is the finest of silk, straight from Persia," he said with pride. "I have it in many colours, to the liking of these beautiful ladies."

Edward watched me quizzically. "Which one do you like?"

"Are we window shopping for me?" I asked, surprised—but if he were wise, he would know I was taunting him.

"Why are you so surprised that I could give you anything?" he objected.

"I thought you only knew how to break hearts," I mumbled.

Elizabeth leaned forward to pick up the fabric. "This is beautiful," she commented. "Do you have it in a pale gold?"

"Of course, my lady," the man answered, opening another trunk, taking out her desired colour.

"Why do you not want anything?" Edward asked, dropping his voice.

"Is this your way of apologising?"

"When did I say I was apologising?" he grunted. God! Egotism was at its height.

"I don't want anything," I snapped. "If you want to spend money, then feed the peasants on my behalf."

He rolled his eyes at me, cursing something under his breath.

"Master Abelli," Edward announced, "show us some Venetian lace, perhaps?"

"Of course, Your Grace," he said, opening yet another trunk.

This took my attention. He presented in front of us a beautiful white lace fabric. I had worn machine-made lace, but I have never worn a hand-made one. Even the table runners in my time were expensive to buy. The detail was so intricate that I assumed the women must have turned blind after finishing it.

"I love it," I exclaimed. Leaning towards Elizabeth, I whispered, "Pick one for your wedding." Her eyes sparkled at my suggestion. "Let His Highness pay for the dress. Make him pay for your dowry." She pursed her lips to hide her excitement. "Let us play a trick on him together."

"I would like to have this one, too, Master Abelli," Elizabeth announced.

"I will take all of it, Master Abelli," I announced. I heard the gasps and murmurs in the court.

"You're doing a great job in taking revenge," James whispered, sitting next to Elizabeth. "Emptying England's coffers will surely make him turn to you."

"Master Abelli," Edward said urgently. "Do you have something with stones and pearls?" His inquiry reminded me of Jasmine's wedding dress. Being a woman, I obviously fell in love with her dress—but did Edward, too? He wasn't the type to notice someone's attire.

"For a lady as exquisite as her," the merchant said, glancing at me, "there is something special from Burano, Your Grace." He dug into the last opened trunk and pulled out another roll of fabric. When he spread it out, all the women in the court around us gasped. It was a blush pink lace, stitched with pearls and stones in it. It sparkled so beautifully that even I was floored with it. It was almost similar to the one Jasmine wore at her wedding, but not white. And I loved this shade of pink.

Noticing my expression, Edward announced, "The lady will have this one, too, besides the rest." Since he was the Prince, I couldn't argue that it wasn't needed. But with all due honesty, I loved it. I was still angry with him, but regardless, I was still thankful for him giving me all these fabrics. But now I realised, what would I do with all these? I'd have clothes for a lifetime.

"Thank you," I smiled at the merchant.

Master Abelli gathered the rest of his fabrics, bowed, and left the hall. Just as another merchant approached, Cardinal Wolseley marched in.

"Your Highness," he announced, "may we have a word in the Council chamber?"

"Of course," Edward answered, and then addressed me. "Join me."

"But, Your Highness," the Cardinal objected.

Edward raised his hand. "She is appointed by the King himself, Your Eminence," Edward grumbled. "She is part of the Council."

The Cardinal glared at me,and we followed him to the Council chamber.