Such Sweet Sorrow

Chapter Three: A Change of Scenery

Chapter Three: A Change of Scenery

Three days passed and the castle had guests: The Duke and Duchess of Relishe and Roger Wesley, a friend of my fathers. Mother and I were to entertain the Duke and Duchess while my father went over the arrangement for my safety with his friend. Mother was still angry over the situation. I found her mumbling under her breath on more than one occasion, speaking of father's idiotic decision to trust Mr. Wesley with me. I couldn't say I blame her though. I knew absolutely nothing about Mr. Wesley and had never seen him once in my life. Why would father so quickly trust a man he hadn't seen for years, especially with his daughter?

"You have a lovely garden, Queen Helena." The Duchess of Relishe commented, a large smile playing on her lips as she looked out unto the many acres of land we owned.

"Thank you." My mother said, faking a smile and leading the three of us through the maze of flowers.

I was irritated that I could not be in the room when Mr. Wesley and father talked. This was about me and my safety- why wasn't I in on it? Did Mr. Wesley have a wife? Children? Or would I be staying with an old man alone in his house? I doubt it would come to that. All I could hope for was that the Imposter spoke before I was expected to leave.

I had gotten over my thoughts of being excited about my leaving. Why would I want to leave the comfort of my own home for some country life with strangers? I found myself angry at my parents for not asking me what I wanted. I was in danger as much here as anywhere else, wasn't I? So why could I just stay here, where at least there would be hundreds of guards here to protect me.

"Do you plant, Princess Flora?" The Duchess asked. I shook out of my daydreaming and smiled politely.

"On some occasions." I told her, "It is quite relaxing."

"Indeed." The Duchess replied, and we continued walking amongst the roses, lavenders, sunflowers, and every other assortment of flowers and plants one could think of. I was getting bored walking around, entertaining the Duke and Duchess. I could tell the Duke was too, watching his wife admire the landscaping.

"Duke," I began, "Up for a game of chess?" The Duke looked at me and grinned, I smiled back knowingly.

"Sure thing, your majesty." He replied with a bow of his head.

"Fantastic. Mother, how about you stay and continue with Mrs. Hefley while I go inside and beat the Duke of Relishe at chess." I teased, the Duke laughed heartedly and my mother nodded.

"Of course, my dear." My mother said.

"This way." I said, leading the Duke back towards the castle.

In the castle, I led the Duke into the sitting room where the one of the chess sets were located. The guards followed us in, surrounding the table. Duke Arthur of Relishe looked at them with a much confused expression on his face.

"You have a lot more security here than my last visit." he said, moving his pawn up two spaces. I felt nervous, not knowing how to answer. Maybe my father was right. Maybe Relishe was behind the attempt at kidnapping me. Perhaps if I got the Duke to confess, then the Imposter would be released and I wouldn't have to leave.

"Really?" I asked, pretending to be only interested in the game. "I haven't noticed."

I don't know if the Duke was staring at me strangely, for I didn't look up as I moved my pawn up a space; Nevertheless, I felt his eyes on me.

The two of us played for about twenty more minutes when the Duke finally spoke again.

"I can see you are quite skilled at the game of chess." the Duke complimented, I was winning greatly and I was only keeping from taking his queen by sheer politeness.