Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 7-

(to the right is Hector)

I went immediately to Joanna with this news.

Her eyes grew wide with quiet shock and she whispered back to be. I didn’t want anyone else to hear our conversation, or inquire us about our knowledge of the matter.

“That can’t be!” Joanna whispered furiously. “This is so odd! Do you think the king himself will go in along with his warriors?”

“How can he?” I whispered back. “There would be no one left here to rule if we go to war with the west! If he goes, that means the baron will go too! No man will be left here to keep guard of the kingdom!”

“That’s why he’s getting married.” Joanna raised her eyebrows with such juicy gossip.

“You’re kidding!” my mouth fell open. “To who?”

Joanna looked around, took my hand and led me all the way to her chamber.

She took a deep breath and sat in front of me. “Evelyn, you must swear you won’t tell what I’m about to say.”

I crossed my heart.

She swallowed nervously. “I’m not sure how to react to this . . . but he wants to marry . . . -”

“Yes?” I asked, anticipating her answer. “Go on!”

She looked up, biting her lip. “My mother.”

My eyes bulged. Joanna was going to be the king’s daughter! She was going to be in line for the throne! After her two older brothers, of course.

“No way! Joanna, that’s awesome!” I tried not to squeal.

She shook her head and shrugged. “I . . . I don’t know. I miss Father, and I hope for his recovery . . . but to be a king’s daughter . . . that’s too much attention for me.”

“But . . . you’ll be a princess. A princess, Joanna!”

“I just don’t like the idea of replacing Father already.” She sighed. Her pale beauty glowed in the faint sunlight.

I patted her hand empathetically.

~ -Age 15-

A year had passed, with no fair warning of foretold events. The rumors were confirmed, after the king announced our western enemy’s message of blood lust. King Harold, however, told us to rejoice and not worry for our powerful soldiers.

I couldn’t help it of course, for my best friends were all going to fight proudly alongside their fellow brothers. Joanna’s brothers decided to join as well. Well . . . at least they’d be together. But I couldn’t also help long for a fight of my own, right alongside my men. I imagined myself as a Joan of Arc, but instead of a warrior by sword, I’d be a warrior by the healing arts. I would help my men as they needed me, and I would ride alongside them with passion and glory.

I told no one this, except Joanna, who agreed to go with me should we need to.

We pinky promised each other. She didn’t have to stay any longer, since her father had finally passed on. She said no more about the king’s attachment to her mother.

He announced the engagement one night in the banquet hall.

Joanna, Hector, Terrin, Gwindire and I all sat in our usual spot towards the left end of the banquet hall. We were finally decided old enough to drink wine along with the adults, and so we were given our own goblets, but with warning.

I trusted we wouldn’t get drunk- Joanna and me, anyways.

When he arose from his seat, the hall became stone silent.

“My fellow kingdom, my good heart-full people; I have wonderful news to share with you this evening.”

Joanna’s mother, Madeleine stood beside the king. A few people were already murmuring.

“I would like to announce my engagement to a very beautiful lady; Lady Madeleine Belle Truce.”

The hall erupted with cheer.

Joanna’s mother blushed and smiled shyly.

Terrin’s mouth spewed with just-sipped wine as Hector nearly gagged on his. They turned to face Joanna, who blushed an even deeper plum than her mother did.

Hesitation went by before the boys finally smiled and spoke.

They congratulated her.

“You’ll be my cousin. That’s pretty cool.” Terrin added.

She laughed nervously. “Yeah.”

The hall made a toast to the newly engaged couple and the feasting began.

I had seen this coming from the time Joanna first told me.