A Face that launched a thousand ships

Part 14

  part 14

"In my whole life as a knight, I've never seen an army succeed in taking a castle by frontal attack." The man's big pale hands rested above the map of the continent. His long fingers traced the route he was proposing, "I suggest we take them by surprise through the back." The blue-blooded man had his chin resting on top of his fingers as he stood beside his loyal knight. "I see..." he nodded in understanding. The blonde and blue-eyed knight continued his proposal, focusing once again on the map in front of them. "We will surround the area with our army and suggest that we—"

Three knocks came from the door behind them, the blue-eyed man stopped. "Come in." the king commanded. The door opened and in peeked a hazel-eyed person with her small tanned hands holding the door. "What is it, love?" the blonde, green-haired man smiled. Maria? The knight's eyes focused on the petite girl who just entered the room. His eyes widened in amazement as this was the first time he had seen a lady as fair as she. She wore a red ball gown which complimented her tanned skin and hazel eyes. Her hair was neatly tied in a braided bun with a few loose curls framing her face. He gulped at her exquisiteness and sophistication. He could not tear his eyes away from her.

The other blonde man walked towards the lady's side, he took her hand in his and gave a chaste kiss on her knuckles. She smiled back at the man. "Alfred," the king started, "This is Maria, my queen. I believe you have not met her yet, am I correct?"

Maria gave a curtsy, "It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Alfred. I have heard a great deal about you."

Alfred pulled himself back together and walked towards the girl's front. He knelt in front of her with one of his hands resting on his armed chest, "The pleasure is all mine, mi' lady."

Arthur—the king—told Alfred to get up. After Alfred had stood up, Arthur turned to the girl beside him, "Now, what did you come for, love?" he asked nicely.

Maria suddenly remembered what she had gone there for. Her hazel eyes looked straight into Arthur's jade ones, "Please, stop this fight. I do not wish for bloodshed." Arthur was taken aback by her words, as well was Alfred. Arthur's thick brows met, "Why do you say that, love?" Maria looked down, "I know Antonio did something... grave to me. I do know also that you would want his head for that, but-!" She looked up once again at him only to see him have a grave face; a face that wanted vengeance. She turned away from the man, "I do not wish for anyone to be killed just because of me."

Alfred stood there, motionless and speechless. Arthur grabbed Maria by her shoulders and turned her to face him, "I will continue this no matter what. I will never forgive that bloody bastard for hurting you and for even doing that to you." His voice was deep and serious, it gave the girl chills. "Now, if you understand that, please leave. Alfred and I have business to discuss."

Maria tried convincing him again, only to be cut off by a glare from her husband. She looked down in pain and exited the room with a pale face. As soon as the door was closed, Arthur turned back to Alfred with a now more determined and more serious face.

"Proceed."


She entered her room, sobbing. She sat on her bed and clutched her necklace. The necklace was a silver cross, it was the one given by Antonio before she left him. She could not believe this was happening. First, Antonio raping her, and now this? The two important men in her life, battling, ready for bloodshed, and it were all because of her. More tears filled her hazel eyes as it streamed down her tanned cheeks and towards her red dress.

"Sorry..." she kept repeating over and over. If only she had foreseen what was about to happen during the party at Antonio's, then she would have prevented all this. "If anyone is supposed to die, that should be me... and only me." She whispered, blaming herself for the things that she had not seen coming.


He turned the knob and pushed the door open. He peeked inside slowly, checking what the girl was doing. He found the girl lying on her bed—fast asleep. The man entered the room quietly, making his way over to her swiftly. He sat beside her and watched her sleep. His fingers glided through her face, removing the strands of hair on her face. Just now, he noticed that there was a trail of tears on her cheeks. It was already dry. He felt a stab in his heart as he realized he had made her cry.

Although it hurt him, he knew that she must understand that what he was doing was for her. He wants that bastard's head because of her. Oh, how he loved his wife.

He slid his hand into hers, intertwining his fingers with hers. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and laid beside her.


"Mattie! Mattie!" Alfred's high-pitched jolly voice echoed all throughout the twins' room. "W-What is it, Al?" his twin asked, a sweat drop visible on his pale forehead. "Guess what?" Alfred asked happily. "I just asked what, Al." he sighed.

"I met the queen today!" he exclaimed, waving his hands on top of him. "That's great." Matthew chuckled. "What did she look like?"

Alfred wore a huge grin, "She was the prettiest and fairest lady I have ever seen in my life!"

Matthew's eyes widened, he seemed interested to hear more from his jolly brother. "Tell me more." He said.

"Well... I don't know where to start." Alfred laughed, scratching his head. "She had... hazel eyes complimented by her long, silky black hair tied in a braided bun with a few curls to frame her face. Her sun-kissed skin was perfect and flawless!" He continued to describe the lady with passion and enthusiasm. Matthew didn't bother stopping him since he can see how much fun his brother is having. Matthew just smiled and listened to his brother pour out his feelings.

"Matthew..." Alfred stopped, his face turned into that of a sudden realization. "What is it, Al?" Matthew asked, quite confused of why he suddenly stopped. "I think... I think..." Alfred stuttered.

"Yes?"

"I think... I'm in love with the queen..." Alfred blushed as he turned away to hide his bright red face.

His twin brother's eyes widened at the sudden confession. He did not know how to react. How? Why? Of all the people, why did it have to be the queen? It was forbidden for a knight to fall for the queen. What should they do?