The Broken Identity

Chapter Two

"Elizabeth. You are going to have two sons-"

"Yes. I already know that. Can you tell me something I don't know?" He smiled at this.

"Your first son, your eldest son, will be a treasure at the castle. He shall learn fencing, history, sciences, medicine, reading, writing, wooing," he paused and took a sip of his wine; then the minute of silence occured where neither of us talked.

"That's it? He's going to be Mr. Perfect. What about the youngest?" He smiled once more.

"I was getting to him. He shall be my apprentice. He will take on everything I know, and one day protect this great land. He'll learn to fight. And he'll be the best warrior of his time. No one will defeat him, and if he is defeated, this land will fall."

"So, one's Mr. Perfect and the other has to follow you?"

"Correct. And you may name them anything you wish. But, they may not have any middle names."

"But... Why? Then they'll be more special to me."

"That is why. We cannot have you being too close to them. That could be their downfall."

"I wouldn't ever do that to my sons! Ever!"

He smiled. "Intentionally, no. But, unintentionally, we do things that can hurt others beyond imagination."

"Elizabeth. You should eat. You don't look well."

"Well! I'm eight months pregnant and I'm carrying twins! Plus I won't ever be able to see them! What else could go wrong in my life?"

"You could die in childbirth. This pregnancy could have been caused by rape. Your farm could be burned down. Elizabeth: so many things could go wrong. These things are going right. Be thankful."

He came over and kissed my forehead. "Now. To eat. Do you have any ingredients for soup?"

I teared up again, and nodded. "Tell me your name!" I blurted out.

This would be the toughest month of my life. And I may not be able to make it through.

He grinned. "James."

James prepared dinner in silence. We ate in silence. After three hours of silence, I finally got the nerves to talk.

"Where do you want to sleep? I have many guest bedrooms you could stay in..."

"I'm going to stay in yours."

"Wha-Why?"

"To make sure you stay alive and well; as do your sons."

"Oh... Ok."

More silence.

"I... I'm going to bed. I've had a long day."

"Good night, then. I'll start a fire in the firepit when I come up." James said.

I walked up the stairs, and then ran into my room, slamming the door. I threw on my nightgown, climbed into bed, pushed my feet under the covers, and huddled under, listening to the sound of pouring rain against the glass of my bedroom window. I closed my eyes, only for a second, then opened the again. I had never liked the dark, so Maylyn had always lit a fire so I could fall asleep to it. I closed my eyes, for only a second again. Then, there was a fire. I screamed and jumped. My entire body was in panic mode.

"Elizabeth! Elizabeth! It's James! Don't be afraid, it's only me!"

My screams attracted Maylyn, who came running in with a frightened look on her face.

"ELIZABETH! Are-" She apparently saw me, shaking, with James and his hand on my shoulder. And a lit fire.

"Good night, Elizabeth. Sweet dreams." Maylyn smiled as she closed the door.

My eyes looked up and they saw clear, crystal, sapphire eyes. They were perfect; calming. I hyperventilated for only a second longer before my head fell on his chest. His arms wrapped around me. Even though he was a creep, I had no choice but to trust him. It didn't seem like he was that bad, though...

"You- You really are going to keep me safe, aren't you?" I stared into his perfect eyes once more.

"Yes. Did you not hear me? I swear the floor boards creaked a time or two."

"How did you do that? I didn't hear a thing! No floor boards, no nothing. Will my son be that way?" I started to feel tired and at ease. Maybe it was the fire.

His chest expanded, then fell; expand, fell. My eyes closed. He layed me down, pulled up the covers, and kissed me once more. I pulled the covers up to my chin and sighed.

"Good night." I mumbled.

James stroked my cheek, and whispered, "Yes."