Snakes In The Garden

Anne- A Castle Looms

I was glad to get out of the hot, stuffy carriage ride. I was glad to feel the cool breeze on my cheeks. I was not so glad to see the people lined up on the palace grounds, waiting for me to arrive. Their future queen.

The carriage driver let me grab his hand for support as I stepped down onto the gravel. My heart was beating so fast, corset giving little room for me to take deep breaths. Another carriage pulled up. I attempted to breath a sigh of relief. That carriage would hold my ladies who came here all the way Scotland.

I smiled as they stepped out one by one. Grace, Guinevere, Italia, and Rose. When they were all standing before me they started to curtsy. I flapped my hands at them and pulled them all into a big group hug.

I pulled back. All our faces were flush with excitement. "My queen, look!" Grace pointed, smile lighting up her round, pale face.

"Oh, please. Call me Anne." I turned to look. Oh my goodness. They were here. The king was walking down the brown dirt path. An elegant cape was draped over his shoulders and a pale fair-skinned woman walked beside him. "That's not Queen Margaret." I said softly.

"No." Italia agreed eyeing the woman. "She must his mistress, Danielle."

Another figure strode up just after the sound of trumpets announced the king and his mistress. He was tall and dark, with brown, messy hair and the beginnings of a beard. I blinked and the world went still for a moment. I turned to Italia, but kept my eyes on the man. "Who is that do you suppose?"

"I'm not sure." Italia whispered back.

"I think it's the kings bastard, Danielle's son." Rose said her long, curly hair falling in front of her face slightly.

"Sebastian." I murmured. "Right." The trumpets began to blare a second time and Queen Margaret walked over to stand next to Danielle. Another, dark and bearded man stood just behind her. As the trumpets blared for the third time my gaze drifted to Sebastian expecting my betrothed, Francis, to come stand at his side but he didn't.

Instead I saw him sauntering over the grass in my direction. I smoothed my cape and stepped forward.