All The King's Men

All The King's Men-Chapter Eleven

She was alone again. 

Amelia sat on the cushioned window seat and stared up at the stars. She had sent Megan and Agnes away after her bath. Pierre had seen to it that her mattress was removed, and a new one brought in. 

The door was bolted, and she had dragged a chest of drawers in front of it for more security. Regardless of how secure the portal into her chamber was, she did not feel safe, and knew she would not until Sir Lucas returned. 

She did not believe Lucas had left the palace willingly without first speaking to her. No matter the King's orders, Lucas had given her his word that he would never leave her again. He would not willingly break that. Sir Pierre had also not spoken to Lucas before he left. Amelia was worried that possibly Lucas had not left at all. She had sent Pierre to quietly search for him. 

Micah and John will not return from the Country Castle, she thought, for at least two days. I must protect myself until then, she thought. The night wind blew in the window, she shivered, and stood to grab a quilt from the bottom of her blanket. Climbing back on the window seat, she snuggled under the blanket, and rested her head against the window frame. 

"Where are you, Luke?" She whispered. A sudden banging on the door startled her and caused her to jump. She tossed the blanket aside, and climbed to her feet. 

"Amelia, open this door." It was Martin. 

She wrung her hands together, and stared at the door. Sir Pierre had told her that no one saw his men leaving the palace, he doubted if the King would be aware of Sir Malcolm's death until the morning.

"Malcolm, open the door." 

"He is not here." Amelia called back. She pulled on her robe, and folded her arms.  

"This is not amusing, Amelia, open the door, or I shall have it broken down." 

She backed away as something banged against the door again. The sound brought back memories from her childhood. She screamed, and turned to run away from the sound. The balcony doors stood in front of her, and she threw them open. The wind wiped her hair against her back as she leaned over the balcony wall. She was on the second floor, below her was the palace garden. 

More banging came from the door. She could see the tip of an ax peaking through before it disappeared. It reappeared a second later and made an even bigger hole. Suddenly, she saw a different blade come through the door, a sword blade. The blade the Baron of Chalone had used to break the door to the tunnel down. 

She climbed over the edge of the balcony wall, and held herself up with her fingers while her feet searched for a hold. 

"Dear God, Ame." Martin's face appeared above her. 

She screamed, and released her hold. He grabbed her hand before she could fall, and pulled her back onto the balcony. 

"Out, everyone  out." Martin screamed to the men who had followed him into the room. 

Amelia screamed and struggled against him as he held her. "Nay, let me go." 

Martin pulled her into her chamber, and pushed her onto her bed. "Calm yourself, Amelia." He closed the balcony doors. 

Amelia screamed, and shrank from him. Her gaze on the broken door. 

"You refused to open the door." 

"You locked me in here with that man." 

"Where is he, Amelia?" 

"You are not my brother," She spat, "My brother, Martin is kind, and gentle. You are harsh and cruel. I do not wish to know you."