Royal Love

Chapter 10

   I took a few steps back to put space between us. "Father."

   "Sarah. Just the person I needed to see."

   "I need to ask you something."

   "Ladies first."

   "I would like to go to the park tomorrow."

   He clasped his hands behind his back. "We are still in mourning. Just because we had the ball, doesn't not mean we have come out of it. That was your mother's wish.'

   "I know. It's just I feel locked up here in the castle."

   He appeared to be thinking. "Fine you may go. Just bring your sisters."

   That was not part of the plan. I was thinking about how I would be able to slip away. A thought came to mind. "Thank you father."

   "Good. Now you were right you should be able to get to know the person you are to marry. That is why the Duke of Spain will arrive at the castle the day after tomorrow."

   My face fell. "Very well father." I left him and went to find my sisters. I had to tell Henry tomorrow.

   My sisters were in the gallery. They were playing a game it appeared. When they saw me, though, they jumped up and ran over to me. They all wanted to know what had happened with Prince Henry.

   "Did he ask you to marry him?" Alice asked.

   "No. He did no such thing."

   Cassie almost sounded outraged. "Why not? Does he not like you?"

   This was it I had to tell. "No it...it is not that he doesn't like me."

   Now Cassie sounded shocked. "Do you not like him?"

   I laughed. "No I do, but...."

   Alice looked at me. "What?"

   I sighed. "I'm engaged to the Duke of Spain."

   They all gasped. Well everyone but Elizabeth. Beatrice looked a little sad. "When were you going to tell us?"

   "I don't know. I don't want to be engaged to him."

   Cassie looked confused. "Then why did you agree to marry him?"

   I turned away from them. "I didn't."

   "Then how are you engaged to him?"

   "Father. He is going to make me marry him. Prince Henry and I are going to fight him. Hopefully we will win, and all of you are able to marry who you want."

   Just as I knew they would, they all fell silent. Her voice strong, Elizabeth spoke. "I'm going to help her. I saw her with Prince Henry earlier. They deserve to be together."

   I smiled at her. "Thank you Elizabeth. Now I am meeting Henry tomorrow in the park. Father gave me permission and he also gave all of you permission to go with me."

   They were excited about that. Since mother's death we are rarely allowed to leave the house. I decided I should also tell them about the day after tomorrow. "You must all be on good behavior," I told them. They didn't look happy but they agreed to behave.

   We left the gallery together and went  to get ready for supper. Like usual father was waiting for us. "Good evening," was all he said.

   We eat in silence mostly. I followed my sisters to the nursery. I was tucking them in and they asked me more questions about Henry. "Is he a gentleman?" Cassie asked.

   "Yes he is."

   "Have the two of you kissed?" Alice wondered.

   I thought about weather or not to answer that one. "Yes Alice we have kissed."

   Elizabeth's question made me come to a stop as I walked over to tuck Alice in. "Do you love him?" She asked.

   I thought about it for a moment. Did I love him? Then I decided. "Yes. I... I think I do."

   She looked happy at my answer. "Good. I like him. He seems very nice."

   Everyone agreed with her on that, I blew out their candles and told them that was enough questions for the night.

   As I walked down the hall to my chambers, I thought about what I told them. I loved him. In less than a day I had fallen in love. I still didn't know much about him. Did he have siblings? What were his parents like? I decided I would have to ask him these question tomorrow at the park.

   In my room one of my ladies hand me a note. It said"

   My fair Sarah,

   I gave this note to one of the servants hoping it would reach you. I can not wait to see you again. The time before I see you in the park is to great. I fear your father will not let you out. I will wait until darkness falls if I have to.

                                                                                                                          Henry

    I smiled.

   "A love letter madam?" One of my ladies asked me.

   "Yes. A love letter indeed," I answered her.

   She sighed. "I have never received a love letter."

   I looked at her. She was pretty. It was hard to believe she had never received a love letter. "This is my first." I told her.

   "Really? Is he handsome?"

   I smiled again. "Very."

   They all gathered around me as I told them about Henry. I didn't mention his name, for I fear they would learn of my engagement soon, and might tell my father. When I told them about our time spent in the library they promised me that they would not tell.

   They left after we talked about who they like, but were never noticed by. I fell asleep happy that night. I felt like I had friends whom I could talk to. Ever since my mother's death not many people came to the castle.  I was also happy that I would see Henry tomorrow.