Royal Love

Chapter 14

   I opened my eyes, the next morning too find that Henry had left. I sat up and pulled my covers back. I sat in front of my dresser and brushed my hair. That's when I noticed a piece of paper On my nightstand. I got up and went over to pick it up. I unfolded it and immediately noticed Henry's hand writing.

   Dearest Sarah,

    I'm sorry to have left you. I had to leave before day break. If your father had caught me I would not be able to return later. Please be patient I have a plan. From what Elizabeth told me about Emanuel, I don't trust him. Please try to stay away from him. I will stop by tonight.

                                                                                                                    Henry

   He had a plan. That was what I kept reminding myself as my ladies helped me get ready. I took my time getting to the dinning hall. When I entered, my father, my sisters, and Emanuel, were already seated and enjoying the meal.

   When he saw me Emanuel stood up. "Princess. I'm glad to see you well."

   I took my seat at the head of the table. "Yes."

   My father eyed me curiously. "What made you fall ill all of a sudden."

   I didn't want to appear rude, or cause another argument. "I was shocked to here that the wedding would take place so soon."

   My father studied me for another moment before turning away. "Yes, well You and Emanuel have had time to get to know each other. Why not have the wedding sooner then originally planed."

   I faked a smile. "Yes. Why not."

   When my father had finished eating he stood and left. My sisters waited for my to finish eating. Then we left Emanuel to take a stroll through the garden. The sun was shining. This was one of my favorite spots to go in the whole castle. The air was crisp, and my ears became numb.

   We didn't stay out long, and went inside and drank warm drinks. I eventually had to meet with the seamstresses and they made my wedding dress. All the while I kept think that Henry would arrive any minute, but when supper came and he still hadn't arrived, I began to worry. I didn't talk during supper, I just took a few bites of food.

  When my father finished he stood to leave. "Emanuel, join me in my office when you are done."

   My father left and when my sisters and I had finished eating we all stood. Emanuel followed us into the hall. "I'm off to join your father." I didn't bother in watching him, but instead walked my sisters to the nursery. Once they were all in bed I headed to my room, but came to a stop in front of the door. Their was a note peeking out from under the door. I picked it up, unfolded it, and read it.

   Meet me in the library.

                               Henry

   I turned around and headed down stairs. Servants were every where I did not want to attract any attention. When I turned the corner and could see the library at the end of the hall, I checked that no one was around and ran down the hall. When I burst through the doors Henry was waiting for me. He picked me up and spun me around.

   I kissed him as he set me down. I pulled back and he cupped my face. "I thought you weren't coming. That you had been held up or that you were hurt."

   "I would always come see you. Whether I was hurt or not." He gave me a kiss, then he sat on the sofa, and I sat in his lap.

   I leaned my head on his shoulder. "What is this plan you thought of?"

   "Saturday at the wedding, I will interrupt it and make your father see that he can't make you marry him."

   "How though?"

  "That I can't tell you."

   "Why not?"

   He smiled. "It's a surprise."

   I frowned. "I don't like surprises."

   "Are you sure?"

   "Fine. I like them but still this is about who I'm going to marry."

   "I know that."

   He kissed me and as the kiss deepened a thought appeared in my head. "We should slow down. We still barely know each other."

   "That doesn't mean much. Whether we knew each other a day or for years, would it change how we felt about each other right now?"

   I thought about that. "I'm not sure. It might."

   "I doubt it." He kissed me, and that's how we stayed for a few minutes. Finally he had to pull back. "I still need that restraint we talked about."

   I smiled. "Yes you do."

   He stood up, causing me to stand up because I was in his lap. "I should go." We kissed goodbye, and I watched him go. After a couple minutes I moved to leave, only someone stepped out of the shadows in front of me.

   Emanuel smelt like alcohol and cigars. "Be a gentleman, you told me. He certainly wasn't being a gentleman." He turned around and closed the library door. "And you were certainly not being a lady." Once the doors were shut he moved toward me. "I don't want to wait for something I can have tonight."

   He grabbed me by the waist and pushed me on to the sofa. I tried to yell but only managed a yelp before he covered my mouth with his hand. He tried to push my skirts up but I kicked him in the stomach. I tried to escape but only managed to roll onto the ground before he grabbed me again and slapped me.

   We heard beating on the door. That's when I realized he had locked them. I felt tears run down my face. He tried to push my skirts up again and again I tried to kick, this only earned me another slap. He ripped a piece of my dress and stuffed it in my mouth so that he could use one hand to hold my feet down and the other to push my dress up.

   I could barely see with all the tears in my eyes, but I was able to make out Henry when he finally broke the lock on the door and came bursting in. He took one look at the scene and was in action. He threw Emanuel off of me, and then he was able to knock Emanuel out. He walked over and knelt beside me. He brushed some of my tears away but when he realized it was use less he pulled me into his lap.

   My father came in then. He looked from us to where Emanuel was unconscious on the floor. "Take her to her chambers. I will take care of him," He nodded toward Emanuel.

   I cried while Henry carried me upstairs. We didn't pass many people, but I knew the few we did see would spread what they had witnessed.

   When we reached my chambers, and Henry set me on my bed. He left and came back a  couple of minutes later with ice, for my cheek. Eventually I spoke. "I...I thought no one heard me. I thought he was going to..." I didn't finish.

   "I heard and immediately ran back. When I found the doors locked.... I felt helpless. When I got the doors open and saw you, and saw him leaning over you, I felt such hatred toward him. He hurt you. If I hadn't gotten the doors open..."

    I reached up and touched his cheek. "You did. You saved me.'

   He kissed me and slide into the bed. He didn't push me but after tonight I realized I didn't want any one to take my honor but him. When he took the hint we didn't waste any time.