Royal Love

Chapter 30

(Sarah's POV)

   I got to meet Elizabeth's father and younger brother when they got home from the shop. I learned that her father owned a store in the middle of town, that mostly sold little things like cheap jewelry and knick knacks. Her brother will eventually own the shop and has been working there and helping out.

   I shared a room with Elizabeth that night. We stayed up and talked mostly. She wanted to know about my Prince. "Well he is very handsome. He is also a great dancer. My sister has been trying to learn the waltz and she loves to watch Henry and me. When we dance it is just us. The world and all the problems and people go away. There is just the two of us, wrapped in our love." I told her.

   "That sounds wonderful," Elizabeth said with an awed look on her face. "You sound like you really love him."

   I gave a weak smile. "I do," I was starting to tear up thinking about him and changed the subject. "Do you have someone like that?"

   She frowned. "No. Well I do have feelings toward one man, but he doesn't acknowledge me."

   This sounded like something I heard from Ann. "Well, maybe he doesn't want to be embarrassed if he did something to earn your love but in the end you won't acknowledge him?"

   She perked up a bit and smiled. "Do you really think so?"

   "Its possible."

   She seemed to think about it for a moment. "Maybe." We then got settled for bed. I was almost asleep when I heard her voice. "Are you going to be leaving tomorrow Sarah?"

   I sighed. "Yes." I then came up with an idea. "Maybe you and your family can come with me and live in the castle."

   "I would love to!" she exclaimed. I watched as her face fell. "Only then we would have to leave the village and the shop."

   "Maybe you could come for a while and see if you like it, and if you do then you could stay."

   "Maybe." With that we finally fell asleep.

.......................................................................................................................................................

       When we woke everyone else was already up and working. Gertrude was making breakfast, and Elizabeth's father was making a fire in the fireplace, while her brother was reading a book on the sofa. 

   I followed Elizabeth over to her mother.

   "Would the two of you mind running to the well for water?" Gertrude asked.

   "No not at all." Elizabeth grabbed the bucket off the table. "Come on Sarah." I followed her outside, and over to the well.

   I stood and watched as see filled the basket. She was pulling the basket up when we heard hooves pounding on the packed dirt. I looked up and saw a brown horse coming toward us. The rider didn't pull the horse to a stop until it was only a few steps away. I watched as the rider swung off the horse. Without seeing who it was I seemed to already know and took a few steps back until I couldn't go any farther because of the well.

   I didn't move or flinched as I watched Emanuel approach. "Sarah. I'm glad I found you. You thought you could run away did you?"

   I noticed the fresh wound on his cheek and smiled at myself. "That is going to leave a scar." As I spoke I found the knife that I had kept hidden in my dress.

   "You would know all about scars wouldn't you? Now we are even. Come. I need to bring you to the docks for that poor Prince," at his words I put the knife back, "I didn't get what I wanted so I will just ask for more. If he doesn't pay me what I want I will either kill him and keep you to myself or just kill you. I wouldn't get an heir but I get to see his expression."

   I hadn't noticed Elizabeth had moved closer and was cowering behind me, my attention was on Emanuel and Emanuel only. "Or I can kill you and stay here for Henry to find me, or I can go find him."

   I watched as he chuckled at this. "Kill me with what?"

   I pulled the knife out and held it toward him and took and step closer. "Why, with this. Don't you recognize it? It left that scar on your face."

   "Don't you recognize it, my dear? It was also the same one that left that scar on your face. That was the knife that marred your beauty."

   I hadn't noticed this but I didn't let him see my surprise. "Well it may also cause your death."

   He laughed out right at this. "Really? I don't think you could mange that. The pretty little Princess who was hidden in a castle most of her life. You are nothing but a pawn in the game my dear. Your father sells you off for land, for alliances, that is all. You are a game piece. You didn't think you would have meaning in your life did you?" When I didn't answer he continued speaking. "Now a son, he rules his own land and has a heir. You see a women is useless. They are pretty faces and house maids. They plan the balls, they help give a heir, nothing more."

   I got angry. "You think a man is any better! You fight, you get worked to rule! Not only must you worry about your family but also about your country."

   Emanuel brushed off my outburst. "I am not going to ask again my dear. Come." He took a step closer and I raised the knife and took my own step forward.

   "Don't come closer."

   He didn't listen and kept walking. I thrust the knife out and it was close to cutting him. he stared at the knife and pushed my hand aside. He grabbed a hold of my waist and started tugging me toward him. I tried to swing the knife at him but he easily avoided it.

   We were almost to the horse when we heard Elizabeth's shaky voice behind us. "You can't take her!"

   Emanuel stopped walking and turned around. "Under who's order?"

   I begged for her to be quiet but she kept talking. "You just can't. She doesn't want to go with you."

    Emanuel let go of me and walked toward her. I knew that he let me go because I wouldn't run if my friend was in danger. I watched as he grabbed a hold of her and pulled her to him. "I don't take orders from any one. I give them." He raised his hand and I knew he was going to slap her.

   "Stop! I'll go with you. Take me to the docks." I took a step toward him.

   I watched as he smiled and slowly lowered his hand. "Good." He looked like he was going to turn around and release Elizabeth, but all of a sudden he backhanded her. I cried out and tried to run to her but Emanuel caught a hold of me. I saw Elizabeth put her hand on her cheek as she sank to the ground in tears. "We must go my dear. The trip will take most of our lasting daylight hours."

   I turned to him and tried to punch him. "I will never go any where with you," I looked back at Elizabeth. "I am sorry this happened to you. I will come back when I can. I promise!" These were my last words before Emanuel choked me again until I fell into unconsciousness.