(ON HOLD. Editing) Alliances and Destiny's

Chapter Four

It’s been almost two weeks since the fire and I must stay I’m feeling much better; I think I’ve found a new appreciation for my gift.
It doesn’t hurt anymore and I can move around easier, the people of court, Scotland, France etc. know of what happened now, one of the nobles let it slip and he was stripped of his title and everything for exposing a royal secret. All that showed of my injury now was a pink-shh scar and now and then it hart a little but it was bearable and went unnoticed.
Jonathon and I were in the court yard sparing with our lances and so far, I was winning but I know he was letting me and to be honest I was manipulating the wind to allow me to have an advantage. We spared for hours until we were interrupted by Francis. We stopped sparing and faced him;
“Mary wants us gathered in the throne room in an hour, so change and look like royals” he laughed and walked back inside. We laughed and called it quits for now.
“I wonder what Mary wants with us?” I said as we walked back inside.
“Probable going to lecture us about our training or inform us of some new crisis in the kingdoms…” I said with a light laugh.
“Probable…” he grinned, with a kiss on my temple, we parted way when we got inside, Rebekah and I went to my chambers and I changed into a long sleeved, flowy dress that hugged the shape of my body, it was black with silver embroidery along the arms and torso, from the waist down it was flowy and plain – black. Leaving my hair down, Rebekah placed my head-piece in my hair and touched up my make-up and put on my nations crest ring.
We walked down the Gallery towards the throne room where Mary, Francis, Jonathon, Bash – which was surprising because he was meant to be in France for Francis, helping Charles.
“What’s going on? Why is Bash here?” I asked as me, Rebekah and Jonathon stood before them.
“Well there’s good news and sort of good news” Mary started;
“The good news is, we found the man who injured you, Sofia. He was found dead by the border to England.”
“That’s great?” I said signing in relief; I could sleep through the night now.
“…what’s the other sort of good news” Jonathon asked.
This time bash spoke, “there are some things going on in France and they need the legitimate next air and their king so we all talked about it and agreed that Jonathon and Francis should come back with me and sort out the situation” Bash explained
There was silence for a few moments while everything was being processed.
“What about Charles? Or Katherine” I ask.
“Charles has gone into hiding after the attack on him. And I’m sure you know, everyone disperses Katherine. Jonathon’s a good choice, if anything were to happen to Henry or Charles, Jonathon’s next in line. Not to mention once you two are married, you as well become Queen of France.” Francis explained.  I stayed silent after.
“For how long?” Jonathon asked a few moments later.
“Not sure maybe a month or two, don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard. You’d mostly just be doing visits to the villages affected by the rebels, council meetings, gatherings etc.” Bash explained.
Again, there was silence for a minute or two then Jonathon responded;
“When do we leave” was all that was said by Jonathon as a yes. I was a little upset at first because of the separation but quickly regained control of my emotions and realised this was normal because once he is king he’ll be traveling more often.
Rebekah and I left the throne room for we were no longer needed and joined Mathew, Rosemary and Lauren in the gallery for drinks and entertainment.
“So, Sofia, how do you feel about being apart from Jonathon for two weeks?” Rose asked, news travels fast around court I’ve come to realise over the years.
“Honestly, I’m a little upset but I know that once he becomes king he’ll be traveling more and I’m ok with it, I wish he didn’t have to but…” I trailed off but they knew what I meant so… yeah.
Half an hour later Jonathon came into site and pulled me aside to talk;
“So, when do you leave?” I asked as we stepped to the side by the window looking over the water behind the courts wall on the south side.
“At first light. They want me in France as soon as possible, apparently, there are rebels in the villages causing mayhem and want to know why their king has not returned and why Frances’ brother Charles is taking over and making orders in the King’s name. There have also been attacks on the castle but so far they have been unable to enter, the courts on high alert.” He explained
“It’s really that bad…I’m glad you and Francis are going to sort it out”
“Yeah, but it’s going to be lonely without you there. When u think about it you and I have never been apart across oceans, apart from the time you went to Romania for the anniversary of your parents and coronation but still, I was with you for the coronation so…” he trailed off. The mention of my parents made my thoughts wonder to the day they died, I was young yes but I could remember it clearly, I could hear my mother’s voice telling me to be strong, keep my head up and them both say they loved me with all their hearts.
Thinking of them brought tears to my eyes, tears that Jonathon wiped away in one swift motion and pulled me into a worming, loving hug. There was silence for a few moments then Jonathon spoke, stepping out of the hug but in arm’s length.
“How about you and I spend the evening together, I’ll sneak into your room like when we were kids” he said with a charming smile.
“Sounds great. I’m still having nightmares but my birthday that will hopefully be at bay now that the treat is no longer a threat, for now anyway. My uncle is still trying to kill me and take my crown, country, titles etc.”
“I’m sorry this is happening. Don’t worry, were working on it, you’re totally safe here.” He assured me.
“Even with you gone for two weeks. A lot can happen in two weeks. And you’ll miss the winter solstice festival; it’s your favourite event.”
“Yeah, I know, but it’s a three-day event. I’ll only miss the first two days”
“I know, I’m sorry. I worry too much, I know, recent events have me worrying a lot. I’ll be ok.”
“Well good and you have no need to worry; you only need to worry about dresses, party’s etc.”
“Yeah” was all I said; we both laughed and walked back to the others and joined the conversations and drinks before dinner.
After dinner Rebekah, Rosemary, Lauren and I sat on the window in my chambers with a bottle of wine and talked for a few hours before we called it a night. Bekah helped me change out of my dress and into my white, silk night gown then retired to her chambers for the evening.
As he’d promised Jonathon returned later that evening through the tunnels and surprised me with kisses and flowers. Blowing out the last of the lights/candles but the ones beside my bed we laid in bed in each-other’s arms – me in my gown him only in shorts.
“Did I mention I love you” he whispered in my ear.
“A few times. I love you too” I said looking up in his chocolate eyes.
“I’m going to miss you while you’re in France.” I said, resting my head on his chest, our hands entwined, and our arms around each other.
“I’m going to miss you too. Especially when you still recovering. Are you sure you’re ok?” he asked concerned.
Signing I said “I’m sure. I’ll write to you every week. Promises”
“Hmm…ok” was all he said, he hummed a soft tone to me to help me fall asleep and it was working. Soon after my eyes got heavy and I drifted to sleep in the arms of whom I love the most.

I woke up the following morning to the sound of someone moving beside me. I opened my eyes to a sad sight, Jonathon getting ready to leave, the thought of yesterday’s conversation with Mary and Francis brought tears to my eyes, quickly I wiped them away before Jonathon saw.
“Good Morning” he said coming over to me. I sat up in the bed and moved to the edge.
“Morning…” I got up and walked over to the window, avoiding his eyes, trying to keep the tears at bay. I heard him approach behind me and placed his hand on my shoulder, turning me towards him, he cupped my face with both his hands, our eyes connecting.
“Oh, please, don’t cry. I’ll be back before you know it”
“I know. I hate crying in front of you, it makes me feel weak” I confessed, wiping my tears away again.
“You never look weak in my eyes. You are the bravest woman I know, aside from my mother.” He laughed, making me laugh also.
“Thanks, that makes me feel better.” I said with a smile on my face.
“Good. I don’t want you feeling upset when I’m about to leave” I grinned in relief as he stepped closer and lowered his face to mind, his mouth twisted into a glorious smirk just as our lips touched. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. His arms wrapped around my waist pulling me into a deeper embrace. Before things went any further there was a knock at my door.
We pulled apart and I walked over to the bed, putting on my dressing gown over my night gown and went to open the door. When the door opened, I was greeted by Mary.
“May I come in?”
“Of ‘Cause” I stood aside to let her in and closed the door.
“Good Morning Jonathon, I see this is where you wore last night” Mary stated standing in front of the fire place.
“Yeah, don’t worry, nothing happened” he said, I just nodded in agreement.
“Good. Well you will be riding out in half-an-hour with your father, Bash and his guards.” Mary explained, seriously.
“Thank you, I’ll be ready shortly.” He assured her.
“Ok well, I’ll leave you too it” she finished and walked towards the door. Before she left turned to me and said;
“You should get ready also, after Jonathon and Francis have left we have work to do. Oh, and I got one of the servants to bring up your food.” She added. I only nodded and she walked out, closing the door behind her. A few moments later the servant delivered our food and left.
“So” I said eating a grape walking towards him, “Want to help me get dresses?” I asked wrapping my arms around his waist.
“Tempting…what dress did you have in mind?”
We walked over to my dress cupboard and looked through it; “How about this one?” I asked, taking out a black puffy skirt one-shoulder dress with a gold belt.
“Beautiful.” He smirked.
With his help, I put the dress on and did my hair in a high bun with plates, put on my mother’s necklace with her name on it and rings then a bit of make-up and heals. We emerged from my chambers and walked through the gallery through to the court yard where the entire court waited for our arrival.
We stood in the court yard in each-other’s arms, trying to control my tears.
“I’ll miss you, don’t worry I’ll right every chance I get”
“I know, I’m going to miss you too. I love you”
“I love you too. Be strong ok, and be careful, don’t over train and injury yourself again ok. I want to be sure your safe; there are still many enemies after you. You’re my everything.”
“You’re my everything also. And I promise to be safe. I love you, you be safe ok.”
“I will be” he assured me. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into a tight embrace. We stayed like that for a few minutes before he pulled away and lowered his face to mind, our lips connecting and becoming one again. After a few moments, we pulled apart again and he walked over to his horse got up, looking back at me as he rode off into the distance. I walked up to the gate and watched as he disappeared into the horizon.
“Don’t worry Sofia; he’ll be back before you know it. Now we have business to attend to.” Mary said behind me. I nodded and we walked back inside the court with everyone else and into the throne room.

The next week dragged by uneventful and a little boring. When I wasn’t with Mary and the council I was either training with Rebekah or Mathew, in the gallery or gardens with Rebekah, Lauren, Rosemary and some of their ladies.
As promised I received letters from Jonathon 3 times a week and I wrote him every second day, mostly him writing how much he loves and misses me and about the disturbances in the villages, the prodestants and rebels trying to convert catholic etc.

3 weeks after Jonathon and Francis left we were expecting royal visitors today - from my mother’s side of the family - from Italy that were still loyal to my family. I wore a slightly dark red layered dress with a V neck and black collar. I put on my crown and jewels then once Rebekah and I were ready we walked through the hall towards the throne room where we are greeting Duke Abraham Lawrence and his wife, my distant aunt, Lucinda Lawrence.
All the people in court were gathered and Mary and I stood in front of the thrones.
“Mary. What do we know about them, why didn’t they visit sooner when the news of my family passed and the threat and attempt on my life? Why now?” I asked quietly.
“I honestly don’t know, I’m a little confused myself, but there reaching out and I think you should give them a chance. Ok…”
“Yeah, I guess, I think I’m just a little nerve and afraid, I know I shouldn’t be but I am.”
“Sofia, its ok to be nerves and afraid sometimes, just don’t let it show in front of your enemy. I was afraid a lot while at French court and meeting new people. Don’t worry, just hold your head up high and be aware of your posture. Ok” she finished with a worming, supportive smile.
“Thanks Mary, I really appreciate you taking me and Rebekah in and raising us as your own. I owe you a lot, and I grateful you’re allowing Jonathon and I to wed.”
“There’s no reason to thank me. You and Jonathon remind me of Francis and I and I know when two people are truly meant for each other and are in love.”
A few minutes later the music sounded that they had arrived and I stood up straighter lifting my head a little. Soon they walked in looking a little intimidating with 15 to 20 guards, walked up to us and bowed.
“Greeting’s, your Majesties, thank you for allowing us into your home. Please accept, our condolences for the loss of your family, Queen Sofia and Princess Rebekah” said Duke Abraham.
“Thank you Duke. I’m grateful to meet you finally.” Is all I said, Rebekah remaining silent but silently gave thanks.
“We welcome you, your family and your guards to stay to discuss the issues in Romania and hopefully form a new alliance between Spain, Rome, France and Scotland with the marriage of her Majesty Sofia and our oldest son, Prince Jonathon” Mary spoke.
“Yes, I look forward to discussing it, maybe over the feast tomorrow evening after the tournament.” He said
“Of ‘Cause, our guards will show you to your chambers, in the mean time between now and the tournament tomorrow please enjoy your stay here.”
“Thank you Queen Mary. If’s it’s not too much to ask, my wife Lucinda would like a privet conversation with Queen Sofia and Princess Rebekah if that’s ok” he asked
Looking over to me and Rebekah Mary nodded for us to accept.
“Thank you duke, I’m sure my sister and I would appreciate a conversation with you Duchess Lucinda” I said.
“Thank you.” Was all she said for the first time since being here?
Everyone in the room exited and went back to their daily routine, when it was only me, Mary and Rebekah we went and sat on the window seat and talked about tomorrow’s events.
“Tomorrow or this evening the dutches will be coming to talk with you and no matter what she says you two are to tell me everything. We still don’t know much about these people and wither they are a threat or not.” She said.
“And, I know Sofia you want to be in the tournament and I know that was the plan but now that the duke is here its best you withdraw yourself. We want them to see you as a Queen, and participating in tournament is what we don’t want?”
“Why? They should know I can take care of myself and fight not just be a Queen that negotiates politics and sits around doing embroidery and planning parties. Not to mention just sitting around and waiting.” I explained, annoyed.
“Look Sofia we get it but…maybe Mary has a point.  I mean what if they are a part of the plan to talk your crown away. Not to mention you were stabbed a few weeks ago”
“Even more reason to be in the tournament, over the week that they’re here they’ll see that I can me a queen that is capable to rule my counties, hold my titles and keep my crown, as well as fight to save my life. And my injury is pretty much gone, thanks to my abilities” I said annoyed.

There were a few moments of silence while they thought and I just sat there, eventually signing I got up and started walking towards the exit.
“Sofia, where are you going?” Mary half yelled standing up. Stopping I turned and said;
“I need to clear my head. Don’t worry; I can talk care of myself. I’m not a piece of china that needs to be cared for. My gift protects me, it’s my secret weapon and I’m not withdrawing from the tournament. Now please, leave me along.” I half yelled and stormed out towards my chambers to change into my riding attire and went to the stables.
I walked over to my horse Areal in the stall beside where Jonathon’s horse uses to be.
I saddled her up and took her out, racing through the woods. When I felt a bit calmer I slowed down and went to a flower meadow I found a few years ago, I’d go there whenever I felt sad, overwhelmed or angry. The flowers, colours and sunlight always calmed and assured me that everything was going to be alright – even Jonathon doesn’t know of this place, one my closest guard Simon knew.
I lay in the centre of the field and looked up at the sky, getting lost in my thoughts. I don’t see why Mary told me to withdrawal from tomorrow’s events but, thinking about it now, I realised I need to be more of a Queen then a fighter. After a few hours, I got up and road back to court, I entered through the side gate and into a small court yard, dismounted and my guard took her to the stables.
After withdrawing from tournament tomorrow, I went in search of Mary to tell her. I found her in her study with Duke Abraham.
“Oh, my apologies, I was not aware you had company” I said after walking in. as I was about to leave Duke Abraham said;
“It’s alright. I was just leaving.” He said and walked out. When the door closed and it was Mary and I, I walked over to the chair near her desk and sat there.
“Where have you been?” Mary asked, displeased. Great.
“I needed to get away. To think and…I’ve withdrawn from tomorrow’s tournament, as I was riding I thought about what you said, about the position I’m in currently, with my country wanting me dead, and showing the Duke I’m fit to run my nations. I need to be more of a Queen who can take control of her title, a Queen who fights through alliance’s and deal, not a Queen who physically fights for sport and fun, and if by any chance I need to be in a fight, they will not expect it. We have no knowledge of their intentions and it’ll be best to no show my physical strengths, I’m confident I can do whatever is needed of a Queen.” I explained. There were a few moments of silence as she taught.
“Well done, you made a good choice. Your parents would be proud of your choice. And as for their reasons of attending, the Duke wants nothing more than to support you taking back your thrown and strengthen you rule here in Scotland, France and Romania.”
“Is that why he was here when I arrived?”
“Yes, but he still seems shady, we need to be careful.” I nodded in agreement and she continued.
“At the festivities tomorrow night, after the feast there will be dancing and the Duke will likely ask for a dance, try your best to keep your gifts, under control. As you surely know the next few days your power will be at its strongest, you need to slip away or retire to your chambers before anything happens. The room below your chambers has been prepared and Rebekah will cover for you with the Duke. I’m sure I don’t need to remind you of any of this.”
“NO, I don’t need a reminder. I already feel it rising-up in me, it’s getter stronger as I get older, I‘m only  if need be I may need to leave the castle, just in case, I feel as though it’s getting harder to control.”
“Inform you guards if you do leave.” She finished. I left shortly after and went to my chambers. I wrote to Jonathon about today’s events and how I hope things will end up. As I finished my letter my messenger arrived, holding a letter, from Jonathon.
My lovely Sofia.
Things have grown more troubling here in France, my father and Bash are doing their best to control the rebels, but they have camped out in the forest line on the boundaries of court. I miss you so very much. I apologise but I won’t be able to write to you for a week or so, the court is on lock down. I wish you luck for the next following week with the Duke and Dutches, be safe. I know tomorrow is the beginning of the cycle, your gifts growing, I’m sorry I can’t be there; I know it’s going to be difficult, be strong.
All my Love, Jonathon. Xoxoxoxox
After reading the letter I informed my page to tell Mary then sat out on the privet balcony with a glass of wine and a book until dinner. I walked in the dining room for dinner and sat beside my sister;
“Hay, is everything ok?” she asked
“Yes I’m Ok, just a little under the weather. I can feel my powers growing; it’s not like the other times. I’m struggling to control it this time.” I say quietly, not wanting Mary or anyone to overhear. Half way through dinner I feel my hands hearing up and the power rushing through my blood.
“Excuse me please.” I quickly said, standing up and rushing out trying not to use my super speed. I hear Mary calling me but I can’t hear her. I run out the courts walls, into the forest, letting out my powers when I was far enough away.
When I’m deep in the woods and feel I know I won’t be able to harm anyone I fall to the ground and let it ALL out, screaming out the pain. A ring of fire surrounds me and the wind picked up extensively, blowing all around me, the fire growing higher and bigger around me, totally out of my control. I don’t know why but it’s only my natural – water, earth, fire and wind – powers that seem to be growing at a faster rate than my other gifts – strength, hearing, speed, vision etc. this is all too much power to control I fell it’s not over and will keep growing, I have to get farther away before anyone catches on to this and someone comes looking, they’ll be able to see the flames if they keep growing, I panicky think, not wanting anyone to get hurt. Using my speed I speed off towards the ocean where it’s secluded and safe. After what feels like hours but in reality only about half an hour, I reach the ocean and like before I let it all out, the water around becoming more unsettled.
It all becomes too overwhelming and I don’t know how long I can handle this, I start to fell lightheaded, weak, tired and completely out of energy. I lay on the sand, once again surrounded by fire, water and wind. I was grateful when my earth element didn’t start an earthquake or something - that’ll be hard to hide– and soon my vision blurred everything around me fainted into darkness.