(ON HOLD. Editing) Alliances and Destiny's

Chapter Five

I wake up to the sun coming through the window in my room the next morning. I sit up in my bed, look around me room, not remembering how I got here. I sat in my bed trying to remember what happened last night when my door opens and Mary and Rebekah walk in.
“Sofia, oh thank got your awake.” Mary signed, both coming over and sitting at the end of my bed.
“We were so worried? Are you ok” Rebekah asked, handing me a cup of water.
“I…I think so. How’d I get back here?” I asked, confused. They looked to each other for a moment then back to me.
“A guard and I rode out after the storm passed. We found you miles away from court in the forest, you were unconscious. We brought you back here and had the court doctor check you, he said you were fine, just exhausted and to let you sleep…” Rebekah paused looking to Mary again, I looked up to Mary said;
“How long have I been asleep?” I asked worried of the answer.
Signing Mary said, “four days, we thought… we were worried you wouldn’t wake up.”
I lay back in bed again looking up to the ceiling. If I’ve been asleep for 4 days than that means the Duke and Dutches have left, they were leaving the day after the tournament.
“Wait, so have the duke and duchess left?” I asked sitting up looking to Mary.
“Unfortunately yes, they left the day after last. Thinking you wouldn’t wake up. The tournament was cancelled and Duke Abraham kept pushing to know what happened, what caused the sudden storm and where you were. All I told him was that you were resting from a late ride and visitors were not allowed without my ok and supervision.”
“Ok, so why is his departure unfortunate?” I asked confused.
“Because before he left he made some horrible remarks”
“Such as?”
“He said you were unfit to be a queen and that because your still not of age he has a strong claim to you thrown, being your only blood relative, unless, by miracle, our mother turns up” Rebekah said, trying to lighten the mood. No one spoke for a few minutes while I processed all this. The Duke can take my thrown, my family’s legacy and I don’t know how to stop him, I could make him my reign until next year until I am of age or I could get the pope to declare me of age early – if it’s possible. I wish my mother was here, she’d know what to do, or Jonathon. Than I had a thought;
“What if we find our mother or we get the vidicon to declare me of age early?” I said looking to both Mary and Rebekah.
They looked to each other for a moment then Mary looked me in the eye and said;
“Sofia, your mother, we have no idea where she would be, she went missing for almost 15 years now, there’s a slim chance of finding her and we don’t know if she’s even alive. I’m sorry” she said sympathetically resting her hand on mine.
“What about the vidicon?”
“I’m not sure, it’s a possibly, I’ll look into it. In the mean time you need to get your strength back. Stay in here until you feel up to re-join us ok,” Mary said changing the subject, standing up.
“I’ll send for some food, do you want me to stay?” Rebekah asks.
“Please stay, I need my sister, someone to tell someone I love & trust.”
“Of cause I’ll stay.” She jumped on the bed lying beside me.
“I’ll get you both some food.” Mary said before she said something to the guard, focusing my hearing; “No one comes in without her ok and please notify me immediately” What was that about? I thought, I let it go and faced Rebekah.
“So, can I ask what happened?” she said unsure of my response/reaction.
I told her everything that happened that night, causing the storm, fire etc. up until I woke up this morning. She told me all that happened while I was asleep, other than what I already know while we ate fruit and berries with bread.
“Oh, I almost forgot. These were delivered for you while you were sleeping; one came last night, the other the night you… lost control.” She said getting up and walking over to my writing table where I do all my letters etc. she opened a draw and took out two letters.
“There from Jonathon” she handed them to me and sat at my feet on the bed. I sat up crossed legged and looked down at his seal.
“Do you want to be alone?” she said a few moments later.
“Yes please, I’ll come find you later. Oh and Rebekah, could you tell Mary what I told you about that night. I don’t think I can go through it again, I already have to tell Jonathon and that’s hard enough”
“Of cause sis. See you later” she said closing the door behind her.
I got up off the bed and walked out on the privet balcony, lent on the stone wall and opened the first letter. It read;
Hello my dearest Sofia.
I’ve got good news, the lockdown on court was lifted because the rebels in France are settling and Francis and I will be returning tonight, we should arrive in Scotland in 5 days, can’t wait to see you, how are you? I miss you. See you in a few days. How did things turn out with the Duke and Dutches? Tell me all about it when I return.
All my Love Jonathon.xxx
I opened the second letter that came last night;
Sofia, my love.
I know you probably won’t read this until you wake up, Mary said you were resting after you lost control. News of the storm reached our ship, we don’t arrive for another week but I hope you’re ok, I know the storm was caused by your power getting out of control. I hope you tell me about it more when I see you in two days.
Love Jonathon xxx
I set the letter down with the other one and walked back into my room. I got the maids to draw me a bath then dressed in a simple cream colour silk with lace sleeves dress and left my hair down, only wearing a peal headpiece Jonathon gave me for my birthday. I took a deep breath before opening my door and walking out into the hallway towards the gallery where I re-joined the rest of the court. After that day I spent the next two distracting myself from the thought of what will happen in two days-time when Francis and Jonathon arrive and I’ll have to tell them both what happened and is happening to me. Since I woke up I feel my powers growing, becoming stronger and expanding, but as they grow, so dose my control – which I’m thankful for – and I’ve noticed little things at times, when I walk past a candle it lights, when I’m sitting on the balcony or training with James and its hot I summon wind to cool it down.
This morning I was in the tunnels after a training session, I took the tunnels because I wasn’t meant to be out of my room after a public argument I had with Mary about training with James so soon.
This afternoon Francis and Jonathon arrive and I don’t want to be here when they arrive, not because I don’t want to see them – I’ve been waiting so long to see Jonathon – but because I couldn’t face their sympathy and questions, it makes me feel weak when other people take pity or show sympathy for things in the past, I just want to move on.
I sent my guards and servants away and dressed into my riding gear, using the tunnels to get to the stables. When I reached the stables I was glad to see no one in site, I saddled up Areal and when I was leading her out I could hear a carriage in the distance, I looked towards the roads and saw Francis & Jonathon’s carriage and everyone gathered in the court yard. I mounted up and rode off into the forest away from the court, I felt like someone was watching me but I ignored it and rode. I rode for ages until I reached edge of the forest line where the border cliffs by the ocean where there was an old gazebo. I found it when I first lost control years ago, not many people know about it, I don’t know if Jonathon knows or not. I got down off Areal, letting her eat the grass, and walked over to the bench in the gazebo, red and white rose vines were wrapped around the collems, rales and roof. I would sit there for hours and grow the vines and roses watching the sunset and the ocean.
A few hours later I heard a horse in the distance and Areal got spooked, I quickly got up to stop her from running. I looked towards the woods and was a little scared, surprised and confused to see Jonathon riding towards me. Signing I tied Areal up and sat back down, knowing I now have to him about the other week. I don’t know why I feel this way about telling him, I tell him everything and don’t feel this way – why do I feel like he’s going to be angry or something that I lost control.
“Sofia…” his voice brings me out of my thought; he sits down beside me with a saddened expression. I say nothing and wait for him to speak, looking out at the ocean.
“I understand why you left before Francis and I arrived, I saw you ride off from the carriage…” he pauses; “…when we arrived and Mary lied, saying you were resting, I told her I saw you leave and asked why, than they told me about what happened while I was away… why didn’t you tell me in your letters?” he asked, sadness and hurt laced his voice.
“I’m sorry, I was scared” I say quietly, avoiding his gaze.
“Why were you scared?”
“I was scared you’d think I was weak, that you might be angry that I messed things up with the duke and that I could keep in control…” I trailed off. There was silence for a few moments before he spoke again.
“I would never be angry or upset about any of that, I know you can’t help it when you lose control. And about the duke, its ok, things like that can be fixed. But if anything bad happened to you, that can’t be fixed. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something like that happened and you were hurt to the point where even your powers couldn’t heal… will you promise me something?” he asked, taking my hand in his. I look up at him for the first time since he came.
“Of causes, anything” I almost whisper.
“Promise me you won’t ever fear what I many say or do when something like that or worse happens again. I can’t promise that I won’t get mad at times but please, tell me these things. You know I trust you in full and with my life.”
“I promise I’ll tell you. I trust you in full and with my life. I have since I met you, granted it took us both time but we got there” I finished, and moved into his lap, wrapped in his strong arms.
There was silence again for a minute or so, we just sat in each other’s arms and admired the view.
“I missed this, being in your arms.” I said sitting up to take in his appearance, he had dark circles under his eyes – needing sleep – and his hair was a little ruffed up and his shirt was half untied. Even in this state he looked amazing to me.
“So have I. I love you”
“I love you.” He pulled me closer in his arms and brought his face down to mine, connecting our lips in a kiss. As we kissed I could hear thunder above us and the beginning of a storm. It started to rain and we pulled apart laughing.
“I swear this isn’t me, its nature.” I assure his, making us both laugh more.
“We should probably head back before it get heaver and one of us catches a cold.” He says getting up, pulling me up too.
“Yeah, let’s go. There’s a welcome home party for you and Francis tonight, and we need to get ready”
“Ready together?” he asks, I catch the hidden meaning behind it and blush a little.
“Sadly no” he gives me a leg up onto Areal and we do a light trot back through the forest, he talked about what he did in France and said he had a few gifts for me waiting back at court and he’ll give them to me tonight.
“So, do you want to race back.” I say. It’s still raining heavily.
“You think you can keep up.” He challenges. I just laugh and race off, leaving him in the wind behind me. He catches up to me and we ride side by side until we reach the section of the woods where the road comes into view beside us. The court main entry comes into view and they guards open the gates into the courtyard where I stop and get off Areal, Jonathon following behind.
“Ha, I win. What’s my reward.” I smile walking over to him; - the guards take our horses to the stables – and placing my hands on my hips in the rain.
“A kiss” he says closing the gap between us. We both are soaking wet standing in the rain kissing. After a few moments someone clears their throat behind us and we pull apart, turning around. There, under the cover out of the rain stood Mary and Francis.
“I see you found Sofia, Jonathon. You two best come inside before you get sick” Francis said in a monotone then went back inside.
“He doesn’t seem pleased.” I said as we walked inside.
“When he saw you were gone when we arrived he was angry, the princess disappearing, not greeting the king and prince like a princess should. Don’t take it personally, he’s been in a bad mood since France; Hennery and he had a heated argument during the lockdown, I don’t know what it was about but it really annoyed him.” He explained.
He walked me to my chambers where we said goodbye and went to dry off and get ready for the party. After I bathed and dried I looked through my gowns trying to decide what to wear. I settled on a strapless white, slightly pink ball gown dress with a purl beaded design. I put on my heals and the maids styled my hair in plats and beads, sitting my silver and gold head piece in my hair. Once my makeup was done and I was ready I walked out through the halls towards the throne room, when I turned the corner into the gallery I saw people walking in.
When I reached the entrance the room stoped for a moment and everyone bowed their heads in respect before returning to their conversations. I walked around the room, greeting nobles etc. as I made my way towards Mary and Francis who were sitting on the thrones.
“You’re Majesties.” I bowed. Once I reached them.
“Queen Sofia” they both said.
“I’d like to apologies for not attending when you arrived today. I’m sure Mary has told you why but I just wanted to clarify. I didn’t attend because I was afraid of what you and Jonathon might say about my loss of control and messing thing up with the Duke. Jonathon had explained that it’s all forgiven but I wanted to tell you myself.” I finish, waiting for their response.
They looked to each other for a moment before Francis said; “It’s ok Sofia, please enjoy the evening. Jonathon should be here shortly, he’s just finishing up some business for me with James.” I thanked them then went over to my sister talking to Rosemary and Mathew.
We were all talking in a little group for a while, I kept looking around for Jonathon to enter but after half an hour I just talked and tried to not worry, wondering what business he was doing with James.
A song that I recognized very well played and I wished Jonathon was here to dance with me. It was our song.
“May I have this dance” the husky deep voice of my husband-to-be said behind me. I turned around and see him offering his hand;
“Why yes you may” I take his hand and we walk to the dance floor, he spins be around and into his arms and we waltz to our song, “What needed to be done with James?” I asked as we danced.
“We can talk about that after. For now can we just dance to our song” he asked, sounding a little tired.
“Of cause” I smiled and we took over the floor in our waltz, getting lost in the song and memories after the last spin he dipped me and we kissed. It felt like fireworks went off around us and the ball room erupted in claps and cheers. We stood up straight again, the song came to a close we bowed to each other than walked off to the side, my arm lopped around his. We stood to the side, sipping wine and watched other people dance and talked with a few people walking by.
“Jonathon, Sofia. Your dance was beautiful” Mary says coming over to us with Frances beside her.
“Thank you mother” Jonathon says, wrapping his arm around my waist.
There were a few moments of silence before Francis spoke. “Mary and I have been talking and since the Duke’s visit and Sofia’s…accident, royals and nobles in Scotland, Europe and France have been asking questions about you, Sofia and whether it’s a good choice for the two of you to marry because of the unexplained things with Sofia” Francis starts
“What do you mean” I asked
“The European government, because they don’t have an of age legitimate royal over there reigning they are questioning your power and are moving to have you replaced with a government not a Queen or King.” Francis explained
“What” I silently yelled
“Maybe we should take this somewhere more privet” Jonathon said, seeing how upset this was making me. We all agreed and walked out of the ball room and into the study where we could talk freely.
“So what does this mean for my crown, my countries and me home? What my family died for” I asked, angry.
“There is a chance that the council will be overruled. But we want you and Jonathon to go to Rome for a few months, we were also thinking of moving the wedding up and having it there, as a show of power as well as an alliance.” Mary said. The room was silent for a minute or 2, I just thought. Did I want mine and Jonathon’s wedding to be used as a show of power and just another alliance and not love. Living in Rome wouldn’t be so bad, it would give Jonathon and I a new home.
“I… I need to think by myself for a bit” I said looking at the ground and walked out the room towards the gardens near the sea wall. Ignoring whatever Jonathon, Mary and Francis were saying.
I take my shoes off and hold them, walking through the garden, thinking. If Jonathon and I move to Rome to rule we could have what we wanted for each other, Mary and Francis – we no one – knows that Jonathon doesn’t want to live in Scotland or France to rule, he was hoping to marry and move but remain king.
I sat on a bench near the fountain for a while then I heard someone behind me, turning around I see Jonathon coming around a bush. He sits next to me and holds my hand. I look into his eyes and know what he’s going to say, as always, he agrees.
“You sure you want to move to Rome with me? Your life is here after all” I say, turning away from his gaze. He places his hand on my chin/cheek turning my head to look him in the eyes again;
“I’m sure, you are my life now. I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth if I had to; I love you too much to let you go alone. I love you Sofia” he finishes, wiping away a tear under my eye, leaning closer; our lips once again collide in a soft kiss with so much meaning. We pull apart and sit in silence for a few minutes looking at the fountain.
“Do you want to go back inside now, it’s getting late and there’s still a party going on” he says, trying to lighten the mood.
“Let’s re-join the party. I could use a distracting and a drink” I smile. We get up and walk hand in hand towards the door. When we get to the door I put my shoes back on and we make our way to the ball room; we enter unnoticed and get a glass of wine.
“Care to dance?” he asks, “Of course.” I take his hand and we join the dance with everyone else.
“May I cut in?” Francis asks Jonathon. He nods and switch with Francis; we stayed silent for a few moments before he asked.
“Remember when I taught you to dance when you were 8?” he lightly laughed; I laughed and nodded “Yeah, I kept stepping on your toes. I think I’m better at riding and fighting though”
“You’re an amazing dancer, Mary and I taught you well” he finishes, we laugh about when I was a kid for a bit then as the dance came to a close he asked;
“Have you given some thought about what we discussed earlier?”
Signing I say; “I thought about it a little but until tomorrow I’m trying not to focus on it. I just got Jonathon back and want to have a stress free evening.”
“Of cause. We can talk more tomorrow” and with that the song ended and he went back to Mary. I walked off towards the food table and had a few pastries and strawberries seeing as we missed the dinner when we were talking outside.
For the remainder of the evening I danced and had wine with Jonathon, Rebekah, Rosemary and Mathew then when the party was thinning we retired to our chambers. I changed out of my ball gown and into my night garment, sent the servants away and put my robe on; I opened the tunnel door behind my desk and went to Jonathon’s room.
I lightly knock on the door and wait for him to open it, indicating that he’s alone. Moments later he opens it and I walk through; he’s only in his long pants, no shirt.
“Good evening my love” I say standing on my tippy toes to kiss him, wrapping my arms around him. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer deepening the kiss. We pull apart after a minute or so and walk over to the window seat, admiring the night sky.
“So, about earlier. Are we really ok with moving to Rome and getting married early?” I ask, unsure.
“I’m 100% ok with that. As long as I’m with you and we can are husband and wife. Are you ok with that though, I know it seems rushed but…?” He smiles down at me, a hint of worry.
“I’m ok with that, as long as I’m with you. I love you” I smile
“I love you too” leaning down we kiss again, only now deeper, full of passion and love.
I sit on his lap straddling him, my arms around his neck, my hands getting tangled through his hair, tugging when he kisses my sweet spot behind my ear. He hooks his hands under my legs, getting me to wrap them around his waist. He picks me up and carries me over to the bed, carefully laying me down and holding himself up over me; never once breaking the kiss.
Everything becomes more heated as he slides his hands up my leg under my dress, leaving a trail of goosebumps everywhere his hands or lips touch. I start to take off his belt and untie his pants when he pulls apart from my lips to look into my eyes.
“You sure. We’re not married yet?” he breaths.
“I’m sure” I breathe, his smile widens and he kisses me again with more hunger, and passion. He sits up a little pulling me with him to take off my dress and throw it on the floor, now only in my underwear; I pull off his pants and we get under the sheets. People say the first time is painful, but it wasn’t, it was amazing, indescribable.
After I laid under the sheet in Jonathans arms, my head resting on his chest listening to his heartbeat while he ran his fingers through my hair and tracing my body, leaving goosebumps again; we fell asleep in each other’s arms in pure bliss.