When a maid of honor to the Queen is rescued by a handsome and contentious pirate, she has to spend three days aboard his ship before returning to court. But is three days time long enough to truly get to know someone? And is English court as diffic...
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Isabel blushed at James' words being repeated by her sister, her pink lips twitching upward at the word alluring being used to describe her. Never had she thought a man, let alone one like James, would think such a thing about her. With a fluttery heart, she agreed to James' proposal. Celia knew deep down that their life together would be nothing short of happy and prosperous.
Later that evening, as Celia removed the intricately woven wig from Elizabeth's head, her fingers trembled. The words Elizabeth had spoken to James, defending Celia, replayed over and over again in her head. She was furious with herself for falling into Cassandra's ill words.
"Is something the matter?" Elizabeth asked.
The Queen soaked in a hot bath by a blazing fire. Roses floated on the surface of the cloudy water, and steam was rising from it.
Celia stood on the opposite side of the room, arranging Elizabeth's jewelry. "Not at all, your Grace."
"It's alright to feel sorry for yourself."
"I'm happy for my sister. She deserves nothing less than happiness, and Lord Berkeley will provide her that."
"But he could've provided you with that," Elizabeth said.
"I try my best to put others before myself, your Majesty."
"An admirable quality," she replied. "Remember what I said, though, Celia. It's alright to be sad in privacy."
Celia clenched her teeth together, scanning the room with her eyes. Cassandra and Beatrice had just finished their nightly duties and were dismissed, but Celia and Margaret remained to see the Queen off to bed. She looked over at Margaret, whose head was tilted and eyes cast down to the floor.
"I assure you, your Majesty, there is no need for me to grieve the loss of Lord Berkeley's proposal."
Elizabeth hummed. The water sloshed in the tub as she slid down to allow her head to lean against the back of it. "Who shall your next suitor be, then?"
"If I may, who has the counsel convinced you to be your next suitor?" Celia asked, her mouth dry with nerves. Elizabeth's response would prove whether or not she valued Celia as a friend, or simply a pawn.
Elizabeth sighed. "Archduke Ferdinand of Austria."
No harsh words from Elizabeth. Celia felt relieved. "And what are your thoughts on the match?"
"He repulses me."
"Have you met him yet?"
"No," Elizabeth said. "I have no doubt they will bring him to court, though, and when they do, I want you by my side every step of the way. You must be there to rescue me from my doom."
Celia smiled. "Of course, your Grace." There was a brief pause as Celia felt her confidence begin to wash away. It was replaced by the words of Beatrice, warning her that Harry could sail away any day. Celia gulped down her fear. "And how long will the pirates be at court?"
