May 16, 1903...
What a lovely day I had today. Mother was out with the others looking for a princess to marry off Gerald to so I snuck out to meet Bartley.
We had alot of stories to tell each other on top of all the canoodling. If I was going to plan an escape, it was now or never.
Footsteps...
Olivia quickly puts away her journal and pretends to be combing her hair.
"Olivia, what are you doing up so late? Should you not rest so that prince Frederick can see you well on the morrow?" Asks her mother.
"Oh you know I don't like that prince. I'd rather stay lonely than be married off to some rich prince who doesn't know how to keep himself." Responds Olivia.
"You enjoy punishin the innocent don't yah? Let us see what your secret lover will say once we catch him."
"Yah don't know a thing about me life. I should probably call yah the proud for nothin queen."
That lands her a slap and punishment of no dinner. That is when she starts feeling sick and goes to her personal doctor to consult.
When she tells her everything, Olivia realises what she must do for the survival of the future.
When the queen leaves her room, she sends for Gerald and tells him to post a letter to the village to inform Bartley of the news.
***
The next few months for Olivia were not easy. She would always make an excuse not to attend dinner or balls and would secretly visit her doctor to ensure the health and safety of her and the life she was carrying.
When her feet started swelling and she started vomitting, the queen saw her isolated and made sure nobody visited her. Only Gerald went against her wishes.
It was when the queen discovered that she was expecting that Olivia decided to take her leap of bravery and in cohoots with Gerald, she ran away from the dreaded castle.
***
"Did anyone follow yah?" Asks Bartley.
"Nobody's aware that she is out here. No worries, I will take care of that." Answers Gerald.
Olivia then shows herself, her belly now grown fully and exhausted as she was, tries to fan herself as she listens to the two bickering.
"Well we best get out of here. It won't be long before that witch decides to scower the land for me." She says.
With a pat on the back, Gerald holds down the reigns of Olivia's horse and lets her climb up then Bartley climbs in behind her.
"Take care of her." Says Gerald.
As they wave goodbye, they ride away as fast as they can before the sun shows its face and the queen realises what has been done.
***
"How long before we welcome the wee little bundle?" Asks Bartley looking at her lovingly.
"Just a month and we will get to meet our baby." She says.
He slows down the horse and as they come to a stop, he gets off and ties it to a nearby tree then helps her off it.
Before carrying her into the hut, he covers her in kisses and tells her how happy he was when he received the news.
She feels pleased and worried at the same time because she was with the love of her life and a baby on the way, but for how long?
YOU ARE READING
Destined Hope
Ficción histórica"Go! They will surely have our heads if they know of this!" She says handing the baby to him. The guards are catching on and there is no time left. With one last look, she says, "Promise me you will never let her out of your sight." "But..." he sta...
