The Widow

Chapter Seven: The Heart is a Hurricane

A full month has past since the young couples wedding, still Emelie could not wrap her head around the bond. Because of the war, Ouen has not been around to remind Emelie of their marriage, and she too became busy on the third week after the second ball since their families binding. As the new princess of Chartres, Emelie was forced to make herself known; feed the outer skirts of the kingdom that suffered the most with war and riots, go to other balls and lunches with lords and ladies, drink tea with the the minister, and even go to church every Sunday to pray and serve bread and water- which she held no problem with doing the good deed. However, her time spent with Ouen became wary, and she found herself missing the man.

The middle of the long week were her downtime where she can sneak off and hid in her secret spot at the top of the palace. She sat in the old creaking rocking chair and took in the sunlight that the little window provided, taking a deep breath of dust and spiderwebs, Emelie found her sense of calm and relaxation.

"This is where you hide." Unfortunately, Emelie's secret hiding place weren't much of a secret anymore. Queen Elizabeth entered the small room, eyes wandered around the dusty cobweb filled space, face twisted in disgust.

"Queen Elizabeth." The young woman stood to her feet, eyes wide and stomach twists in embarrassment and shame. "I apologize, I just needed a little quiet time-"

"No need to explain yourself dear. I remember when I first strayed up here, sat just beyond the window and basked in the sunlight. However, if anyone see you escape your duties, they will not be so understanding."

Emelie nod her head in understanding, "I see."

Elizabeth sighed heavily while stepping further into the room, her fingertips glide along the cold stone wall, and she looked very out of place in the tiny cold room with her bright clothing and perfect powdered hair. "How are you liking your new home? For the past month we see each other from afar but never spoken."

"The palace is beautiful when the sunlight hits the walls, the servants are to themselves, and you all are so kind and pleasant. I am pleased to be under your roof and receiving your good graces."

The older woman gave a small smile, her pale cheeks turned pink and emerald eyes brightened with the help of sunlight. "So kind, Emelie. So innocent and pure, I do pray you keep that innocence- age and time tends to turn an angel into a witch, just look at Dion's mother."

Emelie released a small giggle when thinly of the old woman that was still in the palace walls, because of her bad knees and low immune system, Martha barely escapes her room or one of the sitting rooms. Emelie managed to keep her distance from the old woman, but some moments they see each other. "When are my duties easier?"

"When you birth your first child. Soon those duties would to be a mother and not the representation of nurture in Chartres. Let's just pray you give birth soon."

The young woman could only stare out the window, children was not on her mind, especially when her and Ouen are just exploring each other; their passion was still building up, and she's starting to care for him as a friend and lover. A child will only interfere on the process, she was afraid their marriage would be dampened with scandals and affairs, like most married men all over the world and even woman. "Yes, perhaps." She said in agreement it ease the extra ounce of focus from her mother-in-law.

Later that day, Emelie stepped back into the world. The sun was already touching the horizon, her duties were done, the maids have already dusted every inch of the halls, made the beds, and now preparing the dining room for supper. Just the thought of food made Emelie's stomach growl. While walking through the halls until supper is ready, the young woman came across the music rooms. The first time she stepped foot into the bright and large marble room was the first week of their marriage, being that the week before the marriage was so busy and they never had time to know each other personally.