A Chosen Love - Book 1 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Thirteen

Elissa and Jane explored their exotic quarters with delighted exclamations.

Elissa was fascinated with the sunken marble bath, centerpiece of the elaborate bathroom. When she declared with a sigh —"I would love a bath; I can't remember when I last had one," —the apartment became a flurry of servants fetching urns of hot water to fill the receptacle for Lady Elissa to enjoy a bath.

Relaxing perfume rose in the steam from sprinkles of oils and rose-petals. The fragrant water soothed and relaxed Elissa and she felt her fears dissolving.

Estelle returned after Elissa had been dressed, to announce, "Prince Leopold released me from our betrothal." Estelle had been requested by the prince to tell Elissa this 'news'. She spoke enthusiastically, with happiness shining from her blue eyes, "I was betrothed, a few days ago, to a senior knight, Sir Noel. He's one of Leopold's closest friends."

Estelle took in Elissa's blank stare, then, as though confiding a delicious secret, she said, "I love Noel. And Leopold loves you, Elissa. The prince wishes you to become his princess."

"Me? —Surely you can't mean me?" In surprise, almost shock, Elissa sank slowly to sit upon the couch in the sitting room of this guest apartment. Her fears returned as though they had never gone. Jane and the women servants stared at this beautiful young lady whose face was a mixture of shock and anxiety.

To everyone's concern, Elissa burst into tears. The aunt quickly waved the women-folk to leave. Only Estelle remained.

"It's a great honor, to be loved by the prince," Estelle encouraged, but her voice had lost its previous fervor and her tone now offered consolation.

"It's too soon after Elissa's accident." Jane enfolded Elissa in her arms, allowing the girl to cry on her shoulder, explaining, "She not long ago laid her father to rest..."

"I heard about it." Estelle's voice was soft, but she frowned, and warned, "It won't be good for the prince to hear of this."

Turning to the open door, Estelle was mindful of listening ears. Her voice became quieter, "Leopold was very sad when he first noticed my attraction to Sir Noel. He called it a 'maiden's crush' and said I must grow out of it. I never expected to be released from our betrothal. I had accepted that it was my destiny to marry Leopold. He's a wonderful man and I could never hurt him. You'll learn to love Leopold, Elissa. He's very kind and caring. The prince is like a brother to me. Your brother, Dorai —he's good to you?"

"Dorai?" Elissa looked up at Jane. "He knew about this, Aunt Jane! Why didn't he tell me?" Shaking her head, Elissa said forlornly, "I wanted to go home to Leroy. I wanted to see Red Boy, my horse."

"Your horse?" Estelle had heard of the horse's demise.

"Yes, Red Boy." Elissa replied, staring at the wall. She spoke softly, "I had a strange dream last night. Red Boy was out in a field and it was very misty. He was trying to come to me but the mist... the mist prevented him... and he couldn't come... he was lying on his side... hurt..." Elissa's voice tapered off, and Jane and Estelle exchanged concerned glances.

"You're to meet King Friedrich and Queen Catherine, tonight," Estelle said cheerfully.

"The king and queen? Oh, I couldn't!" Elissa wrung her hands in her lap before lifting them to cover her face, seeking to conceal her nervousness. "I feel like I don't know myself anymore..."

Estelle spoke with more volume, "There's nothing to fear, Elissa. They're just ordinary people, beneath their 'royalty'! You mustn't be afraid. The king wants to meet the lady whom his son has chosen." Estelle deliberately confirmed the fact that Leopold was determined to marry Elissa.