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

Chapter Fifteen

Elissa curtsied to Prince Leopold's mother, Queen Catherine.

A nervous Lady Jane, followed by Sir Samuel, also came into the majestic presence of the queen of Frencolia.

"We've met you and your husband before of course," the elderly queen spoke to the curtsying Jane. "What we can't understand, Lady Jane, is why such an entrancing young lady as your niece hasn't been presented at Court before?" She turned her eyeglass back on Elissa, awaiting an answer.

"Our niece minded her sick mother for over five years, Your Majesty. There was no occasion for her to leave and come to Frencberg," Jane answered.

"Yes, so I believe." Queen Catherine's eyes were still upon Elissa. "Turn around for us," she commanded and watched as her son took Elissa's hand.

Elissa pivoted in obedience to this royal request.

"Yes, lovely things do come in small parcels! Such beauty," the queen said, sighing, "Ah, it's for the young."

"I think you're very beautiful, Your Majesty," Elissa dared to speak. She had expected the queen to be heavily made up like Estelle and the other younger women who were at court. The young Elissa looked appraisingly at the queen. Like herself, the queen was short and slim. Her reddish hair had turned half gray, but in the turning, a gleaming, shining hue trapped and reflected gold and silver lights, and the queen's immaculate curls spoke of youth. Queen Catherine's fair skin was clear and wrinkled only near her pale brown eyes, which were bright and alert.

"And why should you give an old lady such a compliment?" Squaring her shoulders as though in annoyance, the queen added, "Perhaps you seek to please our son?"

"Oh, no, Your Majesty!" Elissa felt embarrassed to know Leopold stood by her side, "I wouldn't say such things just to please Prince Leopold... but you don't look old at all. I hope I have such a good complexion, Your Majesty, when I'm older." Elissa blushed and decided to change the subject, "Thank you for inviting me to dinner." She looked at the table, laden with all kinds of intriguing dishes and delicacies.

The sumptuous smorgasbord was a great success. Elissa regretted not having been schooled as to how to behave before royal personages and felt sure, from glances received, she had made several mistakes.

Later, when Leopold escorted her back to her quarters, she voiced this to him. "I would not make a good queen. I know nothing of the protocol. My brother Dorai, he..." she stopped mid-sentence and stood still, a blank look on her face.

"What is it, Elissa?" Leopold asked, concerned. When she did not answer, he exclaimed, "You're wonderfully natural. It's so refreshing to have someone here in our castle who doesn't pretend. You say what you mean and mean what you say, Elissa. Just continue to be yourself. Like Mother, I'm tired of flattery and manipulation. We've come to expect it and I sense Mother is wary of you for this reason. Mother assumes you're like most others at court. She'll quickly discern your sincerity."

When they reached the door to the apartment, Leopold said, "Tomorrow, I'm traveling to our northern border with the troops to wish them well and boost their morale. I'll be gone for some days, maybe even a week, but I'll be back before your birthday."

He kissed her forehead and would have lingered but Elissa plucked herself free from his grasp and as Jane held the door open, she hurried quickly into the safety of their quarters.

~~~~~

Elissa awoke when a servant-girl drew back the heavy drapes at the windows to greet the rising sun.

A messenger arrived with a royal request; "Queen Catherine summons Lady Elissa to her breakfast table. A page is waiting at the door to escort you, Lady Elissa."