Remember When

Chapter 13

"I believe congratulations are in order," Lady Catherine said as she popped open a bottle of expensive-looking champagne.

I was sitting down inside one of the tents as a nurse attended to my wounds. Most of the cuts were flesh wounds and did not require much attention, but the one on my thigh was particularly deep and needed thirteen stitches to prevent it from scarring. Not that I didn't have my fair share of scars as it was.

"Thanks to you, Lady Catherine. I am forever in your debt," I smiled graciously at my new friend.

"Please," she handed me a glass of the champagne. "Call me Catherine."

We raised our glasses and Catherine made a toast, recalling the look on Charles' face when I dismounted his sword. Now that I had won my first match, she appeared to be much more relaxed, making jokes and conversing with me as if we had been friends forever. We laughed in unison as I heard some rustling coming from outside the tent.

"Come in," I sang happily, jumping off of the makeshift table the nurse had made for me.

A dark hair of curls made their way into the tent, and I froze at the person standing before me, my eyes widening slightly before I remembered my manners. Catherine was the first to curtsey before him and I instinctively followed suit.

"Your highness," she smiled graciously.

"Lady Catherine," Prince Mathew nodded. "Elizabeth."

He smiled as he reached out his arm, gesturing for me to take it.

"If I may, I would like to escort you back to your room," the corners of his mouth tilted up in a smile.

Catherine attempted to interject but he was ready for her.

"And don't worry, Lady Catherine. I shall be on my best behavior," he winked.

"Shall we?" he turned toward me.

I looked to Lady Catherine, a cautious smile on her face as she nodded, and I hesitantly took his arm.

"I will hold you to your word, your highness," she fought a smirk as she winked at me.

He laughed, escorting me out of the tent and I sucked in a breath, forcing myself not to gasp as I felt the muscles on his bicep contracting as we walked. I had no idea what to make of this, but I didn't dare look up at him to find out.

"You made quite the debut out there," he guided us passed the tournament tents and toward the castle glittering in the distance.

"I listened to Lady Catherine's advice is all," I said, keenly aware of the interested glances that were being thrown our way.

"How many years have you been sparring?" he asked, looking down at me.

"Six," I answered automatically.

"Six years," he murmured to himself. "And how is it that I've never met you before? I used to make frequent trips to Kentshire, you know."

I turned my head toward him only to find that he was looking at me with a puzzled look on his face.

"My family and I," I chose my words carefully, "We were taken in by the Mason family after they took over the estate."

"And how do you like it there?" he asked.

"The Mason's are a very pleasant family," I grit my teeth as I fought for the foul words to come out of my mouth.

Prince Mathew began to laugh, his eyes crinkling at the sides.

"Whatever is so funny?"

He suddenly stopped walking, detaching me from his arm as he turned toward me.