Her Majesty (PROMO SAMPLE)

Chapter 4: Conroy

𝕮𝖔𝖓𝖗𝖔𝖞

The handmaidens who waited outside in the halls to clean up after dinner pushed their backs against the walls as the Duke rushed past them with a confused Elysia being dragged behind. They whispered to one another as the Dutchess called out to her husband who never slowed.

Conroy brought the girl and his family who followed into a room that resembled a library. His girls studied history and the languages of their forefathers in this room, which meant no one else was usually allowed to enter. Being overly cautious, he closed any heavy curtains to shield the outside influence and looked around the corners to be sure a maid wasn't hiding away.

"What in the god's name are you doing?" Caroline took Elysia and examined her red wrist from the Duke's overly excited grip. "You scared the poor girl!"

Their youngest daughter, Katy, stood by her mother. Her face held a puzzled expression that surpassed that of the one her mother's had, but she knew not to speak unless she was asked a question. She knew it was best not to cause trouble while her father acted the way he did. He almost looked mad- pacing around the room combing what little hair he did have left on his head back. 

Conroy ignored the questions as he crossed his arms and examined the young girl who did not look into his eyes out of respect. He had seen her working around their place of living but he never paid much mind to her. "What is your age girl?"

Feeling Caroline squeeze her shoulders to answer the question Elysia spoke, "22 my lord."

"She's older, but not by much." He ran his fingers over his beard in thought. "What is your name?"

"Elysia, my lord."

"A fine name." He said. "Your new name is Antonella."

Elysia didn't even have time to show her confusion as Caroline spoke up quicker. "She can not go in place of our daughter, she has skin whiter than milk and hair darker than my own!"

Knowing the point his wife was trying to make, he only stared at the handmaiden's face. It was true that too many walls they built for a story could crumble, but it was the only way. He didn't imagine many in his house who served him would tell the queen about the deception because most from Westile didn't think of people from Wellbourne as good friends. There was also the matter of knowledge- a commoner would know nothing of what the royals had to learn while growing up. "Where are you from?"

"Stonevale."

"Bloody hells." He glanced to his wife who only shook her head. They were both well aware of how people in Stonevale were raised. Without knowing who the girl really was, they pieced together who she was and why she came to work for them. Stonevale was in the countryside, lined with thieves, murderers, and rapists. They all were sent to work for the rest of the kingdom and fight any magic that tried to leave the neighboring forest. "Katy, go tell the guards to bring us Onoris."

"You cannot bring her here," Caroline spoke softly. Elysia noticed from her years of service that the softer the duchess's voice went the more serious she became.

"It is done."

"Then undo it! That witch will bring nothing but trouble for our family, I'd rather send Antonella to get married." The Duke and Dutchess were close to one another, whispering away as they argued. This left Elysia alone by a tower of books. She always wondered what it was like to read so many words. She had learned how to read, but only small words with easy pronunciation which meant she never learned enough to read stories about their history. She only heard drunken tales by fires from greasy men and loud-singing women.