The Crown

Twenty.

The Crown

"Yes my lady, What may the issue be?" Gabriella stood behind her at the entrance of her room thinking of what Denissa may need her for.

"Are you aware of the things you have been doing? Have you forgotten that I was the one that brought you out of nothing? "Denissa hissed, looking furious.

"My lady, I have not forgotten a thing. I will always remember everything you have done for me and know that I also would not be here if it was not by the hand of the righteous King. Everything that has happened up to this point is because of Him." Confused Gabriella spoke honestly. This made Denissa angry.

"We are both women, let us act like it. You have been closer to the prince these days, more than I can ever be. Your relationship is becoming more than a friendship and you are too blind to see it. He lets you call him by his first name, He looks at you differently, and every time I see you two together it breaks my heart because that is supposed to be me. So answer me this Gabriella, and please answer honestly, do you love the prince?" Denissa who was
almost about to break of tears asked her court maid, Gabriella who was shocked to hear the question.

~*~

In the outdoor sitting room, Rita found her grandson reading the book she had given him months ago to calm his anger.

"No, please continue reading." She insisted, sitting down next to him.

"I am finished with the book... 'The Pilgrims Progress... it is a classic." He smiled. He had never taken such an interest in any other book.

"It is indeed. Do you understand everything now?" Rita asked him.

"Yes, I do. The only way he could get rid of the heavy burden on his back was when he let go of all his sins and followed the righteous King. That was the only way he could enter the Kings city, with a pure heart." Manuel explained.

"Yes my son. And I gave you that book so that you may learn the value of surrendering. It is not like sacrificing. When you sacrifice something, you are giving just that thing up. But when you surrender you are giving up all possession, power and control. Your heart is no longer with it."

"Wait, I do not understand." Manuel turned to face his grandmother.

"Let me use you as an example. When you give up the red ruby stone of Madrid for the sake of the people's lives that is the act of sacrifice. But when you give up the red ruby stone, your life and everything you own completely for the sake of the people's lives that is the act of surrendering. Letting go is another act of love." Rita explained.

And Manuel thought that, that is what he ought to do about the bargain with the evil witch. Although it would take a lot of strength and love to accept the price he knew it was right.

"Abuela. How do you know when you love someone?" Manuel asked.

"Well, when I knew absolutely with no doubt that I loved your Abuelo, it was the moment I thought of his death. My heart started to pound and I knew that I would never be the same if I lost him. And I think this way for many people unromantically. But when you love someone, you will just know. Because love is as important as death.

~*~

Did she love Prince Manuel? Her mother once told her that when you love someone, you will not see yourself being anybody else.