16th Century Style Court story - Untitled

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Things had changed a lot since my father's death and, of course, the first thing to have changed was my brother taking his place. He was sometimes an impossible man but to me, he would be. I had my own powers and land yet he could so easily take them away from me. My father loved us both just as equally, still he had to show favour to my brother since he was a son and I was not. In private, my family could be rather disdainful as well as loving and as any other family. This, clearly, made me a mere princess and I had always refused to divulge in the pleasures that the rest of the court so freely did.

Court could be such a tedious place. I was required, as it were, to converse with the lords and ladies of my brother's kingdom. It had not been an atmosphere I had been very accustomed to, not even when I first came into it under my father's rule. There was too much talk and all too cunning at that. Currently, with the company of two of my ladies stood behind me, I spoke to one of my more trusted servants.

'Your Highness, I hear you are leaving soon.'

'Yes, I wish to go back into my usual seclusion for the winter, Cobham.' As I spoke, another friend caught my eye and I bowed my head to him as he did to me. 'I know my brother does not like when I am away but his ways are too childish for my liking. Cobham,' I said, bowing my head to him and stepped away to approach my close friend.

'My Lady,' he said, smirking in his usual cheeky manner I always like to see.

I smiled, mentally pushing back the flushes in my cheeks. It was good to see him again. 'Beau. You are back, I see.'

That was not his full name but even those of royal blood have nicknames with their friends. 'It has been a long time. How are you?'

'I have a bit of a cold but otherwise, I am well. Do you have news for me?' As a servant passed beside us, I grabbed a large goblet of rich red wine and took a large sip from it; the aromatic scents filling my nose.

He nodded and we both glanced around us. 'Yes though even walls have ears.'

'I see you are still the riddler. I...' I was interrupted by the announcement of my brother's arrival.

'His majesty, King Robert of Capra.' Beau bowed lowly beside me. When I met my brother's gaze, all I did was bow my head the smallest amount. He never liked it yet he was my brother and not my father to whom I would bow my head below my shoulders. Then his wife was announced and I raised my head. They were not in love yet in the public's eyes, they were devoted to each other; she and I did not like each other one bit.

'His Majesty wishes to speak to you,' whispered a servant in my ear.

'Thank you. I'll speak to you later, Beau.' Handing him my goblet, I walked over to my brother's side. 'You wished to see me, Majesty?'

'Sister, I hear you are leaving.'

'Oh, how quickly news gets passed to your ears. You know I always go for the winter. Your court is not mine, Robert. Lavina,' I said, acknowledging my sister-in-law at last.

'Leticia,' she sneered and took an elaborate goblet of wine from the tray held in front of her. 'Who is that young man you were just talking to?'

As ever, she took no less pride in interfering in my affairs. 'That is Beaufort's second son. Robert knows we have always been friends.' I gave my brother a stern gaze.

'Weren't we friends with all the Lords' sons, dear sister?'

'You more than I,' I said back. 'Forgive me, I have somewhere to be.' There was little more I had to say to my brother and even less to his wife. As I walked out, those around me moved out of my way and bowed with respect. My ladies would always be close at hand but I begged them to stay and enjoy themselves, I wanted to be alone when I spoke to my friend.