Leopold, however, didn’t look too pleased, making me smile. All father’s knights knew that to err on the wrong side of my mother was just as dire as enraging my father. She was a sweet woman, a loving mother but a powerful queen who father trusted with his heart and life. One day I hoped to garner the same affection from my wife as my mother held for my father.
An hour later after discussions with father and Leopold, I began to ready myself for the five-day journey ahead when a knocked sounded at my door. I opened it to one of my mother’s chambermaids.
“The queen sends for you, sire.”
“Thank you.” I followed once I’d handed my things to my stable hand.
As I entered the hall leading to mother’s chambers, her lady-in-waiting approached me. “She is not well, your highness. The pain in her back grows frightful with each day.”
I frowned aware that Friar John had been to visit mother this afternoon. “Have you not something for the pain?”
“She’s with child and we can only give her what is not harmful to the babe.” The old woman said.
“I understand.”
“Perhaps you could lessen her fears over your journey?”
With a nod, I smiled entering mother’s chambers. Resplendent in an emerald gown that matched her eyes perfectly, she sat at the window, brushing her hair.
“Mother?”
“Sebastian, my boy,” she held out her arms and moved to get up.
“No, mother, do not get up, your back.” I reached her in quick strides and knelt at her chair.
She combed her hand through my hair, her touch gentle, her smile sweet. “My darling boy, just eighteen and you’re off to fight this puerile battle your father could’ve ended a long time ago. I will pray for your safe return, my beloved. Promise me you will take care and not endanger yourself unnecessarily.”
“I will be fine, mother, just take care of my little sister.” I patted her protruding belly lightly.
“What if it’s another boy?” Her smile dimmed. While she loved her three sons, she’d miscarried twice and her desire for a daughter grew stronger.
“If I have my way, I will bring you a lovely bride, one that you can mother like the daughter you never had.” I held her hands in mine.
Her eyes the same colour as mine, sparkled with mirth. “That is my wish for you, my beloved. To marry a girl, you fall in love with and give your heart to for eternity. Alas, your father will have you wed Princess Ariella, a girl I’m not too fond of for my son.”
“Then before my return, I shall search the forests and the rivers for such a beauty who will steal my heart and keep it forever.” Rising, I leaned forward to kiss both her cheeks. “It’s time for me to leave, mother. I will return safe and bring you my bride.”
As we rode out, my mind remained unsettled. Perhaps it was the battle or my impending marriage that ailed me. I wasn’t sure.
I followed Leopold’s advice and went off with the soldiers in the direction he had indicated. The journey had been long and tiresome and I was not at my best and certainly not ready for battle. But we do not always get what we want. The ambush fell upon us hard and fast, the men went down quicker than we anticipated. I fought hard, keeping my mother’s name at the forefront and my promise to bring her a bride she would love as a daughter. However, I was not strong enough and I had two options. To surrender or return home defeated and live to fight another day. I chose life. Only my bearings did not fare well with my wounds, and I soon lost my way.
I knew my time had come, that to survive would be a miracle and I accepted it. Whether I done well, mattered not. I tried because failure is integral to success.
Then I heard that sweet voice, calling to me, over and over. “Stay with me.”
And like the light of the shining star, I let it lead me back to a paradise I did not expect.
When I finally opened my eyes and strength filled my bones, I saw her—the face belonging to the sweet voice that had guided me back. Daily, I gazed upon her, my eyes drinking in her beauty. Her hair, black as pitch, shone like spun silk. Large blue eyes sparkled like the ocean on the clearest day and danced with laughter I longed to hear. Her lips plumped a natural pink that I desired to kiss. Her white as snow cheeks blushed a delicate rosy that needed none of the paint I’d seen the ladies at the castle wear.
She was a breathless wonder living in paradise and unaware of the dark, unjust world that served as her boundaries. Here, she was in peace, safe and prosperous with untouched natural resources that would be bountiful for her eternity.
Yet, I longed to take her home. To present her to mother. To wed her and show her to the world as my queen.
Then I fell in love, decided to stay and teach her the ways of my world.
I gifted her my diamond necklace mother had bestowed upon me at birth.
My first mistake.
