As David continued preparing his horse for this trip, I just sat near a tree watching him.
He was such an elegant man; any woman would be honored to have him as a husband. He was strong, extremely handsome and very funny.
As I stared at him, he threw a branch towards me.
“What are you looking at? Shouldn’t you be preparing Toby for our travels?” He said.
David had given me Toby as a gift. Toby was the offspring of his mare, Hemi.
She was recognized and prized in our kingdom, so that made my Toby super special.
I just smiled, made a joking face, and ignored him.
He continued on.
Time quickly passed.
It was time to leave for our outing to town with David; Thomas seemed different, quiet, and standoffish.
As we rode, I felt strange.
The look in Thomas’ eyes was not the same. It seemed cold, angry. As we reached the town, we went our different ways. David excitedly rode toward Elizabeth’s home and we went in the opposite direction as usual.
I rode up to Thomas “Are you well? You seem angry.” I asked.
He smiled and replied, “Of course all is well and I am not angry, let us explore our South Landford today.”
It seemed like he was avoiding the subject so I let it be.
He pointed and replied, “In that direction, there is a small chapel, I saw it the last time we were here, it looks interesting.”
His mood seemed to have changed. We rode a bit and there in the distance it was. Tall, white, and surrounded by colorful flowers.
It was so beautiful!
Upon entering I felt a bit awkward, I had never visited a chapel before and it was quite overwhelming. Like every girl, you imagine your wedding day and dream of the beautiful church it will be held at. This one was simple but exquisite.
I smiled at Thomas and said “When I marry I want to do it here. It is so lovely”
He looked around and replied “Really? You know you will wed at the Castle, it is tradition”
“Yes really, look at how beautiful this place is, so tranquil. The Castle is lovely but maybe Father can change that tradition for me” I responded as I walked across the room.
“I think not. If you like it so much let us marry now” Thomas said loudly.
“What?” I replied in shock.
He smiled and said “Sure, why should we not, do you love me?”
“Of course I do but Father” I replied.
“Father is going to have our heads for this trip anyway, might as well make the most of it. Let us do it, these people do not know us, and it can remain between us as everything else and this way we are not living in sin anymore Amelia because you will be my beloved wife. How about it?” He announced.
As he walked towards me he added “Why should David be the only one with good news and happiness.”
I did not know what to say. This was my dream but I did not want to disappoint my parents and overall I did not want to disappoint Thomas.
Thomas walked over and asked, “Is it yes?”
I smiled and said “Yes.”
He walked towards the back of the church and knocked on a door.
Out came a priest.
“Dear Father, My lady and I would like to be joined in the eyes of God, I have gold for payment, Can it be done today?” Thomas said.
“Yes it can, my son, but right now?” said the priest.
“At this moment, if possible Father. We would like to leave here in union this evening.” Thomas said excitedly as he looked towards me smiling.
The priest looked at us both and replied, “Let me get a few things and I will return.”
Thomas looked at me and said, “Are you ready to be my wife?”
I smiled and replied, “The real question is, are you ready to be my husband?”
He smiled and nodded.
The ceremony was quick and sweet.
Thomas had a sweet expression on his face as he listened to the priest.
Throughout the ceremony, he just looked at me. I was engulfed in love as his beautiful smile appeared while he repeated his vows to me. In a matter of minutes, we were husband and wife.
Though no rings were exchanged, the priest said it was still legitimate.
At the end the priest said “Thomas, Amelia I could feel your true love. Thank you for letting me join you in the eyes of God.”
Thomas could not wait to tell David.
I wished to remain quiet, as I was still in the moment.
We met David at our usual spot.
David was smiling and very happy.
“Congratulate me, I will marry soon, Elizabeth has accepted my proposal, soon we will be husband and wife.” David announced.
I jumped up and down in excitement and hugged him.
I asked excitedly “Can I be part of your wedding? I do not have to be the maid of honor if you do not wish. I just want to be part of it”.
David smiled and answered “Of course, my sister. I could not have a wedding without you.”
David then looked over at Thomas.
“My brother, guess what Amelia and I have done?” Thomas teased.
David expecting a joke as usual, smiled and replied “What damage have you two gotten into?”
Thomas while shaking David’s hand and says “We are husband and wife.”
Thomas’ smile became serious because he expected a different reaction from David.
David stopped what he was doing and said “WHAT? You are not serious?”.
“Yes I am, brother” Thomas replied arrogantly.
“Mother and Father will kill you both.
Marriage is a serious vow, nothing to jest with”. David exclaimed.
Thomas confused by his reaction said “Who is more serious than Amelia and I. Why should we deny our love, brother? You are not denying yours and it is unconventional.”
David smirked and replied “Oh brother, if you are happy, I am happy for you both but let us hold off on telling Mother and Father, yes? This can be very sensitive and you know Father.
As we rode, we were suddenly surrounded by Father’s men.
“Prince David, your Father has called upon us to return you home immediately.” said Greyson.
David laughed and answered “Why so many men? I am not a criminal”
“Your highness, your Father requested you be brought in.” Greyson added.
“Brought in, for what?” David interjected.
“For Treason your Highness” Greyson said.
“Treason? There must be a mistake.” I interrupted.
Thomas remained quiet.
“Treason? That is a joke, my fellow men.” explained David.
“Just oblige Prince David, we are just following orders.” Greyson replied somberly.
As we arrived at the Castle, David was pulled off his horse and taken to Father.
Thomas and I followed.
“What is going on Father?” David questioned.
“David, my eldest son, with a heavy heart, I must detain you. You have defied me beyond belief. I have been informed you have betrayed me, my son”. Father affirmed.
Confused David replied, “Betrayal? You cannot be serious, Father. What are you talking about? I did no such thing”.
“Take him away” Father commanded without looking at David.
Thomas walked towards Father and proclaimed “Father, Betrayal? He’s your son; he has not done such a thing. Your punishment is too harsh!”
“This matter does not concern you Thomas. And I will deal with you and Amelia later.” Father replied as he walked out.
I lowered my head as Father exited the room in respect but at that moment I felt none for him. I could not understand what was happening. I rushed to Mother who was sobbing uncontrollably.
“Mother, what is going on?” I asked.
In between sobs she replied, “The soldiers informed your Father that David had been plotting to overthrow the kingdom with the townspeople.”
“That is untrue Mother, you know that!” I exclaimed.
At that moment Thomas entered and said “Mother, we must tell Father the truth, that he has been courting that maiden not plotting against our kingdom.”
Mother disagreed “No Thomas, this must remain quiet; you must not go against your Fathers word”.
“Mother, but it’s unfair and untrue” Thomas yelled.
“My children, let it rest for now please” Mother pleaded.
Father also punished Thomas and I. We were not allowed to fraternize with each other and worst of all we were not allow us to see David. He was treated horribly as all prisoners are.
This destroyed my heart.
My brother whom I loved imprisoned for loving someone.
How was that possible? How is that accurate?
The only betrayal was Love.