Father quickly made the preparations for me to go to Willshire. He notified my brother Paul, who had now become King that I would be arriving in 2 days. I sat in my room looking out as Shyanne prepared my bag. Greyson motioned for me from the courtyard to come down.
“I shall return Shyanne; I need to collect a few things.” I said as I dismissed myself.
As I arrived at the yard, Greyson whispered. “I have great news for you.”
I smiled and replied “You do? Is it about Thomas?”
He made a sad face and responded “No my Queen, but it is about David”.
I smiled.
“On our way to Willshire we will visit him, he has a great surprise”. He added.
“Oh Greyson, it warms my heart, I have missed him so much” I said graciously.
Now I could not wait for our trip. Even though it was a sad situation, just knowing I would get to spend a bit of time with David made it more worthwhile.
Greyson kissed my hand and said “Go rest my Queen; it is going to be long trip.”
Early morning, my carriage had arrived and was prepared for my long trip. Father and Mother waited by the door.
Shyanne grabbed my bag and accompanied me downstairs.
“Amelia, you listen to Greyson, he has the best interest for you.” Father said.
Mother remained looking down and said nothing.
“Mother?” I said
“Please do not be upset with me” I added.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes and whispered “Go with God, my sweet daughter.”
I hugged her tight as if not to ever let go.
Greyson then said “My Queen, we must leave now to take advantage of the daylight”.
Father leaned over and whispered “My heart is full of pride for you.”
I bowed at my parents and boarded my carriage. Greyson looked in my window and winked. And away we went.
The view was so beautiful, as we passed through town. The townspeople stopped what they were doing to watch my caravan.
I waved as we went through. There was not much to do but read or look at the landscape, which was extremely exquisite.
After a way of traveling, we were passing the outskirts of Schillingburg.
Greyson knew which way to go where we would not encounter their soldiers.
The sun began to go down. I knew I was near David’s home. I recognized a lot of the area. The excitement in me was bursting. I could not wait to hug him after so long. As we arrived I could see the little cottage.
So many memories flowed through my mind.
My Father and I having tea in the front room.
Thomas and I just sitting together in front of the fire as he told me one of his wonderful stories.
I looked down at myself to make sure I was presentable suddenly my carriage door flies open.
“AMELIA!” David yelled.
I leaped out of the carriage into his arms.
We hugged hard and strong. He put me down and laughed as he bowed. “I apologize, my Queen”.
“Stop being silly, you are my brother” I answered.
He grabbed my hand and led my inside.
“I have so much to tell you” He said.
I smiled.
“You will be an aunt soon” He said excitedly.
Elizabeth then came out of the kitchen.
“Oh my Elizabeth” I said as I hugged her.
“You are with child, how exciting!” I added.
She began to curtsy at me. I stopped her and said “No need Elizabeth, you are my sister.”
She smiled innocently.
“I have made you a lovely dinner” she said.
I was so happy to be there.
There was so much love. I missed David so much. We spoke about so many things I could not keep track of.
For a long time I thought to myself, if I had did the right thing with releasing David and going against my Father but being here and seeing his happiness, my answer was Yes, I did what was correct.
The time went so quick. I did not want to leave.
Greyson touched David’s shoulder and said “We must be on our way, Prince David. Willshire awaits us. We must get there by tomorrow evening. I do not want to alert anyone by arriving late. Thank you both for your hospitality.”
Elizabeth smiled and reached for me.
As she hugged me she said “Thank you! You have made my life a dream”.
Suddenly David grabs me and spins me around.
“I bet you have missed that.” He said laughing.
I laughed.
We stood and just looked at each other. He smiled and said with tears in his eyes “Look at you, My Queen”
I motioned him to stop.
He continued “Amelia, I am so proud, thank you for everything you did for me, may it be returned to you tenfold”.
I smiled.
He stood up and hugged me tightly. He looked over at Greyson and said “Take care of my girl”.
Greyson lowered his head and replied “With my life, Prince David.”
Greyson helped me into my carriage and we were on our way. David stood outside his home waving until we were out of sight. The moment was bittersweet.
But my heart was full of love and happiness.
I fell asleep to the gallop of the horses.
As I awoke early the next morning I could see Willshire Castle in the distance. The sun was coming up behind it. It looked amazing.
Greyson rode alongside my carriage and said “We will be there by noon, my Queen.”
I smiled but I was not glad.
I did not know how to react to all this. I did not know my brothers.
Upon arrival, I could see the Castle. The flags were lowered and it was dressed in dark purple, in honor of the death of a King.
Willshire soldiers stopped us at the entrance. Immediately they raised their gate and let us in. My brother Paul stood in the doorway. I had not seen him in many years. He was tall, so handsome, looked a lot like my Father. I thought our first meeting would be awkward but it was like if we had never been separated. As I got out of the carriage, he came down the stairs.
“My beautiful Amelia,” Paul said.
I smiled and responded “Oh my brother Paul”.
We hugged and held hands.
“Come inside my Queen, Greyson you also” He said.
Entering Willshire Castle was a bit overwhelming. This was my original home.
Bits and pieces of memories came to my mind but it was hard because I was so young when I left.
“Lunch is being prepared; I know you had a long trip. I will show you to your rooms so you can relax a bit.” Paul added.
He grabbed my hand and kissed it.
“Look at you, all grown up” He said as we walked down the hall.
I smiled.
“I have prepared your old room for you” He said excitedly.
I smiled and thanked him.
He opened the door to a huge room which I did not remember.
He pointed out “This was your sanctuary as a little girl”.
I looked around and smiled.
“Thank you,” I said quietly.
He smiled and replied, “You are very welcome. I am happy to have you here. Refresh yourself and I will return for you in a bit”.
I slowly wandered the room, trying to remember the tiniest thing but nothing came to mind.
I felt strange.
I felt sad.