How do I not remember my childhood? I could not even remember my Fathers voice. I did not want to seem ungrateful but I wanted to go home. Being at Willshire Castle depressed me.
The smells were different.
The view also.
I washed my face and changed my dress as I waited.
Soon after, Eloise, the King’s helper came for me.
“My Queen, King Paul would like your presence in the dining hall.” She said.
I got up and followed her.
The dining area was so vast; the table was long with many chairs.
“Sit where you please Amelia,” Paul said.
I walked and sat next to him.
“I am so sorry your visit has to be during this horrible time” He mentioned.
“It is well; I am here to honor my brother and you,” I said with a smile.
“Tomorrow Michael will lie in state for his Kingdom to honor him then he shall be buried at The Belvidere Arch.” He added.
I shook my head.
“Now nourish yourself, my sweet sister. We have enough time to discuss the rest.” He ended.
I had such an uncomfortable feeling being here. I could not place what it was.
After lunch, we went into the main room to converse.
He pointed at a painting and asked “Do you remember him?”
I smiled and replied, “Yes, that is Father.”
He smiled in agreement.
“How about her?” He pointed at a picture of a beautiful lady.
I had no idea who she was.
He smiled and said, “That is Mother; you were so young when she passed.”
I smiled and replied, “She was so beautiful.”
He smiled and pointed out “You look a lot like her.”
I totally disagreed, she was gorgeous.
“Do you know why she named you Amelia?” He asked.
I had no idea.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“She would say that the meaning of your name was beauty, sophistication and intelligence, which described you perfectly.” He added.
That was so lovely. I never knew that detail about my Mother.
We conversed for a few. It was nice reminiscing with him. He seemed to enjoy telling me about happier times at Willshire Castle.
Unfortunately, I had no memory of it.
After a bit, we began talking about Michael. He described him as a quiet, loner type. He even confessed that he was an awful King.
I could not wait any longer. I wanted to know about the prisoner and what happened to him.
I looked at him and burst out “Are you positive the man you have imprisoned is the murderer of Michael” I asked.
“You wish to speak of that now?” He asked.
“Yes Paul, I do. I am sorry, with all my heart I would love to speak to you about your family but I do not remember any of you. I enjoy hearing your memories but I figure we should get to business now.” I answered.
He shook his head.
“As you wish. Yes, Amelia, I was there when this man with no regret pierced his heart with his sword” Paul answered.
I felt awful, I did not want Paul to think I was disrespectful.
“I am sorry my King for being so direct” I quietly murmured.
He smiled and replied, “I understand.”
He stood up and walked across the room.
I cleared my throat.
“When can I see the prisoner?” I asked.
“Now if you would like” he replied.
I followed him and Greyson to the dungeon.
As we walked Paul added. “I found it strange because the sword he carried had the seal of Landford engraved on it.”
“Really?” I said.
It was so cold, dark, and damp.
Prisoners filled almost every cell.
The prisoner I wanted to confront had been put in the very last cell.
As I stood in front of the cell, the prisoner stood with his back to me.
“Kneel for your Queen, Prisoner,” the guard said out loudly.
The Prisoner did not move.
He then said “I will not kneel to your Queen. I have no Queen”.
The sound of that voice pierced my soul.
I knew who it was but could not believe my ears.
“Prisoner, turn to me” I asked.
Suddenly a tall dark figure appeared from the shadows.