As we arrived upon Landford Castle, I sat in the carriage.
“Thomas” I whispered. “We are here.”
He arose and looked out the window.
“Home Sweet Home” he joked.
I was nervous. I did not know how Father was going to take all this.
As Greyson opened my door, I paused and said “Greyson, take Thomas to my room.”
“Your room, My Queen?” He responded.
“Yes Greyson, my room. He does not belong in the dungeon.” I replied.
“But he is a prisoner, Your Highness.” He continued.
“I will go and speak with Father and Mother first, please give me a moment.” I said as I looked at Greyson, then at Thomas.
I quickly enter the Castle.
Mother awaited me at the door.
“My daughter, I am so relieved you are home.” She said as she hugged me. I grabbed her hand and kissed it.
“Where is Father?” I asked.
She looked puzzled and asked “In his room, Why?”
“I need to speak with you both immediately, please come with me.” I replied.
We both walked hand in hand to his room. Father lie in his bed, he was awake but not feeling well.
He raised his hands as he saw me and murmured “My child you have returned, what you have to say about your adventures?”
Mother helped him sit up as I sat at the end of his bed.
“Am I not worthy of a hug?” He asked as he opened his arms.
I moved over to him, bowed my head and hugged him.
“Father, I have a dilemma I must speak with you about but you need to completely listen to everything before you respond.” I said.
Mother glanced over pondering what I was going to say.
I took a deep breath.
“This is something I should have told you a long time ago.” I asserted.
“What is it my child?” Father said concerned.
“Before Thomas left to battle, he and I were wed at a chapel in town. I know it is against your permission but our love was too strong”. I said ashamed.
He looked at me then at Mother.
“You knew about this?” He asked her.
I interrupted “No Father, no one knew, just Thomas and I.”
Mother lowered her eyes.
“Well then, Thomas is gone, why are you telling me this, to clear your conscience?” Father added.
“Thomas is not gone, Father” I said.
Mother inhaled loudly.
“What is this you say? How do you know Thomas’ whereabouts?” Father said.
I looked down and said “I found him in Willshire.”
“Alive?” Mother asked.
I nodded yes.
“WHAT? Where is he? Is he with you?” Father said excitedly.
I nodded yes and replied “He is but he is the prisoner from Willshire, he is who killed King Michael.”
Mother began crying.
“Amelia, did you not think? You have committed a crime, why did you bring him to Landford?” Father said sternly.
“I could not leave him to die in Willshire.” I answered.
“But child, that is his destiny, he killed a royal!” Father shouted.
I stood up and said loudly “But he is King, Father!”
“Just because you are Queen does not make him King, Amelia” Father yelled upset.
“He is my husband and I could not betray him in that manner” I said in a soft voice.
“No you would rather betray your Kingdom and Willshire by harboring a murderer.” Father continued.
“He is your son Emmanuel.” Mother said weeping.
“Where is he now?” Father asked.
“In my room, he will not see the dungeon here.” I said.
“You are making a huge mistake, Amelia.
Your Kingdom will not allow this treason” Father interjected.
“If there is treason, may I be punished but in my heart, it is what I choose.” I replied.
“Take me to him” Father said as he weakly rose from his bed.
We slowly walked down the corridor to my room. As we opened the door, Thomas stood in the center of the room. Mother quickly ran to him and began hugging him.
“My son I have prayed for the day I would see and hold you again” Mother said.
“As did I Mother” Thomas responded.
Thomas walked passed Mother towards Father. Half way to him, he kneels and says “May I approach Father?”
Father stood strong and nodded yes.
They stood face to face.
The room was silent.
Father raised his hand, grabbed Thomas and began hugging him. “My son, my son” he said as he collapsed in his arms.
Thomas held him as tears streamed from his eyes.
“Forgive me Father,” He said as he helped Father to my bed.
“Thomas, the sight of you does not make me ill. The excitement has gotten to me.” Father replied.
Greyson stood at the door.
Father called for him. “Greyson, come to me”.
Greyson slowly approached and knelt.
“My King” He said.
“Greyson, thank you for returning my children home safely.” Father exclaimed.
Greyson bowed his head as he stared Thomas down.
“It is my duty, Your Excellency. I must take the horses to the stable for food and rest.” He said as he dismissed himself.
I ran after Greyson and said “Greyson, Thank you!”
“For what my Queen, I have done nothing for you to be thankful for” He admitted.
I smiled and replied “You have always been a great friend and confidant.”
I reached over and hugged him.
“Oh my Queen, what an honor” He answered shyly.
I walked into my room and the view was beautiful, all it needed was David. Mother and Father were so pleased to have Thomas home. As I stood in the doorway Thomas motioned for me to enter.