As he arrived at Landford, he put on a somber face. He was led to the throne room where Thomas, David and Greyson were.
“Good eve, my liege. I come with our deepest condolences from Schillingburg.” Charles said.
“Condolences?” Thomas replied.
“Yes my dear King, have you not received news from Willshire?” Charles added.
Thomas nodded and said “Sir Charles, we have no knowledge of what you are trying to say, explain yourself.”
“We received news from Willshire that a state funeral is being arrange for Lady Amelia, were you not aware of her death?” Charles asked.
Thomas stood up and in a raised voice said “No, I was not! When did she pass?”
Charles looked down and replied “two morns ago.”
Thomas became visually upset. He had to leave the room, if this was true, he had no consolation. His poor Amelia. Gone.
“My fine Sir Charles, why would Willshire inform Schillingburg before Landford, where she was raised?” David asked.
Charles stumbled on his words and said “I am just a messenger, my Lord”.
“I will ride off to Willshire in the morn and see for myself, I do not believe you.” David continued.
“Do as you wish, Lady Amelia is gone. My sincere condolences to your King.” Charles finished.
He bowed and left the castle.
David ran up to Thomas’ room.
“Thomas, calm yourself, this is a ploy. It is not true, you will see. Shyanne will return to us this eve with real news.”
At the same moment, Shyanne arrived at Schillingburg castle. King Erich was at his throne. Lady Evelyn entered to announce her arrival.
“King Erich, the seamstress has arrived. She is here to measure Lady Amelia for her dress.” Lady Evelyn Said.
The King motioned for her to take her to Amelia’s room. Shyanne was terrified. She could be killed if anyone found out.
Lady Evelyn knock on the door “My Lady, the seamstress is here” she said.
Amelia slowly opened the door and walked away. Lady Evelyn led Shyanne in and dismissed herself. “My Lady” Shyanne said.
Amelia recognized the voice but felt frozen to its sound. She slowly turned to see Shyanne standing there.
“Shyanne?” She said as she approached her for a hug.
“Yes my child.” Shyanne replied.
“Oh my, what are you doing here?” Amelia whispered.
“I ask you the same, my Lady.” Shyanne responded.
Amelia laughed and said “I do not know where to start. I was on my way to Willshire and became a captive and now I live here.” Shyanne looked at her confused.
“But you do not belong here, my child.” Shyanne whispered.
At that moment, King Erich entered the room. Shyanne bowed and he motioned for her to continue.
“My heart, I am going into town to meet with the Noblemen, I will return quickly.” He said.
Amelia smiled and nodded her head as Shyanne measured her arms.
King Erich approached, kissed Amelia’s hand and whispered “Be good.”
She smiled in response.
As the King walked towards the door, he turned and said “I will bring you something sweet.” Amelia smiled and nodded in approval.
As he closed the door, Amelia looked over at Shyanne and whispered “I Am NOT wanted in Landford. Thomas chose his throne over me. He disposed of me like trash and now he is trying to kill me.”
Shyanne nodded and asked “Who told you that?”
Amelia moved away and replied “No one, his action speak volumes.”
Shyanne could not believe what she was hearing. “Are you really happy here, my Lady?” Shyanne asked.
“Happier than I was in Landford. Thomas broke me down, in the end he was even poisoning me.” Amelia said angrily.
“So being kidnapped by this King and living as a prisoner is better than your life in Landford, my Lady? It cannot be.” Shyanne replied.
“Shyanne, Thomas did not love me, he loves the crown. I cannot live like that either.” Amelia cried.
Shyanne nodded and said “Oh my child, it is not so, you are being blinded by this Kings words.”
Amelia was resistant. She had grown so much hatred and fear towards Thomas, no one could convince her different.
“It was wonderful seeing you again Shyanne but I think it is time for you to be on your way before it gets dark.” Amelia said.
“As you wish, my Lady” Shyanne replied as she packed her stuff.
Amelia stood by the window looking out.
As Shyanne walked out she said “Lady Amelia, look deep into your heart, the truth is there. Do not believe what you have been told. It would be sad to shield your eyes from true happiness.”
Amelia remained unaffected.
As Shyanne departed Sir Guillaume came to the door and said “Is all well, my Lady?”
Amelia turned around and responded, “Oh yes my dear Sir Guillaume, just thinking a bit.”
Sir Guillaume smiled and commented “I will be at the stables tending to the horses, if you need of me just yell.”
Amelia replied “May I accompany you?”
Guillaume responded “If it is fine with the King, it is very fine with me, my Lady.”
He reached his hand out to help her.
Thomas was still in shock with the news from Charles but as David said, it was not proven to be true until we saw it with our own eyes. Thomas needed some air, some time to think.
At the stables Amelia decided to get to know her guardian a bit. They were not usually allowed to speak much.
“So Sir Guillaume, how long have you been a Knight?” Amelia asked.
“Not a long time, my Lady. I was in the Willshire Army then came to Schillingburg as a Knight.” Sir Guillaume replied.
“Willshire? I see. You seem so young.” Amelia commented.
Sir Guillaume laughed and said “Oh my Lady, that is a lovely compliment but do not let my exterior fool you.”
Amelia walked around him and whispered “You a truly handsome young man, Sir Guillaume and your accent is so elegant, I can tell you are not originally from here.”
Guillaume blushed and bowed his head “I am from very far away. Thank you my Lady, your compliments are well received.”
Amelia smiled.
Guillaume was very mysterious. This mystery grasped Amelia completely. She at times lay in her bed and thought about him. He was very timid, sometimes extremely quiet. His flowing brown hair, good looks, and small frame made him look more like a royal but his skills showed proof he was a Knight.
“Sir Guillaume, do you think we could go for a ride? A short one, I promise.” Amelia asked.
Sir Guillaume smiled and replied “As long as we stay within the perimeters I do not see any inconvenience. Let me prepare a horse for you, my Lady.”
Sir Guillaume dressed the horse with the royal dressings and helped Amelia onto it.
“My Lady, remember within the perimeters please.” Sir Guillaume requested.
“Oh yes, sweet Sir Guillaume, I do not wish to get you into any trouble.” Amelia responded as she took off on the horse.
Sir Guillaume took off quickly after her.
After a bit of riding, he finally caught up with her. “You are a great equestrian, my Lady”. Sir Guillaume stated.
Amelia laughed “Just one of my many secrets.”
Upon reaching the creek, they both dismounted and let the horses drink water. Sir Guillaume and Amelia just stood quietly and watched. Just sharing smiles between them. As Amelia walked towards her horse, she slipped and almost fell into the creek. Sir Guillaume quickly reached over and swiftly grasped her. As he pulled her close, they came face to face. The moment seemed awkward but sweet at the same time. Even though Sir Guillaume longed to kiss Amelia, his respect for her came first.