all the chapters i have

i am going to stop writing this book and rewrite it into two different books

Chapter 1

 

 

“Good morning your highness!” It was Neara, my nursemaid. When I became fully awake, I saw that she was holding a beautiful blue dress in her hands.

“ Come, Princess Maeve, let’s get you dressed,” she said.

“ I am perfectly capable of dressing myself, Neara.”

“ I am sorry your Highness. It doesn’t seem sixteen years since I was brought to this castle to help raise you,” she comtinued. “ I was rather surprised when they picked me, you know. I had just turned twenty.” She babbled on as I got up and dressed myself behind the curtain, stopping every now and then to ask how I was coming along. It seemed like an eternity before I was finished with all the ribbons and things going up the front and back of my gown.

“ Neara, why have you chosen a dress such as this when I am only going to breakfast?” I said

“ I didn't, your highness. Your Mother picked it out. Your father has someone he would like you to meet, a Lord Jonathan Abrim,” she responded, then said, “ Now where was I? Oh! Yes, I know. When you were about ten and your brother was thirteen…” I let her finish her version of my entire life while she made my bed and fixed my hair. When she finally stopped to breathe, thank goodness, I told her I had to go or I would be late. She nodded and I left the room.

 

When I entered the dining hall of our great palace, I noticed that not including the man who was apparently Lord Abrim, only my parents were present. The hall seemed strange and empty without all my father’s advisors and my mother’s servants. “ Good morning darling!” said mother. She looked beautiful today, just like every other day. She had a lovely wine colored dress on with her gorgeous red hair; just like mine, streaming down like a waterfall over her shoulder. “Come, sit, have something to eat,” said Father. His deep, powerful voice matched his body, strong and tall. “ There is someone I would like you to meet,” as he said this, a tall awkward man stood. “ This is Lord Abrim. Lord Abrim, this is my daughter Maeve, Princess of Reodin. I have a son too, you know. He is somewhere on the palace grounds with his friend, Sir Daven. They are always outside practicing with the weapons master or riding their horses.” My father continued, “ Perhaps you would like to join them one day. I could have laughed out loud. Lord Abrim looked as though he had never picked up a sword in his life. He turned to me; “ I am pleased to meet you. You are even more beautiful then your parents could ever describe!” Lord Abrim said. He wasn’t terribly bad to look at, but he did act very snobbish and condesending.

“ I am just as pleased to meet you, Lord Abrim, but I would like to know who you are.” 

He looked at my parents with a questioning expression. Then my father said’ “ We have not had a chance to mention you, Lord Abrim. I have been away to see to some of my affairs.”

“ I understand your Highness,” sighed Lord Abrim. He seemed saddened that I had no idea who he was or was it sadness that I could not complement him? The later I think.

" Maeve, you looking stunning in that blue dress. Does he not, Lord Abrim?" asked my Mother

"Yes, your Majesty. She is most stunning indeed." He smiled at me. My stomatxch turned. I knew exactly what was happening.

 

 

Breakfast went by slowly. I couldn’t figure out why my parents had chose such a man as Lord Abrim for me. He thought highly of himself. It was also obvious that he wanted my parents to like him. He wanted them to like him very much. It also seemed as though my parents were trying to like him too. Finally my father said he had some important things to do. This quickly ended breakfast and started the good byes. “ It was a joy to meet you, Princess,” Lord Abrim said. “ I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of each other.” It took everything I had to restrain myself. All I could do was put on a smile and let him kiss my hand, which I swore to myself that I would clean as soon as he was out of sight. How could i ever spend the rest of my life with a man that repulsed me? “ And thank you, Your Majesties, for inviting me over for such a splendid meal,” he continued.

 

After he had gone, my parents told me that they would like to talk to me. Granting their wish, we walked down the corridors to my father’s study. The door was shut and I was told to sit down. “ What do you think of Lord Abrim?” my father asked.

“What should I think about him?” I inquired. i had guessed right. Marriage was on their minds.

“ You know that he has a castle not to far from here, a few days ride, maybe more. From what I have heard, I also think that he has a rather large kingdom, the same size if not bigger then ours.” mother said.

“ Yes,” agreed father, “ It is in one of the countries that neighbors ours, Camidon, I believe.

“ Why should I care about his estate?” I casually asked, but my question was unanswered.

“ Robert,” my mother asked, “ He is the cousin to the King of Camidon is he not?

“ Nephew, my dear,” corrected my father.

“He is the man we have chosen for you to wed,” explained father.

“ What?” I half yelled.  I had known all along, but I guess that I was denying it. “He is a hideous man who strives for nothing but your attention.”

“ Oh, don’t over exaggerate,” said mother. “ He is a kind man, and as I said, he lives not to far from here. He is the perfect choice.”

“ I agree with your mother, besides, you seemed taken with him at breakfast,” said father.

“ I was being kind. I do not like him at all,” I whined. “ Please, there are plenty of other men I could wed! Would you really want him to rule this kingdom if something happened to Gerard?” I could tell my father was starting to get angry. “ We have made our choice and that is final, “ he said. I quickly got up and walked out of the room, saving hot tears for my bedroom. I was not one to cry in front of people. This was sickening. I am only sixteen. When I finally got to my chambers, I called to make sure Neara wasn't there. There was no answer. I collapsed on my bed in tears. I must have cried myself to sleep. the last thing I remember thinking was that it wasnt fair. Gerard was the heir to the throne. He should have to go first. My parents never mentioned marriage to me before. I knew that it would come one day, but I had always thought that if I found a suitable choice, I could marry who I wanted.

 

   I awaoke late in the afternoon. My eyes where red and swollen and my dress was a wrinkled mess. neara walked into the room. " There you are, Princess." I didnt have time to hide my swollen face. " Maeve, what is the matter? Are you hurt? What has happened?"

"Nothing. I am just unwell."

" I will draw the bath." That was her answer to everything, a warm bath.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

 

I instantly went into an uncontrolled depression. It consisted of staying in my room and not eating or sleeping. I didnt even walk through the castle gardens. That was one of my favorite things to do. My father thought I was just sick with something, but Neara and mother knew otherwise. My ‘sickness’ lasted for a week or so before my mother tried to say something to my father.

 

“ She is not ill, Robert, and you know it. We have put her in the state she is in,” said my mother.

“ Nonsense, Cassandra, she just needs some fresh air,” father replied.

“ I think you should go talk to her,” mother suggested.

“ And what would you have me say darling, that Lord Abrim controls an area large enough to become a threat to us and their wedding is the only thing preventing a war?” said father, frustrated.

“ I understand the situation perfectly, Robert,” my mother retorted. “ I just don’t want her to be unhappy.”

“ Gerard will cheer her up. I will send her outside to watch him and his little friend, Daven practice with their bow and arrows. The fresh air will be good for her. It will clear her mind and she will come to her senses about Lord Abrim,” my father stated, pleased with himself for thinking of such a good idea.

“ Gerard’s little friend?” my mother asked. “ Why do you talk so lowly of the boy? You know very well that he will be the first choice Gerard has for Commander of the army when Gerard is king.

“ Yes, I know. It will be a good choice, but let’s not talk of such things now. I still have a few good years left in me,” my father laughed. My mother just sighed.

 

 

I was lying on my bed when father walked in. “ Maeve, how are you dear?” he asked. I didn’t answer. I couldn’t look him in the eye either. “ You know that I care only for your happiness, but I have thought about it and I still think Lord Abrim is the best choice for a husband,” he insisted. I got up and walked over to the window.

“ Father, you have made it so that he is my only choice, if you can call it choice,” I said. I was now on the verge of tears.

“ I am sorry that this does not please you, my dear, but I have found no one else well suited enough to be your husband,” he said. “ I think you should go outside and get some fresh air. You could watch your brother and his friend practice,” he suggested.

“ Yes, father,” was all I could say.

 

 

Chapter 3

 

My older brother Gerard was always outside no matter what the weather was doing. He was tall and had dark hair unlike my mother and I. His best friend and knight to our kingdom was Daven. Daven was just as tall as my brother, but he had golden blonde hair and the bluest eyes you can imagine. Today they were in the courtyard, practicing shooting at wooden targets with brightly painted centers. “ Hello, Maeve,” my brother greeted me.

“ Good morning,” I replied.

“Good morning, Princess,” Daven said, hardly glancing at me as he aimed for the target.

“ Good morning,” I replied for the second time. Then he released the arrow and hit the center circle.

“How do you do that, Daven?” my brother asked. Daven always exceeded him when it came to weapons.

“Well, first I hold my bow like this, knock my arrow, then aim for the center.”

“Oh, ha ha, Daven. Very funny,” my brother said sacasticly. I grinned. Then I realized it was the first time I had smiled in days. It felt good, but then I remembered why I had not smiled, and it ended. I sat on a stone bench close behind them and watched them for a while. They were quite good. Then Daven asked, “ Would you like to try?”

“ No, thank you. I don’t think I could lift that bow let alone pull the arrow back,” I said.

“ Come on, give it a try,” said my brother. So I got up and went over to Daven who was holding his bow out for me to use. I was wrong about not being able to lift the bow, but I was right about being able to pull back the arrow and string and hold the bow at the same time. I was about to give up and give them both back to Daven when he said, “ Here, let me help.” For just a moment he put his hand on my waist and I felt as though I couldn’t breathe. “ Keep this arm straight,” he said as he put his own hand over my left hand, which was holding the bow. Then he took my right hand and put it on the bowstring under his hand. “ Now stand with your feet one in front of the other, but keep them apart. Now straiten your back and aim for the target,” he instructed. Together we pulled back on the bow. “ Now let go,” he breathed into my ear.

 

I let go and the arrow flew toward the target and hit near the center. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding and laughed. Daven and Gerard smiled too. Daven looked as though he was about to say something, but then he glanced up. “ There you are, my Princess!” It was Lord Jonathan Abrim. For those few hours I had been outside I had forgotten him. Now he was there, asking to walk with me through the gardens. I walked away from Gerard and Daven with my hands and waist tingling from where Daven had touched me, I couldn’t understand why I felt this sensation, but I liked it. I had known Daven for years, so why was I feeling this way now? Neara had said this morning that I was growing up, but feelings like that don’t just come overnight.

 

While walking through the gardens, the only thing I had a chance to say the whole time was “ How are you Lord Abrim?” The rest of the time I could only listen to his continuous talking about his accomplishments and how happy I would be with him. When we finally got to the middle of the garden, he asked, “ Have your parents decided upon a date for our wedding?”

“Yes, it is to be one year from now, when I am seventeen” I replied, but before he or I could say anything else the sky opened up and it started to rain. I was overjoyed that our time together was over, but I tried my best not to be rude or to look happy. “My dress! It will be ruined!” I yelled, though I truly did not care about it. Then I made my escape. I ran from the gardens, into the palace, and up the stairs not daring to look back. When I got to the top, I saw Daven and Gerard. “ Gerard, please go down stairs and talk to Lord Abrim!” I begged.

“ What do you want me to say?” he asked. He was smiling at my wet hair and my soaked gown. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Daven. I knew I was a mess.

“Please just tell him I am deeply sorry for running from him, but I feared my lovely dress would be ruined,” I pleaded over dramaticly. Gerard started laughing then, I saw Daven smile from the corner of my eye.

“ You ran from him?” he asked after a fit of laughter. I glared at him and then stomped off to my room and called for Neara. I told her what to say just in case he did come looking for me or if my parents asked about it. Then I took off my wet dress and brushed my hair out in front of my mirror while my bath was being filled. For a reason I did not know, I wished I hadn’t looked so terrible in front of Daven.

 

Chapter 4

 

The next day I was informed that Lord Abrim would be joining me for dinner to make up for our ‘ruined’ afternoon together. I was pleased to hear that my parents, Gerard, Daven, and a few of mother’s servants would be dining with us and that I was not going to be alone with him again.

 

That evening I entered the dining hall earlier then expected so that I could arrange where I wanted to sit. I choose the seat at the end of the table with Gerard to my left and Daven across from me. That way I was blocked in by my mother and father sitting at the end of the table. My plan left it so dear Lord Abrim was seated Next to Daven and not near me at all.

 

During dinner, my mother asked “ Lord Abrim, would you please tell me more about your mother? She seems like a wonderful woman.”

“ I would be delighted too, my Queen,” he said. He talked for a while, but I only pretended to be listening. I nodded my head from time to time and I smiled politely if everyone else laughed.

“ And what about your home?” my mother asked.

“ It is just as big as your beautiful castle. It is furnished with the finest decorations and furniture I could find. It is absolutly filled with servants and advisors as well, but there is still room enough to raise six or seven children,” he finished. The last remark caused me to choke on the wine I was sipping, and that made my brother start laughing.

“ Are you alright my darling?” Lord Abrim asked. I nodded my head in just the slightest way, trying to catch my breath.

“ What is so funny Gerard?” asked my father.

“ Oh,” he stuttered, and that made Daven laugh. I liked his laugh. It was full and happy. “ I was just thinking about a joke Daven had told me earlier today.” Daven quickly stopped laughing.

“ What was the joke, Daven?” asked my mother.

“ I can’t seem to remember it your Highness,” he lied, then he glared at my brother.

“ Oh,” she sighed. “ We could have used a good joke about now.”

 

 

Chapter 5

 

A few days later I was walking down the stairs that lead to the main hall. I wanted to see all the decorations put up for Yule. Everything was silent. I was thinking about the dinner and guessing how many of them I was going to have to endure when Daven and Gerard came around the corridor. I didn’t see them so it startled me when Gerard called out “Maeve!” In fact, it startled me so much that I missed a step and fell down the last few stairs only to land in a fit of tears with one hand on my ankle and the other pressed close to my chest.

 

Because Daven was faster then my brother, he reached me first. He kneeled down on the floor beside me and held me in his arms as Gerard started to take off my shoe and then my stocking. This painful experience started a new wave of tears, which caused Daven to hold me tighter. When my stocking was off, I could see my ankle was already starting to swell. Then Gerard asked to see my arm, but I refused to move it from its position against my chest. “ I will go get Simon,” Gerard said. “ yo can help her up to her room.”

“Alright,” Daven agreed, then Gerard got up and ran off to find Simon.

“See if you can walk on it,” Daven said. He helped me stand up, only to catch me again when I fell back from the pain. “ Let me just carry you then,” he said. Then he put one arm around my shoulders and the other behind my legs, and carried me up the stairs to my bedroom door. Fortunately Neara was there. Daven explained what happened as she cleared off a spot on the sofa for me to lye down.

 

She disappeared for a few moments while Daven helped me onto the couch. When she came back she had a basin of hot water and a warm washcloth. She put my swollen ankle into the hot water then told Daven, “ Unbutton her sleeve and then roll it back so that the physician can take a look at it.”

“Tell me if this hurts too much and I will stop, okay, Maeve?” he asked. I didn’t say anything; I just held my breath and let the tears stream down my face.

“ Now, wash those tearstains off her face,” Neara instructed as she gave the warm washcloth to Daven. He gently wiped my cheeks, he didn’t seem to mind, but it left me feeling awkward.

 

Just then, Gerard and Simon, the physician, came in. “ Let me take a look at your ankle first your highness,” he said. He gently picked up my foot and pressed it here and there asking me where it hurt. He was a kind, old man and much more gentler with my foot then Gerard was.

“ You have most likely just sprained it. It should heal in a week or two, but I will wrap it up just in case. Now, let me see your arm,” he said. He took my arm, which was starting to bruise and pressed it here and there just like my ankle, but this time it hurt a whole lot more and I started crying again. “ Gerard,” Simon said, “ Sit up there beside her and steady her.” Gerard did as he was told, but I cautiously asked, “Why?” but I didn’t really want to know. Then Simon said, “ The bone in your arm has popped out a place a bit and I am going to have to push it back. I will do it on three, one, two…” But instead of three he pushed it back on two. Not expecting it, I let out a cry and then went limp against Gerard from the pain. Simon then wrapped my arm up and started to pull out some herbs to put in my tea. “ These will help you sleep,” he said as he handed them to Neara, and the he left.

 

When he was gone, Neara asked, “Can one of you boys carry her over to her dressing screen so I can put her in her bed clothes?”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Daven, and for the second time he picked me up and carried me. When Neara finished helping me dress, he picked me up again and put me down on my bed. Then Neara came over and propped my foot up and then she placed a pillow on my stomach for my arm to rest on. “ Why don’t you boys say good bye, then go so she can get some sleep,” Neara suggested, then she left the room to tell my parents what had happened. Gerard came over and kissed my forehead. Then he said, “ I am sorry for startling you” I told him it wasn’t his fault and he left the room to go help Neara explain to our parents. The Daven came over and said “ We will come back when you wake up. I would kiss your hand, but you wouldn’t be too happy would you?” I smiled, looking down at the brusies. Then he kissed my cheek and left, shutting the door behind him. For the second time he left me with the tingling feeling, but this time it had spread throughout my whole body, and I fell asleep smiling.

 

 

Chapter 6

 

 

I awoke to someone holding my hand. When I saw whom it was, I jumped back and then gasped from the pain. It was Lord Abrim. “ How are you feeling my dear?” I just moaned. “ I am going to get the physician and tell him you are awake,” he said as he got up to leave the room. Just then, I noticed my parents standing in my room also. My mother came over to my bedside and rubbed my cheek with the back of her fingers. “ Oh my poor little girl,” she said. Then my father came over and said he was glad to see me awake. After a while, they left and I was alone for but a moment when Lord Abrim came in with Simon. Simon gave me some more tea and then told Lord Abrim to leave. He looked as though he was going to protest, but then he saw I was falling asleep again. I thanked Simon secretly for telling him to go. But then Lord Abrim came over and kissed my forehead and walked out the door. He didn’t leave me with a tingling feeling, but a sinking feeling in my gut. Then I fell asleep again.

 

Chapter 7

 

 

The smell of food and the sound of voices woke me up later that evening. Daven and Gerard were on my sofa with trays of their dinner and mine. Gerard came over and helped me get up. I realized I was starving because I had slept through every meal. “ Thank you so much for bringing my dinner to me. I am famished, but I don’t want to take you away from anything you have planned,” I said.

“ Don’t be silly,” said Gerard. “ It was my fault that you are hurt. I just had some lessons tonight, but I canceled them so I could come here.”

“ Oh, Gerard, Please go and do your lessons! The kingdom doesn’t need a king who only knows how to attend the sick. I will be fine,” I whined.

“ Nonesence, we will both stay here until you fall asleep, right, Daven?” he said

“ Right!” Said Daven. And just as they said, they kept me company. I was glad that they were there because I was laughing the whole night. They both had a wonderful sense of humor, which made me wonder if Lord Abrim would ever be as good company as they were.

 

 

After we had eaten, Neara took our plates away, and we sat and talked for a few hours. I must have fallen asleep, because I woke up in my bed, with fresh bandages and Neara cleaning up my room the next morning. “Good morning!” she said. “ How are you feeling, dear?” I told her I was feeling better. She then said that Gerard and Daven were going down to the river in a few hours and they asked her to tell me I am welcome to come down if I want. I told her I did want to go and I asked her if she could help me get ready. Then she sat down on my bed and said, “ Princess, I need to talk to you about Sir Daven.”

“What is it,” I asked.

“ I just want you to be careful, Dear. You cannot get too attached to him. You know you are betrothed to Lord Abrim. I have seen the way the two of you act around each other,” she said.

“ Don’t be silly, Neara. Why would I like Sir Daven? He is just a knight in my father’s kingdom and friend to my brother. In fact, his is more like another brother to me.” I felt like I was lying for some reason.

 

Normally we would have walked down to the river, but since my ankle was still healing, Gerard insisted that we take horses, but because of my arm, I had to ride with Gerard on his horse. When we got to the river, Daven and Gerard helped me down to the water, where I sat on some rocks by the river’s edge. I took off my bandage and let my feet dangle in the water while the boys took off their shirts and their shoes and jumped in. They were showing off and horsing around so much that there was barley a moment when I wasn’t laughing. After a few hours, they dried off and we had lunch on the riverbank. The three of us sat and talked for a while and then we watched the sun go down. It was funny how well we got along with each other. They were three years older and young men, yet we could still relate to one another.

 

When it was finally dark, we packed up our things and got back on the horses, this time I rode with Daven. I had the terrible awkward feeling again when Daven put an arm around my waist to keep me from falling off. I hoped I didn’t look as strange as I felt.

 

 

Chapter 8

 

A few weeks later, Neara informed me that Simon would be coming to check on the progress of my ankle and my arm. “ Hello, your Highness,” he said as he entered the room. “ How are you doing?”

“ My ankle is still a bit annoying, but I can walk on it now,” I answered.

“ Good, that is very good. What about your arm?” he asked. “ Let me check on it.”

He unwrapped my bandage, but my arm had still not fully healed. There was still bruising and red marks, not to mention the nagging pain. He said he would check it again in a few more weeks, but my ankle looked fine.

 

At breakfast that morning my mother said, “ Darling, we have decided that we are going to host a ball to announce the engagement of you and Lord Abrim.”

“ Oh, Mother, please don’t talk of such things so early in the morning,” I said.

“ Well I was just going to say that you have a fitting for a new ball gown today so you cannot go out with your brother,” she added.

“ Mother,” I knew I was whining again, but I didn’t stop myself. “ Gerard is practicing his speaking and asked me to help him. I told him I would come! You know how nervous he can get when he has to speak. He said he would like me to help because I don’t become nervous in front of people.” Except for Daven, I thought.

“ I understand, but the ball is in three days time because Lord Abrim will be leaving in a week on some personal business,” she stated. I didn’t say anything. I just nodded and went to find Gerard.

 

“ I can still help you,” I said. “ Just come to my room while I am being fitted and practice there.”

“ Are you sure you don’t mind?” he asked.

“Positive.” Gerard read aloud from one of his literature books. He was a fine speaker when it was just he and I, but when some of the dressmakers entered, his sentences broke and he stumbled over his words.

“ Gerard, concentrate on the words and nothing else. You are a fine speaker, you just have it in your head that you aren’t,” I advised. “ Just concentrate and raise your voice a little. Nothing else matters except the words which you are reading.” He continued reading and became better with every word. When he realized that he control his voice, he thanked me and left the room quickly to inform his tutor who had been so frustrated with his reluctance.

 

A few hours later, Gerard walked in and stared at me. I was up on a stool with about ten annoying women buzzing about me, arguing over how my hem should fall behind me. Gerard just laughed then called Daven in from the hallway. Why is it that every time I see Daven I am in some embarrassing situation? I thought. Both of the boys started going into hysterical fits of laughter when one of the dressmakers started yelling at the other one. “ You have the sense of a mule!” said the first one. “ I have the… look at the way you are dressed! Professional you say you are! Are the people who ask you to make clothing blind?” said the second one. It went on for about five minutes until I tried to intervene. I was quickly told to be quiet because I was a young girl who knew nothing. Raising my voice I said, “ Excuse me?”

 

“ Oh, Princess forgive me. For a moment I forgot who I was talking to,” one of them said.

“ For a moment you lost the good sense that was given to you,” I half yelled. “ Now go, all of you. I am tired of your arguing. We will finish this tomorrow.” When they were finally gone, the three of us left to go riding through the woods. I apparently looked as though I needed a break from it all.

 

 

Chapter 9

 

When we came upon a stream, we decided to stop and let the horses drink. Some how we got on the topic of the coming ball and Gerard admitted that he would not be dancing, because he didn’t know how. “ Well let’s teach him then,” said Daven, turning toward me.

“ A wonderful idea, Sir Daven,” I said, but Gerard looked hesitent. We enjoyed hours of fun and laughter. Daven and I demonstrated, then Daven and Gerard would switch and he and I would dance. He was a fast learner, but even when he mastered it, the three of us kept dancing. When we were too tired to go on, we sat down, letting our bodies cool and our rosy cheeks fade.

 

After a while, Gerard said he was going to walk upstream a bit to see how close we were to the waterfall that fed the little brook. When he was gone Daven asked, “ So, how are the plans coming along?”

“Plans?” I asked.

“For the wedding, I mean.”

“ They don’t,” I replied. “ I dread starting the planning because that would be proof that this is actually happening."

“ Then you don’t like this Lord Abrim?” he asked.

“ No, of course not. I thought you knew that.” I smiled, but he had confused me. I was about to ask him why he had to be reassured when Gerard came back.

“ We aren’t too far from the falls, but we should be getting back. The sun is about to set.” He said. With that, we mounted our horses and set out toward the castle.

 

When we reached the stables, Neara and a few other servants ran toward us. “ Gerard, Samantha, the king has taken ill. He would requests that you come and see him. You too, Sir Daven,” added Neara.

 

Chapter 10

 

The three of us entered the room to find my father in bed, and about every servant in the castle running around making sure that he was comfortable. My mother was sitting in a chair at his side. “ Will you people stop buzzing about?” he boomed. “ It is not as if I am dying.” The room suddenly got quiet and my mother started sobbing. Apparently Simon had told them all that my father was growing weaker by the day, and he did not know if he would ever recover.

 

In that one evening, so many things happened. The ball was cancelled, Gerard and I were told our lessons would increase greatly, Gerard was decreed heir to the throne, and father gave his blessing for Daven to become Commander of the army when his training was complete.

 

The next few weeks were very different. Gerard took to hiding in my room during the evenings to get away from all the chaos and we only saw Sir Daven the few times when we all gathered in my father’s room because Simon thought he was dying. Lord Abrim would show up every now and then to have meetings with my father. I was on edge while he visited. I wanted to know how all this would effect my wedding situation. It seemed that everything was taken care of, except for me. I knew that there were more important things for my father to deal with, but I was anxious and worried. My father barley had the time to talk with me, and when he did, it was never about Lord Abrim.

 

Chapter 11

 

Neara awoke me one night, and in tears she told me that my father wanted to see me. Not wanting to take the time to get dressed, I put on a robe, and we ran down the corridors to my father’s bedchamber. Gerard, Daven, and most of the castle servants were there. Most everyone was crying, and Gerard and my mother were by father’s side. I joined them there and when my father noticed my presence, he took my hand. It was cold, and I could feel the little strength he had left dwindling away.

 

I could not tell you how long I sat there in Gerard’s shaky embrace after my father died. My mother was wailing, but I was in such shock that I didn’t notice anything around me, except Gerard’s sobs into my hair as he held me.

 

Chapter 12

 

The next morning, it seemed as though the whole castle was shrouded in a veil of black. Everyone walked with their heads down and wore dark colors. Most of the planning for my father’s funeral was done by me because my mother was in no state to do it. Gerard was also no help. He wandered about the castle as if in a dream, Daven, of course was by his side.

 

With the funeral in three days, I had did not have a chance to sit and I hardly slept during the nights. There was so much to do and prepare for, but no one would listen. As the first day went by, I became increasingly angry that nothing had been done. Gerard even refused to talk about plans for the corination. Frustration with everyone started bubbling inside of me, and I knew I would soon explode. I knew I had to do something to put things in order.

 

The first thing I decided to do was call the entire castle staff together. I had not planned on being so harsh, but by the end of my speech I was yelling. I told them to be silent and listen to my instructions, anyone in the way would be sent home. After I finished, I gave most of them specific things to do, then I went off to find Gerard. The servants weren’t the only ones who needed put in their place.

 

When I reached Gerard’s room, he and Daven were sitting on some cushions by the fire, talking. I could see how upset my brother still was so I let myself calm down before I talked to him. I started out kind saying, “ Gerard, I know things have been hard, but you are the future king. You must take charge and be on top of things. You have been shut up here for two days and nothing is being prepared for the funeral or the corination.”

“ Samanth, I just lost my father! Have you no heart? Can you not see I am upset?” he sobbed. I don’t have time for this! I couldn’t take this anymore, I lost my temper and started yelling again.

“ He was my father too, Gerard!” I almost screamed. “ And I havent even had the time to mourn him because I have been doing your jobs, mother’s jobs, and everyone else’s it seems! Gerard, I cant run the entire kingdom by myself while your shut up in here sulking because your not ready to be king.” I paused to take a breath. “ there is no turning back now. You are the heir to the throne and you need to do your duty to the kingdom or give the throne to someone more capable then yourself!” He just stared at me with a look of shock and hurt. I had never yelled at him before.

“ Don’t you think you are being a little harsh, Princess?” said Daven. I was on a rampage and now he had stepped into my path. Why wasn’t he on my side?

“ And you!” I yelled. “ You re no better then he is. You sit in here encouraging him to feel sorry for himself and don’t lift a finger to help anyone else!” I opened my mouth to say more, but I just shook my head and stomped out the door, still fuming.

 

I decided to take the long way to the main hall. I wanted to calm myself down a little more, before facing the servants or anyone else in the castle. When I finally reached the hall, I saw him. I almost felt sorry for him, it was so unfortunate that he should cross me on this day. But such thoughts evaporated when he started talking. He asked me questions about the state of my family and the kingdom, the burial, and who would take up the throne. I just stared at him with the cold gaze, which everyone had come to know that day.

 

“ Lord Abrim,” I said, “it is improper for you to be here for you were not invited.” He opened his mouth to say something, but I silenced him. “ The state of this kingdom should not concern you because you do not live here, and the affairs concerning the throne are improper to talk of to outsiders. Even if you were not an outsider, it would sill be wrong to talk of the corination until the proper amount of time has passed from the late king’s death. Good day, Lord Abrim.” But before I left, I reveled in the dumbfounded look he gave me.

 

After my last conversation, I realized that the only place where I could go would be my own room. Neara greeted me as I opened the door. She already had a bath waiting for me. As she helped me undress, she said that I had reminded her of my mother when she first came to the castle. She continued on to say that my mother had a similar, if not as kind, discussion with everyone in the castle because she was tired of their condesending tones and rude manners. I laughed, realizing I was a lot like my mother. I went on thinking about her, and I worried about her health. She had taken ill with grief when father died.

 

I sat down at my writing desk in only my shift. I started writing letters concerning the affairs of the kingdom, which should have been Gerard’s responsibility. As I started writing, Neara came over and took the quill out of my hand. “ Come, Princess, worry about such things later. For right now, take a nice relaxing bath before you father’s service this evening.” I heartily agreed and went into my bathing room. I immersed myself in the warm, soapy water. I stayed there until my water became too cold to ignore.

 

When I finally got out and dryed off, Neara started to help me dress. “ Neara, please don’t. I know my mother needs more help then I do. Would you go to her for me?” I asked.

“ Of course.” She turned and was about to leave when she said, “ I am more proud of you then you could ever know.” When she finally left, I continued to dress, with tears dripping onto my gown.

 

Chapter 13

 

During my father’s service, I noticed that no one but Neara would meet my gaze. I understood perfectly. I sat there, in the front, next to my mother. After a while, we processed out into the courtyard, where my father’s body was brought and then burned, for it was the way to honor a king. His ashes were tossed around the outside of the castle. I don’t remember much of the details. I was in a daze that no one could penatrate.

 

Not wanting to sit down and rest just yet, I went to the great library and sat down to write some more letters and put some more things in order. Ready to write, I picked up the quill and dipped the tip into the ink, but as I put it to the paper, I started sobbing uncontrolibly. For the first time in three days, I was alone ad able to mourn over my father. I willed my self to stop crying after a few long minutes. I hated crying, it always made me feel so vonerable. At least, I thought, this is one embarrassing moment that was not seen by… “ Daven!” I said in surprise.

“ Princess Maeve,” was his greeting. “ I wanted to come and check on you. I have hardly seen you sit down, let alone eat these past few days. You really must take a break, you have been working nonstop,” he said. He is really concerned about me! I thought. A feeling of gratitude came over me.

“ I only have a few more letters of business to write, then I will be finished,” I replied.

“ Why are you doing them? There are many other people that are capable in the castle.” He said.

“ I think that everyone is a bit frightened of me right now,” I smiled.

“ Oh, that’s right,” He smiled back. If I hadn’t been sitting, my knees would have buckled at the sight of that smile. “ I did hear something about Gerard and I not being the only ones you put in our place.” He laughed. I lowered my eyes, embarrassed.

“ Oh, Sir Daven, I am sorry! I should have watched my temper. It was just that I was in a bad mood and it felt like I had the weight of the world on my back,” I said. He held up his hand.

“No, Princess, everyone needed it. I needed it. You were right. I wasn’t being a very good friend to Gerard. I should have been helping him get on his feet,” he said. I just looked down yet again.

“Well, I am not the only one who is right,” I said to him. “ It is too late to work on these, I do need to rest and maybe get something to eat. Would you and Gerard like to come with me?”

“ I would, but Gerard is still a little shocked by what you said and wants to keep his distance,” he said. Then he gave me another charming smile.

“Was I really as harsh as I think?” I asked.

“ No,” he said reasuringly, then added, “ you were much harsher then that!” We both laughed as we walked down the halls to the kitchens.

 

During dinner, I could tell Daven was trying to keep the conversation light. I knew that he could tell I had been crying, and I could see that made him uncomfortable. We talked about many different things, then the topic turned to Lord Abrim. “ I am afraid that Lord Abrim was another person I may have yelled at,” I said.

“ Really? How did you even get a word in?” he asked.

“ He started asking questions until he had nothing left to say, then I simply told him he was being rude and that none of the questions that he wanted answered were any of his business.” Daven looked shocked.

“ What did he say?” he asked.

“ I wouldn’t let him say anything else!” I laughed, “ I said Good day Lord Abrim and walked off!” We both started laughing again. We talked a while longer, but then the servants started cleaning up and blowing out all of the candles. Daven escorted me back to my room and then he said, “ I had a wonderful time.” He kissed my hand, then walked off. It was a lovely gesture, but it seemed more for show then affection. Strange. I cannot tell what he feels toward me. He is like a brother toward Gerard. Is that how he thinks of me, as a sister? I Changed into my night clothes, then sat on my bed, utterly confused. What did Daven really think about me?

 

Chapter 14

 

I laid on my bed for a while, just thinking about everything that has happened. I am only sixteen and… no, wait…seventeen. I will be seventeen tomorrow. Surprisingly enough, I was not sad about having my birthday amidst such chaos. I knew that it would go by unnoticed, but I didn’t mind. Everyone was busy, and I would still be seventeen with a big day or a regular day.

 

I woke up the next morning, weary from staying up all night thinking. I noticed that Neara was sitting by my bedside working on her needlepoint. “ Good morning. How does it feel to be seventeen?” she asked.

“ It feels the same as when I turned sixteen,” I said. “ Neara, please don’t make a big deal out of this. Everyone is busy preparing for the coronation or still mourning for my father. You have not told anyone have you?”

“ I did remind your brother earlier in the week,” she said.

 

As I walked down to eat, Gerard greeted me with a giant hug, and a plea to hurry and eat my breakfast. “ Make haste, Samantha! I cannot wait any longer to show you your gift!” he said over and over again. I was tempted to go slowly and make him wait, but I realized I was just as excited as he was to see the only present that I expected to receive. When I finished, Gerard didn’t waste a second in getting me up and dragging me to the courtyard. “ Close your eyes!” he said. So, I covered my eyes and heard him call a servant over. “Open them!” he said excitedly. And when I did, standing before me was the most beautiful black stallion I had ever seen. He was coal black with enchanting hazel eyes. “ Saddle him up!” Yelled Gerard to one of the stable hands. I ran back over to Gerard and gave him a hug equal to the one he gave me that morning. I couldn’t express my gratitude with words, but Gerard seemed to know how happy I was. When the horse was saddled, I immediately jumped on, not caring how improper it was not to be riding sidesaddle or in the proper attire.

 

“ What will you name him?” Gerard called out to me as I rode around the court yard.

“Majesty,” I said. “ Every single movement he makes is majestic and beautiful,” I continued. I dismounted and hugged Gerard again.

“Well, I am glad you enjoy it, but I must go. I have more tedeous lessons to learn,” he said. “ Oh, and before I forget, when Daven comes to see you, can you tell him to meet me in the study?”

“ Of course, but why would he be coming to see me?” I asked.

“ To give you your gift, Maeve,” he called back as he started walking away.

 

I rode for a while longer, then I led Majesty back to the stables. I gave him to a stable hand, walked back to my rooms. Like Gerard, I also had lessons to do. When I reached my room, I sat down at my desk and started my work. It was late in the evening, when Daven finally arrived. “ Hello Princess!” he said. “ I am sorry it is so late, but your brother only informed me of your birthday last night. I had to order it this morning, but don’t think that it isn’t well made, I had the best people I could find work on it. It is no stallion, but I think that you will like it.” He handed me a long, narrow box. Not waiting another second, I opened the lid and gasped. In the box was a beautifly made bow. It had carvings of ivy up and down the sides. Beside it, a leather quiver with newly made arrows lay on its side. “ The length is just right for you,” he said. I could tell he was trying to figure out if I liked it or not. “ I made sure to tell the carpenter not to made it too hard to pull back on as well.”

 

I looked up at Daven with complete awe, and forgetting all decorum, I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him. “ I take it that you like it!” he said. I could feel my cheeks turning red with embarrassment from hugging him, but he smiled at me, and all was well again.

“ Sir Daven, this is just as good as any stallion!” I said. I smiled at him and in return he left my stomach feeling funny by hugging me back. I just stood there for a moment, his arms wrapped around me. Then he stepped back. “ I believe your brother wants to see me,” he said. His voice was hoarse and he cleared his throat as he left. I was completely happy that moment. Nothing could darken the smile that I could not get rid of for the rest of the evening and into he night.

 

 

Chapter 15

 

The corination ball was amazing. It was a time of great happiness and celebration, which was just what we needed after father’s death. It seemed as though the entire kingdom and more was there. Gerard, of course, was smiling like a child the whole night. He looked like he was having a wonderful time, and why wouldn’t he? He was the new king. He danced with more girls then I can count, but there was one young woman in particular that stood out to him. Her name was Nora and she was the countess of Taldon. She looked divine in her gown of blue satin, it brought out her eyes. It also made her chestnut colored hair gleam. All the men seemed quite taken with her to tell the truth. It was incredible to see all of them succum her every wish without a moment’s hesitation.

 

When I met her, later that evening, it was surprising to find how kind and shy she was. You would think that all the attention she got would spoil her, but it did not. I made it my mission to find out anything I could about her while I talked with her, but the only thing she seemed to want to talk about was my brother. No doubt, many other girls were after him, but they only saw the title and the power. She saw him for what he was. Naturally I did not want to like her because of the way she and my brother got along, but the more I tried, the more I found it impossible. She was an angel.

 

I also danced plenty that night. When the music was playing a soft melody, I would take a small break to converse with the guests, so not to seem rude. When the music sped up, I was always on the floor with a gentleman I did not know or even cared to know. I wanted simply to dance and to celebrate. Unfortunatly, there was no way of avoiding dancing with Lord Abrim. When the song ended, we walked over to the serving table for a drink. When a man aquanted with Lord Abrim came over to join us, I made yet another escape and politely departed from them.

 

I only had a second to breathe before Gerard grabbed my hand and pulled me to the center of the grand ballroom for a dance. “ I can see that you have been practicing your dancing!” I said to him.

“ Maeve, you don’t know how greatful I am of your teaching me! If you had not, I would be sitting on that throne bored to tears. I would also have never met,” he paused to twirl me, “ The countess of Taldon.” He spun me yet again. “ What is her name? I cant seem to remember.”

“Gerard! Do not feign indifference! I can see right through you!” I laughed. “You both seem quite taken with each other, though, ” I added. The song ended, but Gerard wanted to talk more.

“ You mean that she liked me?”

“ Who could not, Gerard?” I asked him. He grinned, but then was tapped on the shoulder.

“ Good King Gerard, would you spare your lovely sister for a dance?” asked Daven sarcasticly. They laughed like children and Gerard nodded and gave my hand to Daven. A slow, sweet melody started up, and he put his hand on my waist and I in turn put mine on his arm. “ Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked.

“ Oh, very much,” I replied. “ Are you?” He did not answer, instead he was distracted by something behind me that I couldn’t see. As the dance moved farther along and he spun me around, my suspisions were confirmed when I saw Lord Abrim staring at the two of us. “ Sir Daven, I have a favor to ask,” I said.

“ Name it,” was all he replied.

Do you mind dancing with me again… and possibly,” I paused.

“ And possibly what?” he asked, interested now. I looked at Lord Abrim. Daven followed my gaze to the man staring at him still. He looked back at me. “ Seem taken with you to bother him?” he finished. I looked at the hem of my dress. It was a good idea when I had thought about it, but now it seemed childish and embarrassing. I could feel myself blushing from my neck to the beads in my hair. He put is hand under my chin, and raised my head so he could see my face. He gazed at me with those beautiful blue eyes. “ It would be no trouble at all, Princess, for I find it harder to pretend that I am not.”

 

We danced a few more times that evening, but neither of us said a word. I would have looked at Lord Abrim, but I was too mesmerized by Daven. When the last song finally ended, we bowed to each other and I took my place by my brother’s side. The entire room seemed saddened to leave, but it was almost dawn. We had spent the entire night in that ballroom celebrating.

 

Chapter 16

 

The day after was rather lonely. I did not see Gerard because he was king, and had a new court and kingdom to get used to. Daven, I was sure, was avoiding me. I could not tell if he regretted what he had said, did not know what to say to me, or changed his mind and didn’t know how to tell me. I was fine with the arrangement because I was also at a loss for words. The whole day went by as a dream, and sometimes I would think that last night had been a dream. When this happened, I would sit and think for a while until I was convinced that it wasn’t. Neara asked me several times if I was sick. It surprised me that she had not caught on, but did not say anything to correct her.

 

That evening, Neara and I sat a while in the library. I knew I had nothing to say to him, but his going to the library was inevitable, and so I was drawn there. I sat in a comfortable chair by the fireplace and opened up a book on the history of Rome. Normally this would fascinate me, but that night, I only glanced at the pages and turned them every so often. Neara had not noticed, but as she often did, sat and talked while working on something she was sewing.

 

After half of an hour, one of the great doors opened, and in strode Daven. When he saw me, he stopped and looked at me. “ I came for a book for your brother,” he half whispered. Then he walked over to some of the shelves. He stood there for a few moments, then turned around. “ It doesn’t seem to be here. I guess I will just tell him that he can wait another day to read about the great Roman empire.” He was babbling! He looked at me again, wanting to say something, but turned and started to walk toward the doors. Then I realized what I had in my lap. I looked at it. It was no longer a history book, but a chance to speak to Sir Daven.

“ Wait!” I called after him. I got up from my chair and walked toward him. By this point he had turned around. “ Would this be the book that you were looking for?” He looked at the cover then nodded.

“ If you are reading it, I can just come back another time,” he said. Oh, how handsome he looked.

“ Not at all, I was about to retire to my rooms when you walked in,” I said. I had intended for my voice to sound stronger, but it came out as a soft whisper. I handed it to him. For just a moment our hands brushed and we looked up at each other.

“Thank you,” was all he said. The he gave me a shy smile and left.

“ Wasn’t that strange!” said Neara. “ I think that there is an illness going around the castle. Sir Daven seems just as dazed as you do!” she said.

“ Did he? I hadn’t noticed,” I replied dreamily.

“That is what I mean. You are walking around in a fog or a dream. Well, maybe that is what happens to people who read as much as you do. Always reading, you are. It isn’t right for a young girl your age to sit around and read about battle and war. There is no need for it. We are at peace, but you, Daven, and your brother act as if we are on the brink of disaster. Daven is always at his weapons, you always have your nose in a book of strategies, and Gerard is always filling his had with equations and literature. Well, I must say, you are accomplished, but there is just no need for it all.” I listened to her for a while longer, but my thoughts kept turning to Daven and the terrible Lord Abrim.

 

Chapter 17

 

Three days later, I saw Gerard for the first time since the coronation. It is funny how people can change so fast. With in those three days he had grown to look more mature and kingly. At the ball, he looked like a happy child who just received his first toy sword, now he really did look like a king. I also noticed that he was tired. He said that he had hardly slept since the ball. He was going through all of father’s papers, trying to figure things out. It seemed that some documents were obviously missing from father’s study. “I am not sure what is suppose to be there, but something is missing from the archives. Several papers concerning some meetings that father and his advisors had with someone are gone.”

“His advisors recorded everything. Are you sure you are looking under the right year?” I asked.

“Yes, I am sure. It is this year. The meetings were held only a month or so before father’s death.”

“How do you know that there were meetings on those days?”

“I was talking with one of the advisors. I was asking him a question about who knows what now. He told me that couldn’t be possible because our father and the rest of the advisors were working on some affairs that day.”

“Didn’t he say what they were?”

“He wouldn’t say anything else. He said he could not remember what they were concerning, exactly, but that Lord Abrim was there,” he finished.

“ Maybe I can ask Lord Abrim what they were about,” I said.

 

“ Our wedding,” Lord Abrim replied. My brother and I had invited him to a dinner that night. It was a horrible idea in my opinion, but it would get our questions answered.

“ It took you a full month of meetings to figure out that you were going to marry my sister?” my brother asked. There was a hint of humor in his voice.

“ Well, they were about some other things, but I was told not to speak of those private affairs to anyone but the king.”

“I am the king,” There was no more laughter in his voice. Something was wrong, and they weren’t telling me what it was.

“I never implied that I doubted your capability of handling the throne,” Lord Abrim replied. I knew that they had forgotten I was there. I did nothing to remedy this, of course. I wanted to know what was going on, so I stayed silent.

“I do not believe that this was a conversation on how capable I am as a king.”

“ Of course, Sire. Shall we talk on a lighter subject then? Princess, I have heard that a horse was put into your possession,” he said to me.

“ Yes, the loveliest of all horses,” I answered.

“Mmmm. Well, perhaps we should go riding together one evening.” The rest of the talk that night was about horses and saddles. Gerard and Lord Abrim did not talk directly to each other, but bridged the conversations through me. It bothered me that Gerard was keeping something from me. When I inquired about it after Lord Abrim had gone, he avoided the question and then changed the subject. I wanted to ask him another question about what Lord Abrim had said about his capability of being king, but I could tell I would get nothing out of him that night. So, I went up to my rooms and changed for bed, my thoughts lingering on the dinner. What were they hiding?

 

The next morning, I saw Daven again. He was in the courtyard with my brother, practicing with their swords. I happened upon the two of them after I had been walking through the gardens, as I always did when I had something to think about. When Daven first saw me, he paused, which gave Gerard the advantage. He smacked the sword right out of Daven’s hands and then hooked his foot behind Daven’s knee. Then he yanked his foot back and Daven fell backwards. I laughed. Then Gerard gave Daven his hand and pulled him to his feet. “Thank you, Maeve!” said Gerard. “ That was the first time I have ever beat him, thanks to you!” I just smiled. “ I can never match Daven’s skills with the sword, but you come walking over and he loses all his senses.” His tone was light and teasing, but then he caught on. Oh no! I thought. “ Wait… you come over and…” he turned to look at Daven, who by now was turning a slight shade of pink. “ But, you both are… I mean, she is,” I held my breath. “ I thought the two of you were just friends. You danced together more times then I could count at the ball, but I thought you were being your usual selves and just being shy about dancing with other people.” I had to fix it. It might become too complicated if Gerard knew anything about what happened between us.

“Gerard, what are you babbling about?” I said in a playful tone. “ Sir Daven and I are just friends. Actually he is more of a brother to me then anything,” I finished. I hoped that sounded beleivable, and apparently it did, because Daven looked hurt. Gerard looked at him.

“Do you agree, Daven, that you two are just like siblings then anything else?”

“Yes, of course. I mean, I have known her for how many years? Five is it?” Daven finished. He smiled, but I could he thought that what I had said was a way of turning him down without actually talking to him. I felt terrible. I couldn’t undo what I had done, though. I would not be able to talk to him alone, without raising Gerard’s suspicions.

 

That evening, I went to the library to try and talk to Daven, but he did not come. The next day, I even tried to look for him, but he was no where to be found. With all the time I had to think, I planned what I wanted to say to him, but when finally got him alone, I couldn’t remember anything. It was an evening that I knew was inevitable when I first saw Countess Nora. My brother had invited her for dinner. Daven and I would be there as well. It surprised me that he had asked her to the castle. But, I soon found out that he had got her there by saying he wanted to discuss the taxes and affairs of her estate, which were obviously not discussed during a walk through the gardens, drinks in our grand parlor, and a highly thought out four course meal.

 

I think she suspected that he did not plan on talking about her estate, but she did not suspect anything a wonderful as that evening. When dinner was over, we retired to the parlor again. She and my brother were soon in deep conversation by the light of the fire. It was then that I got to talk with Daven alone. When we had left the room, I turned to him to speak, but he spoke first. “Princess, or should I forget all of the titles since we are more like brother and sister? When you asked me to pretend to be in love with you, I took a chance and I told you that I was. You repay me with silence for the rest of the night. I thought nothing of it at the time. I know that you can be shy sometimes so I just let it go. When I saw you in the library that night, I thought that you were considering what I had said, but I realize now that you were just toying with me. The what you said the other day,” he paused, “ that just hurt.” I knew that I had hurt him and I was miserable because of it, but for some reason I felt that I had to defend myself from what he said.

 

“ Sir Daven,” I said, “ I asked nothing of the sort. I was not finished with my question, but you thought it better to complete it yourself.”

“ And you thought it better not to correct me? You thought it better to play games?”

“No!” I was on the verge of tears. “ I…”

“ Please, Princess,” he said more quietly now, “ spare me from your answer so that I may return to my rooms.” I didn’t want him to go. I had to explain to him what was really going on! I tried to say something, but I knew that no words would come out without tears. He just looked at me and shook his head. He was about to walk away. I was ruining my only chance of repairing what I had done. The only way to stop him and to explain at the same time would be to… but that would be improper and out of place…but it is my only hope. So, knowing how to remedy the situation, I put my hand on his arm. He turned around to look at me. Before he could say anything, I reached up and kissed him. It only lasted a second, though, because he pulled away from me. Feeling his rejection, the tears came. “I don’t understand, “ he said.

“ I am trying to explain to you,” I said in between sobs.

“Then the other day?” he asked. He was breathing heavy and I realized that my hands were in his

“You misunderstood my intentions of what I was saying to Gerard.” By this point, I was hardly able to breathe.

“Then you…”

“Will you stop asking questions and let me finish?” I pleaded breathlessly. He just nodded his head. “I do, I mean, I am,” and for the hundredth time he didn’t let me finish, but this time I didn’t mind so much. He had put his hands around my waist, then pulled me closer to him and kissed me. I stopped sobbing and just looked at him. Then he put his arms around me, and held me until I had my emotions under control.

“It is late,” he said, still holding me against him. “ I will walk you to your rooms so you can get some sleep.”

“But what about Gerard?” I questioned, not wanting him to let go.

“ Once you are in your rooms, I will go in and remind him of the time. Then he and I will escort the countess to her carriage and retire to our rooms ourselves. How does that sound?” He was talking to me in a soothing voice. After five years, he still didn’t know how to handle my crying.

“ What do you think about this Countess Nora? She is rather pretty don’t you agree?” I asked. I didn’t want him to escort her to her carriage. He just laughed.

“What will you have me say? She is as boring as a bow with no arrows to shoot. Does that make you feel better?” He was still laughing.

“ I didn’t ask how boring she was, I asked if you thought her pretty,” I stated. He looked at my face, and wiped my tears away with his hand.

“ She is not the type of girl I fancy,” he said simply.

“You still have not answered my question.” He laughed again.

“ What would you like me to say, then?”

“ That she is lovely, but too lovely for your taste.”

“Alright, then. She is lovely, but not lovely enough for my tastes.”

“ Bagh! She is much more lovely then I could ever hope to be.”

“ The only thing pretty about her is her gowns and hair styles. You don’t need all those things to compliment you. You are perfect the way you are.”

“ You are a wonderful lier!” I teased. We laughed as we walked down the corridors. When we reached my bedroom, he kissed me again, and then smiled. “Good night.” Then I kissed him on the cheek and said, “Good night, Sir Daven.”

“Please, just Daven,” he said, then started to walk away.

“ Then,” he turned around, “you must do the same and call me Maeve.” He grinned.

“Good night, Maeve.”

“Sweet dreams, Daven.”

 

 

Chapter 18

 

I was completley happy as I walked down the stairs to join my mother in the dining hall. She wanted to know my opinion on something. When I realized that it was the decorations for the ball celebrating my engagement to Lord Abrim, I tried to walk right back out the door of the hall before my mother could see me. “There you are, dear!” she said. “I need you to tell me your favorite color, so I can incorporate it in the decorations the servant are putting up.”

“ Couldn’t you have just asked Neara?” I asked.

“ No, no! I wanted to see how you thought everything was coming along. It is in honor of you and Lord Abrim after all. “

“ Dark green” I answered.

“Dark… oh but lavender would be so much prettier.”

“Mother, you asked me my favorite color, and I told you.”

“Oh, alright. We will use dark green,” she sighed.

“Lavender is fine, mother.”

“Really?” she said to me. I nodded. “Continue with the lavender decorations!” she said to all of the servants. They brought out boxes full of lavender and white stars and ribbons.

“Mother!”

“Yes, darling?”

“ You already had the lavender ones made?”

“Of course, that is your favorite color, remember?” I just let out a deep sigh and followed my mother to the kitchens.

 

 

For a while, my mother and I just sat there listening to he music and enjoying the splendor of the grand hall and the dinging room. I was letting my thoughts drift away into silence, so I could just relax, then my mother said, “ Maeve, I must speak with on the matter of,” but then she looked up to see three men walk in. Gerard, Daven, and Lord Abrim were conversing with each other as they continued toward my mother and I. We stood and Lord Abrim and Daven bowed to us in greeting. I smiled at Daven, but , having the bigger head, lord Abrim thought that I meant it toward him. He grinned back at me causing my stomach to ache with disgust.

 

“The décor is beautiful,” Lord Abrim said to my mother.

“Oh, thank you, Lord Abrim!” She replied. “ I had hoped you would like it, but I fear now that it is a bit too feminine.”

“Nonscence! It is perfect. That is, it is perfect if my dear Princess Maeve likes it.”

“ Well, I…” I tried to answer. My mother must have known I was going to say something rude because she answered for me.

“Oh, she does. She does, “ said mother.

“Then I love it even more,” he said over dramaticly. I again tried to say something, but then Daven raced to cut me off. What was this about? I understood why my mother wouldn’t want me to be rude, but Daven used to always laugh. Now he was trying to take the lord’s attention off of me.

“Lord Abrim, Shall I call for some wine?”

“ How could I be so forgetful of my manners?” said my mother. “Come and sit down, Lord Abrim. I will call the servants. I will meet you all in the parlor.” My mother turned and walked off toward the kitchens. The four of us started walking to the parlor, but then Gerard grabbed my arm and slowed me down. I watched as Daven glanced back at us and then picked up his pace, creating an even bigger gap between Lord Abrim and him.

 

“What is going on?”

“I cannot explain now, but you must be silent and avoid contact with Daven in front of Lord Abrim,” said Gerard.

“What?”

“ Please, just listen, I want you to try and avoid any conversations with anyone tonight, as well.”

“But Gerard, I don’t understand.”

“Just do as I say.” Then we picked up our pace and Daven slowed his and Lord Abrim’s down. When we finally entered the parlor, Mother was already there waiting with wine and a plate of tarts.

“What in heaven’s name took you so long?” she teased.

“ A good conversation about taxes,” replied Daven.

“ Then you must not think me rude if I do not join in. I find them rather boring,” grinned mother. The conversations that night were led by Daven ad Gerard. They talked about how well the economy of our kingdom was going mainly. They inquired about Lord Abrim’s, as well.

“ I am pleased to hear that everything is going smoothly, even after the late king’s death,” said Lord Abrim. “ I had worried about you little kingdom when he passed on. I tried to make certain that things were alright when I talked to the Princess,” He said to Gerard. Then he continued as he looked at me, “ But I think tht you took what I was asking in the wrong way.” Gerard looked confused. Apparently, Daven had never told him about the conversation I had with Lord Abrim. I had failed to tell him of it as well. I felt a pang of guilt, but why should I? I had done nothing wrong by not telling him, or had I? Gerard looked at me as if to say,” Say something. Apologize,”

 

“Lord Abrim, forgive me, for I meant none of the harsh words I said. I was simply overcome by grief at the loss of my father.”

“I understand, Princess. Will you forgive me for not trying to ease the pains of your loss that day?” Lord Abrim asked. He caught me off guard by being so willing to believe me. I looked up at Daven. He nodded to me, motioning for me to say yes. “Lord Abrim, how could I not?” I said. My mother was in utter confusion at this point. She just sat there in a chair by the fire, looking at us each in turn.

 

Chapter 19

 

“What in heaven’s name was that all about?” I asked as I looked at the two of them. Lord Abrim had left the castle, and my mother had gone back to the hall. Gerard and Daven looked at each other. I could tell that they were unsure if they should tell me. For the first time in a long time, I felt the slight age difference between us. It was if I was a child again, begging them to tell me a secret they were keeping. It made me feel uncomfortable, and on top of that, I was feeling uncomfortable about the situation between Daven and I. They turned and walked down the hallway that led back to the main ballroom. I chased after them.

 

“Not now, Maeve. Tomorrow is when we will tell you,” was all Gerard said. Then they turned from me again and walked to my mother. After a few words with mother, Gerard left to go to bed, leaving Daven and I with mother. She talked on and on about how grand the ball would be. Daven was half listening, but the more she talked, the more I realized that what Daven and I were doing made no sense. When she finally tired of talking, she left as well.

 

Daven and I walked out of the room together and into the hallway. Then, suddenly, he grabbed my hand and we ran along the corridors stifling giggles all the way. When we reached the gardens, Daven still did not stop, but led me deeper into them. When we reached the center, he stopped, looking around. I wanted to laugh, but before I could, he put his arms around me. He leaned down and kissed me. I wanted him to kiss me forever, but then I thought of my earlier uneasiness. He must of felt the change in me, because he broke away and looked into my eyes. With a deep look of worry on his face, he said, “Are you ill, Maeve? Is something wrong?” I looked away from his face and turned from him.

 

“ What are we going to do?”

“About what? We shouldn’t have a care about the world around us, Maeve. We are in love.” His sweet words filled me with longing for more of his kisses, but I said, ” About Lord Abrim. What are we going to do about the engagement? And what about the wedding?” I still had my back to him, but he out his arms around me again and held me. “ I do not know.” His voice was somber now, so different from a few moments before when we were running and laughing with joy. “Things will be clearer once your brother explains things to you tomorrow.”

“Just tell me now! Please!”

“I cannot. I promised your brother.” That ended it. I knew that he would not break a promise to him.