A Change of Scenery

The decision is made- Flora will leave Owltania

Chapter Three:  A Change of Scenery

                Three days passed and the castle had guests: The Duke and Duchess of Relishe and Roger Wesley, a friend of my fathers. Mother and I were to entertain the Duke and Duchess while my father went over the arrangement for my safety with his friend. Mother was still angry over the situation. I found her mumbling under her breath on more than one occasion, speaking of father’s idiotic decision to trust Mr. Wesley with me. I couldn’t say I blame her though. I knew absolutely nothing about Mr. Wesley and had never seen him once in my life. Why would father so quickly trust a man he hadn’t seen for years, especially with his daughter?

                “You have a lovely garden, Queen Helena.” The Duchess of Relishe commented, a large smile playing on her lips as she looked out unto the many acres of land we owned.

                “Thank you.” My mother said, faking a smile and leading the three of us through the maze of flowers.

                I was irritated that I could not be in the room when Mr. Wesley and father talked. This was about me and my safety- why wasn’t I in on it? Did Mr. Wesley have a wife? Children? Or would I be staying with an old man alone in his house? I doubt it would come to that. All I could hope for was that the Imposter spoke before I was expected to leave.

                I had gotten over my thoughts of being excited about my leaving. Why would I want to leave the comfort of my own home for some country life with strangers? I found myself angry at my parents for not asking me what I wanted. I was in danger as much here as anywhere else, wasn’t I? So why could I just stay here, where at least there would be hundreds of guards here to protect me.

                “Do you plant, Princess Flora?” The Duchess asked. I shook out of my daydreaming and smiled politely.

                “On some occasions.” I told her, “It is quite relaxing.”

                “Indeed.” The Duchess replied, and we continued walking amongst the roses, lavenders, sunflowers, and every other assortment of flowers and plants one could think of. I was getting bored walking around, entertaining the Duke and Duchess. I could tell the Duke was too, watching his wife admire the landscaping.

                “Duke,” I began, “Up for a game of chess?” The Duke looked at me and grinned, I smiled back knowingly.

                “Sure thing, your majesty.” He replied with a bow of his head.

                “Fantastic. Mother, how about you stay and continue with Mrs. Hefley while I go inside and beat the Duke of Relishe at chess.” I teased, the Duke laughed heartedly and my mother nodded.

                “Of course, my dear.” My mother said.

                “This way.” I said, leading the Duke back towards the castle.

               

In the castle, I led the Duke into the sitting room where the one of the chess sets were located. The guards followed us in, surrounding the table. Duke Arthur of Relishe looked at them with a much confused expression on his face.

                “You have a lot more security here than my last visit.” he said, moving his pawn up two spaces. I felt nervous, not knowing how to answer. Maybe my father was right. Maybe Relishe was behind the attempt at kidnapping me. Perhaps if I got the Duke to confess, then the Imposter would be released and I wouldn’t have to leave.

                “Really?” I asked, pretending to be only interested in the game. “I haven’t noticed.”

                I don’t know if the Duke was staring at me strangely, for I didn’t look up as I moved my pawn up a space; Nevertheless, I felt his eyes on me.

                The two of us played for about twenty more minutes when the Duke finally spoke again.

                “I can see you are quite skilled at the game of chess.” the Duke complimented, I was winning greatly and I was only keeping from taking his queen by sheer politeness.

                “I can see you are not.” I teased, completing it with a taunting smile.

                “Oh, playing dirty I see- you’re a bad sport.” he enticed back.

                “You only say that because I am winning.” I grinned, moving my knight.

                “Only because I am being a gentleman and letting the lady win.” he shot back, grinning himself.

                “Funny,” I taunted with a smile, “I was about to say the same thing.”

                He had nothing else to say, and merely continued to smile and shake his head.

                “Checkmate.” I said. He looked up from the board and grinned at me.

                “I have met my match.” the Duke said, holding his hands up in defeat. “You have many more talents, I presume.” the way he said it made me suddenly not like him. There was a certain smug and creepy way, not really flirting but suggesting. Suggesting something- some talent- that was not appropriate.

                “I also am a very talented knitter.” I said, trying not to sound rude but also trying to make it clear that I saw through him. Why was everyone in politics for fraudulent?

                “Your highness,” one of the guards who walked up said, “Your father asks for you. He is in his study.” I nodded and the guard left, still leaving seven to surround the chess table.

                “It was a pleasure beating you, Duke, now my business is being called elsewhere.” I said, with an insincere smile. He stood up as I did and bowed as I left, followed by the seven guards.

                I walked to my father’s study, where the guards followed me in. I was brought before my father and Mr. Wesley, a balding man who had a round, kind face and smile. Mr. Wesley stood up as I entered, I nodded and smiled.

                “Leave us.” My father said to the guards. The seven bowed in usion then left out the door, closing it behind them.

                I sat down across from my father on the armchair with a high back. I felt quite small in it, especially when looking at my father and Mr. Wesley.

                “This is Roger Wesley.” My father introduced, “We have made arrangements for you to stay with him and his family until this whole horrible situation blows over. He lives just outside the borders of Owltania, which provides even extra security to get you out of the country. It is a two day ride from the castle, but Roger has a large house on his farm and a wife and five year old daughter.” the way he said the last part was as though Mr. Wesley having a family and a farm made up for him kicking me out of my home and forcing me into hiding.

                “Yes father.” I replied obediently.

                “Tomorrow you and Mr. Wesley will take the carriage to his home, where you will stay for the time being.” he concluded.

                “Tomorrow?” I asked, shocked. I expected to have more time to prepare. What if we are riding to the country and the Imposter speaks?

                “Yes, tomorrow. Go prepare your things. You are dismissed.” my father said, waving his hand in my direction. I stood up, wanting to yell at him. I wanted to dismiss him and tell him he was an idiot; however, I walked out the doors and into the hall, where seven guards were standing obediently at attention.

                That’s one thing I won’t miss.

      *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

                That night I had tossed and turned and by the morning I felt like I had gotten no rest. I was awakened by my usual servants, Hillary and Beth, who bathed me and dressed me. I suddenly felt like a doll. After that I walked unenthusiastically to breakfast, where Mr. Wesley had joined us.

                “It’s all planned.” my father said as I sat down. “You and Mr. Wesley will take our carriage to the country and there you will stay.”

                “Perhaps I should join Flora on the ride.” my mother suggested, not looking at my father.

                “If you wish.” my father told her, digging into his food.

                The remaining of breakfast was silent and all I could think about was why the Imposter was so stubborn.  The story behind my hiding was that I was being sent to my grandmother for the summer for etiquette lessons on how to be a good wife. It was a lie I was glad was just that.

                “Charles, go fetch Flora’s bags from her room and begin loading them into the carriage.” My mother said to her replacement servant while Chauncey was still resting.

                “Yes, your majesty.” he said with a bow and walked off out the breakfast area. I watched him leave; I only had a couple of minutes until I would leave my home.

                “Father, may I speak to the Imposter?” I asked carefully. If the table wasn’t already silent it would have been.

                “Excuse me?” my father asked, though I knew quite well he heard me.

                “May I go speak to the man who tried to kidnap me?” I repeated slowly. “I want to face him.” I added, making me sound more as though I feared him rather than trying to make him talk before I was forced to leave.

                “Very well.” my father said. My mother looked at him in shock. Obviously because I being in the room with a maniac was too much for her to handle, even though I would be surrounded by guards and the man was behind bars. I would be in no real danger.

 

The dungeon contained twenty individual cells. Only one was occupied. A man with long, straw-like, black hair sat on a wooden bed, his head in his hands. His clothes were gray rags and he wore no shoes. He had obviously been forced to change out of the guard uniform.

                As I paced closer to the prisoner, surrounded by my guards, I made out long, deep scars on the bridge of the man’s nose to his right shoulder. His foot was shaking slightly and as my footsteps grew closer the Imposter looked up. I saw many more scars along his neck, face, and hands as he sat up straight; a look of surprise and amusement etched upon his face. 

                “You’ve finally come to visit me in my cell, have you?” the Imposter spoke clearly. One of the other guards, who were not surrounding me, hit the Imposter with a long, thick, spiky stick. The Imposter fell to the ground on his hands and knees.

                “You will bow when the Princess walks in!” he shouted. I recognized the guard as Andrew Webster, head of Prisoner Discipline.

                “She’s not my princess.” he groaned, standing back up.

                “Who is then?” I asked. The Imposter smiled a quite hideous smile and sat back down on the wooden bed.

                “I have been trained to keep my tongue. Why would I tell you of all people who my master is?” the Imposter said.

                “Because,” I began, not knowing what to say, “I of all people can grand you the only thing you want right now. Freedom.”

                “You?” the Imposter said, looking amused.

                “Yes.” I said, “Tell me who you work for.”

                The Imposter laughed and it made me angry.

                “Idiots.” he snorted shaking his head, “How would you know I am telling the truth? I can tell you anyone is after you and it wouldn’t matter. I can name you every country on this Earth and your father would go to war with whoever I say; because it’s I who have the information- I who have the only thing you want right now- not the other way around.”

                “Fine.” I said, having no more pity on the man, “Be tortured to death- see if I care.”

                The Imposter chuckled again, sending a shiver down my spine.

                “Torture. Such a poor system of getting information. A weaker man would say whatever pleases them to hear for the pain to stop. You can’t trust anything they say. You can’t trust anything I say. So you say you can grand me freedom? You lie. I will die here and I’m not wasting the last days of my life betraying my own.” he fell silent and laid down on his bed.

                Angrily, I stormed from the room as fast as I could; the guards trailing behind me. What kind of man would be willing to risk everything so as to not appear a coward? A brave man. No, not brave- foolish. He must not have children, or a wife to look after- pointless existence.

                I marched down to my bedroom, wanting to see my one sanctuary one my last time. My closet was still filled with all my large dresses which I wouldn’t be able to wear for it wouldn’t be appropriate on a farm.

                Another thing I will not miss.

                My teddy bear which mother made me when I was two was already packed away in the carriage. It amazed me how very unoriginal my room was compared to all the others in the house. I could have walked into a room in the west wing and not have known any better. There were no paintings of my family or myself around the walls or little knickknacks here and there.

                I found it easier to leave my room suddenly. I walked out, guards following me around in a semicircle. I walked out the front door where mother was waiting for me beside our large house-drawn carriage. I saw Mr. Wesley already inside. My luggage was in the storage compartment and two other smaller carriages guarded ours on either side.

                I walked up to mother and she gave me a reassuring, yet sad, smile and grabbed my hand.

                “Will father be seeing me away?” I asked mother as she lead me to the door of the carriage.

                “I’m afraid he had some urgent business to take care of.” Mother told me, I nodded and entered the carriage. Mr. Wesley smiled kindly as I entered and tipped his head. I smiled though I felt myself shaking.

                I had barley been out of town let alone the country. I wouldn’t have mother or father or guards looking after me. I would just have Mr. Wesley and his family. I continued to question my father’s sanity as I felt the jolt of the carriage beginning to move. I looked out the small window I sat beside and wondered what would happen to me. I watched my castle until it became harder and harder to see without straining my neck and found myself smiling to myself.

                For once in my life I found what lied ahead to be unpredictable and I can’t say I wasn’t happy about it.

      *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

                Two days of open road brought irritability and stiffness to me. We stopped only for restroom breaks and to feed the horses. I knew not how the horses could ride steadily nonstop for so long.

                Mother said we should be there any minute now, but she seemed to say that quite a lot. I was the most tired I’d ever been on the ride to Mr. Wesley’s farm. The bumps and jolts of the carriage made it impossible to sleep and we hardly ate for not enough food was packed for the ride to the farm and back.

                It was dark when Mr. Wesley smiled and said the relieving news.

                “We’re here!”

                The carriage soon slowly came to a stop and I looked out the window. It was not at all how I had expected.

                A large, white house stood in the middle of green land that seemed to stretch on for miles. I could unclearly make out a red barn behind the house. A white fence surrounded the land and went on for as far as I could see. It was quite pretty.

                Mr. Wesley got out of the carriage and the door opened on mother and mine’s side. I was trying to read mother expression to see what she thought, but I could not tell, especially in the dark.

                “There is a town and market,” Mr. Wesley pointed up the road, opposite from where we had come. “Just up there. We sell eggs and milk there. Margret inherited the house and land from her father when he died.” I looked around, trying to see out in the growing darkness.

                Guards had gone out of the other two carriages and began looking around, walking around the land and down the road for any sign of anyone or anything. But there wasn’t. Oh the country life.

                “I hope it is adequate.” Mr. Wesley said, looking nervously at me. I smiled at him and began walking around, trying to show him I felt comfortable even if I didn’t.

                “My wife may be asleep, but if you would like to meet her Queen Helena, I could fetch her.” Mr. Wesley said, directed to Mother.

                Mother looked around. I saw an unsure expression on her face and I knew she was concerned about leaving me here.

                “No, it is perfectly alright.” Mother said with a small smile, “Perhaps another time.”

                Not knowing what other time there would be I waited for either of them to speak.

                “I am very tired.” I told them, faking a yawn, “Perhaps it is time to depart.”

                Mother looked at me and smiled, giving me a head bow and walking back towards the carriage. We had not hugged in public since I was seven- it was uncivilized. Mother got back into the carriage and the guards began taking my bags off the carriages and walking them to the house.

                “The door should be unlocked.” Mr. Wesley said, “You can place those by the table.” The guards nodded in understanding and one by one, guards grabbed my luggage and filed into the house. I saw them dropping it inside then begin walking around.

                I turned to Mr. Wesley and he smiled a kind smile.

                “I’ll show you to your room.” he said happily. I smiled nervously and followed him towards the house. I turned my back once to see mother sticking her head out the carriage window. She gave me a sad smile and a tiny wave with her hand. Even in the dark I saw gleaming tears trickle down her face.

                I turned back to the house and Mr. Wesley, trying to take everything in.              

                The truth was I really was tired and the dark, warm house did not make me very alert. Mr. Wesley lead me upstairs and I saw guards checking around the house, under rugs, in jars, something I would bet my mother told them to do. I couldn’t help but trust Mr. Wesley, but I knew that I didn’t trust anyone at this point.

                “Here it is.” Mr. Wesley had opened the door to a beautifully decorated room. It was a lot smaller then my one at the castle, but it was cozy looking and had a window leading out to the front yard. “I hope your stay here is comfortable. It is a pleasure having you here.”

                I smiled and thanked him and he left the room, closing the door behind him. I rushed over to the window and threw open the window just in time to see the guards return to their carriages. I could not see my mother in the darkness, but I knew she was there and watching the carriages ride away made me feel very alone.