Chapter 10: Into the Forest pt. 1

Over the next few weeks, Emelia got to know the other ladies who attended Queen Angeline. They were getting to know each other very well and developing a bond. They spent most of their time together mastering their artistic skills in Queen Angeline’s room since it was filled with all sorts of comfy seats and pink flowers floating around in light green vases. A lovely spring breeze would blow through the room every afternoon when they lounged by the window singing hymns and playing the golden harp before finally practicing dancing.

Although she had difficulty discerning between notes, Emelia’s affinity for the harp soon blossomed. She approached the strings with the same enthusiasm she had for her beloved bow. Her attention to detail and admiration for the instrument was evident in each movement of her delicate fingers. As Emelia plucked and strummed the strings, a faint but distinct melody took shape and echoed through the queen’s chambers. The other women paused in their work, captivated by Emelia’s graceful display, and smiled at the calming background music that filled the room.

To her delight, she also saw James around the castle, and they would catch each other’s eyes from time to time, exchanging longing glances. James followed no matter where she went around the castle, though she tried to stay away from him to protect her heart. Without warning, his strong arms pulled her away from her duties, but as soon as she was away from prying eyes, she swiftly freed herself from his grasp. However, despite her efforts, James’s stubbornness only seemed to grow. His voice and the warmth of his gaze often beckoned her towards tea and conversation on the terrace. She felt the walls that surrounded her heart slowly crumbling as he pulled her closer and closer to him. It was a whirlwind of stolen kisses and late-night conversations when they were together. Every night felt like something out of a dream; he became her entire universe. His presence lingered in her thoughts through each day, and with each passing moment, their connection grew.

Emelia was adjusting to her new life in the castle, but she longed for the simple days back at the cottage. When she wasn’t poring over history texts at the library, she would stand on the highest balcony of the castle and watch the soldiers drill in formation on the plains below. The clanging of swords and armor and shouted commands reached her ears like a symphony.

Emelia, a Lady of the Palace, was a vision of beauty. Her thick hair was coiffed into an elaborate braid, her dress a deep-blue hue that accentuated her curves, and a pair of diamond earrings hung at her neck. But Emelia had a secret passion - hunting. She found that nothing helped her organize her chaotic thoughts like the peaceful retreat of nature. With Queen Angeline away, Emelia knew she could sneak out without detection and enjoy a few precious moments away from courtly duties.

She took a moment to admire her braided hair in the mirror as she threw on her tunic, trousers, boots, and the rest of her accouterment from the closet. This had become a ritual for her. Installed in both mind and muscle memory at this point, Emelia was quick to sling the bow over her shoulder, ready for another day’s hunting. Not only did it serve as a pleasant reminder of the cottage days, but there was something comforting about reaching for a weapon that had bled along with you. The adrenaline from holding onto power like that rushed through her veins once again, and Emelia couldn’t help but feel excited to begin her afternoon hunting.

Tricksy as a fox, Emelia would slink out of her chambers in the late afternoon when she knew the staff would be extra busy. Emelia’s heart raced as she pulled on the door handle, clenching her jaw as the hinges creaked in the silent hallway. She moved quickly yet cautiously, glancing over her shoulder and peering into the shadows. The bustling staff scurried around the grounds - cleaning, carrying food, and tending to the horses - and Emelia used this commotion to make her escape. Emelia exited through the back doors of the castle. As she rounded the stables, she stumbled backward into a pair of strong arms. Startled, she gasped as she looked up to see James smiling down at her. He bent to pick up a bow from the ground and handed it to her, then straightened himself to his full height. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he quipped, “Going somewhere?”

James’ sun-bleached hair was messy and damp with sweat, and his chest rose and fell rapidly with the energy of his horseback ride. Emelia took the bow and arrow he offered, suddenly feeling a strange relief wash over her. She smiled shyly and whispered, “I just need a break from all the rules and responsibilities. Please don’t tell anyone.”

James’s eyes were soft and attentive as Emelia spoke about the burden of expectations weighing too heavily on her shoulders. He understood, as he was also tired of the never-ending rules that made it impossible for them to be together. His voice was low and steady when he spoke, “I won’t.” he said, “Unless you take me with you.”

Emelia fixed him with a steely stare. “I’m going to the forest,” she announced in a determined voice. “It’s not a place fit for royalty.”

“It doesn’t hurt to try something new.” James smiled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He shrugged, “It could be fun. Who knows?” His voice was light and hopeful.

Emelia rolled her eyes and exhaled heavily, “Follow me,” she insisted, knowing full well he would anyway. Silently, they walked into the forest as she stepped over dried pine needles and fallen branches to make a path for the two of them. Canopy trees blocked out most of the sunlight, and the shadows that fell around them were deep and long. The warmth of the day was swallowed up by the cool forest air, and Emelia took small steps to avoid disturbing any local wildlife.

James kept a few steps behind her as they navigated through the woods, the damp underbrush swishing against their legs. Ahead of them, herds of deer grazed in the meadows, and warblers darted in and out of the canopy. Every now and then, James caught a glimpse of a white-tailed hare scampering over the decaying fallen tree trunks. Despite the chaos that had engulfed their kingdom, these animals seemed unaffected by it all. He wondered if they felt the same terror he did when war was imminent.

Emelia grabbed James’s arm and quickly nodded her head towards a clearing in the woods. His eyes widened when he spotted a regal, beautiful buck munching away at the grass. She stealthily brushed against him and motioned for them to move closer. As they approached quietly, Emelia’s finger grazed her lips in a hushed warning as they crept forward. Emelia’s hands moved quickly, expertly pulling the arrow from her quiver and nocking it in her bowstring with practiced ease. She drew back the bow and held her breath, her eye trained on the buck’s vitals. Her fingers released the cord, and the arrow flew, a silent blur of motion that found its mark between the animal’s antlers. The buck dropped to the ground with a thud, and Emelia rushed forward with determination. James stood in awe at what he had just witnessed, “You actually did it!” he said as he watched her finish the kill.

She slowly but firmly pushed the tendrils of hair that had escaped her braid away from her face and looked him directly in the eye. She spoke with confidence, “Of course I did. Did you think I couldn’t?”

James grinned, his face lighting up as her words sunk in. The corners of his mouth lifted higher than usual, and his eyes sparkled. “You just never cease to amaze me,” he said, admiration evident in his voice.

Emelia’s cheeks burned, and her heart raced as his words echoed in her mind. She carefully sheathed her knife, feeling the smooth leather against her fingertips. The sweat beaded along her forehead and collected in the creases of her brow. She wiped it away with the back of her hand and tried to focus on her task. Her voice trembled as she said, “C-come on, let’s get this back to the castle...”

The thunderous sound of the approaching horses echoed through the valley and grew louder and more frantic. James and Emelia turned to see a massive herd of wild horses galloping toward them. James grabbed Emelia’s waist, yanked her off her feet, and propelled them backward just in time for the horses to fly past. The momentum sent them careening down the slippery slope. Their screams were lost in the howl of the wind as they spun and tumbled out of control, finally coming to a stop in a shallow creek, breathless, drenched from head to toe.