Chapter 8: Royal Life
After the ball, Emelia went on to live in the majestic castle as a lady-in-waiting for Queen Angeline. The queen was overwhelmed with joy since Lady Emelia’s debut had been an outstanding success. Emelia moved down the intricate hallways, her destination being the library, when she heard men grunting loudly. She decided to look out of one of the tall windows, and what she saw left her stunned.
The courtyard was filled with soldiers wearing gleaming armor, clashing swords that emitted sparks with each parry. In the background of this spectacle was King Edward watching with his hands behind his back, nodding in approval at each perfect maneuver. At the end of the yard, Emelia spotted several archers; their bows pulled taut as they lined up their sights with the targets. They all needed better technique. When they released their arrows, she noticed how their feet shifted, and their arms dropped down and out, causing erratic flights. She watched them for a moment and felt her heart droop in disappointment — it seemed like none of them had any idea how to shoot a bow properly. Her fingers itched to grab one of the bows from them and demonstrate the proper stance, and she shook her head in dismay. Their form is atrocious, she thought.
She stepped into the towering library, rays of sunlight highlighting the soft dune of books that stretched before her. Marble busts and large oil paintings added to the air of history and grandeur. Her gaze became caught by one in particular – a landscape of rolling hills and a spectacular lake that seemed to extend as far as the horizon. She felt a pang of envy as she thought, how lucky are the people with nothing but time and nature to live off of. Taking a deep breath, she moved forward and began to peruse the endless shelves lined with leather-bound volumes, some old and cracked, some tall and thick. She ran her fingers along the spines, feeling their aged texture.
Her eyes danced across the spines of the books, and her heart raced with excitement when she spotted the title - The History of the Five Kingdoms. She pulled it off the shelf and cradled it in her arms like a precious newborn. She moved to a table near the middle of the room and ran her fingers over the ancient leather cover. She opened it and began to read, captivated by stories of wars, love, and deceit. Hours later, she returned to reality and replaced the book on its shelf. As she turned around, James unexpectedly appeared in the doorway, beaming at her.
“James,” Emelia said, her voice tinged with surprise and confusion. “What are you doing here?” She stepped back from the shelf, the tips of her fingers still brushing the spines of the books she had been studying. Her eyes darted around the library for a moment before settling back on James, who regarded her with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.
He stepped into the library and moved closer, sighing gently. “I figured you would be here,” he said, the words rolling off his tongue in a melodic rhythm. He knew Emelia loved reading and suspected he would find her at the library.
“Yes,” she pulled a heavy book from the shelf, the leather of its cover softened from years of handling. “I’m just doing some reading,” she said, her voice low as she skimmed the pages. She then walked back to the table, book clutched to her chest, and peered into his eyes. “Did Queen Angeline need me?”
He looked her in the eye, his lips lifting into a shy smile before he spoke. “No, I came to see you,” he said, his hands clasped in front of him as he slowly approached the table.
Emelia slowly lifted the edge of her skirt, taking care not to crease it. As she gracefully lowered herself into the armchair, her hands smoothed the silky fabric along her thighs. Taking a deep breath, she opened the book, its worn pages inviting her in.
James sat across from her with a furrowed brow and an anxious stare. His gaze never wavered as he asked, “I haven’t seen you around all week. Are you avoiding me?”
Emelia’s wide brown eyes, which were full of annoyance, rose to meet his. Her mouth twisted into a smirk before she spoke. “Me? Avoiding you?” She slammed the book shut so hard that the room echoed with the sound. “That’s rich when you had not come to see me for nearly a year.” She paused briefly, her delicate hands still wringing the book in her grasp.
James ran his fingers through his hair, and the wrinkles on his forehead deepened. “Can we go for a walk, please?” he asked, eyes begging for an answer.
Her brown eyes were blazing, and her graceful jawline was set with anger. “Why?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief and resentment. “So you can pull me into the darkness behind the bushes and have your way with me? Or you could lure me back to your room and slowly undress me. She shook her head and let out a sharp laugh. “I’ve heard the rumors about you,” she said, her lips twisted into an expression of distaste. “How many girls have you defiled without the intention of marrying them?” She had stopped just short of jabbing him with an accusatory finger.
James’ eyes flickered between Emelia and the ground, betraying his apprehension. His mouth opened, but no words came out as he stammered, “Emelia...I can explain-” fighting for the right words to explain his actions.
Her posture tensed with indignation. She opened her mouth to speak, and her voice felt like a whip in the air. “How many?!” she demanded, not allowing him to explain.
Her words slammed into him like an ocean wave. He sat there, rooted to the spot, unable to look her in the eye. Finally, he muttered, “Five.” His voice was low and desperate, and he kept his gaze fixed firmly on the wooden table.
Emelia sat in stunned silence, her mouth slightly agape as she processed his words. The room seemed to spin around her as a whirlwind of emotions overtook her: fury, sadness, hurt, and betrayal all swirled together until it felt like she was being cocooned in an invisible coffin. The more he spoke, the more Emelia felt like the air was being sucked from her lungs, and the walls were closing in. She finally mustered the strength to stand up and reach for the book she had been clutching on the table. With a trembling voice, she finally uttered the only words that escaped her mouth, “I hope they were worth it,” before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving him alone with his confession.
* * *
The next morning, Emelia nervously ate her breakfast of boiled eggs, toast, and tea while she waited for Queen Angeline to appear. When the queen finally entered the room, Emelia was shocked at her appearance. Her expression was strained, and her eyes tired. The morning sun illuminated the dark circles beneath her eyes and painted her face with an almost ghostly pallor. Queen Angeline looked as if she hadn’t slept in days.
Emelia’s face flushed as she rose to her feet, hastily brushing the bits of toast from her dress. Her hands trembled slightly as she curtsied deeply before the queen, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed the monarch with a respectful, “Your Highness.”
Queen Angeline gracefully raised her slender arm, her white, ruffled sleeve cascading down like a waterfall, to gesture acceptance of Emelia’s greeting. Gently lowering herself into the chair across from her, she pressed her lips together into a determined line and declared, “Since Edward is going to the frontlines with more soldiers, I will make the journey to Kingdom Macula to discuss the alliance.”
Emelia’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You’re not going there by yourself, are you?” she asked, disbelief evident in her voice.
Angeline met Emelia’s gaze, her eyes like steel. “No, one of the other ladies will be accompanying me on my trip,” she said firmly. She cleared her throat, hesitating before continuing. “You have been...sufficient as my lady in waiting.” Angeline paused and grimaced slightly, unaccustomed to giving compliments. She gave Emelia a look of approval and rose from her chair. “You may continue your studies,” she said with a mixture of command and gentleness. Angeline’s eyes flashed briefly with intensity as she added, “That is an order.” Then she turned and swept through the door and out into the hallway to begin preparations for her journey.