The King & The Prince

The Funeral

Evelyn

  Evening had arrived in Northwood, snow had began to fall again all of the windows in the grand hall were fogged. I had changed from my trousers into another dress Mary insisted it was more appropriate; thankfully this one had belonged to my mother and fit me better than Carissa’s had. It was black with lace trim around the bodice and was much more modest. The hall was already crowded with the people of Northwood sitting on the back benches, children were snickering and everyone was chatting aloud. I made my way to the front of the hall closer to the altar. On the front row I saw my father and the twins already seated with Mary but Carissa wasn’t here yet. Damnit if that girl didn’t head to my warning I swear I will kill her. As if she had been summoned she walked through the back doors by the kitchens Sarah following close behind they were both giggling until Mary gave her the magic look.

    I took the seat on father’s right away from my little sisters, I wasn’t planning on crying again but if I did I would rather Bethany and Bridgette not see me. Glancing around the hall I spotted Paul and Amy on the back row, seated next to Liam and Porter. They gave me reassuring smiles and I returned the favor.

“Evy, I am so very proud of you. I just wanted you to know that and I know that Sam is smiling down on you right now.” My father whispered, damn I didn’t want to cry and here I was about to bawl like a baby.

“Thank you.” I managed not to choke somehow.

Everyone in the hall began to stand up, the Prince had arrived. We stood and turned to show our respect, Kane was dressed in his general uniform. The blazer was crème trimmed in the finest gold matched with a pair of crème colored trousers. He was truly handsome, his hair was combed and styled showing off his chiseled jaw. Every maiden’s eyes were on him as he walked down the aisle towards us, I didn’t miss Carissa smiling at him like a loon. She fluttered her lashes as if a bug had flown in her eyes, disgusting we were at a bloody burial.

 Prince Kane walked up and shook my father’s hand before standing next to me. The priest stood before Sam’s body and began to pray over him as we bowed our heads. He asked that we all join hands for prayer over Samuel’s soul to go into the afterlife in peace surrounded by those he loved and held dear to his heart. Kane’s massive hand swallowed mine as the priest began his prayer.

“We are all saddened by the sudden loss of General Samuel Wellington, he had accomplished many great victories in his sixty five years here with us. Sam was a seasoned army general loyal to the Kingdom of Bellicus, a beloved friend and mentor to everyone in this room. He lived his life with passion for everything he did. I had the pleasure of speaking with him before his death about the things he was most proud of, Sam spoke of his many war stories and battles he fought alongside Lord Harlow. I asked him if those were the best days of his life. When he was young and carefree? But he didn’t answer me right away; you see Sam was thinking back on his years as a soldier to a young man those days are the best, days where you only worried about you and your fellow brothers in the army. No wives or children to worry over…” the priest paused to let us reflect on what he had said before continuing his speech.

“After some time Sam finally answered my question, and do you know what he told me? He said the most fulfilling days of his life were here in Northwood with his little dove, seeing her grow and spread her wings had brought him more happiness than any of his victories ever had. He knew that his legacy would live on through Lady Evelyn, she proved herself today.” That was it; I couldn’t control the tears streaming down my face.

To my surprise Prince Kane was circling the back of my hand with his thumb in an attempt to calm my nerves. I didn’t peg him as a kind and caring soul. This wasn’t supposed to go this way I didn’t mean to cry and seem weak especially in front of him. The hall was silent you could hear muffled sobs from every direction. Thankfully the priest started speaking again.

“General Sam lived a great life even in the end he was surrounded by the ones he loved, as we lay him to rest this evening remember to live life with passion just as he did.” And finally it was over, father released my hand but Prince Kane kept my other hand firmly in his grip. I managed to muster up some courage and turned towards him, he was already staring at me.

“Thank you, I’m sorry your grace, I thought this would be easier as I had already said my goodbyes to him. I didn’t mean to cry like a child.” I whispered to him. I hope he did not see me as just a weak woman unable to control her emotions.

Everyone around us was heading outside towards the funeral pyre where we would burn General Samuels’s body in the ground and bury the ashes with dirt. Six men had already carried his body out of the great hall with everyone following behind them leaving us almost alone. Kane’s other hand reached up to my face and began to wipe the tears from my cheek, his hazel eyes never leaving mine.

“SSHH… don’t apologize to me for crying over a man we both loved.” He whispered back. I could feel Carissa’s eyes on me; if jealousy could kill I would be right there with Sam on that funeral pyre.

Prince Kane

  What was this woman doing to me? I had known her for a day and already I would do anything within my power to keep her happy. I hadn’t even realized I was still holding her hand until I saw everyone leaving the hall, if it had bothered her she didn’t show it. Even when I wiped the tears from her face it was as if we were the only two people in the room, neither of us able to glance away. Sam had called her his little dove, and it fit her perfectly beauty and the will to overcome any obstacle.

“Your grace we should follow the others to the cemetery.” Evelyn finally spoke but those green eyes never left mine.

“After you my lady.” I followed her out the doors and up to the cemetery plot. It was still snowing harder than it had been earlier.

I could barely see three feet in front of us they had already lit the pyre by the time we reached the others. They were trying to speed everything up so that we could get out of the cold. Lord Harlow stood closest to the pyre watching the flame rise and fall with the gusts of wind. They had poured rum on the body to accelerate the fire, when his body was almost ashes everyone grabbed a handful of dirt and said their own silent prayer for him. We headed inside to eat the funeral feast in his honor much like last night. Lady Evelyn was seated by her younger sisters, they were cute girls laughing at something Evelyn had said. I felt myself start to smile until I felt a hand reach up and grab my arm. I knew who it was before I turned around.

“Lady Carissa how are you this evening.” I still had to be respectful even though I knew she was up to something.

“Wonderful your grace, I hope you received my message this morning.” She cooed walking with me to the head table to eat dinner we sat down but her hand never left my arm even when the maids brought our food.

“Yes Adam informed me you wished to see me in the library. We could speak here Lady Carissa, what is it you wished to speak about?” I asked hoping it came out sincere.

“I wished to ask you about King Roland your grace. Do you know when he will arrive in Northwood?” she asked.

She was lying through her teeth I could see it all over her face but I decided to play along.

“Well he is currently courting Lady Daniella at the castle but when he sends her home which should be within a fortnight he will make his way here my lady. Then the royal ball will be held at the end of your courtship if Lady Sasha is still unable to travel to the capital.” I’m not sure why but she seemed to be happy that he wasn’t arriving right away.

“Lovely I cannot wait to meet him again after all these years. I pray I am chosen to become his queen, nothing would make me happier.” She continued to rub my arm but I noticed her eyes glancing at one of the soldiers seated at the back of the dining room.

“I will be sure to put in a good word for you Lady Carissa.” It was my turn to lie. I continued eating the elk back strap that had been placed on my plate.

“Please excuse me your grace, I am suddenly feeling tired it has been a long day.” She bowed and excused herself from the table.

She stopped to speak with the handmaiden who had been attached to her hip all day before walking out of the dining room. Knowing what was happening I watched the soldier she was goggling stand and make his way out of the room a few minutes later. I watched as Evelyn turned back around and rolled her eyes. She knew as well and she was just as disgusted as I was about it. I needed to speak with her and inform her that I had to tell Roland, if my instinct was correct her sister and the soldier that followed her out were without a doubt having s*x while the rest of us enjoyed a hot meal at a funeral feast. I walked to the table Evelyn and the girls were sat at trying not to cause a scene.

“Good evening ladies may I sit with you?” I asked the little girls at the table.

“Yes of course your grace! Sit by me.” The girl with golden hair answered me; she looked just like Lady Carissa. I sat in between the girls and they introduced themselves again, Bethany and Bridgette they were the youngest of the Harlow sisters eleven going on twelve they said.

“Girls would you mind if I spoke to Lady Evelyn in private for a moment?” I asked.

“Sure your grace, it is past our bedtime anyway. Mary will have our hides if we don’t go now, she just hasn’t said anything because you are sitting with us.” Bethany squealed and they all giggled. I couldn’t help it I giggled right along with them. The girls took their plates to the kitchen and I looked around to make sure no one was watching Evelyn and I before I spoke.

“Evelyn I need to speak with you. It is urgent could you meet me at the cottage?” I was whispering I didn’t need anyone to hear us.

“Yes your grace just give me a moment to help the girls ready themselves for bed. I normally read them a story but I will just tuck them in and then meet you.” She whispered back nervously.

“No. If you read to them by all means read them a story. I can wait.” I gave her a smile hoping to ease her nerves.

“Thank you your grace. I won’t be long.” She got up and took her plate to the kitchen leaving out of the same door the twins had.

Trying to sneak out of the mansion without anyone following me had been difficult. Lord Harlow had stopped me to speak of the King’s arrival and Evelyn’s position; I reassured him that I would train Evelyn and speak to Roland personally about naming her commander. He left me to it and I tried again only to be stopped by the boy who had taken my stallion to the stables. He told me of all the things my stud had broken in the day he was stalled. One of Harlow’s mares was abnormally in season and he broke three stall doors before they could contain him in the outside paddock. Harlow put him with the mare just to stop him from creating any further damage. I thanked the boy and tried like hell again to leave. Finally alone I walked out of the back and headed down the torch lit path towards the cottage. When I opened the door Evelyn was already there with a fire in the fireplace, how did she get here before me? As if she had read my mind she giggled.

“Tonight they chose a short story.” She answered the unasked question.

“Well I hope they enjoyed it.”

“They did. So what was it you needed to speak about your grace?” Her voice was quivering she had to know what I was about to say.

“Evelyn, earlier today your sister asked me to join her in the library and this evening at dinner I watched her walk out of the dining room only to be followed shortly afterwards by a soldier. I know you saw it too. I must inform the King of her…activities it is my duty.” I tried to keep my emotions under control. She remained silent for a long time her face unreadable.

“What she has done is unacceptable but please just please don’t inform the King yet! I beg you please! I will speak to her, make her stop, please give me a day!” she dropped to her knees in front of me begging. Her eyes filled with unshed tears.

“I will not commit treason for a w***e Evelyn, noble woman or not!!” I yelled just loud enough for her to hear.

She stood to face me her tears already falling these weren’t tears of grief, she was crying out of anger. She was embarrassed even though she wasn’t the one sleeping around while being betrothed to the king.

“What will happen to her?” she whispered starring at anything but me now.

“King Roland will just remove her from his choice of noble ladies in line to be queen. Lord Harlow will appoint another of age noble woman from Northwood or Lord Jackson in Hidden Pines can appoint one of his daughters if they have come of age.” I only realized at that moment why she was so angry and why she had begged me not to tell Roland.

“My father is the only Lord in the north with daughters old enough to court… my sisters are eleven, Lord Jackson’s daughters are only fourteen and nine. That means he will have to appoint me… I’m sorry your grace I need to leave.” She tried to hide the pain in her voice but I heard it.

She was almost at the door before I snapped I couldn’t let her be one of his choices. Of course he would pick her, she had it all beauty, kindness, bravery hell if I was king there would be no other choices only Evelyn. I saw what Sam had seen in her, yes I had only known her a day but that was all it took for her to captivate me. He was right his little dove was destined to be so much more than a pretty face in fancy ball gowns. Just today she had proved she deserved to be respected as a soldier. She wasn’t made for knitting blankets by the bloody fire with the women at court and attending royal meetings just to be gazed upon by the common people, never able to voice her true opinions.

“Evelyn wait please!” she stopped and turned around slowly to face me her green eyes were puffy and red. I closed the distance between us, I didn’t want to say what I was about to say too loud.

“I…I…” Gods this was difficult, Roland was my king but more importantly he was my brother. My loyalties have always been to him but right now I could only think of Evelyn.

“I will not speak to my brother about this, but you will tell her it ends now.” I waited for her to respond I wasn’t sure if she believed me. She looked confused by my sudden change of heart.

“You would do that for Carissa?” her voice still cracking.

I held her head in my hands and wiped her tears away. Evelyn was the most extraordinary person I had ever had the pleasure of meeting, no woman had ever affected me the way this little redhead did. One tear from her and I was willing to risk my life to bring a smile back to her face. Deep down I knew I could never have her, the little dove should be free. She had a fire in her soul that no man should tame. I would not let her be a prisoner in the capital forced into a marriage because her sister couldn’t control her own weaknesses.   

“No Evelyn, I would do that for you, I will not stand by and let you suffer for Carissa’s sins.” I whispered to her.

A small smile adorned her beautiful face and I couldn’t help but return it, she was a remarkable woman.

“Your grace I don’t know how I could ever repay your kindness.” She hiccupped.

“Please call me Kane, you will soon be my second in command Evelyn. I don’t want you to address me as your grace from here on out.” She only nodded and it was then I realized I still held her head in my hands and I quickly released her awkwardly.

“Thank you Prince Kane, you do not know how much this means to me, truly.” She whispered.

“Go and speak with your sister, I shall see you in the morning for training Evelyn be prepared.”