Unexpected Royal Love!

Chapter 8

We finally made it to the lake. My feet are in pain. Prince Edward suggested carrying me a few times, but I declined his offer.

The lake is beautiful, so early in the morning. The sun is shining over it, making it look like diamonds glowing from underneath the water.

I listen to the break of tiny wavelets on the downwind side of the lake, where the ripples come ashore. I breathed in and out and closed my eyes to feel the warmth of the sun on my face, while Prince Edward stares at me.

“It makes me think about the farm, the warmth of the sun, the smell of the lake, and the fresh flowers,” I admit when he looked at me, amazed.

“Will you please explain how the war is going to take place? And after the war, what will happen to us?” I ask in concern. I haven’t slept last night.

I was constantly rolling from one side to the other to understand what I was told yesterday.

Prince Edward showed his hand for me to sit down on the grass before he explains everything.

“The war will take place in an open field close to the palace, where we would have the advantage for a retreat if the battle fails in our favor.” I stared into his eyes. I can’t quite make out his expression. Is it fear, or despise, for his Mother to pull him into an undefeated situation?

“Why do you look so worried?” I ask, putting my hand over his.

“I’m not worried, just distracted. My Mother’s defense is good, and if we win this war, she will hold power so big, a force won’t be able to take her on.”

“Why is it frightening you?” I ask, surely he would want to win the war.

“Because she would be unstoppable then. She will have the opportunity to make rules, rules were a lot of poor people will suffer and will die from hunger. The taxes will increase by at least 20% and a lot of our farmers can’t even cope with what they earn now.” Prince Edward place the weed in the grass, purely disappointed in his eyes for his family name.

“Then stop her, before she starts the war. You can stop her Edward.” I begged.

“I cannot. They made the deal before you and the other girls came to the palace. France will retaliate if we pull out now.”

“Have you ever been to a war before?” I ask, while his eyes turned to me.

“No, this would be the first war. They have trained me for this my entire life. Mother is putting me in charge of the war.”

“Then you have the advantage to make sure the war is not to be a win by us.” I can’t even try to begin and understand how people would murder each other for power.

“My Mother would kill everyone who is betraying her. Including you, if she would find out that you knew about her plans, please Ms. Elly you can never speak of this” suddenly I felt nauseous thinking that Prince Edward could be killed along with me and my family if the Queen knows he talked about her plans to gain more power.

Everything suddenly spins. I don’t think it’s the knowing that the Queen will murder me if I knew. I think she already knows that I know her plans.

“Edward?” I said softly when I felt my eyes becoming heavy and my head falling back on his lap.

............

“What did you do, Mother?” I can hear Prince Edward’s voice briefly while I try to open my eyes. What happened?

“I haven’t done anything to the poor girl. What happened was not me. Why would I risk my own plan to poison her, her? Father knows about my plan, and if his daughter dies before the war has even started, he won’t care about his life, he will expose my plans to the town.”

“We’ll someone poised her.” Prince Edward is pacing back and forth.

“Thank the lord she didn’t eat all her foot this morning.” the Palace doctor said.

“She should be herself in no time,” he said while sticking a needle inside my arm.

“Thank you, doctor.” I can feel Edward picking me up from the coach and carry me upstairs. My eyes were still closed, and my head was still foggy.

“What happens?” Emma asks while Edward's strong arms carry me up the stairs.

“She fainted. We’re not sure what happened.”

“Why are you carrying her?” Emma asks, with a surprised tone. It must’ve been Emma, she’s the only one that feels threatened by me. If only she knew that I’m no threat to her. Yes, I might be in love with Edward, but our love would soon be over when this war begins.

“The servants are busy, excuse me.” Prince Edward said to her, and I can see the frustration on her face, even with my eyes closed.

“I’m sorry Ms. Elly.” he placed me on the bed.

“It’s not your fault,” I whispered when I opened my eyes. An enormous smile took over his beautiful face.

“I don’t understand why my Mother would want to poison you? It didn’t look like she suspected that you know anything about her plans.” he drag his fingers through his hair. My body is still senseless, my tongue feels swollen and my head fuzzy.

“It wasn’t your Mother, it was Emma. She kept us in the close side for a long time now.”

“Watching your every move. We have to tell her about your Mother’s plans, make her back off from killing me to claim you.”

“No, Miss Elly, no one can no. If she is willing to poison you to gain my attention, what else would she be capable of? No, we have to keep this to ourselves. In the meantime, we’ll have to meet in secret. We can no longer let anyone think that I’m in love with you.” he kissed my hand, making me shiver.

“We have to keep you safe, not just from the knowledge of the war, but now the girls are after you as well. Please stay safe, Miss Elly.” he placed a small kiss on my forehead before he dismissed himself from my room. I still can’t move. I cannot believe she is able of doing such a thing, that’s maybe why the Queen likes her. They're both evil and will do anything to win.