The weight of the crown

Chapter 15

I walked in my room . I was wearing a dress in shades of red on which there were golden decorations. My hair was pulled down while I had a golden crown on my hair.

I looked at my image in the mirror when I kept thinking about whether I was making the right decision. It is funny to think that only a few simple details can change a whole image.

Without the crown and the dress, you could just think I was a girl who was almost ordinary.

I looked at myself one last time and then covered myself with a cloak that covered my body and my hair, hiding the crown and the elegant dress.

I turned to one of the closet drawers and opened it. I picked up the various fabrics until my hands felt cold metal. The metal gleamed in the moonlight. My fingers carefully caressed the dagger I held in my trembling hands.

After the last war, my father made sure that each of us had a sword, a dagger, or a certain weapon, so that if the palace was attacked again, we would have a way to defend ourselves.

I admit I've never really used a dagger, and I hope I won't have to tonight either.

I went out to the stables. The sky was grayer than usual and I wondered if it was going to rain soon.

I approached the horse that was closest to me, his large brown eyes looking at me curiously. I grinned at the cute sight of the horse and handed him an apple that I had brought with me.

"Your Majesty" I heard a familiar voice and jumped in a panic as the apple fell from my hand quickly and rolled onto the floor toward that person.

I turned to see the French ambassador in front of me as he bent down and picked up the apple that had stopped by his shoes.

"It's a little late to walk out of your room," he said as he walked toward me until he was right in front of me. He looked at me for a few seconds and then handed me the apple, which I took quickly and then gave to the horse.

"I can say the same thing about you," I said, when I was smiling a little deliberately, I looked away and stroked the horse's neck gently.

"What are you doing in the palace anyway?" I asked suspiciously, "I thought you came here just to announce Thomas's engagement"

"I am concerned that you think my job is only as a messenger," I was afraid for a moment that he was really offended by my words, but after a few seconds, he smiled.

I remembered for a moment every time he appeared in the palace, talked to different people, and this time in Ireland .

"You told me something in Ireland," I said as I began to remember, "You told me Scotland was not my only enemy, what did you mean?"

"I meant my suspicions, people I do not think you really can trust," he said seriously.

"Like who?"

"Like Ireland," he said, "I do not think the reasons behind the alliance between England and Ireland are correct, but rather more deliberate and preconceived," he said, and I could not help laughing.

"Every covenant that is made, every move and every word that people in the palace say is measured , there is no such thing as an alliance that is built just like that, there is always a reason behind things"

"And do you really believe that Ireland will not turn its back when you're in distress?" "Do you really think William will marry you at the moment of truth?" He asked, his questions were difficult, and I realized that he had really thought about it in depth.

I remembered William's conversation with his father, that we were for Ireland just a tool in the chessboard.

And then I thought of William, all the times he treated me coldly, but then I thought of all the times he had shown he cared about me.

"I really do not know," I told him quietly. I wished that was the only answer I had, but that was the most honest answer I could say.

I looked at the horse again, and realized that I had to leave soon, before it started to rain or I would change my mind and go back to my room.

"I'm sorry, but I really need to go," I told him, and got on the horse. I saw in the Ambassador's eyes that he was curious to know where I was going, but he said nothing, but nodded slightly and went the other way.

Riding was harder than usual. The ground was damper and there were many places where there was mud or stones that I had to avoid so the horse would not slip or fall.

I usually rode with Skye, who was my horse, he liked open and wide areas just like me, but he did not like it when I rode with him in the dark and in unfamiliar areas.

After a long and exhausting ride, I saw a faint sign of light. I approached the same area and climbed a hill that exposed a lot of tents, among them torches burning with intensity.

In front of all the tents, there was one flag that stood in front of me like a red light, the flag of Scotland. I swallowed and got a little closer to that area.

The Scots were probably so sure of themselves that they did not even think to hide their presence in the area, and that scared me even more.

I got off the horse and tied it to the tree next to me. I made sure that the dagger was still on and that the cloak hides my clothes and hair so well that my face can be seen only until I have to expose myself.

I tried to walk as straight as possible and with moderate steps. It was not like balls or discussions, that I should have looked safe because it was my job, because important people had examined me.

I had to look sure because if not, I was not sure I could go back to the palace, not sure they would listen to I got to the flag. I could see even more closely the tents from there.

Among them were several people who had passed clothes or carried buckets full of water between the tents. After a few moments, one of the guards noticed me and immediately turned to the guard next to him, who approached me quickly as he pointed his sword at me.

As he did so, I noticed the people's looks on us, and the whispers. Not many stopped their work, it seemed as if they were relatively used to the attention and the people who came here, but I knew I was a different case.

"Who are you?" The guard asked me in an angry tone. His eyes were dark brown, almost black, his hair was black and curly, he wore silver armor that covered his torso.

He held in his hand a long sword that was a few inches from my neck.

"I want to talk to the Prince," I said clearly, and despite the cold, I tried not to tremble.

I remembered all the private lessons I had about Scotland, I had to learn the structure of the royal family, their connections, and their boundaries, I suddenly realized how much this information was needed for me.

I knew the Prince was about twenty, and he was about to inherit the throne soon. And I knew the Scots might be arrogant, but they would not bring the king here, but the prince. They took a risk, but not one that could hurt them too hard.

"Why do you want to talk to the prince?" The guard asked me suspiciously as his eyes scanned my face.

"It's none of your business," I said quietly, hoping that I hadn't crossed the line.

I wanted to expose myself as the princess, but if I did it now it would make too much noise, which would not even get me close enough to the prince, I needed the center of the power.

"Who are you?" He said for the second time and this time he sounded much angrier.

"Leave her Cyrus," I heard someone say, and before me he looked none other than the Prince. The crown of course gave him away, but I already knew what he looked like.

Thomas always told me that one of the most important things for me was to know the enemy, to know what he looked like and how he thought. His hair was almost white, I could see blond shades in his hair, but in the distance it was hard to tell.

His eyes were greenish and his lips were thin and slightly cracked. His chin had a scar that, though it was small, was easy to spot.

"Come with me," he said, looking at me for another moment. I was afraid that maybe my plan was too stupid, since he was letting me in so easily, maybe he was just leading me into the trap.

I felt the presence of two guards walking behind me, each holding his hand in the sword. I knew that if I tried to do an exercise they would hurt me mercilessly.

The Prince approached a tent that was bigger than the others. It was light gray and a guard was standing next to it. The guards behind me moved away from me and stood beside the tent.

The Prince entered the tent and motioned me to follow him.

I went into the tent, when the light came from the lantern placed on the Prince's desk. On the table were a few maps on which I could see a long feather.

Maps were marked with lines or words in a language I didn't know. Right next to the table was a barrel I thought contained water or wine. Behind me was a simple bed with several pillows on it.

"I know who you are," he said lightly, "Alexandra"

I looked at him for a few moments and then took off the cloth that covered my hair so that he could see my face clearly, along with the crown on my head.

"They did not teach you that rule number one when you enter enemy's territory is to know everything about him.

And when I say everything, I mean the most basic thing, that's to know how he looks like. "He grinned and sat down on his big chair that was in front of the desk.

"You're not very sophisticated, I understand why Thomas is going to be the next king," he said as he folded his hands together and leaned on the chair, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"This is not the territory of Scotland, it's the territory of England," I said, trying to sound as relaxed as possible when I was clasping my hands under the robe.

"That's your mistake, darling," he said, getting up from his chair and heading for the barrel, pouring a red liquid into a golden cup. He drank some of the glass and sat down again. "I'm in control of this area, and I'll rule all of England, it's just a matter of time"

"Too bad I won't let that happen," I said the words, "You can attack, but we will not give up, we will not let you win so easily"

"Oh, Alexandra, you're just like I imagined," he said, pointing at me with one of the fingers that did not hold the glass. "You're just as beautiful as the portraits I saw, but so naive"

"I didn't come here to talk about myself"

"And modest," he said, "I keep learning new things about you"

"And you're arrogant, but it's not new," I said, handing him the note the Scots had brought me.

He took the note from me and after reading it he looked at me and laughed, "Like I said, you are too naive"

"I'm not going to hurt anyone I love, I won't give in to your threats," I continued, as I took the bottle out of my bag and put it on the table.

He looked at the vial and then at me, "And you think I do not know that?" He grinned.

He looked at me for a few moments, put the half-full glass on the table. Then took the bottle, took out the cap, and drank the liquid in one gulp. When he finished he wiped his lips and stood up.

"but.., how?" I mumbled in confusion.

"I made sure that the guard coming to the palace would frighten you, of course I had to pay him," he said, looking at me when I noticed a spark in his eyes, "but I suppose your reaction was worth it"

"Why did you do that then?"

"I know all about Thomas, what is important to him, his strengths and weaknesses, and of course, what are his ambitions as a king," he said, coming closer to me, "but you?" He kept saying while my eyes surveyed him suspiciously.

"I don't know enough about you," he said, "Correction. I do not know enough about you to hurt you "

"So it was all a test?" I guessed.

"I wanted to see how you reacted, and I admit you've been able to surprise me, you're probably not as boring as I thought "He continued stroking my cheek, and I quickly moved my face away from him, "and although I like it, it's still a problem"

I wanted to say something, but I was silent when I saw that he had come over to his desk and pulled out a sword under all the maps.

I gasped for a moment and had to remind myself that he was just testing me, that he would not really try to hurt me.

The sword was long, and I could see that in the middle of it was engraved a name, Charles.

"My father," he said, looking at me intently, with only a hint of a smile on his face.

"Do you know why he gave me the sword?" He asked and I shook my head.

"Because he sees potential in me, because he knows I can win and rule England" he continued. I heard the sound of footsteps around the tent, but I couldn't concentrate on it, because the sword was now aimed at me.

"I knew you would not want to hurt Charlotte, but I did not expect you to come here," he said. "Apparently my plan is getting along after all"

"What are you talking about?" I asked in confusion as I reached under my robe to make sure the dagger was still there.

"I wanted to hurt you, long ago, I just wanted to be sure it was for the right reasons and at the right time.

And now, when I see you've come this far, facing the next King of Scotland, I realize I was right.

You are dangerous for me and for my reign " He continued to say and approached me as I continued to walk back.

I heard the same sound again and footsteps outside, and then I heard something fall firmly on the ground, but it seemed that only I had noticed it. The Prince was so busy talking that he did not even heard it.

"If I hurt you, it would be enough for England to attack us, and you can count on me that I'll be ready," he said.

I realized I could not wait any longer. I pulled out the dagger I was holding in my hand and hit his shoulder, but not strong enough.

He noticed it quickly and moved toward me as he tried to hit my body as I bent down and tried to avoid the sword.

I moved toward the exit from the tent and was surprised to discover that it was not too difficult to get out.

It was dark, and most people seemed to sleep in tents. I looked sideways, ready to see guards attacking me, but instead there was no one. The Prince continued toward me when he occasionally managed to scratch my arms or my neck.

I took a few steps forward when suddenly my feet bumped into the body lying on the ground. I felt like I was about to fall, but something stopped me.

I felt warm hands clutching my shoulders and then I raised my head, bumping into a pair of brown eyes.

"William," I whispered breathlessly, but before I could say another word I felt a knife again that was now cutting the cloth of the robe.

I turned and tried to hit the Prince's chest, but every time he blocked my dagger and made me go back and forth.

I felt William's arms move me aside, as if I were as light as a feather. He aimed his sword at the Prince. Each time one of them hit another, once on the shoulder, another on the neck and sometimes inside.

I looked sideways, looking for more effective weapons.

I bent over one of the guards and took the long sword he held in his hand. Before I rose, I saw William pull back. I heard him say something quietly.

I rose immediately, surprised to find a long, deep cut in William's stomach.

"I suggest you to give up Alexandra, England have no chance against Scotland," he said and continued to try to hurt me as I continued to avoid the sword.

I looked at the ground for a moment. William was laying down beside the tent, trying to stop the bleeding.

I felt my skin warm up and my anger grew, he might pretend to be one who knows everything, but he didn't, I will not let him win, at least not now.

I aimed my sword at his chest, and just then he tried to hit my face, but I bent down and hit his knee, leaving a long cut behind me.

He groaned in pain and bent to the ground. He left the sword and held his knee.

I seized the opportunity and hurried toward William. I bent down and looked at the red paint that had begun to stain his shirt as well. I had to help him, but not here.

"William, I need you to cooperate with me," I said, but he didn' look at me, he kept his hand on the wound.

I heard the Prince shout for help and I noticed the lights that had begun to appear in some of the tents.

I put my hand on his hand, in response he raised his head up quickly and look at me. His face was still beautiful, despite the scratches and marks on his face and neck.

"We don't have much time, you have to trust me," I said desperately. After a few moments, he nodded slightly.

I nodded too and put my hand on his shoulder. I held out my other hand to him and when he held it I helped him up.

I knew he was in pain, he tried to hide it, but his face twisted in pain almost with every step I took. I heard the voices of the soldiers coming out of the tents, so I stepped up as fast as I could.

I noticed horses tied to a few trees in front of a row of tents. I let one of them out and helped William get on the horse, got up immediately after him, and grabbed the reins tightly as I heard the soldiers' voices growing louder behind me.

I began to ride quickly when I saw a few soldiers approaching me with swords in their hands.

"I see them," I heard someone say. More and more soldiers approached and I had to navigate between them. The horse passed through the tents and occasionally caused some soldiers to fall on the ground.

I breathed with relief when I saw that we had crossed the area where the flag was, but my joy faded when I saw the number of soldiers running after me, and after I looked at William, I had to help him before it was too late.

The horse raced quickly as I crossed the forest area. At some point the soldiers gave up and stopped chasing me, but I knew it was not the end. The prince wants to hurt me, to hurt England.

And I learned all I could about the enemy, about the prince.

I knew he was arrogant, I knew he was talking a lot, but I also knew that he kept his promises, he would do anything to rule England, and unfortunately, I stood in his way.