The Exiled Queen (The Fall of an Empire)

By H. C. Pimentel

"People of Norway and Sweden, I know that I am not agreeable in your eyes, but I must tell you now that not one of you can possibly imagine the life I have led, for I, Elizabeth, Queen of Norway and Sweden, have endured trials unimaginable to anyone here. I have been treated as an enemy, but I have behaved as such to protect my people, my children, and myself. I was exiled from my own kingdom, by someone who is unworthy to wear my crown, by someone who only thirsts for power and revenge..." I pause, suddenly feeling my shell break, and I begin to soften toward these people who call me a liar and a traitor, seeing them as small children, who I was meant to protect. My cold harsh stare softens. I begin to tenderly gaze at them as I lovingly tell them, "No matter what has happened, or what will happen, or who tries to steal my throne, I shall forever be queen of Norway and Sweden. You are my people, and I am your queen."
The people in the crowds kneel, each with tears in their eyes as they raise their heads high up, and they all cry out, "Long may you reign!"

*NOTE*
This novel is part of a series, however it can be read as a stand alone, it isn’t left on a cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: H. C. Pimentel
• Release date: Mar 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463785225

H. C. Pimentel

“I’m a writer, therefore I am not sane.”- Edgar Allen Poe

Book preview

Prologue

Norway

Autumn 1341 C.E.

There I sit in a meager room, one so small, I can hardly recall the last time I felt so confined, and only to add to my discomfort, I sit on top of a hard wooden chair, which forces me to restlessly shift my weight on it, attempting to find some sort of position that does not tear at my spine.

I frustratedly continue in this manner, until my gaze finds the hearth, and as I grow lost in the dancing flames, I suddenly forget how uncomfortable I am.

I watch the orange sparks vibrantly twirling around, and all I can hear are the embers popping, and the room fills with the bitter aroma of the burning wood. Gusts of heat, along with the smell wisp around me, everything appearing to be taunting me, reminding me of all the sins I have committed over these years.

As I struggle to silence my mind, one question still rises despite all efforts. After everything I suffered through, everything I struggled with, how did I arrive to this moment?

All at once, I can hear the lock on the door being played with, causing me to turn my head, just as the door is being opened, and Catherine hesitantly enters.

Her clear, innocent, blue eyes are cast down, displaying such humility, or maybe it is fear, while her long, loose, white blonde waves perfectly frame the sides of her thin youthful face.

The door behind her is shut and locked, which causes her to jump, and then she swiftly sinks into a graceful curtsy as she lifts her eyes, meeting my faded green ones. She struggles to display a small smile on her thin mouth as she quietly greets in a voice so gentle and pure, Milady....

Why are you here? I snap, causing her to take a step back, her eyes broadening. I can already see that she believes that she has made a grave mistake for coming here, and I completely agree with her.

She grabs a strand of her hair and begins to nervously toy with it, wrapping it around her fingers as she softly voices, My husband has told me why he is upset with you....

My son is not merely upset with me, he loathes me, Catherine!

I ... I-

I immediately lose my temper, so I snarl, Out with it, Girl!

Her gentle eyes stare straight into my harsh ones, and she begins to speak, her voice just above a whisper, I do not believe you have done the things that Richard says you have.

I sarcastically laugh, leaning back in my seat, looking up at her, then just as quickly as I laughed, I grow silent, my gaze hardening. My dear, dear Catherine, I lean forward, my eyes narrowing on her small form, and I sinisterly continue, not even my own son knows the half of what I have done.

Again, I lean back in my seat, smirking, especially when her already fair colored face loses its color completely, but she musters up all the courage she has as she squeaks out, What could you have done, Milady?

I roll my eyes, returning them to the fire. What have I not done?

I can hear her small footsteps approach me, and then she pauses before me.

I move my weary gaze toward her.

She anxiously looks down at me, and then she questions, Will you tell me the things you have done?

Why should I tell you! You will probably inform that hateful son of mine all the sins I have committed!

She stares deeply into my eyes as she frantically shakes her head. No, not at all. I wish to help you. I am sure you had your reasons for doing such things.

Yes ... there were so many reasons, and yet all of them seem to have been in vain. I take in a deep breath, my dark brows furrowing as I begin to push away all the memories that wish to haunt me. I squeeze my eyes shut as I quickly tell her, You are now queen, and you will have to face some of the things I have faced, I open my eyes intently staring into hers, You will have to make sacrifices that will force you to compromise everything you believe in, everything you stand for ... and you will make decisions that will eat you alive each and every day, for the things you will face, will be things that no mere man can endure, only a strong woman.

Catherine sits in the chair that rests before me, while taking my hands in her silky cold ones, which causes small bumps to form on my arms, and then she timidly begs, Please, maybe if you tell me your story, tell me the sacrifices you have had to make, then maybe I can change Richard's mind, maybe he will be merciful.

I cannot help, but grin at her, for she is just as naive as I was when I had first become queen all those years ago. I place my hand on the side of her face, like a loving mother does to her worried child. How did my stone minded son marry someone so kind as yourself?

Catherine's eyes drop to the ground, and I can see the pain spread across her face, and I truly begin to wonder if she did marry my son for want, or was it against her will.

She clears her throat, breaking the silence between us. I wish to help you, Elizabeth. As she says my name, I barely realize that it has been years since I have heard it, so long since someone had uttered it, that it now sounds foreign to me.

I close my eyes, barely nodding, then I turn my head toward the fireside, and my eyes flutter open. I stare deeply into the orange and red flames, while all the emotions, which I buried away so very long ago, start to sear through my chest, forcing me to draw in a struggled breath.

I was not born into royalty.... I move my gaze, only to find hers, I was not even born carrying a single drop of noble blood, instead I was born into a humble home, and that is where my story begins.

Tell it to me, please, she curiously urges, her eyes going round, reminding me of a small child, who is eager to listen to a fairytale, but little does this girl know that this is no fairytale.

I clear my throat, and I continue, I had four elder brothers and four younger sisters, I was the first girl to be born into my family, and I never felt that I truly belonged ... I was always different, and it took years for me to discover why... I pause, lost in thought for a moment, and then I comment, I think I have forgotten who I used to be. I bite my bottom lip, suddenly feeling a strange pain behind my left ribs as I realize that young girl died so long ago. I swallow the tight knot in my throat, which then settles in my chest as I press on, When I was young, I never thought this is where life would lead me, being an exiled queen... I bitterly laugh to myself, finding no humor in my circumstances. My eyes shift to the flames that light up the dim stone walled room. I seem to already forget that Catherine is here with me as I intently look upon the flames, and it is as if they are acting out my life, reminding me of memories I had long forgotten, or that I attempted to bury away in the farthest corners of my mind. My eyes begin to sting as they begin to drown in tears. It all started the summer I was fifteen years of age, it all started when I met him....

Chapter One:

Stalked

Norway

Summer 1296 C.E.

Laughter echoes around us as my brothers and I kick around a muddy leather ball, while our younger sisters hold hands, and spin around in a circle, their voices chiming through the air as they sing a children's song. 

Instead of playing with them though, I race across the grass, about to kick the ball into a pit, but my brother, Jacob, steals the ball from me, accidentally kicking my legs, causing me to crash into the wet mud. 

I lie there, groaning, feeling my knees throbbing as the heat of my body rushes to them, but I do not lie there long, for Mark, my second eldest brother, races over to me, firmly gripping my forearms, and he easily lifts me up, placing me on my feet, while nervously asking, Are you all right, Lizzy?

I laugh, trying to dust off the mud from my brown dress, hoping my mother does not see the mess I have made.

Jacob hurries to me, and he looks at me with his light blue eyes as he begins, I apologize, Lizzy, I-I did not mean to play too rough-

I am all right, I promise! I smile at him, and then I glance down at my dark brown clothing, glad the mud is barely visible on this color.

Maybe you should play with the girls, my other brother, Thomas, teases, while playfully wiggling his brows.  

I roll my eyes, shoving him, which makes him chuckle.

Suddenly, we hear a shrill voice call, Elizabeth!

I jump, turning to see my mother emerging from our small cottage, her fists resting on her large hips as she begins to impatiently tap her foot, her eyes seeming to be on fire.

Someone is in trouble, Thomas lowly taunts, trying to stifle his laughter.

Shut your mouth! I quietly snap as I reluctantly walk toward my furious mother.

Elizabeth! she screams out, her face turning a bright red.

I immediately gather the ends of my dress, which is unnecessary, for it already rests above my ankles, and I scurry in her direction.

Once I am standing before her, I whisper out, Yes, Mother?

You know a woman should never play such games. How do you expect to find a husband, if you act in such a manner? It is already hard enough to find you one, with you being so plain in appearance.

I drop my eyes, feeling as if she has plunged a knife into my chest, but I try to ignore the pain as I answer, Mother, you know that I do not wish to marry.

Elizabeth, I do not care if you wish or do not wish to marry, you are going to one day, for I shall not allow you to remain in this home longer than necessary, and if I am to wed you off, you must behave like a lady, she hisses.

I lift my eyes to her icy ones as I answer in defeat, Yes, Mother.

Now, go take this to Peter and Martha. She roughly shoves a basket into my hands, which contains some loaves of bread. 

I nod, turning around, and I head toward the forest that rests before our land.

Once I arrive to the borders of the trees, I stop walking; my stomach ties into a tight knot, making me feel nauseated.

Mark appears beside me as he discreetly slips me a dagger, and he lowly says, Be safe. If you must, use it.

I give him a weak smile, for I have always loved how he is so protective of me.

He moves his eyes down to meet mine, and he gives me one of his warm grins, when all of a sudden, we can hear our mother screech, Mark, come back here this instant!

Yes, Mama! he calls back, then he gives me a stern look, and he says, Please be careful, Lizzy.

I will. I quickly peck his cheek, and then with all the courage I have, I enter into the dark trees, doing my best not to look back.

No matter how many times I am sent to the home of my eldest brother and his wife, I am always terrified to enter the forest alone, for the vast treetops block out any source of sunlight, giving the forest a dim eerie feel. 

As I walk deeper into the trees, I do not even bother looking in the direction I am going, I simply watch my shoes sink into the mud as I wonder if there is a way for a young woman not to marry, and if so, how?

A few minutes pass, and to pull me from my thoughts, I hear a twig break, so I quickly lift my head to see that a few yards away stands a handsome young man, who seems to be no more than two years older than I. 

His dark eyes stare into mine, making me feel as if I am melting, making it feel as if time suddenly grows still, for even the chirping of birds in the treetops cease.

He pulls back his dirty hood, exposing his thick dark brown hair, which blows back in the gentle breeze, while he gives me a soft smile, which causes my breath to get stuck in my chest.

His lips slightly part as he is about to say something, but I lower my head, and I rush passed him, continuing toward Peter's home. 

I cross over a stone bridge, which rests above a narrow river, and as I cross it, I cannot help glancing over my shoulder, and I see the strange young man trailing behind me, which causes my blood to drop as I realize that he is following me. 

The whole time, I try to remain calm, but as soon as I catch sight of my brother's cottage in the distance, I race to the front door, and I frantically begin knocking, praying that he will open it quickly.

No one opens the door though, so I grudgingly come to the conclusion that he and his wife are probably out for a walk or in the village. 

I groan under my breath, leaving the basket at the door, then I hesitantly turn around, only to see the man's shadow hiding amongst the trees, and I know he is watching me. 

Even though, I do not feel he is a threat, I know I must remain cautious, so I lower my eyes, trying to think up a plan.

When at last, an idea draws itself in my mind, I start back toward the trees, avoiding the original path I took. 

I casually walk, and when I know he is trailing behind me, I begin to run as fast as my legs can carry me.

I speed through the trees, my hair flying behind me, my eyes watering as the air hits them, and my heart pounds so loud, it causes my ears to ring.

After a few minutes, I glance behind my shoulder, and he is nowhere in sight, so I rush to a high tree, grabbing onto some of its limbs, hoisting myself up from the ground, and I easily climb the branches.

When I am hidden by some of the tree’s fully clothed limbs, I stop, then I pull out the dagger from my belt, and I wait, feeling my body tremble from the excitement.

After a while, he stops directly underneath the tree. I can hear him breathing heavily as he anxiously glances around.

I hold my breath as I quietly sneak down the tree, hoping I make no sound.

Once, I am on the ground, I tiptoe behind him.

I stare at the back of his head for a long while as I try to swallow the lump in my throat, recalling his handsome face.

As reasoning reenters my mind, reminding that he has been following me, I cease to admire him, and I wrap an arm around his neck, and I put the blade against his throat, causing him to squirm. He does not fight back, which makes it easier to tighten my arm around him, and then I try to sound brave as I growl into his ear, Why are you following me!

He does not respond, so I press the blade closer his skin, which causes him to stammer out, I-I just needed to meet you.

I furrow my brows, thinking that if he truly wished to harm me, he would have done so already, so I lower the dagger, and then I shove him away from me, causing him to stumble forward.

Once he catches his footing, he quickly turns to look at me, his messy hair covering his dark eyes, but I know that he is nervously looking at the weapon I still carry in my hand.

I catch his attention by asking, What do you mean by, you needed to meet me?

His eyes lift to my green ones, and he quietly replies, I saw you, and I needed to meet you.

I raise my eyebrows, thinking that he is lying, so I question, What do you want?

He drops his eyes for a moment, then he lifts them back to mine, and he answers, I only wish to know your name.

Maybe I do not wish to tell it to you.

Why not? he inquires, his thick brows raising, almost getting lost in his hairline.

My eyes broaden, and I holler out, You have been stalking me! Please forgive me for not having more confidence in you!

He nods, his eyes lowering as he sheepishly responds, I apologize if I have frightened you, Milady, it is simply that I had to meet you, but I could not find the right words to start a conversation with you … so instead I followed you, for I was much too afraid to lose you, before I had the chance to become aquatinted with you.

Well, this is a wonderful introduction, is it not? I sarcastically remark.

He quietly chuckles, the melodious tune ringing in my ears, and my heart beats faster as he gives me a charismatic smile, his gaze meeting mine, his dark orbs reminding me of the rich soil near my home after it has been rained upon. His smile broadens as he realizes that I am deeply staring at him, and he comments, Well, I must say, this introduction is quite unique to the countless of others I have had.

My blood begins to grow hot as I think of the countless of women he has probably followed and met. I cross my arms, and then I quietly ask, You have had many introductions?

His smiles changes into half a smirk as he notices the jealousy appearing on my face. Yes, I have had many introductions... he says his words slowly, but none will be as memorable as this one.

I look down at the ground, avoiding his gaze as I try to hide the grin that threatens to appear on my lips. I clear my throat, and I inquire, Tell me, what is your name? I lift my eyes to his wide ones, and I can see his complexion losing color.

M-my name? He nervously rubs his hand behind his neck, and then he chokes out, S-Stellan of Konge....

Stellan, odd name, I have never heard it before.

He weakly smiles, a look of relief washing over his face, and then he questions, And what might your name be, my fair maiden?

Fair maiden? I repeat, trying to hold my laughter, Never have I been called that before.

Why not? You are beautiful and unwedded, are you not?

Unwedded yes, but beautiful, you could not be more wrong.

He takes a single step toward me, while he compliments, You are the most captivating creature I have ever beheld, and if that is not beauty, then I do not know what is.

I look him in his eyes as I answer, Maybe, you have not had as many introductions as I thought, Sir, for I am very plain.

His brows narrow as he disagrees, You are not plain, I assure you. You appear to be a sweet beautiful angel, who has graced us with your presence.

This causes me to laugh aloud as I walk passed him.

He desperately watches me as he calls out, Where are you going?

Home! Now, do not follow me again!

I never caught your name, though!

Does it matter! I shout, then I turn forward, and I race home.

*****

I sit on the grass, staring out at the trees, thinking of Stellan. I close my eyes remembering his handsome dark eyes, and I smile to myself, especially when I think of when he called me beautiful, even though I am sure he was lying.

Sadly though, to yank me from my wonderful daydreaming, I can hear my mother shout my name, so I open my eyes, sighing as I get up, and walk toward the cottage. 

When I enter, I see my father and my siblings sitting down at the long wooden table, each waiting for their meals.

Elizabeth! my mother calls from inside of the cramped kitchen.

I quickly enter.

Before I can even utter a word, she snarls, Where have you been! She shoves two plates into my hands.

I sigh, turning around, returning to the long table, where I place a plate before my father and Jacob, and then I return to my mother.

Once we finish serving everyone else, she is about serve me a plate, but I stop her by asking, Mother, may I venture into the village today?

She spins around, looking up at me. Why do you wish to go there?

I shrug as I reply, I simply wish to go, there is no special reason.

Margret, just allow her go, my father mutters as he enters the kitchen.

I smile up at him, then I look at my mother, who rolls her eyes as she responds, Very well, but if you must go, purchase for me some material for your sisters, they are all in need of a new dress.

I glance at my sisters, seeing them sitting there, eating, and I notice that their gowns are practically new.

Then, I look down at my dark dress, which is already worn out, and I have already outgrown it, for the waist is too tight, and the hem too short, but I do not argue, I simply take in a deep breath and nod.

At the village, after I finish paying for the material, I carry it in my arms as I walk across the village square for a while.

I watch men and women selling and shopping, while children in tattered clothing race across the dirt roads barefooted, their laughter hanging in the air.

As I continue walking, I catch sight of a large group of people, mainly children, all of their laughter erupting through the village square.

There laugher taunts me, making me wish I can share it with them, so I curiously approach, and that is when I notice that they are watching some men and women putting on a show.

I remain in the back, with the children's parents, and I excitedly watch the actors play out a scene of a valiant knight and a beautiful princess.

We laugh many times, for there is one very clumsy dragon.

After a short while, I move my eyes to the left, and in the distance stands Stellan, who is also watching the show. 

I gaze at him for a few moments, realizing how handsome he is, but to my dismay, he shifts his eyes in my direction, and I can feel my breath hitch in my chest.

The corners of his light pink lips curve upward, and every fibre of my being wishes to give him a flirtatious smile, but I know it would be unwise.

I quickly drop my eyes, attempting to hide the blush that happens to take over my face, then I take in a sharp breath, and I rapidly turn around, trying to sneak out of the crowd.

As I push my way through, I almost crash into Stellan, causing me to yelp.

He grins down at me as he greets, his voice making my ears tingle, Hello. 

Hello, I simply say, feeling my mouth grow dry.

I was hoping I would see you here, and I am glad that I was right, he comments, his eyes boring so deeply into my own, that it makes me feel as if he can see through me.

I remove my gaze from his, and I impatiently respond, I must return home, so if you will excuse me... I walk away as fast as I can, but he easily keeps up.

Maybe I should escort you.

Why? I untrustingly ask.

So I may protect you from anyone that may wish to harm you.

Who will protect me from you though? I nervously laugh out.

I can hear him chuckle, then he takes the package of material from my arms as he quietly says, Allow me. 

When he takes the package from me, I can feel them ache, due to the weight that has been lifted from them. I move my eyes to his as I purse my lips together, and I mumble, Thank you.

After we make our way through the village, and enter into the forest, there is a shallow narrow river, so I point across it as I tell him, If you must follow me home, then you must go to the other side of the river. 

You cannot be serious.

Oh, but I am. If someone should see us, I want my reputation to still be intact.

He sighs, still smiling as he goes stepping into the knee-high water, crossing it, and he climbs out at the other side of the river.

I smirk in his direction, and then we continue on our way. 

We walk in silence for a while, but the entire time, I can feel his eyes on me, which makes me feel self-conscious, and makes me wish I was dressed in something more becoming, my hair neatly brushed, and in all honesty, to be more beautiful.

Suddenly, to disrupt the deafening silence, he questions, So tell me, my fair maiden, will you now reveal your name to me?

I look over at him, watching his eyes glisten in the lowlight, and I challenge, Give me a good reason why I should tell you.

He shrugs his lean shoulders, while he answers, I have none, except that I shall die of curiosity should you do not tell me.

I give him a devious grin as I respond, Well, I suppose you will have to die of curiosity then.

Please tell me, he earnestly begs.

I move my eyes forward, to the path before me as I respond, My name is nothing magnificent.

It belongs to you, does it not? So, it must be, he deeply says.

I smile at him, feeling a strange warm feeling expand in my chest, while a fluttering sensation occupies my stomach, feelings I have never experienced before.

So, will you tell me your name?

I look away, but before I can answer, the earth begins to grumble, causing the ground to slightly shutter.

Seems like a storm is coming, he comments, lifting his eyes to the dark grey sky, which peaks out from behind the thick treetops.

I look up as well, shaking my head as I quip, She is just threatening us.

I do not believe so.

I move my eyes to his as I haughtily respond, Trust me, I believe I may know this land more than you do.

The corners of his lips curve upward, his eyes vibrantly shinning as he replies, If you say so.

Within a few minutes, the rain drops begin to fall down, landing on our faces, and from across the lake he calls out, Look! Rain!

I groan, feeling like an idiot, and I want nothing more than for the earth to swallow me whole. I avoid his eyes, too embarrassed to look at him as I shout, Well, I think you should give me my package of material, and you should be on your way home.

I am not going to leave you out in this! He jumps into the river, crossing over to me, taking off his cloak, and before I can object, he places it over my shoulders, the material still clinging onto the warmth of his body, causing me to lose my breath. He leans forward, the heat of his breath tickling my ear as he whispers, Keep yourself dry.

I do not need it, I gasp out, feeling my body begin to tremble at the closeness between us.

Just use it, he almost orders.

I sigh, pulling the hood over my head, and just as I do, the rain comes pouring down even harder.

I move my eyes toward him, noticing he is completely drenched, his clothes cling closer to him than his own flesh, and his hair sticks to the sides of his face. For some reason though, even though he is soaked, he is still so handsome.

He gives me a mischievous smirk, and that is when I realize that I am staring at him.

I drop my eyes, nervously avoiding his gaze, feeling my face heat up, and because I pay no mind to the steps I make, I clumsily trip over a large rock, crashing into the mud, my right ankle beginning to sting.

Stellan immediately kneels at my side, grabbing my hand as he anxiously calls out over the rain, Are you all right?

I look up into his wide eyes, feeling all the blood rush to my face, and I stutter, I-I am well.

He takes my arms, helping me up, but as I put pressure on my ankle, I let out a cry, almost falling again, but he quickly catches me in his arms.

I lift my gaze, finding his kind eyes, and I cannot help holding my breath, for never had I been this close to any man, much less being held by one.

What happened? he asks, breaking the silence between us.

M-my ankle, I believe I-I have twisted it.

Without any warning he scoops me up into his arms, and he carries me to a nearby tree for shelter.

He lays me underneath it, so that I may rest my back against the trunk, then he takes my ankle, gently twisting it, and I just watch him, my heart going faster than it ever has.

After a few seconds, he informs, I am no physician, but I believe you should not walk.

I need to get home, I whimper.

I shall carry you then.

No, my parents will be furious, should I return home with a strange man....

Do not worry, I will think of something to tell them, he returns, picking me up into his arms again.

As he carries me through the forest, while I direct him toward my home, I cannot help gazing up at him.

The glances he gives me, the smiles he reveals cause a strange feeling to settle within me, a warm feeling like a tight embrace, making me feel safe and wanted, something that is foreign to me.

Chapter Two:

Courting

The rain soon subsides, and it is but a drizzle, which gently falls onto my face as I stare up at Stellan, feeling secure as if nothing can hurt me as long as I am in his arms.

He glances down at me, droplets of water sliding down the sides of his face, and as our eyes lock, he ceases to walk. His lips part, and I eagerly wait to hear what he will say to me, but that is when he gloomily announces, I believe we have arrived to your home.

I quickly look away, moving my eyes to the path before us, and there stands the small cottage, and I begin to think of my parents, which causes me to grip tighter onto him. My eyes drop as I heavily sigh out, We have.

As the words leave my lips, he tightens his hold around me, pulling me closer to his chest as he resumes walking, and I can feel his heart thudding roughly against his chest, making me believe he does not want this moment to end either.

When we arrive to the door of my cottage, he knocks on it, and then we wait for someone to answer. 

Within a few moments, Mark opens the door, his eyes widening as he exclaims, What happened! He pulls me from Stellan's arms and hurries inside, while Stellan follows us.

My brother sits me on the small wooden bench in front of the small fire, so I can heat up, then he pulls Stellan's drenched cloak off of my shoulders, while he grabs a nearby wool blanket, and he kneels down in front of me, wrapping it around my shivering body as he sternly questions, What happened to you?

I believe she must have fallen, Stellan's voice fills the room.

Mark turns to look at him, his eyes narrowing as he barely realizes there is someone else in the room, and in a low tone he suspiciously inquires, Who are you?

Are Mother and Father home? I nervously ask, drawing the attention away from Stellan.

Mark's eyes fall back onto me, his brows pulling together as he answers, No, they went to visit Peter, along with the rest of the children.

I happily sigh, closing my eyes.

Mark frustrated voice causes my eyes to fly open as he questions, Now, what is happening here? Who is this man? He points at Stellan, but his gaze remains on me.

I am just a stranger, Stellan replies.

Mark shifts his eyes to him. What?

I found her on the ground ... I was walking by when I caught sight of her, and I knew I could not leave her, so I brought her here.

Mark's crystal blue eyes shift between Stellan and I, and I know he is debating whether to believe him or not, but after a few moments, he stands up, placing his hand out, and he warmly says, Well, in that case, I thank you very much for helping my sister.

It was a pleasure... Stellan shakes Mark's hand as he waits for my brother to say his name.

My brother immediately complies, I am Mark.

A pleasure to meet you, Mark, he pauses, shifting his dark eyes toward me as he sneakily says, I never caught your name, Milady.

I glare at him as he gives me a cheeky smirk.

Mark glances at me, and he quietly scolds, Do not be rude, tell him your name.

I roll my eyes, trying to hide the smile that clearly appears on my lips as I respond, Elizabeth … Elizabeth of Kent.

Stellan's smirk changes into a captivating smile, making him seem so much more handsome, which causes my chest to ache. A pleasure to meet you ... Elizabeth... he slowly pronounces my name, the way he says it makes me realize that no one has ever made it sound so beautiful before.

Likewise... I play my part, waiting for him to say his name.

Stellan.

Stellan, I repeat, feeling my glare soften.

Well, I suppose I should take my leave.

No, please stay and warm yourself by the fire, Mark kindly says, patting the empty place beside me.

I look at Stellan, and somewhere deep inside I want him to say yes, but he shakes his head as he picks his cloak up from the ground, and he replies, I would love to, but I must return home before my mother and father worry. Thank you, though. He turns to leave, but he stops himself, and spins around, so that his gaze it directly on me, making my heart begins to race. Would it be all right if I return another day to see how she is faring? He moves his eyes to my brother's, patiently waiting for a response.

Yes, come anytime you wish.

Stellan bows his head as he softly says, Goodbye, Elizabeth.

Goodbye and thank you, Stellan, I say in a small tone, causing him to grin as he leaves, my eyes following him the whole time. 

Once he is gone, Mark sits beside me, nudging my shoulder as he teases, I believe he likes you. 

Mark please... I mutter, still trying to hide my smile.

He nudges me again as he remarks, And I believe you like him too.

I playfully shove him as I scold, Stop being so ridiculous!

Then look at me, and tell me you do not like him.

I reluctantly move my eyes to his, while I take in a deep breath, and I whisper, I do not like him.

He rolls his eyes as he almost shouts, You are lying!

No, I am not! I snap, stubbornly pursing my lips together.

Lizzy, you are my sister, and I always know when you are lying.

I raise my brows, crossing my arms, turning away as I comment, Then, I suppose you do not know me as well as you thought.

Why can you not admit that you at least find him handsome?

What!

I saw how you would look at him, and even now you cannot keep that smile a secret.

I try to frown, but it is nearly impossible, so I stand up abruptly, feeling my ankle throb and burn, but I ignore it as I throw my arms up into the air as I holler, All right! I do find him somewhat attractive, but that is all! I do not like him, though!

His laughter fills the room as he stands. He looks down at me, but behind his laughter, I can see some sadness that lingers behind his eyes as he softly chimes, My little Lizzy is growing up.

I curl my hands into fists, stamping my foot like a child, and I argue, Just because I find him handsome does not mean anything!

Mark forces me to sit down, and then he plants himself beside me as he questions, Why is it so hard to admit that you like him?

Mark, for the last time I do not like him- I stand, pulling off the blanket, resting it on the bench, and then I continue, I am going to change. When Mother and Father return, please, do not tell them of today's events, you know mother would have me lashed if she ever discovered that a strange man carried me home.

Mark weakly grins as he promises, Your secret is safe with me.

Thank you. I grin at him, and then I limp away to my room.

Once I enter the room, that I share with my sisters, I pull off all my drenched clothes, then I put on my nightgown, and I lie in my small bed.

As I rest on my back with my hands folded over my stomach, I gaze up at the ceiling, completely lost in thought, while smiling to myself, daydreaming about Stellan, hoping that he will come visit me soon.

*****

I stand outside lazily washing all of our clothing, scrubbing them as I watch my sisters sitting on the grass, giggling,