A King's Daughter

By Audra Lilly Griffeth

A Birthmark, A Princess, A Special Destiny in Romantic Novel, A King's Daughter

FORT WORTH, Texas- A red birthmark on the face of a newborn baby daughter turns its mother, a Queen into a suspicious, if not superstitious, woman. Queen Charlotte, wife to King Edward, gives birth to her child, but upon knowing that the mark will not go away immediately loses faith in everything and turns away from A King's daughter. Audra Lilly Griffeth's exciting story is potent with the romance attendant on royalty and how its members fare when a twist of fate condemns them or one of their members to a commoner's fate but is destined to come back to the fold. And thus, the story unfolds... Born Princess Eva Kathleen Wellington, Eva is loved by the Queen's servant Lady Margaret, when her mother continues with her passionate denial of her daughter's defect. Although it may have turned out worse, Princess Eva's story is proof of a more romantic, benign fate that is perhaps the antithesis to the Queen's unfounded fears of having a "defective" and cursed infant. In any case, a cosmetic cure could have been eventually found except that there was no hiding the Queen's strange behavior towards her newborn for too long. Sad and concerned for the Princesses' future, Lady Margaret arranged a fake kidnapping in a nearby forest when King and Queen are off on a state to visit another kingdom. When news of "kidnapping" reaches them two days after the fact, the Queen is unaffected while the King is in depair and does not fully recover even after the birth of two sons and another daughter to continue his line. Meanwhile, Eva and Lady Margaret, as Evanlynn and Mary Engleton (mother and daughter), prosper as nest they could in Margaret's grandparent's dairy farm. Fate takes another surprising turn when Sir Daniel, a trusted officer of the King, befriends Margaret and unwittingly influences her to reveal their existence to the King. The King is overjoyed and Evanlynn shows the truth of her genetic make-up by naturally adapting to a set of strange, new circumstances. With a flair for a well-turned out plot which generates its own set of unique circumstances, Griffeth then sets in motion a whirlwind of love, repentance, acceptance and a more special destiny for the entire kingdom that would not have been possible had it not lost a Princess to the vagaries of natural physical form.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469155326

Audra Lilly Griffeth

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Book preview

A

King’s

Daughter

Audra Lilly Griffeth

Copyright © 2012 by Audra Lilly Griffeth.

Library of Congress Control Number:       2012901152

ISBN:         Hardcover                               978-1-4691-5531-9

                   Softcover                                 978-1-4691-5530-2

                   Ebook                                      978-1-4691-5532-6

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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ON ONE FOGGY, cold, October morning in the land of King Edward, a cry of a newborn baby woke the kingdom. The light of the day was emerging when the sounds of a woman’s cries were heard. The woman was Queen Charlotte, who had given birth to a daughter. The doctors and nurses examined and cleaned the child. The child seemed healthy, but as the nurses cleaned the child’s face, a red place appeared on the baby’s left side. The nurses could not wash it away. The nurses began to whisper, and the queen noticed that something was not right. What is it, what is it? the queen began to ask.

Please, my lady, calm yourself. It is that the child has a red mark on her face. The nurses tried to wash it away but cannot.

A red mark? Let me see my child. In an instant the queen was screaming. I’ve been cursed! Oh God, what has happened to my child? The doctors tried to calm her by saying that sometimes babies are born with redness to their skin, and it will disappear in a few days. The king was summoned, and he came quickly. Oh, Edward, the queen said as he entered the room, we have been cursed. The baby’s face, we will be shamed!"

I can’t have a deformed child! The doctors spoke to the king that in a few days the redness may be gone from the child’s face.

What are we to do, Edward? The king had the nurses take the baby into another room.

You must calm yourself, my dear, and everything will be put to right with the baby. Give it a few days, the doctors have explained that some babies are born with redness and it disappears after a day or so. The nurses will take care of the baby, you must rest yourself. I will go and speak to the nurses, the doctors, and the servants and swear them to secrecy. King Edward called everyone together. I have important news to give. Queen Charlotte has given birth to our daughter.

Congratulations, everyone said.

Thank you for your kindness. King Edward put his hand up in the air to silence everyone. Wait, he said, "I have something else to say. The child has a red mark on the left side of her face. The doctors tell me that it should go away in a few days, but we will have to be patient. No one is to speak of this, not a word to anyone outside the castle. Do not speak of this until it passes. If word gets out about this outside the castle, then the person who spoke of this will be put to death." Everyone was silent!

Your Majesty, have you and the queen named the child?" asked Lady Margaret.

"We have not given the child a name. I will go speak to the queen now about the child. Go back to your chores and duties.

Robin and Jacob, the king called, go to the villages and ask all the best doctors to come as soon as possible. Do not tell them why. Say it is to check the baby’s health. I will send out to the farther villages and townships to find any doctor who has a study of skin conditions. It was several days and the baby’s condition had not changed. The red mark was declared to be a birthmark and would fade away with age. Doctors tried all kinds of tonics and potions, but most of them were afraid to put anything on the baby’s face since she was so young. One doctor said covering the baby’s face with powder and lotions might cover the redness but would not make it go away. Queen Charlotte was still in despair after a week. She was resting and seemed more like herself. Lady Margaret, the seamstress, made a bonnet for the baby, with straps wide enough to cover the redness and to tie under her chin. The mark on her face could not be seen.

King Edward, Your Majesty, may I speak with you? asked Lady Margaret. I have made this bonnet for the baby with a wide strap on each side to cover the mark. Robin and Jacob returned with two doctors.

Good day, Your Grace, they said, on entering the room where he and Lady Margaret were looking at the bonnet. I’m Dr. Shiner and this is Dr. Futton. We came to examine the baby. King Edward thanked the doctors for coming.

Doctors, I’m afraid you may have been misled about the child. She is not sick. She only has a red mark on her left side of her face. Come, I will show you, said Lady Margaret, showing the way to the nursery.

Here is the child! She is a fine child and we see what you mean about the redness. The two both examined the baby. She is healthy and strong, they both said.

Yes, but what can be done about the mark, doctors?

Well, it is a birthmark, everyone has one. We could try a few preparations.

Lady Margaret, the queen is coming, put the bonnet back on the baby.

Good day, Queen Charlotte said to the doctors. Is there any hope?

We will try several tests.

Will they be painful?

No, we will try to lighten the mark. Please have the child bathe and we will return in the morning to begin. Lady Margaret showed the queen the bonnet and the straps that cover the mark on the baby’s face.

This is wonderful. I can look at my child. Please make more of these in different colors. The doctors came the next day and did many tests; they developed a liquid tonic to lighten the mark on the baby’s face. It would take many weeks for it to work if it works at all. The tonic would have to be applied every day. The queen was in better spirits but still feared the child had a curse on her.

One of the nurses tried to calm her by saying, My lady, it is only that the angels have kissed the child. The doctors came every day but concluded that it was a nevus flammeus or a hemangioma or a port-wine stain was also mentioned. The king declared that it was time to make the announcement of the child being born and that she was to be given a proper name to be written in the books. After several hours, they decided to name the child Eva Kathleen Wellington, Princess Eva. The king wanted to have a celebration in her honor, but the queen was horrified.

We cannot let anyone see her face.

The princess is healthy and the cover of her bonnet will hide the mark. We will only show her once and then she will be taken to the nursery. The announcement was made that the princess was born, and a celebration was given in her honor.

The queen spoke with Lady Margaret. We must not have the baby around too much. I do not want any questions about the child. The celebration came and went without too many questions. Just the usual How much did the baby weigh? and What was her name? The queen told her guests that she did not want the baby exposed to harmful germs or illnesses. Everyone seemed to accept the queen’s answers. Three weeks later, the mark on the princess’s face was not better. The queen began to spend less and less time with her baby. She only came to nurse the baby and went away directly. The queen began to seek other affairs, keeping herself busy. One of the nurses to the princess, Nurse Anne, spoke to Lady Margaret about the queen abandoning her child. Lady Margaret spoke to the king about the queen abandoning her mothering to her child. She only comes to nurse the baby and goes away as soon as the child is finished.

We must call the doctors back to examine the princess. The doctors told the king that only time would make any difference. The liquid tonic may need to be applied three times a day. The king told the doctors that the queen was in a state of dismay because of the mark.

The doctors said, She may blame herself. Reassure her it is not her fault. Some women believe that they ate something horrible and it is the reason for the mark. The king tried speaking with the queen, but she only seemed less interested because the mark had not gone away. The king decided that a trip might do the queen some good. They were going to visit another kingdom. It was several days and the queen told the king she didn’t want to take the princess with them. The baby made her feel ashamed, and she did not want anyone to see the baby at the other kingdom. Lady Margaret could not understand why the queen could not accept the baby.

The king said, It’s just her way. So for weeks the trip was planned, and the preparations were put into place without the princess. The princess was now six months old, and Lady Margaret began to spend more and more time with the baby since the queen was only with her for feeding. Lady Margaret began to feel more of a mother to the child. The king and queen would be gone for three weeks on their trip, and the following Wednesday was the day they were to leave. Lady Margaret developed a plan in her mind that she would take the baby away to her grandparents. She wrote to her grandmother, telling her of the unjust treatment the queen had given the princess, and she was going to take the baby away and hide her. She honestly thought that the queen would not care. She told her grandmother that she would have word sent to the castle that the baby and her were kidnapped. Lady Margaret waited for a response from her grandmother. The day came and the king and queen left for their trip. A few days later, Lady Margaret took the baby and her things and loaded them into the chase. It was spring now, and the air was not too cold to take the baby out. She told everyone she was taking the baby out for an outing and would not return till dinner. It would take several hours to reach her grandparents’ house. She set off, hoping her plan would work. Everyone knew how fond she was of the princess, and not one person seemed concerned she was taking the baby out. They all had seen her with the baby often in the nursery and about the castle. It was after lunch when Lady Margaret and the baby arrived at her grandparents’ house.

She and the baby settle in with her grandparents. Her grandparents live in a cottage where the land was fruitful and color of spring surrounded the cottage. Roses, marigolds, and rows of lavender bushes went all around the house. Behind the house were fields and gardens and an orchard with fruit trees. To the right of the house was a pond with all kinds of fish. Her grandfather had cows, sheep, and chickens. Her grandfather ran a dairy. Most of the food was raised from the land, and what they could not attain from the land was purchased in town or the nearby villages. Their nearest neighbors were five miles up the road. Spring planting was underway in the fields. Lady Margaret changed clothes and said to her grandmother that she would take the chase and the horses into the woods far from there and would return by nightfall. She borrowed one of her grandfather’s horses to ride back on. She rode about fifteen miles into the deep woods and unhitched the horses and overturned the chase and broke the wheel. She also scattered some of the baby stuff, making it look like a struggle had taken place. It was nearing five in the afternoon, and she got up on the horse her grandfather loaned her and rode around in circles. It was almost nightfall when she reached the cottage. The guards and the nurses at the castle began to worry that Lady Margaret and the princess had not returned. Word was circling the castle, and all the guards assembled with Captain Plake. He sent the soldiers in all directions. The guards looked everywhere well into the night, and there was still no Lady Margaret or the princess. They were nowhere to be found. Captain Plake ordered some men back to the castle while he and the others continued to search. Into the night, the search continued, but there were no signs of them. Morning came and there was still no return. The guards returned to await orders.

We will search everywhere today. Go as far as you can to every village and town. Lady Margaret stayed inside to keep riders or anyone who passed by from asking questions. The evening came again, and still no signs of Lady Margaret or the princess. Captain Plake said they must have been kidnapped. We must send word to the king and queen. So a messenger was sent out, carrying a letter of the disappearance. It would take several days for the news to arrive.

The king was in despair and hurried the servants to pack their things. The queen was told about the disappearance.

The king said to her, Something has happened to our child.

The queen could only say, Oh my goodness, my child and Lady Margaret are missing. How could this be possible? The queen’s reaction was not what everyone expected. The king was so upset and mad he could not hold back his tears. Their friend King John of Rhasaday offered all the help of getting all the preparations for them to return as soon as possible. Two days later, they reached home to Wellington. It had now been a week since the disappearance. The king met with his men, who told him all the places where they had looked. A man riding up to the castle came with two horses. The bell was rung by the guard, and everyone went out.

The guards shouted, Captain Plake, come quickly! It’s Lady Margaret’s horses. Where did you find these horses?

They were wandering around in the woods. I saw the mark of Wellington on them and knew that they belong here.

Did you see a lady and a baby with them?

No, the horses were by themselves. The man asked, What has happened?

The princess is missing with Lady Margaret. They have been since Friday. Can you take us to the spot where you found the horses?

Yes, it is about three hours from here. Captain Plake informed the king, who had come down to the gate to find out what all the commotion was about. The king called for his horse, and he, Captain Plake, and twenty men rode along with the man who found the horses, back to the spot where he found the horses. Everyone set out only to find nothing. The queen was back at the castle unpacking their things.

One of the housemaids said to the other one, What is wrong with the queen? She does not even seem sad or upset about her baby missing.

The king and his men reached the spot where the horses were found. Captain Plake ordered the men to split up—search everywhere. Look for any signs of life. For an hour the men looked, and nothing was found. The horses had wandered a distance from the spot where Lady Margaret had let them go. The horses had gone three miles up to a creek with water in it. It was eighteen miles from the cottage. The men searched and searched until two of the guards found the remains of the chase. There were no signs of Lady Margaret or the princess. The men spent the day going over every inch of the woods. The king declares that every village and town must be searched and put on alert for the princess’s return. The queen was quite but did not seem to be unhappy about the baby disappearing. It was as if she was relieved. For weeks the search was continued, but after a month, the king fell into despair and declared that they must be dead. Years passed and the queen gave birth again to two sons and another daughter, and not one of them had a birthmark on them. Heath Irvin was born two years after Eva in April. William Edward was born two years after that in March. Macy Karina was born four years after William in June. The queen never spoke of Princess Eva; the king thought of her often. Time passed and he had expected that she was gone forever. One day a messenger brought a letter to the castle. The messenger told the guards that he must deliver the letter to the king and no one else. King Edward received the letter, and he took it to his library. He read the letter:

Dear Your Majesty,

Please come to the cottage of Rose Engleton. We inquire to your ad that you are looking for a new seamstress. We have designs that we think that you will like.

The letter was signed LME. Enclosed were directions. Please come alone as our cottage is not big enough for a large party.

King Edward studied the letter. Who could LME be? He wrote a letter back to be sent with the messenger. He wrote that he would come on the fourth Thursday of the month. Lady Margaret now used the name Mary, and the princess Eva was Evanlynn. They had both been known under those names, Mary and Evanlynn Engleton. The king told the queen he had to go away on a trip, castle business. He travels a couple of times a year only with three men. King Edward left dressed as a commoner. He had to take every precaution when traveling with a small amount of men. The honor and job of being a king was sometimes more than he wanted to endure. He and the men rode all morning till they reached the cottage.

Mary, her grandmother called, the king has arrived outside. He is here! While his men waited, he walked up to the door and knocked. Good morning, Your Highness, please come in. My granddaughters and I heard you were looking for a seamstress. We believe you will be happy with our work. Here is a shirt my granddaughter has made.

The king looked at the shirt. He could not believe the work. It was similar to a shirt Lady Margaret had made for him. This is fine work. I have not seen this work in many years.

Your Highness, you must be hungry, please have lunch with us.

Mrs. Engleton, where are your granddaughters?

They are in the kitchen. Mary and her grandmother set the table and bought the food out.

King Edward walked over to the table and said, Why, this is all my favorite food—roast duck, cooked carrots, potatoes, raspberry pie and bread with jelly. How did you know these are my favorites?

Mary knew these were your favorite.

What? How?

Because I’m Lady Margaret, and she took off her scarf that she had wrapped around her head.

What? How in the world, I thought you were dead!

No, we have been here all these years.

We?

Yes, the princess Eva and I. I’m sorry, Your Highness, you must forgive me. The queen was no mother to her child. She has had a good life here. She is a lovely girl.

I want to see her, said King Edward.

Evanlynn, please come into the drawing room. She came into the room and bowed to the king.

Good day, Your Highness!

The king looked at her. It can’t be her.

Evanlynn, take off your scarf. She removed the scarf, and then Mary told her to push back her hair. The birthmark was not as visible as it was when she was a baby. It looked more like a stain on her face now. It was easily hidden by powders and lotions and applying makeup. Evanlynn only covered it when she was in public view and wore hats and bonnets outside. The king looked and looked at her. Evanlynn, it is time you knew the truth about your parents.

What do you mean, Mary? You told me that my parents were killed. Why must I show the king my birthmark?

"All these years I thought you were dead. Is it really you? Eva!" The king hugged her so tight.

Mary, I don’t understand! The king’s eyes were full of tears.

I’m sorry but the queen was not happy with Eva and she never spent more than a few minutes with her. I’m sorry, Your Highness, but she did not love her. The king was so overjoyed at finding his daughter.

I should have known the letter LME were yours. I remember you always sew LM somewhere in the stitches.

Evanlynn asks, Am I the king’s daughter?

Yes, my girl, you are royalty. Evanlynn began to cry.

I don’t understand, Mary? The king held her hand.

Mary was trying to protect you, my dear. Your mother, the queen, had a hard time accepting you because she was afraid you would be treated like an outcast. She felt she would be shamed that everyone would say her child was ugly and deformed. My child, you are beautiful. Evanlynn was a pretty girl; nothing in her feature gave offense. She was about five feet six inches tall, with reddish blonde hair and blue eyes like her father. The birthmark was often covered, and no one knew it was there other than those who knew of it.

Grandmother Rose said, Shall we eat lunch? The food will get cold soon.

Do I have brothers or sisters? Evanlynn asked the king.

Yes. The king smiled. Two brothers and one sister. They do not know of you. The queen has never spoken to them about you. I am sorry, you must forgive her. I am afraid the queen would have never paid you the attention required for a child.

But is she a good mother to my brothers and sister?

Yes, they have had the best education and music lessons. You must have been better off here.

Yes. I’ve had a good education. I also can play the violin and cook and sew. My grandfather taught me to play the violin when he was alive. He died when I was fifteen years old.

She has had a good education and the best advantages. My grandfather worked hard, and our harvest bought us a lot of money. We still make money from our land. Evanlynn has never been treated ill by anyone.

What are my brothers’ names and my sister’s?

Heath Irvin is the oldest. He is nineteen and William Edward is seventeen and Macy, she is thirteen, answered the king. I will need time to think this over before I tell them.

Your Majesty, I think it is best you do not tell the queen for a while. You yourself will need time to take this all in. I am not sure what the queen will say or do. This changes everything, said Lady Margaret.

Oh, Margaret, I do not know how I will recover from this day. They finally manage to eat lunch. They talk all afternoon, telling stories about Evanlynn. Lady Margaret was pleased that the king was happy and he did not threaten death upon her for taking his child away. There was a relief about him as if the weight of the world had been lifted. Mary told the king that she met one of his men, a soldier, and he brought her news about the kingdom. One of my soldiers knew you were here?

No, he did not know I am Lady Margaret. He thought I was a widow without a husband. He comes once a month to the market in Yorks town.

The king thought to himself. Hum, one of my soldiers?

Yes, he is one of your best men now.

Ah, Sir Daniel is the man.

Why yes, my lord, however did you guess?

I see a pouch over there on that chair. He has one like it. I have often admired it. He said he purchased it in a market near here.

"Yes, that is where we met fifteen years ago. On one particular time our wagon wheel broke and he happens to be riding by, and stopped to help us. Ever since then he comes by here a couple of times a month to visit. Sir Daniel did say that you like the pouch and that you never could find anyone who sews like Lady Margaret did. The more news he brought to me, I felt guilty of you not knowing of Eva. He told me how happy the queen was with her other children, that she was a changed woman after a son was born. He said that the princess was forgotten and that no one spoke of her. He said he only knew of it from other soldiers as he was not there when we went missing. He said only a few people knew about her and her birthmark.

Your Majesty, you always liked my sewing, that it why I contacted you.

Yes, that was my whole reason for coming. The day was nearing night, and the king’s men came to the door. The king did not know what to tell them. I will be out in a few minutes.

You may stay the night. We have an extra room, my lord. Your men can stay in the field house, said Rose. Our field-workers stay out there.

Yes, the king answered, yes, thank you, I will stay. Rose went out to the back to speak to one of the field-workers. The king told his men that they would stay the night and leave the next day. Rose told the men they could stay down at the field house and gave them something to eat.

Your Majesty, Evanlynn said.

Call me father!

It is hard to believe I have a father.

It is hard to believe you two are alive after all these years. I’m afraid I will awake in the morning and it will be all a dream.

No, it is not a dream, it is real. Said Evanlynn.

Now let me see these clothes you have made for me. Yes, I do like these. I did come all this way for a new wardrobe. You must make some things for Heath and William.

Oh yes, I would like that, said Evanlynn.

I would like you to make some vest for them.

I would like to do that for my brothers.

A gray one for William and a dark blue one for Heath, said the king. He hugged Evanlynn, Mary, and even Rose. Oh, this day will go down in history. Mary and Rose went to prepare the extra room for the king.

It used to be my husband’s room, Rose told him. I believe you will be comfortable in there. The rest of the day the king talked of his other children, telling Evanlynn about them. It was supper time when they realized how long they had been talking. Rose had made beef stew, and again they set down and ate like a family. Mary asked the king when he would come back.

I will come back at the end of this week. I must return to the castle to see about things.

Father, what will you tell everyone?

I will not tell them about you yet, I need time with you first. They sat hours after supper talking. Soon everyone was tired and it was past bedtime. King Edward hugged Evanlynn again and again.

Good night, Father!

Good night, my child. The next day came, and the king prepared to leave. He gave Mary money for the clothes they were to make him.

Evanlynn said, This is too much, more than we need to buy the cloth and buttons.

It will never be enough to pay for all the years we have lost. You should have had all the finest things in the world. Take the rest and buy yourselves whatever you want.

Thank you, Father, said Evanlynn.

I will return at the end of the week. He hugged Evanlynn again and Mary. I must return now. As he left, he smiled and told Evanlynn he loved her. He looked up at the sky and gave thanks to the good Lord. My prayers have been answered. Oh, it’s a glorious day. The king left happier than he had been in a long time. The ride home did not seem so long. It was almost dark when he reached the castle. The watchmen sounded the bell that the king had returned.

My lord, how was your journey?

It was very successful.

Good, sir. You seem relieved, sir.

Yes, lad, I am grand. He began to sing as he took his things from his horse. Where are Captain Plake and Sir Daniel? I wish to speak to them.

They are eating dinner, Your Majesty.

Go and fetch them and tell them to come to my library. The king sang as he walked through the castle.

Father, you have returned! called Heath.

Yes!

How was your trip?

It was successful. It was grand. I found a new seamstress to sew for us.

Father, you do remember that in six weeks, I go for my soldier training.

Yes, lad! I must speak to Captain Plake and Sir Daniel about it in my library. Tell your mother I have returned and I will see her in a little while.

Yes, Father!

Your Highness, Sir Daniel and Captain Plake to see you! He spoke to Captain Plake about Heath’s training first.

"That will be all, send Sir Daniel in. I wish to speak to him alone.

Daniel, I want you to travel with me at the end of the week.

Yes sir, I will be pleased to accompany you.

We will stay two days and leave early on the third day. I think you will find the trip pleasing.

Thank you, sir, said Sir Daniel.

That will be all for now.

Yes, Your Highness. Over the week the castle came alive. The king ordered all the windows to be washed open and flowers to be planted. The trees were to be trimmed; the carpets were to be aired out and cleaned. Everyone in the castle—the maids, servants, and the nurses and the cook—could not get over seeing the king so happy.

What has come over him? The queen could not believe the mood the king was in.

My lord, you are well?

Yes, dear, I am very well. She could not understand the change in him. He always seemed a quiet man; even when his other children were born, he still felt an empty place in his heart for Eva. The king prepared for his trip. He told he queen he would go again on castle business for two days for there were great issues to be discussed. Sir Daniel will accompany me.

I’m glad he will be traveling with you. I worry that you will be robbed or killed for your gold. While the king prepared for his trip, so were Mary and Evanlynn preparing for his arrival.

Mary, please tell me what my mother is like and what it was like living at the castle.

Mary began to tell her about living at the castle and her mother. Evanlynn began to cry. She seems so cold!

I think she was afraid of what people would think of her instead of you. I believe she loved you but she did not know how to handle the stress. So she ignored you, thinking you would get better with time but there was no change right away.

I am glad you took me away. My father seems to be different from my mother.

Yes, he is a gentleman. I do believe that their marriage was arranged. He has made himself love the queen. Have you finished the vest for your brothers?

I am almost done with the lining and the embroidering. I do hope they like them.

They better! Mary Laughed. They were made by you and you are royalty.

It is hard to believe that I’m a princess. How can I be with this ugly mark on my face?

You are beautiful, child, and no one knows of the mark. We have kept it hidden this long. Someday you will find a doctor who can treat you, said Rose.

The king and Sir Daniel set out for their journey. I would like to find some pheasants to take to our destination, said King Edward to Sir Daniel.

I know of a place over the ridge. They will be along the stream for water, said Sir Daniel. So they rode to the stream and shot three pheasants. Your Highness, when shall we reach our destination?

We will arrive there close to lunch. Sir Daniel knew the route they were traveling, but he was not aware of the place the king was taking him. They were nearing the last few miles of their journey when the king turned to Sir Daniel and said, I must swear you to secrecy! Where we are going and the people you will meet are to be known to myself and only you. If you breathe a word of them, then death will be on your head.

Yes, my lord, you have my word. As they approached the cottage, Daniel spoke. I know this place. It is where Mary and Evanlynn Engleton live with their grandmother Rose. Sir, do you know them?

Yes, and I know you have met them too. Mary and Evanlynn were waiting outside. Mary was surprised to see Sir Daniel with the king.

He called to her, Mary, as they dismounted from their horses.

Sir Daniel, she called back to him.

Your Highness, Father, said Evanlynn.

Evanlynn ran to her father. He hugged her, and they all went inside. Sir Daniel was a bit surprised by everything. Rose came out of the kitchen. Oh, Your Highness, you are here.

Edward, my dear lady, will do just fine!

We have lunch ready for you!

Daniel, the king said, it is time we explain to you about Mary and Evanlynn. The king began to tell the story about Eva and Lady Margaret.

So this is your daughter that has been missing all these years. Mary is not Evanlynn’s mother?

No, they are not related.

We are like sisters! Grandmother and Grandfather raised me with her, said Evanlynn. Rose brought the food from the kitchen and served lunch. They all ate lunch and told stories. After lunch, Mary and Evanlynn showed the king the vests they had made for Heath and William.

These are splendid indeed! I brought measurements for Macy. Her birthday is soon in June on the fourteenth and I would like you two to make a dress for her.

We have several bundles of cloths. Do you think she would like lavender?

Yes, this piece is very pretty.

After looking at all the cloths, Evanlynn said, Father, you have not seen the pond down from the house. Would you like to take a walk to the pond?

Yes! Mary and Sir Daniel followed them. Eva, I wish I could make up for all the years we have lost. You have the right to everything.

Father, I have not done without. I have been happy and treated well. Grandmother Rose and Grandfather Carl always had enough. His dairy cows and the farm’s harvest and what we make off our sewing have provided us with everything. I make dresses and sell them at the shops in town. Grandmother sold most of the dairy cows except for six of them and we live off of that. The farm brings us much and we are never without. I have always worn a scarf or makeup or a hat to cover my mark. Never has anyone asked me about it.

I am sorry you had to endure and suffer this. Eva, when was the last time you saw a doctor, or has a doctor looked at your birthmark?

I once saw one in Manover when I was twelve. He gave me some lotion to use. It has made the mark lighter but it did not go away. I have not seen a doctor about my birthmark since then but have seen a doctor for other things. They reached the pond, and Evanlynn took out some bread crumbs from her pocket. She dropped them in the water. See the fish, Father? I have named them all. See the spotted one there? His name is Frances. The gray one is Alice, and the blue one is Timothy. Those two over there, the white and yellow ones, are James and Jenny. They are always together. I feed them bread crumbs and roses’ flower petals. Evanlynn showed her father the rest of the farm. Sir Daniel and Mary walked along the fields several yards behind them. It was nearly supper, and Rose rang the bell.

What was that noise? King Edward asked.

It’s supper time, Grandmother uses the bell to tell us that food is ready when the field-workers are out in the fields. She used to ring it for Grandfather when he was out with the cows.

Sir Daniel and I would like to spend the night. He can sleep down in the field house.

Oh no, Father, he can stay in the extra room and you may sleep in my room. Mary and I can sleep together.

Are you sure it will not be an inconvenience?

No, Father, you may sleep in my room.

Thank you, my child; God has given you a good heart. Sir Daniel and the king took their horses to the barn. They ate supper of baked chicken, yams, squash, bread, and wine. After supper, King Edward asked, Do you ladies have a music box?

Yes, we do!

May we listen to it? Eva, can you dance?

Yes, Father, but I do not know if I know your dances! I have not been to many dances but Grandfather used to dance with us.

Well then, I will teach you what I know. So everyone danced, even Rose, by herself. They all danced until the last song was played on the music box. Oh, I have not had so much fun in a long time. Shall we retire for the night? said King Edward. Evanlynn went to gather her things from her room to sleep with Mary.

"Father, your room is ready. Mary helped Sir Daniel in the other room.

Good night, everyone, Rose said. Morning came in as the sun peaked thru the windows. Rose was already up making sweet bread and coffee. Everyone else dressed without delay to have breakfast.

It smells wonderful in here.

Good morning, Your Highness. I have made you some bread to take along with you when you journey back to the castle.

Thank you, Rose! We will have to return tomorrow after breakfast.

Yes, naturally, that is why I made extra bread.

So what shall we do today? asked King Edward.

Well, Father, we have some fruit trees that need to be picked and you and Sir Daniel may help us down the orchard. The rest of the day, everyone was busy, and Rose brought down a picnic lunch for everyone. All the chores were done, and soon it was time for supper again. Sir Daniel went to check on the horses, while King Edward went into the house to wash himself for supper. Mary and Evanlynn changed their aprons to clean ones and began to help Rose with supper and setting the table. Evanlynn wrapped the vests for her brothers, which she and Mary made. She put them aside for her father to take back with him.

After supper, Evanlynn played the violin for everyone. Very good, my child! Later it was bedtime, and everyone was tired from working in the orchard. Once again it was morning, and Mary called everyone to breakfast.

Father, when will you return?

I’m afraid not till the end of May. My sons will be going for their soldiers training. Heath will go for three weeks and William will go for one week. He is not of age to become a soldier, so he will mostly go to observe. I will accompany them for two weeks. Macy’s birthday is in June and we will need to plan for a celebration. I wish you could be there but too many questions will be raised and I am not ready to answer any questions as of yet. You are safe enough here! Sir Daniel, we should be setting off now. King Edward hugged Evanlynn, Mary, and Rose. I will send word through Sir Daniel as to my next visit.

Good-bye, Father and Sir Daniel.

"Good-bye everyone. The king and Sir Daniel set out. They traveled all day and returned towards evening. King Edward unpacked all the gifts, while Sir Daniel took the horses to the stables.

Father, you have returned, William called to him.

Yes!

How was your trip?

It was good. I have gifts for you and Heath.

These are splendid vests, Father!

I have sweet bread for your mother and a purse for Macy. Mary had put the purse in at the last minute. Over the week, the king prepared to travel with his sons for their training. The king told the queen to have Macy start preparing for her birthday and to speak to the servants about the celebration.

Shall we have a ball, my lord?

Yes, if she wants a ball, let us have one! The king and his two sons left for their soldiers training. On the second week, King Edward and William return from training. Heath stays on to continue his training to earn his sheath. Evanlynn and Mary had finished the dress for Macy in the meantime.

I wonder when Father will return.

He said he would come at the end of May. The next day, Sir Daniel arrived with a message from King Edward.

King Edward sends his love and his regards. He says that he will come on the twenty-eighth of May. He said not to be alarmed, that he will be traveling with more men.

How many?

I believe six!

Six?

Yes, one is myself. He said that the others will not be allowed to know who you are and they will not harm you. It is simply his men he traveled with before and three others who are guards. He will travel by carriage this time. I believe he means to bring something with him for you! Sir Daniel stayed for a short time, visiting with Mary. He returned to the castle at dusk. All is well, my lord, with the ladies. They send their love and await your next visit.

Good! I shall give you orders for that journey later. He went to speck to the queen. My dear, have you and Macy decided on a ball or a dance.

A small ball, my love, is all she asks for! She is only going to fourteen and when she is sixteen, and then we will have a bigger ball in her honor.

Very good! We need to call a meeting for all the servants to decide on decorations.

Yes, we will call one this evening at dinner. The decorations and the cake were ordered. Over the next week, the castle gardens were cleaned and the roses were trimmed and the courtyard trees were cut back. Mary and Evanlynn went into town to sell some of their purses and some of Grandmother Rose’s sweet bread and eggs. It was Friday in the middle of May. Summer was nearing, and the days were warming up rapidly. The six cows that Rose kept would need to be let out to the south pasture to graze on the grass. One of the cows would have to be brought back for milking. Evanlynn walked down the road that led around to the pond. She stopped to feed the fish. She tossed petals in the water from a nearby rosebush at the corner of the pond. She removed her scarf and hat to look at her reflection in the water. Suddenly riders come up the road that curves in front of the cottage. She did not hear them at first, but then turning her head to the left, she saw them coming. Quickly she put her scarf back on. It was Heath and some soldiers he had been training with.

He called to Evanlynn, You there, what are you doing? Evanlynn was startled.

I am feeding the fish.

Why are you alone?

I live up the road at the cottage there, and she pointed to it. Evanlynn recognized the vest Heath was wearing. It was the one she made for him.

Who are you?

I am Evanlynn Engleton, bowing.

I’m Heath Wellington.

One of the other soldiers said, Prince Heath.

These are my friends, Ethan Rhasaday from the kingdom of King John Rhasaday, said Heath

He’s a prince too, one of the other soldiers said.

Over here is Kyle, Peter, James, Hampton, Ellis Lance and Nathan.

I’m pleased to meet you, said Evanlynn and bowed.

You seem familiar to me, Heath said. Have we met before?

No, Your Highness, I assure you we have never met. Ethan came down off his horse.

Let me see these fish you’re feeding. The rest of the soldiers came down off their horses too.

Heath asks, Evanlynn, why do you cover your head and face in this heat?

My grandmother says it is not good for a young lady to have freckles.

May we water our horses here? James asks.

Yes, but take them down to the right of the bank.

Could you tell us how far it is to Yorkstown?

Yes, it is six miles from here. Just go down the road to the fork and go left. I must be getting back home, Evanlynn told the soldiers.

Yes, we should be on our way too. All the soldiers mounted back on to their horses.

Good day, Miss Evanlynn, Ethan said.

Good day, she answered back. Evanlynn watched them ride off. She turned and went back to the cottage. Mary was coming out to the yard.

I was wondering about you.

I have something to tell you! A group of soldiers came by while I was down at the pond. One of them was my brother Heath. He had no idea or notion who I was. They were quite handsome.

You met your brother?

Yes, they were coming from their soldier training and riding into Yorkstown. Father did say that Heath would be training during this time.

What did he look like?

He is tall, strong, dark hair and brown eyes and handsome. Father’s eyes are blue, so that must mean my mother has brown eyes.

Yes, she does. His description sounds a lot like your mother.

There were nine soldiers in all. There was one of them who spoke to me and came down off his horse to see the fish. I really liked him. His name is Ethan Rhasaday. He was tall but shorter than Heath, strong, handsome. He reminded me a little of Father.

King Edward?

He has blue eyes, light brown hair, almost a red color like Father’s. They were all kind. I will have to tell father that I have met Heath.

Let’s go in and prepare for supper.

Grandmother Rose came in from the garden and said, It looks like we may have a thunderstorm coming. The clouds were moving in.

The group of soldiers was still riding toward Yorkstown. Heath said to Ethan, Did not that girl seem familiar?

I think she is radiant.

Yes, she is! I wonder about her family?

We should go back and visit them again. The soldiers finally managed to reach town; they were hoping to celebrate, their training being over. They found a place to lodge and went to seek a cantina. Ethan was not thinking much of celebrating. He was thinking of Evanlynn.

Grandmother Rose told Evanlynn and Mary that they would need to tie up the tomato plants. We may get hail out of this storm. Rose had learned to read the clouds and could tell when a big storm was coming. Her father was somewhat of a weatherman. He studied the weather for many years, writing down ways to predict storm. Rose learned from him. After supper, they went out to the garden and tied up the tomato plants and covered some others. It was still early for the plants, and they had not bloomed yet. It was nearing dark, the clouds were really building, and it began to thunder and lighting. It was close, so they went inside to latch the windows and doors.

Rose said, It’s storms like this that I wish for your grandfather. It always seemed safer for us. It was nearing nine p.m, and in Yorkstown the young men were dining and dancing. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, all except Ethan. He told James he had a blasted headache and was going to retire for the night. He was not tired, and he did not have a headache. His mind was full of Evanlynn. He wanted to see her again. Something about her had captured his interest. It was a six miles’ trip for him to ride back. He told himself that he was going to go back, and that is what he did. So he went to get his horse and started to ride back. The wind began to blow, and it started to rain, as Evanlynn and Mary finished up some of the purses they were going to sell at the market the next day.

We should go to bed now so we can get up early for town tomorrow. It was thundering and lighting outside. The rain began to come down hard.

I think I agree with Grandmother about wishing Grandfather was here on a night like this, said Evanlynn. It would seem safer having a man around. Mary and Rose went to bed and fell asleep right away. Evanlynn went to bed right after but laid thinking and listening to the rain. She shuddered at every sound of thunder. She thought to herself, this is one time I wish Father was here visiting. The thunder boomed and the lighting cracked. The winds blew and the rain poured heavily. Evanlynn lay motionless, trying to go to sleep. For a half an hour, the thunder continued, and the wind blew the rain against the window. All of a sudden she heard a loud banging. My word, said Evanlynn as she sat up. One of the shutters must be loose. She got out of bed and lit a candle. She made her way out into the drawing room. The sound was louder. It could not be the shutter. It sounded like someone at the door. Who could be out on a night like this? Surely it was not Father or Sir Daniel. Rose and Mary now heard the noise and got out of bed to investigate.

Mary told Evanlynn, Be careful opening the door. Evanlynn opened the door slowly. She saw a figure at the door.

She said, Yes? Who is there? She held the light up so she could see who the person was.

Who is it? asked Mary. Evanlynn held her breath.

Oh, it’s Ethan. Your Highness. It’s Ethan, one of the soldiers I met earlier today. What are you doing out on a dreadful night like this?

I’m sorry to disturb you!

Oh, please come in, you are soaking wet. We will build a fire so you can dry out. Mary motioned to Evanlynn to put her scarf back on. I almost forgot, she whispered. Where are the other soldiers? Did something happen to them?

I left them in Yorkstown celebrating. Evanlynn was worrying that something might have happened to Heath.

So not one of them came back with you?

No, they were having a good time and are probably full of wine and beer. They will not notice that I left.

Where are you from? Mary Asked Ethan.

I’m from Rhasaday, I am Ethan Rhasaday.

You mean your father is King John.

Yes.

So you are Prince Ethan!

Do you know my father and mother?

Yes, I met them about eighteen years ago. Your mother’s name is Anne.

Evanlynn asked Rose, Could we give Ethan some of Grandfather’s clothes, to put on so his can dry by the fire?

Yes, Rose said, and she went to the other room and came back with some clothes. Here, you may put these on till your clothes dry.

Thank you, my lady.

Would you like something to eat or some tea?

No, thank you. I would just like to sit here and talk a while. Mary got the impression that Ethan had come back to see Evanlynn.

Let’s go back to bed, Mary whispered to Rose. "I do believe he is quite taken with Evanlynn.

Well, Mary said, Grandmother and I will go back to bed now. Is there anything we can do for you, Your Highness?"

No, my ladies, have a nice rest.

I will go into the kitchen so you can change out of your wet clothes, Evanlynn said to Ethan. She went into the kitchen and prepared some sweet bread and poured some milk into two cups. She thought Ethan might be a little hungry. Is it all right to come out now? she called to Ethan.

Yes, he answered. She came from the kitchen with the milk and bread.

I thought you might be a little hungry, and handed him the milk and bread.

Thank you.

Here, let me hang your clothes up here close to the fire. You pants are torn. Let me mend them for you. Lighting more candles, Evanlynn got out her sewing box and mended Ethan’s pants. She sat down by the fire to have better light. Ethan sat eating the bread, watching her mend his pants. Ethan’s eyes glittered as he watched Evanlynn in appreciation.

Tell me, he asked her, what age are you?

I will be one and twenty in October.

I also will be one and twenty this December.

Oh, I love December and Christmastime.

Yes, so do I. I must confess for my reason for coming. It is because of you, Evanlynn. From the time I saw you earlier at the pond; you have been on my mind. You are so beautiful.

Evanlynn blushed, looking up from her sewing, and said, You are not so bad yourself. She looked back down at her sewing, feeling a little embarrassed. Softly she said, Here, I have finished you pants.

Thank you.

Maybe your clothes will be dry by morning. Mary, Grandmother and I will be going to Yorkstown in the morning. We will sell our fruits and eggs and perhaps some of our sewing.

Good, said Ethan. I will have an excuse for the others. I will tell them that I was out riding and met you on the road.

Well, that sounds like a good idea to me, said Evanlynn. But why do you not want them to know that you came here?

Well, because I have always been so serious and stuck to my studies of medicine. I am always going on trips to study with different doctors to be interested in ladies. For some reason you have caught my interest. I am always so busy, they would hardly believe it.

I am very flattered. Why does a prince need or want to be a doctor with all the money and riches his family has?

Well, it will be a long time before I am king. I think my father should live another thirty years. He is only in his fifties. My father is in the best of health. He has never been sick or ailing of any kind. I want to help people and make their illness go away and find cures.

I think that is wonderful.

Yes, I wish the other soldiers thought like you.

Do they not?

No, Heath, one of the soldiers, the prince of Wellington, thinks that I should become a soldier and live off my family’s fortune. He is too much like his mother!

How so?

She is a very cold woman!

Really? Why do you say that?

Any woman who left her child behind to go on a trip is a noncaring woman. My mother said she didn’t even seem really upset when her first baby disappears. It was like she was relieved.

How horrible! Evanlynn said, almost crying.

I’m sorry. Did I upset you with that story?

I’m all right, Evanlynn said. It is sad story indeed. It was after midnight, and it still rained outside. The thunder and lightning had moved on. I think the rain will be letting up soon, Evanlynn said. Where are the other soldiers from?

Well, four of them are from Wellington and the other four are from Rhasaday. That includes me. We had another man with us, our cook, but he stopped in Millerville before we came here. He has family there. His name is Nathan.

Well, they all seem like a fine group of soldiers.

Yes, some of the best. Heath is one of the best archery men in the country. He is like his father in that respect.

His father? said Evanlynn.

Yes, his father was an excellent soldier. He was there teaching us techniques for two weeks. He missed one day however!

Why?

He went to see some doctors in Cotton Valley.

Is he ill?

No, it was concerning another matter. He did not speak to me or anyone about it.

That is strange that he didn’t even tell you, knowing you want to be a doctor.

"I do know the doctors in Cotton Valley. I will be going there in September to study with the doctors there for two months. I will return home for the holidays. Then I am to go to Lindsey for a few weeks and to London for three months. I will be