|
|
Part 11
"Well, that went… not according to my plan." Angelus' thoughts were interrupted by the main door being opened.
"What happened?" The newcomer demanded.
"What is the matter, William? You look as if you've just seen a ghost."
"I think I have. Or more appropriately, heard one. Who was just in here?"
"The Princess of Rosenberg. She has been visiting some friends in Sunnydale, and came to the castle to talk with me. She was very eager to meet you, my son, and it distressed her that you were not so willing. I must say, though, she has a fiery temper. Very defensive about her past. I simply mentioned that she should follow her parents' wished and marry the man they had chosen, and she began a tirade. And when I told her that you did not wish to accompany her this afternoon, she stormed out of the room. She's in the garden. Perhaps you should apologize."
William turned to the glass doors leading to the gardens, but hesitated. "I don't think that would be so wise. She is angry with me, and she must have a reason for wanting to see me, but I fear that I would not be good company, knowing that she is from Rosenberg. If it pleases you, Father, I will take my leave of you and go for a ride through the woods."
"Go, my son. Perhaps the forest air will clear your mind and banish these troubled thoughts."
"Thank you. And please, if you see her again, tell the Princess that I regret being unable to meet with her today."
"You may consider it already done. Now go, before she decides that she has seen enough of the gardens and returns." William slipped through the door just as Willow made her way through the heavy curtains.
"Who was that?"
"Pardon? Oh, that was my son. He hurried back in hopes to meet you, but left when I told him that you did not wish to see him. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing. It just… I thought maybe… but it couldn't have been him."
"Who, Your Highness?"
"None of your concern, Your Majesty." Willow's eyes and voice grew cold as she recalled their earlier conversation. "Just someone I knew back home. And old friend."
"I see. Now, why is it that you have returned so soon? It seemed to me that you intended to wait in the gardens for your friends to take you home."
"I have decided that I wish to go home now. There is work that I must do at home. Fall is coming, and my garden needs to be prepared for the frost. If you would please provide an escort, it would be appreciated."
"Very well. The Prince would have loved to have taken you himself, but as I do not think you would enjoy the journey, I will send a coach and a guard to carry you." Angelus walked to the door and spoke softly to someone standing just outside. "Ethan will show you to the carriage, and Sir Riley will see that you arrive home in safety."
"Thank you, your Majesty. I am sorry that this meeting did not go as you had hoped. I fear that I do not make a very good princess. Your son deserves someone more suited to his rank than I."
"Perhaps that is so, Princess. But if you do change your mind, do not hesitate to call upon us again. Despite what you may think, I have enjoyed our time together today. Ethan, if you will?"
"Yes, your Majesty. Come, your Highness, your carriage awaits."
Next Part
Previous Part
Back to Isis' Fiction
Back to Love Eternal,
Love Divine