Chapter 42   Amongst Women

            It was not easy to stand in a posture since the last events in the duke’s manor. Am couldn’t believed what had she done… What was she thinking when she told the prince she was going to marry Lord Roderick. Fortunately to her, the duke was a wise and mature gentleman… a true gentleman indeed. He understood perfectly Am’s position when she decided to make up all that thing of the engagement… Yet that could complicate things more… remedy could be sometimes worst than the illness…

            She couldn’t erase from her memories the prince’s face when she told him her love ended and that now she was going to marry another man… And she couldn’t deny the fact that she used the duke –whom she knew was in love with her too – to support that falsehood, and that he can be expecting that the outcome could be in fact a wedding between them. And it doesn’t seem to be anything senseless, as a matter of fact. The duke was the best prospect, after all. He was truly handsome and interesting; passionate and wealthy… and a gooooooood kisser. -Well, scratch that last part. –

            Lord Roderick was a gentleman in all the extension of the word, and he had demonstrated his love for her in the good and in the worst. He was certainly waiting for Am’s final decision. For now, an unexpected travel to the kingdom of Gaul to buy some cattle and seeds of exotic spices to produce in Lannishire, bought her some time to think things with clearness. She needed to cold headed to make a final decision. The problem was that she didn’t love the duke… Her heart belonged to Prince Alasther… and she hated her for that. Am thought she was weak for still loving the person responsible for her beloved best friend’s death in battle. If he had come back alive, maybe the story would be another at this point.

            A week had passed since the last time Am saw Prince Alasther at Lord Roderick’s manor. She decided it was proper to return to her Village in the Woods. The maiden was happy to be back home. Am missed her Mamah and her friends too. She understood that she needed to keep along with her life. And all the girls: Luanne, Brhim, Thai, and specially Maeh, were happy to have Am again with them.

            A few more days passed and the girls decided to have some good time together. Early in the morning, the girls left to The Castle’s Market. Like in old times, they went walking with the dawn.  The sun was scarcely rising. It was a beautiful spring day, perfect to take a walk to one of their preferred places. They loved to buy new fabrics, accessories, jewelry or sandals… It was the best place to get what they needed for the right price… and they met handsome boys too.

            After a couple of hours of walking, chatting, gossiping and singing – like they always did - , the girls arrived to the Castle’s Market. It was the biggest market of the entire realm. It was not as fancy as the Border’s Market, but they could find almost everything available by that time in that region.

            The colorful tents assembled one next to the other formed a shady canopy that protected from the sun and weather the merchants, traders, visitors and the merchandize as well. The Castle Market extended through the entire front exterior wall of the Castle of Abhainn. It was a picturesque place were all kind of people met to buy or sell goods.

            The girls walked between the kiosks admiring the beauty of the flowers, the freshness of the fruits and vegetables, the exquisiteness of the fabrics, the aroma of the perfume and spices and the luxury of the jewels sold there. It was the perfect place to distract her from all her troubles. The girls tasted some of the sweet preserves at Jocelyn’s kiosk. Each one of them bought several things and they were having a good time.

            Suddenly, something happened that made Am’s heart almost drop to the floor. A royal carriage, escorted by the Black Armada soldiers, made its entrance in the Market. Am could not see from where she and the girls were standing who was coming. Am prayed it was not the prince as she noticed how the people saluted and reverenced the person approaching. Am began to tremble with nervousness. How would she react if the individual turned to be prince Alasther. She would die instantly. The girls gathered together, all of them wondering who it might be.

            Am hel her breathed, and released it with more ease when she found out it was not the prince who was now walking towards the group of girls. It was the always elegant Queen Cephora instead. The queen, as she recognized Am amongst the multitude, speeded her paste to meet the girl that kept her son’s heart dangling in a thread.

            All the girls reverenced when the queen stood in front of them. Cephora immediately spoke to Am. –“Lady Amalthea, it is a pleasure to see you again. I am happy you are recovering from the terrible events that had afflicted you in the last months.”

            -“Thank you your Highness. The pleasure is entirely mine.”- Am replied with some reserve.

            -“I want to congratulate you in name of my family for your engagement with Lord Roderick…”- The queen cleverly introduced the wedding theme. She was now studying Am’s expression. Am appalled and she looked troubled. She managed to speak, but only intangible monosyllabic sounds was everything Am could utter.

            The queen continued talking –“That is exactly what I thought… Lady Amalthea, I think we need to have a conversation… a girl’s little chat… why don’t you come with your friends to my castle. Yes, you are invited to have a picnic in the Castle’s back garden… That would be fun… You wouldn’t reject a royal invitation, aren’t you?”

            All the girls looked exited. They wanted to go inside the castle and admire its beauty. But at the end it was Am’s decision. Am was staring nervously to Queen Cephora. She didn’t know what to answer. She knew what the conversation would be about… and she didn’t want to face the prince again – well, inside of hers she craved to get lost in those beautiful honey eyes. – The Queen seemed to read her mind when she said to Am, -“Don’t worry the prince is not in Abhainn. He went to visit the Pardimont Viscount for some business. You wouldn’t be disturbed by his presence… And, finally, what is our answer?”

            -“Yes, I accept your invitation, your Highness.”- Am replied to the queen request plainly.

            -“Splendid. Let’s go girls…”- The girls followed the Queen as they climbed into the royal carriage.

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            The girls were having a good time in the Castle’s back garden. A big spread had been settled on the floor. Over it were displayed lots of delicious food, meat, cheese, wine, cider, fruits, deserts… everything was exquisite beyond their taste. Luanne, Maeh, Thai and Brhim were entertained with a group of musicians that were playing lovely. They sang when they recognized the popular tunes, for they were delighted with the music.

            The queen asked Am to go with her to have a walk along the garden. She asked Am to sit with her in a humongous wooden bench near a water fountain with a Greek goddess sculpture atop of it. Queen Cephora faced the maiden’s nervous gaze as she spoke.-“Lady Amalthea, you can be sincere with me. I promise I would not tell my son a word, unless you authorize me to do so… It is that true that you are betrothed to Lord Roderick, like you told my son?”

            Am knew she could not hold the lie any longer. She was not a liar and she wouldn’t speak untruth to the Queen of Abhainn.

            -“No, your Highness. We are not engaged.”

            - “Why did you tell such stories, then? Did you notice how much you hurt him?”

            -“Yes, I know… I was hurt too… I am still hurt for what he did to Maik.”

            -“You know deeply that it was not Alather’s fault. He suffered Maik’s lost too. Even though they were rivals for your love, my son admired the skills and courage of Maik. He was grateful with your friend keeping you saved and for respecting you…”- Am’s eyes were filled with tears. She remained silence biting her lips. The queen continued speaking. –“Am, answer to me a final question. Do you love my son?”

            -“Yes, I do”

Hello guys!!! The story is reaching to its end. I hope you are enjoying it the same way I am. Please vote and comment. If you come up with a cast, you can suggest it. Luv you all for your reads and support throughout these weeks of adventure and romance in the Kingdom of Abhainn.