CHAPTER 3 - THE BEGINNING OF THE END

INSTEAD of summoning Lady Cecily to the palace, Prince Archer decided to pay her a visit at her family’s castle. After asking his squire, fourteen year old Ernest, to saddle his horse, he went straight to the castle with the boy and three of his best guards.

When Godfrey, the curly-haired steward of the castle, saw him, he dropped to his knees. “My King Archer.”

He smiled fondly at the man who had been witness to his and Cecily’s childhood plays and whims, back when it was his father, the now-deceased Hubert, who was the steward of the house. “Not quite yet, Godfrey. Get up, and do tell me where I can find the Lady Cecily.”

Godfrey hastened to his feet. “She is in the gardens near the fountain, my Lord, with the Lady Anthea. Shall I fetch her for you?”

“No, no. Let me go to her.” Gesturing to Ernest and his guards to follow, he walked to the lush gardens to find his betrothed.

He found Cecily, as the steward had said, in the garden. She was laughing with her head thrown back, arm-in-arm with Lady Anthea, when she spotted him.

“Archer!”, she hurriedly disentangled her arm from the other woman’s and walked towards him. Lady Anthea was on her heels. They both stopped and bowed an arm’s length away from him. “My lord.”

“My Lady Cecily, Lady Anthea.”

Both ladies smiled at him; Cecily gleefully, and Anthea in a shy way. Cecily had long brown curls, eyes the color of honey, and a delightful smile that could warm the heart of the most fearful of men. She was wearing a lavender-colored gown, and had violets braided in her hair to go with it.

Lady Anthea is the daughter of a noble family, but her standing in the kingdom is not quite as high as that of her companion. She was a timid woman, always courteous but rarely conversational. Although not quite as initially captivating as Lady Cecily, she had a certain appeal that most people associate with her dark eyes hooded with lashes longer and heavier than others’, and the deep dimple on her right cheek that appears whenever she smiles. She and Cecily had been friends since she became a ward of the latter’s family.

“My Lady Anthea,” he said, “it is a delight to see you, as always. Forgive me for the intrusion, but there is a matter of utmost significance I must discuss with the Lady Cecily. Might I be allowed to steal her from your charming company for a moment?”

The lady blushed. “But of course, my Lord.” She bowed before him. “I shall leave you two at once. “ She nodded at the other woman’s direction, bowed once again at him, and left hurriedly. His gaze followed her. “She is never quite comfortable with my presence as she is with you, have you noticed?”

Cecily glanced at him, amused. “To be completely fair to Anthea, you are a prince of the kingdom, and the would-be king. It shall be immensely difficult for a person to be absolutely comfortable in engaging in a conversation with you.”

Archer raised an eyebrow at her. “You are.”

“Well, quite so,” the lady answered with a short laugh. “But I have known you since we were but children, and you will always be Archer to me, my Lord.”

He smiled affectionately at her, his boyish charms evident. “And you shall always be my Lady Cecily.”

Grinning at him, she said, “What of the significant matter you spoke of, my Lord?”

The prince’s face turned serious. “Perhaps we shall sit, my lady.” He gestured to the white marble table a few steps away from the fountain. Cecily walked towards the chairs, and he followed. He could spot Ernest and his guards at a safe distance. They were excellent at that: ensuring the prince’s safety yet giving him space to conduct his private matters.

“My lady,” he began, “this is with regards to our upcoming wedding.”

“What of it, my prince?”

He took a deep breath. “As you know, my dear, you are as precious to me as anyone can be, and I have long been settled at the notion of our nuptials. But ever since the passing of my father, I have found myself craving for an adventure. It was foolish of me not to have done it earlier, to believe that I had more time before the crown falls on my head. But this is what I have to do. I intend to explore the Forest of Mysteries, my lady, before my coronation. As my betrothed, I wanted to have your leave before I go.”

Lady Cecily looked at him, her honey eyes illuminated by the ray of the sun. “My lord, you are to be king of Vrasambail. You have no need for my leave, or for anyone else’s. You know that. And I know you, Archer. You have been the companion of my youth, and are my oldest friend.

What you need from me is not my leave. You are having doubts, and you want to know if I approve. You need my commendation, my support.”

Prince Archer’s lips curled upward. “You know me too well, Cecy.”

“I do, my lord. I know that this is something you have wanted to do ever since we were children. At times, when we are together, I can almost see your mind wandering, searching for an adventure; for something to sooth your soul, to feed your desire to wander, to be free.”

“I could never be free, my Lady Cecily. I was brought into this world with my destiny already written; my path to walk on already paved; the steps I must take already set in stone. I am well aware of that. And yet…”

“And yet, in your heart, you could not dismiss the feeling that this is what you are meant to do.”

Prince Archer looked at her pleadingly, his eyes seeking for understanding. “Does that make a bad king, my lady Cecily?”

The lady smiled playfully, the corner of her eyes twinkling. “With all due respect, my Prince Archer, at this moment and up until the day you are crowned, you are not a King, but only a prince of the kingdom. You are not bad king, my lord, because you are yet to be called that.

Should you continue with this adventure, who shall be rule in your stead while you are gone?”

“I have made High Elder Anselm the regent for the duration of my absence, my lady.”

Cecily nodded approvingly. “Quite rightfully so. Grandmother Hildegarde always said that of all the members of the council, including herself, High Elder Anselm has the most sense. With as high a regard as my grandmother has for her own person, one could safely assume confidence in the magnitude of her claim.”

Archer chuckled, and took her hand. “My lady, I have always held your approval in the grandest regard. Could it be true that I have your genuine belief and support on this foolish plan of mine?”

Smiling fondly, the lovely Lady Cecily gave a nod. “You do, my Lord. You do.”

The prince brought her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “Wait for me, my Lady. When I return, we shall begin our life together.”