The Unlikely Queens

Chapter 6

"Your father and I have been so anxious for your return!" Mother squeals as her and father follow me out to my garden. "You must tell us every detail about the king. Johanna said he invited you to court himself."

I just returned from court a few minutes ago. I went straight to my garden after John and some of the king's other servants returned my chests to my room.

"He introduced himself at the festivities, we danced, and talked. He is very kind and easy to converse with."

"Is he as normal as people make him out to be?" Father asks.

"Oh, yes. He doesn't act too terribly important." I smile.

"Is he handsome?" Mother smiles.

I shyly glance at my father, "I suppose."

"I understand. I'll leave you women to gossip." Father smiles, going back into the house.

"I cannot believe our king invited you himself to stay at court. Whatever did you say, whatever did you do, Cecelia, for him to be so enchanted by you?"

"Well, he told me my intentions were good and that he knew in his heart that I did not simply want money and jewels and the throne. He appreciates that about me."

"Oh, my wonderful daughter," She embraces me. "So kind and pure that even kings are drawn to you."

I blush, "Mother, stop."

"Do you think he'll ask to see you again?" She draws back to look at me.

"I'm not sure. It would be nice to see the king again, but he is probably much too busy for someone like me."

~

"Cecelia, a letter just came for you. He was carrying the king's emblem." Father tells me as I come out to the garden. I take the letter and examine the envelope. It has the king's wax seal.

"Has the king sent you a letter already?" Father asks as I gently pry off the seal.

"It's been a week, Father." I remind him. "It's probably just a cursory note. One of his scribes wrote this for him, I'm sure."

Mother rushes into the garden, "I saw the horseman with the king's flag. Did he deliver something?"

"A letter." Father tells her. I unfold the paper and begin to read. 

Dear Cecelia,

Forgive me for taking so long to write. This past week has been unbearably busy. A king's work is never done. Forgive me again, but you have become somewhat of a permanent fixture in my thoughts these past few days. I wish to see you at court again. I will send for you and your belongings tomorrow. If you wish to come, that is. There are more people I would like for you to meet. If you decide to grace the court with your presence, I will greet you myself.

Your friend,
Leopoldus Regum (Leopold the King)

"Surely you are going?" Mother asks excitedly.

"Of course I am going. I can hardly refuse my king. I should start packing."

~