CHAPTER ELEVEN

*

''My Lady, it is the royal guards, they have come for the Princess'' Her maiden says taking a bow. Baroness Mamador nods. They are having Dinner.

''What is it, my Lady,?'' Sissie asks her mother

''Oh, the royal guards''

Annalise looks up and then sighs '' They cannot allow me a moment of peace ''

''I can speak to your father the king to let you stay the night''

''I would very much love that Madame Mamador''

She nods, leaving the table.

''He has got a tight leech on you my lady'' Philip says from the other end of the table

''Aye, he has. '' she offers a smile, Sissie reaches her hand under the table and squeezes her friend's hands ..

''It would be okay eventually, he is just been a father Anna''

She nods. She couldn't even enjoy her day outside the walls of the Palace without her father ruining it.

''I am sorry my Princess, but the guards refuse to take my seal and letter back to the palace'' She says looking at her hands were it laid as she returns back to the table.

''it is okay Baroness, i will take my leave'' Annalisa gets up , everyone gets up as well.

Sissie links her hands with hers and they make their way outside.

''My Lady, the King requests that we bring you back to the Palace'' the guards tell her as soon as they lay eyes on her

She says nothing as they help her up the coach.

''I would come by on by the morrow my Princess, surely, Mama would not miss me a few days''

''Ofcourse Sissie, you can come over tomorrow, surely your Mama wouldn't mind''

''None child!''

She looks up to see him standing there ''Hey blue eyes, i hope i see you soon?''

''I should hope so my Princess'' Philip says, a small smile appeared

They watch her be driven away.

''Tell my child, what troubles her heart so? Her eyes are sad, sadder even with their presence. Is all well?''

''Mama, all isn't but, it is tradition i suppose''

''Oh, what is?''

''Later Mama, later''

Her mother nods and then turns in, leaving them.

''She is a beauty the Princess'' Philip says with a smile, watching the gate and their fading coach.

''Indeed she is, and you should take your eyes off her''

He laughs ''Oh Sissie, i have done nothing''

''That look in your eyes says plenty. She is already slated to be married .''

''By choice or by tradition alliance?''

''Does it matter?'

''Yes, one should be married by choice, not one chosen for you.''

''True, but what to do. ''

''Is she happy about it?''

''You are not blind Philip, ofcourse she is mortified''

''Marriage should be made out of an alliance of love, not force''

''That thoughts i share with you, so does she.. but what to do'' She says ''The king has ordered it, she has to obey''

''What if someone else fitting was to ask for her hand?''

Sissie raises an eyebrow 'Take your eyes off the Princess Philip, those blue eyes begins and stops there, the princess will not fancy you let alone fall for your charms''

''You never know sweet cousin, you never know''

She shakes her head turning away, he continues to watch the gate ''She is a beauty, one my eyes longs to see again.''

*

''I have already had dinner, i do not wish to be disturbed'' Annalise says as soon as she is carried down.

''But the king and Queen wishes to see you, they are at the royal dining''

''I said i already had dinner, since they can order me to be whisked away from my peace of mind, they can spare me their family meal. '' She says shutting the door to her chambers and latching it leaving Ameryl staring at the closed door.

*

''You Highness, the Princess has gone into sleep, she wishes to be left alone and refuses to join the royal dinner''

''Nonsense!! Go back and tell her i order that she show her face to her king''

''She grows stubborn by the second ''Grandma Cecil shakes her head.

''Mama,'' Donna pleads

''It is true. No regards for the elders''

''Go and inform her that i will break down her doors if she does not come hither'

''Right away my Lord'' the Amerylsays making her way out

''Let her be my king, she would be in a sour mood when she comes and i do not want to watch you both bicker, not tonight..'' She places her hands over his.

''And that is how you let her get away with such behavior'' Cecile shakes her head

''Oh stop it mother, we must be understanding to her plight too.''

Jacob nods ''Ameryl, let her''

''Yes my lord'' She replies and sinks away out of the dining hall.

Suddenly two guards walk into the royal dining,

''How dare you disrupt my dinner?'' He thunders seeing them venture close.

''My lord, a parcel from Duke De Beaumont's'' One of the guards says going on his knees

''Stand up, bring it here'' He stretches out his hand.

He hands it to him, he opens the seals and then takes out the letter to read, then he smiles.

''What news comes from De Beaumonts?'' Cecil inquires

''A moment mother-in-law'' he says, his smile broadening and increases ''We will be having guests on the morrow, prepare a little banquet, they wish to accept our proposal on the morrow'' he says motioning the guards to leave.

She smiles ''Oh, has William agreed to it, this is wonderful news,''

''It is, prepare, i hope you can handle your daughter to behave herself infront of her inlaws?'

''I will try''

''Bring another thigh of chicken and cakes, more wine, '' he orders laughing.

''You are excited?'' Donna observes

''Aye, very!!''

''Thank God she be married away, she needs a strong man to hold her down'' Cecil says,

''Oh mother!'' Donna exclaims.

''Just airing my mind my Queen, Smile, we would meet our inlaws tomorrow.''