The tiny bird squawked in response before he spread his wings. He hopped to the window then glided from the sill and into the night.
Chapter Ten
Matthew blinked his eyes tiredly as he raised his head from the pillow. He had just fallen asleep. He was not ready for the sun to rise. Lying down again, his mind flooded with thoughts of Cassandra. He hugged the cushion tight as he wished for her presence in his arms.
As he heard the sound of flapping from his open window, Matthew glanced up. He buried his face as a creature flew wildly above his head, weaving around the posters of his bed and diving from the ceiling to the mattress. He warily raised his head, hearing talons pierce the wood of his headboard. He looked up to find Eliezar staring back at him.
“Why are you here?” Matthew breathed.
The tiny brown falcon raised his talon, revealing a note tied to his leg with a scarlet ribbon. Matthew quickly untied it to read the message. Dropping the paper on the sheet, he glanced back to the bird. “Give me a moment, my friend. I will dress and follow you.”
Matthew scrambled to his feet, pulling his clothes on as he stumbled to the door. He quietly ran down the hall and out the entrance door into the early spring day. Within moments, he had mounted his steed to follow the bird into the woods.
Upon arrival, Matthew ascended the steps of the castle silently, not wishing to disturb its occupants. He felt his breath escape his chest as he reached their peak and found Cassandra. She stood motionless in front of the podium, staring down at the giant book. Tears streamed down her cheeks. He crossed the room to her side and gently touched her hips. He gasped as he read the words burnt into the paper.
Cassandra pulled away from Matthew and descended the stairs he had just climbed. After scanning the words several times to prove their truth to his heart, he followed her into the garden. She sat on a ragged, wooden bench, her face buried in her small hands. Her sobs blended with the songs of the robins in the trees.
“Cassa, this is good news,” Matthew insisted as he knelt beside her.
Cassandra gazed up at him with swollen eyes. “I will send him to you the moment he is born. I know his importance to the kingdom. I will send him secretly, so no one will know where he came from. You will only have to accept him as an orphan. But I cannot follow him. I cannot watch another woman love him as his mother.” She touched the king’s face. “Or love you as your wife.”
Matthew searched Cassandra’s eyes, his stare filled with hope and love. “No. You will come and birth him at the palace.” She opened her mouth. He laid his fingers against her lips to silence her before continuing, “We will raise him as mother and father. And as husband and wife.”
“But I have no royal blood,” Cassandra protested. “You cannot marry me.”
“I am the king,” Matthew thundered. “I will marry whomever I choose.”
Cassandra lowered her head. He stood and reached down to her. “Come. I will have your grandfather send your things.”
Cassandra took his hand reluctantly as she rose to her feet. He led her from the garden to his horse. He gently lifted her on the back, smiling lovingly at her. She did not return his smile. He mounted the steed behind her, wrapping his arms around her protectively as he took the reins.
He nudged the horse towards the branches he had come through. Eliezar perched proudly on the tree, blinking his black eyes as they approached. His screech parted the barrier.
The ride was unusually quiet. Matthew had never been happier. The woman he loved was in his arms and would soon be his bride. And she was carrying his son. Yet he was puzzled. A husband and children was all she had ever wanted in her life. I thought she loved me. Why isn’t she happier?
He helped her dismount once they reached the palace. He took her hand in his as they ascended the steps to the door. He led her past Joseph, Otto, and all the astonished servants to the rose-colored room she cherished—the one she spent so many nights in as a child. After she entered, he leaned against the doorframe, excitedly anticipating a kiss.
Instead, he was met by the door as she closed it. Confused and a little hurt, he exhaled slowly as he strode down the hall.
* * * *
Cassandra stared at herself in the mirror, barely able to recognize the woman in the white silk gown. Her stare traced the gold laces and trim of her wedding dress. The seamstress pulled unmercifully at the waist of the gown that she had created in two weeks.
“I will need to let it out some more here. It may fit now, but I am sure it will be too snug by the ceremony,” the seamstress criticized. “Let me get my tape to measure, my lady.”
Cassandra watched her sweep from the room with the two maids following. She closed her eyes as she heard them talk.
“So that must be the way to the throne—whore your way there,” one maid hissed.
“If I had known I could become queen like that, I would have slept with the king a long time ago,” the other responded.
“What makes you think he would have bedded you?” the seamstress asked, chuckling.
“All it takes is a low bodice, a pretty smile. The king is like any other man,” she replied.
“The bastard is probably not even his,” the seamstress added.
Cassandra glared at the door as tears pooled in her eyes. She turned from the mirror, fighting to pull the gown over her head. Throwing it to the floor, she scooped up her silk burgundy dress. She heard the door open from inside the cavernous folds of the soft fabric.
“My lady,” the seamstress protested. “I am not finished measuring your gown.”
“It is fine. Please just leave it.” Cassandra pushed herself through the bodice.
“Then let us help you dress. That is what we are supposed to do, my lady.”
Cassandra wrestled her arms into the sleeves then angrily began to tie the laces. “I have been dressing myself since I was a child. I do not need your help. And please do not address me as 'my lady.' I am no more a royal than you are. It is just a fancy his majesty wishes to indulge in!”
The seamstress stared at her in fright as she showed her back to the three women. They spun around at a knock on the door. Matthew peeked in the room as it swung open.
“May I come in?” he asked. Cassandra turned her face away as he approached, taking her hands in his. He kissed her cheek. “Good morning, my love. I have not seen you yet today,” Matthew greeted happily.
“I have much to do,” Cassandra whispered.
Matthew noticed the tears weaving their path down her cheeks. “What is the matter, Cassa?”
Cassandra swallowed back her sobs, losing the battle quickly. “I am just tired.”
“Maybe we should take a walk in the garden. You are pale. You need sun.”
“I really want to lie down.”
“Do you want me to stay with you?” Matthew brushed her wetness from her cheeks.
“No. I wish to be alone. Please?” Cassandra asked weakly. He watched her for a moment then rubbed her arms gently.
“Certainly, my love.” Matthew moved toward the door, beckoning the three women to depart. He glanced at her once more before leaving, quietly closing the door.
Cassandra threw herself on the bed, burying the sobs that were racking her body into her pillow. The place she had known as her home for most of her life had become a prison—Matthew's love had become her warrant. She could not escape the accusations, the insinuations of her pregnancy. She wanted her freedom.
Cassandra rolled over, looking out the balcony of her room into the garden. She pushed herself up as an idea boiled in her mind. She rose to her feet and breezed to the door. A burst of light flooded the room as Cassandra's human form shrunk, leaving a small gray fox in her place.
She stumbled to the railing as she grew accustomed to the added bulk of her unborn babe still in her womb. Jumping from the railing into the cedar tree that bloomed next to the terrace, she scampered down the trunk to the ground.
Cassandra ran through the garden to the
palace gates, skidding to a halt as she found them closed. Her mind raced along with her feet as she tried to find another route of escape. She hid behind the stairs of the kitchen, panting as she scanned the wall. A hole gaped through the stone barrier next to the stable. She watched as the stable hands groomed the horses, laughing and talking amongst themselves.
She dashed from her spot to the hole in the wall. “A fox! Let the dogs go!” one stable boy shouted as he pointed in her direction. Another untied a hound, dragging it out into the courtyard.
Henry stopped both of them. “Wait. That fox is carrying young. Give her and her babies a chance.”
Cassandra did not stop to hear their objections. She squeezed her bulk through the fissure and disappeared into the forest.
* * * *
Sunlight invaded Cassandra's senses as the morning dew chilled her skin. She stretched her limbs against the mossy rock on which she had made her bed as the waterfall beside her played a symphony in her ears. She opened her eyes, blinking to adjust them to the brightness. A sigh heaved from her breast as she closed them again and slowly sat up.
She looked down at Matthew in disbelief He quickly undid his riding cloak then swung it over her, draping it around her shoulders and tying it tightly. “You could catch your death of cold out here,” Matthew scolded as he rubbed the damp silk of her gown between his fingers.
“How did you find me?” she murmured.
“Henry, the stable master, saw a gray fox carrying young racing across the courtyard. He had never seen a fox like that before. When he heard you were missing, he could only assume it was you,” he answered.
Cassandra lowered her head. Matthew grasped her hands, gazing at her pleadingly. “Cassa, why did you run from me?”
Cassandra looked up into his eyes. “I cannot marry you. I love you so much. I really do. I just cannot do this.”
“Why? Why can you not?”
“I cannot handle the whispers, the giggles, the staring. I am not a royal. This is wrong. I cannot marry you.” Cassandra swallowed hard. “I cannot be queen.”
“Who is whispering? Who is laughing?” Matthew demanded. “Tell me, and I will have them punished.”
Cassandra touched his cheek. “Open your eyes, Matthew. Everyone is. I am an embarrassment to the crown. Please send me back to my grandfather. I swear to you, I will send our son to you the moment he is born. Just please release me from this.”
Matthew drew her close and enveloped her in his arms, holding her tight to him. After a few moments, he whispered, “Then we will live here.”
“Excuse me?” Cassandra asked hesitantly as she pulled away from him.
“I will build a cottage here in the forest. I will work. We will raise our children here.”
A laugh escaped from Cassandra’s throat. “You have never labored a day in your life.”
“I will learn how to work the land. I will for you.”
Cassandra stood. “You are talking crazy.” She strode away from him across the deep emerald forest floor. She hugged herself. Why is he being so stubborn? Why is he not listening?
Hearing rustling behind her, she slowly turned to find Matthew untying the sash that held his sword on his hip. His jacket, rings, vest, and the golden cross he wore around his neck were lying on the grass. He threw the sword and sash to the ground then opened his arms to her.
“There, Cassa. I am coming to you as a man. Not a king, just a common man. It is no longer a matter of you being my bride. It is about you taking me as your husband. Please, Cassa, I want to be your husband. See?” He fell to his knees among the lush ferns of the forest. “I am begging you. Can you not see? I am begging for you to take me as your husband!”
Abruptly, Matthew rose to his feet and rushed to her, taking her hand and pressing it against his chest. He searched her watery, hazel eyes with his own dark ones as he attempted to entreat her soul.
“You told me to find something to be brave for. It is you. It is only you. It has always been you. I love you, Cassa. I need you. I need you in my life. I want to protect you. Cassa, I live for you. I would die for you. Please do not deny me this.”
Cassandra’s tears overflowed as she shook her head. “I am so sorry.”
Cassandra turned away from him, cringing as she heard his hand slap his side. She listened as he gathered the belongings he had discarded on the forest floor and packed them in the saddlebags of his horse. She was terrified to be left alone, but finally things would be right. She would not shame him further.
As she heard Matthew’s voice, Cassandra looked up. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing him hold his steed's muzzle affectionately.
“You have always been a good friend. Possibly the best I have ever had. But I need you to perform for me one last request. Take these things back. Tell them I am not returning.” He pressed his forehead against the horse's flesh in a small embrace. “I will miss you. Now go.”
Matthew slapped its rump, sending the animal dashing off amongst the trees. He glared at Cassandra as he picked up the few remaining objects that lay on the ground—his dagger, a sachet of coins, and the green, leather-bound book he cherished.
She spun to face him. “Where are you going?”
“Away.” Matthew marched through the ferns towards the dirt path that wove through the woods. “To start over.”
“Why?” Cassandra’s voice screeched, nearly demanding an answer of its own.
“Savon has nothing for me.”
“So you will leave your people to Gorgon?”
“He wants to rule. I do not. I never have.”
“But he is a ruthless murderer.” Cassandra's body began to tremble at the thought.
“Maybe as king he will become just. Who are we to know?”
Cassandra wrapped her arms around herself. “No. He will hurt the people of Savon. You would leave them without your protection?” Swallowing hard, she returned to the rock on which she had slept. “You would leave your son and me to him?”
Cassandra buried her face in her hands as horrifying thoughts of captivity under Gorgon filled her mind, the sudden images more terrifying than her previous time in his possession. She lifted her head as she felt Matthew brush her hand with his.
“I would never do that.” Matthew touched her face gently then clasped her hand tightly in his. “Come. We have a far way to go.”
Cassandra stood then clung to Matthew’s arm with both of hers. He smiled as he led her down the path towards the road.
* * * *
The setting sun cast shadows along the dirt road as Matthew strolled along, leading his beloved by the hand. He pulled Cassandra to his side as they approached the bustling street of the village that lay before them.
“It is late. We need to find a place to sleep,” Matthew suggested.
Cassandra stared up at him, seeing a newfound look of determination in his face. He had been more than attentive during their daylong journey. He made certain that she stopped several times to rest and that she had plenty to eat and drink. She could see in his eyes that he fully understood what his duty now was.
The pampered monarch who had his life decisions made for him had found his strength in shouldering his responsibility as lover and father, protecting her and their unborn babe like precious jewels. Although she knew their flight was wrong, she felt safe at his side.
They brushed through the darkening streets as they searched each building for lodging. Matthew laughed, relieved, as they approached an inn. He stopped at the door as they came upon a man playing a lute.
“My good man, how much do you charge for a room?” Matthew asked as he drew Cassandra to his side and held her close.
“I do not own this place,” the man replied. “I am only a guest here. I paid five silver coins for a room.”
“Thank you.” Matthew bowed his head toward the man in gratitude then turned to Cassandra. He smiled at her comfortingly before leading her in.
A dirty, small bald man scurried behind the wood
en counter as they entered. His face screwed up into a scowl as he suspiciously eyed the couple.
“We need a room,” Matthew addressed the innkeeper.
The man glared at Cassandra with beady eyes. “Fifteen silver coins,” he replied.
“But you charged the man outside only five.”
“How do I know she will not drop that whelp here tonight?”
Matthew glared at him, swallowing his rage as he nudged Cassandra behind him. “She is not far enough along to deliver. She certainly will not birth our baby tonight.”
“Fifteen silver pieces. My final offer.”
“Fine.” The young king straightened his spine. “We will find another place to stay. Maybe your village leader or the local commander of the guard could help us.” He turned towards the exit.
“Wait,” the innkeeper fumed. “Ten silver pieces. But I am not giving you my best room.”
“Fine.” Matthew opened a small purse and shook out the coins. He laid them on the counter.
The innkeeper scooped the coins up in his hands then twisted around to lift the key from a hook on the wall. Turning back to Matthew and Cassandra, he offered, “I will make you a deal tell me your story.”
“That is none of your business.”
“If you do and it interests me, I will give you five of your coins back.”
Matthew scowled at him, and then smiled. “Alright. I am the son of a stable master. I spent every day of my life since I could stand helping my father. One day, I looked out of the stables, and my eyes caught sight of the most beautiful creature in nature—my lord's daughter.
“I began to spend extra time on my lady's horse, hoping to gain her favor. My plan worked, and I was able to catch my lady in conversation. Her visits grew more frequent, and then one thing led to another. Finally, news from the house spread that my lady was pregnant, and the father of the child was unknown.
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