Chapter 43
ORNELLA
As the first days passed of married life, I wondered when things would really begin. Nicholas and I shared the bed in the
royal bedroom. We would spend most of our nights discussing books, things we did as children, and bore ourselves
completely to each other.
It was wonderful. Better than I could ever have hoped for. I sat on the terrace overlooking the rose garden, holding a cup of
warm lemon tea in my hands and listening to the soft sound of birdsong. I couldn't help, but wonder when my freedom was to
begin.
Nicholas had promised me once we were wed, I’d be allowed to explore the city, visit his people, and show them their
new queen. I’d overheard some of the servants discussing the king’s enthusiasm to get my coronation ready, but something
seemed to be holding him back.
My new sisters had not visited me either. I found it strange, but Nicholas expressed it was tradition for a new bride to be
left alone with her husband. However, he had left me in the early hours of this morning. Percy, his right hand, called him away
on urgent matters. I was left waiting, wondering if he were to tell me what was so important that dragged him out of bed before
dawn.
“More tea, majesty?”
The young girl I’d rescued from that awful tavern stood close beside me, her hand ready to pour me another cup. With a soft
smile and a shake of my head, I sat my cup down.
“Isla, do you like it here?” I asked, wondering if she felt the sting of homesickness, too.
“Of course, majesty.” She lowered her head in a bow, and I could tell she’d say anything to please me.
“I’m not going to shout at you, Isla. I'd like for you to tell me the truth. Please, I am just as new here as you are. Sit, join
me.”
Her eyes widened as shock covered her face. Was it such a difficult request? To join someone for tea? Back home our
housemaids dined with Talia and I. Especially when it was just us home while our parents left to travel.
“I couldn’t do that, majesty. It wouldn’t be proper, and the king may lose his temper if he caught me.”
“You let me worry about the king. Now sit. That’s an order if I must command you to.”
She sat almost instantly at my command, with fear in her eyes. I pondered how our housekeeper Claire was really treating
her. Nicholas already told me that she wasn’t impressed to have such a young girl given to her. Claire didn't seem to want to
take care of, feed, or teach Isla.
Isla was sent to me as soon as she was settled with some basic lessons. I’d grown rather used to her presence being near. I