A Chance Meeting

Iron-clad guards stood tall on either side of the throne room as I entered through the thick mahogany doors.

“Now presenting Princess Isabelle!” The voice of the herald carried throughout the throne room.

Although it was a lavish throne room with plush red and gold lined cushioned seats for councilmen to sit in on the king’s affairs, marble floors, a throne made entirely of gold, and tasteful lighting by the way of stained glass windows, it still held a sort of humble feel to it. Perhaps it was because I was aware of the activities that took place here, all of which involved the people of Chance’s lives changed by way of audience or noble debates.

Situated beneath the king’s feet was a peasant couple kneeling before him. They were holding up a woven basket with the very weaves that held it together almost torn completely off. It was filled to the brim with eggs which sat upon a meager bundle of wheat. As I folded my hands in front of me, trying to appear patient I observed them speak.

“Our village was ransacked by bandits, our tools and several horses were stolen. We can no longer craft, reap, or transport our goods to market without that which was stolen. We offer our king what we have if you would just send us some relief.” A worn, older looking man spoke.

The king ran his hand along his graying scruff as if deliberating, although I could see in those weary green eyes of his he knew already exactly what he would do.

“A handful of guards will accompany you back to your village, those who have lost anything to these thieves will be given that which is necessary for their livelihoods.” He lifted himself to his feet and knelt to take the basket the farmers offered. “Then they will hunt those responsible and bring you that which was originally stolen and take that which was loaned.” He then passed the basket to his aide beside his throne and sat back once again.

“You are gracious my lord.” The peasants proclaimed in unison before they bowed.

The woman appeared to be crying from where I stood, while the man held a smile so bright it was a wonder this made them so happy. After several more words uttered, of which I could not hear, the peasants walked out of the throne room, bowing as they passed me by. I stood waiting as the king sat on his throne, but his eyes were elsewhere. He spoke to the aide at his side, giving out orders and after several moments of waiting I wondered if he was aware of my presence.

Surely my father had heard me enter the hall?

A minute passed and it made me wonder if he was perhaps doing this on purpose. I scoffed aloud at the thought. His eyes glanced my way and I scowled.

I knew it. Of course he had heard me be announced.

“Isabelle.” He murmured while rubbing his temple.

I rolled my eyes as he beckoned me forward.

“What is it you want Isabelle?” His eyes were distant, as if his daughter wasn’t important enough to keep his entire attention.

I stood up straighter and ran a hand over the top of my head and down my braid.

A checklist in my head was made.

Straight posture, tame hair, hands folded over my skirt, head bowed slightly. I went through each item mentally, having practiced appearing as my father wanted, obedient and virtuous.

Good, everything is in place. I couldn’t help a small smile of satisfaction as it grew on my lips.

“I would like to leave the palace to dance.” I spoke with as much respect as I could muster.

The king’s full brows furrowed in frustration at my request. His graying hair framed his aging features, most likely caused by stress, although through it all he maintained himself as a handsome and wise king, but that was what the citizens of Chance saw. All I saw before me was my irritated father.

“You do not have my permission to leave.” He leaned forward, his broad shoulders caving slightly as he put his weight onto his forearms.

Every ounce of patience I had, left almost instantly at his response.

“Why?” My voice rose as did my chin.

He sighed heavily.

“I made an arrangement for you. Suitors are coming to court you.” He seemed almost hesitant to reveal this.

My lips parted, but no words left them. I could only blink until the shock passed.

“You invited suitors to court me?” I asked, my eyes wide.

“I did.” I waited for him to explain, but of course the king did not need to explain himself.

“Why?” My impatience was clear in my voice.

“I’ve allowed you to remain unwed for a far longer time than any other kingdom has. Not in Albi nor Trenton has a female member of the royal family married at an age higher than sixteen. I have given you much freedom, that which you take for granted.”

“This isn’t Trenton or Albi, this is Chance! I am my own person, of royal birth, and old enough to be wed for two years, I can do as I please!” My voice echoed against the walls of the throne room.

“Isabelle please,” he mumbled as he shook his head.

“I will not see any suitor!” I wasn’t going to waste away because I had to pretend to like sitting quietly, drinking tea, hosting boring parties, and be a quiet obedient doll.

“You’re just like your mother,” he murmured with a sad chuckle as he ran his hand across his forehead.

I froze. My father didn’t talk about my mother. She died when I had just turned thirteen and was sent to Albi where my mother was from, as an emissary.

Consequently, I didn’t arrive in time to see her buried. My father didn’t send word and I wasn’t made aware of the fact until I reached Chance. She was healthy when I had left, so it was unexpected and I still was not able to forgive him for not telling me sooner.

“Don’t bring mother into this,” bitterness seeped into my voice as I lowered it.

Tears began to sting my eyes as I looked away.

“Return to your chambers. Your attendants will fetch you once your suitors arrive,” he softened his voice, but I turned away from him without answering.

“Open the doors, and allow me a word with Antony,” my father ordered as I continued toward the exit. “Isabelle, remain in the hall where I can see you.” I scowled.

The guards on either side of the door opened them while the herald called for Antony, to enter. I simply gripped my skirts in my fists and continued forward, head held high.

Antony stepped forward wearing the ornate leather armor personal guards were required to wear which included a matching pauldron with a strip of expensive red fabric that draped down before just hovering above the floor. I glared straight at him.

He appeared stiff as he stopped inside the throne room and the doors shut behind him. His expression was like stone, although his dark brown eyes found mine with ease. My anger for my father carried over to him however as I huffed and remained glaring. Antony appeared unaffected as he ran his hand down his armor then straightened himself even more so than usual, as if that were possible, and he strode toward my father.

Antony was my father’s watchdog, the leash that kept me from doing what I pleased, and my personal guard. He was always at my side, a constant reminder of my father’s wishes.

As we passed by each other I let out an angry sigh and continued to the door before I turned to glare at the back of Antony’s head, where his long black hair was tied into a neat ponytail. They had a very brief exchange of words before Antony bowed and began to walk back toward me.

I crossed my arms and turned to the guards.

“Open the doors.” I ordered.

They hesitated, but ultimately my father called from the other side of the room.

“Open the doors!” The guards obeyed pulling open both doors.

I slipped right in between the doors as soon as I could fit before heading down the hall towards the staircase that would take me to my chambers. I deliberately walked faster in an effort to leave Antony behind.

“Princess,” Antony called out behind me.

I almost stopped walking when I heard his voice. He was like a puppy, almost impossible to be mad at. I ignored his words however, and continued on. His footsteps behind me were near silent, something I didn’t particularly like about the training he received.

His abilities made him my personal guard. He was born in the outskirts of Trenton and as a child trained with his father, a high ranking military official, to become a captain to start, however there was an incident with his father and the king, that caused his mother to flee to Chance where she begged my father for political refuge, in exchange she offered her twelve year old son for service with the king. Antony had already trained enough at twelve that he was on par with Trenton officers in both discipline and tactics.

After a short year living in the palace, he was recommended as a personal guard and since I was four years younger than him I had no say when he was assigned to me. They figured having him by my side starting from a young age would keep me safer, and he learned my habits extremely well, something that irritated me more often than not.

The sudden touch of skin against my arm startled me. Antony had grabbed my arm preventing me from moving any farther.

“Antony let go of me,” I ordered.

He let go, looking at me in such a way that I felt guilty. I had to remind myself that it was not his fault and he was only following orders. I looked down a moment to compose myself. There was no need to take my anger out on Antony.

I turned slow and began walking down the hall with Antony only a step behind. My anger for what my father did, did not subside however as I scowled.

“Did my father tell you what he did?” I asked accusingly through gritted teeth.

“I was informed previously,” he confirmed.

I stopped on my heel and turned on Antony. His face showed no emotion, there was no crack in that stone mask of his. I could never tell how exactly he felt.

“You kept this from me?” I scoffed.

His arms were hidden behind his back as he looked me in the eyes. He was the only man who was willing and able to match my gaze. Although he made sure to do it only when he knew no one could see.

“The king ordered it.”

Of course he did.

I turned on my heel and continued on, still seething about the whole ordeal.

Suitors really? Without even speaking to me first? I huffed loudly as I took to the staircase. When servants passed by curtsying and bowing I tried to put on a pleasant face, but all I could manage was a grimace.

My life was about to change for the worse. Being courted by noble men who cared nothing for me except for the power they would have over my kingdom was terrifying. Stiff, stupid, dull, and so restraining, that’s what they were. Just like the walls of the palace.

The one time I did have any interest was when I found my suitor kissing another girl when he was supposed to be courting me. He later admitted that I was not quite what he hoped for and that the kingdom was appealing, but I ultimately was not, he even had the audacity to call me unruly. Since then I had sworn off suitors of any kind, handsome or wealthy. They got better at hiding their lack of real interest in me, some even enjoyed my looks, but the wealth and power was what drew them in, and I was just the pretty ribbon on top of it.

Portraits of the kings of the past watched me as I moved down yet another hall, the one that would eventually lead me to my chambers. Portrait after portrait mocking me, as I realized I would never be able to look after my own kingdom without a man holding my hand, and guiding me as he wished. There were no women who ruled alone, not in this kingdom or any other.

My whole body was shaking by the time I took the handle of my door. There was so much emotion welled up in me that when I shut the door right behind me tears began to cascade down.

I had heard stories about men who were controlling, those who all but discarded their wives, and the women were expected to let it happen.

I bit my lip holding back a sob as I shuddered. When I began to pace however I tasted blood. I released my lip upon tasting it and let out a choked sob.

“Princess?” I heard Antony call as well as knock on the door.

I quickly wiped my tears and blood away before I tried to get rid of the lump that formed in my throat. However before I could completely compose myself Antony entered. He shut the door behind him and came to me as I turned my back on him and covered my face.

“Are you alright Princess?” He asked, his voice so soft and caring it pained me.

I swallowed painfully before deciding to nod. When I didn’t respond verbally however, I felt his hand lightly touch my shoulder and I flinched.

“Don’t touch me!” I snapped, anger settling in where my hurt was held back.

I wasn’t used to a man putting his hand on me, not even Antony, especially when I was feeling so vulnerable. He removed his hand from my shoulder. I took in a few breaths and refocused my emotions to anger. I lifted my head and turned to Antony.

“You know I’m not going to stay here right?” My lips were pursed into a thin line, my eyes I was sure were still red and the corner of my lips were curved down in a scowl.

He said nothing, but in his eyes I could see empathy. He was careful with his words and his opinions, rarely did he share either with me.

“Princess, is that wise?” Antony reasoned.

I knew I tread on dangerous ground when I had Antony swear not to tell my father that I took up the sword, and refusal of suitors had tested my father’s patience. So why then did he think I would stay on the day I would ultimately lose any and all freedom I possessed? The next time I left the palace I would have an escort, and a chaperone on top of that. Surely Antony knew that I always threw caution to the wind for the sake of my own wishes?

“Why wouldn’t it be? Father wants me to stay and to be married to a fool with a title or a fool with money, should I stay and be engaged by these men, Antony?” I got closer to him.

His eyes searched my own. I could see a few emotions flicker in his eyes but they passed by too quickly to identify before he steeled himself.

“Princess, you know I can’t allow you to leave,” Antony said, though his voice was soft, almost apologetic.

“We both know that’s not true.” I gave him a cheeky smile. “I just need you to stand guard like you normally would. In fact, wouldn’t you get in a lot of trouble if it was discovered you entered my chambers?”

“Princess, you know I came in because I heard you cry.” His voice was still soft, and his eyes remained on mine even as my smile disappeared.

My lips curved into a pout as I looked away. Then after a moment passed I turned back around and grasped his hands.

“Antony, I beg you. Allow me to leave the palace, this is similar to the time you taught me how to fight. A small secret. I won’t go anywhere I shouldn’t. I will visit the shops and I’ll walk among the crowds that’s all, really.”

I got closer as I peered up at him. His lips parted as if he was going to say something, but instead I caught his gaze on my lips. I froze as I realized what that meant. Immediately I let go of his hands and fled to my vanity where I tore at my braid to free my dark brown curls. I stared into the mirror ignoring my own pair of hazel eyes and instead looked at Antony who for the first time seemed a mess.

He was staring at me, oblivious of my gaze. He clenched his jaw as he took a slight step forward, but then he composed himself, turning his gaze away from me.

He had for just a moment, looked like he was going to embrace me. Did he grow feelings for me?

How then could I not notice how he felt before, was I so caught up in myself that I was blind to his feelings?

“Like I said,” my voice took on a guarded tone. “I’m going whether you want me to or not.”

I ran a brush through my hair forcing the curls into fluffy waves.

“I’ll stand guard.” He agreed as he headed for the door with one last lingering look.

I stared into the mirror after I heard the door shut behind Antony. My cheeks were flushed with embarrassment and I stood, abandoning the mirror altogether. I couldn’t think about Antony or his feelings, not when I was about to sneak out of the palace.

This I was doing for myself. For Freedom. Even if it were only temporary.

I pulled out from the depths of my wardrobe a rather plain dress I used for occasions such as this. It’s previous owner was a servant of mine and although it was modest I still appreciated it’s simplicity. The long sleeved white tunic dress had a brown bodice that accentuated my wide hips and chest.

I changed into my chosen wear before putting my hair into a loose braid that I’d be able to pull out once I was out of the palace. Afterward I pulled out a plain brown cloak and folded it in my arms as though they were sheets, then to finish off the look I hid my hair away in a kerchief. I grabbed my small change purse off my vanity and tucked it into the folded cloak as well. My hands began to shake as I walked to the door, not even giving the mirror a second glance.

I had done this a million times, but I had also been caught when I was careless and young. The first few times I was scolded, but then the punishments were more severe. Chaperones for days, Antony would be put under strict orders to keep me in my room, sometimes I would be given bland stews, or my allowance withheld. For Antony, I knew things were worse. However he never spoke of the punishments he endured no matter how much I prodded him. Of course this was all before I knew what I was doing, I hadn’t been caught in a long time.

When I opened the door I couldn’t bring myself to look at Antony. I merely hid my face by looking downward. However just because I couldn’t see him didn’t mean he couldn’t see me and I heard him take in a deep breath.

“You look...” He didn’t finish his sentence, nor would it have been appropriate.

How would I deal with this dilemma with Antony? There was no law or palace rule against holding affection for the royalty you served, and yet I was sure something was wrong.

I shook the thought out of my mind. I didn’t have time to stand and figure out a solution or if this would even pose a problem.

“I’ll be back before the suitors come.” I promised ignoring his previous words.

I clutched the cloak to my chest as I walked away feeling strange. How suddenly things could change once you saw how they were. My treatment of Antony I was sure would be noticeably different now that I knew he held some feelings for me.

The halls were quiet, probably because of preparations I was unaware of until now. My suitors would need their rooms in the guest wing prepared, the kitchens would be working hard to create dishes I had no doubt would be served at a feast for them. My father would certainly sit at the head of the table, talking, sorting, and ultimately choosing which suitor to push in front of me. I sighed at the thought.

Once out of the hall I made my way down the stairs, the guards posted throughout the palace were messing with their weapons as if they were playthings, some were flirting with the servant women, a sight I had become accustomed to since I began sneaking out of the palace, and others still were boasting about their uniforms and accommodations.

I shook my head upon hearing them. Honestly, the only men who knew how to fight were the mercenaries Chance employed and they were from Trenton not Chance. My walk down what seemed like endless halls was easy enough and had I been an enemy soldier I would probably have had the same amount of trouble moving about the palace. I approached the servants entrance, the only place guards ever seemed to pay attention.

I poked my head into the washroom just short of the servants entrance, eyes scanning the room. Rows and rows of linens sat upon shelves and in baskets. Women walked to and fro as they hurriedly washed and pressed clothing.

Then in the corner stitching up a tear was Lilith. I bit my lip in excitement, as my nervousness vanished. She was the daughter of an older maid who used to clean my chambers, now her mother was retired and I was introduced to Lilith, only about a year ago. Since then I had come to visit when I needed help smuggling myself out of the palace, and for the small fee of a silver coin, it was well worth it.

“Lilith?” She looked up suddenly, startled. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

“It’s no trouble princess.” Lilith smiled. “You’re here to run an errand then?” She asked, eyeing my cloak.

“Of course.” I gave her a mischievous grin before pulling out my coin purse and handing her a silver coin.

She appeared absolutely enthralled with the small change I gave her. Although I suppose it helped her family out quite a bit.

“Follow me.” She stood as I handed her my coin purse and she clutched it tightly before hiding it in her sleeve.

The servants in the washroom ignored us, too busy keeping up with their workload to bother as we left the room and went to the servants entrance.

“Now, we need the finishing thread for the dresses the king commissioned for the princess. White, gold, and crimson alright?” Lilith said loud enough for anyone with earshot to overhear.

I nodded to her.

“Good, now hurry!” She said as she handed me my coin purse and pushed me forward.

The guards hardly glanced at me with Lilith’s help as I pushed through the doors. With my current attire, the guards on the outside would allow me to return as well. After going through another door, one that needed to be unlocked by the attending guards, I was free.

I took in the fresh air, and the cloudy sky as I started down the well maintained cobblestone path. Not many people would be walking from the palace to the city, and I didn’t want to be the only one as I hurried along. My time outside the palace would be short after all.

It was a mile of beautiful gardens of the palace, then once outside the palace gates an open meadow flanked the path I walked on before I finally came upon the bustling square. I then pulled off my kerchief and unraveled my braid before throwing my cloak on to stave off the chilly air. As always with the city, wealthy merchants kept their businesses close to the palace.

My first stop was a local dress store owned by the finest dressmaker in Chance. She knew me well as I often stopped there to buy the materials used in my cover story to return to the palace.

“White, gold, and crimson finishing thread is what I need.” I handed her the coins and she looked over my cloaked form.

“It’s really a shame you can’t wear something finer than this when you leave the palace on these trips.” She rubbed the cloth of the cloak between her fingers and scrutinized over the tiny spectacles sitting on her nose.

I chuckled. It was rougher than most fabric but it was warm at least and durable, which I suppose those who couldn’t afford better had just enough with this material.

“Have the thread prepared for me when I return.” I thanked her and she curtsied.

“Of course princess.”

After leaving the shop I wandered the roads, following the flow of foot traffic. The market was empty of sound other than that of advertising and chatter of the people. Still this was not what I hoped for, I craved the plucking of strings, or a minstrel’s voice. It seemed however that in the middle of the week, a time I never went out, had none of this. Disappointment and dread settled in. My last day of freedom could not end like this.

I walked on, passing more shops selling similar goods, luxury food and items. The crowd I had been following had begun to thin as shops gave way to stalls where men and women alike harassed passersby. As I entered the thick of the stalls cloth was suddenly thrust before me.

“Miss, you look like you’d suit this color.” I shook my head and she moved on to try the same approach with the next woman who passed by.

More sellers came to me hoping to sell their goods, but I continued to ignore them.

I was starting to lose hope as only a handful of people were on the streets, and I was far from the marketplace. The stalls had disappeared and quiet settled in the air. Quaint homes on either side of me signaled to me that it was time to give up my quest. I was certain my wish to hear music would not be granted.

It was when I was about to turn around that I heard a melody begin, quiet at first but as I hurried along going deeper into the neighborhoods of the people I saw a small crowd entering a building.

My eyes flickered to the sign near the entrance. In faded white letters read the word ‘Tavern’. I told Antony I would not leave the marketplace, and that I wouldn’t go anywhere I shouldn’t but with the realization that no one was there to stop me a mischievous grin settled on my lips and I decided to go in.

With a quick motion I pulled on the hood of my cloak before ducking inside. As soon as I did my senses were assaulted, it was loud even so early in the day, and there were quite a few people drinking and listening to the music being played, people brushed past me without a care, although I was glad I wasn’t given a second glance. The music changed as I got to the center of the tavern, a steady drum beat and a female minstrel singing made me feel slightly more at ease and eager to dance. A few men had gotten up, inviting women they fancied to dance.

It was when I began to search for a place to sit that loud laughter erupted from a table with what looked to be soldiers with tavern wenches sitting on their laps. I stopped a moment when I heard one man speak.

“If I could have you bare in this same position, milady I would.” His hand rested slightly lower than her breasts, and I looked his way in disgust.

The other men noticed me I realized when they pointed toward me, chuckling. It was then that the man who I heard exchanging unpleasantries turned and a pair of striking green eyes locked onto me. When my look of disgust turned to one of shock a crooked grin settled on his lips.

Embarrassed and terrified by the look in his eyes I turned toward the crowd that had begun dancing, slipping past the patrons and hiding within.

Surely he wouldn’t follow. I hoped.