This is truly my punishment. I've betrayed my friend all because I was a coward. I feared to disobey unlike you. You made the world open their eyes to the truth as well as mine. If I had known that you would be accused and sentenced to the flames I would have surely dropped my sword. Then again in the end probably nothing would have changed. How I wished I could have given flowers to you sooner my sweet angelic Joan.
In my youthful days, when my skin was fine and my hands bore no tough calluses from the weight of a heavy blade, they were rather peaceful. France was a strong country filled with art and culture that surpasses even time itself. I am to thank my brilliant kings for such an easy child hood, but not all kings are great. Some are less then prepared then others for the throne.
"Mmm...?", every morning I awoke to the suns rays shining brightly through my windows that were draped with silky white sheets.
I turned to look away from the sun and curled into my sheets. My beddings were made from the finest of fabrics and my clothes only handcrafted from most skilled tailors in France. I was spoiled yes, but never seen as equal. My kings feared that if I were to be physically damaged the country would fall to ruin.
The lives of country's are indeed a mystery, but even I knew that if a scratch was placed upon my face nothing will happen. Inflicting damage on a nation through their country is far more drastic then anyone could believe.
The sun would not let me close my eyes again. I groaned as I hung my legs off the edge of the bed and stretched as I placed my feet upon the floor. The maids would tend to my dressing and more would brush my golden hair.
A lot of people within the kingdom say that I am a beautiful child blessed by god himself. The way the king dresses me they also assume me to be quit feminine.
Once the maid finished tying my dresses ribbons into perfect bows and brushing my hair back she held out a silver plater of fruit.
"Are you hungry France"?
With a blank expression still just waking to the morning air I looked at the plate unamused by its contents. There were grapes, plums, peaches, even bananas, but none seemed to satisfy my craving for sweets.
Putting a smile across my face I looked up at the maid and replied "No, I do not want either of these. I want something more delectable and I would very much like to retrieve it myself"
"Oh I can get it for you. Just tell and I shall retrieve it".
I stood ignoring her kind gestures and walked out "I shall go pick apples in his majesty's garden and I would like it if I were alone".
I made my way to the garden and saw the glimmering red apples dangling from the tree. They looked so perfect on the outside but as you bite into its core they're as sour as grapes. My tongue did not desire such dishonest fruit.
The castle is surrounded by a ten foot wall of stone. I gazed over the edge and watched the morning doves flutter above between the land and the clouds. That wall seemed to laugh at me as I dreamed of one day leaping over to observe for myself the mysteries that lied beyond.
I proceeded, with my persistent attitude, and clutched the lower branch of that apple tree. It was rather difficult for my dressings were not meant for knees to be so wide apart. I struggled to keep my footing as I hoisted myself up off the ground and climbed that towering tree. Spreading through its leaves I could see the forest and fields that stretched across this beautiful country. I had never seen the sun so golden and rich with color.
It was such a memorizing sight that took my breath away. Feeling the soft wind caress my face and the tips of my hair tickling my neck. Although when I shifted to adjust my footing my satin slippers caused me to slip and I fell from the top of that apple tree who's branches hung just a few feet over the wall.
"Woah-"!?
Fortunately for me a bush grew beside that wall and after breaking my fall I tumbled, rolling in the fresh grass. It happened so fast I had thought my heart skipped a beat for I had never gone for such lengths to reach the expression of excitement. Of course I did end up with a few scratches and bruises which my king would scold me heavily for. I brushed off the dirt and leaves that were caught in my hair and robes and wandered about.
This field that had lied so close and yet strangely so far from my reach had become my new found treasure. More then the jewels and perks the king would bestow, more than the kingdom, more than my very life as a country; nothing was ever more precious then the freedom to lie in this beautiful field of wild flowers.
~To Be Continued...