I don't own Knightfall.
Chapter 2
Princess Jamesina walked into the halls for her daily prayers.
It has been many days to months then finally a years later.
She simply wants to get away from the stuffing air in her chambers. Jamesina is not used to France's luxury and riches that made her feel like she is unworthy of such things.
She is now closed to the proper age for marriage. Already 18 years old and already had few letters of marriage proposal alliance.
They are all young eligible French Nobles or rich merchant class.
However, King Philip refused them all for her hand in marriage. King Philip is the ruler of France and he is handsome, tall, and dark. He is admired yet he stood firm as Iron when it comes to his kingdom.
Yet at first glance, she could remember all of him as if it was yesterday.
Flashback:
Laughter came in the yard and gardens.
"Hurry up, Isabella!" Jamesina shouted as she ran into the maze. Isabella tried to stay quiet but is assaulted by her giggles.
Princess Isabella is the sixth child and youngest daughter of King Philip IV of France and Queen Joan and the Princess of France and Navarre.
She became Jamesina's playmate. They are close to each other.
Right now, they are running away from their governess.
"Princess Isabella! Your Grace, lady Jamesina! God will punish you girls for disobedience!" Their governess all but jogged a bit but is easily tired.
People at court like to say that they are close as sisters. They caused a lot of mischief which gave a lot of people had to clean up the mess.
They both ran to the corner and hidden a bit. Jamesina gently shushes at Isabella while they wait for the governess who mumbles to herself.
They waited long in enough until the governess went another way.
Jamesina looked out of their hiding spot and check the left and right sides. She waved for Isabella to come out now.
"Is she gone yet?" Isabella questioned her. Jamesina smiled and lend her hand which princess Isabella eagerly took a hand as they continue to run through the maze.
They all are having fun and laughing without a care in the world. That is until,
"ISABELLA!"
A yell had shouted at them.
They stopped and flinched when they saw Queen Joan with her ladies in waiting and Governess. Plus, knights that are guarding her.
Girls knew that their playtime is over. Jamesina and Isabella had no choice but to go to the Queen.
They acted like dogs who were misbehaved and tail between their legs.
Isabella sniffs, but Jamesina took her right hand into hers that made things a little better. Isabella knows that her mother is disappointed that they skip their tutoring.
"Now tell me, girls, why did you skip your lessons and give your governess trouble?" Queen Joan questioned them.
Isabella and Jamesina didn't have an answer.
"What's all this, my ladies?" Out came was King Philp of France and by his side is William De Nogaret.
They all bowed and curtsy before the king while saying, "My King" or "your majesty."
Queen Joan explained the situation about the girls skipping their lesson and giving their poor governess hard time.
King Philip looked at them sternly as he came before the girls. Both Isabella and Jamesina stiffen as if they know he will punish them harshly.
Instead, their fear was unfounded when King Philip smiled at them and said, "Have fun today, but I am expecting both of you to study tomorrow."
"We promise!" Both Isabella and Jamesina answered happily and run out back into the maze. Despite the outcries from Queen Joan and the governess.
"Your majesty!"
King Philip simply answered, "Even God rest on the seventh day. Surely, one day off is exceptional enough."
They all let go for today.
Jamesina was so into her memory that she didn't notice that as she enters the church for her daily prayers. There he is.
King Philip IV of France (Philip I of Navarre) by marriage to Joan of Navarre.
(King Philip POV)
I decided to visit the Church for my daily prayers.
I prayed to God to give me a sign of anything.
William De Nogaret suggested that marrying my Isabella off to the young prince of England would solidify our alliances.
However, my 'wife' or I even call her that. She wants me to allow our Isabella to marry Prince Lluis of Catalonia is the crowned prince and future king of Catalonia. Isabella says so herself that they have been exchanging their letters.
It could mend the bad blood between Joan and her cousin, Queen Elena.
I don't know what to do.
Both sides could mean something for France.
However, there is one person I should consult with. As if I was thinking of that person.
It was her.
Jamesina duchess of Leinster House and the princess of Scotland. As much as I tried to deny my desire to have her completely.
Both mind, body, and soul. It is all consumed by her. I have to marry her off quickly, but I don't have the heart to do so.
"Forgive me, your grace, I shall leave you be." But I stopped.
"No!" My voice has risen, but I stopped. "I mean, you do not have to. You may pray with me."
She curtsies and quickly went to by my side and signs herself with a cross then kneels before the Lord.
I smiled secretly. Surely, she is not that afraid of me.
She is a devoted Catholic like I am.
"My dear, are you stress?" I questioned her, but she hesitated then answered, "I am discouraged that my cousin, King Robert is experiencing more hardship over there. I fear that I am not doing my duty to marry someone to help my country."
I can hear her breathing is heaving or trying slowly it down. Her shoulders are shaking.
My heart breaks as she tries not to cry in my presence. Yes, I wonder if England is the right choice. They are at war with Scotland to try and control their people.
I place my hand on hers and gently clench her hand as if I fear that she will be gone.
"My dear, I require your advice. If you'll let me." I said to her. Then Princess Jamesina looked at me. She sees only me. Not a King or anyone.
Oh dear, how can I love another so tenderly like her?
Note: she was 13 when she went to France now, she is 18.
Reviews are welcome.