Softly and soundlessly I shut the door after William had gone. My fingers ran alongside the panel of the door, and my palm came to lean upon it. I supported myself there in deep thought, pondering the mysteries of the day at the fountain. What was William doing in Swiithe? Even if I knew, I was too tired to put the pieces together. I headed towards my bed and fell hard into the mattress, sinking into its haven of down. My feelings escaped me and I drifted into my dreams.

The next morning I awoke late, still groggy from yesterday's events. I dressed myself quickly and headed downstairs to receive my orders. I ran into the headmistress outside the parlor and she handed me a note from Queen Hester with instructions. Promptly, I tore into it and read an order for another Social gown I was to sew for a coronation a few weeks from now. I went up into the sewing vicinity towards the top of a high tower. I didn't much care for this place, but it was miles better than my old home. The walk was even more unbearable than the room; it was, after all, on the other side of the east wing.

Once settled in the room I began to work, but my mind kept straying from my task. My eyes kept darting out into the clear sunshine and my mind was eons away. Coming back to my senses, I looked down at my work; it was a complete mess and not more than twenty stitches were sewn into it. I sighed and put down my needle. It was obvious I needed to clear my thoughts, so I headed for the garden. I figured some time alone in the fresh air would do me good. I sauntered under the budding orchards and since it was close to April their sweet, ripened smell was tranquil and soothing. Becoming sleepy, I found an apple tree to rest against near a quiet stream. The quiet melody of the water rendered me helpless to its lullaby and in a few moments I was asleep.

Twilight came upon the land as I awoke. The breeze was light and refreshing, and it revived me as I breathed in deep. Trekking back to the palace, I suddenly became startled by the noise of metal clashing metal. Determining the source of the sound, I concluded it came from an open window on the second story of the north wing. Being curious as I was, I headed over to investigate the source. Outside the window grew an immense elm tree that reached the height of my destination. Approaching it, I looked for a grip to climb. I was used to climbing trees, James and I had contests to see which one could climb faster; since he was taller he always won.

The elm was easy enough to ascend. Its big branches and gnarled surface made it a perfect ladder. As I reached the window the sound became more coherent, as I figured, it was the sound of swordplay. Through the branches I could see it two figures, but I couldn't make them out. As easily as I could, I crawled along a branch until the sight of the pair was into clear sight, William being one. I guessed the other man to be his lesson instructor. He had perfect form, but he was a bit slow with his technique. In a few moves, his sword had been disarmed from him. His teacher looked bewildered at the sight of this.

"William, I don't understand....what's wrong with you today? Are you ill?"

His harsh, raspy voice sounding concerned as he returned William's sword to him.

"No. I guess I'm a bit tired after last night's ball. Maybe we should call it a night before I hurt myself." He said through a yawn, which he tried to conceal by his hand.

"As you wish, but once more before we leave." The gruff man stated, not giving William anytime to oppose.

William nodded and put his sword to the ready. As they began, I could see William's focus begin to fade, and quickly his sword flew from his hand and landed by the window. Panicked, I tried to conceal myself in the thick bough. William bent down to retrieve his sword, and hearing the noise, he looked out the window and directly at me.

"Maria?!?" His mouth dropped and he was frozen in his place gaping in shock.

William's start was nothing compared to mine. As soon as he spotted me I lost my footing and completely fell out of the elm. The last thing I could remember as I was falling was William leaning out of the window, hand extended, calling to me.

Sorry about this chapter. My hard-drive fried and I had some dental work done, so I have been in some pain and without a computer. This was a hard chapter for me to write. I don't know what is; maybe the whole thing after the dancing scene kinda got me stuck. I'm not sure what the ending will be like. Should I end it on a happy note or should I continue the story deeper and further? I could easily do one or the other but I don't know what you guys want. When I first started to write this story, I didn't want it to be too lengthy or so full of detail that it drove readers away, so with that in mind, I aimed at making this a 10 or so chapter story, but I could easily make it 15 to 20. Whatever you guys want to see happen, just let me know. Again, I apologize about this chapter. I wasn't in to writing this one like I did the last chapter. It will get better I promise!!!