Previously in Chapter 3:
"Good, you still have clothes here from the last time. All I have to do is have to do is send someone up to make sure everything is in order." Marie always made sure the rooms were in top shape in case her or Philippe had unexpected overnight guests. As Marie set into motion Tabitha's overnight stay Philippe came back with his guests in tow.
"Sorry to interrupt you ladies, but these are our guests." said Philippe. Tabitha just stared at the man and thought this is going to be a long night.
Chapter 4: Surprises! Surprises!
"This is my brother, Andrew, King of Camdon and his daughter, Princess Juliet." As Andrew greeted Marie he glanced at her friend and was quite shocked. Did his brother know and if so how had he found out. Standing before him was his future wife.
"Of course I remember. It's wonderful to see you again Marie, and how is Arthur?" said Andrew.
"He's fine. He's resting right now." replied Marie.
"Before we have dinner, let me introduce this lovely young lady right here. Andrew, this is a friend of the family, Princess Tabitha. She's from the Kingdom of Antwerp."
While Philippe talked, Andrew approached Tabitha and while lifting her hand said, "Of course. It's nice to meet you, Princess." As Andrew kissed her hand, Tabitha wondered what kind of game he was playing. Surely, he could not have forgotten her in a year's time. What is he up to?
While Tabitha questioned the young king's motives in her mind, Andrew watched her face as she looked at him. She seems like she is trying to figure out a puzzle. Well, it is better that she stays confuse, than try to figure out my reasons behind this façade.
"Well, now that everyone has been properly introduced, let's have some dinner."
The dinner seemed like a strained atmosphere and the only ones who were enjoying themselves were Philippe, Marie, and Juliet. While Andrew occasionally made small comments on what Philippe was saying, Tabitha pondered what kind of relationship Andrew had with Juliet. His daughter was very quiet and well respected it seemed with wonderful manners. After she finished her meal, which she shared mostly with her father she excused herself from the table and went to the gardens. Tabitha thought what a very unique child. She seems like a little adult. Within a few years she would have young men calling upon her. I never knew a child could have hair that shade of blonde or eyes that brown. Sunflower; she reminds me of a sunflower. Why am I thinking so much on this child, she's not even my daughter. And at that thought Tabitha tried to refrain from thinking of the little girl for the rest of the night.
All throughout dinner Andrew inconspicuously watched Tabitha as she watched Juliet. Although it was not his intention for them to meet this way, he didn't think that Tabitha would have left her kingdom since the wedding was only a few months away. She looked curious and confused by Juliet, as if she couldn't exactly place her. But once Juliet excused herself from the table Andrew concentrated completely upon Tabitha. She looked somewhat different from last June. Her hair seemed darker slightly more brown and her eyes seemed the same. While Andrew was conducting his silent interrogation of Tabitha, Philippe rose from the table and expected everyone else to do the same. As they all withdrew into the study and relaxed after dinner. The room was extremely silent and Marie grew tired of it.
"So Andrew, tell us how you have been doing and everything that's been going on with little Juliet?"
"Well, everything has been going well so far. Lyria is as prosperous as it could ever be, the crops are producing well, the people are happy and celebrating early for the good harvest to come and Juliet keeps everyone on their toes. She seems to find more and more things to amuse herself around the castle each day."
"That's good, little ones should find something to amuse themselves. It gives them the chance to enhance their problem solving skills and it gives them a small adventure without letting them out of one's sight." said Philippe.
Andrew laughed, "You say that now Philippe but wait until little Arthur is Juliet's age. You'll find that keeping up with his fast pace is like trying to match with a well-bred horse. Damn near impossible." At that everyone laughed.
"Tell us Miss Tabitha, what do you think of children?" Andrew asked. Now Marie thought this quiet funny. As she sat back and enjoyed the scene playing out before her, she thought that it would be nice to do these things on a regular basis. Her and Tabitha enjoying themselves and reminiscing on times past, while their husbands talked of their kingdoms and towns, and their children sat before them playing.
What a way to put a girl in the spotlight. Well, I guess I'll have to give my best answer, but how does one answer that question when one does not have any experience with children. Tabitha replied, "It seems that you have me at a crossroad, sir. I am unable to answer your question since the only children I was around were children who were my own age and my god son." Then Tabitha looked directly at Andrew and added, "Perhaps when I have children of my own, I can better answer that question." While Tabitha felt that she had given an adequate answer, Andrew smirked at the hidden meaning in between her words.
"Well, it seems as though we are not needed." said Marie. "If you two will excuse us Philippe and I usually tuck Arthur in around this time. We'll be back in a little bit; will you be able to entertain each other until we return?"
"Yes, of course Marie. And tell Arthur that I said good night."
"Of course, come along Philippe." Although Philippe got up and followed his wife he sensed that there was something about the way she excused them.
"Marie." Philippe said. And she answered, "I will explain it when the time is right. Trust me everything will be made clear in a few weeks." she replied. Even though Marie already knew that answer would not quell her husband's curiosity she easily laced herself in his arms and kissed him. Something soft and sweet as she wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and he placed his hands on the small of her back. Then the kiss went wild as Philippe placed his hand in Marie's hair and tilted her head so that he could kiss her more thoroughly. As Marie began to delve her fingers into Philippe's hair she broke their kiss and huskily said, "I think we should retire for the evening, your brother and Tabitha will be fine without us." And with that said Marie placed her hand in Philippe's and led him to their room.
Once Tabitha was sure that Marie and Andrew were out of earshot she turned towards Andrew and calmly asked him, "What was the purpose in asking me about my opinion of children?"
"Join me for a walk in the garden?" said Andrew. He stood and began to walk towards the doors leading to the garden.
As they walked towards the garden Tabitha couldn't help but wonder why he insisted on evading her questions. So she walked calmly beside him until he was ready to give her an answer. As they walked Andrew merely wondered how Tabitha and Juliet would get along. After a few moments he decided to answer her question.
"I asked you because I can't have my daughter influenced by the wrong type of female. Your answer after dinner hardly gives one room to suspect that you would be a good mother. You're much too young." Andrew replied.
At being called young Tabitha turned away from him and stated, "Well if I'm so young then why don't you just marry someone else. I'm sure they would be happy to oblige you and your daughter. Besides with a father like you there's no telling what type of women may influence her."
"Miss Tabitha you may insult me to your very hearts content but when you speak of my daughter you speak of her in respectable terms."
"And why should I, tonight you have behaved like a nuisance. You care not if you insult me even if it is around people I consider as close as family. Is this how you would treat any female you would consider marrying?" Then she turned and looked at him.
When she looked at him Andrew was startled at the depth of her gaze on him. She seemed different since the last time he'd seen her. He calmly stated, "If it were any other female maybe not, but you seem to have a knack for aggravating me. If there were any other females I deemed eligible then I would be betrothed to them instead of you. You do not seem to understand but I will replicate that now. I am older than you by six years I think I have some better judgment than you. This marriage is only for the sake of my daughter and my people. Juliet needs a mother and the country needs a queen. You get more than most girls get without having to do anything except take my name."
Although Tabitha should be somewhat glad that he did not mention anything of her fulfilling marital obligations; she was upset that he would only see her as an ornament. As she looked at him she noticed his stance was strong, defiant, and unwavering. He was accustomed to getting his way no matter what. How can my parents honestly marry me to a man like this? Not only is he pig-headed but he thinks of no one but himself and his daughter. So much for being in love with the man that I marry. Between his country and his daughter there is no place for me. I guess I'm another one of loves causalities. How sad I know that given half a chance I could prove to be a good wife, but I am already condemned because I'm not old enough.
As Tabitha stood there staring at her he wondered what was going through her mind. Although he would have to consummate the marriage, aside from that he could go on with his daily life. Although the way he acted was poor and his mother would be shocked but what he'd said was true. His only reason for remarrying was for Juliet.
After moments of contemplating everything that was said Tabitha began to get angry. "How fortunate for me Your Majesty that I am the lucky girl who shall have your name. Most girls will think that I'm fortunate because I have married a king, while others while be glad that you have not come knocking upon their doorstep asking for their hand. I should be so fortunate indeed to live a loveless life with a pompous man who thinks nothing of the others outside of his precious circle of family and country. Yes I am so ecstatic to be your arm ornament. What girl couldn't wish for a better life?" As she continued on her voice began to waver. "I am just so proud that I will probably die without any of the things that life deems a young woman should experience." Then she stopped and turned quickly and ran off into the garden.
She did not care whether or not she got lost. As her vision began to waver she realized that within a few moments she would be crying because despite what he believed his words did hurt her. How terrible to be just an object. I wish I were a man that way I could live my life the way that I want to. He makes me so mad. I'll die if I have to spend the rest of my life married to him. As Tabitha continued running she tripped over a cobblestone and fell into the fresh soil. For once she fell she didn't care if she was found or not as the tears coursed down her cheeks over the life she must live and the man who was chosen to be her husband.
As Andrew watched her flee, he couldn't help but feel guilty over what he had said. Whether it was true or not, he did not have the right to insult her like that. Just as he was going off to find her, he thought about Juliet. It was far too late for her to still be out here. As he walked the length of the garden and didn't find her he began to worry. He walked inside hoping that she had gone inside since the air was beginning to catch a chill. As he wondered where she could be, he went into the house and asked a servant if she had seem his daughter upon receiving a negative response he went back to the garden and began searching again. Just as he was turning around a wall of gardenias he heard a woman crying, nothing simple, but gut-wrenching sobs that could tear a man's soul. He could only assume that it was Tabitha. He had no idea that his words affected her to this extent.
As Tabitha continued to cry, she never heard the small steps of someone coming upon her. At a tap on the shoulder Tabitha hoarsely replied, "Please go away, I do not want to be disturbed right now."
But as curious as Juliet was she was not about to leave Tabitha alone in her misery. She sat down beside Tabitha's head and looked strangely at the blondish brown head that was moving with jerky movements. Juliet continued to sit there; the girl did not seem at all threatened by Tabitha.
As Andrew watched he noticed that Juliet came and tried to disturb Tabitha out of her reverie but she did not want to be bothered. As the sobs finally quieted down Tabitha finally lifted her blotchy face and swollen eyes to Juliet's bright brown ones. As she looked at the little girl she couldn't help but wonder why she was still up. Surely Andrew kept the girl on a strict bedtime schedule. As Tabitha pondered some more about the little girl Juliet opened her mouth and said, "I'm lost. Could you help me find my way back inside?" At what she said Tabitha found it hard to believe that this sweet child could be related to that mean man.
Tabitha didn't see any reason not to help the child. Some father that he is, when he can't even keep track of his own daughter. "Of course." Tabitha got up, shakily and wiped the soil from her dress. She would definitely have to explain to her mother how this evening dress became so ghastly. As Tabitha stood, she quietly surveyed her surroundings. If she remembered the layout of the garden then she could get them both back towards the house and out of this increasing dampness. As Tabitha turned to her right, she remembered that Marie once said that every path in the garden leads back towards the house, that way if anyone ever got confused all they had to do was continue walking and eventually they would find the entrance to the garden. She reached out her hand for Juliet's and said, "This way." When Juliet placed her hand in Tabitha's, they began their quiet trek through the garden, never realizing that another's presence was watching them. They continued to walk in silence for the next few minutes, while Tabitha reflected on the evening. She'd been happy and excited when she arrived at first, but now, she was miserable, cold, and ready to return to her own home where no one insulted her and made her feel like she is less than what she was.
As they walked, Juliet was contemplating this strange woman. Even if she was crying when she saw her. She seemed nice and she had a pleasant smell, something nice and soft. Her grandmother, Cornelia Benson, Gabriella's mother, always smelled like spices and cinnamon. She missed her mother and her grandmother. It seemed like when her mother went away that everything changed.
As Tabitha brought herself back from her thoughts she recognized the entrance to the house. As they approached the house, they noticed a figure sitting on the bench. Juliet broke her hold on Tabitha's hand and ran towards the figure.
"Daddy." As Andrew scooped his daughter up, Tabitha just stared at him. As if he were totally oblivious to what had occurred between then earlier.
"Hey, did you get lost?"
"A little. But the nice lady helped me get back."
"I see, well I'll have to thank her properly for returning you to me." As Andrew called the nurse, he placed Juliet in her care and told her he would be up in a few minutes. As Andrew looked at her, he thought she looked like some type of creature who could control the elements. With the exception of the swollen and red eyes. "It seems a thank you is due to you."
"No thanks required or needed. You should take better care to pay more attention to where she goes. Or do you always allow her to run around carelessly."
As a smiled played about his mouth, Tabitha moved forward to enter the house. "Are you still mad at what I said earlier? You seem somewhat hostile."
As Tabitha stopped and considered whether or not she should answer, she decided it would be childish to pretend that he didn't exist. "Why would I be mad? Being a trophy wife must have its rewards, I just have to find them." As she looked up at him, she noticed that he seemed a lot more handsome than the last time she saw him.
"Well, if you put it that way." As he noticed that she wasn't paying attention, but studying him, he used the opportunity to study her up close. She was still very beautiful; nothing had really changed with the exception of her hair becoming darker. As she continued to stare, Andrew leaned down closer towards her. "Do you see anything interesting yet, Princess?"
As Tabitha came back to reality she realized that they were standing very close together. When she looked into his eyes, she wondered what admirable qualities his previous wife had to make her love a man like him, to make him love her. She must have been perfect, in looks, brains, and age.
As Andrew kept looking at her, the urge hit him so hard that he was caught off guard. What would she do? How would she respond? But at that point in time he didn't care as he quickly but gently grabbed her by the shoulders and brought his lips down upon hers.
Tabitha was caught unaware. Unsure of what to do when being handle this way. Should she back away and retaliate, should she be as still as a statue or should she respond. As her brain slowly registered that she was being kissed, a tremor of heat shot through her body as she leaned toward him.