Adeline and I discussed various Clovelly customs that I was unaware of. There would be a big Christmas celebration in the town square, with lots of food and caroling, and everyone would enjoy themselves. We mostly had a simple Christmas back in Brookeland.
Adeline mentioned that in Clovelly, families would exchange handmade gifts and participate in a community gift exchange. She also explained that the town had a tradition of decorating the streets with colorful lights and festive decorations during the holiday season.
I had a thought as we were conversing: "Hey Adeline, I have an idea; how about we make some Christmas treats just to spread cheer?" I exclaimed.
"Your Highness, that is a good idea, but are you sure it might be a lot of work?" she said.
"It's nothing I cannot manage, besides I want to calm this tensed air," I said.
"Sure, your highness, shall we go to the kitchen then?" she asked.
Yes, of course. We entered the building and made our way to the kitchen. There were several tables and chairs all around, giving the room a pub-like feel. The servants were mingling and drinking when they noticed me standing in the middle of the room.
The phrase "Your Highness!" They all stood up when someone shouted, which was heard by everyone.
Oh, please go on; I didn't intend to interfere; all I wanted to do was see how things worked around here and try to prepare something for everyone.
Oh, your highness, it will be a lot of work, and his highness will be incensed, and you must be aware that royals are not allowed in the kitchens. In a troubled voice, the head chef said
I remarked with a smile, "I'm aware of that, but His Highness will understand. Besides, it's just one dessert, and everyone here works so hard, it would be crucial not to give you all a few hours to relax."
"Oh, that is a very kind thought, your highness, but I would like to help you around; it will be an honor for me," a woman said.
''Oh yes, definitely, please let us help you, your Highness,'' another person added, with huge smiles on everyone's faces, as if they had received gold sacs. They all seemed overjoyed to help around.
"The pleasure will be mine to have help from such talented and wonderful people like you," I said, smiling
___AUTHORS POV__
While the sweets were being made in the kitchens, something was happening in the marketplaces; the soldiers were checking up on every little business and asking around whether they had overheard or seen anything unusual. The news that the king had been poisoned traveled swiftly, and every civilian was concerned and prayed for the king's safety
. The tension in the air was palpable as rumors and speculation spread like wildfire. The people waited anxiously for updates on the king's condition, hoping for a positive outcome.
General Harold learned from a young boy that a man was asking another man if there were any vengeful pests here, to which the man replied, ''There is a woman who lives in a forest who collects such things; you should talk to her,'' and then that man paid him some gold coins in exchange for the information.
The general asked him if he knew what that man looked like, and the boy said he couldn't see him since he was dressed in a cloak with a hood covering his head, so he couldn't see him.
This information was relayed to Eric, who was so enraged that he immediately went in search of the woman's hut with the general and some other soldiers.
They went and searched for a while, and when they found her whereabouts, they went inside and saw that woman's corpse. The blood on her body was fresh as if she had been killed just a few hours ago.
Eric reasoned that the assassin must have known we were coming for her, so he decided to kill her. His body was blazing with rage.
One of the soldiers' gazes was drawn to a small letter that said, ''So close, but not close enough, dear king.''
he handed the note to Eric, who crumpled it and threw it away in frustration. Looking outside, he saw a figure on horseback holding a bloodied sword. The rider glanced around briefly before spurring his horse into a gallop, disappearing into the distance. Without hesitation, everyone rushed outside, mounted their horses, and began the chase.
The tension was palpable, and the air crackled with urgency. One of Eric's men nocked an arrow and let it fly, but the rider skillfully dodged it. The pursuit was relentless, but despite their efforts, the fugitive managed to elude them, vanishing into the twilight.
As they returned to the castle, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the courtyard. Eric, feeling the weight of his failure, stormed to his room, pushing the door open with a forceful shove. Anger and frustration boiled within him as he paced back and forth, trying to clear his mind and formulate a plan to capture the escaped man before he caused any more trouble. The enormity of the situation bore down on him, and he knew that time was not on his side.
__END OF AUTHORS POV__
I was in Eric's room, placing the plate of Yule log on his dresser. I was very worried about him; I hadn't seen him this evening. Just then the door opened with a bang. I shrieked but turned around to see Eric.
He was looking very tense, but his facial muscles relaxed as I locked my gaze on him.
Sitting on the bed and gazing down, he remarked, "I'm sorry for that." His voice was heavy with regret, and I could see the exhaustion etched into his eyes. The weight of everything he had been through was evident, and despite everything, I felt a wave of relief wash over me, knowing he was safe.
Without saying a word, I walked over to him, my heart softening at the sight of his vulnerability. I wrapped my arms around him in a comforting hug, hoping to convey all the emotions I couldn't put into words. He hesitated for a moment before he slowly returned the embrace, and I could feel the tension in his body begin to ease.
The silence between us spoke volumes, and I held him a little tighter, wanting him to know that despite the hurt and confusion, I was still here for him. His apology hung in the air, and while it couldn't erase the past, it was a start—a small step towards healing.
We stayed like that for a while, finding solace in each other's presence. The road ahead would be difficult, and there were still so many unresolved issues, but in that moment, we were just two people seeking comfort and understanding. As I held him, I allowed myself to hope that maybe, just maybe, we could find a way to mend what was broken and rebuild something stronger..
"I questioned him, 'What's wrong? You look stressed,'" I said, concern etching my voice as I studied Eric's troubled expression.
"Nothing, don't worry," he replied with a forced smile, though his eyes betrayed a deeper turmoil. "I just lost track of the guy who tried to kill me."
My heart skipped a beat at his words, a cold shiver running down my spine. The gravity of the situation hit me like a wave, and suddenly, the cozy atmosphere of the room felt suffocating.
"What..." I started, unable to hide my shock and fear.
"Yeah," Eric sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with the weight of his frustration. "The general had obtained some information and got a lead, but we lost it."
I paced the room, my mind racing with thoughts and scenarios. The thought that someone had attempted to harm Eric, and that they were still out there, sent a chill through me. It wasn't just about Eric's safety anymore; it was about the stability and security of the kingdom.
"We need to find him," I stated firmly, stopping in front of Eric. "We can't afford to let him slip away again."
Eric nodded solemnly, his jaw clenched in determination. "I know. We're doing everything we can, Delilah. It's just... frustrating."
I took his hand in mine, offering what little comfort I could amidst the uncertainty. "We'll figure this out, Eric. We have to."
He squeezed my hand gently, gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, my love. Your support means everything."
As we stood there, facing the challenges ahead, I couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. This wasn't just about arranging balls or managing court affairs anymore. It was about protecting Eric, our future together, and the kingdom itself from unseen threats lurking in the shadows.
"Oh, I don't know what to say; that is something hard to process," I said, holding his hand.
"Yeah," he said, looking at me.
"By the way, I made a little something today," I said, getting up. "May I present to you a Yule log?" I said, smiling, hoping to make him smile, and handing him the plate.
"You baked?'' he asked while grinning softly.
"Well, yes," I said, smiling at him.
"It looks beautiful, with very pretty details, love,'' he said and took a bite. "Oh wow... mmhmm.. that tastes so good. I love the texture," he said, smiling widely.
"I'm glad you like it, darling." "I kissed his cheek. " "By the way, did you take your medicine yet?''
"Oh no, I forgot.. erm, can you give it to me, please?" he said.
"Eric!! You cannot just skip this, you know; the doctor said you have to take them for a week," I said firmly, my voice tinged with concern as I held up the bottle of medication.
"Sorry, love, don't be angry," he responded with a sheepish grin, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"I just want you to take care of yourself," I replied, my worry evident despite my attempt to stay composed. "I know, and I promise I'll be more careful," he assured me, his smile gentle and reassuring.
I sighed softly, realizing how stubborn he could be when it came to his own well-being. "You better be," I teased lightly, though my heart still fluttered with apprehension.
Eric reached out and took my hand in his, squeezing it affectionately. "I appreciate you looking out for me, Delilah. I'll make sure to follow the doctor's orders."
Relieved yet still mindful of the situation, I leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Good," I murmured softly. "I need you around for a long time."
He chuckled softly, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I'm not going anywhere, my love," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.
I handed him his medicine and a glass of water. "Good night," I said, walking out of the room.
"Oh, are you tired?'' he asked
"Yeah, a little. Why do you want me to stay with you?" I said, chuckling.
"I do want you to stay, but I do have a meeting with a few Dukes and Barons, so if I told you to stay and I leave, that would be wrong," he said.
"Aww, you are right, just don't get too stressed. Know you can do this. Good night." I said, smiling at him.
He nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, I'll try to relax. Good night," he replied softly. I closed the door behind me, feeling reassured that he would be okay.
"Good night, my love," he said, looking at me.
I walked towards my room and changed out of my dress into a soft, airy nightgown.