The Prince Learns the News
King Ronald and Keven slowly went towards Queen Kayleen’s rooms. “This is going to be hard to tell your mother.” King Ronald said, in a low voice.
Keven didn’t speak. A maid met them at the door. “She is asleep.”
The King nodded. “Perhaps itis best to wait a bit before telling her.”
A page came up, “Sire?”
“Yes?”
“The people have gathered in the courtyard. They wish to know if it is true that the Princess is dead.”
“I shall go and tell them myself.”
King Ronald advanced to the balcony. Below him, people were huddled in little groups all over the courtyard. When the King stepped out, they gathered to hear what he had to say. The King looked out at them. Then he spoke, “My people, you wish to know if it is true that the Princess is no longer alive?”
A murmur ran through the crowd.
“Well, it is. The Princess has been murdered!”
The people gasped.
“I trust that you will help hunt down the murderer of your beloved Princess.”
“Yes! Yes!” someone in the crowd shouted. The others echoed his cry.
“Good.”
Just then a page tapped the King on the shoulder.
“Yes?”
The page spoke in low tones to the king.
“Impossible!” the King exclaimed.
The page continued to speak. When the King remounted the balcony, he had tears in his eyes. “Thank God! The Princess still lives, it may yet be possible to save her.”
The people cheered.
“I trust that you will still hunt down the person who attempted to do this dreadful deed?”
“Yes!” cried the people.
The King turned and went back into the palace.
The Countess Meralynn stepped out of her carriage. She arrived just in time to see the King step out on the balcony. Her lips tightened when she heard the news. When it was announced that the Princess was not dead, she fainted. Her companion, Sir Eswold, caught her. Laying her on the carriage seat, he fanned her. When she regained consciousness, she lifted her head. Her mind span, the very girl she had envied had almost been murdered. Some of the others might have noticed her behavior and had put it rightfully down to jealousy. Then while they thought about it, it would grow on them. And then they would report her as having threatened the princess. Oh, why wasn’t I nicer that evening? Father will never forgive me if I ruin our family name. Meralynn thought remorsefully.
* * * * *
Into the courtyard rode Prince Leos. Dismounting, he gave his horse to a stable hand. Entering the palace, he met a page.
“Ah, prince!” exclaimed the page, “tis a tragedy!”
“What has happened?” asked Prince Leos.
“Someone has attempted to murder the Princess.” Replied the page, “But in their haste, the murderer missed her heart, and she still lives! At the present moment, they are doing their best to save her.”
The prince went pale, “How could this be!” he muttered.
Looking up he saw some knights mounting their horses.
“Where are they going?” he asked.
“They are going out to search for a clue as to who the murderer is.”
“I see,” murmured the prince, “Where is the Princess?”
“In her chamber.”
Prince Leos hurried through the palace until he arrived at the door to Jewel’s room. Doctor Harrison was just leaving. Stepping out, he saw the prince.
“May I see the Princess?” asked the prince.
“She is unconscious.” Doctor Harrison told him.
“May I see her anyway?”
“Very well.” Doctor Harrison said, after a pause.
The doctor opened the door. The prince stepped over to the bed.
“Are you sure that she is alive?”
“Yes, her heartbeat is quite distinct.”
The prince stood there for a moment, a look of pain on his face. Then he turned and hurriedly left the room.
* * * * *
The King and Keven broke the news as gently as possible to Queen Kayleen. At least now they had some hope that she would live.
End of Chapter Three
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