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  "You're a lovely girl." He coughs and a loud wheezing sound emits from his chest as he struggles to breathe. It lasts for several minutes. I don't know how to help or what to do. When he finally regains his composure, his eyes are bloodshot.

  I take a step back. Alexander walks over to stand beside me. I lean in, standing on my tiptoes to reach his ear. "Perhaps I should ask my castle's physician if they can help?"

  Alexander glances at me. "Our castle's physician is helping him, it's not doing any good."

  "Maybe a second opinion wouldn't be so bad?" I want to help, I'm just not sure how else to offer support.

  "Why don't you head back to your chambers. I'll be with you in a few minutes."

  I sense Alexander wants to be alone with his father. I shall grant him the request, the man is dying after all. There are no doubts in my mind that King Charles is on his death bed. How much longer though, I couldn't fathom a guess.

  I approach the door and step out into the hallway realizing I don't know which room Alexander means. The one last night that we shared or the one I changed in this morning? As it is, if we're wed, shouldn't we be sharing a room? Perhaps I should have my maids bring my trunk into my sleeping quarters. It would make a lot more sense than have to travel between rooms in the morning to get dressed.

  Turning on my heels, I reach for the handle and quietly open the door. I don't want to startle Alexander. I know he must be going through quite the ordeal with his father, especially after losing his mother just under a year ago.

  From the door I witness Alexander shoving a pillow over King Charles's face, suffocating him! My heart pounds with insanity, skipping a beat every so often as I shut the door and rush down the hall. I feel sick. My throat is parched and a sheen of sweat coats my breasts. The dress I'm wearing is far too restrictive, making it impossible to breathe.

  I rush for my room and pause at the door. I can't go in there. Alexander will find me. Turning around, I pound on Hannah's door praying she's inside her room. "Please, Hannah. I need you." My voice quivers and my skin is flushed from anxiety.

  Slowly, Hannah opens the door. She doesn't look pleased with me but her discontent vanishes the moment she reads my face.

  "What happened, Ella?"

  I push into Hannah's room and shut the door behind us. I need to expel my thoughts from my lips and mind without anyone overhearing. "Prince Alexander murdered his father. He killed the king!"

  "Why would he murder his own father?" Hannah asks, her brow furrowed. "Are you sure you're not mistaken, Ella? The king is sick."

  "Maybe he wasn't sick. Alexander might have poisoned him too!" I pace the small room, it barely fits a bed, let alone a closet or any furniture.

  Hannah walks over to me and rests a hand on my arm. "Calm down. Tell me what happened."

  I explain to Hannah about visiting King Charles and then Alexander asking me politely to leave. Upon returning I share the details of what I witnessed. Hannah guides me to her small mattress and I sit down at the edge beside her. "I'm not going mad. I know what I saw."

  Hannah exhales a long sigh. "Suppose it's true. What do you suggest we do? You're married to him and he's now the King. Do you think your parents would approve of you returning home?"

  "They'd be disappointed if I returned." The thought hadn't crossed my mind what I'd do next. "What do you suggest? I stay here, with a killer?" Had Hannah lost her mind too?

  "No," Hannah says and sighs. She closes her eyes with her head bent downward. "I'm thinking, but every idea I have includes a bad solution."

  "How bad?"

  "Accusing the new king of treason by murdering his father is pretty lethal. He'll have you beheaded before you can even tell your story to another soul. There must be another way." Hannah's eyes flutter open and she reaches for my hand. "I swear to you, Ella, I'll be by your side. No matter the consequences."

  Silently I nod. There are no consequences if I keep my mouth shut, but can I? Had he killed his mother too? Did he desire becoming a king so much that he destroyed his family and stole their lives? It didn't seem like the Alexander from last night or even this morning, but how well did I really know him?

  "Ella?" He knocks on the door across the hall, my chambers.

  Both of us grow silent, not wanting Alexander to find us. I squeeze Hannah's hand tight, afraid to let go. I know I'm a princess and possibly now a queen, but that doesn't change the love I feel for Hannah and the trust I implore her with.

  His knock grows louder, more insistent. "Ella, are you in there?" He tries again. Getting no response, I hear the door across the hall squeak open. Obviously I hadn't locked it because I wasn't in the room. His boots stomp through the corridor and away from our chambers.

  I keep my voice low, not wanting to alert anyone stepping into the hall that Hannah's room is occupied. "Now what?" I ask her. I'm terrified of the man I married. He's a man with too much power. I was warned of such princes's existing in their quest for the crown. Had I been wrong judging Alexander when we first met? He'd intentionally swept me off my feet and charmed my parents letting him take me away in a whirlwind. I should have delayed the wedding, gotten to know him better. Did he have any siblings? Were they too murdered so he could ascend the throne? My stomach aches and I feel as though I may never be able to eat again. How will I face Alexander with what I know? I've never been very good at pretending. How will I lie beside him at night and act like I'm falling in love with him? Last night it came easy, but now that I know what he's capable of, I fear for my life.

  * * * * *

  "You can't hide in here forever," Hannah says.

  "Oh the hell I can!" I'm doing everything in my power to avoid Alexander. Though the issue now has become widespread throughout the castle. Alexander hasn't been able to find me and has called upon every servant and guard to search the premises.

  Boots trudge along the stairs and down the corridor. They're getting closer. I've been cooped up in her room all day. The last thing I want is to get Hannah in trouble either.

  "Hide me," I hiss, knowing it won't be long until they search her chambers, especially when they find the door locked.

  "Get in the washroom." Hannah points to the large tub. "Get down in there. I'll keep them from walking in."

  I'm not sure it'll work and if it doesn't, I'll have a heap of explaining to do. I drown myself in the empty tub, hold my breath and pray I'm not seen.

  The maids enter Hannah's quarters. "Have you seen Queen Isabella?" Anne asks.

  Hannah gets up from her bed. I can tell because the mattress squeaks and the weight of her body gently pads the rug. "What do you mean, Queen?" Hannah asks. She's not supposed to know King Charles is dead and out of the two of us, one can act.

  Anne gasps. "You don't know? King Charles died during the night. A nurse went in to check on him this morning and found him dead. Such a terrible sight."

  Hannah keeps her mouth shut. I'm not sure if it's because she doesn't trust Anne or is afraid someone might overhear the truth. It's probably best to keep this secret between the two of us. No sense in putting anyone else's life in danger.

  "Help us look for her, Hannah," Anne asks. It's not really a request. If Isabella were missing, Hannah would jump at the opportunity to search high and low to find her friend. She has to go. I hope she shares my thoughts.

  "Of course," Hannah says and loudly exits the room, closing the door behind her.

  Although I hear the door click, I don't gather the courage to show myself. What will I do when I am forced to face Alexander? I can't hide from him forever. He'll want to know where I've been all day. What lie will I tell him to protect Hannah and myself?

  I climb out of the wash basin and slip off my heels, making sure I'm silent as I approach Hannah's bed. All I can do is pray no one else will come in. I'm not privy to all the hiding spots of the castle, this has been my home for all of one day. I lie back in bed and shut my eyes willing this nightmare to be over. Do I run? Shall I stay? If Alexander killed hi
s father to be King, shouldn't it be over with? He's obtained the crown, the court and kingdom is entirely his. Except we share it. I swallow nervously. Alexander rushed to make me his bride, why? Will he go after my family next and then me for my country? My forehead throbs and I rub my temples willing the pain away. What have I gotten myself into?

  Chapter Three

  There's only so long I can avoid my husband, the king, and also a murderer. The hallway is quiet, a welcome relief after the guards and maids searched the chambers. Do I run? Where would I go? Even if my parents welcomed me back to court, Alexander would come looking for me. Someone would divulge my secret that I had returned.

  My hand falls on the doorknob and I quietly turn the handle, peeking out to make sure the hall is empty. I don't want Hannah to get into trouble for hiding me. Sneaking out of her room, I close the door behind me and step down the back stairwell. It's best if I wander farther from my room into an unfamiliar part of the castle. I can claim I got lost. Though I doubt Alexander will believe me. Doubt creeps under my skin. If he knows I'm lying to him, will I be his next target? I can't think about that right now. I may already be his next target if he's after my kingdom as well.

  Stepping down the stone stairwell, I run straight into Alexander, literally. "Where have you been? The entire court is looking all over for you?" So much for the lie about getting lost. I'm a few paces from my room, but not enough to give any story that Alexander would buy. "I was worried something might have happened to you," he says before I have time to answer, and pulls me against him in a hug. His grasp is tight, restrictive. "Don't ever do that again." His tone is harsh, unwelcoming. Is that a threat?

  I pull back and muster the best smile that I can. "How is your father? Are you sure I can't call a physician from my court?"

  Alexander's eyes narrow and he drags me into the nearest room, closing the door forcefully behind us. "Who did you tell?"

  "Tell what?" I ask, meeting his stare. I refuse to waiver and cower to this man. Hannah knows what he's capable of. If something happens to me, I trust she'll confide in Anne and Magdalene. Though it might be too late.

  "Isabella," he says, using my given name. "I need to know who you told that we visited my father this morning."

  I shake my head. "No one. I left and went straight to my room."

  Alexander steps closer into my personal space. "You weren't there when I came looking for you."

  "I know," I say and rest a reassuring hand on his arm. His muscles are tight, thick. "I got tired of staring out the window and went for a walk in the garden. Then I got lost trying to find my way back to my room. When you weren't there, I thought you might have already gone looking for me, so I thought to visit your chambers."

  "Mine are that way." Alexander points to the opposite direction that I had come from.

  I laugh it off and smile like I'm some dumb girl that doesn't know her way around a castle. "Oh really? This place is huge! I'm sorry. I'm still getting turned around every time I try to find where I need to go."

  Alexander takes the bait. His shoulders relax and a faint smile peeks at the corners of his lips. "Did you like the garden?"

  "It's absolutely beautiful. Especially this time of year when the flowers are in full bloom."

  He takes my hand and leads me to the nearest chair to sit down. My palms are sweaty, being in his proximity makes me nervous. "I need to tell you something," Alexander says and I sit. He's standing above me, hovering as the words expel from his lips. "King Charles is dead."

  Of course he's dead! I watched Alexander murder him. My hand moves to my chest, resting over my heart. I don't bother to ask how it happened. I'm not ready to hear Alexander lie to my face. "I'm so sorry," I say, my eyes conveying what my heart can't.

  Alexander bends down to my level, his eyes never leaving my gaze. "You can't tell anyone we visited with him this morning."

  "How come?" The words spill out before I realize what I said.

  "There are rebel factions that wish to destroy me and usurp the throne. Can I trust you, Ella? If I can't, you should know that your life will be in grave danger as well."

  Another threat? My hands ball into fists at my side, my fingernails digging into the skin of my palm. "You have nothing to worry about," I say. Who would believe me? Are there really rebel factions that wish to overthrow Alexander or is he merely making this up to frighten me?

  "Good," he says and leans in, dropping a chaste kiss to my lips. It's short, sweet, and if I wasn't disgusted by Alexander being a murderer, then I might have enjoyed it. I don't kiss him back, I don't move. My body is frozen, petrified of what he might do to me if we so much as have a disagreement. Pulling away, he studies me for a moment, looking curious before standing up. "I have some business to attend to this afternoon, including the planning of a funeral. We shall meet again tonight for dinner." Alexander reaches for my hand and plants a kiss to the soft skin before giving it a tentative squeeze and stepping out of the room.

  I'm not sure how much longer I can do this. It hasn't even been a day and I'm certain he'll catch on if he hasn't already. My affection for Alexander has faded. He's no idiot, surely he can see something is wrong.

  * * * * *

  Anne and Magdalene move my trunk and the contents into my chambers with Alexander. There's a knot in my stomach, dreading the loss of privacy. How will I see Hannah without anyone garnering suspicion? It's not typical for a queen to visit a lady-in-waiting's chambers. However, the other way around would cause no issue for concern. Hannah is the least of my problems right now.

  "There you are!" Hannah rushes toward me, throwing her arms around my curvy figure. "We were searching for you all day!" Her lips brush against my ear, making it so only I can hear her whispers. "I'm glad you're still alive."

  Me too.

  Hannah lets go of me and wanders toward my maids as they're hovered over the wooden trunk we brought with us. "What's going on here?" Hannah asks as my maids unpack my gowns and trinkets, trying to make me feel at home.

  "We're moving Isabella's belongings into her room with Alexander. No sense in making the queen leave her chambers to get dressed."

  Hannah glances me over and smiles. "What's it like to be a queen?"

  If it wasn't for the fact the position shouldn't be mine, King Charles should still be alive, I'd be delighted for this moment. Instead, all I feel is sorrow and despair. "Same as yesterday," I say, though it's a lie. There are no two days stronger in differences than my last two.

  Hannah snorts. "You are Queen Isabella. Yesterday morning you weren't even married."

  Hannah is right about that, a lot has happened in a short span of time.

  Magdalene removes a gown and hangs it in the closet. "Tell me, Queen Isabella, what was it like with King Alexander last night? Surely you'll be at it again tonight, wanting to make heirs."

  My cheeks burn. "I'm not discussing that!" I grab Hannah's arm and pull her with me out of the room. "Walk with me," I say, keeping her close as we scurry down the stairs and out to the garden. The garden is situated in the center of the castle, keeping us well within the walls and protected. There also isn't the need for guards to follow us here, which makes it the perfect place to converse.

  "Everything okay?" Hannah asks me as we stroll through the small park. There's at least a dozen butterflies congregating among the flowers. The sight is beautiful but it doesn't help dispel the feeling of being torn. I want to like Alexander and trust him, but he's given me very little reason to believe he's a good man. No honest or loyal person would commit murder.

  "Hardly," I whisper, doing my best to keep my voice down. I don't want to alarm suspicion. "Alexander asked me to keep our visit to his father this morning a secret."

  Hannah groans. "Of course he did! The nurse found him dead when she checked on him. The story going around the castle is that he died in his sleep. If anyone knew the truth..."

  "You can't say a word. Swear you won't tell a soul."

  "I promise."r />
  I step closer within her personal space and reach for her hand. Our fingers intertwine. "I need you to do something for me, Hannah."

  "Anything, Your Highness." She squeezes my hand, staring into my eyes, listening intently. I find it endearing that she cares and would do anything to help me. I'm just not sure I should ask her, but truth is I don't know where else to turn.

  It feels strange to be referred to as a queen. I smile, trying to hide my discomfort with my new title. Though I did want to be queen, I didn't want it under these circumstances. I momentarily dismiss my feelings and focus on Hannah. "I need you to poke around, quietly. Alexander is concerned that there is a rebel faction among the kingdom. He mentioned it to me earlier. I want to know if this group exists and who they are. Can you do that for me?"

  Hannah's pale blue eyes light up. "You'll side with them?"

  "I don't know." It's the truth. I won't make any rash decisions. With all that's happening, I need to put the interests of the country first, including my own kingdom. "Can you get me the information without getting caught? If King Alexander suspects either one of us of treason, he'll have us beheaded."

  "I'll be careful," Hannah says. "I swear, I won't get caught."

  "Don't make a promise you can't keep," I say and lean in kissing her cheek. "I love you. Be safe, Hannah. I can't protect you, certainly not here."

  She nods, her eyes glistening. Does she know how my desire to be with her is tearing me apart inside? "What are you going to do? Magdalene is right, King Alexander is going to want heirs."

  I stop walking and a butterfly flutters beside my head, coming to land on my arm. "I'll have to figure something out." Though I know avoiding Alexander will only rouse more suspicions.

  Hannah stares at the flowers. Is she lost in her own thoughts or avoiding my gaze? I can't be sure. "You could tell him about us."