Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) (5 page)

Jilly gasped. "She is dead too!"

The queen took her hand. "I am sorry to tell you this way. You see, your mother's death was caused by my husband's hand. Henry did not actually strike the fatal blow, but he is responsible for her death all the same."

Jilly winced in pain. "I always hoped . . . prayed that they were alive somewhere." Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I have no family."

"Nay, my dear, you have not. But you have something that will sustain you even more."

Jilly looked anxiously at the queen. "What would that be, Your Majesty?"

Eleanor stood and walked to the open hearth, holding out her hands to warm them. She was always cold these days. At last, she turned back to Jilly. "There are only three people other than myself who know your true identity, Jilly—the two men who took you away to safety the night your mother died and the Holy Father in Rome."

"Who am I, that 1 must hide my name, and yet the pope knows my identity?"

"Before more is said, I must tell you that Jilly is not your real name. From this moment, you shall be known only by your true name, which is Jilliana."

"I. . ." The disclosure that she had been using a name that was not her own was such a shock that she could think of nothing to reply.

"Say the name," Eleanor insisted.

"I am ... Jilliana."

"Forget that you were ever called Jilly," Eleanor said decisively. "Now, Jilliana, will you do everything that I ask of you?"

"Without question, Your Majesty."

"First, tell me what you know about the kingdom of Talshamar."

Jilliana was confused by this digression. "I think I must know everything there is to know. I studied about no country as much as Talshamar—but you know this."

"Tell me what you know of the royal family that rules Talshamar."

Jilliana thought she must have misunderstood. "There is no royal family. The consort died even before the queen gave birth to their d—daughter." Her heart was pounding and she stared at Eleanor.

"Go on, Jilliana, tell me what else you know about the family."

There was a growing awareness in Jilliana's mind, and it was as if all the things that had been a mystery to her were now becoming clear. "I know that the members of the royal family are all dead with the possible exception of— Princess Jilliana!" Now her words came out in a rush. "She has not been heard of since the night the castle was invaded by the English. Many people assume that the princess died that night, while others argue that she was hidden by friends of her mother."

Jilliana, looking pale and shaken, gazed into Eleanor's eyes. "I am Princess Jilliana!"

Now Eleanor's eyes were swimming with tears as she took Jilliana's trembling hand in hers. "Yes, my child, you are the true and only heir of Talshamar, and my dear friend Queen Phelisiana's beloved daughter."

Jilliana shook her head to clear it. "Of all the things that I ever imagined about myself, I could never have envisioned this."

Eleanor looked smug. "No, nor has anyone else. For seventeen years Henry has cast his power-hungry eyes in the direction of Talshamar, as did Louis and now Philip of France, and only your mother's ingenious plan has kept the kingdom out of their reach."

Jilliana withdrew her hand from Eleanor's and stood. "It is all too much for me to comprehend. I know from my studies that Talshamar is administered and governed by Rome. If the heir— If I do not come forward before my twenty-first birthday, the country will pass to the governance of France."

"Yes, and poor Henry has always known that to rule Talshamar and keep it from the French, he must find you and have you under his power. Even now, after all these years, he has not given up his search for you."

"I despise him for what he did to my mother." Her eyes were swimming with angry tears. "And for what he did to Talshamar."

"You must not forget that my husband is your enemy," Eleanor told her. "Heed me well, Jilliana, your subjects have been told that you live and will one day return and they only wait for that day."

Jilliana was suddenly frightened of the responsibilities that faced her. "My subjects?"

Eleanor lightly touched the aged parchment in her lap. "This is your mother's letter giving you into my care. With this, and the Great Seal of Talshamar, you will claim your rightful place."

Jilliana blinked her eyes. Now she understood why she had so diligently been taught the history of the Talshamarians, their politics and their customs. She had come to admire the bravery of the dead queen, never suspecting that she was her own mother.

"Now, I must ask you, child, have you heard of the Isle of Falcon Bruine?"

"Is it not far to the north of Talshamar?"

Eleanor's eyes gleamed. "Aye, it is. The ruling family there is Rondache. The king and his son, Prince Ruyen, supported my Richard against Henry in a recent conflict— a conflict that cost the king's life and caused the prince and his sister to be locked in the Tower."

"Do . . . you think they will die?"

"Henry will soon pass sentence on them. He will surely condemn them to death unless someone intervenes. However, it is within your power to save them both."

"How can I help them, Your Majesty? I do not even know them."

"Will you continue to follow my instructions and do all that I ask of you, no matter how difficult it might seem, Jilliana?"

"I shall."

Eleanor gave a triumphant laugh. "Then listen well and remember all I tell you. I will see you in your rightful place and repay an old debt to your mother. Make no mistakes, and do exactly as I instruct you, or Henry will find a way to destroy you."

The young woman's eyes burned with the light of vengeance. "I will make no mistake. I know not the face of my mother, but her voice calls out to me from the grave, and God willing, I shall answer my mother's cry."

Eleanor's eyes gleamed with elation. "Then all has not been in vain. I knew you would not fail me. In heeding your mother's voice, you will also serve others who stand in need of your help."

"But what is to keep Henry from imprisoning me and taking Talshamar?"

"Clever girl. Rome and France will prevent it."

"Surely my mother must have trusted the French king if she made him her heir, Your Majesty?"

"Only slightly more than she trusted Henry, which was not at all. But she was wise to pit the two adversaries against one another. The French king would see you dead without issue so he might claim Talshamar, while Henry must make certain that you live to deliver an heir. The pope has been your strongest champion. Know you this: neither Henry nor Philip will want to offend Pope Lucius by causing you harm. For to do so would surely cause their excommunication."

"Am I not in danger since I have no heir?"

"You will be safe in England. Especially if you succeed in snatching the Golden Falcon from the talons of death. First, however, you must be crowned queen of Talshamar. And this must be done swiftly, and in secret."

Jilliana felt overwhelming gratitude. "I begin to understand why my mother commended me to your care. How can I ever thank you, Your Majesty?"

A smile eased the tired lines about Eleanor's mouth. "My thanks will be when you are crowned queen and stand before Henry. Your cause will be a double blow to him. If my plan is successful, he will lose Talshamar, as well as the Isle of Falcon Bruine. I have waited long for this moment."

"How can I save Prince Ruyen and his sister?" Jilliana asked worriedly.

"I will instruct you on precisely what to do and say— but heed me well. Trust no one, especially not Henry."

"When do I leave?"

Eleanor looked at Jilliana as if she'd come out of a dense fog somewhere in the dark recesses of her mind. "Soon—very soon."

Eleanor then laughed. "At last I have you, Henry. How sweet will be the victory!"

4

What should have taken months to achieve, Queen Eleanor accomplished in three weeks. Jilliana was fitted with gowns of the finest tissue silk from Sicily and wool from Flemish weavers that was coveted by the English nobility.

Nimble fingers sewed elegant creations, working long days and well into the night. Rich, costly fur was sewn beneath a layer of crimson velvet to create a warm hooded cloak. Jilliana's headdress was made of the finest Belgian linen, which would be draped about her neck and shoulder to be fastened by a fillet of wrought gold.

Eleanor presented Jilliana with jewels that were so magnificent she could only suppose they came from the queen's own treasure trove.

She was puzzled by Eleanor's insistence that most of her gowns be white in color. When she questioned this, she was merely told that all would be clear in good time.

Eleanor now took Jilliana's teaching onto herself, instructing her for hours about the coronation ceremony that would take place before she reached London. They also rehearsed what to do and say when Jilliana stood before Henry. Jilliana listened carefully to each word—she must not fail!

At last the day came when Eleanor decided her charge was ready, except for the last and most important guidance, which she would see to herself.

Jilliana had been summoned and Eleanor waited for her appearance. Oh, if only she had wings so she could fly over the walls of her prison, Eleanor thought. How she would love to watch Henry's face when he learned Jilliana's identity. No matter. She knew Henry well enough to imagine his reaction—and she did have her spies at court.

When Jilliana entered, Eleanor faced her, her eyes hard like glowing coals. "You will recall that I mentioned the Rondache family to you, and told you that Henry would most likely pass a death sentence on them?"

"I do, Your Majesty. Tis sad."

"There will be a public announcement of their execution two weeks hence. I have carefully estimated the time it will take you to reach London. I want you to enter the city the very day that Henry passes sentence on the Golden Falcon and his sister. You must insist on being taken directly to Henry, and this is what you will say to him."

Although there were only the two of them in the room, the queen leaned close to Jilliana and whispered in her ear. The words she spoke brought a blush to the young woman's cheeks.

"But how can I profess such a lie, Your Majesty?" Jilliana asked in a shocked voice. "To do so would be publicly to disgrace myself and dishonor my mother's name."

Eleanor's eyes became cunning. "Oh, there will be gossip for a time, but no permanent damage. You have my word that when my son Richard comes to the throne all will be rectified, and the truth can then be revealed. You must say exactly what I have told you, or the Rondache family will perish. And lastly, I must warn you about Prince Ruyen's mother, Queen Melesant. My informant did not know if she has come to London, but if you should encounter her be wary. She is devious. Do not trust her. Remember she has aspirations to wear the crown of Falcon Bruine."

Jilliana frowned. "Why was she not taken prisoner with her son and daughter?"

"You may well ask," Eleanor replied dryly. "Melesant has always supported Henry, I suspect even against her own husband and son. She was once Henry's lover, in fact; until she lured him to her bed, he had been faithful to me. I hope she has grown fat and pockmarked."

Jilliana could not hide her shock at Eleanor's revelation, but she made no reply.

"Your mother would want you to follow my guidance in this and you have already promised that you would do so," Eleanor reminded her.

Jilliana nodded reluctantly in agreement. Surely Eleanor knew what was best. "I will do as you say, although it goes against my teaching to confess to a falsehood."

"Sometimes expediency must be implemented to serve justice. When you are queen, you will learn this, my dear." Eleanor smiled, showing white, even teeth and attempting to bring levity to their conversation. "I have heard it said that the Golden Falcon is practiced in bewitching and seducing the ladies. Beware also of him, and do not fall prey to his charms, lest you lose your heart."

"What shall I do in the event that Prince Ruyen denies my claim before everyone?"

"Then he would be a fool and deserve to die. But I have taken every precaution to ensure that does not happen. One who is loyal to me has managed to smuggle a message to Prince Ruyen. I only hope he understands the importance of what was relayed to him."

"I will do what I can." Jilliana's eyes were troubled as she gazed at Eleanor. "If King Henry believes my lie, then will I be forced to marry Prince Ruyen?"

Eleanor covered the girl's hand with her own. "Jilliana, you must understand that you were born to the purple, and that means you can marry only those of your rank. Think of this: Henry may very well want you for our son John. I do not believe you would like being John's wife."

Jilliana remembered seeing Prince John a year ago when he had visited his mother. Although she had not been presented to him at the time, she had observed him with the queen. His words had been oily, his eyes lusterless, small, and cunning, while his lips had been thick and pouting. She shuddered—no, she would not marry John! Even the unknown prince of Falcon Bruine was preferable to him. She lowered her head, resigned to her fate.

"I am most grateful to you for the lovely gowns and jewels. I will see that the jewels are returned to you as soon as I am able."

"I cannot take credit for providing the wardrobe or the jewels, my dear. They are donations from the people of your own country."

"But how?"

"You spoke to me of your friend, Humphrey, from the convent. In actuality, he is
Sir
Humphrey, one of your knights who pledged to stay near you. Loyal heart that he has, he bore his duties without complaint, and never broke the pledge he gave your mother. Even after you came to me, he remained in the nearby village, ever vigilant."

Jilliana found it painful to breathe when she thought what Humphrey—or, Sir Humphrey—had endured for her sake. "He spent years in menial servitude at the convent just so he could watch over me?"

"That is so. He also went secretly among your nobles to acquire what you needed to enter London in splendor. As you see, your subjects were extremely generous with their queen. You must know that you are well loved."

Jilliana glanced at the ruby ring on her hand. "I cannot imagine why anyone would be so generous with someone they did not know."

"It is the loyalty people feel for their rightful ruler. I can assure you that you are important to all of Talshamar." Eleanor rose and moved to the door. "You must sleep now. Tomorrow you begin your long journey."

"Your Majesty, thank you for all your kindnesses. I shall miss you sorely."

Eleanor looked sad for a moment. "You have been a joy to me, child. I shall miss you and hope the day will come when we will meet again."

"I am frightened of what lies ahead."

Eleanor suddenly wondered if the girl was capable of the task that had been set for her. She was such a gentle spirit, perhaps Henry would destroy her.

"There is no need to be frightened, Jilliana. You have only to remember that your family name is older than that of the Plantagenets. Your family was ruling Talshamar when Henry's was yet heathen. Comport yourself with dignity at all times and you will not fail. Remember that you are a queen!"

Jilliana stood straight and tall, her eyes sparking fire. "I shall not forget."

Eleanor clamped the girl's arm, her tone suddenly hard and cold. "I must warn you not to underestimate Henry. He's sly and cunning and will try to thwart you at every turn. Do not allow him to humble you. Henry does not respect those he can manipulate."

"I shall never submit to his domination," Jilliana promised, raising her chin and straightening her spine. "When I stand before him, I shall remember that I am my mother's daughter—this I swear!"

Eleanor was pleased by the passion Jilliana displayed. This once meek girl had become consumed with the burning fires of revenge. Perhaps she would be a worthy opponent for Henry after all.

"Each step you have taken until now, Jilliana. has led you to the moment when you face my husband. You have been honed, schooled, and instructed since you first came under my care." Eleanor's face softened and she turned away. "Go now to your bed, child. You leave before sunrise tomorrow."

"I wish—I wish you were coming with me."

"Foolish girl, you know I cannot leave my prison. But you will be my ears and eyes and you will give voice to my words. In that I shall be with you."

Wishing she could say more, but knowing she had been dismissed, Jilliana left and slowly climbed the stairs to her chamber. She had realized tonight that while the queen was fond of her, the force that guided her life was her constant battle with her husband.

Eleanor loved no one as much as she hated Henry.

It was still dark when Jilliana was awakened by Eleanor's maid pulling her bed curtains aside.

" Tis time to rise. My queen has sent me to help you dress so you can be on your way."

Jilliana quickly got out of bed. Too excited to eat, she allowed the silent servants to aid her in dressing. The gown that Eleanor had chosen for her to wear today was a white silk, trimmed with golden embroidery. Her dark hair was braided and covered with a white wimple and veil. Sparkling jewels were slid onto her fingers, and bracelets adorned her wrists. Her trunks had been packed the night before and were now being carried below by several strong-backed men.

Jilliana watched the door, hoping Eleanor would come to say good-bye, but when it was time for her to leave, the queen still had not appeared.

She slipped a hooded cape about her to cover her finery, so that Henry's guards would not become suspicious. When she reached the door, the men posted there paid little heed to her departure. They had been instructed to detain anyone who would enter the castle without permission; they had no orders to keep the queen's ladies from leaving.

As her trunks were being loaded onto a cart, Sir Humphrey appeared, leading a magnificent white horse. She clasped his hands in hers, her eyes shining with happy tears. "How I have missed you."

He nodded, his gaze lingering on her face, noting that she was a grown woman now. "Aye, and I missed you also, Your Highness."

Then he reached forward, his hands circling Jilliana's waist as he placed her onto her palfrey, then mounted a white horse himself.

"Shall we go, Your Highness?" he whispered, not wanting to be overheard by the two men who stood guard at the gate.

She smiled at him with great affection. "Yes, my dear friend, I am ready."

Jilliana turned to gaze up at Eleanor's window, her heart heavy. Apparently she was not to be allowed to say a final good-bye to the queen.

With her head high, atop a gold-trimmed saddle, and looking every bit a queen, she rode across the drawbridge. Down the winding road they went past the village and into the unfamiliar.

Eleanor stood at her window, watching Jilliana depart. Her heart was heavy, for she would miss the girl's cheerful presence.

"Go with God, my dear," she whispered, turning away. She suddenly felt cold and moved to stand before the fireplace, but the fire lent no warmth to the emptiness in her heart.