Deception

Chapter 78

- Chapter 78 -

As commanded by the Prince we had made our way to Locksley village. The village is decorated with garlands and flowers. Two men bring a pig on a spit, ready to be roasted, past rows of long tables. The villagers stand and applaud as they pass by and set it over a fire between the manor and the church. It was a wedding and it made me sad at the memory of Guy and I's ceremony that we were never able to finish.

The Prince rode in his carriage with Guy, the Sheriff, Isabella and I riding on horseback beside the carriage or behind. Isabella and I to the right of Prince John and Guy and the Sheriff on his other side as the carriage came to a halt. Everyone was lively and enjoying the fresh air that the day brought as I felt my heart grow heavy, as I knew something was to happen that would leave me wanting to burst into tears.

"Why? They look so lovely." The Prince spoke as I couldn't tell if he was being genuine or not.

"Looks like a wedding." Isabella spoke stating the obvious as I glanced over at Guy who was looking at the ground, unable to look at the church as I knew I wasn't the only one remembering our wedding here at Locksley church.

"I love weddings. I shall speak with them. You'll join me?" The Prince spoke as he stood and got out from his carriage and turned towards Isabella. She glanced over at Guy as though to see permission before dismounting from her horse as I did as well, and followed him with a small distance, my hand resting on my sword handle ready.

"They are sad little creatures really, aren't they? I sense disagreement." He spoke, as Isabella kept silent as he looked upon the people with disgust. I growled as he waved his hand away, in an attempt to silence me, but I felt offended. I had grown up with these people, they were part of a family, and a community and I hated how he had the power to just be rude. He had money and wealth but they had happiness and love.

"One cannot disagree with one's king." Isabella cleverly saved her skin as he paused taking in what it was that she had said about himself.

"King? You see me as your king, how delightful of you. I wish others accepted me as readily as you do." He smiled brightly and seemed to have a small skip in his walk as I continued to stand a few paces behind them. Keeping an eye on Isabella, I didn't trust her.

"Perhaps I've had the good fortune to know you better than most." She added with a small sly smile as I narrowed my eyes, wondering what her aim game was with the Prince. Not that I cared about either of them, I just wanted to ensure I could keep Guy and Robin safe.

"Perhaps. And perhaps you'd like to get to know me better still. Ah, you'll make me work for my conquest." The Prince flirted as Isabella chuckled and battered her eyelashes to the Prince as though to make it a game.

"Was not France more valuable because it was fought for?" Isabella chuckled as I rolled my eyes at the sickening flirting attempts between the two.

"Hah! You make this such good sport." The Prince chuckled as they both giggled together like gossiping old maids. I watched as a young boy comes up with a flower for Prince John with a few men behind him, they must have been his older brother and father to keep an eye on him as he smiled holding the flower towards the Prince.

"Hello, young man. Oh, thank you." He smiled as he took the flower for the young boy who smiled and ran to hide behind his father's leg once again chuckling as I watched the bride and groom coming closer looking happy yet nervous as the father of the bride bowed in front of the Prince.

"Would His Highness give us his blessing?" He politely asked nervous as I gave a weak smile. That was one thing I remembered and loved about Locksley, everyone was kind and polite to each other. They helped each other out when they struggled. The Prince breathed in and made his chest look wider as he stretches his arm out to welcome him forward.