As the heavy door closed with a loud thud, Nicholas stepped forward to his father. “No, I’m not mad.” He answered Alexander’s remark with such calm and seriousness that made the older man believe that he was not joking.

“I could disown you for this foolishness you have shown me!” Alexander ran a hand through his hair in frustration, nearly knocking the crown off ifs secure place.

“It is not foolishness.” Nicholas replied. “And I don’t care about the throne.” He added.

Alexander stared at his son with wide eyes. “Well, I see this ‘Lilyanna’ you have been speaking of had brainwashed you!” When Nicholas didn’t say a word to his comment. Alexander’s suspicion rose. Witchcraft was common above peasants who wanted nothing but luxury and power. What if by some chance that this woman Nicholas claimed to be in love with had cast a spell over him? Alexander’s eyes beamed as the assumption entered his mind.

“Bring her to me. I have a few question in mind that I would like to ask her.” Alexander waved his hand as a gesture of annoyance and Nicholas followed his order.

As he stepped out the chapel, he ran into Father Dwaine, who was leaning against the door and gazing up to the skillfully painted ceiling. “Sorry, father. For interrupting your conversion and my rudeness.”

“It’s quiet all right. Your highness, but I offer a warning. The higher your hope is, the harder you’ll fall.” Father Dwaine looked at the man who’s face showed nothing but hope and happiness. He had known Nicholas since he was in the cradle. He was there for when Nicholas was baptized and watched him growing into a fine young man. Seeing him grieve in pain was the last thing Father Dwaine ever wanted to see!

“Thank you.” Nicholas nodded slightly then hurried off.

Elizabeth gazed at the young woman sitting below her. Lilyanna had found a knitting basket in the room since it was one of Elizabeth favorite pastimes, they came up with some designs and got to work. Elizabeth had never felt as close to her other daughters as she does now with the young woman she’d only met few moments ago. All the princesses were married and left before Nicholas reached the age of fifteen. Lilyanna eyes were burned with raging love for Nicholas, the kind of love that Elizabeth couldn’t understand and knew she’ll never experience, but it had touched her. “Where are your parents?”

“My mother died giving birth to me and my father was killed recently. Your highness.”

“How did you and Nicholas met?”

“He saved me from the landlord...” Lilyanna trailed off when she heard footsteps approaching. Within seconds, Nicholas burst through the door.

“Father wants to meet you. Excuse us.” Nicholas bowed to his mother before he half shove and half-escorted Lilyanna out the door.