Chapter 3

The first sunray was stealing shy through the large window of a small cottage near the castle of York. Two hugged shadows were discerning through the dusty glass of the window. A thin outline tore from the other and opening a small hidden door, she uncovered the modest aspect of the small room. On an old wooden table with two simple chairs was the supper almost untouched. Except for the table, the chairs and the rummaged bed, all was covered with dust. The young woman who opened the secret door seemed to be almost twenty years old. She was quite tall, well build, with long brown hair, green shining eyes and full red lips. She was wearing a long white nightdress and her velvety hair was braided in two thick pigtails. She looked at her lover and smiled.

"It's getting light, Maurice. You should go... The prince is waiting for you."

Maurice De Bracy was a tall strong man of thirty-four years old with curly black hair and glaring brown eyes. He took a step forward and slipping his arm around her waist, he said:

"I don't care for the prince! He can wait. You are my princess, Nicole. The only treasure I have..."

Nicole put her head on his shoulder and whispered:

"I love you... Maurice, promise me that I will see you again."

Nothing can stop me for coming here tonight. Will you come?"

"I promise", said Nicole.

She cleft to him and gawped him with love. Maurice clasped her in his arms and kissed her with passion. Then he went out and mounting his horse, he set off at a gallop.

As he entered the palace of York, the residence of the royal family, the servants announced him that the prince had been waiting for him. The Norman tore upstairs and stepped in the regent's office. Prince John was surrounded by his allies. The problem they were discussing was the news that King Richard has been taken prisoner by the duke of Austria. The prince was listening, although he seemed to think at something else. When he saw Maurice, he brightened up at his face and made him a friendly sign. The Norman bowed in front of the regent.

"Wait outside", said Prince John to his counsellors."I want to speak with Sir Maurice."

The nobles inclined and left the room one by one. Maurice went near the prince.

"Sit dawn, De Bracy. I wanted to speak with you about... the lord of Canterbury's death."

De Bracy gave a slight smile.

"Only... about the lord?"

The regent looked daggers at him. Suddenly, he asked:

"Where have you been last night, De Bracy? Perhaps, an adventure, like it's... whispering?"

De Bracy grinned chafed.

"Not at all, milord. Last night was very peaceful for me."

"You didn't answer my question, De Bracy. Where have you been?"

Maurice was about to burst out with anger. That moment, a servant opened the door and announced:

"Everything is ready, your Highness, and the ministers are here. To condescend your Highness to come dawn and we leave at once for the castle of Canterbury."

De Bracy looked amazed at the prince.

"Tell them to wait a few minutes; we won't be late", said the regent.

The servant inclined and left.

"So your Highness will participate at the Archbishop's funeral?" asked Maurice trying to change the subject.

Prince John nodded approval.

"That isn't because you go mad on him, is that, your Highness?" said De Bracy ironically.

The regent smiled.

"I want to be open with you, De Bracy. You know I have no secrets from you."

Prince John hesitated. His accomplice tried to sound him.

"Have your Highness seen the Fair Fairy?"

"Is this her nickname?"

"Yes, her nickname."

"Have you seen her, Maurice?"

"Twice, milord. First time, her father was seeing her from the countryside. She was about two or three years old. The second time, two months ago, when she left for Italy. It seems her father wanted to protect her from the inevitable confrontation. Anyway, I must confess she deserves her nickname. She seemed to be a golden sunshine."

"Mind you don't insinuate that she is as pure as beautiful", said Prince John knitting his brows.

"Believe me, your Highness, I do not love her. Do... you?"

"I do", said the regent after some minutes of silence."That is why I hurried up the funeral... to see her again. I will have her... all mine."

Maurice smiled.

"Your Highness has honoured me so much with the revealing of his secrets to me."

"You're right, De Bracy, you can go. Perhaps I bore you with these problems of the heart."

"I always prefer sentimental problems to political problems", said Maurice and inclining law, he walked out of the room.

In the palace's court, he met the two brothers, Philip and Albert de Malvoisin, the most unpopular from Prince John's court.

"Where is the prince?" asked Albert.

"His Highness is coming", answered De Bracy and he turned round to Philip de Malvoisin.

"You know you were right, Sir Philip", he said in a low voice."Yesterday evening when I received your letter I thought it's another caprice, but now I see this girl is an obsession for the prince."

"It's just a matter of time, Sir Maurice, trust me, it's just a matter of time."

That moment, the trumpets announced Prince John's arrival. After a while, the convoy was at the palace of Canterbury's gates.