CHAPTER ONE

The bedroom was very feminine. It had a high ceiling. The ceiling was painted with swirling flowers and vines. The wood panels on the walls were carefully shaped out to give a uniformed design that showed elegance and luxury. The detailed designs showed that the room was designed by an artist who haș perfected his craft. Most likely, a very well known and expensive artist. The walls and ceilings were of different shades of pink and cream colors. The floor was covered with lush, sandy brown carpet.

In the middle of the big elegant room was a huge canopy bed. It was also made of mahogany wood with small curvings and inlays of gold. The expensive curtains were made of lightweight material with small intricate embroidery stitched with gold thread. The very carefully designed furniture show the importance of the beautiful lady on it.

Right now, she was covered in tears and sweat. Her small, heart-shaped face was tired but she was still exerting so much effort to bring he little one into the world.

"Just a little more, milady. He is about to come out." the woman assisting her had an apron to cover her dress. Her brown dress and long sleeves that covered her arms.

The lady in labour appeared quite young. Her bed had curtains partially covering her, giving her some privacy. Her nightgown was made of silk with a lit of embroidery and carefully stitched flowers.

There were only three people in the room; the royal midwife and two-ladies-in waiting. The small tub beside the bed contained warm water and clean towels.

Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, the loud cry of a newborn baby was heard throughout the palace. The cry was a sweet, welcome sound that everyone was waiting for. They had all been anxious for the last two days. All men and women, the courier serving in the palace, shouted with joy. They were all excited and happy!

"It's a girl! Just like Sylvestro said."

"He is really a man of God! May God bless him!"

They all praised God that the baby was born alive and well. They all believe that the baby will bring peace in the war-torned land.

Prophet Sylvestro gave this prophesy the day after the wedding of King Jophas. "A woman, beautiful, graceful, and kind, will bring light and peace to this cursed nation. Many will be sent to kill her. But they will all fail. She will go through so much pain and betrayal. But in the end, she will conquer all and will rule among all kingdoms, near and afar. She is the Chosen One."

"It's a girl, my Queen!" the midwife happily informed the lady in front of her who was still covered with sweat, tears, and blood for giving birth to the wide-eyed pretty baby girl. Despite of her pain, the Queen's face was brimming with so much delight delight for finally bringing out into the world the baby who was prophesied to save their kingdom. It was a long and difficult labour. She has been confined on her bed for the past two days. Everyone was worried, including the king.

So all were relieved that the mother and baby were well.

"Tell His Majesty that finally the baby has been born!" The guard outside the Queen's door was sent to the King's Chamber to inform the King of the good news.

The King was awake at that time since he knew that the baby was about to be born. He had been walking around his room for hours, anticipating his baby girl, the royal princess. Upon hearing the news that the baby has been born, he quickly left his chambers and went to the Queen. The midwife gave him the baby. He laughed with glee and held the baby carefully in his arms. He kneeled in front of his wife and kissed her gently in the lips. "She is beautiful, milady!" He grinned. He held the baby, not wanting to put her down even though the ladies were busy taking care of the Queen.

He knew he only had very little precious time left before the the Queen and the baby had to depart for their safety.

So he held her carefully, looking closely at her silver blue eyes. "You have my eyes, little one! You are so pretty, like an angel! God is really with you!"

She gurgled, looking at him. She touched his beard. She stared at his handsome face. Then she giggled and kicked with her tiny legs.

The King and Queen named the new baby Aoife Mary, meaning the Warrior Princess. Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

King Jophas gave a feast and invited everyone to attend. Ten bulls were slaughtered, twenty-five boars, one hundred and twelve chickens. Eight chefs prepared the food starting the night before the event.So many cakes, vegetables, fruits were displayed on the table. The table linen were embroidered with gold.

Everyone in the kingdom was invited. They wore their best clothes to attend the occasion.

The celebration started at five in the morning. There was a lot of drinking, a lot of merrymaking and dancing. There was so much food! It was a happy sight. Everyone was happy for the royal couple.

The Queen only made a short appearance to show to everyone how thankful she was for all the support they had given her. Then she retired to her room with baby Aoife.

It was suppose to end at midnight. But before the click hand strike at twelve, warriors from the warring nations arrived to kill the princess. The people screamed and ran for their safety. The warriors drew out their swords. It was so unexpected that the warriors were not ready to do battle. They were drunk.

So the invading warriors slaughtered King Jophas men who were drunk and full. They were not ready to defend their king. They did not expect that people will try to destroy a joyful occasion.

"Where is the princess?" Exidore, the leader of the attacking army asked.

The Queen, who was nursing the baby, quickly stood up when she heard the loud commotion and the screams that filled the night.

The King and Queen had already made plans on what to do when this happens. Even though Sylvestro was unable to inform them the exact time the attack will take place, he had warned them well ahead.

The King decided to stay behind to continue the fight even though he knew he will lose the battle.

The Queen's two maids ran to get their bags which were filled with the Queen's and baby's clothes. Along with their clothes, they packed food they would need for their journey, as well as jewelry and gold coins that will sustain them while they live in another land where the Queen and Baby Aoife will be safe.

Queen Eleanor, Baby Eoife, and the two maid immediately went to the secret chamber behind a heavy furniture in the bedroom. There were gowns that hid the secret panel inside the cabinet. Queen Eleanor changed to a pauper's dress to hide her identity. The nanny held the baby since the Queen was not yet strong enough to hold her. The two maids also dressed up in rags. They placed ashes on their faces to make them look poor and unwashed.

Then they went to the tunnel using candles to light their path. They moved as quickly as possible using lanterns to At the end of the tunnel was a big cart with two horses attached to it. The cart was full of hay. The Queen, the baby and the maids hid under the hay and their belongings were placed under the cart.

The coachman slowly led the horses inside the barn beside a shanty where they will stay and wait for a few hours. Traveling at midnight will surely arose suspicion.

The Queen sang softly to Baby Aoife to prevent her from crying. The maids changed her outfit. Her clothes had become wet.

The nanny placed the baby in a small wooden carton with soft rags to make the baby as comfortable as possible.

The Queen gazed at her little baby and held her tightly while she sat on the cart. The cart with hay was by far not as comfortable as her bed, which she already miss, but they are safe. And that was all that matters.

The Queen smiled at the adorable baby before her. "Don't worry, little one. God is in our side. Our guardian angels will keep as safe. Princess Aoife stared at her mother with wonder, her small mouth made gargling noises, as if she understood the lovely Queen.

While the mother was singing softly to her baby, she thought of her husband and prayed that he is still alive and will escape too. Her tears fell, for she loved the good King. The King was very kind to her. Even though King Jophas was ready to give up his life for his people, Queen Eleanor wanted him safe and alive.

The Queen placed the baby in her little humble crib when the baby fell asleep. She later fell asleep, too.