Chapter 2

"Where did you go!"Madeline, Serena's mother asked arms akimbo and in anger.

She could smell some hot soup cooking in the kitchen and her stomach rumbled in hunger. her father wasn't back yet, she discovered.

She stroked her stomach.

" apologies mama..the goat wandered off to the woods... I had to search for her".

but she dare not tell her dramatic mother about the strange handsome man's part. her mother would scream and think she was seeing a man. She wasn't ready for that yet.

Mother wanted someone royal if she ever wants to marry..just anything royal. She could recall her father discussing with his wife about her finding a good husband and her friend Matilda had joked that it wouldn't be bad if she could find a royal chicken, or a royal dog, as long as that specimen is a royal. of course, women her age,(twenty-two) were already married and had children of their own but she wanted to marry the man she loves and most importantly explore the kingdom.

Madeline softened and sighed." You make your father wish for a boy instead.

Go and wash up then come for a meal..your father would soon be back".

" yes mama," She said quietly and did as she was told.

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"Serena!"

"yes, mama!"

she ran, almost tripping over a wooden chair. it was an early hour of the day. the illumination of the morning sky made the room bright.

" you need to help me distribute these gowns," Madeline said sewing as she talks.

" What do you need me to do mama?" she asked and yawned.

For a moment she wished her father has a boy who would help.

"First, arrange these gowns, do not bother to don a dress then take them to madam fort".

"yes mama," Serena said hauling up the gown, rubbing her swollen eyes, and walking out heading to Matilda's cottage.

************,****

" What do you mean you've stopped seeing Matthew?" Serena asked her friend Matilda as they strolled towards the market.

The weather was calm and comfortable. she saw vendors setting out fresh meats on the counter of their carts. They were so raw that she felt her mouth water. Matilda sighed." Pa asked him to help him feed the cows after a meal when he visited us, but the old man was humiliated!"

Serena gasped. she hadn't imagined Mathew to be that rude.

" and what did your papa say?"

" He kicked him out of the house in anger and told him not to come back..." Matilda inhaled "it was humiliating. now my chances to marry him are slim".

Serena stopped walking and turned to her.

" don't worry my friend, your father did the right thing. The young fellow needs to be taught a lesson ".

"But I love him dearly" she moaned softly.

Serena sighed, this was what she hated about courtship. A broken heart.

she could think back to a young fine lady who lived down the street near the tavern that was engaged to a Noble Lord, but the poor girl committed suicide afterward because of a broken heart.

She hated the idea of being weak. and she couldn't imagine herself falling in love with a fool.

" dear Matilda..."She comforted placing her arm around her friend." I'm sure another fine lass would come around..so don't fret.. please put a smile on your good face".

Matilda smiled." thank you, Serena."

As the pair strolled towards the market,

screams and wailing could be heard from afar and she wondered what could be wrong.

The kingdom of the Isle has long been a peaceful one.

Matilda clasped her hands in fear as they headed closer to the market.

"what's happening Serena?"

" I have no idea too, my friend but stay close".she replied looking around.

She felt herself being tugged by a stranger from behind halting her next statement.

Uttering a cry in shock, she ran off with matilda. however, they didn't go too far because they saw six well-built knights blocking their way. a golden-haired man stepped forward and smiled.

Serena stood upright, ready for anything.