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The Eastern Sea
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Coralie
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Jul 07, 2016 11:49AM
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“Clare, why won’t you ever let me brush your hair?” Isolda pouted, looking over at the girl in the faded green dress who sat cross-legged on the floor in front of her. The girl shook her head and light brown curls flew around her ears. She gazed down at the doll in her hands, rearranging the doll’s skirt so that it lay perfectly around her cloth legs. “Clare?” Isolda whined.
Clare sighed, looking up at her friend. “You’re not supposed to brush my hair. Mother said so. Last time I let you, she wouldn’t let us play together for a week.”
Isolda rolled her pretty green eyes, “I can make sure we still get to play. Besides, I can put it back up when I’m done. She’ll never know.” She pouted out her bottom lip and widened her eyes, gazing unblinkingly at Clare. “Pllleeeaassseee?” Isolda begged, clasping her hands together. She tried not to giggle as a smile broke out on Clare’s face. She squealed when the girl sighed and handed over the brush that lay on the floor between them. Isolda jumped up and circled behind Clare as she sat up straighter and started pulling the cloth tie from her head. Isolda grinned as she ran her fingers gently through Clare’s long hair. She brushed with gentle strokes and tried many funny arrangements with the long curls. The girls took turns giggling as they looked at in the silver-framed mirror atop Isolda’s elegant desk. When Isolda finally bored of playing with Clare’s hair, the two did the best they could to put it up the way it was before. Clare knew she’d hear about it later, but Isolda’s smiles were always worth the consequences they earned.
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A shrill shriek pierced through the gardens, startling the gardeners and the women harvesting fresh fruit for the kitchen. Just as the shriek ended, giggles filled the air as two girls flew through the path, one chasing the other. Some of the workers shook their heads, others looked on with amused smiles as they watched the girls avoid trees and fountains. The girl in the lead ran swiftly, her white dress flowing behind her. A light blue dress tailed the girl chasing the first; she was catching up quickly. Just as the girl in white looked back to check on her progress, she rounded a corner and bumped into an older woman carrying a basket of linens. She called out her apologies, stumbling to regain her traction before the girl in blue could use the mistake to catch her.
“Isolda!” the woman scowled as she bent to pick up the dirtied laundry. She jumped back, hand to her chest, as Isolda’s pursuer leapt across the fallen basket and continued the chase. A young woman picking strawberries nearby buried her smile behind a hand before the older woman turned her way. The older woman glared at the girl, grumbling about propriety and something else under her breath. The girl quickly rushed to the woman’s side to help gather the laundry and return it to the basket.
“They’re only having a bit of fun, Sarah. I’m sure Isolda and Clare meant no harm.”
“You’d best return to your own work, Maria,” Sarah pointed her finger at the young woman, “Isolda may be able to get away with whatever she wants, but Clare should know better! Soon Isolda will have to take responsibility for her behavior and then Clare will have no one to bribe her into such ridiculous means of entertainment.”
“They’re only children, Sarah,” a nearby gardener spoke quietly. He lifted his head sorrowfully to look at the two women. Sarah scowled at him, but her lips pressed into a firm line as she refrained from replying. Edwin was the younger brother of the head gardener. He didn’t intimidate Sarah—there were very few people who did—but he had lost a son to disease a few years ago. Watching Isolda and Clare play was one of his favorite things to do. It helped him forget the pain of losing little Isaac. She pulled the basket of laundry onto her hip and shook her head as she turned away, back on her initial route.
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Clare stirred at a soft knock on her door. She rose quietly, rubbing her eyes and yawning. She’d just fallen to sleep, but knew that she needed to be ready to work at a moment’s notice. Before opening the door, she glanced behind her to her mother’s sleeping figure. Thankful that the knock had not awaken her, Clare bit her lip as she turned back around. With practice, she’d learned to open the heavy door without making any noise, but she couldn’t know if their visitor would have sense enough to whisper or not. Another soft knock started. With a sigh, Clare pulled the door open, gasping when she saw Isolda.
“Isolda!” Clare whispered urgently, “What are you doing here?” She stepped into the hallway, pulling the door closed gently so that she would not wake her mother.
Isolda beamed brightly and giggled softly in the dark. She held a candle in one hand and a spare cloak in the other. “Come on, Clare, I want to show you something.”
Clare shook her head, “No way, Isolda. We can’t leave. You should be in your room. If anyone finds you here—”
“If anyone finds me here, they’ll what?” Isolda interrupted. Clare didn’t respond, but glared at the girl anyway. “That’s what I thought,” Isolda smiled triumphantly, “So, get your shoes and come along. We haven’t got all night.”
“Isolda, we can’t just leave. Do you know how much trouble I could get into for this? They might even kick us out. If they find you missing and then they realize I’m responsible…” Clare shuddered. “No. I’m not going.”
“Fine,” Isolda’s voice rose. Clare shushed her, but Isolda only spoke louder, “I’ll go by myself.”
“No!” Clare nearly shouted, grabbing Isolda’s arm as she turned to leave. She lowered her voice again, “You can’t go out by yourself! Are you insane?”
Isolda whispered back, determination glinted in her eyes, “I’m going with or without you.”
Clare chewed her on her bottom lip. If they got caught, they’d never see each other again, and Clare really didn’t know what might happen to her mother. She looked at Isolda. If she didn’t go, Isolda would not hesitate to go out alone. Clare sighed, “I’ll get my shoes.” Isolda squealed softly in the dark, jumping up and down. “Shh!” Clare clamped her hand over Isolda’s mouth. She gave her friend a stern look and then slipped back into her room. “I’m going to regret this…” she mumbled, glancing nervously at her mother before returning to Isolda.
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Wow! Thank you!! I'm glad you like it! Is there anything that you thought of when you read it? Anything unclear or that sticks out?
I have more, but I didn't know if I should post it or not.
The only things that crossed my mind were 'How old are Isolda and Clare?' and 'What is their position in the castle, or at least Clare's mother's position?' For some reason, I started off thinking that Clare was of noble blood, like maybe a duchess's daughter. It depends. Right now nobody can really copy your idea, if it's plagiarism you're worried about. But if you include something that's a concept, such as telling the story of Clare and Isolda sneaking off and finding a ring that is the key to revealing a baron's past conspiracy, well, someone could steal off of that. Even if it's unintentional. But it's a good thing that this is a private group, because non-members can't just view it and market it as their own original idea!
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I'm not overly concerned about copying at the moment, but I appreciate the info! And the next tidbits aren't super plot revealing, so I guess I'll put a few more up. I just want to get a feel for the reader's perspective to see what I need to fix for what I intend and don't intend to come across.
Thanks!!!
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Clare held Isolda back as she peered around the next corner. She could feel the energy rushing through Isolda as the girl bounced behind her. “The coast is clear,” she whispered. Both girls slipped into the next hallway, quietly passing from one shadow to the next.
“Wait!” Isolda tugged on Clare’s arm as the reached the next bend. Clare looked back at her friend questioningly. “Let’s take the secret exit again.” Clare thought about it for a moment before nodding her agreement. The girls checked the next hallway and waited for the guard on their left to turn into the next hallway. When there was no one to see them, they bolted down the hallway to their right until they came to a door at the far end of the hall. Isolda looked over her shoulder as Clare searched under the rug for their hidden key. “Hurry!” Isolda whispered, tapping on Clare’s back.
“I’m going as fast as I can!”
“Hurry, Clare! He’ll be back any minute.” Isolda’s words died out as she heard the door swing open. The girls rushed inside and closed the door as quietly as they could. Isolda ran to the far side of the room to a large fireplace. Just as she was about to open the passageway, Clare swatted at her hand. Isolda turned, expecting trouble, but instead she saw Clare grinning at the fireplace.
“It’s my turn to open it,” she whispered. Isolda scoffed, putting a hand on her hip.
“Well, excuse me,” she stepped aside, her hand motioning toward the fireplace. Clare quickly found the loose stone in the wall and soon the fireplace creaked open just far enough for the girls to squeeze through one at a time. They made the rest of their way silently. Any noises in this passageway would easily be heard. Clare led the way through the pitch black, careful to avoid the dangerous sections of the passageway. Isolda didn’t need much to follow in Clare’s footsteps. They used to bring candles along when they were younger, but now both girls knew the path well enough to travel it my memory.
As the girls burst into the fresh air of the night, they took deep breaths to chase the stale air of the passage from their lungs. Suppressing their giggles, they ran through the gardens to the gates and fled until they reached their favorite stream. The full moon was out, bathing the serene clearing in a silver haze. The girls stretched out beneath the stars, gazing at the beautiful night sky. Clare lay her head on Isolda’s stomach, her hair stretched out behind her. “Mother is going to kill me when we get back,” she whispered.
Isolda giggled again and Clare could practically see her grin shinning through the dark, “She’s so strict!”
“I don’t think she means to be,” Clare said thoughtfully, “Sometimes I wonder if she’s really just worried about me.”
Isolda shook her head, “If you did everything your mother told you to, you’d never see or do anything fun.” She leaned up on her elbows, “There’s so much out there. The world is such a huge place. Your mother would be more than content if you never left the castle for the rest of your life.”
“It’s safe,” Clare said, “That’s why she likes it so much.”
Isolda fell back flat on the grass, running her fingers through Clare’s hair like she used to when they were small children, “But safe is boring. I want to see the world.”
Clare giggled, “Do you think I could too? I’ve read such incredible stories about the sea.”
“Of course you can!” Isolda sat up, forcing Clare to right herself. She pulled Clare around to face her, “You’re my best friend, Clare. I’m not going anywhere without you. Ever.”
Clare smiled, “You mean it?”
“You and me,” Isolda stared at the sky again, “We’re going to travel everywhere.” Clare’s grin matched Isolda’s as the younger girl whispered, “And we’ll start with the Eastern Sea.”
******
Isolda stifled a yawn, blinking slowly as she gazed out the far window behind her mother. She resisted the temptation to lean her elbows on the table and lay her chin on her hands, instead sitting up straighter when her mother glanced her way. These meetings bored her to tears, but her father had insisted that she start attending them regularly. She couldn’t hold it against them, but she couldn’t bring herself to stay focused either. They always went on about crops and taxes and politics between kingdoms. They were things she knew she should be interested in, but she never managed to follow the conversation for long. She liked when they talked about the people outside of the castle, not the other nobles and such, but the real people. She was curious about how the people lived, but that wasn’t really what her parents seemed to need to discuss. The advisers weren’t concerned with the people’s style of living, but with whether they were living in peace, both among themselves and between nations.
Isolda let her mind wander, dreaming of seeing the world beyond the castle. She started to draw waves on her skirt with her finger, imagining seagulls and foreign shells. She wiggled her toes in her shoes, thinking of what warm, wet sand must feel like. Before she could help it, she found herself smiling at the scene she’d drawn on her lap. Her head snapped to attention as her mother cleared her throat softly. Isolda reddened and renewed her effort to listen to the conversation before her.
As the meeting finally came to a close, Isolda barely managed not to leap from her chair. She told Clare to be ready so they could raid the kitchens after the meeting. Maria was making strawberry tarts today for some guests coming in from the north and Isolda knew that if they could distract the head pastry chef, Maria would give them a few of the extra ones to eat. Just as she reached the door, her mother’s hand reached across to stop her from pulling on the handle.
“Isolda,” the woman always spoke gently, but still managed to gain the attention of everyone in the room.
“Yes, Mother?” she glanced nervously at the advisers still left, feeling her cheeks burn at the attention.
“I need to speak with you for a moment.”
“Of course, Mother.” Isolda stepped back to follow her mother, but the woman shook her head slightly.
“Find Clare and meet me in my sitting room, please.” Isolda felt her arms go cold. Her mother had never asked to speak with Clare before. Her mind raced trying to think of what she might have done to get Clare into this much trouble. Her mother smiled gently, leaning down to whisper in her daughter’s ear, “No trouble,” she said as if reading Isolda’s mind, “I just need both of you.”
Isolda found Clare and the girls quickly reached the appropriate door. Clare’s eyes were wide with fright. She’d tried to stay calm for Isolda’s sake, but Isolda knew Clare too well for the girl to hide her anxiety. Turning to her friend, Isolda tried to smile, “She said we weren’t in trouble. We should be fine…” she trailed off, still trying to convince herself.
Clare did her best to straighten her gown, wishing she’d put on a nicer dress this morning. Isolda stilled Clare’s fretting hands and knocked on the door.
I LOVE IT!
(I read other people's stories for inspiration only! I NEVER steal other people's ideas!)
(I read other people's stories for inspiration only! I NEVER steal other people's ideas!)
Mod
(I read other people's stories for inspiration only! I NEVER steal other people's ideas!)"
Thanks!! Any feedback for anything?
Me too! It's a shame that people have to be concerned about theft. Not saying it doesn't happen, just that it's a shame!
Feedback: The story is keeping me on the edge!
I'm already getting that feeling in the pit of my stomach when I think I'm in trouble. Can't wait to find out what she wants with Clare and Isolda!
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Isolda flung herself onto the grass by their stream, smiling brightly at the sun above her. “Clare, aren’t you so glad that winter has finally gone? I think I would have died if I had to stay inside for another day.” She rolled onto her stomach to look up at her friend.
Clare smiled down at the younger girl as she sat on the warm grass beside her, “You say that, but until I see it, I refuse to believe it.”
“Honest, I could have fallen dead at the sheer boredom of another day with those dreadful tutors.”
“Staying indoors hasn’t managed to kill anybody yet, and neither has a sound education.”
Isolda groaned, “Why do you always refute my complaints with such sensible answers?” Isolda sat up, “You know, I think I should test the theory. Then you’ll have to admit defeat at my funeral.” She giggled, but Clare looked stricken.
“Don’t say such things! That isn’t funny, Isolda.”
“I was only kidding, Clare,” Isolda’s voice softened, “It’s not like I would try anything serious.”
Clare shrugged and her smile returned, “Oh, no fear there. You couldn’t be serious if you wanted to be.” Isolda gasped, hitting Clare’s arm. She quickly jumped up, laughing, and ran to the stream. Clare chased after her, shrieking as Isolda splashed chilly water in her direction. The girls fought in the stream, letting the clear water soak them through and through and giggling until the sun set.
******
“Isolda! Isolda!” Clare shouted, running around the corner to Isolda’s rooms. Guards stared after her and maids scurried out of her way. She burst into Isolda’s main room, not even bothering to knock, “Isolda!”
“Clare?” Isolda peered into the room from the adjoining bedroom, “Clare, what is it?”
Clare crashed into her friend, giggling so hard that she couldn’t speak. Isolda brightened when she heard Clare’s laughter, smiling when the two nearly fell over at Clare’s impact.
“Your mother asked me to go the ball with you!”
“She…” confusion settled on Isolda’s features, “She asked you to what?”
“The ball, Isolda! I’m going to the ball!” Comprehension dawned on Isolda and she squealed, squeezing Clare so tightly that they almost lost their balance again. Both girls grasped each others arms, jumping in circles and shrieking so loudly the entire castle may have heard.
***
Clare stared at her reflection, awestruck. She sat at the desk in Isolda’s room, gazing into the same silver-framed mirror they’d played before as children. Isolda had insisted on doing her hair, and Clare had to admit, Isolda had gotten really good at it over the years. She wore the most elegant dress she’d ever seen, a gown not quite yellow and not quite brown. The color complimented the color of her braided hair perfectly. She looked up at Isolda, twirling at the foot of her bed in a light green dress. She’d chosen it to bring out her eyes. Isolda wore her hair down, letting her soft tresses touch the bottom of her back. Small pins, embedded in light green jewels, held the locks away from her face. She gushed when Clare stood.
“I can’t believe my mother agreed to let me go,” Clare whispered. She feared her cheeks would hurt from the grinning she’d done all day.
“She wouldn’t have refused the invitation my parents extended to you.”
Clare giggled, shaking her head, “No, never!”
“Are you ready?” Isolda clasped Clare’s hands.
“I don’t know.” Clare gazed at Isolda before she embraced her tightly, “Thank you.”
The girls jumped as one of Isolda’s maids walked through the door. It was Sarah. She curtsied and her voice wavered as she spoke, “Come along girls. Two guards will escort you to the ballroom.”
“Sarah…” Isolda approached the old woman cautiously, “Are you…crying?” Sarah shook her head. The woman often gave them both a hard time, but Isolda’s heart ached for her when she saw the tears brimming in her eyes.
“No, dear,” she cleared her throat, smiling from Isolda to Clare, “I’m just…” She glanced down at a folded handkerchief in her wrinkled hands, before looking up at the girls again. “I’m just so proud of you two. I know you’re both rowdy and mischievous beyond all reason, but you’ve both grown into such fine young women. You’re kind and caring, compassionate, and loyal to each other to a fault. I can’t believe you’re going to your first ball.” She blew her nose with the cloth between her fingers and Isolda gently wrapped her arms around the woman, smiling into her shoulder. Clare joined them and Sarah wrapped an arm around her. Pulling back, Sarah shooed the two girls along, warning them about the misconceptions of the tolerance for being fashionably late.
***
Clare trailed behind Isolda as the pair traveled through the ballroom, munching on sweets laid out on tables along the walls of the room. The music was bright and cheerful and the girls had each been asked to dance more than once. It was turning out to be a successful event, until he showed up.
Isolda stopped dead in her tracks, causing Clare to bump into her. “Hey,” Clare poked Isolda’s side, “What did you do that for?” When Isolda didn’t respond, Clare circled around her friend, inspecting a cherry she’d just picked up from the buffet line. Before she could look up, Isolda grabbed Clare’s hand and darted behind the nearest column. “Isolda! What are you doing?”
“Shh!” Isolda peered around the column only to jerk back into hiding when her suspicions were confirmed.
“Isolda,” Clare scolded, “This is a ball, not a midnight adventure.” Her eyes widened and she glanced around to be sure that no one had overheard her comment. If they had, perhaps they would only think it an imagined comparison. Looking back at Isolda, Clare grumbled and turned to walk around some more without her friend, but Isolda pulled Clare back before she could take a single step.
“Clare, look!” Isolda’s face had gone white, but she pointed to something on the other side of the column. Clare followed Isolda’s finger until she spotted a familiar face. Unable to control her laughter, Clare found Isolda’s hands on her mouth before the sound had completely left her lips.
“Don’t you dare,” Isolda’s eyes narrowed.
Clare shook her head, laughing even louder beneath Isolda’s hold. She pulled Isolda’s hands down, grinning as she asked quietly, “You didn’t know he would be here?” Isolda looked back at the boy across the room, shaking her head. Clare shook her head back, “Amazing.”
“What is?” Isolda turned to her.
“Just a few short years ago you couldn’t stand the sight of him, now you’re head over heels for him!”
“Am not!” Isolda defended. “He’s just…He’ll…He’ll ruin our first ball, Clare! He’s so…so annoying and I just know he’ll do something to—”
“What’s he going to do, Isolda?” Clare snickered, “Ask you to dance?” Isolda huffed, peering anxiously around the column again. He did look really handsome in that suit, she had to admit. And they hadn’t been such enemies over the last year as they were when they’d first met. He’d actually grown to be kind of sweet, she thought. Sighing she leaned against the column, her cheek against the backs of her hands, watching as Jeremy laughed and managed the ballroom like a professional. This obviously wasn’t his first ball.
“You’re practically drooling,” Clare laughed. When it didn’t seem that Isolda had heard, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Quietly, she slipped away as Isolda gazed after Jeremy.When Isolda finally turned to suggest that they hide in the next ballroom over, she realized Clare had disappeared. Frantically, she searched the nearby faces, but to no avail. Annoyance soon replaced her apprehension when she saw a scrap of the golden and creamy dress that Clare was wearing approaching a buffet table on the far side of the room. Sighing, Isolda started after her, hoping both that Jeremy would and wouldn’t see her.
***
“Excuse me,” Jeremy heard a familiar voice as he felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned, smiling brightly at the girl before him, “Clare?” His voice sounded far more incredulous than he’d meant it to.
“Well, I do live here you know,” the girl scowled at him, “Gosh, I hate it when Isolda’s right.”
“Isolda?” Jeremy looked around, “Is she here?”
Clare rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. Her voice dripped with sarcasm, “No, of course not, it’s just her castle. Why would she be here?”
“I’m sorry, Clare,” Jeremy turned back to her, “It’s just…Neither of you have ever been to the balls the queen throws before. You look wonderful, by the way.” He smiled a smile that made even Clare’s breath catch in her throat. Gosh, she thought to herself, I hate it when I’m right. Clare could tell Jeremy was distracted searching for Isolda, but he was still trying to be considerate and carry on a conversation with her. He asked her about her health and her mother. She smiled to herself, knowing that Jeremy was just as goofy in the head for Isolda as Isolda was for him. Finally she had to stop him. She held up a hand.
“Is something wrong?” concern bled through his voice and his eyes fixated on her. She had his full attention. It made her laugh abruptly. She clamped her hands over her mouth, her eyes wide at the abrupt sound.
“You two are so perfect for each other,” she whispered.
“Excuse me?”
“Nevermind,” she grabbed his hand and started to pull him behind her, “It won’t be long now before Isolda finds me, so we need to find her. Come on.”
“But, Clare—” he stopped short when Isolda appeared before them. She looked like she was holding back tears as she gazed from Clare to Jeremy and back.
“Clare?” her voice only wavered slightly, but Clare caught it.
“Isolda,” Clare dropped Jeremy’s hand and reached out for her friend, “What happened?” But Isolda stepped back, almost as if she was afraid of Clare’s touch.
“Isolda?” Clare didn’t understand and before she could figure out what had upset Isolda, the other girl turned and ran from the room. Clare turned to Jeremy, “She’s never run from me before.”
“Do you want me to see if she’ll talk to me?” the look on his face told Clare he was concerned, but really hoping she would say no.
She shook her head, “No, we have no secrets. She’ll talk to me. Let me figure out what’s wrong, and then you have to promise me you’ll ask her to dance.” Clare wasn’t sure, but she thought Jeremy might have been blushing. She shook her head and laughed quietly before running off to find Isolda. After searching the adjoining ballrooms, she found the princess out on one of the balconies, staring at the gardens below.
“Isolda?” Clare approached her gently when she heard soft sniffles, “Isolda, why don’t you tell me what happened?”
Isolda spun on her heals and faced Clare with a fierce fire in her eyes, “You are what happened!”
Clare was taken aback, gaping at Isolda. “What did I do?”
“I saw you with Jeremy. You’re supposed to be my best friend. How could you do something like this?”
Clare glared, “You’re upset because I talked to Jeremy? He’s my friend too, you know. Honestly, if I thought you were serious about hiding from him, I might have reconsidered, but as your best friend, it is my duty to drag you out of your cocoon and force you to talk to him. Even if it’s your first ball, you can’t honestly expect me to stand back and watch you swoon over him while he searches the rooms, just hoping to see you. You two are like—”
“He was searching for me?” Isolda’s temper softened and she searched Clare’s eyes for answers.
“Yeah, as soon as I told him you were here, he couldn’t stop looking for you.”
“Oh,” her anger extinguished, Isolda’s face turned bright red as she avoided Clare’s gaze.
[Out of space. Will continue in next comment.]
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“I…Clare, I’m sorry,” she looked down, ashamed, “I saw you holding his hand and I thought…” Clare heard the wobble in Isolda’s voice again and sighed. She couldn’t be angry with Isolda any longer than Isolda could have been angry with her. She wrapped the younger girl in her arms and put her chin on Isolda’s head.
“Best friends?” she whispered, “No matter what?” She felt Isolda nod against her chest. “Okay, then,” Clare smiled, holding Isolda at arms length, “Let’s get you back to a certain boy.” Clare couldn’t help but grin as Isolda finally smiled a shy smile. Clare cocked her head to the side and put a finger on her chin, gazing at the stars thoughtfully, “I think I recall him saying something about wanting to dance with this girl.” Isolda’s giggle made Clare smile. It always did.
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“Ouuuuggghhh!” If Isolda hadn’t heard the absolute agony in Clare’s voice, she might have been tempted to laugh at the look on her face. As it was, she couldn’t be much help. “For the love of all that is good in this woooooorrrrlllllddd!” Clare’s face was as red as a beat and tears streamed down her face. Isolda glanced worriedly at the midwife. Clare was going to cut off the circulation in her hand if this baby wasn’t delivered soon. Isolda had tried to comfort her, but after hours of pain, Clare didn’t seem to want much of anything except for relief.
“You can do this, Clare,” Isolda whispered, staring intently at Clare.
“But I don’t want to,” she whined.
“Yes you do,” Isolda cooed, stroking Clare’s forehead. She felt so warm. Was that normal? She decided to let the nursemaids and the midwife do the worrying. Her job was to provide emotional support for Clare right now. “You’re having a baby.”
“I’m well aware of that!” Clare grunted angrily.
Isolda bit her lip. She didn’t know what to say, so she just started to pull Clare’s hair down.
“What are you doing?” one of the nurses asked before she put a cool rag on Clare’s forehead. Isolda ignored the woman and started to run her fingers though Clare’s long curls. Before she knew it Clare’s face relaxed. It was only a little as the next wave of pain came, but Isolda felt a small triumph.
“Just one more push,” the midwife’s voice was excited, “Come on, Clare, you can do it!” Clare’s roar was drowned out by a sharp cry. She gasped for air and Isolda jumped gleefully at the sound. The room cheered and soon everyone was moving in a frenzy.
“It’s a girl!” the midwife said, wrapping the child in clean linen. Isolda felt a swell in her chest as she gazed at the bundle in the woman’s hands. Suddenly, she felt something roll down her cheek. Gasping in surprise, her fingers brushed against tears.
“Isolda,” Clare smiled, “Isolda, you’re an aunt.” Clare insisted that Isolda hold the girl first and no amount of protest would change her mind. Isolda cried openly, gazing at the girl.
“What are you going to name her?” Isolda looked up, searching Clare’s blue eyes as if the answer were written in them.
“Eva,” a man’s voice croaked as he stepped behind Isolda.
“William,” Isolda gushed, “She’s so beautiful.” William bent down to kiss his wife. He mumbled in her ear, asking how she felt and if she needed anything. Isolda tried not to look, but they both still amazed her. She hoped that she would be as happy with Jeremy as Clare was with William. They would be married in less than a year, but she couldn’t imagine moving across kingdoms to live with him. She tried to hide her sorrow as William gently reached for the child in her arms.
“Thank you, Isolda,” William beamed, “for everything.”
Isolda didn’t understand. She looked from William to Clare, confusion evident on her face.
Clare smiled at Isolda, “You have given us everything we could have possibly needed or wanted here.”
Isolda sat beside Clare, nuzzling against her, “You’ll always be welcome in my family and my home. Whatever is mine is yours. You know that.” Isolda choked on her own words, thinking of the move she’d have to make in just a few months. She hoped Clare attributed the emotion in her voice to the wonder in William’s arms.
***
“Jeremy?” Isolda rubbed her thumb across his hands. His arms were wrapped around her and she leaned into him as they sat gazing at the stars.
“Mm?” he leaned against a tree, listening to the sounds of the nearby stream. Isolda and Clare had a special spot a mile or so down the stream, and when he’d seen how much they enjoyed it, he had found a pleasant spot to call his own. Once Jeremy and Isolda’s betrothal was announced, he brought her to his tree, hoping it would please her. Soon after, they frequented the spot on almost every occasion. Tonight he was visiting to see Clare’s new little girl. Isolda had written him a few weeks ago, urging him to come see his new little niece. That’s what Isolda called her.
She sat up, looking out at the stream as she sat her head on her knees, sighing. Uh oh, he thought. Something was bothering her. “What is it?” he asked, gently rubbing her back.
She turned to face him, tears brimming in her eyes, “I love you, Jeremy.”
He smiled, uncertainly. Her words warmed his heart, but her tone was so full of sorrow. “I love you too, Isolda.” He waited for her to speak again, knowing she would sort out her thoughts in time.
“I’m afraid of leaving.” She whispered the words like a confession.
Jeremy nodded, understanding dawning on him. He pulled her close. She felt so right in his arms. He couldn’t make her choose between him and her home. Softly, he told her that she could make that decision and that he would love her regardless. She pulled away from him again, shock on her face, “No! Jeremy, I want to marry you.”
“Isolda, I can’t stay here with you. My parents are dead and I am the crown prince. I cannot abandon my people.”
“I would never ask that of you!”
“Then what do you want?” he didn’t ask in challenge or irritation, but out of a yearning to understand.
“I want you,” she kissed him before burying her head against his chest, “But that doesn’t mean I’m not afraid to leave.” She chuckled softly.
“What?”
“I’ve always wanted to travel the world, but I can’t seem to bring myself to leave my kingdom to wed my true love. What irony,” her voice turned bitter and she pulled at the grass beneath her feet.
“This isn’t about the marriage and it isn’t about traveling,” Jeremy looked at her, “What is this about?” Suddenly, it dawned on him, “This is about Clare, isn’t it?” Isolda looked away, unable to meet his eyes. As soon as he’d said it, she realized it was true.
Jeremy laughed. At first it was one short laugh, abrupt and surprised, but then it turned into boisterous laughter, joyfully echoing down to the stream below. Isolda imagined the current carrying it all the way back to the castle. His laughter was normally so contagious, but she just looked at him in puzzlement now. “What’s so funny?” she asked.
He shook his head, “You…you amaze me.” He kissed the top of her head and pulled her to her feet. They ran back towards the castle and he refused to answer any of her questions.
***
Clare jumped as a hard knock sounded on her door. She still wasn’t used to sleeping in rooms as nice as Isolda’s, but the queen had designated them for her as a wedding gift. Clare’s mother would have been proud, but she’d passed away shortly after her first ball. Isolda hadn’t let go of her for a week solid and the king and queen had both made sure to let Clare know they thought of her as their own daughter.
William hadn’t heard the knock. Sometimes Clare wondered how he could be such a sound sleeper. Shaking her head, she rose from the bed and reached for a robe to pull over her nightgown. A second loud knock resounded through the room. She winced, hoping Eva would inherit something from her father. Quickly she raced to the door before another knock would have the chance to wake the infant. She was surprised to see Jeremy and Isolda.
“—can’t just barge in the middle of the night,” Isolda was scolding Jeremy. She turned white when Clare opened the door, “He didn’t wake Eva, did he?” she whispered, peering into the darkness behind Clare.
“No,” Clare shook her head, “is something wrong?”
Jeremy didn’t even look regretful in the slightest. Isolda spoke before he could, “I’m sorry, Clare. We were sitting my the stream,” she tried to explain, “and suddenly he leapt up and nearly ran all the way here. I tried to make him wait until morning, but—”
“But I have something I’d like to say,” Jeremy interrupted, looking pointedly at Isolda.
“Jeremy,” Isolda’s voice cracked, “Don’t bring her into this…please?”
Clare’s concern was growing by the minute. She looked between the two and pulled Isolda toward her, bracing herself. The look in Jeremy’s brown eyes bordered on dangerous. His smile reminded her of him as a little boy, and that could bear no good fruit. She would have to be strong for Isolda, no matter what was about to happen.
“Isolda is…no,” Jeremy paused, thinking. He faced the two women, “You, Clare, are one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met.” Clare felt a warmth rise to her cheeks, but the suspicion never left the back of her mind. “Isolda, I love you more than words can say.” The girls waited for him to go on. “I can’t imagine a life without you, Isolda.” She smiled, and Clare squeezed her hands reassuringly. Jeremy continued, “But I also couldn’t imagine your life…without…Clare.” He pointed to Clare.
“Wait…” Clare thought, “Why wouldn’t we be…” Clare hadn’t even thought of the changes Isolda’s wedding would bring. She turned to her closest friend. Isolda’s eyes were wet and she looked ashamed, as if she’d somehow betrayed Clare. “Oh, Isolda,” Clare wrapped her hands around Isolda’s, “Isolda, Isolda.” She pulled her into a hug. “I am so selfish.” She mumbled into Isolda’s hair. Pushing Isolda to arm’s length, Clare wiped the tears from Isolda’s cheeks. “Isolda, you will always be my best friend. No matter where you go. I will miss you more than all the stars in the heavens, but you cannot even think of staying. You have to go with Jeremy. We can always visit with each other, as much as you’d like.”
Isolda nodded. “But we were supposed to go to the Eastern Sea together,” she whispered, falling back into Clare’s embrace.
“And we still can,” Clare replied.
“You two are adorable,” Jeremy clasped his hands together, grinning wildly.
“He hasn’t stopped smiling like that since we left the stream,” Isolda said, “It’s kind of unnerving.”
“Yeah,” Clare agreed, “What is with you, anyway?”
“Clare,” Jeremy grinned, “I’d like you and your family to come live with me and Isolda in my kingdom.”
***
William startled awake when he heard a piercing screech. He quickly found Eva stirring in her crib. She’d heard the scream too, but somehow she’d managed to stay asleep. His heart beat faster when he realized that Clare wasn’t in the bed. He heard hushed voices coming from the next room. Quickly, he ran to discover the source of scream. Sliding into the next room, William found Isolda clinging to Clare and Jeremy sending guards back to their posts. He ran to the girls, panic surging through his veins.
“Isolda!” he cried, “Isolda, are you okay?” She spun around and flew into him, nearly knocking him over. She must be okay if she was running. He realized she was laughing, and sighed in relief. It was just Isolda being Isolda. No one was hurt.
“Jeremy,” he heard Clare’s calm voice, “are you sure? Have you thought about this?” And there was Clare being Clare, rational.
Jeremy shook his head, “There’s nothing to think about. Not on my end anyway. I do expect you’ll need to speak with your husband, of course, before you decide. But I need you to know the invitation stands.”
“What’s he going on about?” William asked, looking down at the leech who had attached herself to him.
Isolda gushed, unable to speak. Suddenly, Isolda let him loose and scurried toward the bedchamber.
Clare’s mother instinct went off and she chased after her, half-whispering, half-calling out, “Don’t you dare wake that baby!”
William turned to Jeremy, hoping he would exhibit a little more emotional restraint. He hooked a thumb over his shoulder, “Between those two, I’ll never get a straight answer. It’s like they have their own secret language.”
Jeremy smiled, gazing into the dark room they had disappeared into, “How did we get so lucky?”
William grinned as he heard Eva’s cry, “I honestly don’t know.” He clapped a hand on Jeremy’s shoulder, “We’re fortunate, my brother, fortunate I tell you.”
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