𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄.
chapter thirteen; Meaning of The Stag
" I suppose if you can handle the threat of pagans, you can handle my mother. "

  THE SUN PEEKED through France's blossoming trees, shining down on the six Scottish women walking between them. Elspeth had managed to gain some rest despite Sebastian's words that floated in her head.

  She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to make him so insistent about the Blood Wood.

  But right now, she was focused on the King's return. 

  And the strange taste Sebastian had in gifts.

  "Join us, Kenna," Mary greeted, "We're going to greet the King."

  Kenna fell in line, her dazzling attire catching the eye of all five ladies.

  "You look especially lovely, Kenna," Greer smiled, "Who are you dressed to impress?"

  Elspeth watched Kenna's face fall in panic, and smoothly interrupted the disaster waiting to happen.

  "I have to assume it's Lord Demetre," Elspeth smiled as Kenna let out a deep breath, "Surely he's awaiting the King's return, same as everyone else."

  "Of course," Kenna agreed quickly.

  "Even so, can't Kenna be lovely simply because she is lovely?" Mary interjected, holding out a hand for Kenna to take, "And you are lovely."

  They shared a few hushed words before Kenna resumed her place beside a concerned Elspeth, just as Sebastian De Poitiers approached the women. Kenna gave a smile as Elspeth started towards the man.

  "You look lovely."

  "Thank you," Elspeth smiled widely, smoothing down her dress, "And. . . well, I do suppose I should also thank you for the necklace, but. . . I just don't understand it."

  "Necklace?" Sebastian questioned, furrowing his brows, "What necklace?"

  Elspeth's heart dropped as she held her palm open, showcasing the stag's head necklace that had appeared on her bedside.

  "Is it not from you?" She asked worriedly, "I assumed you were the only one who would send something while I was asleep—"

  "No one else should have," He mumbled, gently taking the necklace from her hands and stuffing it in his pocket, "We'll discuss this later, but for now all I wish is you don't leave my sight, okay?"

  Elspeth nodded worriedly, though she was unable to ask any further questions as the sound of an approaching carriage interrupted all thoughts.

  The royal carriage came to a halt, outstepping the decorated King. Though what came as a shock to all, was Diane De Poitiers following out after the man.

  "You mother— oh, dear I haven't—"

  "We will worry about the two of you meeting later," Sebastian said quietly, squeezing Elspeth's hand as reassurance, "For now we have to speak with Mary and Francis. It's important."

  The four had found a quiet corridor in the castle, an easy feat considering everyone was busy celebrating the King's return.

  "The people of this faith, they believe I owe them a. . . debt. More than once, in their minds, I've interrupted their blood sacrifice," Sebastian spoke darkly of the people that festered in the Blood Wood, "The butcher boy said, if I didn't choose someone else to sacrifice, they'd choose for me."

  "So that's what's been going on in the woods?" Mary questioned, "Pagan sacrifice?"

  "Among other dangers, yes."

  "So they chose me?"

  Sebastian pursed his lips, the idea of Elspeth being in danger due to his own action caused a pang in his heart.

  "I'll make sure there's a guard outside of your room at all times," Francis informed determinedly, "We need to find out how serious this threat is— Sebastian, ask the hunters you know in the woods. Talk to the guards, Nostradamus, anyone."

  "Maybe the servants saw how the necklace got into Elle's rooms," Mary suggested, "I'll question them."

  "Thank you," Elspeth said quietly, almost pitifully.

  Mary frowned, turning to hug the woman tightly before disappearing quickly.

  "Perhaps Demetre may be able to help— he's the only other person I know of who has so much experience in the Wood," Elspeth suggested.

  "He'd never speak of it," Francis said quietly, "He'll refuse."

  "Well perhaps his mind will change if he knows his only Scottish friend is in danger," Elspeth mumbled, crossing her arms as she huffed out.

  "Forget the guard outside of Elspeth's room," Sebastian spoke up suddenly, "She'll be staying in mine until we know if she's at all in danger."

  The woman raised her eyebrows quickly, matching Francis's expression exactly.

  "Will she? Is she aware of this move?"

  "I wasn't," Elspeth admitted, "Sebastian if others hear of this— me sleeping in your chambers before we are wed—"

  "I don't care what others think," Sebastian admitted loudly, "I care about your safety."

  "Well you may not care, but if my parents hear of rumors all the way in Scotland, well—" Elspeth cut herself off, shaking her head, "Listen, I will not bring shame to them, or my siblings, because of some vague threat."

  "Elle—"

  "I appreciate your worry," She said honestly, "But I am a noble, Sebastian. I live by a different set of rules. And, it may not seem it, but this is a perfect example of why I know how to wield a blade— I will be okay."

  She stressed her words, though they didn't seem to ease Sebastian's racing heart.

  "Now, Sebastian, would you like to prepare me for when I inevitably have to meet your mother?"

  He sighed, shaking his head.

  "I suppose if you can handle the threat of pagans, you can handle my mother."

  "Wonderful, off we go," Elspeth sighed, "And thank you, Francis. Honestly. I appreciate your worry."

  "Of course," Francis smiled, "You are to be my sister one day."

  "That I am."

↬

  Elspeth Liens was quite nervous. Sebastian had tried his very hardest to reassure her that his mother wouldn't disapprove of her, and even if Diane did, that it wouldn't matter.

  But Elspeth had been raised as a noble, by a noble family, who stressed how important it was to find this approval, and she hardly believed she would retrieve it. These thoughts easily chased the mere idea of sleep away.

  Enough so that Elspeth asked very kindly for a cup of tea from a servant lingering in the halls still this late.

  After a few sips, Elspeth fell into a deep slumber.

  But as she blinked open her heavy eyes as the sun burst through the window, she was met with a horrific sight.

  "You didn't hear anything?"

  "If I'd have heard something, there would not be a stag head hanging from my bed," Elspeth mumbled, rubbing her forehead, "My head feels like it weighs a ton."

  "Sit down, darling," Sebastian spoke worriedly, glancing back at the men attempting to remove the animal head from her bed frame, "I'll fix all of this, Elspeth."

  "Yes, I know," She whispered, "Was your conversation with Demetre successful at all?"

  "Afraid not. . ." Sebastian trailed off, "He wants to help, truly. I just think it's so hard for him to relive any of it."

  "I can't blame him for that, I just wish someone could—"

  "What is going on?!"

  Elspeth jumped as Catherine entered her chambers in a flurry, clearly angry as she set her sights on the stag head.

  "What is this meant to convey— who is trying to threaten this girl?"

  "It's a message from the pagans," Elspeth explained tiredly, "It's a bit much if you ask me."

  "How did you manage to sleep through—" Catherine cut her sentence short, searching the room before finding a teacup, bringing it to her nose before her face fell dark, "Poppy. My dear, someone has drugged you. Those monsters have infiltrated the castle and—"

  She fell silent, joining the couple but not without a silent look of disdain toward Sebastian.

  "I will handle this," Catherine said, "I will find out who is helping them get into all of this."

  "I don't think it's worth all this fuss— Francis and Mary and you. . ." Elspeth sighed, rubbing her head, "What soothes a pounding headache?"

  "You are worth all the fuss," Catherine said sternly, "You will be a part of the royal family no matter how. . . questionable your decision may be. I'll have someone fix you something for your head and I'll send Demetre to oversee that. He will be stationed outside of your chambers until further notice."

  "Elspeth, I still wish for you to simply move to mine, it would ease my mind at night."

  "And have all of France question her virtue for laying with a man before marriage?" Catherine scoffed, "I know you have not grown up with these customs, but you must acquaint yourself with them if you are to be wed."

  The Queen sighed, shaking her head.

  "Stay inside the castle, do not wander far off without someone you trust at your side," Catherine instructed Elspeth, "And for my sake, pay a visit to Kenna— that girl has searched high and low for you."

  "Did she hear of this so quickly?" Elspeth questioned.

  "Oh no, my dear," Catherine laughed, shaking her head, "Kenna is Henry's new mistress."

( AUTHOR'S NOTE. )
Catherine and Elspeth's
friendship is literally my
favorite ever