Once Upon A Time (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

husband.
    Eleanor loved no one as much as she hated Henry.
     
    It was still dark when Jilliana was awakened by Eleanor's maid pulling her bed curtains aside.
    " Tis time to rise. My queen has sent me to help you dress so you can be on your way."
    Jilliana quickly got out of bed. Too excited to eat, she allowed the silent servants to aid her in dressing. The gown that Eleanor had chosen for her to wear today was a white silk, trimmed with golden embroidery. Her dark hair was braided and covered with a white wimple and veil. Sparkling jewels were slid onto her fingers, and bracelets adorned her wrists. Her trunks had been packed the night before and were now being carried below by several strong-backed men.
    Jilliana watched the door, hoping Eleanor would come to say good-bye, but when it was time for her to leave, the queen still had not appeared.
    She slipped a hooded cape about her to cover her finery, so that Henry's guards would not become suspicious. When she reached the door, the men posted there paid little heed to her departure. They had been instructed to detain anyone who would enter the castle without permission; they had no orders to keep the queen's ladies from leaving.
    As her trunks were being loaded onto a cart, Sir Humphrey appeared, leading a magnificent white horse. She clasped his hands in hers, her eyes shining with happy tears. "How I have missed you."
    He nodded, his gaze lingering on her face, noting that she was a grown woman now. "Aye, and I missed you also, Your Highness."
    Then he reached forward, his hands circling Jilliana's waist as he placed her onto her palfrey, then mounted a white horse himself.
    "Shall we go, Your Highness?" he whispered, not wanting to be overheard by the two men who stood guard at the gate.
    She smiled at him with great affection. "Yes, my dear friend, I am ready."
    Jilliana turned to gaze up at Eleanor's window, her heart heavy. Apparently she was not to be allowed to say a final good-bye to the queen.
    With her head high, atop a gold-trimmed saddle, and looking every bit a queen, she rode across the drawbridge. Down the winding road they went past the village and into the unfamiliar.
    Eleanor stood at her window, watching Jilliana depart. Her heart was heavy, for she would miss the girl's cheerful presence.
    "Go with God, my dear," she whispered, turning away. She suddenly felt cold and moved to stand before the fireplace, but the fire lent no warmth to the emptiness in her heart.

 
     
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    Neither Princess Jilliana nor Sir Humphrey spoke until they were well past the village. At last Sir Humphrey halted his mount so they could talk.
    She reached out and laid her gloved hand on his. "I now know all about your loyalty. How can I ever thank you for the sacrifices you made, Sir Humphrey?"
    He was speechless for a moment, knowing she was unaware how much she meant to him and the other people of Talshamar.
    "Your well being is my reward, Your Highness. I can see you have thrived since last we met."
    She suddenly felt like crying because they were no longer just Humphrey and Jilly. Their close relationship had been replaced by one of sovereign and subject—she almost wished herself back at the convent where he had been her friend. None of this could she say to him.
    "Should we not ride on?" she said at last.
    "Your Highness, first I must inform you that by nightfall we will join other Talshamarians, who will accompany you to London. Shall I explain what is to transpire tonight?"
    Jilliana merely nodded, waiting for him to continue. In truth, events were moving swiftly. A few weeks ago she had thought herself one of Queen Eleanor's companions, now she found that she herself was also a queen. Although she was not yet comfortable in her new role, she schooled her face not to reflect her uncertainty.
    "Tell me what I must do," she said at last.
    "Your loyal subjects have been gathering for days in a secret place we will reach by nightfall. Since timing is so important, as