Vine Walkway

The sun shines brightly, kissing my skin sweetly, leaving me light tan in color. I cannot help but to smile as his image flashes before my eyes again and again. He is all I can seem to think about...

I return home to Italy briefly before my wedding to Henry of Navarre. I decide to walk along the vine walkway which has always been my favorite place to go since I was a little girl.

Amelia decided to go for a walk and get some fresh air. She could feel the seasons change as she looks up at the bright blue sky and closed her eyes for a moment feeling mother nature. She opened her eyes and saw a lovely woman standing not too far from her. She knew it was important to be kind and well known know that she was queen. She approached the woman Good day my lady she said kindly.

As I walk, I can hear someone behind me. I look up to see who it is and I see my father's new wife. I immediately drop into a curtsy. Good day Your Majesty.

Amelia had never seen this woman before but she obviously knew of her. "Please rise my lady" she said as she examined her face she resembled her husband. "You must one my husbands kin?" she asked hoping not to be wrong and embarrass herself.

I can only smile as she speaks of my father, Yes, he is my father Your Majesty. I am Francesca, soon to be Queen of Navarre.

Amelia smiles at her "You are very beautiful, i'm pleased to meet you. I'm Amelia of Cleves" She said realizing she was far younger than her.

I am so happy to finally meet you although you are a bit younger than i thought you would be. Dont worry. My father was your age when i was born. I walk up to just a bit closer to give her a hug.

"When my father told me I was to be betrothed to a king, I admit I was a bit nervous. However your father is the the most kind man I have ever met." she smiled as she spoke honestly and gave her stepdaughter a hug.

After spending these past few weeks inside, like a hermit, I venture outside and make my to the Vine walkway. I wear a very simple black dress and my long blonde hair hangs loose about my shoulders. The walkway brings back the good memories of my childhood, when my mother used to bring me out here to play, away from the prying eyes of the court.

I walk about, breathing deeply and my hand runs along wall.....

I continue to walk along the walkway, calm but not at peace. I find a small sunny spot and proceed to sit in the middle of it. I have with me one of Madeleine's dolls, my only reminder of my little girl. Breathing deep, I sit and reminisce, wishing I could turn back time and be with Henry once more.

Inge was walking along garden. Queen Amelia granted her some rest from her duties and she decided to go outside. Suddenly she saw a lady leaned on wall and she came closer with slow steps. She hoped not to scare her

"My lady...do you need some help?"

I look up to the lady, instantly recognizing her as one of the Queen's ladies. I smile simply, No. I am fine. Just missing my daughter. I am sure that you have heard of my situation. I look back to he doll in my hands.

Inge nodded, looking at her with concern

"Yes, Your Majesty. Sorry, I haven't recognized you. I heard what's happened and I'm very sorry. Can I do something for you?"

She asked with soft voice

I stand back up and smile. No, I am fine, I promise. Just missing my daughter quite a bit. I continue to fiddle with the hair in the doll.

Inge sighed and looked at her doll

"And where is your daughter, Your Majesty?"

She asked, noticing she was rather upset

I try not to cry as I speak, She lives in Navarre with her father, The King of Navarre.

Inge noticed she going to cry and touched softly her shoulders

"What prevents you from seeing her, Your Majesty?"

She asked with soft voice

I am banished from Navarre and The King wont let her come here. I look up and scrunch my face up a little and try not to shed a tear.

Inge put a serious expression on her face and sighed

"Oh...I'm so sorry. But he can't do that. You're still his wife, and you have right to see your daughter.."

She said looking at her doll again. She rubbed softly her shoulder trying to comfort her

I sigh, still looking away from her, According to His Majesty, our marriage was annulled. He was granted custody of our daughter as she is a daughter of Navarre, a Royal Princess. The wind picks up slightly and I watch the wind kick the leaves around. I miss them both so much. There are times when I think that I am going to wake up and all this has been a nightmare but yet it is so real.

Inge tried to smile after her sad words

"I'm sure that everything with be fine, Your Highness. Anyone can keep a mother far from her own daughter. The King will be merciful.."

She said hoping to make her feel better

I sure hope so. I sigh and smile. Standing back up, I continue walking on along the vine covered walkway.

Inge kept on walking at her side along vine walkway, when suddenly she saw everything turning around her. She had to close her eyes and to lean her hand against the wall. She put her other hand on her stomach