The Discovery (ch.5)

 

 

Chapter 5

When evening arrived so did the frogs. It would soon be spring so the frogs that resided on the palace grounds were in perfect form. Aoife and Finn had agreed to meet on the west side of the gardens just so they could take in the sounds of spring arriving and of course to be alone. Being near the kitchen, Aoife inhaled the sweet smell of the herbs and flowers in the garden starting to come to life again.

 

They were pretty sure everyone had retired for the night since it was nearing midnight. It was very dark outside even with the moon glow and the two sad torches that burned nearby. Upon seeing each other they embraced. Aoiffe didn’t restrain herself while in Finn’s arms, she knew he would be leaving in the morning with her Father and she would have to wait patiently for his return.

“I’ll miss you Aoife.” Finn whispered gently as he tightened his hold on her body.

“We never get enough time together.  As soon as you arrive home it is time to leave again.” Aoife replied holding back the tears.

“When I get back promise me that we will make plans to be married. I can’t wait any longer to be with you as my wife. I want the world to know! Your sister knows and that is a start. Promise me you will consider me speaking with your father, maybe while on this journey I can talk with him subtly and get an idea of what his reaction would be.” Finn pleaded.

“Finn did you forget who my father is? He will be furious with you and if he says no it is final. He may even make you leave the palace. I could never chance that happening.”Aoife said

“I have been his loyal servant since I was 14 and I have lived here since I was 7! I have fought beside him, he respects me. There is a good chance that he will give me your hand, you aren’t promised yet which is another favorable point. I am ready to face him; I want nothing more than to start our life together with or without his blessing.” Finn spoke these words like the bold soldier he was.

Aoife wrapped her young arms around his neck and with that Finn held her closer. After he kissed her he looked into her eyes and proposed something he had never had the courage to ask before.

“Aoife spend the night with me tonight.” Finn asked looking for an answer in her eyes. Let me hold you from the moment we lie down until the sun breaks.”

“How could we manage that?” She answered feeling somewhat embarrassed and nervous simultaneously. “Someone would find out, I don’t have privacy here.” She paused and said shyly,” I didn’t know you were thinking such things. I always imagined us waiting until our wedding night.”

“I have always wanted you, I was waiting for the right moment to come and I felt that this was that moment.” He explained seriously without any hesitation. “I could meet you in your room later, no one will be awake, and then sneak out before dawn.  Please give me this gift before I leave you tomorrow and when I return we will have the answers we need to begin our lives together.”

Aoife wanted to say yes. She had felt the same desires he had been feeling for quite some time now but she was afraid. She was not afraid to be with Finn, she trusted him and new it would be a magical moment. She was afraid of her father. If someone saw them together in her chamber they would talk to her mother and she might tell to her father.

“Finn I would love to say yes, there is nothing more I would want but I was raised to believe that it is a sin before marriage, I know we will be married someday soon but I made a promise to myself. Aside from that what if I should become pregnant? My father would find out and it would be a chaos. Whether I like it or not I am the daughter of a Chieftain and I must adhere to at least some standards. We should wait until we have been blessed in a church.” Aoife didn’t want to disappoint him but even if she were willing to set aside her values she didn’t think it was the right time to take such a chance.

“I understand.” Finn said firmly. “I love you and I will wait. Yes I am disappointed but I wasn’t completely sure of it myself. I am sorry I put pressure on you, I understand your reasons completely. You are worth the wait.” He smiled at her staring directly into her divine eyes of blue.

He was disappointed more than he was letting on. He was nearing 22 years of age and he felt the strain of not having the woman he loved completely every time he was with her.  

As they stood together in the garden they didn’t realize that someone was still awake in the palace. King Dermott was restless and was deciphering his plans for the next day’s action. He wandered into the west hall and through the window noticed two figures standing outside. He could barely see by the light of the moon so he stood closer to the window.

 

He drew back his breath when he saw that it was his eldest daughter Aoife in a tight embrace with Finn Archid, his own soldier! Could I be seeing this right? He asked himself in a state of confusion and awe. How could this be? She knows she is predestined for someone of my choosing. Am I the only one who doesn’t know about this? He felt his rage rising.

 

 

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On the other side of the castle Queen Mor lay asleep in her large bed made of  feathers and heavy blankets. She was awakened by a noise she had heard throughout the night. She thought it could be a cat roaming the palace grounds but as the sound persisted and seemed to get louder she decided to find out what it was.

 

 

 

 

 

As she walked through the east hall she commented to herself about the dampness of the castle. She could feel the coldness of the stone permeating through her stocking shoe and without the warmth of her fireplace she was quite uncomfortable. She hurriedly walked to the kitchen where she was sure she would find the source of the sound. She was pleased to see that the kitchen fireplace was still stoked and stood by for a moment to collect its warmth.

Mor heard the noise again, it was a high shrill sound which resembled a baby crying. There are no babies in this palace she thought walking directly towards one of the cook’s chambers. Before opening the heavy wooden door she listened and again heard a baby’s cry. As she bolted through the door demanding to know why this baby was disturbing her sleep, the servant looked petrified.

 

“Who is this baby and why is it here?” Mor demanded.

“I am sorry your majesty. I beg your forgiveness. This is not my baby but I am afraid she is my responsibility.” The servant girl answered fearing that she would be ordered out of the palace.

“Then explain who this baby belongs to and why you are responsible.” The queen asked curiously yet firmly.

 

 

“A young servant girl, who also toils in your kitchen such as I, left the baby here and ran away, she is without a husband and was destitute. She had no means to take care of the baby and no family to look upon for help. I took the baby in from the cold and tried to keep her quiet in my chamber until morn. I was going to seek advice from Claire your cook, I felt she would know what to do. I am sorry your majesty for I did not mean to wake you and I will leave with the baby now and find help elsewhere.” The servant girl cried in fear of losing her job and residence here at the palace.

“We needn’t be hasty in our decisions. You say this baby is an orphaned peasant child? Does she have a name and do we know when the baby was birthed?” The Queen asked as she looked into the eyes of this helpless child whose future seemed uncertain. Mor quickly realized that the baby must be cold and should be kept in blankets.

“I think she is but a few days and I don’t know of any name. I don’t have the means to feed her and I fear she may be sick.” The servant answered handing the infant to the Queen who at this point was greatly interested in the well being of the babe.

 

As Mor held the baby unrealized emotions poured out of her soul. She smiled internally and felt elated at the thought of a newborn infant needing her care. The babe was beautiful and her blue eyes shone directly into the queen’s neglected heart. She decided at that moment that she would take the baby as her own.

“You know the rules of this palace. The troubles of any servant are not to be of any bother to the royal family. Taking this baby into the palace is grounds for removal.” The Queen said instinctively to the young servant girl who then collapsed onto the ground in a state of desperation.

 

“Please do not send me away. I need to be here, this is all I have. I am a young widow and have no where else to live. Our farm was taken by my husband’s brother and I was taken in here to labor. I only brought the baby here to keep her warm. I didn’t mean to wake you and involve you in any way.” The girl cried with extreme anxiety.

 

The Queen felt such joy in her heart that she couldn’t bear to be unkind to her any longer.

 

“Ok this infraction will be overlooked. I see that you are of a kind heart and have done well by this child. You are to be commended and I will see to it that you are. I will take over the care of this child and leave you to your chamber.” The queen said in a stately tone even though she was overly grateful that this servant had brought the baby into her life.

 

As the Queen quickly walked back to her chambers she realized that her life changed the moment she looked into the child’s eyes. She would love and protect this child and in turn the baby would give the queen a reason to embrace each day with the fullness of life. She would now have a reason to smile each morning.

 

After many moments of holding the baby and making many a promise to her, Mor realized that she would have to tell King Dermott of her decision to keep the orphaned infant. She decided that no matter what he said she would raise the baby as if she were her very own and give her all the love she could give. This discovery gave her a new beginning.

 

 

Urlachen and her prince (ch. 4 cont’d)

(Ch. 4 continued)

That evening Urlachen had a visitor. Prince Donnel O’Brien of Thomand came for a private dinner with Urlachen. He was her intended husband. They didn’t know when they would be married, it was up to the fathers, but they were anxiously anticipating the day they would be told. Donnel was a good man for Urlachen. He was very Irish looking complete with red hair and fair skin, and although he wasn’t strapping and valiant like Finn, he carried himself like a gentleman. He was rather thin and preferred books over sport and Urlachan loved that about him. Together they talked about philosophy and religion and never did they have a moment of silence. There was quite a physical magnetism between them both as well but they resolved to keep this in check until vows were said. They often spoke about the family they would have soon. It was extremely vital that the children be educated by the finest governess and pursue education through whatever avenue they chose, academy or the Church. They both reflected on a life of servitude to God as a righteous and noble path. 

After an affectionate greeting they sat together in the dining room. Urlachen decided to confide in him the situation she had learned about Aoiffe and Finn. 

“I would have never known! They hid it so well.” Donnel whispered loudly while being somewhat amused by a scandal in the works. However he reminded himself that this was his future sister in law and Urlachen loved her sister deeply. 

“I don’t know what they are planning to do. She mentioned leaving the kingdom if it was their only alternative.” Urlachen replied sadly imagining life without her sister.

 

 

“Are you going to stop her? You can always tell your Mother, she would change her mind.” He said without thinking of her loyalty to her sister. 

“She swore me to secrecy and if my mother tells my father Finn would definitely be removed from the palace and perhaps the kingdom as well. She would never forgive me for that.” Urlachen answered with a defeated look on her face. She brightened up and asked Donell curiously, “What would you do if it were our daughter?” 

Donnel paused while thinking of what his truest response would be. “I suppose it would depend on the man. If he wasn’t of royal blood or nobility I would have to choose my next step wisely.” He then added quickly, “I would not absolutely forbid it but I also wouldn’t let her be joined with an uneducated peasant. Finn has worked hard his whole life to be where he is today. Your Father should take that into consideration.” 

Urlachen looked pleased with his response and replied with a life-size grin.

“Urlachen please don’t take offense at what I am about to say about your Father. When I am King I will govern the way my Father does, with fairness. Your father rules with an iron fist and I am surprised the Nobles are putting up with it. Lord MacNamara told my father that the taxes are so high in his region that he has a hard time collecting from the peasants. Most of them are just farmers and your father demands much of their crops as well. Peasants are people too, they deserve to live each day not worrying if they are going to be able to feed their children the next day. No, I am going to do things the right way, the way God would expect me to.” Donnel announced assuredly.

 

As he prepared to leave Urlachen met him by the fireplace.

“That is why I love you so much Donnel O’Brien.” She whispered as she offered him a sweet goodbye. 

 

The Heart of a King (ch.4)

The Royal Family of Leinster

Chapter 4

The day had come for Dermott to seek revenge on his rival King Teirnan O’Rourke. He would strike where it would hurt him the most, O’Rourke’s wife Norah. Dermott knew in his heart that Norah would do anything he asked her to do. She loved Dermott and had always longed to be with him, but instead she was trapped behind the castle doors of a man she didn’t love. Dermott had always loved her too but would never admit it now that he was a powerful King. Dermott cared about his family too but marriage to him was a strategic merger of two families to create a more powerful monarchy. Mor was good to him and she was an above average mother but he never felt the desire that he had experienced with Norah. When he was young he and Norah had shared their first love together. He often found himself reminiscing back to his carefree days of a young prince in love.

 

 

Dermott and Norah would spend their days riding horses throughout the countryside exploring the kingdoms ofCounty
Clare. Some days they would walk for miles hand in hand over the hills of green carpet and scattered stones. On occasion it would start to rain and they would find shelter in a grassy cave or an abandoned dwelling. Those were the times he remembered most, the days and nights they shared their most intimate moments.

 

                                                                                    Flashback

 

 

 

She was perfect and he loved her with all of his soul but it was not fated for them to share their lives. Norah’s father had chosen O’Rourke to be her husband, not Dermott. The day he was told of this union changed his life forever. His heart would never be the same. From that day forward he chose hatred over love, power and fortune over happiness. He could still have her, they had ways of fulfilling this need but she would never be completely his.

 

Royal family of Leinster (ch.1,2,3)

 

The Royal Family of Leinster

 

 

Welcome to 12th century Ireland in the land of Leinster. The despised King Dermot MacMourough, the man most remembered throughout history for inviting the English into Ireland and facilitating the Norman invasion, and his long suffering family of beautiful Royals will entertain you with their tales of feudal rivalry, war, exile and forbidden love. 

     

Our story starts in a majestic land of stoic castles, rolling green hills, and meager huts of wood and stone. The day began just as any other day but it definitely would turn out to be one that they would never forget. King Dermott was awaiting the news from around the counties of his kingdom. After waiting impatiently most of the morning for the king’s personal knight arrived to deliver the shattering news he was afraid to give.

 

 

 

 

Finn had been gone quite a few days so his homecoming was long awaited by Aoife, the kings eldest daughter. Finn and Aoife had known each other since they were young and had realized their feelings for each other years ago. They had kept their love a secret for many years since it wasn’t customary for a knight to marry royalty, especially King Dermott’s daughter. They would have to find a way someday.

 

 

“I’ve missed you so Aoife.” Finn whispered softly. 

“I have missed you as well, it is so hard to wait so long and not know if you are going to come back. Your job is so perilous. I wish we could be together always.” She replied wondering when the secrecy would end.  

“Well I am committed to this duty for life, if we are to be married you will have to trust that I will stay safe.” He answered hoping he could fulfill that wish. 

“Perhaps we shouldn’t be here out in the open, someone may see us. Let us go to the stable so you can tell me all about your journeys.” Aoife suggested as she heard a noise coming from the courtyard. 

Finn looked down and sadly replied,” there is nothing I’d rather do but I have some news to relay to your father and it isn’t good. I dread telling him but I can’t waste any time.” 

“I’ll meet you here later and then we will be together.”Aoife replied enthusiastically wrapping her arms around Finn’s strong neck.

 

 

 

Finn had to tell King Dermott that all was not well within the counties. The king expected to hear peaceful news but instead Finn relayed the information about the High King of Ireland (Turlough O’Conner) demanding that King Dermott be exiled out of his kingdom. Turlough had sent Teirnan O’Rourke, King of Breifne, to vanquish him since Teirnan and Dermott had been feuding bitterly for years. The two kings had been rivals ever since Dermott and O’Rourke’s wife had been caught having an adulterous affair. When the affair ended the battle began. O’Rourke couldn’t be more pleased to lead this assault. The high King didn’t care for King Dermott either ever since the day he was crowned. He always knew the time would come when he would find the support he needed to oust him from this charming isle in which they shared. There was too much beauty here for a man like Dermott. 

 

Feudal rivalries between Kings  were always taking place during this time in Ireland. Peace was a rarity. The beauty of the lands was just a facade for what went on behind castle doors and on the battlefield. Needless to say King Dermott was furious.

 

 

Finn was somewhat afraid, yes he was a brave knight who had been in many battles but King Dermott was a ruthless man who was known for murder and kidnapping. Finn thought the King may in fact blame the messenger.

 

 

“How can this be?” The King screamed so loudly that the servants scrambled for safety. “Who does he think he is? This is my kingdom by birthright, how does he think he is going to get away with this?” He shouted with all the anger left in his soul.

He wanted to break something. He wanted to grab O’Conner and strangle the life out of him. Dermott tried to calm down as he caught a glance of Finn’s terrified eyes.

 

“I need to send word to King O’Lochlain. He will stand by me and we will fight this travesty.” Dermott spoke through his teeth but tried to remain composed. “In the meantime I know exactly what to do with O’Rourke, he has crossed me the last time.” Dermott whispered with a knowing smile on his face.

 

“Go clean yourself up and prepare the horses for departure.” Dermott told Finn despondently.

 

The King found himself alone in his study feeling somewhat hopeless. The time may have come when he might have let himself be pushed into a corner. He didn’t have many allies and he had too many enemies. Strong emotions began to build up inside Dermott for he felt almost defeated. To be exiled meant to leave the land he has always known, his land. How could he ever get out of this predicament? Softly he began to weep making sure no one was there to witness what he thought was a sign of weakness.

 

 

As Finn walked through the garden he caught a glance of Aoiffe standing with her sister. She was the only one who could make this day better. He looked up and their eyes met, he had to keep walking as to not let her sister know of anything peculiar going on between them. His thoughts went sailing back to the day he had first seen her. He was a Squire back then in training to be a palace guard, he was barely 15. She had been visiting the horses at the stable and sat down near him to read, she was stunningly beautiful. Her long braided blonde hair shone in the sunlight. He hadn’t seen many females before but he knew there was something remarkable about her. The way she was with the horses, so gentle and sweet made him smile. After that day he had always watched her and he was sure she was watching him as well. The day their eyes met Finn felt butterflies for the first time, he had to talk to her.

(Flashback)

 

Aoiffe had always known there was something special about Finn. He wasn’t your average Squire, not like any of the ones she had seen around the palace, he was different. He had a gentle yet masculine appearance, he was strong too. She knew in her heart they would meet someday, they had to.

 

They met by accident 2 years later. It was raining and the ground was soggy and deep in some spots. Aoiffe had had an argument with her mother and had to escape the palace if only for a few minutes. Soaking wet she stood in the garden enjoying the cool rain hitting her face, she decided to walk to the stables to see her horse Chauncy. On the way there she took in the clean smell of the air and she felt harmonious. She had always loved the outdoors and felt free outside. As she was walking on the muddy trail she was surprised by a deep puddle. As her feet plunged into the mud she found herself somewhat stuck. She had to remove her shoes to free herself and while she was battling the mud Finn walked up behind her.

“Do you need some help?” He asked hoping she would say yes. “Actually I do if you please.” Aoiffe said shyly. As he grabbed her arm he felt an unusual feeling in the pit of his stomach.

With all of the bravery he could muster Finn said to Aoiffe “It would be easier if I carry you.” Not waiting for an answer he lifted her up and carried her the entire way back to the palace. Aoiffe was taken by surprise but she was very pleased with his gallantry. He smelled good too, like leather and wet grass. Finn was in heaven. He had waited for a moment like this for so long. When they reached the palace he set her down by a door and told her he would be back soon with her shoes but before he could run off she stopped him by grabbing his elbow. Again he felt that odd feeling in his gut.

“I don’t need those shoes, they are ruined anyway. Thank you for helping me. What is your name?” She asked wishing he would stay and talk to her a while. “My name is Finn and yours is Aoiffe, the king’s daughter. I asked someone.” He said with a big smile. “I have been waiting to meet you for a long time.”

                                                                                (Flashback)

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Chapter 2

 

Queen Mor MacMurrough was a bitter woman. She was lonely. Marrying Dermott was the lowest point in her life. She was forced to marry him by her father and although she was optimistic, Dermott was a dreadful husband. She really hoped they would learn to love each other and at one point she may have but it was never reciprocated. He had always loved another, a woman he could not have, legally. Mor resigned herself several years ago to the fact that she would never know love. She loved her daughters and they loved her back but she would never experience the love of a man. Most days Mor remained in her sleeping chamber to escape the nightmare that was her life. The King and Queen had separate sleeping chambers so the king could entertain whomever he chose.

 

 

Mor did try on occasion to talk with Dermott, but this day turned out to be the wrong day. After hearing the news about the proposed exile, Mor was the last person Dermott wanted to see.

“Dermott would you like to go for a walk around the palace? The sun is out and this room is so cold and stuffy.” She asked in a hopeful tone.

Dermott looked at her with his dagger eyes and replied, “Don’t you know what is going on? Do you not know that our lives lie in the balance? We are in danger of losing everything and you want to go for a walk?”

“It might help you to relax and calm down, that is why I suggested it.” She sadly answered with tears ready to burst at any moment.

 

 

 

 

Mor was always crying. She felt she had nothing to live for. At one time she was an elegant princess surrounded by royal young men. She had her pick of all the single, future kings and nobleman. Dermott was the one her father chose. She knew at once that he wasn’t ‘the one’. He was quiet, stodgy and much older than her but her father King O’Toole thought he had the most potential. When she was young she would see him at a banquet or a ball and he wouldn’t be trying for her attention he would be staring at Norah Gilbert O’Rourke, future wife of King O’Rourke. She was promised to King O’Rourke while she was very young but she had had a history with Dermott which furtively continued for years until O’Rourke had found out. Mor was also made aware of his ongoing relationship with Norah. She called it a relationship because it was not merely a physical affair, it was love.  A love Mor could never reverse and a love that he would never give up.

 

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Chapter 3

 

Urlachen was a stunning princess and the youngest daughter of Dermott and Mor. She was beautiful and admired throughout the kingdoms so much so that Mor was reminded of herself when she was that age. Urlachen was remarkably exquisite and she was a kind soul, a rare combination in many young women, especially royal young women. She had long blonde hair and striking eyes and she was quite intelligent. She was also promised to a young prince Donnel MOR O’Brien of Thomand. Donnel was a fine man and would be a great king someday, it was a perfect match.

Her sister Aoiffe was of equal beauty but with more of a spunky personality. Aoiffe was cute, Urlachen was elegant. Dermott hadn’t found an intended husband for Aoiffe yet, he was waiting for the ideal merger. She was the firstborn daughter of a king; she would get nothing less than the best according to Dermott’s plans.

 

Later that day Urlachen was walking through the gardens waiting for Donnel to arrive for their weekly dinner together. As she waited she noticed how truly breathtaking the castle grounds were, so green and rich with vegetation. She wondered if her palace would be as spectacular. If it wasn’t exactly how she had imagined it she would work diligently to create the magnificent home of her dreams for their future children. She couldn’t wait to have babies. She and Donnel made many plans for their family right here in this garden, she couldn’t wait for her new life to begin.

 

As she rounded the corner she heard whispering. She couldn’t help but sneak a peek; it was probably Claire and Desmond, the cook  and the chamber servant. They were always sneaking around the grounds looking to be alone. As Urlachen looked quietly around the corner she saw that it was Aoiffe and Finn, one of her father’s knights.

“Why is she with him?” She thought, eager to see more. She knew she shouldn’t spy on them but it was the only way she could find out what was going on.

“Why is she holding his hand? Now he is hugging her!!” she thought loudly to herself.

She stepped into clear view and with her hands on her hips she demanded to know what they were doing.

 

 

 

“Aoiffe!!” Urlachen yelled in a desperate whisper.

 

A startled Finn released Aoiffe at once and she began to explain in the simplest terms.

“We weren’t doing anything out of the ordinary. Finn and I have been together for a long time now and you need to pretend you didn’t see anything.” Aoiffe answered indignantly.

 

She didn’t see why it should be a secret from her own sister. Urlachen had someone to love so why wouldn’t she be happy for me? Aoiffe thought while walking over to a stunned Urlachen. Finn tried to come along with her but she urged him to stay back and let her deal with this developing problem, a problem that may in fact get more distressing.

 

“Urlachen, you need to be my sister now and accept this without telling anyone. We have been together for a long time and we intend to stay that way. We love each other.” Aoiffe beged softly.

“What about Father…he will kill Finn, you know he will. He will never allow this. Please Aoiffe think about what you are doing!” Urlachen pleaded with an earnest concern for her sister.

 

“Don’t tell anyone and everything will be fine. We’ll do what we have to do. Father isn’t going to take him from me! I didn’t ask to be first born. We’ll leave the kingdom if we have to.” Aoiffe admitted hoping it wouldn’t come to that.

 

“This is absurd. Of course I will keep your secret but you aren’t thinking logically. Please think about this, I don’t want you to leave. The longer this goes on the more you are going to hurt when it ends.” Urlachen replied knowing she was just wasting her words.

 

“It won’t end, it can’t.” Aoiffe said in a bold yet meek voice.