Anna's question shocked me for a moment. I didn't know what to say, what answer to give. To lie? I never lied and I didn't want to tell false truth to this young and naive girl. Even if I tried to hide my true origins, eventually someone will come up with the truth and there will be more trouble for me.

I hesitated and took some time to get the courage to say, what needed to be. Anna's eyes looked wary and scared. I guessed she knew, how inappropriate her question was.

I smiled softly at her.

"Yes... I was. I won't deny it." My voice was quiet.

"Was king Edmund your master?" Came another timid question.

I nodded. I felt glad he was. I would have spent a life much worse, if it wasn't him, who chose me.

"Did majesty treat you well?"

"Stop it, Anna! That's enough! I will have a talk with you later." Sophia strictly whispered to her. "My apologies, your highness. I am sorry for her rude questions."

"It's alright. She is just a child. It is good, that she is curious. And... it is not like I am offended. After all, I have never been a highborn woman. Her feelings are very understandable to me." I gave them an assuring smile to ease the tension.

"Was he good to you?"

"Anna!" Sophia nearly shouted.

"I ... I am sorry. I am just scared. I just want to know if he will be kind to me. He is my master now, after my parents have gone." Anna quickly blurted everything out. I could see the fear and uncertainty in her eyes, that were on a brink of tearing up.

"... he was..." I felt a tear slip through my own eye.

The memories, when Edmund was not around and my life as a slave at those times, brought back bad feelings. I was treated like no human by few people before, at the time, when Edmund was spending time here, in this castle. I was all alone, scared, afraid for the next day, as I anxiously waited for the beatings and ill treatment from people I lived with. It saddens me, that Edmund was never there, that these people were allowed to do, whatever they want, behind his back and get away with it day after day. What would my days be like, if he was there all the years growing up?

It would be a lie, if I said my life was perfect. It was far from it. Surely, when Edmund returned, everything was sorted out, I was still in his protection, but he brought new problems with him.

I realized how weak I am. Few more tears fell on my lap. I am always expecting Edmund to be next to me, protect me and take care of my life. Could I live without his presence and stand up for myself? It scares me. The thought of being alone, away from the feeling of safety and protection he provides. I might be too dependent on him, but I can't help myself to feel the need to be beside my husband and feel his assuring presence. I feel safe next to him, knowing he will help me to get through the problems other people bring.

"Again, sorry for her rudeness, my majesty. Please, don't cry." Sophia made a slight apologetic bow and kept her brown eyes down.

I wiped my wet cheeks, stood up and swallowed the lump of sadness that had formed in my throat.

It was starting to rain. Small droplets fell on a stone bench, where I sat, forming the darker grey patches of uneven pattern of blobs. I hesitated to hurry up and get in safety of dry comforting indoors. The girls seemed to mind it and soon I felt the tiny hand of Anna wrap around my fingers and drug me in direction of safety.

I was breathless by the time I had reached the main entrance hall of the castle. Gladly the speed of Anna prevented me from getting wet.

A loud thundering came from outside, which shook the walls of the castle and my heart. Then another one, but it sounded different, much closer.

Instantly the front door of the entrance flew open and like an angry cloud of storm appeared Edmund. Guards couldn't close the door, before my husband shut them with brutal force. It felt like everybody present froze in place upon setting eyes on our king. I noticed my both girls stiffen up too. My own body couldn't pretend too and I could feel my heart slowly speed up.

Edmund's eyebrows were deeply creased, his white orbs clouded with anger. He looked at me, but his face expression didn't change. Even though he tried to keep his look stoic, everybody could see the unpleasant emotion boiling within him.

He came up to me, looked me over and tucked some loose strands of hair in right places. I felt like I couldn't breathe, anxious of what he will say. After a while he breathed out heavily.

"Thea... time for dinner." Edmund looked deeply into my eyes. "Wait for me at the dinner table."

I nodded, but said nothing. My tongue was tied, while he intensely gazed at me and gently stroked my cheek.

When he was gone I noticed Anna's tense body. She looked very frightened.

I stroked her tiny shoulder and hoped it will give some reassurance, that everything is alright.

"Sophia, you both can leave. I will call for you, if I need assistance in anything."

None of the faces seemed to be willing to relax. I watched as both girls disappeared and then I headed for dining room myself.

Small or family meals were taken in the dining room with less space, that in the big dining hall for more important events. Nonetheless the table was big. Down from the ceiling hang a gorgeous chandelier with different sized crystals, some in other colors, like light pink or amber. Paintings of foreign landscape decorated the walls and row of wide windows let in the dim daylight of thundering storm. Rain smacked against the panes in full force.

Edmund's mother was siting on other end of the table. She eyed me, but said nothing. She was never eager to get in decent conversation with me. I didn't mind, but now, when I married her son, this thought have started to trouble me. What was she thinking about me?

We silently watched each other until I felt Edmund sit beside me. His chair squeaked and brought both of us out from starring endlessly at each other.

My husband gave her an annoyed glance.

Seemed like he has calmed down a bit.

In minutes a meal was given to us and we all dug in.

Looked like something is on Edmund's mind.

"What's the matter?" I couldn't take any longer the unknowing feeling.

"Just some problems with the engagement... Maria that is."

"I told you it will be a problem." His mother interfered.

"You stop sticking your nose in my life. I will get my problems sorted out myself. I don't need your opinion." Edmund said harshly, sending a warning glare to his mother.

"I am sorry..." I said.

Edmund looked at me strangely, like being offended by my answer. I wanted to say 'sorry' again, but chose to shut up.

"Tomorrow I will introduce you to someone. You must feel bored here..."

"Who... is it?" I was intrigued.

"Very close friend of mine."