The Rightful Lord (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 3) Sahara Kelly (free ebook reader TXT) 📖

strong thighs, and over a black shirt he wore a tabard—created from an old flag—with what looked like some sort of raven on a dark red field. With his sharp blue eyes and military demeanour, he could easily have passed for a warrior king.

He bowed, as had the others, and kissed her hand, then gazed at the audience.

The applause was tentative, and Gwyneth could understand why. This was Royce at his most intimidating. And it worked perfectly.

Once they were all standing in their assigned places, Harry continued.

“All four princes were suitable matches, and the Princess found herself facing a difficult challenge. So she decided to invite them all to tea.”

Each prince knew his task and within moments the men had a tea table set up, and an old set of china on top of it. It was tight on the tiny stage, but they all managed to squeeze around the little table. For a few moments, they all pretended to sip and enjoy their tea.

“After they had all had tea and a pleasant conversation, the Princess thought very carefully and at last made her decision.”

Gwyneth rose. She didn’t have many lines, so she resolved to give it her all.

“Dear kind gentlemen,” she began. “I have enjoyed your company and I thank you for allowing me to get to know you a little better. It has helped me make up my mind which of you to choose as my future husband.” She turned to Royce. “Prince Cordell. You are doubtless a fine knight, but your presence is overwhelming and I fear you would take control of my lands away from me.”

A few boos greeted this statement as Royce put on a fierce expression, shook his fist at Gwyneth, and stomped off the stage. Gwyneth continued, undaunted. “Prince Osborne. I find your manners charming and your wit entertaining, but you might well distract my household with your handsome appearance.” She shook her head as Jeremy left the stage with a frown.

At this point, an arm clutching a small bottle appeared through a gap in the curtain behind the stage. There was a gasp from the audience as it hovered over Gwyneth’s teacup. Several drops were shaken into her tea, then the arm disappeared.

Apparently unaware, she lifted the cup and took a drink, even though the children—and even some of the adults—were shouting “no” quite vociferously. Happy that they were so involved, she ignored the warnings and continued with her role.

“Next,” she began. Then she put her hand to her head and cried out dramatically. “Oh, oh. I believe I am poisoned…the tea…” She slumped back into her chair as the audience sucked in breaths of horror and Evan and Gabriel knelt beside her.

Harry took over, returning to his narration.

“There was much concern over the Princess’s health, and alarms went out across her land.”

The two remaining “princes” left the stage and returned with a blanket to cover the prone “princess”.

“Everyone feared for her life since there was indeed poison in her tea,” continued Harry, “but at last the antidote was found and sent to the palace. Unfortunately, there was one serious problem.” He paused, milking the drama of the moment. “The recipe was written down on a scroll and had to be mixed in order to save her life.”

At this point, Jeremy—back to breeches and shirt—hurried in with the aforementioned scroll.

“Prince Wymonde took the scroll and found the words written closely together.”

Evan unrolled the paper and held it up, showing it to the audience. Gwyneth could have sworn they all leaned forward simultaneously. She closed her eyes again, but was very pleased with the results of her quick peek.

“What does it say,” asked Prince Elfric?

“I cannot tell,” answered Prince Wymonde.

“Whyever not?” Prince Elfric took the paper.

Evan and Gabriel acted out their parts admirably as the audience held its breath.

“Why it is the cure,” said Prince Elfric. “All we need is a cup of willow bark tea with honey and these magic words.

“I’ll make the tea,” said Prince Wymonde.

Evan scurried away to return immediately with a fresh cup and saucer. He went to Gwyneth and raised her head, pretending to have her drink.

“Prince Elfric read the magic words as the Princess swallowed the tea. As soon as they were spoken, the Princess revived.”

Gwyneth sat up and smiled at the applause she received for such a rapid recovery.

She held up her hand as she rose, assisted by Evan. “Good friends, thank you for your encouragement. I must now choose my prince.” She looked at Evan and Gabriel. “There can be only one suitable mate for me. The one who saved my life.” She turned to the audience. “I am here because of him—the prince who could read. Without him I would have died.”

She held out her hand to Gabriel, and they both bowed.

The room rang with cheers and whistles and applause as Harry stood and closed the book on his lap, to be joined by Royce, Jeremy and Evan.

The play was over, and Gwyneth prayed it had had the desired result. Reading was a skill that would never let anyone down. Something that could easily change lives, improve fortunes and bring many good things to families.

It was her intention to have that happen at Wolfbridge, and she hoped their little performance had begun the process.

Whether it would succeed or not remained to be seen, but if she were honest with herself, it had also been great fun.

Chapter Twenty-Three

The cast of the theatrical production sprawled contentedly in the warm parlour, embracing the success of their venture.

“It was the little ones who really got involved, wasn’t it?” Jeremy, leg slung over the arm of his chair, wiggled his foot, annoying Darcy who was trying to nap nearby.

“They did indeed,” Gabriel grinned. “I had two of the girls follow