We made it so that they may."
"Aye, but as far as they know, we do not know they want to leave. To them it must appear as if we are just forging ahead with our own plans, uncaring of what they want."
"Oh." Murie frowned as she realized this was true. While she knew they had planned this and had simply facilitated what she could, they had no idea she knew. Sighing with exasperation, she snatched up an undertunic to fold. "Being married is far more complicated than I expected. Suddenly, everything is an issue, and he must be considered in all things."
"Aye," Emilie murmured. Then she grinned. "But it does have its rewards as well."
Laughing at the twinkle in her friend's eye, Murie hugged her and returned to packing.
With the three of them working, it was less than the hour she'd suggested before they were done. Leaving Emilie to wait for the servants to carry her chest below, Murie went to check on her own belongings, surprised to find the queen herself in her room, directing the servants.
"There you are, dear." The woman smiled. "I think we are nearly done. At least, with the clothes you shall need for the next few weeks until the remainder are sent on to you. They shall be sent along with the items you ordered as soon as those are got together, and Edward has agreed to send soldiers to guard your things on their journey."
"I... Thank you, Your Majesty," Murie whispered, wondering if the woman was being so kind just because she was so happy to be rid of her.
"Murie."
"Aye?" she said warily as the servants trooped out with the two chests they'd packed, leaving her alone with the queen. Phillipa closed the door behind them and turned to face her. "I wanted to tell you before you go how very proud I am of you." Murie blinked in surprise. 'You - Proud?" she asked weakly. Queen Phillippa nodded. "Aye. I know the girls and young women were awful to you here at court, but you never once asked my aid in handling them. You dealt with it in your own way. Other girls were constantly running to me, weeping at this cruelty or that, but not you. You faced your own problems and found your own way through them." Crossing the room, she clasped Murie's shoulders and said, "Out of all the girls who have been here over the years, I know I can let you go and not fear there is a situation you cannot handle. I know you will be fine and will be able to cope with any matter that comes your way in life. I am proud of you."
"Oh," Murie breathed, and she blinked her eyes rap idly to try to dry the tears pooling there. She did not wish to weep and make a fool of herself.
The queen smiled at her expression, then bent to press a kiss to her cheek. "Be happy, child."
Murie raised a hand to her cheek to touch the spot the woman had kissed and watched silently as the queen left the room. Her heart was aching from just those few kind words, and they put an entirely different light on the past ten years of her life. She just wasn't sure how. "Wife?"
Murie turned to see Balan in the doorway, eyeing her in question.
"Are you well?" he asked with concern. "Have you been crying?"
"Nay," she said quickly and flashed him a smile. She moved toward him. "I am fine, husband."
He stared at her silently for a moment, then grunted and caught her hand to lead her into the hall. "The horses are ready, and the wagon's packed. Osgoode is waiting with them. We are to meet Reginald and Emilie down by the stables."
"Aye, my lord," Murie said.
They walked quickly down the hall. Her eyes were skating over the trappings and decor of this castle, which had been her home for ten years. She was happy to be leaving, and yet some part of her felt sad as well. She had no idea why. Murie had suffered little but misery in this place. Still.. .
Mayhap it was because leaving meant the end of her childhood and the beginning of a new phase of life. She pondered the matter as they made their way to the stables.
"All is ready." Osgoode greeted them as they reached the wagon and the small group of armed men on horseback waiting nearby.
Murie glanced around, noting her chests on