Born in the Purple by Dora Ilieva

Author:Dora Ilieva [Ilieva, Dora]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2020-01-25T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 32

That evening Tancred used one of his trusted servants to take a note to Anna’s friend Belisaria. Merciful lady, the letter said, my stricken heart needs your help. I must speak with the Princess, but she is so well protected, I don’t know how to reach her. I place my aching heart in your gentle hands and pray for salvation from the furious feelings that are tearing me apart. Have pity, noble lady, and let the bearer of this letter know what I need to do.”

When Belisaria got the letter, she was panic-stricken. Anna had landed herself in hot water. The Emperor had seen the nod of encouragement she had given Tancred and had deduced the truth. In a fit of rage, he had shortened the wedding preparation period from three weeks to three days. A terrible row between father and daughter had ensued and, as a result, Anna had been locked in a chamber and forbidden to exit until the day of the wedding. Apart from a couple of trusted servants, the only people allowed to visit her were her mother and the Empress Mother. Since talking to either of them was out of the question, the loyal friend decided to approach the deacon. He was young and although he was a man of the cloth, he had to know something about the affairs of the heart. Anna always spoke of him as a friend. Belisaria hoped that he would understand the Princess’s desperate situation and would be willing to help. She mustered her courage and went in search of the young priest.

She found him at the Empress Mother’s private chapel. Lost in prayer, he didn’t hear the girl enter.

“Excuse me, Father,” Belisaria faltered.

He turned brusquely, and she noticed with surprise that his face was bathed in tears.

“I’m sorry, Father. I see that I have come at an inopportune moment.” She turned to leave, but his voice stopped her.

“Stay, tell me what brings you to me. Is it your mistress? Does she need anything?”

In his eyes, Belisaria could read anxiety, concern and something else, something she couldn’t quite understand. Could it be that he was infatuated with Anna? She brushed the thought away. Deacon Leo was the Empress Mother’s confessor. He was sent to her by Patriarch Nicholas himself which meant that the Head of the Church envisaged a bright future for him, a future in which interest in women had no place whatsoever. Sensing the expectant urgency in the deacon’s voice, Belisaria suddenly felt unsure of her decision.

“It’s nothing, Father. Anna is probably fine. I was just wondering whether you can arrange for me to see her. Poor soul, I know she talks to you, but she is getting married in a couple of days and there are some things about marriage that one can discuss only with one’s best friend.”

The deacon blushed violently.

“I’ll see what I can do,” he stammered and turned his back to her.

“Thank you, Father,” Belisaria said mildly. “I knew you would help.”

A deep sigh was the only response to her statement.

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