Page 35 of A Wallflower's Convenient Duke
Chapter 16
The Tower rose before them, its ancient stones steeped in centuries of history and legend. The weathered walls, grey with age, stood as silent witnesses to stories long past and mysteries half-remembered. It was not just a fortress—it was a monument to England’s rich and complex heritage, and today, it welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Brooksdale, and their young companion, into its shadowed depths.
Philip walked beside Blanche and Leopold, content to let their guide take the lead. The man, grey-haired and theatrically inclined, swept his arm toward the looming structure before them.
"This particular tower, you see," the guide continued with a gleam in his eye, "has witnessed centuries of whispers. From the tumult of Henry VIII's court to the sorrowful fate of the Princes in the Tower—these very stones have absorbed every tale."
Blanche's eyes sparkled with intellectual curiosity, and she could not help but interject, "Pray tell us more about the Princes in the Tower, if you please."
The guide grinned, appreciating Blanche's eagerness. "Ah, the Princes! A tale of royal intrigue and tragedy. The two young sons of King Edward IV, sent here for protection, or so it was said. They vanished without a trace. Some claim murder. Others whisper of escape and secret lives. Their fate remains one of the Tower’s darkest mysteries."
Leopold, with a twinkle in his eye, added, "Do you think their ghosts still wander these halls, seeking justice for their untimely fate?"
The guide gave a dramatic pause. "Many believe so, young sir. Visitors have reported footsteps echoing through empty chambers, soft voices in the dead of night. If you listencarefully..." He leaned in conspiratorially. "You might hear them too."
Leopold tried to listen, but his excitement got the better of him and he could not resist talking once more. "I have never seen a ghost before. I hope I do while we are here. Are there any stories of princesses?"
As the guide talked to her brother, Blanche turned to Philip, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Philip, this is simply… extraordinary. The layers of stories within these walls are like a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. I've never seen anything like it in all my life!"
Philip found himself smiling—genuinely—at her delight. "It is a privilege to see it with you. The Tower is grand, yes, but it is made grander still in your company."
"…the princess, known for her beauty and grace," the guide continued, capturing all of their attention, "was said to have been imprisoned within these very walls, a victim of political intrigue and power struggles. Her only crime? A love that defied the expectations of the royal court."
Blanche's eyes widened with empathy; her heart drawn into the tragic narrative. "What happened to her?" she inquired, her voice barely a whisper.
The guide paused for effect before continuing, "Legend has it that she spent her days in captivity, gazing out from a small window in the tower, longing for her lost love. Some say her ghost still wanders these halls, forever searching for the one she could never have."
"So, there are a lot of ghosts here!" Leopold exclaimed. "I sure hope to see at least one."
As they all ventured deeper into the heart of the Tower of London, the towering walls gave way to an enclosure that housed an eclectic array of wonders from Britain's vast imperialreach. The caged creatures, brought from faraway lands, awaited our curious gazes.
Leopold's eyes widened with awe as he approached the cages, his excitement palpable. "Look, Blanche! Are those real lions? And is that a parrot? Can we go closer?"
The infectious enthusiasm of youth bubbled forth, and Philip found himself drawn into an animated exchange with Leopold. His endless stream of eager questions about distant lands and the intriguing creatures housed within the cages revealed a hunger for knowledge that mirrored Blanche's own scholarly spirit.
"Your Grace!" Leopold exclaimed as they continued their walk through the hallowed halls, "Did you know there are tales of dragons in the faraway lands? Majestic creatures with scales that glisten like jewels and breath that can turn villages to ash! Can you imagine such wonders?"
Philip, thoroughly amused by Leopold's infectious excitement, chuckled. "Indeed, Wicksford, my lad, the world is filled with tales of mythical creatures. Dragons, in particular, have been a source of fascination for centuries. Some say they guard treasures hidden deep in mountain caves. Of course, those who seek them do not always return."
Leopold’s eyes gleamed with wonder. "Do you think we might go on such an adventure one day?"
"Adventures," Blanche said with a soft laugh, joining them, "require a great deal of reading first. Perhaps the pair of you ought to begin with the travels of Herodotus or Marco Polo."
Philip nodded sagely. "Your sister is right. Before we brave any dragons, we must consult the proper texts. And maps. And carry sufficient provisions."
"And perhaps a sword!" Leopold added with glee.
Philip feigned seriousness. "At the very least."
Leopold's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Tell me, Your Grace, have you encountered any mythical creatures in your travels?"
Philip played along with a twinkle in his eye. "Ah, well, there was that one time in a distant land where they spoke of a creature with the body of a lion and the wings of an eagle. The locals called it a griffin. Quite a formidable creature, I must say. I did not see one myself, but for that I am glad. I do not think I would have come out of that exchange alive."
Leopold's imagination soared, and he fired off more questions about griffins, enchanted forests, and other fantastical elements. Philip, embracing the role of storyteller, answered each inquiry with a mix of factual information and embellished tales
Surprisingly, it felt like a bond was blooming between them. That was not something Philip had expected from today, but Leopold was an interesting character, just like his sister, and he was grateful for the chance to get to know both of them.
As they approached the waiting carriage at the end of the day, Leopold, still brimming with enthusiasm, turned to Philip. "Your Grace, thank you for sharing such wondrous tales with me. It was an outing both entertaining and educational! I hope we shall have many more such days together."
