It started with a bawdy remark two months ago which might have been tolerated between two lovers, but being overheard by the court she had felt it necessary to publically punish Edward. She threw him in the tower for four days and since then they had not spoken. Surely he could understand that as the oldest Princess, to be Queen if the old King died, she had her position to keep at court and could not have her reputation undermined by smutty little remarks. Edward thought that since they had been courting for several weeks she had overreacted. He had not taken his public humiliation well. He loved the Princess but thought that she should make the first move, particularly as she was in the higher position. As the weeks passed and no letters or invitations arrived he despaired of his love and in an act of folly volunteered to lead the assault team on the impregnable fortress of Mount Vernon. After two years of siege the fortress still had not fallen. When Princess Helena heard of this she felt sure that this act was to punish her for he would surely be killed. She would summon him on the pretext of passing him orders and if he apologised first she would promote him to Captain of the Kings Guard, a much safer position. To Edward this invitation by the Princess was what he had waited for but she must make the first move. He met her in the Office of State and received his orders. Though in love he could not bear to look at her, lest his eyes betray his inner hurt. The Princess greeted him to receive a sullen reply but otherwise no words passed between them and he departed. Should she run after him to say she forgave him? No, she could not. It would probably be the last time she would see him alive.