Caspian's POV:
"Your highness, as per your request, we have sent a messenger to retrieve the two princesses." The official bowed.
"I see. When will the two princesses be arriving?" I inquired. "Any moment now, your majesty." He replied.
My gaze wandered over the court. Guards stood in neat orderly lines, officials were scattered around, some holding scrolls of paper and some moving here and there, with errands to run. There were ambassadors from other realms, here to report problems regarding their kin.
I have to marry the oldest princess of Hell, I wonder what she'll be like. I sighed. I wasn't too keen on marrying someone I didn't know, but I had responsibilities as a royal. It seems I wouldn't be able to fall in love the way I wanted to. Instead I would have to marry someone I hadn't even seen, let alone met.
The princess was notorious in all the realms, she was nicknamed as the 'Red Queen', nobody actually knew why this was her nickname, some said it was because of the color of her eyes which were blood-red and some said it was because of the way she fought, the blood of her enemies staining the soil red. One thing was for sure, she was one of the strongest immortals in history other than me. And her blood lineage was excellent, her father a pure blood Demon of the main family and her mother the queen of the Syrens. Her backing was excellent, two kingdoms at her disposal, it was said her sister would inherit the Syren kingdom but there were rumors that her sister hadn't gotten her powers yet. Hence why, the oldest would take over both kingdoms.
All of this information came straight from Gerald, one of the best informants we had. We were quite adept at acquiring knowledge, second only to the Fae.
"Caspian, are they here yet?" My stepmother, Callidora called out, from her spot a little to my right. Her fingers were stroking Luciana, my little sister's hair, her head nestled gently on her lap.
"Brother, when is my sister-in-law going to come?" Lucie asked, her big blue eyes could be seen through her mane of thick, blond hair that always seemed to come into her face. "Any minute now, Lucie." I replied.
"Lucie, your brother has work to do. You can play all you want with him when he's free later." My mother pretended to scold her but her smiling face gave her away. She really was an excellent queen, my father had done an amazing job choosing her. This woman took on the role of my mother and although I wasn't her real child she treated me like one of her own more than anything.
The head official, Vermont whispered in my ear. "They're here, your highness." My gaze slid over the doors of the throne room, as they slowly opened. A page blew on his trumpet and announced, "Presenting, her royal highnesses, Princess Rienna Drakor and Princess Arayna Drakor of Hell."
My mouth ran dry at the sight of the stunning woman in a black, sleeveless, one shoulder Greek style dress. Her black hair was like thick tendrils of darkness, billowing behind her as she stepped in the room confidently, chin held up high. Her pale skin accentuated her eyes. 'Sweet Caelum' I breathed out. Her eyes were orbs of blood-red rubies and there was a sort of defiant fire in them. I felt my heart lurch in my chest. Her features were sharp and beautifully defined, in fact her personality seemed very sharp.
Beside the woman who I assumed was the first princess, was a girl who looked exactly like her with the same hair, but her eyes seemed to change color every second. I would have paid her more attention, but my eyes were fixated on the dark-haired beauty with rubies for eyes. It was undeniable, my attraction for her.
When our eyes met, I gulped. Caspian, get yourself together! I scolded myself silently. Inaudibly clearing my throat, I stood up and walked over to her. I stretched my hand to her and she gently laid her hand in mine, I felt an electric current spread through my skin from where we touched. I gave her hand a gentle kiss while bending slightly.
"Welcome to Heaven princesses, I'm sure you must be tired after your journey, we have prepared your rooms for you. You may go rest if you wish." I gave them a friendly smile. The oldest gave me a bored look while her sister behind her just looked amused.
"Unfortunately that's quite unnecessary, we're perfectly fine." She answered curtly.she was certainly quite the spitfire, the thought brought a smile on my face.
"How about we take a walk while my family entertains your sister?" I questioned her, slightly unnerved by her behavior. I meant nothing of harm when I asked her to rest yet she answered as if she couldn't be bothered to deal with me. The very thought bothered me for some reason.
"I think it's a perfectly wonderful idea, Luciana and I can accompany your sister while you have a talk with Caspian." My stepmother stood up along with Lucie. The two sisters shared a look as if speaking through their eyes and then turned back to us. "It's fine with Arayna and I." She said.
I extended an elbow to her, "Well then, shall we Rienna?" Her eyes shot over to me as soon as I uttered her name, for some reason I started to feel nervous as her eyes slid over me. "Of course... Caspian." Wrapping her hand around the crook of my elbow, she gave me a small smile. Unconsciously I felt my control over my emotions slip, as my heart started to beat faster. I forced myself to snap out of it and smiled at her in return.
We walked out of the throne room and headed over to the gardens.