"When are you going to tell her?"
"I don't know, this is not an easy issue, she won't like it."
"Then… let the boy be the one to tell her. She won't do anything to him."
"Mmm… but she will know it was us."
"I know, but it will be too late for her to change anything. Don't they say that it's easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission?"
The two middle-aged men were talking secretively in a corner. Nobody would notice them if they weren't inside the big hall for the council meetings full of elders and ministers, and if they were not the King of Lith and the Grand Duke of Mills.
The King had been fretting over how to tell his mischievous niece the news. It's not that he was afraid of her reaction or anything, it's just that he was really afraid of the repercussions in the long term. The evildoer will seek her vengeance if she doesn't like the deal.
"Then call him."
"You order for him to come, you are the King."
"You are his father."
"…"
They waited for an hour for the little Henry to appear in the great hall. The other Ministers gave up that day of work with the King and began discussing the relevant issues with the cold Prime Minister. They didn't have any choice.
When the doors opened and the little boy appeared in the great hall, he was immediately called forward.
Henry walked towards the throne with eyes filled with curiosity, he had never been called to the castle so urgently and to meet the King. However, he was in no way happy. He was called in the middle of a study session with Anne, and James was there too.
"Son, you came, come, come and greet his Highness."
Henry looked at his father with some cold eyes, he will have his little revenge sometime later. The Duke felt a scary feeling creeping on his back. However, the look on his son was of an amicable smile. 'This is weird, why I am feeling threatened?'
"Good evening, Your Majesty."
The little boy made a reverence, showing respect and obedience. He looked well-mannered and dignified, much more than the ordinary kid his age.
If one could describe Henry, he was the split image of his father, a handsome face, a green pair of eyes, bright like emeralds, soft and short black hair, a cute smile with a couple of dimples, and a mesmerizing delicate face.
However, the cheerfulness of the Duke was in no way transferred into his son. Instead, the quiet and calm temperance and strong personality of his mother were giving Henry a mysterious and at the same time dangerous aura.
The King was very pleased with this godson of his, he knew the little boy would transform into a great man in the future. Even now, his numerous achievements could only be overshadowed by the naughty evildoer that lurked around the Palace.
"Henry, we call you here because we have an announcement to make. It concerns you and Anne."
The King began to say, but still, he was a bit worried about the thoughts of his dear niece. What if she doesn't like it and cause something to break it.
"Your parents and us, the Queen and me, have decided to set an engagement between you two. What do you think, little boy?"
Henry was in shock, his eyes widened like plates for a second before returning to their usual size. However, his cheeks and ears were red.
His father already knew about his affections towards the young Princess, but he never said anything, as he also wanted the union with the daughter of his late best friend.
"Father, is this true?"
"Of course, it's true son, what do you think?"
Henry looked at the both of them again, but his thoughts were immediately driven to the smile of the cute little girl that had enchanted. He so wanted to make her stay with him, but he didn't want to force her, he wanted her to make her decision and chose him on her own.
"I am honored, Your Highness, but… I should decline."
"What are you saying, Henry? How could reject her?!"
This was the first time the Duke of Mills had raised his voice with so much emotion in front of anyone.
"That is not it, father, it's just that…"
"Talk, boy."
"I want her to choose me, I don't want to force her."
Henry was a bit ashamed by his words, they were exposing his true feelings and emotions that were tormenting his innocent heart for a long time.
"I know, Henry, and we wanted for you both to develop feelings and be a bit older for this to happen, but this cannot be delayed, we have received a marriage proposal with the Kingdom of Doreim. They heard about her great achievements and the King is fixed on having her as his daughter-in-law when the Crown Prince and her go to the Academy in a few years. We can prevent it before it happens, don't you think?"
Henry narrowed his eyes. He knew they had to go to the Academy and there may be many more suitors competing for her hand. But still, he wanted to win her in a fair square where she is the one to decide.
"Then, young boy, what do you think about the engagement?"
"That…"
"Whose engagement?"
That was the voice of Anne, she had just arrived in the hall to get Henry. He was her loyal servant, and now she needed him.
The moment they heard her, the two old men turned to look sideways, not daring to see her eyes. Henry too was looking at the floor.
"Henry, whose engagement?"
Henry could never resist a direct question of hers.
"Mine…"
"No!" She shouted without thinking.
"Anne?" The King was surprised, his little evildoer was making a desperate face. "What…?"
"He is my bride! I won't let anyone take him!"
"…"