Queen Regina gave a quick surprised face and started weeping very hard. She looked like someone who has been deeply wronged. For king George, Ellen has crossed the line. She has really wronged the Queen this time. He knew first hand that the Queen treated her nicely.
He was blinded by the Queen's pitiful state that he did not remember to ask Ellen how she found out that Regina was not her mother.
"You ungrateful child, look how you have made your mother cry. She has done nothing but love you since the day she took the role of becoming your mother, yet you choose to be ungrateful." king George said with so much disappointment in his voice.
Ellen looked at the Queen's state and could not blame her father for being fooled by her. Anyone can be fooled with her perfect acting skills. She will fit perfectly into the role of a cruel witch. Oh, see how pitiful she look. Ellen could not bear her mischievous face. If Ellen did not know her too well she would have fallen for her act.
"Why are you still quiet? apologize to your mother immediately," the king roared. Ellen felt a shiver run down her spine when she heard her father's voice. He has always been soft and gentle to her.
"I am sorry," Ellen said, Regina wanted to give her victory smile when she heard the other part of Ellen's statement.
"I am sorry for being honest" she stated with a matter-of-fact tone. She did not mean to be rude or disrespectful to her father. But what was the point? She was about to be offered for the peace of the kingdom and as such, to her there was no need for remaining noble.
The king was shocked by Ellen's statement but he felt lost. Just when he was about to scold Ellen more the Queen beat him to it.
"My dear if there have been any misunderstandings between us, I apologize but I have always wanted the best for you, that is why I seem a little difficult at times," Regina said smoothly. She knew that if Ellen continued to talk the king might find out about her pretentious behavior.
Ellen was rendered speechless by the queen's action. How could she continue complaining after the Queen apologized so smoothly? "Your highness, your craftiness is worthy of recognition" you should be given an award Ellen mentally praised the Queen.
"Father, your highness if there is nothing else I would love to be excused" she spoke politely.
The king looked at her and nodded his head. He did not want to force her to apologize anymore. He felt she was only hurt by the fact that she was being married off to the curse prince.
Ellen might be leaving the kingdom soon, so he decided to overlook her behavior since she already has a heavy responsibility on her shoulder.
Ellen immediately left the room afer she saw her father's approval. She did not spear the Queen another glance before leaving.
...
A few hours later.
The king was listening to the report from one of his generals when he heard about the rumor going around the kingdom. It was only that morning he reveals his decision and there is already an uproar.
He could not understand why the people loved princess Ellen so much, to the extent they were willing to speak against the king.
"your majesty, the royal council, and the nobles Court are present and they seek the king's audience." a guard informed the king.
The king joined them in the throne room, where the Queen and other members of the royal family were already waiting. They all bow their heads in greetings as he walked to his throne and took his seat.
It was hard enough to give away his daughter for the sake of the kingdom, it was even more difficult and painful that the same people dared to question his decision. The king was so angry but again how could he voice out his anger when the people were also expressing love towards his daughter.
"Your majesty," lord Pacelle said bowing slightly to the king. We understand that the time is unfavorable for our kingdom. But we can not give away our treasures if we have an option. The commoners are right in this matter. princess Ellen is too much a treasure to be sacrificed when we have an option," he said and sat down.
King George swept his eyes across the room and he saw the majority of the royal council members nodding their heads.
" Lord Pacelle, what do you mean princess Ellen is a treasure. Both of my daughters are treasures" king George declared.
"Then his majesty will agree to our little request," Lord Yancey was the one who spoke this time.
Once again the majority of the royal council and noble nodded in agreement.
" How can I give away my younger daughter for marriage when the older one is yet to be married?" king George asked in irritation and anger evident in his voice.
Meanwhile, Queen Regina was boiling in anger and frustration. She even regrets sending Ellen to the commoner's chamber during the war. She could not believe her ears. Her singular act to degrade the princess is now working in her favor.
She could already see the handwriting on the wall, once the majority of the council members supported Ellen. She felt a little relieved when she heard the king used their age difference as protection for Ema. She was about to relax when she saw four of the most outstanding men walked up to the throne.
"Your majesty" they all bow in greeting.
King George frowns his brows a little. He could already tell what it meant for four young outstanding men to get up when he talked about marriage.
"Your majesty " this time it was grandmaster Grenn that spoke. These four young men are interested in princess Ellen. They are all outstanding in their field and they came from prominent families." The grandmaster gesture at each of the men standing before the throne. as he called out their names.
Sam and Rickon grandsons of lord Robert house of Barathon. Your majesty," Sam and Rick bowed.
Meson son of Lord Bowon, House of Amnell. Your majesty" Meson bowed.
Joe, Son of Lord Yancey, house of Yancey. Your majesty, " Joe bowed.
The king felt tongue tied. He could not understand why the member of his council would be so interested in his daughter. Everyone seated in the room understands the fact that princesses usually got married out for alliance with other kingdom.
He also understood why they were skeptical about the curse prince. Bozoa just finished fighting a war. He knew that the kingdom was not stable. He could not be too rash if he intended to keep his throne.
Three out of four of the strongest house in the kingdom were clearly against his decision. Wait the fourth will likely do the same. Queen Agatha was from the house of Zorander. They were likely on Ellen's side. These houses were strong with their armies, meaning if they came together to fight the throne, the royal family will lose especially since they had the commoner's support.
Queen Regina ball her hand into a fist. She was so angry that breathing was becoming difficult for her. Standing in front of her were the most outstanding men in the kingdom. In fact, she was thinking of having Ema married one of these men. Yet they were standing proudly asking for Ellen's hand.
Just when the king was about to accept their request, footsteps were heard hurrying into the throne room.