Breakfast was set at the table and everyone was eating quietly - including Rose. She was thanking her maker that breakfast was going silently without anyone trying to make any form of conversation since they were in over 15 minutes now. But, she did notice the prince who was staring at her and whenever she'd spot him, he'd look back down at his food. She thought he was just being shy and she was very very grateful for it.
Then out of the blue, he started a conversation saying "So, when is the wedding date?". Rose who was caught unaware by the prince's sudden choice of words froze right in the process of her trying to take food to her mouth. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, patiently waiting for her answer.
What did they even expect her to say when she hadn't even been properly introduced to him yet? And who told this prince here that there was going to be a marriage?
"I believe as a prince of high prestige, you'd want to do things according to the norm. And I believe that the norm of today states that before a man and a woman can get married, they have to go through some...stages you know like maybe courtship first or as you youngsters of nowadays like to call it, dating? We can't just wed you both just like that"
Rose had put the food that was on her fork before in her mouth the second her mom started talking but by the time she was done, she choked on the food. She couldn't believe her mom had put the option of them dating in her sentence.
Everyone turned their attention from the matter on hand to choking Rose. Nathaniel offered her a glass of water which she took and finished the whole glass at a go then, her mother continued saying "That is if my daughter would like that"
"Mother-in-law -"
"I still remain Queen Lilith to you"
"I'm sorry. Queen Lilith, I believe that is a convention and from time to time we should deviate from them a little. Fix in a little flexibility here and there."
"Yes but, there are some of these conventions are good and should be followed accordingly without any form of altering to avoid certain consequences like being in an unhappy marriage or ending up in any form of abusive after marriage."
"What are you insinuating Queen Lilith?"
"I just want the best for my daughter and yes, I don't trust you. If there's anything I have learnt from my 62 years on earth, it's that you can never trust anyone because if the people closest to you can hurt you within the blink of an eye, let's talk less of the other people around you."
The conversation ended there and everyone continued eating but this time in awkward silence.
The Queen and Prince didn't even look bothered by their conversation. When the King started another conversation saying "My Queen, I see no problem in why they can't get married tomorrow"
"Davies?!" said the queen
"I know this man good enough to know he's a good guy, he has no evil intentions. Every action he takes is always a selfless one. He is no abuser."
"I only want what is best for my daughter. Our daughter. The only way I'm allowing him to marry my daughter is if they take the necessary steps BEFORE marriage and that is only happening IF she wants that"
"Ok, so tell me, Rose, would you like to court this fine prince?"
Rose knew her answer was going to be no. She knew this was a golden opportunity for her to escape this marriage of a thing. As she was about to voice out the words that would give her her freedom she said "I see no problem as to why we can't try to get to know each other first"
What? Why did she just say that? This was her golden opportunity to get out of this mess and she ended up saying yes? Well, not an actual yes but, it was still a practical yes.
Rose herself couldn't figure out why she said yes. Her brain told her no but her mouth was doing the complete opposite of what it was told to do as if her mouth had a mind of its own and a new master I was answerable to. What was happening?
"Good! I now dub thee boyfriend and girlfriend" said the King as Rose and the Prince shared a glance with his eyes lit up as she held a disgusted and confused face.