Chapter Seventeen: I can't breathe
Jamie stood upright, praying silently to the gods of her kingdom she doesn't expire on the spot. Alexander noticed as she took a small step back and his hand went around her waist instinctively to stead her.
"What is wrong?" Alexander had a worried expression. He knew she wasn't feeling alright. He hadn't expected all of the royal family to be present. It would overwhelm anyone even Janessa.
He knew hers was a small kingdom and it would take a considerably amount of time to adjust to the life of a much larger kingdom.
"Are you alright?" Alexander asked as she closed her eyes briefly.
"I am okay. What do you care? Let's get it over with, his highness" Jamie was snappy.
"You look like you are about to throw up. Come on, I will take you outside for fresh air. The royal family can wait" Alexander was really worried.
"No! I don't want them to think me weak, Milord. I can manage"
"I will make it snappy. Just squeeze my hand tightly if you can't take it anymore" Alexander knew his whole family was watching with curious eyes as he exchanged conversation with his new bride. He didn't care much. He actually doesn't mind at all.
He looked at the royal announcer that conveniently put off announcing them officially as they converse and he nodded for him to carry on.
"His Highness, King Alexander of Aradale and over Western hemisphere.....and his bride, Queen....." It dawned on the announcer that he had no idea what the new Queen's name was.
Jamie was furious even though it didn't show. Alexander didn't give instructions for her name to be added to the Royal book, not that she minded, she wasn't going to there for long.
Alexander threw a glare at the announcer. He wanted to say something when he heard Jamie's voice.
"I am Princess Janessa of Namura...now Queen of Aradale and over Western hemisphere. Isn't it wonderful to meet my new family?" Jamie flashed her sweetest smile and interlocked her arm with Alexander who looked surprised.
The whole royal family stood up as soon as their king and Queen were announced. Alexander took his seat and Jamie instead of sitting on his right hand side, went ahead and took the seat at the opposite end of the table, directly facing the king.
The seat was meant for a crown prince or princess of Aradale, the second in line to succession to the throne, which technically was princess Rosemund.
Rosemund smiled at her and made a hand sign to Alexander that his new wife was rude and she wouldn't last a day. Jamie replied her with a hand sign that she apologizes if she was rude.
Rosemund was surprised she understood. Only a handful of people understood sign language.
"Her majesty, this is duke and duchess of kendell my uncle and his wife. Lady Melvin and her daughter, Lady Eloise my distant cousins I told you about and " Alexander looked at the vast members he was supposed to introduce by name and he knew even though Janessa hid it well, she was lightheaded and he simply continued" and the rest of the royal family which you will get to know during the ball that will hold a fortnight after our martial vows. This is my sister, Princess Rosemund. I trust you will become fast friends. Now, I am going to take my leave with the Queen. Enjoy your breakfast"
Alexander went around and grabbed Janessa's hand and together they walked out, leaving dumbfounded members of the royal family in their wake. Rosemund smiled and gave orders for the food to be served.
Janessa picked up the pace as soon as they were away from prying eyes. Soon, they were inside the king's chambers.
"Tell me what is wrong, Monisha? How may I help?"
"I... can't.... breathe!"
Alexander picked up the scissors on the table and before Jamie could object, he was cutting through the dress to free her.
Soon, she could breath well and her color was returning gradually.
"Why was the damn thing tied so tightly?" Alexander was furious.
"Because all the dresses you had made for me was Arabella's size and I couldn't fit in it. The tight corset made it fit"
Jamie expected Alexander to say wicked things and call her fat. After all she was a few inches larger than the average girl. Jamie wasn't fat. Her feature was pleasant to the eyes but she didn't bother with a corset to train her waist for a long time...well, untill few weeks ago, she had no need for them. Unlike Arabella, Jamie grew up in the forest.
She became quiet as she thought about how worried her father must be, losing two daughters was enough to drive any father mad.
"I am sorry"
Did Alexander just apologize to her? He didn't even make fun of her.
"If you are sorry, you will return me to my kingdom" Jamie whispered.
"I can't do that, Monisha. Once again I feel the need to apologize but I won't. You can fuss about it or you can make Aradale your home"
"Right now, I am going to take a walk....Alone" Jamie made emphasis on alone to prove she doesn't want the company of the king. She had been in Aradale for four days and yet it felt like forever.
"Of course, her majesty but just to be safe, the princess and two guards will accompany you to keep you safe, of course. There are a lot of people out in the world who wants to do me harm and they only way they can, is through my family" Alexander's face didn't disclose anything he was feeling.
"Of course, his highness. Your concern is touching" her voice was laced with deadly sarcasm.
"It's for your own good, Janessa"
"Of course, Milord"
Alexander left the chambers almost immediately. He needed to hasten her move to the Queen's part of the palace. She might have been oblivious that she was standing stark naked as she was angry but he wasn't. He couldn't stay there any longer without acting on some fantasy of his and the only option left was to give as much distance to her.
Fool! His wolf growled at Alexander.