Helena dressed into a more appropriate dress and headed towards the dining with her guards trailing behind her. It was getting more frustrating with these guards behind her. Can't they leave her just for once!
"Don't you people have other things to do than always walking behind me?" Helena asked, frustration clear in her voice.
They glanced at each other with confusion in their eyes. The princess never made her complaints loud, why was she suddenly acting like this.
"It's our duty to protect you, your highness." One of the men spoke. His name was Cyrus. He was the strongest and that was why her father appointed him as her personal guard.
Helena rolled her eyes, these men were so annoying. Can't they understand that she needs to be free?!
"Well Cyrus, I'm in the castle now and there is no need for your protection. If you don't mind, stop trailing behind me." She said
"But your highne...."
She held her hand out and cut him off, she knew she was being rude to him unnecessarily, she knew it was his duty to protect her but she just can't bare it anymore, at least they should consider her wishes before sending her away to some strange prince.
"It's an order! Now tell your men to leave now, I'll like to be alone." She said firmly.
They was tension between Cyrus and his men but eventually they obeyed and left hesitantly.
Helena heaved a sigh of relief, now she can breath.
She made her way to the dining hall and she saw her father and mother displaying PDA. This parents of hers were shameless and it seems her father sent the guards and the maid away. This is what she wished for, the love her parents shared not some kind of affectionless marriage but knowing her parents condition she could only sigh.
Didn't they know she was here! Her mother was sitting on her father's lap and her father whispered something in her ear which made her chuckle.
She shook her head and went straight to take her seat, she cleared her throat and that was when they realized their daughter was there. Emilia immediately stood up and sat down beside her husband. She placed her hands on his and whispered into his ear.
Helena almost rolled her eyes. What the hell is wrong with them!
"Greetings your Majesty." She said referring to her father.
The king sighed and turned to his daughter.
"Why are you being so formal, huh?" Her father asked.
When she didn't respond he stood up from his chair and sat next to her.
"I know I was harsh towards you, last night. It's actually the first time I've raised my voice on you. I'm sorry Helena." He said caressing her hair.
Helena loved her father so much, even if she wanted to stay angry with him she couldn't bring herself to do it. She would never be upset with her father! He had always loved her unconditionally and this is the least she could do for him and the throne.
"It's okay father,I understand that you're doing this for the kingdom. I'll get married to the prince of Lucrain despite the rumors I've heard about him." She said as she hugged her father.
"Don't believe those rumors, their not true. I assure you, the prince is a good man and that is why I chose him." Lucid said.
Suddenly her mind drifted back to the prince. If he rules this kingdom what will happen to his own kingdom when his father dies? He couldn't possibly rule this place if he was the crown prince. This is the chance for her to convince her dad she can't get married to him. She just hopes her theory turns out true.
"Father..."
"Hmm." Lucid said as he was still caressing his daughter's hair.
"If the...the prince rules this kingdom,what would happen to his kingdom when his father dies. He can't rule this place if he is the crown prince right?"
"Yes Helena, he can't rule this place if he is the crown prince..... He paused for a moment to take a deep breath. ....and that is why I chose him, he's not the crown prince. I had many allies who their son's were willing to get married to you but unfortunately they were all crown princes and the prince of Lucrain was the only and last option I had to choose and that is why I chose him to get married to you." He explained.
Helena knew it... She knew her father must have had a reason to choose that prince but why did it have to be him.
Lucid could notice her sudden nervousness and he calmed her down.
"It's okay, everything would be alright. I just want you to prepare for your wedding and everything would be alright." He said
"Her mother who had been silent suddenly spoke. "Same thing I told her."
"We think alike, my wife." He said causing her to chuckle.
Helena quickly ate her food and left the dinning hall. Her parents were making her feel embarrassed with their sudden affection towards each other.
In the hallway she stumbled on someone. Alas! It was her best friend, the person who sneaks her out of the castle most of the time. They had been best friends ever since they were children but he wasn't a royalty. It's been a while since she last saw him and she missed his mischiefs and their fights.
"Amir!!" She said giving him a tight hug.
Amir was her father's best friend's son. Their parents had been friends since childhood and she envied that their friendship still lasted for long.
The last time she saw him was one week ago, and after that day, she didn't get to see him again. She probably knew he heard about the news and that was why he came over.
"Helena." He said hugging her tightly. He pulled away when he saw she had gotten enough.
"Are you alright?" He asked her, he looked worried and Helena could only guess it was about the marriage.
She nodded and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Where's uncle Titus?" She asked him, it was his father.
"He's with your father, their discussing something important right now." He told her and she nodded.
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward her chamber.
"What's wrong Amir."
"We need to talk." He said and Helena knew it was about the wedding.
Helena nodded and they both headed towards her chamber.