Once Aria stepped into the vicinity of the dining room, it suddenly became eerie silent. Everyone stopped what they were doing at turned their burning gazes toward Aria. If their eyes were knives, she would already be dead. She walked with her head held high, her gown of gold and blue rustling softly with each step. She took her seat at the foot of the table, her eyes meeting with those familiar yet distant cold blue eyes of her father. She was about to look down but swore that she could not be intimidated by a mere look.
"I'm glad you could join us, Aria," King Marcus said, his voice cold and distant.
"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," Aria replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. She looked around the table, her gaze finally resting on Greta. The older woman gave her a small nod of encouragement, and Aria knew fell at ease for a while.
Seated at the far corner was a man all clad in black. He somehow looked familiar but I could not quite figure out where I had seen him. King Marcus cleared his voice noisily to catch everyone's attention at the table. Everyone stopped whatever they were doing and turned their gazes towards the king.Marcus stood up eyeing everyone at the table except for Aria.
"My dear family, as you all know, the kingdom of Avon is facing many challenges. We are constantly threatened by neighboring kingdoms, and we must do all we can to protect ourselves and ensure the stability of our land."
He paused, looking around the table at his family and Lord Blackwood. "It is with this in mind that I have made the difficult decision to arrange a marriage between our beloved daughter, Princess Aria, and Lord Blackwood."
There was a murmur around the table, but King Marcus raised his hand to silence them. "I know that many of you may have concerns, but I can assure you that this union will bring much-needed strength and support to our kingdom. Lord Blackwood is a powerful and influential leader, and he will be able to help us navigate these trying times."
"I know that this may come as a surprise to some of you, including you Aria," King Marcus said looking at her. "But I assure you, my dear, this is the best decision for our kingdom. Lord Blackwood is a good man, and I am sure you will come to know and appreciate him in time."
"Furthermore, this union will bring peace and prosperity to Avon, and we should all be grateful for it. We are all here for the greater good of the kingdom, and this marriage is a sacrifice we must make for the betterment of our people."
"So, I ask for your blessing and support as we move forward with this union. Let us raise a glass to the future of Avon, and the happiness of our beloved daughter, Princess Aria."
Aria looked around, surprised by the sudden change of events. She eyed Greta curiously and saw her lower her head. So she knew this all along? It was clear that the king had sent Greta to convince her to join the family in the dining room. Aria knew that she had to be married, but not this first. She had no say on the matter as it was her duty to get married to an influential man who could support the kingdom.
She lifted her gaze to look at the man who was to marry her. She now remembered who he was after seeing his face in the light. Yes, it was Blackwood. The High member of the royal council. She now understood the reason why her father chose him. The Council was a very important administration organ to not only the king but also the citizens of Avon. The council's decision was final regardless of whether the king consented to it or not. With the High Member of the council by father,s side, he would be the overall ruler without the council impacting his decisions.
So the king used me for his own selfish gains? Huh? And now he expects me to comply with his evil plans?
It had now dawned on Aria that she was regarded as a piece of property worth exchanging for. But weighing the matter on both sides, Aria wondered why Lord Blackwood would eventually want to marry her. He was the kind of person who did everything with a clear purpose. Aria was sure that it wasn't power that he was reaching for since he was as powerful as the king.
Everyone at the table had fallen silent, either immersed in their own thoughts or feeling pity for the poor Aria. Marcus sat down reluctantly in his chair looking at his daughter's reaction. He knew that she had every reason to become furious at him but he didn't care. He knew that whatever he always did was for the good of his family. He didn't understand why Aria saw it the other way around.
Aria stood up catching the attention of everybody. Marcus expected that she was now about to reject the offer but what she said next left him jaw-dropped.
"I accept Lord Blackwood's proposal but only if I am given enough time to court him shall the marriage preparations begin."She said determined to win this out.
"That is not possible Aria. The wedding date has already been set," Marcus said rising from his seat, anger evident in his voice and face. So a date had been set without Aria being informed. She expected nothing less from her power-hungry father.
"I think the princess is right. We should give her time and who knows maybe she may fall head over heels for me within that time?"That was Blackwood's statement. I was glad that he somehow saved me from a hurried marriage. Father was left with no option but to consent to my request.
"Fine," he gave in, "but with the following conditions. You are not expected to leave the palace until the day of your wedding. The courtship will last for a period of one month and my decision is final."The king left the room followed by the palace guards leaving no room for Aria to argue.