The clock struck seven and Arthur walked into their bedroom. He hung his jacket and went into the bathroom while Eudora lay on the sofa reading a book. She didn't lift her head when he walked in nor did she greet him.
When Arthur got out of the shower, she was still reading her book.
Arthur leaned against the sofa from behind and looked at what she was reading.
[She gazed at her dead husband's body. Then she took a knife nearby from the knife drawer. She proceeded to curve beautiful pictures of him and his mistress all over his body. Once she was done she….]
" Dragged her beloved husband's body and dismembered it..?! Princess, what are you reading?"
Eudora closed the book shut and turned to Arthur who felt goosebumps when he saw her fierce glare. He gulped.
" Am I in trouble?"
" We should consummate our marriage."
There was pin-drop silence in the room.
"...what?"
" Let's consummate our marriage."
Eudora stood up and started slowly walking toward him.
"What!"
Arthur walked back as Eudora kept drawing in. Soon he was backed against the wall and Eudora trapped him with her hands.
" Do you want to get your hearing checked out?! I said let's consummate our marriage! Are you willing or not?!"
Truth was, Arthur was over the moon when he heard this. He was in disbelief and thought he was merely hallucinating so he kept trying to clarify what he heard. However, he was also curious about why she had a sudden change of heart. She was cowering in fear the other night thinking about it but now she had him trapped against the wall.
" Of course Im willing-" Arthur took this chance when Eudora was caught off guard and switched their places. Now she was trapped by him. " Why the sudden change of heart?"
Eudora was staring at him. A slight blush washed over her face and she turned her face to the side.
" I'm your wife aren't I?"
" Yes."
" Then my job is to give you an heir."
Arthur was silent.
Eudora looked back at him.
He started laughing.
" Did your ladies-in-waiting pressure you? Because if they did, I can assure you, you don't have to do this-"
" So what? So you can use my inability to produce you an heir as an excuse to marry your lover?! Your Highness, I thought you were a nice gentleman but no. You just wanted to use this opportunity to marry your lover!" Eudora shouted at him. Her eyes were forming tears.
Arthur went quiet for a few seconds.
They both stared at each other.
The tears that were threatening to fall, slid down Eudora's cheeks like little beads.
Seeing them, Arthur immediately panicked. He gently tried to wipe them away but Eudora slapped his hand away.
" Who told you I had a lover?"
" I heard the rumors. That Lady Thalia is your lover."
" Those are just silly rumors. Why do you have to listen to them?"
" Arthur. Put yourself in my shoes. I'm a princess from Xylem whose sole purpose right now is to give you an heir as per the treaty. If I can't give you an heir, I will be condemned. The treaty wouldn't hold much meaning when you marry a second wife and her child ascends to the throne. And if you give her child to me to raise, every time I see that child I will be reminded of my failure as the princess of Xylem and your wife-"
Eudora felt the warmth of Arthur's lips over her cold ones. An electric shock-like sensation went through her body.
" I don't have a lover. I will never get a second wife. Never, and this is a promise. I will only ever love you in this lifetime."
Once again, his lips made contact with hers.
Without breaking that contact, the two made it to the bed and unbuttoned the first few buttons of Arthur's shirt before Eudora came to her senses.
" Wait!"
Arthur stopped immediately.
" What did you say?"
" I don't have a lover."
" After that."
" I will never get a second wife."
" No, after that. Your last sentence."
" I will only ever love you in this lifetime."
" Yes, that."
" What about it?"
" You love me?"
Arthur nodded.
Eudora went silent.
Arthur hovered above Eudora in silence too.
" It's only been two days since we met."
Arthur awkwardly laughed, " About that. This isn't the first time we meet."
" What are you talking about?"
—-
A few months ago.
" I do not understand why I need to marry the princess. Erix is dying to get married to her. He can fulfill the treaty on my behalf." Arthur said in annoyance.
" Crown Prince, you cannot say such things!"
" Why not?"
" If Lord Erix marries Royal Princess Eudora, you will lose the claim to the throne!"
" Who cares? I just want-"
As Arthur and his servant were strolling through the gardens something caught his attention.
Nestled within the grounds of an enchanting palace lies a resplendent garden, a sanctuary of tranquility and natural splendor. As you step through the ornate entrance, you find yourself transported to a realm of ethereal beauty. The garden blooms with a symphony of colors, fragrances, and intricate designs that captivate the senses.
Lush emerald lawns stretch out before you, meticulously manicured and adorned with vibrant flowerbeds bursting with roses, lilies, and exotic blossoms. Fragrant jasmine vines climb the marble columns that encircle the garden, their delicate white petals releasing a sweet aroma into the air. The vibrant hues of azaleas, tulips, and daffodils create a tapestry of colors, a living masterpiece of nature's artistry.
In the center of the garden, nestled beneath the graceful shade of a grand old oak tree, stands a magnificent swing. Crafted with meticulous detail and embellished with intricate carvings, the swing exudes an air of elegance and charm. Its sturdy chains are draped in delicate silken ropes, adorned with golden tassels that sway gently in the breeze.
The swing itself is a marvel, its seat fashioned from polished mahogany and cushioned with plush velvet pillows embroidered with intricate patterns. The upholstery shimmers with threads of gold and silver, catching the sunlight that filters through the swaying leaves above. Intricate lace drapes cascade from the canopy overhead, creating an ethereal veil that dances with the wind.
Surrounding the swing, an array of colorful blooms enhances its beauty. Climbing roses embrace the swing's frame, their velvety petals brushing against your fingertips as you sway gently back and forth. Fragrant lavender bushes line the nearby pathway, releasing their calming scent into the air as you enjoy the soothing motion of the swing.
As you glide through the air, a gentle breeze rustles the leaves above, serenading you with a soft symphony. The melodious chirping of birds fills the garden, harmonizing with the distant trickle of a nearby fountain. The tranquil ambiance transports you to a world of serenity, where time seems to stand still, allowing you to embrace the moment and immerse yourself in the beauty of this magical garden.
But what caught Arthur's eye wasn't the swing or the garden itself. It was the young woman swinging back and forth on the swing. Her radiant locks catch the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of coppery hues. She wears a flowing white dress that matches the brilliance of her hair, and her eyes shimmer with a lively sparkle.
With a playful smile on her face, the red-haired woman grips the swing's chains, her excitement evident. Pushing off from the ground, she lifts her legs, soaring higher with each pendulum-like motion. As she ascends, the wind tousles her hair, setting it aglow like flames dancing in the air.
Her laughter rings out joyously as she swings higher and higher, her red hair creating a vibrant blur against the backdrop of the sky. In this moment of pure bliss, she embodies the carefree spirit of youth, completely immersed in the simple joy of swinging.
Arthur can't help but be captivated by the sight, drawn to the vivid spectacle of the red-haired woman gracefully swaying through the air.
And so, amidst the serene surroundings, the red-haired woman continues her rhythmic journey on the swing, creating a beautiful tableau that lingers in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness it.
It is that woman..!
What is she doing in the Royal Garden?
" Who is that?"
" Your Highness, judging by her hair and the women around her, she must be the Royal Princess Eudora."
Arthur's eyes widened in shock.
That woman I was so desperately searching for…was the princess…
" Your Highness….we must get going. The Emperor awaits you."
" Alright.."
My love, please wait for me. Don't disappear like you did before.
" Greetings to the sun of the Xylem Empire!"
" It has been a while, Prince Arthur…" The Emperor said. " You must have seen my daughter."
" Yes, I have."
" If you do not wish to marry her, it is cogent. I will arrange for a beautiful noble woman of high ranking to be your bride."
" I wish to marry your daughter. "
" What?!" The Emperor stood up in rage.
" Your daughter has stolen my heart and I do not wish for my heart to return to me."
—
Back to the present.
" So you saw me in the Royal garden and fell in love?"
" That was our second encounter. Our first encounter was when I fell in love with you."
" When was it?"
" Do you remember when you ambushed the Tatum Army? That General that you stabbed fifteen times and stepped on.."
" Yes. How do you know I did that-"
Arthur removed his shirt to reveal the fifteen scars.
Eudora gasped.
She gently touched them and kissed one on his shoulder.
Arthur flinched at first but then he gently smiled.
" So you started loving me because I stabbed you?"
" Well, your bravery and beauty helped."
The two laughed.
" Arthur, you are surely not serious, are you?"
" Did you know, I was made to kneel in my father's office for two days because I refused to marry the Princess of Xylem and wanted an unknown female soldier."
" Really? You were that infatuated."
" A beautiful redhead-" He brushed through her red locks of hair. " With bright blue eyes that were staring at me so fiercely and filled with hatred while showing off one of the most impressive swordsmanship skills I have seen in a while. You had an option to stay back and enjoy the luxuries of the palace but you fought directly on the frontlines, leading the army with your brothers. You didn't fall short in terms of skills to them. And-" His hands moved from her hair to her face. " -I swore that the woman I would love would be someone who can beat me in combat so…" His thumb grazed her soft pink lips.
Arthur leaned in and whispered, " I'm all yours, my love. You can never get rid of me now. Even if you run away, I will search the four corners of the world for you. You cannot hide from me."