Chapter 8.
The queen had anticipated this day. She was impressed with commander Roland for granting her request. He did bring home the one weapon that would destroy their enemies.
"Is she coming?" Queen Elizabeth asked, with her eyes on the door. Her handmaid, Hilda stood by the door which was half opened. "I asked if she is coming?
Hilda who wasn't sure, shook her head and turned to her mistress "there is no sign of commander Roland or…" she did not finish when footsteps could be heard in the hall way.
Quickly, she rushed to her mistress' side and announced "They are coming, your highness."
The queen smiled with her shoulders held hung. She looked at the door to behold the woman she was going to gift to her son.
A knock came on the door. After thirty seconds, it opened and commander Roland led the way in.
Two young ladies walked into the room. It was not difficult for the queen to find out who was the princess.
There she was, her gaze ablaze with the brilliance of stormy skies. Her captivating gray eyes, like shimmering silver, mirrored both wisdom and determination.
Her complexion, kissed by the sun's gentle warmth, bore the hue of golden wheat, defying conventional notions of fairness. Yet, it was her inner radiance that truly captivated all who beheld her.
Beneath her regal demeanor, a fire blazed within, fueling her confidence and strength. She possessed the rare blend of beauty and resilience, a queen in the making, destined to leave an indelible mark on the pages of history.
The queen was impressed with her choice. The rumor was confirmed. The princess was not only beautiful but confident. She was bold as well… strong enough to carry royal babies and face her rivals.
"Your highness," Commander Roland bowed deeply. The queen smiled as he lifted his head. He turned to the guests and begin the introduction "this is princess Arabella of Thule. Beside her, Liza…her maid."
Princess Arabella knew what to do. She bowed and when she was up, she took steps forward with a captivating smile "It is an honour to meet you, your highness."
"I'm very much happy to meet you as well, princess," the queen told her. She pointed at a seat, adjacent to hers "please do sit, dear."
Princess Arabella sat down while Liza stood behind with commander Roland. The conversation between her and the queen started and no one interrupted. They all listened to the women carefully.
"I have heard a lot of stories about the great queen mother of Aerendia," Princess Arabella began to sweet mouth her. It was true. Good stories were told about the queen mother and her charity works. "I never knew that someday I will be seated in this room with you."
Queen Elizabeth was flattered. A blush creep to her face as she smiled sheepishly "enough with it, princess. I have heard stories about you. In fact, I awaited for your coming for so long."
Her face twisted. Princess Arabella did not show that she did not understand what the queen meant. She shifted to the edge of the seat and said politely "I don't understand you, your highness."
The queen mother looked at commander Roland to see if he told the princess that she had ordered that she should be brought to Aerendia. He shook his head "I asked Roland to bring you safely. I will like you to marry my son, king of Aerendia."
**
Cold chills skittered through my spine. I swallowed subconsciously. Maybe I got it wrong. The queen mother did not mean that. I tried my best to control my anger.
I glared at Roland fiercely. He avoided my gaze, however we were going to settle this some other time. He made me believe that he was the one interested in me and forcefully brought me here… to marry that devil king.
I tried to understand the queen. After giving birth to a devil, she must have lost her sanity. Maybe that's why she asked them to bring me here to marry her son.
A son who everyone was afraid of. Was that who she wanted me to marry?
I was never going to agree to it. It was going to be over my death body and I hope they return my corpse back to Thule, where they took me from.
"No, your highness," I still remained polite. "Forgive me, but I do not wish to marry your son."
She was surprised by my answer. I noticed the look she gave Roland- the I'm going to kill you for not explaining to her.
"If you don't wish to marry my son, what else do you want?"
"I wished to return home."
"What home dear?" she asked, standing up from her chair. "This is your home now" she turned to Roland "Present her to the king and see what he says."
"What?" my brows furrowed in confusion. "Why the King?"
"Because in Aerendia, the king has the final say," She added, dismissing us immediately. I stood up and bowed. Commander Roland was going to take us to the king… the devil, himself!