We stood outside the throne room waiting for the king to accept us. Commander Roland tried his best to get my attention even if it was for a minute, but I threw him off. He played with my emotions like a child. I was taken for a fool.
"I can explain, prin…" he began but I cut him off, shifting my gaze to the wall.
"Open the door, Roland," I commanded. He let out a sigh. I stole a quick glance at him. What was he trying to explain to me all these time?
The queen sent him on a mission and it was accomplished. I fell right in to his trap like a stupid rat I was.
"You can go in," one of the guards said. Lisa was asked to wait outside the room. I wondered why though.
I entered inside the throne room, my heart skipped. A cold shiver ran through my spine when I noticed how different it was in here. The sun and the bright colors of the palace walls did not follow me in. It was dark in here, only a few torches were on.
In the opulent throne room, adorned with rich tapestries and chandeliers, stood a young king, his back turned to the imposing doors that separated him from his awaiting audience. The room seemed to hush in anticipation, as if holding its breath in the presence of this enigmatic figure.
Dressed in regal attire befitting his royal stature, the king's broad shoulders were accentuated by the finely tailored velvet cape that cascaded down his back. His dark hair, tousled yet meticulously groomed, fell just above his shoulders, partially obscuring his countenance. The absence of light cast long shadows across the room, lending an air of mystery and intrigue.
Though the details of his face remained concealed, an undeniable aura of power emanated from the king. It wasn't merely the strength of his physical presence but something deeper, an undercurrent of darkness that sent shivers down the spines of those in attendance. It whispered of secrets and hidden desires, as if the very air within the throne room held its breath, wary of the king's intentions.
I observed that commander Roland was on his knees behind me. Something I barely took noticed of until now.
The atmosphere in the room seemed to mirror the enigma of the king himself. The grandeur of the space was juxtaposed with an undeniable sense of foreboding.
The few torches lining the walls flickered with an unsteady flame, casting dancing shadows that seemed to play along the intricate patterns of the marble floor. The air hung heavy with an almost tangible tension, as if the very walls bore witness to the weight of the king's unfathomable darkness.
As the anticipation grew, I awaited the moment when the king would turn, when his face would be revealed to me. I yearned to uncover the truth hidden beneath that handsome visage and discern the nature of the darkness that lurked within the throne room.
But it seemed my yearning would last for ages. He held a wine glass in his hand as he spoke "Leo, didn't I warn you about visitors at this hour?"
The voice was hunky. For unkwnow reason, it was familiar as if it has been whispered to my ears before. But this was Aerendia, the men looked and behaved like each other. I would not be surprised if they all had same accent.
I paid maximum attention to commander Roland's talk. He spoke differently from the king, which means he was not the one.
Was it Percival? Nope, the commander sounded more like a drunkard.
"Your highness, it's Roland."
"Roland?" the king asked. I could feel his eyes lightening up at the mention of Roland's name. Stupid Roland, I was going to deal with him later.
Before I knew what was happening, the king turned around and I almost fainted or should I say, I jumped out of my skin.
This was a dream right? Everything that was happening… I knew the voice was familiar but never in my wildest dream…did I imagine the king to be lord Alistair.
I covered the both of my eyes with my palms and say a little prayer to God. Maybe, he could fix my sight again.
I opened them slowly this time only to be met with Alistair's mischievous smile. He was surprised to see me as well. However, he could not hide the excitement of seeing me again.
"Is she the girl mother want me to marry?" he asked with a subtle smile playing on his lips.
Commander Roland did not understand why he seemed happy all of a sudden. He turned to me and noticed the frown on my face "do you know each other in anyway, your highness?"
"Yes, Roland," Alistair left the window side. Now, he was standing a few steps away from me. I avoided his troublesome gaze at all means. However, I did not stop myself from asking God, how the tables changed.
A few years ago, he was the Minister's son and some hours ago, he told me that he was a grave cleaner and now, the king I was supposed to marry.
I cried within me, cursing myself for being foolish. I shouldn't have jumped over to the soldiers' side that day at the battlefield.
"Yes, your highness. She is princess Arabella of Thule," Roland explained. "She was been captured and brought as a gift."
The silly smile never left his lips. With his hands clasped behind him, Alistair came closer "Mother…mother…oh mother, she knows how to please me."
My eyes fluttered. What did he mean by he was please? My heart began to race rapidly within my chest.
"But it is very disappointing that I can not marry her" Alistair announced as he walked back to his throne. He sat down and relaxed to it. "She is not my type."
I was hurt yet I acted like his answer never stung my heart like a bee. It was something I wanted… my freedom. Finally, I got it, but I guess it did not last for long.
The door opened and commander Percival walked into the room. I knew he was going to make things complicated.
He ignored us and went to the king. There was a lot of whispers before Alistair broke the silence "Percival said she is a remnant of the war. I should between the gold and the girl."
"Your grace can take all as well," commander Roland added.
"Well, the gold shall go to the kingdom's treasure and as for the girl, I shall not marry her…" he paused and I felt like running to give him big kiss on his soft cheeks. "However, she will remain in this palace, under mother's care as a gift."
My heart pounded in my chest as the words spilled from the king's lips, shattering the tranquility of the room.
The room seemed to spin, my mind struggling to grasp the magnitude of his announcement. Shock enveloped me, rendering me speechless, as I tried to comprehend the implications of his decree.