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Princess Arabella's POV.
Last night was the longest night of my life. I kept tossing on the bed, asking myself how I got into this situation. Bad things keep on happening to me this few days and I was beginning to wonder if God was on my side. He was supposed to be on mine, not theirs.
Why did he make my enemies victorious instead?
It was morning, yet I did not want to get out of my bed not this room. But when I remembered what I told Liza last evening, I sprang from my bed and headed for the bathroom.
She did not spend the night in here. Roland came and took her to a different room. He wanted to apologize but I did not listen to his lies again. He was the reason why we were caught up on this mess.
I got to the bathroom. The water in the tub was cold. It was not winter but the water on my skin felt like ice. Instead of wasting time to look for maids to warm it, I undressed quickly and sat in it.
'God," I closed my eyes when my body welcomed the coldness of the water. I managed to wash myself quickly and get out of it.
When I went back to the room, Liza knocked on the door. She came as soon as she could, to help me get ready for the day.
"You don't have to worry. I have taken my bath," I informed her. She did not believe. I found her standing with her lips apart. "Get me ready."
"Sure my lady," She managed to say, following me to the mirror side. "Who are to see, your highness?"
I guess she forgot about our conversation last night "Alistair…"
"King Alistair," she corrected me. He was a king and I was not permitted to call him without his title.
"Yes, King Alistair," I glared into the mirror and took a look. Within these few days, I have lost so much weight. I get eat only when the food is offered to me. Unlike my home, I eat anything my stomach decides. "I shall speak to him. He should change his mind about my staying. We need to go home."
Liza nodded and asked "Will he agree? You have to offer him something in return… I'm just guessing."
Before I could ask her what she think the king would like, an interruption came from outside. The guard announced the queen mother's presence.
Fortunately for me, I was done with my dressing. As for make up, I abandon it long time ago. A knock came on the door and we stood facing it, ready to accept her in.
It opened and I saw Percival standing next to the queen. Her face turned red. He was a bad luck to me. I remembered what happened yesterday in the throne room. How the king changed his mind because of what he whispered to him.
I wondered what he told the queen now.
"Good morning, your highness," I curtsied when Liza bowed. A big smile settled on her face. What was making her happy this morning?
"My princess, how was your night?" she asked stepping into the room. Her face dropped when she looked inside the room. There was something in here she did not. "Is this where my daughter in law to stay?"
Percival gave me a hot look "This is the first time, I…"
"Get the room closed to my Chambers ready. She will move there this afternoon, do you understand?" She ordered.
"Yes, your highness," Percival bowed, stepping back.
I did not forget the daughter in law's part. It seemed the queen did not want to give even though her son rejected me. She was still nursing the thought that we might marry each other. Well, I like women that try to get everything they want.
"Sorry about this. The room is too plain for a royal beauty like you," the queen mother said.
I almost told her what her boys dropped in a cabin with no lights. Was that bright for a royal beauty like me too?
"It is fine, your highness."
"Well, I came this morning so that we could talk," She said, walking to where my bed was. I noticed the high heels she was wearing. Where they not too high for her? She was already a tall woman. Why the need for extra height?
"Its about your reply yesterday," she sat on the bed gently. Her perfume hit my nose. It had the perfect scent. "leave us alone."
Percival and Liza left immediately. I stood in front if the queen to see if she was finally on my side.
"I understand you, Arabella. You are like a daughter I never had," She started. "When I first came to this palace as a bride, I did not want to stay. My father arranged this alliance with the late king. His ex-wife got a divorce so I had to marry a divorcee. At first I was angry, but that anger stopped. I fell in love and have this beautiful boy. The king's life wants caught shot but God knows best."
Wow, that was a sad story. I wanted to ask what killed the king but it was none of my business. My business was to get us out of here.
"Your people are in distress, do you that?" she brightened up quickly like she never carry a dull face. "They are under Aerendia… under the king's commands and you know what that means, dear."
"I know but the king can free my people right?" I asked. I never gave it a thought. It would be a horror movie at home. Instead of my family, a representative of the king will be sent to rule the people. But what if he was there already? I refused to panicked and pay more attention. "Are my parents saved?"
"Yes, I told them not to touch anyone from the palace even if they attack," the queen mother told. I felt better even though I was not sure of her telling the truth. She adjusted her position and shifted to the edge "You see Arabella, if you become the queen of this kingdom which will soon turn to an empire, your family will be free. The king will restore them back as the royal family of Thule. He can't do it now because the ministers will get angry. They will rebel."
"However, as their queen no one will stop us from protecting and rebuilding the city of Thule. You will become powerful so much that no one will ever touch your family for your people," She told me.
"With you, I'm sure that the king will never go astray not listened to the darkest of advice."
I did not understand what the darkest of advice meant. But the first reason got me. Everything I ever did to this moment was because of my family. If I dare go back, things won't be better for them. Maybe the queen mother will not protect them like before and king Alistair and the ministers to send a decree.
"Been a king's queen is a beautiful thing. You never know when the love will blossom," the queen got up from the bed. "I will see to it that you enjoy your position, my beautiful daughter."
I didn't really care about the position. I just wanted my people to be safe "If there is an assurance that my people will be protected then, I will do it."
"Good," The queen mother smiled. She was excited. "You shall meet with the king now. He has the final say."
What if he says no? I felt like dropping the floor but I did not. The queen mother left. She asked me to have breakfast before leaving but I did not listen.
I was going to see Alistair first. Ok my way to his quarters, I met Roland who offered to take me to him.