Amina's POV
* 1 day for the 18th Birthday*
As I sit in my chambers, waiting for Lord Duke Vital Burious to enter, I can't help but feel a sense of unease, since the Lord Duke gave me the letter, I have been feeling very weary.
I know he is up to no good but I want to know what is his purpose.
When he finally enters, I try to maintain a composed demeanor. "Greetings, Lord Duke. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, once again, please tell me you are not here to deliver more love letters?"
He smiles politely, but there's something in his eyes that sets me on edge. "Princess Amina, may I say that you are even more stunning since the last time I saw you."
I raise an eyebrow, not fooled by his flattery. "Please, get straight to the point, Lord Duke. I have no time for pleasantries."
He chuckles softly, an unsettling sound. "Very well, Princess. I have come to discuss something of great importance with you. It seems that the Prince has taken quite a liking to someone, that is not royalty, nobel blood, she is just a mere peasant."
Once I read the letter I could sense how much, he loved the person to whom the letter was written to, but to love a peasant, that's a bold move even for him. "Is that so? And why should I care? How do I know you're not just trying to manipulate me?"
He gentle smiles does not match his actions of words, his demeanor becoming more confident. "Oh, I assure you, Princess, I have no need to manipulate you. In fact, I have a proposition for you."
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. "Speak."
"I can help you gain the Prince's affections fully. I have a plan that will make him fall head over heels for you, and in return, you will give me your support."
I scoff at his audacity. "You expect me to believe that you have the power to make the Prince love me?"
He leans closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "Oh, Princess Amina, you underestimate me. Trust me when I say that I have ways of making even the most stubborn hearts sway in your favor."
I narrow my eyes, a sense of distrust filling me. "And what exactly is your plan?"
He smiles, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Let's just say that it involves a little deception, some well-timed events, and a touch of manipulation. But I assure you, Princess, in the end, the Prince will be yours."
I take a moment to consider his offer. On one hand, it could be an opportunity to secure my position, no one would say I was replaced by a peasant, and gain control over Damion. On the other hand, it feels wrong, like I'm betraying the trust that Prince Damion has placed in me.
"Give me some time to think about this, Lord Duke. I will let you know my decision soon."
He stands up, a smug smile on his face. "Take your time, Princess. But remember, time is of the essence. The clock is ticking, and soon your opportunity may slip away."
As he leaves, I'm left alone with my thoughts. Should I follow through with this plan? Is it worth sacrificing my integrity for the sake of pride, love?
****
Damion's POV
*Day of the 18th Birthday*
Today is the day that I will tell Rahua the truth, I will make her my Queen. I hope she will take me, that she will not be upset.
I have so much to tell her, I feel nervous, just thinking about it.
"Your Highness!" Loyd calls for me.
"Yes!"
"The Princess Amina would like to see Your Highness." I have not seen her since that day, I am ashamed to say that I have forgotten about her.
"Did she tell you what did she wants to talk about?" Loyd shakes his head.
"However, your Highness it must be about the birthday party, her Highness must have seen the decorations and has not been informed about it, what is its meaning ." He says, that makes sense. She may be thinking that we are making some engagement preparations, I must make things clear before she misunderstands.
"Thank you, Loyd. Please inform Princess Amina that I will see her in a few minutes." I quickly compose myself, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. As I make my way to the meeting room where Amina awaits, I wonder if Rahua will take me.
I enter the room to find Amina seated at the large wooden table, she is spotting her usual composed expression. "Your Highness" she greets me with a warm smile.
"Princess Amina," I respond, taking a seat across from her. "I apologize for not seeing you earlier. It seems I have been busy lately."
Her smile seems to falter slightly, but she nods. "Yes, I noticed. Your Highness seem to have something heavy on your mind. Care to share?"
I hesitate for a moment, debating whether to reveal my intentions to Princess Amina or not. Loyd's words echo in my ears - that she may think we are preparing for an engagement. It would be unfair to keep her in the dark. "Princess Amina, I don't want you to worry, I have already talk to my father, today the preparations are related with my birthday party."
"Yes I have asked around." She says her voice lower than usual.
"I am sorry for not inform you Princess beforehand." I say feeling guilty.
Amina raises an eyebrow slightly, still maintain her composed demeanor. "It's alright, Your Highness. I understand that things have been busy for you. As long as I am aware now, there is no need to apologize."
I appreciate her understanding, but I can't shake off the guilt that lingers within me. "I truly am sorry, Princess Amina. I didn't mean to neglect you or make you feel left out. I would like us to treat eachother more informally now, if that is okay with you Princess."
A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips, a flicker of sadness in her eyes, as she nods " I would like that. And you don't have to apologize, Prince Damion. You have your own duties and responsibilities. I am aware of that. "
Suddenly, thoughts of Rahua flood my mind again. I can't let myself get too carried away with Amina, not when I am about to reveal my feelings to Rahua. I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation that lies ahead.
"I actually wanted to talk to you about something, Princess Amina," I say, my voice slightly shaky. "It's about someone special to me."
Her eyebrows furrow in confusion, but she nods for me to continue.
"I... I have someone important that I care love, I decided to tell her that today," I confess, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement bubble up inside me. "I'm going to ask her to be my Queen."
Amina's eyes widen in surprise, her smile dropping completely. "Your Highness, are you serious?" She suddenly distanced herself, treating me formal again "You're going to propose to that person?"
I nod earnestly, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yes, Princess Amina. I don't want to hide my feelings any longer. This person means everything to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her."
Princess Amina's features contort, I can see a mix of pain and disappointment evident on her face. "I... I see. Well, I hope she makes you happy, Your Highness."
Her words sting, and I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. Even though we made our feelings about our arranged marriage clear since the beginning, I never thought I would hurt the Princess Amina, but I don't want to deny my own heart either.
"I am sorry, I must go." I say standing up and slightly bowing.
Tears gather in her eyes, but she manages a small smile. "Thank you, your Highness, I wish you an happy birthday. "
With a heavy heart, I leave her and prepare myself for the conversation with Rahua that will change everything.
My heart races with anticipation. Today, I will tell Rahul the truth and hope that she will accept my love and become my Queen.
*
I am informed that all the preparations are done, later the guests start to arrive, today will mark my debut to the society, as the future king and introduced as such. I feel nervous with all the expectations placed on me, but nothing compares to how nervous I feel to finally telling her truth about who I am.
The grand ballroom is filled with extravagant decorations, lights, and a vibrant atmosphere. The air is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. As I stand I my chambers my mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Rahua.
"Damion, my son." I hear my father barge in my chambers, he never announces himself, but my surprise is to see him coming to greet me. " You have finally become a man", he says coughing, his health deteriorated greatly in the last weeks.
"Father, you should be resting." I say worried that he would collapse, he seems weak, his trembling body sits down as he reaches a chair.
"Is my son birthday, I can do what I want. Hell, I am the King I can do whatever I want. " He says loudly and coughing. "It seems not for too long.".
"You are still adamant in not marrying the Princess? " His question was almost rethorical.
"Yes, I told you it was a mutual decision. It should be fine."
"Fine? Fine will be when those Mirantella soldiers march into our Kingdom because of your stubbornness" his coughs worsen when he is agitated.
" I have you came here to complain today?" Is not like I expected him to congratulate me, or hug me, he never did it before is not like he was going to start now.
"I..."
"Your Highness... The time as come for your entrance." Loyd voice could be heard outside of the chambers.
Finally the time as come, I should be ready to make my entrance. "I have to go now. See to rest, ..." I wanted to say more but I bite my lips sealing the words in. I take a deep breath, as I step outside.
Thre hall leading to the ballroom never seemed so long.
I take a deep breath again, standing before the ballroom doors, and nod to the knights standing before me. As the door opens I hear loud cheer and applause.
I scan the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse of her. My heart skips a beat when I finally spot her, dressed in a breathtaking gown that accentuates her beauty. She looks radiant, like a true queen.
As I descend the stairs my eyes are fixed on hers, I don't want to loose sight of her. Not today.
As soon as I come down, I everyone surrounds me, talking to me I feel like i am losing the sight of her.
Suddenly the lights go out loud crowd screams of surprise could be heard.
Panic and confusion spread throughout the ballroom. I try to make my way through the crowd, trying to find Rahua but the darkness and the noise make it difficult. I hear screams and cries, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.
"Rahua!" I call out, but my voice is drowned out by the chaos.
Suddenly, the lights flicker back on, and I see a figure standing in the center of the ballroom.
I look around and I could not see her. Where is she?
Suddenly I hear a scream from behind me.
"Her Highness, the Princess Amina disappeared." The Princess maid that always followed her around screams in panic. "She was taken."
I feel the eyes turning to me. Waiting for my reaction, and all I wanted was to look for Rahua.