WEDDING
Did she just called the Queen disrespectful?!
______
Queen Delphine was stun but she got back to herself immediately and yanked her hand away from Alice's grip. "How rude of you" she almost flared up when a voice stopped her.
"It's okay mother" Augustus walked forward. He gave Alice a smile in which he didn't get in return.
Queen Delphine gave her son a questioning look wondering why he had stopped her.
"She is new in the palace so I don't think she knows how things goes here" Augustus spoke in a deep calm voice. He's obviously trying to impress Alice.
But Alice on the other hand found him weird. Her eyes lingered on his royal attire.. Crazy.. she thought to herself.
The Queen scoffed in disbelief and walked pass Alice.
Helen breath out in relief, at least Alice wasn't punished, and beside she finally get to know the cool lady's name.. Alice.. she smiled but Old Gytha gave her a glare for her to behave herself immediately.
'What's with the attitude? Did I do something wrong?' Alice thought to herself as she watch the Queen walked towards the large luxurious chair in the room. There was an empty one beside her, that was for the king.
Augustus walked to stand beside the Queen. Alice could see the resemblance in them.
Alice stood there, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Another lady stepped in, her long dress hugs her body perfectly. Alice face dropped when she saw her face.
Maxine!!
Alice watch her stood beside Queen Delphine, her eyes filled with distain. Her name, Riya. She is a daughter to Queen Delphine.
"The king is currently on a journey and will be back tomorrow on your wedding. I just want to know why you ran off the palace in the first place.. aren't you scared?"
Alice brow furrowed.. what does she mean? "Why should I be scared?"
Queen Delphine smirked. "Are you scared you are going to give your mother more trouble? I might double her punishment if you don't act well young lady.."
"My mother?" Alice frowned harder. What the actual fuck is happening?
Old Gytha stepped forward. "Her Highness is hurt. So she does'nt remember quite a few things"
Alice frowned hard. What the hell happened to Elizabeth when she was first bought here to the palace? She really do need to see Horea again.
"Oh" Queen Delphine turn her head to the gaurd. "Get the prisoner" the guard bowed and left.
Prisoner?
Augustus turn his head to his mother. "Go easy on her mother" he spoke.
"She doesn't deserve pity brother" Riya spoke this time, raising her head high.
The door opened and Eleanor stepped in, along side with her beautiful twin daughters. Mirabel and Macbeth.. Eleanor is the daughter of the second Queen Havana who died mysteriously in the palace.. Eleanor got Married to a rich family but her husband died in a war. The king asked her to come back to the palace.
The Queen face turn sour, they are not on good terms.
Eleanor eyes met with Alice and she smiled so bright. "You must be her right?" She walked closer. "What's your name beautiful one.
"Alice" Alice replied.
The twins frowned at Alice. Why is she not bowing to their mother.. that's disrespectful.
"She isn't that beautiful after all" Mirabel spoke to her sister who was beside her.
"Hmm" Macbeth observe close. "She is but.. definitely not someone I can like"
"Me too" Mirabel said.
"So how is the palace so far?" Eleanor asked.
Alice didn't reply but look up to Queen Delphine. Eleanor could roughly guess what's going on.
"I'm Eleanor and these are my twins Mirabel and Macbeth" The woman introduced herself politely. Alice forced a smile.
"Why did you escape the palace?" Mirabel blurt out.
"Shh.. don't start" Eleanor gave them a look. She then asked Old Gytha to take the twins back their room. They glared at Alice before leaving.
"What do you think you're doing Eleanor?" Queen Delphine asked.
"Welcoming our guest" Eleanor replied.
The door opened and Alice's eyes widened. The guard dragged a woman into the hall.. and that woman, have the face of her mother.
"Mom" Alice felt a rush of emotion.
"Do you really have to do this?" Eleanor asked the Queen.
"I just don't want her to run off again like the other time" The Queen replied.
The woman eyes met with Alice and gasped. "I thought I asked you to leave.. why are you here in the palace?" The woman said as she tremble in fear.
"So Alice" Queen Delphine stood up from her seat and took slow steps towards Alice.
"Alice?" The Prisoner frowned.
"Your mother is to receive thirty lashes before you. That's your punishment for trying to escape the palace" Queen Delphine spoke and Alice return her gaze back to her. The guard drew out the wipe having sharp edges.
'Calm down Alice, Calm down Alice. This is the face of your mother in the past' she closed her eyes and her calm self return.
Just when she made to speak, a deep voice sounded.
"What do you think you're doing?"
They all turn their head just to see Zamiel walking in. Alice let out a breath.
Seeing the scene, Zameil could roughly guess what is going on. "I asked you a question" he gave the Queen a cold glare.
The only person who mostly dare the Queen in the palace is Zameil.
Riya made to interfere by Augustus gave her a look and she stopped.
"Is that how to speak with the Queen?" Queen Delphine asked.
"A Queen should be a good figure. What will happen once the King hear of how you keep threatening her?" Zameil asked.
"I just don't want her to run off like the other time" The Queen replied.
"She is getting married to me. I'll handle her" He said and the Queen kept quiet.
"Take her back to the cell" He ordered the guard holding the prisoner. He was a bit conflicted if he should follow Zameil's order. "Will you like to get the leashes instead?" He asked and the guard quickly obeyed.
Alice swallowed as she watch the scene 'He's cool!' she thought to herself.
He returned his gaze back to the Queen. "Don't bother her" he warned and reached for Alice hand, before pulling her gently with him, out of the hall.
Eleanor sighed and left the place too.
"Tssk.. why didn't you interfere?" Riya glared at her brother.
"That's was pretty good to watch" Augustus smiled.
_____
Alice tried her best to catch up with Zamiel's fast pace as the walk through the hall. Her mind lingered on how he had just saved her from that situation.
Getting to a room, Zameil pulled her in. Alice avoided his gaze, she could feel him staring at her. She was expecting him to say something but he only turn to leave.
"Wait" Alice called out. She heard the man took a deep breath before turning his head to look at her. Fuck!.. why does he have to be this cold and handsome. His face was well structured and his scent was incredible, she wanted to inhale while being close.
"Are you just going to stare or say something?" His word snapped her back to reality.
"Uh.. mm.. well back there.."
"There's no need for a thank you. I just did I what I wanted to do, so forget" He said coldly and walked out of the room.
Alice mouth hanged in the air as she blinked several times. A thank you?!.. did he seriously thought she was going to say a thank you? She was about to ask which crime the woman with the face of her mother committed.
"Gosh, he is so full of himself" Alice muttered and rolled her eyes. "Well fuck him"
She went to sit on the bed. It was night already, she still can't believe she is still here even though the white haired woman had told her what she needed to know.
Sitting on the bed, her mind drifted to the prisoner. "Why do I feel bad?" She muttered.
_____
At the guardshouse. A guard led Galen to a large room where many guards are busy eating, drinking and chatting. They all stop when they spot him.
"Evening everyone, we have a new soldier. His name is Galen" The guard introduced, wrapping his arms around Galen.
"Hello everyone" Galen spoke with a small smile.
"Woo, he look shy and handsome!" A lady spoke out loud and they all chuckled.
"Welcome brother!" A guy spoke raising his cup of wine in the air.
"Welcome!" They all chorused raising their cups too. Galen thought this was going to be hard but he is glad he made it.. now he have to find Saverina and Elizabeth.
"You see, we treat each other like families here but.. One thing we hate the most is lies and betrayal. We won't hesitate to chop off your head if you mess with us.." the guard said to him in a cold voice. Galen swallowed.
"Stop scaring the boy, let him join the fun" The lady spoke again. She waved Galen to come closer to sit beside her and he did.
"I'm Sarah, second in command. Well, we'll talk tomorrow.. have some fun" Sarah said pouring out some wine into Galen's cup.
After a while, Sarah took Galen into a small room.
"I can't let you sleep with the other boys for now, they'll ask you unnecessary questions" She said.
Galen turn to look at her and gave her a salute. "Thank you ma'am" he said.
"Rest well" she said and slammed the door.
"Pheww" Galen let out a breath. He was slightly drunk since they had forced him to take many wine.
Dropping his small bag he look around the room and let out a small breath. The truth is, he had wish to be a soldier when he was young. Maybe coming to the palace isn't a bad idea.
"Hey" he heard sudden voice behind and jerked a little. He saw Saverina standing behind him.
"Gosh, you scared me" Galen said holding his chest.
"Don't tell me you're forgetting the mission here" Saverina asked with her arms folded.
"Of course, I didn't. I'm taking my time here. I can't be suspected" Galen said.
"I couldn't get to see Elizabeth, it seems they locked her into somewhere so she won't escape again. The wedding is tomorrow"
Galen's eyes widened. "What?!"
"We have to get her out no matter what" Saverina said.
****
𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆
The main hall was filled with different Nobel men and women. They are here to withness the wedding between Prince Zamiel and his chosen bride.
Zameil was dressed in a fine white rode, adorned with golden embroidery and precious stones as he stood Before the huge mirror. He sighed at his reflection.. before striding out of his room.
Meanwhile, Alice was in total dellima. She had tried calling out for the white haired woman several times but she never showed up. She was wearing a stunning silk gown, her make up was light and she look stunning.
Must she do this wedding?! She knows, this is just Elizabeth body but.. she still feel conflicted. Maybe she should just let it flow. She is destined to save the kingdom from Baal and the only way is to be close with it.
"Oh my, you look extremely beautiful my Lady" Helen squealed but Alice didn't respond as she only stared at her reflection. "You don't like it?"
"Let's get this done as soon as possible" Alice breath out and stood to leave but heard some strange noise outside.
"You can't go in.. ahh" she heard someone Yelp outside and frown.
Helen's eyes widened. Is someone here to hurt her Princess?
"Stay behind me, I'll protect you" Helen said grabbing an hairpin from the table, her hand trembling. Alice scoffed.
A loud thud from the door made Helen jumped in fear and hide behind Alice. 'Oh really!' Alice thought to herself.
The door finally opened and Saverina comes in veiw.
"You've got to be kidding me" Alice muttered.
"We have to leave right now" Saverina spoke and made to hold Alice but she move her hand away. Saverina gave her a question look. What's with the attitude?
"I'm not leaving" Alice spoke. Saverina noticed the change in her accent.
"If this is because of your mother then we'll find a way to save her. Getting married to the demon prince is a suicide mission Elizabeth. Your life here in the palace is in danger and if this wedding hold then you'll be stuck" Saverina almost yelled but Alice didn't replied.
Helen could only watch.
Sensing something strange, Saverina walked closer. Her eyes staring deeply Alice and in the next moment she broke the long silence.
"You're not Elizabeth" She muttered while Alice face slowly turn paled.
Saverina breath became heavy.. she could sense a different person in her friend's body. That's why she was acting weird.
She Immediately used her dark power to lift Alice up from the ground. Alice gasp as she felt an invisible energy holding her neck tight and her eyes widened. She definitely hate this new Samantha!!
"Who are you?" Saverina eyes glowed green.
"I'll.. tell you.. everything.. just.. let.. me go.. bitch" Alice manage to speak.
"Stop or I'll call the guards!!" Helen yelled but Saverina didn't stop. Alice leg dangled on the air as he struggled with her breath.
Saverina turn her head to Helen. "Well you'll be useful" she smirked.
_____
Back in the main hall. Zamiel stood before the king and Queen as they all waited for the bride to appear. The guest are begining to whisper among each other wondering if the bride would run off like the rumours.
The king was busy tapping his finger on his chair impatiently.
"Where is she?" Queen Delphine muttered. It won't be funny if she disappears again.
Finally the huge door opened and the bride stepped in. Her face was covered in veil. She kept her head low as she was led towards Zameil.
Getting to him, Zamiel noticed the lady's hand shivering as she held the flower. Strange!. He immediately opened the veil and behold...
The girl wasn't Alice but Helen.
The guest and the Royal family eyes widened.
She was sobbing and couldn't talk, it was as if her mouth her glued with an unknown force.
"Speak" Immediately Zamiel said that one word. Helen was released and she gasped.
"The princess was taken away" Helen said quickly in a trembling voice.
Zameil's blood boils immediately!