Elara's footsteps were brisk, her heels clicking on polished marble floors as she moved through the palace corridors. The whispers of the maids and servants, usually a soft hum, now buzzed with palpable tension, their eyes following her with a weight that pressed against her skin.
She was no longer just their princess; the engagement announcement, formed from a hesitant agreement, had now solidified her as their future Queen. And now, she wanted nothing more than to escape it.
Her pulse quickened as she ascended the grand staircase, the weight of her gown pooling at her feet. She barely heard the hurried footsteps behind her as she turned to the hallway leading to her father's chambers.
"Your Highness." Romanus's voice cut through the silent hallway but she did not slow down.
She broke into a run, the heavy oak door looming closer. Her hand gripped the cold, brass handle, her knuckles white. "Not now, Romanus. I need a moment."
His posture remained rigid. "Your Highness, your engagement has just been announced. There are expectations from—"
"Then tell them to lower their expectations, Romanus" she snapped, her voice sharper than intended. "I will not be attending to any affairs for now."
Romanus hesitated, then let out a quiet sigh. "As you wish, Your Highness."
She pushed the door open, slipping into the still, dust-moted room. A shaft of sunlight, thick with floating particles, streamed through the closed window. She wrenched it open, the sudden rush of fresh air a welcome relief. Her gaze fell on the portrait of her father above the chest drawer, and she approached it slowly.
A cold knot tightened in her stomach as she stared at his painted eyes, her fingers digging into the polished wood of the dresser. Memories of the walk flooded back: the kingdom's curious stares, the way Kieran carried himself with an effortless confidence, and the strange, unsettling warmth that bloomed in her chest when he held her hand.
"Father," she whispered, staring at his painted eyes. "This is not supposed to feel natural."
It is supposed to be a duty, a contract, a means to secure Bellmere. Yet, when Kieran held her hand, walked beside her, it did not feel like a business transaction…. but more.
Her fingers trembled as she pulled away from the dresser, and she sank onto the bed, the soft mattress a stark contrast to the turmoil within her. The announcement had made it real, irrevocable.
Soon, she would be Queen, and Kieran, King.
What unsettled her the most was, the idea did not terrify her as it once did.
*******************
A series of sharp knocks shattered the silence, jolting her awake. She'd fallen asleep in her father's room, the familiar scent of cedar and old paper a strange comfort. Rising, she brushed the stray strands of hair from her face before opening the door to find Romanus, his hand suspended mid-knock.
"I apologize for the intrusion Your Highness, but the court members have requested an urgent meeting with you," he said carefully, his lips in a firm line.
"It is about the engagement right?" she asked, and he nodded quietly, and her heart stilled.
Asexpected, theydidnotreceivethenewswell.
"Let us go then" she stated, and she walked past him, leaving him to close the doors.
She swept past him, her gown rustling against the marble floor. The grand doors of the court chambers swung open, revealing the council members, their faces flushed with disapproval. They offered only the barest of nods as she entered, their defiance a palpable presence. She settled into her seat, her gaze sweeping across their tight, angry faces.
"What is so urgent that the court cannot be seated?" she asked, her voice echoing through the chamber.
Lord Alfred stood stiffly, a scowl twisting his features. "We apologize Your Highness, but the council deems it unnecessary to settle down at the moment"
Elara's eyes narrowed. Lord Henry stepped forward, his voice clipped. "Your Highness, you made a public declaration without consulting us."
"My engagement with Mr. Kieran and our intentions are clearly known by the court members." she replied, her voice smooth.
"My decision remains unchanged' so there is no need to delay further."
A wave of mutters rippled through the room but Elara's expression did not waver. Their outrage confirmed her suspicions, that choosing to announce the engagement was the right decision.
Duke Chesterfield emerged, his expression a mask of displeasure. "With all due respect, Your Highness, this engagement is not just a personal affair. Bellmere is at stake.
And while we understand your reasons for making this decision, announcing without the full approval of the court members is rather….. premature."
"Premature? Or was it not the response expected from the news I received yesterday?" she countered, her brows furrowed.
The chamber fell silent, and they shared uneasy glances with themselves as the air was thick with tension. A flicker crossed Lord Henry's face before masking it, and Duke Chesterfield shifted from one foot to another, adjusting his cufflinks. Elara's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Your Highness," Lord Alfred finally spoke up. "Are you implying that someone spoke out of turn?"
"I am not implying but stating a fact." Elara stated, scanning each of them closely.
Lord Alfred let out a dry chuckle. "It was inevitable, given the nature of the arrangement."
Her fists clenched. "I find it an act of defiance, that those sworn to serve undermine their ruler."
"Your Highness, it was not defiance," Duke Chesterfield interjected. "It was an attempt to ensure all alliances were considered."
"Alliances? With Varel?" she asked, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"It is more suitable than marrying a merchant—" Lord Henry began, but Elara slammed her fist against the armrest, the sharp crack silencing him.
They flinched, their eyes wide. She rose, her gaze sweeping across the room.
"Kieran is a businessman who, despite having no royal blood, commands respect far beyond this kingdom's walls. And he has agreed to stand behind me and Bellmere to ensure it does not fall into ruin" her voice was unshakeable.
"So, rather than looking for a path suitable for your pockets," she added, giving a pointed look at Lord Alfred, "I suggest you all focus on working with us to begin the wedding arrangements."
"This engagement will no longer be a subject of debate." she declared, leaving no more room for argument.
Without another glance, she turned sharply, her gown swirling behind her as she strode toward the exit. At the door, she stopped abruptly, her breath catching in her throat. Kieran stood there, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
"Well, Princess," he drawled,his voice low. "I didn't know you thought so highly of me."