Unloving His Majesty

For the people

The princess waved at the excited people all the way to the cathedral. Her mind was full of doubts and uncertainties, but the people’s expressions warmed her heart. The ordinary citizens of both tribes were fed up with the civil war and wanted peace in their island and the wedding was their only hope.

“You will have to forgive me, I will not be your queen too long. I will still love and serve you with all my heart, just not your king,” she vowed to herself as the carriage entered the already packed cathedral.

She did not care if her gown was immaculate or not, but the designers did. They were already waiting for her to dismount and quickly fixed her gown, laying out the long tail with diamonds glimmering against the sun rays and handed her an exquisite bouquet of white lilies.

“His Highness picked these himself from his castle garden,” one of the designers informed her.

She maintained her straight face, but she could not help but recall how she loved those flowers and how he used to shower his mistress with them instead. The thought reminded her of her second miscarriage. The day she returned to the castle from the hospital was the day he gave Lady Mary the diadem she was now wearing and the lilies. It was red ones, but still lilies.

She took deep breaths, anger and resentment brewing for her betrothed as she walked into the cathedral.

The guests gasped at the sight of their queen. The lacy veil covering her face did nothing to hide the beauty she was known for. The princess took more deep breaths, pushing herself to move forward.

“I am royalty. This is what rulers do. Putting my people first,” she recited lessons instilled in her from a very tender age.

“You are privileged in many ways, Sweetheart. That privilege comes with responsibility.” Her late mother’s words echoed in her head. People were dying, she had to wed the prince. Her eyes landed on Lady Mary, who seemed shaken and immediately shook her head. She did not know what to make of that, but took more steps towards the isle.

To her surprise, there were two priests at the altar representing both tribes. That did not happen the last time. Everything was done by his tribe. Her head started spinning when her eyes landed on the enchanting prince she was about to wed. Everything was very different from her last wedding. Prince Maxwell was wearing a royal suit with both the tribes’ colors and emblems. He was making a commitment he never bothered with the last time. He only wore his tribe colors the last time.

She had to agree that he looked exceptional and both their tribe’s colors together looked perfect. The third different thing was that both the tribe’s anthems were sung before the ceremony. The warm faces of the people as they sang warmed her heart. Unity was possible, but she would not be the sacrifice for it all this time. She had vowed to herself.

The wedding vows were also different. She had spoken her heart out to bring their people together, while he opted to recite the simple, uninterested “I do” after the priest.

She did not bother with any of that this time around. She recited behind the priest as he did previously. To her surprise again, not only did he have his eyes glued on her with an infatuating smile on his face, he also had a lot to say.

“I, Prince Maxwell of Jolly island solemnly vow to love, treasure and cherish you, Princess Zania of Jolly Island, all the days of my life. I will serve your people and mine equally, with love, fairness, justice and respect…”

Princess Zania rolled her eyes inside. The man she married knew nothing about love, fairness, justice or respect. She wondered why he was acting up this time. Her thoughts were halted by his next statement.

“I have forwarded our agreement to the universal human rights committee to decide my fate should I be found wanting in executing my duty.”

Princess Zania was so stunned, she could not hide it. She searched his eyes when he got closer to her. He seemed genuine, but how could he be?

“We pronounce you husband and wife,” the priests declared in unison while the guests gasped as Prince Maxwell pulled his wife into his arms and passionately kissed her.

It took a moment for Princess Zania to snap back into reality. Her stomach revolted and a bitter taste filled her mouth at the thought that she had kissed him back. Not only had she done that, but she also had butterflies in her tummy and her toes had curled up.

“Pull yourself together, Zania. Your life depends on it,” she rebuked herself and tried to free her arm from his as he led her outside to the carriage that would take them to his castle.

“For the people,” he whispered to her ear, his warm breath against her skin sending electric bolts throughout her body.

She clenched her jaw and let him hold her arm, while they greeted and waved at the guests and their people like a couple crazy in love.

“For the people. It’s all for the people,” the princess constantly recited the words in her head as she flashed the crowd her breathtaking smile.

She sucked in air as the carriage approached the place that became her prison in her previous life. The tall majestic walls adorned with their two national flags and the breathtaking landscape of the famous meticulous gardens brought back so many memories, none good. She lost everything she held dear in there, including her life.

The rows of maids and guards with their heads bowed to welcome her was also new. All these new things were turning her head into a chaotic mess. Her heart jumped into her throat when she came across her name. Queen Zania’s castle, beloved queen of the Jolly island.