4. Broken Alliances
1022 Words
Chapter 4: Broken alliances
“I must admit, your dancing skills are quite far beyond my imagination Princess,” The Prince complimented as the music came to an end.
“You are not too bad yourself Prince,” I smiled as courteously as my patience could suffice. All around us were nobles waiting for another piece of music to come through so they could dance.
“I’m still quite surprised though. How does a bastard princess with a treacherous mother manage to pull the king’s heart into changing a very strong political alliance that would have benefited him in very many ways and make you the bride to a very powerful king?” He whispered against skin of my neck as we began to move to the rhythm of the new music.
“Marrying someone else out of love isn’t really treacherous, is it?” I bit back.
“Married? Is that what they told you?” He laughed lightly.
“What do you mean? Everybody in Gatiah knows my mother was married to a Lord in the Far East,” I countered defiantly.
“So even the king’s mistresses are now getting married? What other lies has the great king of Gatiah told you?” He sneered in the most complacent manner.
“As though you expect me to believe a single word that comes out of your mouth? Your kingdom and mine have been enemies for far too long and were it not my marriage to your king, I could have had you executed for trying to poison the mind of the King’s favorite daughter,” Never trust what comes out of an enemy’s mouth, that was the first lesson father had taught me since I was quite of the tender age.
“Hmm,” He grunted as he spun me around,” I suppose you really have no reason to trust me,” He smirked.
“At least that we agree on,”
“Well, I could never expected anything less from a bastard princess sent off to marry the king of an enemy kingdom,” There was something about his tone when he spoke that made me curious.
The rest of my time at the ball was spent, much to my chagrin, thinking over Theo’s words.
“Are you okay Elizabeth?” My father’s words echoed through my mind and I pulled my gaze towards him from next to me.
“Yes father. The steak is very delicious,” I answered with a smile, while changing the subject.
“Elizabeth, I’m your father before I’m your king and I know when you are trying to hide something from me. What is wrong?”
From across the table, I caught Theo’s eye. One of the men from his convoy was whispering something to him but even then, he still held my gaze. A knowing smirk pulled up the edges of his lips and in an instant I regretted ever looking his way.
“Why exactly are you marrying me off to King Leon father?” I whispered even though there was chatter all over the room.
“Why not?” He took a deep sip from his glass.
“Because people don’t just break alliances as powerful as the one you had with Varci. Why would he accept a bastard princess over a legitimate one?”
“The Queen has her ways,” He replied after a brief pause.
“The Queen Lola? She gave up the one opportunity for her daughter to be the Queen of a powerful kingdom for me? The girl she hated with all her soul? Why would she do that?” Something was fishy, I just didn’t know what it was.
“Maybe it’s because she doesn’t really hate you as much as you think she does,” He replied.
“I’m not sure I believe her intentions for me are pure,” I stole a glance at the Queen and her daughter talking to some nobles. Nothing about this settled well with me. What game was she playing this time?
“She is a queen and your step mother, so I highly appreciate it if you could show her some respect,” My father’s stern warning shook me. It was not the first time he had given me that warning but even still, my mind would not trifle off the Queen’s supposed show of kindness.
“Well, can mother still come? Even if it’s not for the wedding?”
“We’ve talked about this Elizabeth. Your mother is not coming for the wedding or even close to the palace gates,”
“I suppose I would be calling it an early night then father,” I rose up from the chair before my father could stop me.
Aware of the several questioning glances biting into my skin, I exited the ballroom, releasing a shaky breath. Nobody ever walked out of a banquet without the King’s notice, especially in the presence of a convoy from another kingdom. I had not been thinking clearly then and the only thing I had wanted was to walk away from the choking presence of the nobles.
“That was quite a bold move,” Theo’s voice startled me as I was about to walk into my chambers.
“Don’t pretend like you didn’t enjoy that,” I snapped.
“Well, I can’t lie. That was quite impressive. Maybe I underestimated you Princess Elizabeth,”
“Yeah, that you did and I can’t believe I’m asking you this but move the wedding to tomorrow,” I proposed watching surprise flicker over his face.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because one day when I get to rule, I won’t forget this favor Prince,” And I meant every word I said.
- Writer
