The Imprisoned Princess

Chapter 9

I awoke the next morning feeling rested and a tad giddy. Today would officially start our six month courtship and I was excited to start. I wanted to know everything about the General and hoped that he would be as gallant and pleasant as he had been the night before. Today, as was customary, the General and I would tour this region of our kingdom. We would be in an open carriage so our people could see us and admire us as a couple and we would go from the castle to the Great Cathedral of the Moon Goddess. There our union would be blessed by the high priestess. Afterwards, we would walk back to the palace in a big procession. The people would follow if they approved and favored the match. We would gather on the palace grounds and be joined by the court and my family. Then, at dark, we would all shift. The General and I would lead the hunt and the rest of the court would follow. It was a big day. I was excited despite dreading the level of attention. Today, I would taste freedom in a way I never had before.

I was dressed and barely even noticed, I was so lost in thought about how the day would go. I was dressed in a long skirt of pale pink with a white satin top that had a pale pink corset that only covered my abdomen. My long hair was styled in loose curls with half of my hair pulled up into a mid pony tail. After they finished dressings me, I made my way downstairs and to the main hall. To my surprise, both my parents were already there as well as the General. I sat down in my seat and was pleased the General was sitting next to me. As my parents had already been served, I was immediately served my food and then the General was presented his food and served as well.

“Did you sleep well, Princess?” The General asked, making small talk.

“I did, thank you.” I started, “I am excited to tour our kingdom today.” I finished. The General looked suddenly uncomfortable and I heard my Father clear his throat.

“There has been a change of plans, Neoma. There will be no tour today. The rebels have been causing too much unrest and it’s not safe.” My Father said. I gaped at him. This was a huge break with tradition. It must've been bad for them to cancel this important ritual.

“What about the blessing and the hunt?” I asked, wondering if it was just the tour or the entire day's festivities that were canceled.

“The priestess will come here for the blessing and the hunt will be confined to palace grounds and be limited to the court.” My Father explained further. I wasn't happy with this news. Not even a little. The one thing that had excited me for this day was getting the chance to see my people and get off the palace grounds. Now none of that was happening. Even our hunt was to be confined. I felt so caged and unfree. My face must've been showing my emotions because not a moment had passed before my Mother started scolding me for the sour look on my face.

“Really Neoma, compose yourself. This is probably a blessing with your pale complexion. You most likely would have burnt your porcelain skin and now you won't have to.” She finished.

“Yes, thank you Mother for reminding me of my good fortune.” I said pleasantly but my Mother had heard the sarcasm in my voice and the look she gave me told me I would pay for that one later. I shivered involuntarily, wondering what she would think up to punish me.

“There is one other matter to discuss as well, Neoma.” My father started, distracting me from my thoughts. “The General needs to return to his post and quell the unrest we are having in out eastern territories. He does not have time to carry out the…normal length of courtship. As such, you will be married in two weeks. The priestess will announce the date after you receive the blessing.” He finished. I was speechless. Two weeks? Two weeks was no time at all. Even planning a royal wedding in that amount of time would be nearly impossible but our courtship was supposed to be six months.

“Forgive me but couldn't the General combat the rebels and then we could resume our courtship?” I asked. I saw my Father narrow his eyes. I was annoying him, but at this moment, I didn't care.

“No, he cannot. He may be gone for some time and our kingdom is in need of heirs at once.” My Father stated.

“But….” I started but stopped when I felt the General take my hand. Startled, I turned to meet his icy blue eyes but there was warmth there.

“Princess, I would be so honored if you would accept these terms. I understand this is not what you expected but I do not want to leave you until you are my wife. Please don't make me go to war, still waiting.” The General said gallantly. I knew I was falling. I had never had anyone speak to me the way he did.

“Of course. Forgive me. As you said, it just wasn't what I expected.” My response seemed to please the General and my Father, but one glance at my Mother told me she still had a punishment in mind for me. Whatever she was planning would have to wait.

We ate our breakfast and then went to the throne room. I rarely came in here as this was where my Father conducted important meetings. The room was cold. It was mostly granite and marble. The only warmth being some vases with flowers that I was sure my Mother had insisted on and a carpet from the entrance to the thrones. A seat had been set next to my throne. After the General and I were married he would be given a throne as well but until then he would only sit next to us.

We all sat and waited until the grand priestess arrived for the blessing. My Mother and I sat on our thrones while we waited while my Father and the General chatted on the other side of the room. I wasn't sure what they were chatting about but could definitely tell it was important. I was trying to attune my hearing and listen in when my Mother’s voice made me pause.

“You should be thankful the General stepped in earlier.” My Mother started, “You were upsetting your Father and we both know how well that ends for you. Yes, he is talking to your intended, reminding him that keeping you in line and getting you pregnant will be his most important duties. I do hope your offspring are strong my dear and take after their father. You will be expected to have as many pups as possible, if you can survive childbirth, that is.” I sat rigid as I listened to her. I knew better than to talk back or show any emotion. She was trying to upset me. “I mean, you're so small of stature, I am sure it will be very difficult and painful for you but let's just hope I am wrong. Though….. If you did die, the General could marry a stronger wolf. Oh, what am I saying? I got quite side tracked.” She finished chuckling. My heart had started to race and despite my best efforts, I was angry. Here was my own Mother talking casually about me dying and being replaced. I knew this was payback for me talking back earlier. She was trying to scare me but she was succeeding. In truth, she had painted one of my worst fears. She could tell she had gotten to me and stopped, thankfully. Not because she was showing me any mercy though. It was because the High Priestess had arrived.