An Unwanted Interest
997 Words
“What is your name, Princess?” His gaze was so burning hot, Lilith squirmed in fear.
“Unhand me!” She shrieked, attempting to release herself from his tight grip.
“I will do so when you tell me your name.” His smile was not like any she'd seen before.
It was sinister. Even on his handsome face.
Lilith bit her lip, furious at this intruder's brazenness yet scared for her life.
“I will have your head served by noon if you do not let me go!” She threatened.
He chuckled. The sound, deep and mocking.
“You are feisty for a princess. Nothing like I've seen before.”
Then he surprised her by letting go.
“I will have you. Soon enough.”
Lilith was struck speechless.
What was this madman saying?
He addressed her by her title so he knew who she was.
Then why…?
He then walked away, not even passing another glance in her direction.
Lilith held her palm over her chest, feeling her heart pound.
She looked about and oddly, there were no guards around.
What had just happened?
Who was that man and what did he mean by he would have her…
***
Lilith was coming back from her stroll when a servant rushed towards her.
“Greetings, Mylady.”
“What is the matter?”
“The king calls for you.” The maid keeps her head down. A sign Lilith had found to mean something bad was about to happen.
“Take me to my father.”
She was escorted to the royal chancery.
Lilith entered without a knock.
Her father sat on his chair and beside him— it couldn't be.
Lilith couldn't believe her eyes.
The man who had harassed her earlier!
He dared to show his face again.
Something was off…
Her throat went dry.
Had she acted hostile towards a royal?
The two men turned at her entrance. One surprised and the other not so much.
“Do knock, Lilith. You almost gave me a heart attack.” Her father said.
Lilith frowned.
What was this man doing here and what did it have to do with her?
She bowed perfectly when she reached him, making sure her crown didn't tilt.
“Apologies, Father. My lord.”
She addressed the man as so because she wasn't exactly sure of his position. It was the safest.
“Rise.”
She raised her head slowly, taking in her surroundings.
She was so focused on both of them she didn't even notice the two guards standing beside the man.
They hadn't been there when he was harassing her.
“You called for me?” She addressed her father, careful not to look the man's way.
“Is this the princess you were referring to, Your Majesty?” The king asked the man sitting on the chair.
Lilith froze.
Y-Your Majesty?
He was a royal?!
Lilith made herself look at him. Slowly she met his gaze.
Those cold blue eyes from earlier bored into hers.
Dark brows above it arched in amusement.
And his lips twisted into a sinister smile.
“Indeed.”
Lilith felt her blood turn cold.
W-What were they talking about?
“Oh, how wonderful. I wasn't quite sure but seeing that we have only one daughter, I couldn't be mistaken. And a mature beauty she is. Of age now. She had her coming of age ball a week ago.”
Lilith watched her father banter.
He sounded almost…nervous.
The man's smile remained in place.
“A shame I missed it.” Lilith felt his gaze rake her entire body.
It was unsettling.
“F-father? I am quite confused.”
The King looked at her, as if he suddenly remembered that she was there.
“I will be taking my leave now.” The man rose and the King followed suit.
Lilith's eyes widened.
Just who was this man that her father stood at his departure?
“But of course, Your Majesty. It was a pleasure.” Her father said.
The man cast one last glance at Lilith— who immediately bowed out of courtesy— and then walked out, his men trailing behind him.
When they were out of sight, Lilith faced her father.
“I have wonderful news." He suddenly smiled, the corner of his eyes crinkling. Her father didn't smile. Ever. And it was a rather strained one.
“What is it, father?”
“The King of Ravar wishes to unite our kingdoms."
The King of Ravar. Lilith had heard about him. About his ruthless brutality on the battlefield.
True to the rumours, he was a bloodthirsty king.
An utter monster, she’d learnt.
No kingdom dared to refuse his treaties. It was either that or war.
What with his sudden interest in Handale, her homeland?
Lilith glanced at her father.
She asked cautiously;
“How is that wonderful, father? Haven't you heard the rumours about him?"
“Do you understand the implications if I disagree with it? I am not sure you want to know. It has to be wonderful news. It can't be anything but.”
Lilith understood.
Her father was scared.
She has never seen him so.
But, something still worried her…who was the man that had just departed?
“Father, that man…is he a noble?”
“Noble? He is the very same man we speak of at this minute.”
Lilith felt the blood drain from her face.
He was the King of Ravar?
The man she had threatened to cut his head off…
Then w-why had he asked for her?
His words rang in her ears.
“I will have you.”
Something washed over her.
Terror.
In a small voice, she asked her father. “What does that have to do with my being here?”
He took her shaking hands in his.
“You, my dear, will become the bridge between our two kingdoms. You will become Queen of Ravar.”
- Writer
