Growing up
Unknown POV
The ancient, mahogany desk shook with the force from my fist slamming onto the tome before me. My frustration was overwhelming! My nerves were on edge due to Rangor attempting to push through for the millionth time today. I could only hope that the mission my men were on would be successful. At least that would be one thing in my favor. I should have grabbed her and ran when I realized she was my mate! Selene's prophecy would be the death of me, I swear!
"She has been put in the cells." The mind-link came through loud and clear from my General, Mason, and it was music to my ears. I couldn't wait to see her again. Bringing her here had been quite an undertaking, thanks to her stubborn father. I'm sure he and his army would arrive soon, but it would be too late by then. She would be mine, and there would be nothing he could do about it.
I opened the thick, steel door and felt the cold, dank air sink into my skin as I descended the stone staircase into the dungeon. Stashing her in the cells wasn't opportune, but I couldn't take any chances she would try to escape. The smell was horrid due to lack of cleaning, and, more often than not, once someone was placed here, they never left. Death and decay had a rancid odor, which usually would not bother me. Her scent was what had me agitated. Nothing that fragrant should ever be in my dungeons! I followed the aroma of lavender down two flights of stairs and across the row of cells until I arrived in front of hers.
As I watched this tiny girl curl into a ball in the corner of the dark room, I waited for her to react to my presence. Even if she was just a human, my aura should have affected her or pulled her to me, she was my mate. As time went on, I realized she had no idea I was there. Curiously, I cleared my throat, wanting to see her face. As she lifted her head, her gorgeous, green eyes locked onto mine, and quietly, I gasped. She was exquisite! Her porcelain skin was without flaw, and her long, thick, auburn hair made me want to run my fingers through it. Rangor was insistent that I open the metal bars that held her prisoner and take her to our bed. I was having a difficult time refraining from doing just that.
I hoped that she was the one, but until I knew for sure, I would have to be cautious about how much information I gave away. Watching her for the past several months, I was almost certain that she was the lost princess, but how? Why would she have been in Martinsdale? There were so many questions that needed answers, but I wasn't sure where to start. Whatever magic was blocking my mate from recognizing me would have to be removed and whoever put it there would be dealt with severely. I would have my queen, one way or another.
Corrine POV
The sunlight through the window cast a rainbow of colors on my wall as it filtered through the multi-colored stained glass. I looked out the window, remembering back to when I was a child and would wave my arms in the sunlight, the colors painting them like a rainbow. My mother, Queen Katherine, had told me the story of how this window had been a gift from my father, Marcus, the King of Martinsdale when my parents decorated this room as my nursery. Every year on my birthday, I would gaze out over my future kingdom, and now I stood standing in the rainbow sunlight on my 18th.
"Happy birthday!" my attendant, Gloria, hailed as she entered my room. Gloria was a younger woman, about ten years older than me, who had been assigned to care for my needs when I turned 12. She was fun and easy-going, always there when I was happy, upset, or sad; she would sit and talk with me for hours. She came over and hugged me, embracing me in her gentle arms.
"Thank you!" I exclaimed, "I am so excited about tonight!" I had been planning my debutante ball for what seemed like ages! Gloria had sewn my ball gown, my mother sparing no expense on the material. I felt magnificent as I spun in front of the mirror the day I first tried it on.
"You will have an amazing evening." Gloria walked to the bathroom as we spoke and started my bathwater. Returning to my bedroom, she looked at me and advised, "Your guests will arrive shortly, and your parents would like you to be ready to greet them."
"My guests," I repeated as I lifted my arms for Gloria to assist me with removing my dressing gown. They aren't all my guests. They were here to meet me, but most of them were invited by my parents. As the future Queen, I would need to make alliances, but most of them were invited because either the prince or the king is single and would make a good match for me.
I stepped into the tub and sank, the warm water feeling amazing on my skin. "What should I wear this morning?" I asked Gloria and she immediately ran from the room to my closet. She returned with a green silk gown that she knew I loved. It reflected the light and highlighted my auburn hair and green eyes.
"I love that one! It's perfect!" I announced as I sat up straight. Gloria assisted me out of the bath, and I wrapped myself in a towel. Once in my room, she assisted me into my dress and I sat down at my vanity. Gloria braided my hair in a plaited braid that fell almost to my waist. When she was finished, I eyed myself in the mirror as I swept a stray hair behind my ear as Gloria whispered in my ear, "You look beautiful." I blushed at the compliment as I ran from my room, already late for breakfast.
I made my way down the grand staircase to the dining hall. "Good Morning, Father and Mother," I announced as I leaned over and gently kissed their cheeks before finding my seat. The buffet laid out before me looked and smelled amazing!
Sir Tyson Goddard entered the room while I filled my plate with delicious goodies. Tyson had been my father's knight, best friend, and confidant for as long as I could remember. He would protect each and every one of us with his life, if needed.
"Tyson!" Father exclaimed as he stood to embrace his oldest friend. Tyson had been traveling for a few days to retrieve his son, Brayden, from the Kingdom of Tyre, where he had been sent to apprentice eight years ago. Brayden left Martinsdale at 14 to train under a friend of Tyson's and improve his already impeccable skills. "Sit and eat with us! Tell us about your journey", my father encouraged as he motioned to a chair and continued eating breakfast.
"I'm afraid I must decline, Your Highness," Tyson stated. "I have just come to advise you of our return, and I must sleep for a bit before the ceremony later today." My ears perked at the mention of a ceremony, but I waited to inquire about this information until Sir Tyson had taken his leave after conversing with my father for a few more minutes.
"Ceremony?" I asked excitedly.
"Yes, ceremony. We will be having Brayden's knighting ceremony this afternoon to induct him into the fold. You remember Brayden, don't you?" my father asked.
Remember? Of course, I remembered. Brayden and I grew up together due to how close our fathers were. He was my only friend because I was never able to attend school. I had tutors instead. I had always seen him as an older brother and had annoyed him as much as any little sister would. He had left when I was ten, and I had missed him terribly. When I heard he was returning, I was ecstatic and looked forward to annoying him again.
"Hello? Anyone home?" My father smiled at me. He was always aware when I was daydreaming.
"Oh, yes, I remember him," I replied as my face turned red. "I look forward to seeing him at the ceremony today."
"Also, I know you haven't forgotten about your debutante ball this evening?" Marcus inquired. He already knew I had not forgotten since a day had not gone by in the past six months when I was not working on it.
"No, I have not forgotten," I laughed. Tonight would be my debut, the day I announced to the world that I was an adult and would begin to decide whom I would marry. While excited about the ball, I still did not want to get married immediately. I wanted to wait and make sure I made the right choice. This would be the most crucial decision of my life!
"I promise the knighting ceremony will not deter you from your wonderful evening. We will keep it short, and you will have plenty of time to prepare. This night will be amazing and something you will remember forever. Perhaps you will even decide on your future?" He looked at me with questioning in his eyes. Marcus knew it would be in the kingdom's best interest for Corrine to marry a prince and continue ruling Martinsdale if he couldn't any longer, but he hated that she would not be able to follow her heart. He wanted to ensure she would be safe and comfortable for the rest of her life.
"Father, I am going to enjoy my evening, but I have not made any decisions yet. I know this is the only thing you have ever asked of me, but today I am turning eighteen. I'm not ready to get married yet! I promise I will make my choice eventually, but not tonight." I was tired of talking about the future. I just wanted to enjoy the present.
Marcus and Katherine looked at each other. They knew pushing Corrine would not end well. "Very well, please join us after breakfast in the main hall. Your guests will be arriving shortly, and, as the host, it is only proper for you to greet them and thank them for coming. Some of them made a long trip to be here!" My mother swooned. I know she was proud that so many essential people responded that they would be in attendance. "Once everyone is here, we will begin the ceremony. I'm sure Brayden will be happy to see a familiar face."
