I Am Not Your Princess

Chapter4

“Not another word from you,” Queen Miranda ordered. “Haven't you done enough. Wait till your father learns about this.”

“Why would….” Elena hesitated. Something inside her kept her from overreacting. At least she's still alive and safe. She knew she was princess Lilian now and that changes everything. Her breath became heavy.

“I– I should leave now,” the Royal physician said packing his belongings and leaving the room.

“Mother, you have to calm down. Thankfully nothing happened,” Prince Lohan trying to ease the situation.

Elena sat down on the bed lost in thought still trying to figure out her situation. Flashbacks from the abandoned room filled her mind.

“What happened today must not repeat itself. Prince Royce will be visiting us tomorrow to discuss the marriage and I want no mistakes, am I clear Lilian?”

Elena did not respond her mind still somewhere else.

Queen Miranda looked at Elena with a scowl.

“Get yourself together, I don't want any mistakes. You won't like it when I'm angry.”

She walked halfway across the room and stopped, “and wear something decent.” Her voice loud and sharp, holding her flowing gown as she exited the room.

Prince Lohan followed behind and shut the door.

That same day Prince Royce was summoned by Armon his father, the King of Landis.

“How is the wedding preparations coming up,” King Armon asked.

“Excellent Your Majesty. But,” he stuttered. “I ask of you to reconsider this married, I don't –"

“What are you trying to say Prince Royce.”

He adjusted his position. Eyes looking down at Royce.

“Hmm," he cleared his throat. “I don't think this alliance is a good idea Your Majesty.”

“Are you trying to defy me.”

“No, Your Majesty,” his hands behind his back and head slightly bowed.

“This is my final decision,” his voice roared in the chamber room. He continued

“Marrying princess Lilian will add power to the Kingdom of Landis, it could strengthen our army and help secure the boarder and bring wealth because of their natural resources. We would work hand in hand with the kingdom of Ukkan. My father also told me to marry your mother for the same purpose and you will do the same. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he answered.

King Armon stood up and walked down from his throne. He slowly held Prince Royce shoulder with both hands. “You will understand on day, you will,” he added.

“Thank you Father, I will proceed with the marriage,” he straightened his back, eyes on his the King.

“Good, there are some gift and valuables already packed for your visit."

“I shall take my leave now.” He walked out of the chamber room. His shoes sounding on the floor.

“Bron,” Prince Royce called out.

“Yes Your Highness,” Bron answered as soon has he reached prince Royce.

“Are we ready to leave now.”

“Yes Your Highness, everything is set now.”

They packed the gifts inside the carriage. Guards on horses already lined up outside waiting for him. He climbed one of the horses. They began their journey to the Ukkan palace.

Elena sat down with a lot of thoughts on her mind.

“Melissa,” she called out

Melissa hurriedly entered the room.

“Yes Your Highness.” Melissa standing beside the bed.

“I want you to tell me everything I need to know, okay?”

“Sure, Your Highness.”

Elena tapped the bed for Melissa to sit down.

“So I am the princess of this family.” She started

“Yes, Your Highness and also prince Royce future wife.

“Prince Royce,” Elena repeated.

“Who is that.”

“The man from before who carried you inside the palace in his arms.”

“I am suppose to marry that man,” Elena sighs

Another maid entered the room

Your Highness queen Miranda has ordered you get ready.

“She will, right away,” Melissa said to the other maid.

Elena placed her palm on her forehead. Frustrated and not knowing what to do.

“I have to do something,” Elena stood up. Her arms folded still trying to process everything.

“I suggest you don't do anything Your Highness, your Mother is already furious,” Melissa voice gentle and convincing.

“You have to teach me everything I need to know about being a princess.” I need enough time to understand everything so I must play along.”

“ I'm not sure I know what I must do,” Melissa added.

Another maid walked in with a yellow gown and some jewelries and placed it on the bed.

“Your gown Your Highness,” the maid bowed and left the room

“Ok Melissa just tell me everything I need to know before I go out.” Elena tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Sure Your Highness. You are the last born of the Eckart family. You have two older siblings, prince Lohan and princess Eloise. You love painting and gardening and you had a pet parrot but it died last year and– and you have been very gentle and reserved until now.”

“I have been behaving differently, no wonder the queen is furious.”

“I think you should get ready Your Highness. I will help you with your dress.” Melissa stood up and carried it.

She was no longer Elena, she is now princess Lilian. If she needed answers she had to act smartly. Elena got dressed and came down to meet her mother. Decorations and shinny light were put up everywhere, the aroma of different foods fill the air. Elena was hit with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety that made her stomach quirl.

“And remember Your Highness, you have to remain calm and avoid trouble" Melissa whispered to Elena.

“Ok, l can do this,” her chest pumped up with heavy breath and courage.

Queen Miranda spotted princess Lilian, she walked up to her. Her eyes gloaring at Elena.

“No mistakes today Lilian.”

“Ok….. mother,” she answered. She clenched her fist attempting to suppress her anger.

“Now smile, you don't want the prince to feel unwelcomed,” she said vehemently.

“b***h,” Elena said silently.

As if the whole situation wasn't enough, now she had to marry a someone she barely knows.

A guard rushed inside the palace announcing the prince had arrived.

“Alright everyone to your positions, hurry up,” Queen Miranda ordered.

Melissa took Elena to her seat.

Prince Royce walked in with some other guards bearing gifts.

“You are welcome Your Highness,” said Queen Miranda with a smile.

“ Thank you Your Majesty.” He sat down.

“We should pick a date, a closer one for the marriage. Princess Lilian would also like that. Isn't it ?” She looked at Elena.

“Yes Mother,” she forced a smile and rolled her eyes.

“ I would like to talk to my future wife in private,” prince Royce spoke. His voice firm and demanding.

“Why not.”

She gave Elena side eye. Elena understood right away. No mistakes.

They walked side by side in the garden. Elena lost in thought. “I must play along until I find an answer to this, there has to be a way,” she thought to herself.

“What are you thinking now my lady,” he said. Eyes still looking straight.

Elena glanced at him. “Nothing,” she replied.

“You know you are really odd. Even your behavior today is different,” he let out a chuckle. “You are amusing I must say.”

“ What do you mean by that,” she said with a fierce look on her face.

“Maybe I like it that way,” he spoke silently.

“Hey look here prince whatever, I'm not a weak and easy manipulated princess, don't you try me. I can be very intimidating do you know……"

“shush,” he uttered. His eyes sweeping all over Elena's face. He moved closer. “Don't move.” His voice low and soothing.

“Why," she asked with confused eyes.

He slowly held her face with one hand. His hand almost covering her small delicate face. Whatever happens don't scream.