A King's Weakness

Chapter One A Proposal

I was always well taken care of, considering my circumstances. I didn't find out until I was fifteen that I had been married at three and shipped off to my then husband Benedict's property. Fortunately for me, he had died from an unknown illness before I was of age to carry children.

I say fortunately because I had heard he was a cruel ruler and had no regard nor remorse and was not a patient man when it came to waiting for an heir, as he had killed his previous wife who was unable to bear his child.

Although my father had given me away to Benedict it was due to needing an alliance and financial gain.. but before Benedict died he went back on his word. My nursemaid told me how he killed nearly an entire kingdom, along with my family over his greed and selfishness.

Through all of this the maids, groundskeepers and I had survived but we soon found out how Benedict died and chaos came into our home and engulfed me. A figure of a man busted in the door and took me far away while his men destroyed any trace of what was left of Benedict's life. These were the men who poisoned him.

I write in my small book about my previous life growing up as I sit in this open window frame, a small breeze brushing my hair from my face as I look down over the property. In the very least it was beautiful, with so many gardens and streams and a forest that stretched as far North as my eyes could see. I have the luxury of writing and having a room with a window, but it was not a luxury I had until recent.

"Henry." I scoff as I see him riding up with his men on their horses.

Henry was the chaos that engulfed me, the dark figure of a man who kidnapped me and brought me here two years ago. The man who kept me confined in a dark room for nearly a year.. but also the man who gave me this room and my books. He looked up at my window and gave me a nod, as a smirk played across his face. I rolled my eyes and stepped away from the window. He would be coming up to my room in moments and I hated being so close to him.

I hear footsteps in the hall outside my door and I wait, annoyance building inside me. The lock turns and the door presses open, inward he steps before shutting the door behind him.

"There's a sight for sore eyes." He smiles at me.

I look at him and then back towards the window.

"Are you going to be impolite today as well?" He asked, and I could hear the aggravation building in his tone.

"I think my mannerism is quite justifiable." I shrug, not looking at him.

He let out a small hmph sound and began to walk towards me, this time I look up at him as I back towards the wall.

He is in front of me now. Grabbing my chin with his index finger and thumb pulling my face towards him.

"Have I not shown you kindness, Eva?" He asked as he waves his other hand in a motion as to look around the room.

"Have I not been Lenient? Dismissing your behavior?" He glared at me now tightening his grip on my chin.

I pull away to the side and rub my chin with my fingers.

"A hundred girls out there would do things you wouldn't dream of to be in here." He said pointing out the window.

"Then let me go and get one of them!" I said angrily.

"How many times must I tell you? You are my property now, and I've tried to be generous to you, with the punishments and giving you amenities but you're an ungrateful girl!!" He snarled.

"Ungrateful? Should I thank you for having me chained, stripped naked and whipped?" I hissed.

"You know very well, there would be punishment for you trying to run away and holding a knife to one of my men." He sighed.

I balled my fists at my side, of course I did those things! Who wouldn't.

"As long as I am alive, you will be mine. Our bloodlines will be joined and you will be obedient one way or another. You need to understand that. Once it's time there will be no stopping me and I will fulfill my destiny and you will fulfill your duty to me. We will consummate our marriage and you will submit to me in every way!" He growled.

My eyes widened and he could see the shock on my face before he began to walk towards my door.

"What?! What do you mean married? I'm not marrying you! I despise you, I will not do this!" I yelled walking towards him.

He stopped for a brief moment before slamming the door shut and locking it behind him.

"You don't have a choice."