Court of love or hatred

Chapter 8

I am standing in the court yard as my bag is being strapped down to the roof of the carriage to which I will spend the next 8 hours of my journey in before reaching Arcadia. I turn to my mother who is biting her lip as if to stop herself from speaking up and preventing my sudden departure. I meet my mothers eyes and smile reassuringly to which she strides forward and wraps her arms around me.

"I am going to miss you so much sweet girl, remember to be polite and courteous and try not to upset anyone". I pull my head back to look her in the eyes "Mother I will be the perfect princess that you have taught me to be". She nods her head as a stray tear falls from her eyes and quietly says "I love you my girl be safe".

I quickly look to my father to prevent me from fleeing back into the palace and lock myself in my chambers. He looks to me with love in his eyes and gathers me in his arms "You have made me so proud my girl and I know you will continue to do so, I love you we will see you soon". I nod my head in response then hear someone clearing their throat behind me.

I turn to see Prince Keaton standing there with a small smile upon his face "Thank you for having us your Highness it has been an honour to unite our kingdoms". My father remains silent but nods his head to which Prince Keaton then places his hand on my lower back and assists me into the carriage.

I look out the window to see King Edgard speaking to my father "Thank you for hosting us I am sure we will be seeing each other again". My father respectfully replies and places his arm around my mother to comfort her as she looks ready to burst into tears. King Edgard mounts his horse and takes the lead as we head away from the palace. I feel a tight nought in my throat and blink to stop the tears from falling. Prince Keaton is riding up front with his father and I am alone in the carriage left to imagine what my new home will be like.

8 hours later …….

I wake up when the carriage comes to a sudden halt along the road I must have drifted asleep a long the way. I look out the window and up ahead I can see a magnificent castle bigger than anything I have every seen. I am in complete amazement as we approach the bridge and wait for the gate to be lowered. As it is lowered we enter into a small village area where the people are standing greeting the king as he passes and trying to peer into the carriage to see who has arrived. We continue on through the village going further and further into the land when we come to a stop at what I assume is the court yard.

The door is pulled open and I look into the face of Prince Keaton "Welcome to your new home Princess". He takes my hand and leads me out of the carriage to which I notice there are many villagers standing around looking at sudden arrival of their King and Prince. King Edgard smiles sadistically at me and shouts above the crowds chattering. "Princess Evangeline from the kingdom for Palmerton has married my son creating a truce between the kingdoms. Tonight in honour of the new marriage we will hold a grand feast to welcome the princess". There are cheers in response to the announcement of a feast and everyone seems to disperse to prepare.

Keaton leads me inside the palace where I admire the tapestries hanging on the walls as we walk down a long corridor. We then head up a flight of stairs and come to halt outside a wooden door Keaton opens the door to a luxurious room. It is filled with lovely furniture and is nice and warm from the fire that seems to be already lit. I step into the room and notice a connecting balcony to which I walked forward and open the door looking out onto the grounds.

I feel Keaton follow behind me "Evangeline I would like you to meet Janine she is your maid servant and will look after you". I turn to see a girl who must be about the same age as me with dark brown hair placed in a messy bun and her outfit covered in ash from which I can only assume she gained when lighting the fire. I smile at her shyly "It is lovely to meet you Janine". She curtseys respectfully the speaks up "It is an honour to serve you my lady but we must start getting you ready for the feast we don't have long". Keaton looks to both of us then smiles backing away slowly "I will leave you ladies to do whatever you need to do in order to prepare for the feast I am going to my room to prepare" he then leaves the room closing the door behind him.

Did I hear things but did he just say he is going to his room to prepare? I thought we would share a room? Maybe he is just being respectful and giving me space to adjust before we begin married life together. That must be it he is so considerate I try to convince myself. I push the doubts to the back of my mind when Janine announces "they are just bringing your bags up now Princess please tell me you have dresses for a feast other wise we are in big trouble" I look at the serious look on her face and smile "Of course don't worry I have come prepared" to which she shows a beaming smile.

Janine has me ready in no time dressing me in a lovely royal blue dress that shows slight cleavage but is still respectable. She has my hair prepared in a stylish up-do and has me ready to meet the people. She leads me down to the room where the feast is being held Keaton is standing outside a contemplative expression on his face and when he notices me he smiles widely and looks me up and down "You look wonderful Evangeline".

I smile and look him up and down quickly before relying "You look handsome Keaton and please call me Eva". He steps towards me and takes my arm whispering into my ear "as you wish Eva" this causes me to shiver suddenly, I look to see if he noticed but his eyes are towards the open door where the herald announces our names. Keaton with a strong hold on my hand walks with me into the feast and to our places at the table next to King Edgard.