Court of love or hatred

Chapter 2

As they enter the atmosphere changed completely to one of silence so much that you would be able to hear a pin drop. all of the court is looking directly at my family to see our reactions to the welcoming of our enemies. I plaster on the perfect smile and hold my head up high.

As King Edgard approaches I notice that he is built rather large like he has been training his whole life. His hair is nearly as long as mine however in contrast to my auburn locks he has jet black hair and cold eyes. He gazes goes straight past my father and mother where it lands on me he looks at me in a calculating way then a smile begins to form on his face.

He approaches the throne and bows to my father in respect. In a deep voice he greets my father " Your majesty King Theon thank your for welcoming my court into your kingdom and working with us to find and outcome to resolve this conflict between our kingdoms"

My father then bows in respect "It is an honour to join our kingdoms together to bring peace to our lands and people" Father turns to mother first and introduces her to King Edgard "this is my wife Queen Tessa" King Edgard bows respectively and places a kiss upon her outstretched hand "a pleasure to make you acquaintance your highness" My mother respectfully replies "It is a great honour to have you in our presence I look forward to see what the future holds for both our kingdoms".

Just as father open his mouth to introduce me King Edgard turns to me his leering eyes causes my body to fill with dread suddenly he speaks "You must be princess Evangeline, I have heard many great things about you and can't wait for you to come to my kingdom"

I look at him in shock but before I reply he calls out to a young man who I had not noticed before standing a few feet behind him "Keaton get over here and greet the young princess" Forward strolls the young gentleman who must be of at least 18 years of age as he approaches I instantly recognise similarities between him and King Edgard. The dread in my belly begins to increase as I feel the atmosphere becoming more tense as piece of information flows around my brain.

As the young prince approaches my heart begins to beat loudly he is a more handsome version of King Edgard. The way he strides with confidence and his gaze seems to somehow soothe the sick feeling rising in my stomach as if one look from him could make everything better. I feel a shoot of pain in my left arm and turn to my mother who is looking towards the approaching prince she must have pinched my arm in warning the my mask I was wearing was slipping that my emotions were showing for all to see.

I quickly concealed my emotions and look impassively at the prince. When he arrives before my feet he bows and takes my hand causing instant Goosebumps to appear on my skin as he holds my hand in a tight grip.

His lips so soft as if he never even touched me grazed my hands and he looked deep into my eyes and said in a smooth voice "Its a pleasure to meet you Princess Evangeline, if you dont mind me saying that dress looks beautiful on you". I can feel a blush appear on my face and quickly pull my hand out of his grasp. I stutter slightly but then find my voice "It is lovely to meet you Prince Keaton I hope you enjoy your time with us"

He smiles at my reply and turns to my father who is clearing his throat. My father then asked everyone to be seated at the table for the feast. He sits at the top of the table with Mother and I sat just around from them. On the other side King Edgard sat next to my father with prince Keaton sitting directly across from me.

Just before the meal began my father stood as well as King Edgard with a goblet in each of their hands filled with ale. My father spoke up "Everyone I know we have had our struggles in the recent years having been at war with King Edgard but today marks a turning point. Where everything changes myself and King Edgard have come up with an alliance to restore peace to our kingdoms and create unity".

"Our alliance is based on a union of tying the kingdoms together for the rest of time so its my great honour to announce that my daughter Princess Evangeline will be marrying Prince Keaton and living with him in Arcadia uniting our kingdoms as one".

My heart literally stops as I stare in absolute shock at my father. Did he just arranged for me to be married to our greatest's enemies son, his only daughter to be shipped off to an unknown place to live with a court that until today has been in battle with us for 3 years.

All I can hear Is the loud clapping and the cheers of our court I smile slightly to keep up appearances and turn to look at my mother. She is doing an excellent job of avoiding my gaze looking everywhere at me, when I turn to look at my father he has no problem returning my gaze with a warning in his eyes. I stare at my plate picking idly at my food when a warm hand covers mine

I look up meeting eyes with none other than Prince Keaton he gives me a comforting smile but eyes that seem to be hiding something and proceeds to say "I think you will love my kingdom princess its a beautiful place and the people are friendly do not worry you will settle in right away" I smile at him then remove my hand and return my eyes to my plate. After the meal has been tidied away I stand and excuse myself saying I feel a bit poorly before anyone can object I walk quickly out of the hall and return to my chambers.