Blood Oath

CHAPTER 2

OPHELIA'S P.O.V

"OPHELIA!" Theophilus will have my head this time. How furious is he? I can feel his footsteps.

"OPHELIA!"

I tried to compose myself most unpretentious but Henri kept smirking at me. I am always forced to smile when he has that look on his face.

"Ophelia..." There he was. I shall say my last prayers for the hundredth time. "Ophelia, what happened?"

"I declined."

"Do you know how hard it was to have the Prince of Grand Hills come here?" If only Theophilus could understand... "How many suitors have come and gone the same way?" ...that I haven't found the one that can be my king.

"Theophilus, please, come to terms with me." I have to tell him somehow.

"You...should be the one coming to terms with me. I have spent so many resources trying to find the perfect person for you. Your sister and I..." He broke. "Henri, fetch me something to drink."

I watched Henri glance at me before leaving the hall. Whenever Henri's in the room, I always feel confident and comfortable.

"Ophelia, you will not last forever, and the royal bloodline must continue. Your sister is trying her hardest. I am doing my very best. We all are."

"But Theophilus, I--"

"Go apologize to the prince."

I have always thought highly of Theophilus but there may be limits. I cannot stoop so low to do what he wants me to. It cannot and will not be done.

"No." I opposed. What will it take for Theophilus to understand? I do not want that man.

"You will do it and that is final." Theophilus stormed out of the room. He did not even give me a chance to speak properly. Why is Theophilus like this? I can't wish for Emilia to be any different because she is not. I only wish...

"A drink, your majesty?" Henri startled me. When did he get in? How long has he been here? How does he walk? "It's from the barrels," He said as I collected the tall glass of bubbly beverage from the tray and took a sip.

"Henri, why did you laugh?" I asked as I recalled the moment that sent the Prince of Grand Hills sobbing.

"He said he had gifts. All in a carriage for you. I could not help myself."

Gifts, all in a carriage for me. It is quite laughable considering that the Kingdom of Grand Hills is in debt but the Prince chose to bring gifts in a carriage for me. I couldn't control myself from letting out a chuckle that went hysterical. I'm sure even Theophilus knows.

All the people I have known are with their beloved ones. Some with children. I do envy them. When will I find my own? Have I missed him? Every man that has come to me has returned the same way. I am queen of the largest most revered kingdom yet...do I dwell in my selfishness? I want my kingdom to be proud of its queen. I have been queen since my fifteenth. What would my parents think of this?

"Your majesty?" I look at Henri who brought me out of my thoughts. "Is there a problem?"

I have to make an effort. "Bring me the Prince of Grand Hills"

If it doesn't work, I'll keep trying.

"He is gone. Prince Theophilus tried persuading him to stay but he is gone."

He's gone already? It must've been a very hard blow. "Very well then." It's the middle of the afternoon and I feel quite exhausted from just talking to...the Prince of Grand Hills. We barely even shared any thoughts or common interests. "Henri..."

"Your majesty?"

"Are there any suitors left?"

"Not at the moment, your majesty." It felt relieving that there was no one left but still, it felt saddening. "I have other news."

"What is it?" what news could this be now? Henri lowered the tray, revealing a letter on it. It had the royal insignia.

"It's from Princess Emilia." How strange of Emilia to send me a letter. What could she possibly want? She is with her husband away from the kingdom living happily. I reluctantly collect the letter.

"My dearest sister, it has been a while. I write this letter to you to share joy. I will be returning to Argo this night. I beseech you to prepare a ball in your court. I have news for all of Argo."

Emilia is returning tonight?! She wants me to prepare a ball? Does Theophilus know?

"Your majesty?"

"Henri, there isn't time. We have to prepare a ball. My sister returns." I ordered Henri who looked curious as well. Why is Emilia returning now? I though she would stay for months with Prince Erik and his family in Titan? It is too sudden.

"Send out invitations. Hire florists and musicians. I'll leave you to organize the ball. Let me inform Prince Theophilus."

"Yes, your majesty."

I leave the halls to find Theophilus. How will he respond to this? I go into his study to find him there writing. I believe he's in a bad mood from what happened earlier. "Theophilus..." I called his name but no response. I walk up to his desk and stopped his hand from moving. He looked at me and let go of the quail. "Theophilus, what's the matter?"

"Ophelia...that man, I know what I went through trying to get him here safely and in high hopes but you ruined it yet again." He stood up from his chair and paced to the bookshelf behind it.

"Theophilus, you must understand..."

"Understand what?"

"I did not like him. I cannot force myself to marry a man I do not like." I felt a burning sensation within me.

"This not for your benefit alone; Argo needs it." Theophilus did not want to understand. "We need heirs."

"What good is a queen if she can not rule with joy and pride of having a loved king beside her?!"

"I will not have this conversation any longer."

My brother keeps pounding on my heart. He was never like this when our parents were alive. What changed? It saddens me. "There will be a ball tonight. Emilia is returning to Argo with an announcement." I left his study after I told him what I wanted to.

What does my sister, Princess Emilia have to tell Argo that I, Queen of Argo have not heard of?