Unspoken

Warm Welcome

We pulled up to the palace doors and slowed to a stop. My nerves started to get the best of me I felt my stomach lurch. I started to pray that I wouldn't get sick. I closed my eyes and steadied myself for whatever awaits me when that door opens. 

The door swings open and Colton steps out first. He turns to face me and extends his hand out for me to take as I step out of the vehicle. I climb out careful not to trip or step on the bottom of my gown. I look around me to see the Emperor, the Empress, several advisors, guards, house maids, and butlers gathered around me. And then I see him, Marshall. He was tall and muscular but not in an intimating way. His golden blonde hair shimmered in the evening sunlight, a huge smile gracing his warm face. He instantly gave me butterflies. 

The Empress stepped forward first, extending her hand out in a welcoming gesture. She was a small women, her salt and pepper hair was pulled up tightly in an intricate hairdo. I greeted her back and curtsied to show my respect. She held her hand out inviting me to take her arm in mine. I walked along side of her and she stopped in front of Marshall. 

She looked at me and smiled a huge grin, ushering my arm towards him. My stomach began doing flips inside my belly and I worked hard to calm my nerves. Marshall took my hand from his mother's arm into his own hand and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on my knuckles as he bowed his towards me. I tried hard not to blush but I felt the heat creep up my neck and into my cheeks making me blush even harder. I quickly dropped down into a curtsy, afraid I would insult him or worse the Emperor for my rudeness. Marshall let out a soft chuckle and smiled at me. 

He kept my hand in his and turned to the rest of the people that had gathered there. He lifted our hands in the air, presenting me to the court. They all bowed to show their respect to the prince, and the new couple. We stopped to allow the Emperor and Empress to walk into the palace in front and Marshall led me to follow, Colton staying close behind us. 

Inside the palace was grand and sweeping. The receiving room ceiling easily five stories high. The massive staircase in the center of the room branched at the top in two directions. We continued to follow the Emperor and Empress closely as they went up the stair case. We turned down a wide corridor with doorways lining up and down both side, each doorway tall and impressive but none as intimidating as the door we reached at the end of the hallway. It's ornate golden handles and intricate gold inlays almost took my breath away. The Emperor's closest body guard opened the doors and we all stepped inside. 

Once inside I could tell this was the Emperor's study. He walked to a large red velvet chair in the center of the room, an oak desk in front of it. He sat down and signaled for us to all find a seat. Marshall lead me to a small fainting couch to the side of the room and we sat down in unison. The Emperor turned to look at me and the doors swung shut with a bang, causing me to almost leap from my seat. Marshall reached out and grabbed my hand reassuringly, but also cautioning me not to move to quickly and displease his father. I swallowed hard trying to hide my nervousness again. 

"You are now in my home," the Emperor sounded a lot more menacing with his tone then he had back in my fathers office. "The rules here are simple, stay quiet. Never do anything to embarrass me or my family. Do as you are told." His eyes were cold as he spoke to me and I could feel my own fear rising. "You will marry my son, produce him an heir and keep him happy" his words sounded more like a threat then genuine concern for his sons happiness. I nodded my head in compliance, keeping my eyes down. "Your job is to please him. Always. But do not forget who is in true control of your position here in court and in this family." 

I could feel my heart beat pickup, I'm sure Marshall could hear it and I tried my best keep a blank face. "If you ever disobey me you will be punished. Harshly." The Emperor's face showed no emotion as he spoke to me. He signaled his guard to walk forward. I looked up at him, unable to hide the fear on my face. The Emperor gave him a curt nod and the man walked toward me quickly and without a second thought he slapped me across my face. 

Before I could even blink Marshall shot up from his seat standing between me and the guard. "Father!" He yelled. 

"Silence boy!" The Emperor was enraged at Marshall's outburst. "You will not speak at me without permission, do not forget who I am" anger dripped from his voice. Marshall backed down but did not move from his spot in front of me. "I've had enough of this conversation, escort her to her quarters. Your mother will begin preparations for her training, and the wedding tomorrow." The Emperor waved his hands at us, shooing us all out the room. 

Marshall grabbed my hand to stand me up and linked my arm through his, guiding me out of the room and towards my quarters.