The Princess's Dangerous Betrothal

Chapter 3: Arrival

The members of the royal court were waiting for Eiley when she arrived in the Great Hall. A select few had been chosen to greet the arriving dignitaries from the Reslandian delegation, and all of them were in a frenzied state of excitement.

Ronan shot Eiley a grateful look when she arrived. He would have made good on his threat to carry her here, but it wouldn’t have been enjoyable for either of them.

Teresa stopped at Eiley’s side and started to primp her dress and adjust her hair. Annabelle looked regretfully at Ronan before taking her spot at Eiley’s side. The princess was used to her friends fussing over her, but today, she was more antsy than usual. She waved them off and smoothed her skirt with both palms to hide that they were shaking.

“Eiley, do you remember what we discussed?” the King asked without looking at her.

“Yes, Father,” she answered immediately.

“And?”

“I’ll be on my best behavior and graciously welcome the visiting prince,” she recited.

“Thank you.” The King turned and guided his wife outside to the courtyard where they would be waiting.

Eiley took a deep breath and let it out. When her eyes opened again, her mask was in place. She looked between Teresa and Annabelle and said, “Should I start off by scandalizing him off the bat, or should I pretend to be prim and proper so we get a stronger shock tomorrow?”

“You can’t!” Annabelle said giggling.

“Eiley!” Ronan said sharply from across the room.

“I won’t!” Eiley sighed and walked outside to join her parents and the other officials who had been invited.

The small welcoming party gathered in the courtyard, blurring the lines between their respective groups. Teresa and Annabelle flanked Eiley, forming a protective guard around her. Many of the older court members began discussing trade projections until the ladies tuned them out and began gossipping amongst themselves.

Conversation was stilted, with everyone continuously glancing down the main road, watching for signs of the arriving party. Uneasy silences broke across the courtyard in waves. Lord Carys subtly checked his pocket watch, and someone muttered, “Are we sure of the time?” Eiley wiped her sweating palms on her skirt and tried to look relaxed. An escort had been sent to meet them early this morning. Surely they would come. Just when people began looking anxiously back towards the castle, and whatever work they were surely putting off to be here, a flag appeared on the horizon.

“Eiley, look!” Teresa said, pointing to the flag.

For a moment, worry crossed her face, but she quickly buried it and smiled.

An anticipatory stillness fell over the group now that their wait was nearly done. Some fidgeted, but forced their hands still when the caravan of horses and carriages pulled to a stop in front of the castle doors.

Eiley started to take a step forward, but a stern glance from the King stopped her.

The carriage driver jumped to the ground with a dramatic flourish. Lord Carys stepped forward calmly and said, “Please allow me to introduce, His Royal Highness, King Nathanial, and his Court.” When the driver didn’t respond, Carys continued. “I would like to welcome the delegation from Reslandia.”

The driver looked at him blankly and the carriage door opened, revealing a handsome man. The man stepped out of the carriage and left the door open behind him. He said something unintelligible to the driver and faced Lord Carys.