Theaella

4

Melanie chuckled in amusement and Theaella turned her head and pouted at her.

“Stop laughing. You too nearly had a heart attack.”

Melanie just dissolved into laughter, amused by her Mistress’ expression.

“Stop pouting, Princess.” Melanie pinched her cheeks and got her hands swatted at. “Come on, let’s look for a dress for you to wear.”

Three hours later, it became dark outside. The stars came out to light the sky up with their wondrous beauty; and Theaella wished to be one of them. To be one of the stars which had a clear view of the world and have total and complete freedom. She placed a hand on her window and sighed. Feeling a comforting hand on her shoulder, she looked back and saw Melanie.

“Don’t stress yourself thinking too much, Thea.” Melanie squeezed her shoulder a little. “Soon, you will be out of here. And by God’s grace, the man you’ll marry will give you the freedom you so desire. This I pray for you.”

“Thanks, Mela.” Theaella turned to face her fully and drew her into a tight hug. “You are such a good friend. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

“Well, saving my life is one.” Melanie chuckled out, returning her hug.

Melanie was a slave before being free. She and her family were brought down here, but unfortunately she was the only one in her family that survived on the way here. When she was on her way to being sold, she escaped, but didn’t go too far. And that was when she met Theaella – all bruised and battered.

Theaella’s parents were going to purchase a new slave to help her daughter in everything. Although the ground was caked with mud and dirt, Theaella went down on her knees, gave no concern to Melanie’s awful state, and helped her up, carrying all of Melanie’s.

All the pureblood there gasped in horror and shock, and Theaella’s parents looked at her with concealed embarrassment.

Melanie was baffled by Theaella’s kindness, even in the face of all the judging stares, and couldn’t help but ask, “Why?”

Theaella’s answer was plain and simple, “Because you looked like you were calling for help. I decided to answer.” And she gifted Melanie with a lovely smile.

With a look that promised trouble, most likely an embarrassing tantrum, Theaella asked her parents to purchase Melanie. They tried to refuse of course, but when they saw the narrowing of Theaella’s eyes, they submitted.

A knock dispelled the cloud of old memories and both of them faced the direction of the two large oak door.

“Yes, come in!” Theaella answered and a maid walked in.

“My lady, the guests have arrived.”

Theaella groaned under her breath, getting an amused chuckle from Melanie. The two ensured that they were properly set before heading down to the dining hall.

Melanie dutifully walked behind Theaella, her head held high like her Mistress taught her too.

To their greatest surprise, they saw someone who they haven’t seen in months.

“Brother!” Theaella cried out and ran over to him, well – run as much as her dress could allow her – and embrace him fiercely. Her action had her parents sighing. “It’s been so long since I’ve last seen you! How are you?!”

“I am fine, my beautiful and fair sister.” Vincent sized her up and twirled her around, getting pearls of soft laughter from her. He set her down, the young lady still giggling with twinkling eyes. “Hello, Mela.” He greeted with a soft smile, getting a curtsy from the young woman who smiled warmly at him. “You both look more exquisite than the last time I saw you!” He grinned warmly at Melanie.

“Why, thank you Vincent.” Theaella flipped her hair in a haughty manner whilst Melanie averted her eyes shyly.

By the corner, Eleanor and her husband frowned lightly at their interaction.

Theaella was about to ask her brother a question when she was interrupted by a cough that came from behind the tall behemoth.

“Why, hello Theaella. It’s so good to see you again.”

“Oh no.” Both Theaella and Melanie whispered in horror. ‘What in the bloody hell is he doing here?!’ They both yelled internally.

“Why, hello William.” Theaella curtsied, her lips pursed into a thin smile. “I didn’t know you were coming for a visit. Please, enlighten me, why are you here?”

“Theaella!” Eleanor chastised, aghast by the rudeness of her daughter.

“I’m here to see my betrothed, of course.” General William said with a warm, totally ignoring her hostility.

“What?” Theaella whispered in confusion and shock.

Melanie’s mouth dropped wide open in shock, whilst Vincent’s eyes went wide with disbelief.

“That’s right, sweat heart.” Morgan, Theaella’s and Vincent’s father, started, drawing everyone’s attention to him and his wife. “Your mother and I, along with William’s parents have arranged for the both of you to be married. We all believe that ‘tis a good match and you both are to be wedded very soon.”

It was silent for a moment before Theaella and her brother exploded.

“WHAT?!!”

Prince Maximum Wulfric of the kingdom of Munira couldn’t help but still think about the fair and beautiful young maiden he had met in the market place a few hours ago.

‘By the heavens she’s beautiful.’ He thought to himself. He was still day dreaming about her- Thea, when there was a knock on the door. He replies, granting permission for them to come in, and in walked one of the hotel’s butler.

“Your Highness.” The butler bowed to him whilst a maid brought in his ordered food in a trolley. “Dinner is ready.” And the maid arranged his choice of dinner and desert on the table.

As required, the maid taste tested the food, waiting back and not moving from her spot just in case she’d fall down dead. After a minute had passed and she was still alive and breathing, the Prince dismisses them and dug into his food once they were out.

Prince Max is the third child and the second son of King Destan and Queen Zephyra. After the successful assassination of his older brother George, Maximum became the heir to the throne of Munira. Because of the last attempt on his life, his parents were very reluctant to let him go on his vacation without any guards; but seeing as he was a master of disguise and the pressure of their only daughter (his elder sister) to not coddle him and to let him see the world that he may become an even greater King, they allowed him.

Myrine, the second child of Destan and Zephyra, and Maximum’s older sister and the General of their army, also assured them that a spy will follow his every move and move in to protect him if necessary – unknowingly to Maximum of course.

Now, he was here in Belrim, touring this peaceful part of the kingdom before heading to the capital in a few days time for a summons from their king. His father had given him the task to negotiate on the peace treaty with the kingdom, and Maximum intended on not failing.