Louisa Hendraki

Chapter Two: A Match for Louisa

Louisa stormed into her room crying. She honestly didn't want to get married. At least not to Nikolai. She sat on her bed dejectedly. Just then, her maid and only friend Zara came into the room holding a bundle of dresses. Louisa quickly wiped her tears.

"What are those?" she asked as Zara dropped the dresses on the table. "Dresses for you. They're from the king. I told you he still cares... even though it's a little" she said carefully to avoid hurting Louisa's feelings. Then she frowned," Are those tears in your eyes?"

"No", Louisa denied frantically. She didn't want to appear emotionally unstable. Zara was always worried for her. She was basically Louisa's mental health. "I don't know how to say this but... I'm getting married tomorrow." Louisa said quickly, avoiding her eyes.

"That's great news...I guess. Who is going to be your husband"

Louisa looked down at her hands before blurting it out. "Nikolai"

The room seemed to be quiet for a while before Zara spoke, "Nikolai what?"

"Nikolai of Nendes"

"What? Nikolai of what?"

"It's a stupid match, I know "

"Why should the king do that? We all know that man doesn't keep a wife."

"There is nothing I can do. My life is over." Louisa began to cry afresh. Zara held her close.

Poor girl, she thought.

It was clear to her then why the king had bought new dresses for Louisa. "The king is hosting a party tonight. I guess it's in honor of your wedding. Let me help you pick a dress please."

"I'm not coming Zara...." Louisa refused but Zara was insistent. "Let me pick a dress for you. You need to attend. After all, you'll be having feasts and parties like this in your new home. You're not going to shut yourself away from the world forever, are you?". Then she smiled sweetly and stalked to Louisa's wardrobe.

Louisa smiled sadly. My sweet Zara. What could I have done without you.

If not for Zara, Louisa was sure she would have ended her life long ago. She stretched herself on the bed and thought about her future till she slept off.

****

Louisa walked shyly into the feast hall where the party was taking place. She was clad in a royal blue gown with silver pearls that adorned her hair, neck and wrists. Her long jet black hair was tied back in a bun, bringing out her facial features even more. She was effortlessly beautiful.

That's what everybody thought of her. The effortlessly beautiful Louisa Hendraki.

"Try smiling, Princess. Everyone loves you. And wave at them too. Don't look like a cold fish please", Zara said from behind her and she waved and smiled. She kept walking till she reached her father's seat and courtseied to him before taking her seat beside him by his left. Sitting by his right was her father's new wife, Nadia.

She was the mistress Louisa got beaten up for. She'd been married to the King for less than a year now but Louisa was sure that the enmity between them would never be broken. Louisa secretly hoped Nadia would suffer the same fate her mother suffered but it never happened. instead, the king doted on her each passing day and it angered Louisa.

Louisa rolled her eyeballs as she watched people address her as Queen. Louisa thought of her mother. She didn't know if she was still alive or dead. "Louisa. Sit straight. Don't look dead." Louisa sat straight and looked at the crowd of people dancing. They all looked happy and she wondered if they had any cares in the world.

"You are marrying the great king of Nendes. It is a powerful alliance. Don't ruin it. You're good at ruining things." Nadia said and Louisa's eyes hardened. Her father laughed scornfully. "She's right. Don't screw this up or I'll kill you" he concurred.

At that point, Louisa's mind was made up. She was definitely going to screw up this alliance, even if it cost her her life.

The music changed and people began to pair up for the ballroom dance. The king and queen went to join the dance floor. Louisa sat alone lonely. She had stopped dancing at fourteen but she knew all the steps everyone needed to know. Just then, Tristan, the king's sorcerer walked up to her. "May we dance, my lady".

Louisa considered for a few seconds before taking his hand. He led her to the dance floor. "You don't seem happy for someone who is getting married tomorrow, princess Louisa" he said grinning.

Tristan was extremely handsome. His blonde hair was long and made in a ponytail. Louisa raised a brow. He naturally let it fall, like Roman. It always surprised foreigners when they were told he was a sorcerer. He and Roman won the admiration of all women. Asides being a sorcerer, Tristan was a soldier too. Louisa was especially happy that Tristan didn't always seclude himself. He would have been such a waste.

"Seriously, was I the last person to know?" she asked lazily. "Well I expected you to be in glee mode especially as you will soon be Queen of Nendes." he replied ignoring her question.

"Tristan, you know I'd rather be Queen of the dungeons than be his queen... if I will live long enough to call myself that." she replied seriously. He chuckled. "You're sharp tongued. You didn't use to be. You didn't even use to dance before. Yet you're getting the steps right."

Louisa smirked,"Well, I've changed. That's how things should be right? Besides, if you knew I couldn't dance, why did you ask me to dance."

"I was helping a friend out. You looked sad over there."

"What do you know? I'm always sad. Always."

"Try not to be. It helps you glow."

"So I'm not glowing?"

"That's not what I said"

"It's what you meant"

At that point in the dance, they were to switch partners, Louisa ended up with Roman while Nadia danced with Tristan.

"I see you've not forgotten how to dance, princess" he said, grinning.

"You were dancing with Nadia?"

"Is that a crime?"

"Where is the king? Why can't he dance with his wife?"

"He said he was tired. The queen needed a dance partner. So I danced with her."

It seemed he wanted to annoy her but she kept her cool. He sensed her anger but he enjoyed annoying her so he said, "You hate her doesn't mean I do"

"Shut up, General."

"Princess..."

"Don't call me that. It's Louisa."

Then at that point, they were to switch back to their original partners so she left him. Roman frowned. He has never seen her that angry before.

Tristan watched Louisa's face intently and noticed she was frowning. "If you're angry at what I said, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way..."

he began.

"No. it's not you. It's Roman."

"What has he done this time?"

"Apparently... he's a terrible dancer."

They both laughed as the music stopped at that time and people clapped. Louisa knew she would miss Tristan and Roman no matter how annoying they were.