GEM OF SEASONS

THE KING'S MARRIAGE THREAT

Queen Evelyn got so troubled and had no choice than to talk about it to her husband, to help her out in any way he could. Other women made mockery of her, though not to her face but their facial expressions said it all.

Marian's mother, Lady Georgia was hailed by other women in the kingdom, for her daughter had gotten married before Princess Mayah who was the Gem of the season. Gossips and rumours spend around as Princess Mayah was said to be cursed. Queen Evelyn could not boast of her daughter's beauty because, she was yet to be married or engaged.

Princess Mayah was called on by her father.

“Tell my father i shall see him at once!” Princess Mayah said as she stood up from the swing at the garden. She was reading a novel titled, 'My Love For You!'; she had just gotten it from the royal bookshop. Lily her maid, told the seller to always get romantic novels for her.

“Okay, my princess!” The guard bowed and left.

“I need to know why my father is calling!” She said to her maid and Lily nodded.

Princess Mayah walked down to the palace court and the doors were shut behind her.

Only the king was in the court and she smiled at him, “Father, you called for my audience! Are you ill or you miss a chat with me?” Princess Mayah tensed and her father smiled.

Mayah was his treasure and her presence gives him joy. She was his everything and he would shake the world just to be a smile on her beautiful face. She was a goddess to him and no one dares to hurt her as long as he lives.

She got to the front and bowed to him.

King Beldon stood up from his throne and walked towards his daughter, he touched her soft delicate cheek and suddenly frowned, “I have something to say to you!” He said and moved to sit on a seat near Princess Mayah.

“My father, what is it that wrinkles your face? Why do you not smile like i used to see it? What worries you, father?” Princess Mayah knelt down and held her father's hands.

King Beldon looked up at her face and tried not to show his real feelings. Her words had soften his heart, but he was not going to be so emotional.

“Tell me the reason you have rejected every bachelor that seeked for your hand!?” King Beldon asked and Princess Mayah stood to her feet.

“I do not find them worthy to be called my husband, father. My heart do not pick them!” Princess Mayah replied and her father, shook his head in disappointment.

“Do you know what everyone is saying?” King Beldon asked in a deeper musculine tone; with a distraught look, he frowned his brows.

Princess Mayah tried to bring up excuses but King Beldon would not listen and shut her as soon as she tried to utter a word in defense. She knew exactly what she wanted but no one wanted to hear her out. It was like a bad luck had befallen on the Royal house and it was a big insult as well. Most of the maidens presented at the court, were engaged but Princess Mayah, the titled Gem, was not even engaged to anyone.

“You better pick a bachelor and get engage in the next three days; else, I will be forced to act as a king and not a father.” King Beldon stood up from the seat and walked closer to Princess Mayah, “I shall betrothe you to someone of my choice. I only thought it to be wise to let you know of our intentions and give you a second chance. Your mother had accepted!” He added with a husky tone and patted his daughter's shoulder gently, he walked back to his golden seat and avoided eyes contact with her. He knew she was angry but looking at her will melt his heart, so he dared not to and acted unconcerned.

Princess Mayah did not utter any word, she knew her parents has made up their minds. She walked towards the closed doors. King Beldon, clapped his palms together and the guards outside, opened the door just in time for Princess Mayah to walk out. She looked up at Lily who stood outside all this while, waiting on her to come out. She wanted to cry like a hurt baby but it was no longer possible, she can't let the tears roll down in front of anyone, they would gossip and spend rumours. Things had changed, she was no longer the little Princess everyone admired, now she has grown to a woman people wish to find fault in and drag her reputation to the mud. Her every movement was being watched and she dared not to embarass herself. She hated being Royalty and wanted a normal life but no, destiny has kept her in a Royal home and it can not be changed. Without uttering a word, she took hold of her flowing gown and walked pass Lily! Lily was stunned and wondered the reason for the angry look.

She ran to her room and dropped face down on her bed. She did not close the door because Lily followed.

Lily, shut the door after she entered the room and looked at bed to see Princess Mayah, “My princess, what might be the problem?” She walked even closer to the bed, “I can tell you are not cheerful. What can cause this?” Lily asked.

Princess Mayah knew she could trust Lily with anything, so she sat up, cleaned her tears and turned to Lily.

“My father wants me to pick a husband in the next three days, else, I shall be married off to their choice. I do not wish to marry to be married off to who i know nothing of. I feel those men comes to me because I am a princess; i have the feeling lurking in me that, they only calm to love me. The novels I've read surely talks of love at first sight but they did not marry immediately, they spent days with each other. Lily, I do not wish to make a mistake i will have to regret forever.” Princess Mayah replied and stood from her bed, “I wish i have a normal life like you. How does it feel? Do you wish to be Royalty too?” She added and Lily's eyes widened. She quickly went on her knees and bend down to avoid eyes contact.

“Oh princess! Do you wish for me to be gone so soon at my early age? Have I not been faithful enough? Please if you wish me well, do not shout aloud your words, for ears not to hear what you have just said. For if any ears do, i shall be dragged and be executed!” Lily cried out at the feet of Princess Mayah.

“I almost forgot! Please rise!” Princess Mayah said. She knew her maid have spoken the truth. Lily could be allegedly accused of casting spells on her and be killed by the most horrifying way, “And rub off the dust as well.”

A knock was heard; Princess Mayah and Lily had to comport themselves and when the door went opened, Queen Evelyn and her personal maid stepped in.

“Keep them on the bed!” Queen Evelyn ordered her personal maid, Dawn.

Dawn without hesitation, walked over to the bed and placed the shinny flow gowns on Princess Mayah's bed. Without being told, the Princess knew what was going on. Her parents really wanted her to be married without minding if she was happy or not.

“Mayah, try them on!” Queen Evelyn said in her soft tone which expressed some sort of anger sparks.