Love Can Come Later

Laguna

Laguna is a powerful kingdom known for violence at the slightest provocation. Every insult is taken personally and so the other kingdoms around them are very careful not to offend them. They had the largest army and the best equipment for war along with that. They usually come to any meeting with another kingdom on their terms and hardly compromised on their stand.

According to their tradition, the king was allowed to marry as many wives as he wants but his first wife must be from a royal family hence every prince was obligated to look for a princess as soon as possible if he wants a chance at the throne.

In the case of Prince Apah his mother who was the second queen out of three queens already made preparations for her son with a contract marriage when he was four years.

There has always been a silent notion about who the next king would be as the throne was not always passed to the eldest Son. King Tyr the present king was the third son in his family

The rivalry for the throne increased when the king fell ill and the royal physician diagnosed the king had little time to live. For Apah and his mother that meant he should get married immediately. "The love can come later" she had said

Prince Apah is the second son of King Tyr after Prince Karo. He also had a younger brother Prince Coal who also had an interest in the throne and two sisters Alicia and Becky. The battle for the throne was between the brothers and none had the intention of backing out. They had all tried different means to stop each other hence Apah didn't trust anyone in his family or some of the men around him. Each Prince has an army of hundred men assigned as they are required to also fight whenever a war breaks out. Everyone was a potential suspect whenever anything bad happens to any of the princes. When they were going back they had to dress in disguise so one will recognize them as Apah was expecting an attack from any of his brothers. Going outside the kingdom was a good opportunity to attack him. The journey back to Laguna was done in different sections with Apah changing carriages from time to time but all were closed in such a way that one could see nothing from inside.

" My Lord we have arrived " one of the guards outside the carriage announced making Diana sigh in relief. They have been in the carriage for over four hours since after her marriage ceremony with the prince. The journey had been a quiet one Prince Apah never said anything to her during the journey. The same treatment he gave her during the wedding ceremony. He had kept a tight lip like he was angry with her and it made her worry. All her efforts to start a conversation were not encouraged and she wondered if that was how they would continue and for how long? From her observation, he had a lot on his mind that had was not willing to share

Her mother had even suggested that they stay behind for one more day in Morbo but his mother had disagreed saying they needed to go back immediately.

" Take my wife to my quarters I need to see the men first " Apah ordered two of his guards as the others went with him.

Diana was sad that he was living here immediately but she quickly consoles herself that he might be back soon. She took time to have a look around where she was. She discovered she was standing in one of the biggest castless she has ever seen in life. She knew instantly that she was in a palace. From the front view, she could tell it was eight times bigger than the one of her family back home. There were two huge statuses with swords positioned at the front of the palace. She could see guards and servants walking around the palace with everyone trying to catch a glimpse of her with every opportunity they get.

"My lady we have to go to your quarters please " one of the guards reminded her with his voice carrying some urgency.

"Lead the way then," She said as she followed them. Diano noticed the pathways were decorated with flowers and that lifted her spirit as she was a lover of flowers. She felt it was a good sign for her

As they walked down they were met by some ladies who from their dressing Diana could tell were maidens.

"Is she a mew maiden?" One of them suddenly asked as the others giggled

Instead of a reply one of the guards walked up to her and slapped her.

"You will address her as your lady whenever you see her " he reprimanded her as all of them looked shocked.

Diana didn't understand why he could not simply explain to them than slapping her.

"My lady" they all chorused with a deep bow.

Diana particularly took notice of the girl that was slapped as she looked very long and beautiful. She must be the youngest among them.

"Let's continue please" Diana ordered

***************

Meanwhile, Apah came to discuss with the captains of his army who gave him a briefing on all that happened in his absence. They were three in number and they were his closest friends. Linker, Harold, and Bishop. He also informed them about the attempt on his life when he was out.

" This was why I wanted to go with you, I suspected something like this would happen," Bishop said looking upset. He was the closest to Apah they have been friends since he was eight years.

'I know you all wanted to come but I needed you people here in case something happens. The journey was meant to be a secret one but somehow I feel one of my brothers got wind of it. I need to know how and I need to know who poisoned me.

'My prince we will look into it immediately please go to your quarters and enjoy your bride " Linker assures him with a smile on his face