07
1290 Words
The carriage shooked and swayed as it passed through the stone pathway. The first time I entered this place was when I arrived here. That was just yesterday. I didn't expect that I'd have the honor to visit this place so soon.
I was not even given the time to relax or adjust once I arrived here. I was directly sent to a school with a lot of strangers. Additionally, my marriage would be pushed early, too. I know that the crown would be the one deciding these kinds of things, but a week after I just arrived…
I sighed. The positivity and perseverance that I planted was now slowly withering. What happened with getting to know each other? That thought was easily thrown down the window.
A low yelp was heard coming from the driver's mouth. And the moving carriage was tugged to a stop.
The carriage door opened.
I stepped out and received the hand that was held out to help me down.
"Milin," I called. "I wonder why I was called?" I asked as I took my hand from his hold.
Milin looked at me for a moment before he replied, "No one can perceive what the crown is thinking, My lady."
Funny. How would you not know? You who were always beside the person leading this kingdom.
Just then, series of neighs coming from galloping horses sounded.
I looked back to see the prince, Aqwin, and that unnamed boy. But what shocked me was why Lady Sier came too.
She stalked her way towards me. Her gaze calm as she gave me a light nod. For assurance? I don't know. It's not like we know each other that well to be each other's shoulder to lean on. But wether or not she came for me, it's the least of my concern now. I've got a much bigger problem to pay attention to.
"Your highness," Milin greeted the prince.
"Lead the way, Milin," the prince hurriedly ordered.
Milin then escorted us inside.
Different from how I was received the first time, this place is not as comfortable as that room.
Nobles with high ranks lined up on each corner of a long table. Their body stood straight, giving us the sense of intimidation.
The prince stopped at the end of the table making us stop, too. He nodded at the noblemen who greeted him, then they all sat down.
As for us, we remained standing until the crown acknowledged our presence.
"Prince Herb."
My insides jolted when I heard him speak. We are all in the form of bowing in the presence of the crown so I am not seeing him. But the power in his voice is so strong that it made me tremble.
"Rise," I stood up along with the others. Trying so hard to appear calm despite the fast pace of my beating heart.
This is a kingdom's leader. The oppressive pressure coming from him can't be faked nor can it be copied so easily.
In the instant that I lifted my head, his eyes met mine. That eye that resembled the color of the land he's leading seemed to be sending me a message.
Before I could figure out what it was, he already moved his eyes to another person. I lightly moved my eyes to see who he was looking now. Aqwin.
Aqwin equaled the man's gaze. Not minding his status. The king seemed to be amused when the corner of his lips curled.
His gaze drifted to the noblemen who was also keeping watch.
"Gentlemen, I know that this is very important but I wish to speak with the youngster's alone," he said. "This is something we should give them," the words his mouth released were supposed to be warm but his stance showed that he does not want to receive another opinion.
Most of the noblemen wanted to retort but opt not to. This marriage could give them a piece of mind The fear that's lurking in the depths of their heart would now walk away.
I understand. They're only afraid. It's to protect their kingdom, their home, their family.
I understand. I do. I know.
I want to.
I want to understand!
We haven't done anything wrong! Why are we burdened with this heavy accusation? Why do we need to please these kind of people?
It's a complain I've been kepping inside my heart. Of course, who would want to marry a stranger. But I can't just watch my family drown themselves in this problem.
"Have a seat," the king spoke.
Unconsciously, I stepped my feet back. When I would sat down on that seat, there would be no turning back. Years of being ready but I would still cower in fear when faced with the responsibility I knew that would come.
Lady Sier held my arms and looked me in the eyes.
"Let's go," she said. It was barely a whisper. She may have just moved her mouth and my mind just made up that sound but it helped me.
I gathered my sanity and with every ounce of that, I took a step. Now, with determination.
I know I'm sending myself to the enemy's lair. But it's not like this is the first time I knew of this.
"The news I'm about to announce, I know that the two of you already heard it," he said with certainty.
I nodded as my fiance nodded too. We knew. We were waiting for your announcement. We didn't expect that it'd be a bomb.
"My subjects gave me a lot of pressure. The wedding that we agreed to be held after you graduate from the academy was moved because of their insistence," he continued. He rubbed the space between his eyes, reflecting the kind of headache he felt from negotiating with his people.
But I don't know if I should believe him. In this snake of a kingdom, I can't trust anyone.
"In preparation of the marriage, your grandfather would help you, Nesrin. You don't have anything to do. Leave that to my people. That also applies to you, Kazimir. All the two of you needs to do is to wait for that day," the king assured us.
After he spoke, the table went silent. I was just letting everything sink in.
This is just the beginning. Who knows what would happen after I got married. Would they hold me by the neck and use my people's ability for their selfishness?
Can I use my self as sacrifice when that time would come and let my people fight? But grandpa said they're not weak. They might be holding something in secret if ever that would happen.
My imagination swirled around as I think of any possible outcomes that would happen. Wishing that it would not go that end.
"Dismissed."
My mind steered back to reality when I heard the king's words.
Judging by his tone, I knew he said something before that and I did not hear what it was. Thankfully, I kept my head low, away from his prying eyes.
All of them stood up and I followed.
Milin led us to the place where I met Hunle and her gang.
So this is the exit.
"Where's my carriage?" I asked filled with confusion.
The carriage with my family's emblem was not here.
Aqwin's, Sier's and that unnamed boy's carriage are present except for mine.
"Milin, where's my–"
"Haven't you heard Lady Asteria?" Lady Sier suddenly interrupted.
"Because your marriage is getting nearer, the higher-ups proposed that you live with your–uhm, fiance… It's what the king said earlier, didn't you listen?"
Nevermind me not listening. What did she say? Live with my fiance?!
- Writer
