The wife of the unknown King

Josephine – I awoke to someone shaking me rather violently. “Wake up, you pig!” I groaned and buried my face deeper into the pillow. “Your father is waiting for you,” Belle continued impatiently. “And he has big news!” Before I could properly react, she shoved me—and I tumbled ungracefully out of bed. “Ouch!” I sat up, rubbing my sore backside. “What in heaven’s name was that for?” Belle stood above me, looking far too pleased with herself. “Belle,” I said slowly, narrowing my eyes, “why do you look so happy? What is going on?” She ignored the question entirely and grabbed my arm. “You will find out soon enough.” Before I could protest, she dragged me into the dressing room, where two other maids were already waiting. Within moments I was surrounded. “Sit.” “Lift your arms.” “Turn this way.” “What is happening?” I demanded. But no one answered. Instead, they began preparing me as though I were about to attend a royal banquet. My hair was styled. My dress changed. Jewelry placed carefully around my neck. After what felt like hours, Belle finally stepped back with a satisfied nod. “There,” she said proudly. “Perfect.” “I would appreciate knowing why I am perfect,” I muttered. But she simply smiled and ushered me toward the stairs. I descended into the great sitting room where my father was already waiting. “Good morning, Father,” I said politely. “You wished to see me?” I sat beside him. The moment I looked at his face, my eyes narrowed. He looked… sheepish. That alone was concerning. “Is everything alright?” I asked cautiously. He cleared his throat. “My sweetheart… there is something you need to know.” The tone of his voice made my stomach tighten. He continued carefully, as though reciting something he had rehearsed many times. “The new king requires a wife. As a Duke, I was obliged to take part in the selection process.” I frowned slightly. “I had hoped,” he continued, “that the choosing would go smoothly and that everything would resolve itself.” I did not like where this was going. “But,” he added quietly, “His Majesty has chosen you.” My mind went blank. “Chosen… me?” “Yes.” My father forced a small smile. “Out of one hundred young ladies.” I stared at him in disbelief. “It is a great honor for our family,” he continued. “Which means… I am afraid we cannot refuse.” I stood abruptly. “You involved me in this?” My voice rose before I could stop it. “Why me, Father? You have heard the rumors about him! How could you possibly expect me to marry a man like that?” I began pacing the room, my agitation growing with every step. “There must be a way out of this.” My father sighed heavily. “I am afraid there is not.” I stopped. “So what now?” I demanded. “I am simply expected to marry him?” My father hesitated. “Actually… we are meeting him for lunch today.” I froze. “That is why the maids prepared you.” Only then did I notice how formal my gown truly was. Despite my protests—and my very clear displeasure—we soon found ourselves seated inside the carriage on the way to the royal palace. The journey felt unbearably long. I watched the passing landscape through the carriage window as the road wound through the trees. Eventually the palace appeared beyond the hills. It was magnificent. Tall towers of white stone rose above the mountains, sunlight glimmering on golden rooftops. Beautiful. Yet as I looked at it, one thought settled heavily in my chest. A beautiful cage is still a cage. The carriage stopped before the grand entrance. Servants immediately approached and guided us inside. We were led into a vast hall where an enormous table had been prepared. It was covered with food—more dishes than I could possibly count. Nobles were already seated all around it. And at the head of the table… Sat the King. He wore white royal robes embroidered with the banner of the kingdom. But it was not the robes that made me stiffen. It was his face. Or rather— The lack of it. A mask covered it entirely. It appeared to be made of polished metal, smooth and cold, hiding everything but his eyes. We stepped into the room, and suddenly every conversation fell silent. All eyes turned toward us. I lifted my chin slightly, refusing to appear intimidated. The servants led us forward. To my displeasure— They seated me directly beside the King. I sat down slowly, keeping my gaze fixed firmly on my father, who looked back at me with clear apology in his eyes. I nearly scoffed. The conversation around the table resumed—mostly business discussions among the nobles. Carefully, I stole a glance at the man beside me. And froze. He was looking at me. No— He was staring. I forced a polite smile. “Is something wrong, my King?” For a moment he did not answer. Then he slowly shook his head and looked away. I quietly released the breath I had been holding. This was torture. As the lunch continued, I noticed something peculiar. He had not touched his food. Not once. Well… that was hardly surprising. I doubted he could eat with that mask on. Eventually the meal ended, and servants replaced the plates with wine and drinks. The room filled with cheerful chatter. At some point, one of the nobles turned toward my father. “So, Duke,” he said with interest, “have you begun preparations for the royal wedding?” My skin crawled. Before my father could answer, a deep voice spoke beside me. “We have not yet discussed the arrangements.” I stiffened. It was the King. My eyes widened slightly. “Since the decision was made rather suddenly,” he continued calmly, “it seemed appropriate that Lady Josephine and I speak first.” He turned his head toward me. And that was when I noticed them. His eyes. Bright emerald green. For a brief moment I almost forgot how to breathe. I quickly looked away before I could become completely lost in them. The conversation around us continued, but I heard very little of it. My thoughts were elsewhere entirely. Later That Day When we finally returned home, I went straight to my room. The maids helped me out of the extravagant gown, and I changed into something far simpler and more comfortable. At last I collapsed onto my bed. Moments later Belle burst into the room. “Well?” she demanded excitedly. “How was it? Did you speak with the King?” I stared at the ceiling. “Belle… I did speak with him.” “And?” “He was staring at me the entire time.” She gasped dramatically. “And?” “And then I heard his voice.” She leaned forward eagerly. “Well?” “It was so deep I think I might have fallen over if I had not been sitting.” Belle burst into laughter. “Oh my goodness.” “What?” She grinned mischievously. “Sounds like someone has a little crush.” I rolled my eyes. “Do not be ridiculous. How could I possibly have a crush on someone whose face I have never even seen?” She shrugged. “Love works in strange ways.” I turned onto my side and pulled the blanket over my shoulder. “You are impossible.” Belle only laughed softly as she left the room. And despite my protests— As I slowly drifted toward sleep… Those emerald green eyes remained very clear in my mind.