A King’s Law

Duties of a Royal

"Harmony, good heavens where is that child?" Shouted my mother. "Always disappearing, when she has duties as a princess." She said with annoyance in her voice.

I came walking toward her with my head held high, my hands place gracefully together at my waist; just as I had been taught since I could walk. 

  "Yes, mother what do you want now," I said walking toward her in my riding clothes. I was smiling on the inside like the Cheshire Cat, I knew I wasn't supposed to be riding but attending Harp lessons with my teacher Mildra. 

  "Young lady, we have things to discuss such as your coronation and your visit with Ammar next month and arrangements need to be made, and why for God's sake would you be in your riding clothes right now!  She brushed it off shaking her head. 

"Whatever the case go get in proper attire and get downstairs." Said Eleonora. I began walking towards my bedroom when I was stopped by one of my ladies in waiting. 

 "Your highness there is a letter for you from Prince Ammar." Said Mirabella. She handed the letter to me and I read silently.

Dearest Harmonia, 

I can't believe how close we are to the date we shall finally meet. I have so many exciting things planned for us to get to know each other. The updated portrait you sent has me intrigued but I can only imagine how much more beautiful you are in person. I think that our time together will bring our courtship to new heights. Forever yours and you mine.

Your Prince, Ammar

Sure he was charming, handsome, and good with words but, so was Henry the 8th. Handsome, had six wives and was good with words. I shall see who he truly is when we meet. My thoughts were interrupted when my mother yelled, "Go change for the council meeting and for your birthday dress fitting." 

According to the council I'm supposed to meet Prince Ammar 1 year before my coronation to set up the wedding and to also discuss the major details between combining our two countries. We would spend a week together and do all the pre-wedding festivities. I've been filling my schedule to avoid going to meet him. The more I put it off the farther it gets pushed; at least that's what I hoped for. I'm not ready to be someone's breeder. I'm 17 and do not want to marry out of obligation. 

I would see who he truly was when I met him next month. I turned 18 next week and would have to go see Ammar three weeks after that. So plenty of fittings were lined up for evening gowns, introductions, and my engagement party. I began the long walk to my living quarters that are past the drawing room and around the corner from my ladies in waiting's room. I had two ladies in waiting; they have been with me since I was 5 years old. They were the girls I grew up with and shared the troubles of being a princess with. They truly were the best friends a person could have. 

Katheryn was a brunette with long hair to her waist, green eyes, and a heart-shaped face. She was gorgeous and was a total harlot and she knew it and had no problem with how she carried herself. I envied her when it came to be able to kiss whoever she wanted and sleep with whomever she pleased. She had slept with many of the king's guardsmen and wore dresses that showed her breasts on purpose to lure her next guy in, but she was one of my best friends and I loved her for everything she was. She may be a common w***e to everyone else but, she was my Kat. She's a good friend and I would not change a thing about her. My other lady in waiting was Mirabella. Now she was a little different but in a good way. She had strawberry blonde hair that was shoulder length, that was always in a French twist, she had brown eyes and pale skin. She was a little on the curvy side but, always carried herself with dignity and smiled whenever someone talked badly about her. She truly was my inspiration she said what needed to be and was silent when she wanted to tell someone off. She truly was as they say an old soul.  Mirabella was still a virgin and was saving herself for her true love. Which I always thought was horse s**t, but who am I kidding I'd probably have lost it long ago if I didn't have to stay "intact" for my future husband. All apart of the rules of becoming queen. The rules are old and should have been changed long ago. Having Kat and Mirabella around was like having sisters, they too hated the rules that we had to follow.Through them I lived outside the castle. I was always updated on the juicy details of Kat's newest squeeze and the blossoming romance between Mirabella and her mystery guy. 

I entered my room and my handmaiden began helping me undress. I was helped into the bath with my long blonde hair piled upon my head, I washed up and drained the porcelain tub. Mirabella helped me redress in a blue dress with white butterflies on the hem, the sleeves were long and made of lace with pearls outlining the bodice and sleeves. One of the many dresses that were in my closet that I would wear once and never again because royalty wears nothing twice. After my hair was pulled back in loose curls half up and half down, a braid lining my hair line, my dress fully equipped corset and all with the very little ability to breathe, and my tiara place upon my head.I felt the weight of the tiara on my head and it felt like someone had put 50 pounds on my head. I lifted my head as I have done a million times in my life with the weight and responsibility that I held. The moment my tiara went on I was no longer just Harmony. I was Princess Harmonia Annaliese of Asconia; the only heir of King and Queen of Asconia. I walked to the council room with my head held high, my steps straight, and a resting b***h face. No smile, no emotion, because royalty cannot show it because it could be seen as weakness.  Everyone I walked past bowed in respect to me. I walked up to the doors of the council room which was in the southeast of the castle. The guard looked at me waiting for me to give the signal that I was ready to be announced. A room that I always instantly felt bored to see, portraits of my ancestors on the walls, a table in the center of the room, parchment scattered across the table, and the one man I hated sitting at that table. His name was John Louis Duke of Asconia. He was around 27 years old, he was not yet married and I felt bad for the woman that did marry him. He had pitch black hair, grey eyes that pierced souls, his slightly tan skin would make any woman swoon until you actually held a conversation with the asshole. 

This was the man who would take my place as the next king if I did not carry out my duties as queen. I loathed this snake, he breathed in lies and exhaled my defeat. He wanted my kingdom so badly just to run what my parents had built into the ground. He wanted everything opposite of what I preferred for my country. He wanted war against all our allies to claim their kingdoms so that he alone would rule them all without anyone questioning his rule. I wanted my small kingdom with allies from all around, and to lead my people with pride and love for one another.  He wanted to keep the poor people poor and the rich, rich. I wanted everyone to live in peace and be happy with whatever life they chose. 

"I see you are late again to another council meeting, a true ruler doesn't waste time when it concerns matters of his country," John said with a sly smirk on his face. 

I raised my eyebrow in response knowing the game he was trying to get me to play. You can only play a game when two players want to play. I ignored his snarky comment and bowed to my father to allow me my seat at the table. He nodded in response and I sat down next to him. 

"King Richard, I have some ideas to collect more coin for the royal treasury," said John when we began discussing how to move around finances to build a new shelter for children without parents. (Something I asked my father to let me be in charge of while I was still learning my role as the future queen.) My father leaned outwards with his fingers resting on his temple as if he was bored with John. I'm glad he didn't like John because he was just ruthless when it came to governing the people. He didn't have a brain when it came to what people who have nothing and are in need of help from their country. 

"Your majesty, my plan is we raise the price of goods such as eggs, meat, and fabrics. We also put a higher tax on lands, property, and crops. This will assist in making the crown's coin more balanced." John said with a prideful grin on his face. 

I wasn't at all shocked that this man wanted to raise taxes on goods that the poor needed to survive let alone their lands. It was appalling to hear his voice let alone be in the same room as this asshole.

 "Father, what if we didn't tax the poor more on these goods and properties. But making changes; instead of taxation, we could give more back to the people. To build the shelter for children that we talked about. People who are poor and have nothing can work by helping build the shelter and receive two meals per day worked for themselves and their families. Just as you always said father, a man who does not work, will go hungry. But a man who works shall be ever blessed with food and a humble heart." I said with a smile, remembering when he told me a story about a poor man and his family. 

My father smiled at me seeming happy that I had a better and more thoughtful option than John. My father began his long lecture to John about why taxing the people's goods would be a poor decision and why giving man labor to earn food to feed his family would be of more benefit. My father smiled and winked at me giving me the sign that I had won this time. I smiled back and then looked at John. My father put the orders down on paper and then asked one of his staff to make a copy to send out to the countryside. We were excused after the king stood up and we bowed to him out of respect. When my father left the room John wanted to get the last word in and said, "Not so fast princess, just because you are daddy's little girl doesn't mean your fit to rule no matter how many good ideas you think you have. You are young and have no experience in the real world." 

He walked towards me and placed the back of his hand against my cheek, in attempt to be affectionate. I jerked my face away from his hand. "Princess, your life would be so easy if you just handed the kingdom to me you could follow that childhood fantasy of love and have not a thing rest on your shoulders." He said in a near whisper as he left the room, I began thinking about what he had said about my lack of experience in the real world and my hearts desire for true love. But I understood my country's needs will come before my own. 

I walked back to my room to get ready for my fitting for my birthday dress. Again, undressing my council meeting dress into another. I played with my fingers and my mind went blank, the next thing I knew I was in my room, standing on a pedestal. My tailor threw an outer hoop skirt over my head and tied my corset tighter, making it slightly harder to breathe. She began pinning the fabric together and holding colors next to my face. I stood there for what seemed like forever. She had chosen a rose gold pink for my dress. She would put finishing details later this evening. After my fitting, I decided to go for a run with music in my ears and the beginning of clearing my head. I ran faster, my lungs starting to burn due to the excessive exertion. I had reached the point of pain and stopped, I laid down on the grass and put my arms above my head to catch a much needed breath. I closed my eyes hoping the ground would swallow me whole. 

Just then, a shadow casted over me; it was John.

“How lovely seeing you here princess; I figured to go for a run to burn off some excess thoughts and energy.” He said gleaming

“John,” I said standing “Why is it you truly want this kingdom, why do you attempt to humiliate me every chance you see the opportunity?” With a questioning glare

“Because princess, you are delusional if you think that all decisions don’t come with consequences.” He said looking around for my guard. “As a matter of fact princess, walk with me so that we may discuss understanding one another.” He said placing his hands behind his back. 

My eyebrows furrowed, I wanted to question his motives but instead saw this as an opportunity to perhaps bury the hatchet and discuss as civilized people. “Alright, John you have my attention, where to?” I said raising my head and looking him in the eye. 

“Let’s walk towards the garden.” He said starting towards the garden door. 

As we walked in silence I wondered why he was the way he was in front of my father and treated me as a mere child. We reached the garden and the door was open. I walked in pushing the door to see the roses in full bloom. Closing the garden door John looked at me and said, “I often forget, how much you have grown.” 

I raised an eyebrow in a quizzical way, not catching what he was trying to get at. 

“Thank you, John for the compliment.” I said taking a breath. 

John slowly walked towards me with a red rose in hand. “Now, I know you hate me because I am next in line for the throne if you fail your task to marry, but I offer a proposal.”

I interrupt “Which I won’t because the queen has made it very clear I will marry Ammar next year.” I said rolling my eyes. 

“Yes, but what if you for some reason end up not marrying Ammar due to your personal reasons. What if you marry me instead? We both get what we want I your kingdom, and you the freedom to love whomever and rule with me as queen. Just keep in mind any children must be mine and mine alone.” He said with a smirk.

“I beg your pardon,” I say with absolute disgust. “Marry you, for what possible reason does that make sense?” I said nearly laughing.

Handing me the rose, “princess, do me one thing and if you feel nothing this conversation will not leave this garden of eden.” He said.

“I’ll have you know this conversation will never leave this please regardless.” I said sternly. 

“I want you to kiss me, out of everything you can’t tell me you never wanted to.” He said with a cocky smile. 

“You are absolutely insane, if you think that is a remote possibility.” I said backing away slowly. 

“No princess, but it would fulfill a fantasy of mine. Kiss me and I promise that I will not be seen at another council meeting until next year on your coronation day.” He said with promise. 

I turned my head, eyeing him, thinking… “One kiss and I don’t have to see you for one year?” I asked still eyeing him. 

“I will leave as soon as we leave this garden to Scottsdale and will remain there until your coronation, you have my word that anything that happens here will stay here.” He said. 

I pondered and knew no one would know of it because the garden is unguarded at all times and only the royal family and select friends knew of it’s existence. “Alright, I will kiss you but then your are gone, understood.” I said as if it were my idea all along.

I wasn’t sure this was a good idea either seeing as I had never kissed anyone or had physical contact with a person of the opposite s*x. I wasn’t sure if I was mentally prepared for my enemy to be my first kiss. 

With the rose still in my hands, I kissed his lips a slight peck as if kissing my mother’s cheek. I moved my face from his and raised my eyebrows and said, “well that says it, you aren’t my soulmate because I felt absolutely nothing.”

He didn’t seem too keen on my response, he then ripped the rose from my hand and grabbed my waist and pulled me closer and next thing I knew his lips were on mine. My eyes were open and it took me all by surprise. He pressed me against the garden wall, I felt like a helpless animal trapped. He backed away from me slightly. 

I wasn’t sure why he expected me to feel anything for him. 

“You feel nothing for me, do you?” He said catching his breath. 

“I’m sorry, John no.” I said wiping my lips from his mouth attack. Honestly, I kind of wanted to vomit. 

“Alright princess, I will be back in one year and we will try this again. I hope for your sake and your kingdoms you accept my proposal.” He said as he begun to walk away. 

I have to say though, I was left in the garden with confusion and vowed to forget this ever happened. Because it was the most awkward moment of my life.  What a waste of a first kiss is all I could think of. 

I walked out of the garden and towards the castle entrance and was alerted by Mirabella that my mom was looking for me to discuss my visit to Ammar and details. 

"I can never catch a break with her, I swear if it's not a dress fitting, it's some other bullshit," I said raising my voice while walking with Mirabella. 

"I know, but you knew this was coming and it has to be dealt with, Harmony, you are going to be queen and this is the life you will have," Mirabella said apologetically. 

I ran upstairs and took a quick shower and threw on some dark wash skinny jeans and a burgundy flowered tank top and began walking to my mother's office barefoot. I knew she would be pissed with how I was dressed but at this point, I didn't care about her rules of a princess looking proper all times of the day. 

I opened the door before the guard got the chance and walked to my mom's couch and plopped on it and grabbed some grapes from the tray on the table next to me. I popped a grape in my mouth, chewing, with a smile on my face; my mother's face said it all but clearly her face wasn't enough. 

"Harmony Annaliese, what the hell are you wearing?" my mother said to me as I popped another grape into my mouth. 

Here we f*****g go. "Mom, I am tired and wanted to wear something comfortable, it's been a long day." 

"Harmony, a queen gets no days off, its a fulltime job. No matter how tired you are you need to be ready for anything at any given time." said my mom.

"Alright, Harmony I will let it slide, for now, let us focus on your duties as a princess. So when you go to meet Ammar remember the rules; you two may be betrothed but there are to be no premarital s****l relations whatsoever. When you two are in public you cannot kiss or show signs of affection outside the traditional arm holding. Keep in mind all attire is meant to keep your dignity and preservation. No low cut tops and shoulders showing, no open-toed shoes, etc." she said reading off her list. "We will arrive mid-afternoon for photo opportunities, the engagement party will be held the following day with meetings with Ammar and his parents, you will have specific times to be seen together and no alone time unless supervised." 

I rolled my eyes because what is the point of getting to know someone if we will never be alone. Always being watched isn't my idea of a match made in heaven. Which means a babysitter and any of those moments of stealing a kiss that is natural is not allowed. 

"Harmony, now as for your birthday, I wanted to give you a gift early." said my mom with excitement.

She walked to a vanity and pulled a drawer and pulled out a small wrapped box. 

She handed it to me and said "I wanted to be the first to give you a gift for becoming of age," she said smiling.

"Mom, you didn't have to," I said while unwrapping the paper. I opened the box to see a necklace with matching earrings that were just too gorgeous. A wreath of single clustered diamonds, by Harry Winston, set in platinum. The earrings were beautiful studs that made it seem not too much bling. 

"This was the jewelry that I wore on my coronation day, and I hope you fall in love with them the way I did when my mother presented them to me on my 18th birthday," She said, with a smile proudly. 

I hugged her and said “thank you” and left the room while she finished the details. All that was left was my birthday party tomorrow , my engagement in three weeks , and then finally my coronation next year. Now my plans just need to come into play before my engagement and that is to make sure I put it off even further and possibly inevitably.