The Prince Chose Me

“I think I love him, your majesty” The queen looked up sharply, giving her a cold glare. “Where are your elder brothers, Aria”. She said, keeping her voice calm and collected. Aria looked up from the ground, confused at the question. “Your majesty, both my brothers are at war for the country. They’re soldiers” she replied “That’s very good” The queen picked up a scroll. “ John and Rick Bristle, I believe?” Aria nodded, wondering where this was going “You cannot love my son,” the queen said plainly. “You are not fit to. You are nothing but a maid. I have watched both of you scampering around this palace for the past few weeks. From my research, you are said to be a smart young girl, I gave you time because i thought you’d wisen up. How did you ever think you could have a prince?” Aria felt the tears welling up “ your majesty-“ she said “Shush little girl! Let me finish” “I will give you two options” Reopening the scroll, she read aloud “ This is to confirm that the crowns’ instructions have been carried out effectively, the Bristle brothers have been moved to the middle of the battle where the heat is semi-intense” Aria felt her heart drop. Her brown skin paled and she stumbled in shock. Unable to speak. The queen smiled. “ I take it you understand what this means, any further talk of love or interactions with my son will cost you your-“ She was cut short by the harsh opening of the door “What are you doing to her?” Lysanders voice boomed as he appeared in the doorway Assessing the situation, he walked calmly to Aria who was shaking in sobs. “Aria,” he said,his hand reaching out to her face She flinched sharply, recoiling from his touch “Your majesty,” she said, falling into a deep curtsy before him. Lysander was shocked by her cold response,He faced his mother “What did you say to her?” He said sharply She looked at him wearily, he has never spoken to her like this before. “This maid-“ “Aria” he corrected sharply “ her name is Aria” The queen sucked her teeth in irritation “Aria and I were only having a mature conversation” “What sort of mature conversation has left her in tears, Mother? You cannot treat her like this just because of our relationship” His mother looked at him with disgust “There is no relationship between you two. Whatever games you’re playing should end now. Your father is dead. You are no longer a boy, you are our king” her voice raising slightly Lysander looked at his mother calmly, she had never lost her cool before. “ as the king, I’m telling you this is the woman I want” Aria grunted in disapproval “It’s very good that we’re all gathered here anyways,” the queen said with a smirk. “ I was waiting to tell you this next week in private, but what better time than now” the queen continued Aria and Lysander looked at themselves in confusion. “Mother,” Lysander said in a warning tone. “I’m so glad to tell you that your wife, The beautiful Princess Dalia, is on her way to this palace. She’s been journeying for days and should be arriving soon.” Lysander was confused, had his mother lost it? “Dalia?” He said. “Wife?” “Oh yes my son, I’ve married her on your behalf. She’ll make a great queen” Aria felt the world crumble around her It was over.