A King's Love

Chapter 4 - Princess, who me?

Present day.

Ariana.

I wake up in my bed contemplating if I should go back to sleep or get on with my day. Nothing exciting is waiting for me outside those doors. But I can't risk aunt Lilith's wrath. When I was moved to this room I was not allowed to go outside of this room. Now I'm allowed to do so only to serve her purpose which is today I have to make an appearance at a party that King and Queen are hosting. I don't know the reason or the occasion for this party. 

All I was told is to get ready and someone will escort me to the ballroom when the time is ready. 

Aunt Lilith's assistant brought an outfit for the party including some jewelry and shoes. Occasions like this are the only time I'm allowed to wear something pretty. She always makes sure that my dress is not anywhere near as gorgeous as Layla's. So I didn't even bother to look into the garment bag. 

My cousins are still best friends. We don't meet every day but aunt Lilith allows them to visit me from time to time for a few minutes. We cherish every single moment we get to spend time with. As those happen so rarely these days because Liam is in training all day as he will be the next king and he needs all the preparation for the role he has to take upon eventually. And Lyala has to train on how to act like a queen as she will be married to a prince one day soon. Aunt Lilith has been planning to get Layla married off for a year now. But nothing has been fruitful so far. 

I got up and finish my morning routine and spend some time reading a book that Maria brought me a few days ago. A couple of hours after I finished my lunch I hear a knock. I make sure I'm presentable before I say "Come in". Julia, Aunt Lilith's assistant walks in with few people and starts ordering them. I'm confused " What is going on Julia?". She smiles my way " As you know princess today's party is very important to your uncle and aunt, her highness personally requested that you should be dressed in a certain way and I'm here to make sure everything goes smoothly" and she turns to a woman asks her to get the gown ready. I'm shocked by all that is happening. Before now I was never assisted to get ready for any party. They just told me what to do I followed. This is the first time in a long time that these many people were in my room at a time.

What is the most shocking of all is everyone is addressing me as "Princess" again. Which was stopped by aunt Lilith's order. I'm not sure of what to make of this. I move numbly through all of the chaos happening. Finally, I was ready and look myself in the mirror. I'm shocked, I don't recognize the girl that is looking back at me. I look beautiful. I know I'm pretty but now I look amazing. 

Something was not right. My gut tells me I'm being set up for something by aunt Lilith. My uncle never objected to anything that aunt Lilith did to me. My cousins and Maria are the only people that care about me. I wish I can ask them what is going on. It's been a few days that I saw them. My inner monologue was interrupted by Julia "Ready Princess?". "Wait!" I rush to my bedside table and pull out the first draw and take out a small jewelry box and open it. Inside nestled in the velvet is a small neckless which my mother gave me on my 8th birthday before she died. I put it on and turn to Julia and nod "now I'm "and follow her.

Julia stops in the corridor in front of the Kings’ study “Before we go to the ballroom leads me to the king's study. As I walk through the door, I notice that my Aunt and Uncle are sitting on the couch facing the fireplace, they seem to be in a deep conversation. Upon noticing our arrival they stop their conversation and look our direction.

My Aunt gets up and walks to us “You look so beautiful Ariana”. My aunt complements with a small smile. I know it is a fake one as her smile does not reach her eyes. She takes my hand and leads me to the side chair near the couch they were sitting on and gestures me to sit. As I take my seat, she turns to Julia and says “You may leave.” Julia bows and leaves the study, and guards close the doors behind her for privacy.

I'm nervous as this has never happened before. My Aunt and Uncle are acting very nice towards me at least not since my parents passed away. Which tells me that something is not right.

My uncle cleared his throat and says "Princess Ariana, Me and your Aunt have decided that it is time for you to get marry". I stutter for a second "Wha..." and compose myself " But your highness," I was cut off by Aunt Lilith, " Oh don't be so formal with us Ariana, after all, we are your Aunt and Uncle". I take a deep breath " Uncle, but I thought Aunt Lilith was planing on Layla's wedding. " Uncle George glance at  Aunt Lilith who gives me that fake smile again "Ariana, You are the eldest in the family so you have to be the one to get married before Lyala."

Uncle George nods his head and says " That is right Ariana, and also it is time you perform your duties towards your kingdom". I nod and quip "May I ask why I'm being reminded of my duties now". I realize my mistake as I see the anger in  Aunt Lilith's eyes. She quickly recovers "We received a proposal from our neighboring kingdom Caspian, And also we are currently in a situation and need their support. Your uncle thinks  a marriage alliance will have a stronger hold than a friendly alliance and we think you are a good fit to be Prince Lucian's bride."

All the air from my lungs leaves as I hear who I'm supposed to be marrying. Prince Lucian is rumored to be arrogant, ruthless, and heartless. Aunt Lilith continues "If you can't accept this proposal, the only other solution is for Layla to take your place." I can't let that happen. I can't let innocent Layla marry that heartless human being who cant love her. She will be miserable for the rest of her life. "I accept this proposal" Aunt Lilith stand up clapping her hands with excitement "I knew, you will be our savior". She pulls me to my feet and hugs me. "You will meet the Prince and their family tonight and we will announce the engagement at the end of the dinner and the wedding will be in a week."  I nod numbly and follow them to the ballroom where the party is being held. 

I hear the guard announce our arrival " Here comes Princess Ariana"

My life is not going to be the same anymore.