Three - A King's Quest for an Heir: Princess Seraphina
1454 Words
Chapter Three : A King's Quest for an Heir: Princess Seraphina
Stephen gazed fixedly at the vacant gold royal cup. He had consumed its contents entirely to avoid any wastage. It was quite a shame considering its value, especially since he had gone through the trouble of ordering it online.
He faces a significant dilemma. Despite his striking good looks and high-ranking position in their kingdom, he grapples with numerous challenges and troubles.
Since he found himself at the precipice of inheriting the throne, his life became entangled in a web of conflict and challenges. Within his royal family, a power struggle brewed, with various factions vying for control and influence. Ambitious relatives like his Uncle, Lord Rod Darkheart, who sought to undermine Stephen's claim to the throne, fueled by his own thirst for power and a desire to reshape the kingdom in his image.
Adding to the complexity was the urgent need for Stephen to produce an heir.
"You are the next king, Stephen Hunkington, so the next heir must come from your seed. If not, misfortune will befall your future generations," said Merlin, the seer in the castle.
The prophecy that dictated the destiny of the kingdom decreed that a king must have an heir within five years of assuming the throne, or the kingdom would be plunged into a period of great misfortune. When that happens, his reign as king will only be temporary, and evil will prevail instead of him. This weighed heavily on Stephen's mind, knowing that the future prosperity of the realm hinged on his ability to fulfill this obligation.
Stephen's attention was captured as two serving women approached him, carrying a tray of grapes. "Your Majesty, would you like us to feed you some fresh grapes?" one servant with a thick mustache asked, her voice filled with excitement.
"Or perhaps you'd prefer us to peel each grape one by one and remove the seeds, so you won't choke, Your Majesty," suggested another woman with a large mole the size of a gold coin on her forehead.
Stephen let out a sigh. The women in their kingdom were beautiful, but besides having no time for any woman, none of them could make his heart skip a beat.
Stephen's search for a suitable partner to bear his heir proved to be a daunting task.
He shook his head and said, “No, thank you.”
The lips of the two women quivered in disappointment. They turned around, their shoulders slumped.
Stephen's aloof and serious demeanor, coupled with the weight of his royal obligations, made it difficult for him to establish deep emotional connections.
"You have a visitor, Your Majesty. Princess Seraphina Dogfoof is here to pay you a visit," announced the spokesperson.
"Let her in," Stephen commanded, sitting upright on his throne.
Seraphina was the same age as Stephen, eighteen years old, and the daughter of the respected Duke Ser Dogfoof and Duchess Phina Dogfoof. She often visited their kingdom, especially after learning that he would be crowned as king.
Seraphina was beautiful, intelligent, kind (kinda), and held a high reputation for her noble qualities. However, Stephen's thing did not flutter for Seraphina. That ‘thing’ means… his heart.
The women he encountered either lacked the qualities he desired in a future queen or had ulterior motives that made it challenging to trust their intentions.
“How are you, my King Stephen?” she greeted, her voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness.
Though commanding in presence, couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability around Seraphina. He knew that this woman, like her father, held a disdainful attitude towards the commoners and never bothered to mingle with them.
What kind of kingdom will arise when this woman carries his seed? Most likely, her children will be deceitful and snobbish, just like this woman standing before him now.
Seraphina's hair was raised, adorned with pearls. As she bowed, her cleavage slightly revealed, causing the eyes of the serving men present to widen. One of them even had his mouth gape, and a fly happened to enter, which he swallowed to avoid wasting it.
Seraphina's presence exuded an air of entitlement, her every move calculated to captivate and seduce. Stephen observed her carefully, his gaze unwavering, as he pondered the consequences of uniting their destinies.
"Princess Seraphina," Stephen greeted, his voice tinged with a hint of formality. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Seraphina smiled, her lips painted with a shade of crimson that matched her regal attire. "My dear King Stephen," she replied, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "I couldn't resist the opportunity to pay my respects to the future ruler of our great kingdom."
Stephen maintained a composed demeanor, hiding the unease that gnawed at his core. He had heard tales of Seraphina's haughty disposition and her disdain for those she deemed beneath her. The thought of entrusting his legacy to a woman who lacked compassion and empathy troubled him deeply.
Stephen asked, “Aren't you here because you have a different agenda?”
Stephen caught Seraphina glancing at him even though she was bowing down, and her ‘thing’ was clearly displayed to him. That ‘thing’ means her… whatever it is on her chest.
"You possess an exquisite sense of discernment, Your Majesty," Seraphina purred, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "It is evident that you possess the qualities of a wise and discerning ruler."
Stephen's gaze remained steady, his expression unwavering. "Flattery will not sway my judgment, Princess," he replied calmly, his tone tinged with caution. "Actions and intentions speak louder than words."
A flicker of annoyance crossed Seraphina's features, but she quickly masked it with an elegant smile. "Of course, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of frustration. "I only wish to demonstrate my unwavering commitment to our kingdom and its future."
Stephen leaned back in his throne, his eyes piercing through Seraphina's carefully crafted facade. "Commitment to the kingdom is indeed essential," he mused, his voice measured. "But true commitment encompasses more than ambition and desire for power. It requires empathy, compassion, and a genuine understanding of the people we serve."
Whispers circulated among those around, "Such a beautiful princess, what a pity she's a dimwit. Does she have no clue that the majesty dislikes her?"
Seraphina's smile faltered for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. The realization that her manipulative tactics were not yielding the desired effect crept across her face. She quickly composed herself, regaining her composure.
"Your Majesty, I assure you that my intentions are noble," Seraphina replied, her voice masking her frustration. "I understand the challenges our kingdom faces and the responsibility that comes with the crown. I am ready to shoulder that burden alongside you."
Stephen's gaze held an unwavering intensity, his voice filled with a quiet resolve. "It is not enough to simply claim readiness," he stated firmly. "The true test lies in one's actions, in demonstrating a genuine commitment to the welfare of our people, regardless of their status or background."
The servers applauded, but Stephen quickly silenced them.
Seraphina's mask of charm slipped momentarily, revealing a hint of irritation. However, she quickly regained her composure, her voice carrying a calculated warmth. "Your Majesty, I assure you, I am fully capable of fulfilling the role of a queen and carrying out my duties with grace and poise."
The cup bearer, Leopoldo, pretended to cough. He’s the one carrying Stephen's gold cup with expensive wine that they ordered and bought online.
Stephen's gaze bore into Seraphina, his voice laced with a discerning tone. "Again, actions speak louder than words, Princess Seraphina Dogfoof," he emphasized. "It is through your interactions with the common folk, your empathy for their struggles, and your dedication to uplifting all members of our society that your true character will be revealed."
Seraphina's smile tightened, her eyes glittering with a mixture of annoyance and determination. She is getting tired from bending down and standing up, especially since she is wearing stilettos.
"I understand the weight of your words, Your Majesty," she replied. She rose from her bow, her eyes locked with Stephen's. "I eagerly await your decision, King Stephen," she said, her voice dripping with anticipation.
Stephen nodded politely, his expression revealing nothing of his inner thoughts. "Rest assured, Princess, I will carefully weigh all the factors before making my choice," he replied, his voice carrying a firm resolve.
As Seraphina departed, she stumbled due to the sharpness of her high heel, and an expletive escaped her lips, “What the $#%#$…!”
Everyone was surprised, and Stephen could only facepalm in embarrassment. Seraphina left with a tomato-red face, reflecting her own humiliation.
- Writer
