“Alaceandra.”
My gaze shoots up to his. “Yes, King Demetrius?”
“How have you been enjoying the castle?”
“It has been lovely, thank you for allowing me to stay here until the marriage.”
“Of course,” the king smiles, but there is an edge of something in his eyes I cannot place. “It was what was best for both kingdoms.”
I nod, because I do not really know how to respond and pick at my plate. Ptheryeth is large with many different species of birds and plants. Since Tikilium and Helomasi are so far from each other, the cuisine varies quite distinctly. Mandi informed me that it is custom for princesses to bring along some of their own foods to their betrothed's kingdom, so I have been dining on that bounty since I have arrived. Unfortunately, that means I have yet to encounter Helomasi's dishes. The food in front of me looks, for lack of a better term, slimy and unappetizing. I pick at my plate, hesitant to try it. I do not want to offend anyone, but no one but the king seems to have even touched their meals, making me unsure if I should either. The king, of course, notices this.
“Is the food not to your liking Alaceandra?” The king inquires in a tone feigning concern.
“I am sure it is very good, King Demetrius. I am just finding myself quite nauseated this morning, likely due to the change in climate here in Helomasi, my apologies.” I lie, not wanting to insult the king.
Annoyance flickers over the king’s expression, before smoothing back over to gentleness. “All's well...” He mutters, wiping his mouth, his plate now empty. He claps. “Now that we are all here. I have gathered you two to talk about your impending nuptials, there will be servants at the castle over the coming days to start measuring you Alaceandra so we can start fitting you into your gown. I was thinking we would hold the ceremony in a month’s time.”
The prince chokes “A month, father? But the law--”
The king glares at the prince. “Yes, is that a problem?” The king grasps onto something beneath the table and the princesucks in a breath and looks down at his hands, gripping the napkin in his lap tightly. “I did not think so...” Releasing the object the king once again turns his attention onto me. “Now Alaceandra--”
Fadres cuts him off, “Our king will want to know of this advancement in timeline. The law clearly states she must meet her age of majority plus six months’ time before being wed. It has only been two months since she has reached majority. I do not think he will be pleased.”
“It does not matter whether it will please him or not.” The king turns his glaring eyes to Fadres. “The minute she stepped into these walls she became my kingdom's property and problem. If I find out Tikilium’s king hears of this before I inform him, there will be consequences. I know you all do not want to be responsible for hurtling Ptheryeth into an early war, now, will you?”
“No disrespect, but our duty is with Alaceandra and to King Nikoli not to you, your majesty.” Credour bites out. “We are tasked with keeping her safe.”
The king grits his teeth. “Well, a war will not be very safe now, will it? So, consider keeping this a secret a part of your duty, unless you would rather serve from the motherland. They do say there is a lot to see within the great beyond.” Condescension drips from King Demetrius’ tone and he laughs to himself.
“Are you threatening us?” Credour says between clenched teeth.
An army of men in teal armor appear from the corners of the room, fire glowing in their palms, their eyes trained on Credour. “No, young knight. Consider this a warning. You are all being watched closely by my men and although you may think you are hiding from me with your tricks.” His eyes sharpen on my two men. “I will not allow for such insolence in my kingdom, you all will fall into line on my time, not your own.”
Fadres’ eyes turn calculating at this and he gently nudges Credour to back off. I feel a gentle touch to my thigh, and I jump, before noticing it is only the prince. He gives me a firm but soft squeeze before returning his hand back to his napkin in his lap. I take this opportunity to calm myself tracing my fingers back over Mandi’s bracelet.
Finally, Fadres breaks the tension. “Of course, your majesty. Please excuse Credour he is still learning and sometimes his devotion gets in front of his sense. We will trust your judgment in this, besides our kingdoms are to be joined soon.” He smiles pleasantly. “You are correct we do not want war on our doorsteps anytime soon, we hope this hastened marriage will bring both our kingdoms peace sooner.” He bows his head slightly to King Demetrius in a show of respect, then glances towards Credour who copies the gesture.
“My apologies. Fadres is correct, I am being narrow-minded. We will be sure to keep this information to ourselves until told otherwise. Please excuse my outburst.”
The king stares hard at the two men before taking a breath and putting on a pleasant smile. He claps again and the men wielding death in the form of fire sink back into the shadows of the room. “Wonderful, I knew we would all be in agreement. Well, I have things to do. Although this meal has been grand.” He looks to me. “We should do it again soon. Until then, Alaceandra as I was saying servants will be coming for your fittings over the next couple of days starting right now. Your handmaiden awaits you, do not leave her to linger too long.” He stands and turns to go. “Please do remember, children, you are always being monitored. Do not make me regret keeping you alive.” He exits, leaving his soldiers to watch us from the shadows.
I shiver remembering my father’s note had that same menacing sentiment. The room slips into a tense silence beforeCredour stands. “Let us go, Alaceandra.” Credour commands before walking over to lead me from the room.
Fadres follows on our heels, and we walk swiftly to the little library. Credour shoots his eyes over the room, finding some new plants decorating the small space. He grabs them and sets them outside the room in a little closet across the hall before walking back in, shutting the door and closing his eyes. When he looks up his eyes burn a dark gold and he looks almost in pain.
Alarmed, I rushed over to him. Taking his head in my palms, I whisper to Sam, “Is it safe to speak?”
Sam nods.
“Sorin are you okay?” He stares into my eyes and brings me to him in an almost crushing embrace. I hold onto him tightly. I have never seen my friend so distraught.
“I just... I thought we had more time.” He breathes the words, his voice shaking with emotion.
“What do you mean?”
Sam comes behind me and places his hand over Sorin’s. “Before the marriage, Lace.”
“I did too...” I trail off then sigh, still in Sorin’s arms. “We still have a month.” I say trying to stay positive. “And truly what is the difference? In the grand scheme of things, I will still be married off to the prince and...” I bite my lip, sadness taking over the sarcasm in my tone. “And you all will have to go.”
