He takes a menacing step forward. "You will stop associating yourself with those men. Now. I cannot have word getting around about your so-called activities with them. If you slip up even once, I can promise you will not like the consequences." I should not be surprised by his demands. Engagements often mean tighter restrictions, but I find myself having to hold my tongue to not argue.
My relationship with Sam and Sorin has always been a point of contention. I am lucky he has allowed it for so long. He has spent countless hours spouting nonsense about how he will not let anyone's devotion to me ruin his kingdom and their proximity to me can only mean trouble.Whatever that means. So instead of dreaming of a more permanent relationship with the two of them, I have settled for an amazing friendship with mischievous men. At the end of the day, I am bound to the crown and my duty to my father,even if he is an asshat.Arguing this point will only land me in bigger shit than I am in already, especially if I try in the heat of his anger. I take the safe route. I choose not to respond in words but instead drop my gaze.The sooner he thinks I give in, the better the chances he will give up on the conversation.
He huffs a noise of satisfaction. "Go. Find Mandi. Now!" Sam starts to lead me to my chambers. "Leave the boy," he grits out.
Sam turns and bows to the king before starting to walk down another hall to my right, shooting me a little wink before he departs. I hold back a smile and make my way up to my room.
Chapter two
Oh Zyphel, Oh Zephel
Alaceandra
When I reach my room and shut the door behind me, I hear its lock click into place behind me and sigh. Technically he is not unwise to want to have his people watching over me, but to lock me in my room?Seems excessive, but we are talking about King Nikoli. Once a royal reaches their age of majority they are afforded a couple royal permissions for the first thirty days. The most troublesome one being that they are able to release thosein their family's service should that servant wish to go. This is supposed to serve as a way for newly matured royals to thin out the servants and acquire new ones that will be loyal to them once they come into power, but instead it tends to cause derision amongst families. At least castle arrest is not a terribly severe punishment—and it could have been. My father is not a kind person, and he detests anyone seeing him as having little control over those in his charge. I know that if the people of Tikilium found the future princess drenched in the woods with two men, no matter the status, it would not be a good look for the royal family, but I have been adventuring with those two for years now. It is not like I am going to stop because my father decided now would be the perfect time to marry me off. I can deal with a little castle arrest.
I start to pace. Now that I have some time alone my brain cannot help but mull over that odd interaction with Sorin. He acted as if speaking to me was so urgent, but when I finally gave in, he just walks away?It does not make sense, but what does it matter? Whatever he was going to say would not make a difference in the long run.My future is not in my hands, at least in my current state. The only thing I truly have going for me is time. Ancient law states I am not to be wed before the nearest solstice, which is six months away,but even that is uncertain.Rumors are floating around that the other kingdom is pushing for the marriage to be sooner, but such a thing would prove disastrous for the reputations of both kingdoms and may even provoke war. This, of course, is not helped by my proclivities with Sorin and Sam. News travels fast in Tikilium, I would be surprised if someone did not report something already about my morning walk.
A caw sounds at my window, and I haul myself up to greet my elvisera, Addie. The giant bird-like race, elvisera, are used as a means of carrying letters and people where they need togo all through Ptheryeth. Usually the people of each kingdom's most elite are assigned one at birth, although their elvisera can change due to marriage, politics or the death of their birth-given companion. Addie has been with me as long as I can remember and she has delivered countless messages. Her most notable task has been to deliver letters to the continent's gossip and my best friend Philos.
I met Philos when we were thirteen and she had visited Tikilium for some music lessons. We became quick friends. Using her father's, the king of Areletos, connections she has been able to maintain contact with me ever since. My father allows this relationship, although I am not sure why. He has always kept a close eye on my dealings with others, preferring to keep me in the dark about all things outside of the walls of my bedroom, but for some reason has never enforced any kind of restrictions on our friendship.I hope that does not change now that he has decided to watch me more closely.
Addie drops the letter into my palm. The letter has yellow parchment and is adorned with pretty green flowers.Areletos' colors!Excitement flutters in my belly as I sit on the edge of my bed and watch Addie unfurl her wings and soar into the sky before unraveling the letter from my dear friend Philos:
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My dearest Alaceandra,
It has been much too long since we spoke, and from what I’ve heard you’ll have much to tell me next time we do. You know how Ihateto gossip, but you were found alone with two men in the rain? I would love to know the details. Also, you’re engaged? Who is this gentleman and how did he come to be? You simply must come visit me before your betrothal. Bring Sorin with you as well! He is always so fun. I miss you dearly, Lace. I really do hope all is well. I hope you always know; you’llalwayshave safe haven with me should this marriage not be favorable in any way. You know my father, always ready to pick a fight for a just cause and you also know how much he cares for you (and how much he hates your father).
Write back soon,
Philos
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I snort.I guess the news has already made it across the continent.Placing the parchment in my top drawer, I rub my face. Although I am grateful for Philos’ support in my love life and against my father, this news does not bode well when it comes to my chances of him changing his mind about my associations with Sorin and Sam.Maybe I can come up with a plan to get out of my betrothal before the solstice with the help of Philos? Then I would not even have to worry about this stupid marriage.I sigh.No, not likely.I fall backwards onto my bed in exasperation.Knock Knock. I glance at the door, spotting my handmaiden.Great, dinner is here.
“Hi Lace, I hope you are holding up well.” Mandi smiles at me, my food in her hand an offering. She wears a simple bronze colored dress lined in gold, marking her Tikilium heraldry.
“Hey, Mandi…” I lift my head up in greeting, before plopping it back down onto the bed in answer.
“Yeah… that’s kind of how I thought it was going.” She chuckles. “Here, I brought your favorite stew. I’ll just leave it here.” She places the food on my nightstand, then sits on the edge of my bed. “I know this situation is… unpleasant, but please just stay here until the king calms himself. I don’t want him to make any rash decisions and any rebellion from him after your little… adventuring… won’t end well for you.” She raises an eyebrow. “Of course, you know this already…” She pokes my side, playfully. “But just to make sure…”
“Yeah, yeah, I will stay put.” I swat at her.
“Good, see you tomorrow, Lace.” She ruffles my hair and then walks towards the door.
"Wait, Mandi!"
She turns to me. "What is it?"
"This prince. The one I am to marry? What is his name?" My cheeks heat slightly with embarrassment.
Her face pales. "Oh." Her eyes dart from mine. "I do not know. No one does. Helomasi does not disclose such things."
My eyebrows furrow.That is kind of rude, no?"Why is that?"
"Some kind of custom. I do not know." She walks back over and pats my cheek. "Do not worry yourself over that for now. Just focus on staying out of trouble."
