CHAPTER 2
Mathias stood tall at the entrance of his castle, watching the carriage that rolled down the entry path to where they were. He took in a deep breath as the carriage came to a halt in front of him, watching a servant open the door before another servant slipped out, holding a hand to the princess.
Mathias swallowed thickly as she stepped out, preparing to welcome his bride to her future home. His eyes landed on a magnificent woman, with eyes the color of the sky, hair so red against her fair skin, same-colored lashes brushing against her cheeks when she blinked. Her lips were full, as pink as a flower, as were her cheeks, which he was sure was due to the cold air around them. She was a beauty. Even more so than the stories told. Her hair was entangled in a beautiful arrangement over her head, some strands fallen over her shoulders, and a bit against her back. Her body was curved beautifully, full in all the right places, the dress she wore complementing her figure.
"Your highness." The king said, reaching for her hand as she curtsied before he kissed the back of it, "Welcome to Thutruix, Princess Eloise. I hope the journey wasn't too tiring."
She smiled brilliantly as she said, "Not so tiring as it was long."
"I apologize for any inconvenience you might've experienced. I hope you find your stay here comforting."
"I am sure I will, your majesty." She said, curtsying again.
"Detrick, would you show our guest to her wing. Make sure she has everything she might need." The king said, watching Detrick bow respectfully and instruct a few men to start moving the princess's belongings to her chamber.
"Thank you, my king. You are gracious." She bowed slightly.
"I am trying to be a good host, princess. Am I doing a good job?" He asked, trying to lighten the mood as he smiled.
She let out a small breath of a laugh, saying, "I think you've perfected the skill, your grace."
"You may call me by my name, your highness." The king said, making her smile further.
"I wouldn't dare." She said.
"We can work on that." The king said, smiling back at her. A soldier came to him, bowing before whispering a few words in his ear which made him sigh. "I beg your pardon, princess. Duty calls."
"I understand, your grace."
"Rest, your highness." The king said, "I shall see you at dinner, perhaps?"
She bowed, straightening up as he started walking away. She smiled, saying softly to her servant, "Not as bad as I heard, isn't he, Thea?"
"Ay, your highness." The maid said, adding, "Shall we go see your quarters?"
"Yes." The princess said, following Detrick who guided the way, along with the few servants moving her luggage to her room.
***
Eloise stood by the window in the chambers given to her by the king. She watched the sun setting in the distance as her maid, Thea, put her things away in the closet and dresser. "Princess Eloise." Thea said, bringing the princess back from her thoughts.
The princess smiled, not turning around as she muttered, "This country is beautiful. You think that is why the king's brother is so adamant on taking it back?"
"Perhaps, your highness." Thea said, "I cannot say."
Eloise smiled further as she turned to her maid, saying, "I wasn't looking for an answer, Thea. Tell me, what is it?"
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Havoc of Betrayal
Mystery / ThrillerKing Mathias didn't expect to inherent the throne the way he did. He was second born, the thought of being shackled to a kingdom was so far from his mind that he allowed himself to dream, to love someone his family would never approve of, to plan a...
