Divided Loyalties (Incomplete)

The Headstrong Princess

Xenovia

Xenovia carefully peeked through the curtains of her bedroom window. Outside the castle walls she could see that the large entourage of horsemen and carriages approaching were getting ever closer. The green banners carried by their messengers betrayed their affiliation to the land of Ruto, a kingdom that lay to the east of her father's domain. The crest pictured on the shields of their knights indicated that the party approaching hailed from the House of Castillo, otherwise known as the royal family.

Of course, the arrival of such representatives was not wholly unexpected to Xenovia. After all, Prince Halvar, the famed price of the east, had officially become her fiancé early last year. It was no surprise then, that he came to visit her castle quite often. Almost every three months like clockwork since the spring of their engagement. Unfortunately, it was also no secret that Halvar's trips were rarely arranged in order to see her. In fact, most of his time was spent meeting with her father to bring news from the king of Ruto, or to talk about trade and politics, discussions which she was not invited to. Once in a while he would ask to see her, but even that was due to ulterior motives. Xenovia was well aware that he held no love for her in his heart, yet he enjoyed making a grand display of false affection in public, hoping to win over the opinions of those in the palace and her own father's trust. And so far, he had been successful in fooling everyone, except for herself.

Xenovia frowned with disdain. Prince Halvar was the very sort of person she hated most in this world. A man with no compassion for the feelings of others, and no sense of shame. He would do anything to get what he wanted, and at anyone's expense. But his petty charm did not amuse her, nor entice her passion. Despite his handsome appearance, nothing about the man was appealing in her eyes. For Xenovia knew exactly what he was and what he was after. As the princess of Luxo and only heir to the House of Basileos, everyone knew that it was her duty to one day marry for the sake of her kingdom, like her mother before her. Since the very day of her birth, her father had young Halvar in mind to take her hand. So, without even giving her chance to grow up first and speak on the matter, her father signed an agreement for their engagement nearly twenty years ago. Nowadays it was well known that the king's one and only daughter was destined to be bound in matrimony to the oldest son of Ruto, solidifying the alliance between their Houses.

"Mistress!" A voice gasped.

Xenovia turned around to face her personal maid with an innocent expression. "Yes?"

Helga glared back at her with disapproval. "Prince Halvar is almost at the castle gates! Yet here you are, standing at the window when you are hardly dressed?"

"But how can I go outside when I am not feeling well?"

"Not feeling well? You practically sprang out of bed this morning!"

That was before I knew about Halvar's coming...

Xenovia let out a dramatic sigh as she plopped down in the chair by her vanity table. Then she put her head down and covered her face with her arms.

"Ow! Such a bad headache!" She groaned. "It came on quite suddenly. I must be suffering from an illness!"

Helga rushed over to feel her forehead. However, Xenovia had planned for this in advance by applying some warming gel to her body when no one was looking. It was a medicine her mother had discovered in her youth that could warm the skin and protect a person even in the cold of winter. The gel was also clear and produced no smell, so its presence was rarely detected by even the most skilled doctors.

"My goodness, you're burning up! This can only be the work of a fever." The maid announced with shock.

She nodded with pursed lips. "Yes. That is why, though it pains me greatly, I will not be able to go out and meet with my fiancé when he arrives."

"Alright, no need to play coy. You've gotten your wish. I know you love nothing more than to get out of dealing with the usual unpleasantries."

"Whatever do you mean, dear Helga?" Xenovia teased.

The young woman shook her head with a sarcastic grin. "Listen, you might want to think up a proper apology before supper. Lord knows you won't be able to avoid that."

"Like anyone should have to apologize for being sick..." She mumbled.

"Well, you are not just anyone, remember?"

Xenovia could feel her jaw tighten. It was no surprise to hear words like this spoken these days. Though she was a woman with great intellect, much like her mother the late queen, in the eyes of the majority she was still just a princess. A doll meant to look pretty and sit quietly. Her father knew of her many skills, but somehow even he was led to doubt her. As if being a woman automatically made one less important, or less trustworthy than a man. Why, she could out wit and out match any knight in his army or his court of counselors! As a child she had taken up archery, swordplay, horseback riding, and managed to memorize every battle strategy used in their land's history. Yet here she was, being forced into a loveless marriage to prince who gave no respect to her based on something as pointless as gender! The whole thing was utterly preposterous.

"Helga, leave me. I wish to rest."

The maid gave a bow. "As you wish, mistress. Send word for me if you need anything."

And with that, Xenovia was alone once more. So, she got up and ran back over to her window. She peered down below, catching sight of her fiancé just as he was dismounting his horse. She watched as her father approached him and shook hands. Then, without Halvar even taking a moment to look around and question why she was clearly missing from the crowd, he followed the king inside with his men. Because, as usual, her presence was of no concern to him.

She clenched her fists with rage. This selfish, self-centered, arrogant dog of a man had no right to call himself her betrothed! And she would be a fool to accept him as hers. Which is why, despite feigning illness, Xenovia had no intention of staying in bed today.