Royals (Book 1)

Chapter 6 : Princess of Aldford

The conference room was full once I was there, so I sat in my assigned seat beside Alita and sat up straight. My eyes looked around the large table and I spotted the duke of Calicor, the county that resided in the northern region of Dragran. He was a buff man with terrifying and narrow eyes named Angelo Hedges. His hair was always buzzed down to his scalp, and he could be described as large on all accounts. His height, his muscle mass, the steps he took could paralyze you with fear even if you couldn't see him coming. He used to talk with me when I was younger, sometimes he would even walk around the castle with me when I couldn't sleep.

Now he and I didn't talk, I would see him at public events and if I was lucky, strolling in the courtyard. I wish I knew why we suddenly grew apart, perhaps we just never had time anymore.

He typically remained in the castle since it resided north, he could carry on all of his duties from within the walls. My father and him are awfully closed, some might even confuse him for a royal advisor with how much they talk behind closed doors. 

The attendance of the meetings relied on the topic of them, today seemed to be a broad spectrum. The other six dukes were present, as well as other courtiers that I had seen before but was never made aware of their duties. Cindy stood at the wall beside Angelo, taking notes as we proceeded.

"Now that everyone is here, this meeting can commence." Angelo stood up, his deep voice making everyone shut theirs mouths. "We have reason to suspect a rebellion is on the rise here in Dragran." This caused some gasps and quick whispers.

"Nonsense! These rumors are becoming outrageous." One of the dukes shouted.

"There has been tags spray-painted on random buildings throughout the kingdom." Angelo glared at the male and I gulped. "Their tag is described as a serpent surrounded by flames. There has not been any serious offenses, just general riots as well as some vandalism."

"Do we know their goal yet?" I asked, Angelo looked at me for a quick second before staring straight ahead.

"No theories should be stated until we find more proof. Guards, be on high alert of any suspicious behavior in and outside of the castle. With so many large events coming up, we're not sure what they could be planning to do. This meeting is over." He called out and the chatter started again. The fact that Angelo and my parents were worried about tags scattered over the kingdom made me wonder what else could have happened, they knew that it could just be a prank like other times we had concerns about a group rising. What could they be keeping from the meeting?

"An actual rebellion." Alita mumbled.

"It's probably some teenagers playing pranks, we've had these meetings before." I attempted to put her worries to rest.

"I know, but I have a bad feeling about this one." She sighed. As much as I was afraid to admit it, I felt exactly what she did.

~~~

"You look splendid." Cindy admired my dress, holding my hand up and spinning me to see the full view. "Those suitors are lucky that you're even considering them."

"Nigel is very kind to me, I think out of the options I have he suits me the best." I admitted and Cindy blinked twice at me.

"What about the other prince?" She asked and I let out a deep breath. I considered mentioning the force he used on me before the meeting, but I decided against it. As much as I would enjoy to see him dragged out by the guards, this was a battle I wanted to redeem myself in. I could not do that if he was gone. 

"I understand that combining forces with Hinyst will bring more power for us, but I want to marry for something more than that." I walked towards my window, looking down and seeing guests walking into the castle. "I want love or to at least tolerate my future husband, Cindy. I know that it is possible, all while ruling my country and meeting everyone's expectations."