Royals (Book 1)

Chapter 14 : Calculated and Contained

Before I had to be suffocated in a fitting, I stomped over to my mother's office. Out of the two of my parents, my mother was the one who listened to me sometimes; but then again the chances of that were still low. I did not have the patience to wait until after the rehearsal dinner was over, I needed to speak with her now.

So I opened the door to their quarters, where I knew my mom would be taking her fifteen minute relaxation period. Anything less would not be enough, anything more would be waste of time; that is how she always justified it. I saw her sitting there enjoying a book, rather shocked that anyone would interrupt her private time.

"There was a change in the age law? I do not have to be wed at nineteen?" I started, not bothering to beat around the bush.

"Who told you?" Was her first question, could she at least pretend to care?

"That is not the point! You are not allowed to withhold information from me just because it benefits you." I cut her off, not wanting to hear her defense.

"So you want to wait? Have Prince Alarik be sent back and sent to a princess who is willing? Leave your country behind for your wants?" The thought of him going to someone else bothered me, but I did not have time right now to think about why.

"I never said that, but I believe that I should be aware of what is optional and what is not. You forcing me to do something will never show what I am willing to do for my country." I hissed, this being the roughest tone I have ever used against one of my parents.

"Do not act like we are shoving it down your throat. We even brought you another prince so you can pick, we are being considerate."

"Considerate?" I scoffed. "Do not give me that when you are leaning towards me going for Hinyst, telling me that I have to rotate dates because you knew how I would feel about the narcissistic heir."

"Apparently, your father and I were wrong about how you would feel. You two sneaking out together is adorable." She sneered, my eyes widening. "We have guards everywhere, did you really think no one noticed that you two were leaving? We simply allowed you to leave, do not be so stupid to think that it was in your power."

They had been pulling the strings, my freest moments were completely monitored. I should have noticed how convenient it was that we were never stopped, even when Angelo saw us. My heart was slamming against my ribs, blood pounding in my ears in pure rage. I had never been this angry, I had never felt this stripped of something. I have never had anything I treasured like my moments outside of the castle, and my parents had managed to take that as well.

My next move was more calculated and contained than I wanted, but it is the only thing I could manage. I could not have anyone on to me, or to believe I would have any reason to go against the kingdom. I took a deep breath, focusing on the air filling my lungs and my chest rising. If they were prepared to take the risk of me leaving the walls with Alarik just to spend more time with him, then the desperation to unite our countries was more severe than I originally thought.

"I am sorry for overstepping my boundaries mother, please excuse me." I bowed my head, seeing her expression when I came back up. My mother would never be surprised by my polite behavior, I have been a doormat to walk all over since birth. They have been taking advantage of that, manipulating me into believing their truths.

Walking out quickly, I felt a tear slip past my ducts but I let it fall down my cheek. I was not upset, I was so furious but this was the calmest way I could express it. I was glad that I could behave in such a level-headed manner, or else I could have ruined everything. The rebel group must have had a way to watch that, hopefully they did not think my submission was genuine.