Barefoot Princess

Chapter 5: A Hand in Marriage

Aristelle was in a daze throughout that week the prince proposed to her. She was limited in her experiences with such relationships, even more so the idea of marriage.

But she pondered on the potential of marriage and the potential of those fairytales of young women falling in love with a charming prince. Was Prince Aurelius the person she could imagine those experiences and emotions with? He was a gentleman, how could she resist the thought?

Then she thought of the reality, the meetings with nobles and royals, the stifling dances in cold ballrooms. Her throat felt like it was closing up, her body was resisting the thought strongly already. She tried to ponder on the happier stories, the ones where love conquered all. She took a deep breath, there's no use in overthinking when it was still just a suggestion from the prince.

Aristelle tried to ask Cassian what he thought, but he had evaded her for that entire week. She tried to get mad at him but she knew, in the end, it was still her own decision to make.

Unfortunately, the week did not end uneventfully for Aristelle. The castle was due for another event, this time was for her birthday.

The castle was hushed that week, not one seemed to engage with Aristelle like they used to. Even the soldiers that trained upon their ground seemed to avoid her.

It was a grand birthday, as Aristelle expected, and everyone was invited. Even the crown prince was invited much to Aristelle's worry.

But Aristelle's worries were not about to end anytime soon as a surprise announcement came from none other than her childhood friend, Cassian, who had bent down on one knee with news she'd least expected.

Before a word of protest could be said, her father had already raised his glass. "I announce my daughter's engagement to Sir Cassian of Palmon."

Aristelle's eyes darted to her father and Cassian in shock.

Cassian averted his gaze from her burning stare.

The prince's gaze did not waver. His knuckles were turning white from gripping his sword and his jaw seemed to stiffen.

Reeves closed his eyes slowly and muttered under his breath. "Coward"

Aristelle knew better than to storm out of the dance hall. She took Cassian by the arm and dragged him out.

"Aris," said Cassian.

"Not a word," warned Aristelle through gritted teeth. She stopped at the entrance of the garden sitting Cassian down at one of its benches. She then proceeded to take off her shoes.

"What are you doing?"

"Here" She shoved her shoes into his arms. "Take the shoes you so fondly carry with you."

"Aris let me explain--"

"No," said Aristelle. "You didn't even think to speak to me in the first place, what's the use if you speak to me now?"

Cassian became quiet as he looked at the shoes.

Aristelle then cupped his face in her hands. They did nothing but look at each other for a moment. "Have you ever looked at me properly?"

"W-what do you mean?" Stuttered Cassian, he knew he liked her but it was a bit much even for him. He was captivated by her still gaze.

"I've looked at you," said Aristelle. "I know of your fondness for me. Is it truly me you want? Or is it the convenience of keeping me by your side?"

His mind went blank, what is she talking about? He tried to spit out words nonetheless, although on deaf ears. "It's nothing like that! Because I...I..." He trailed off, blushing fiercely at the words in his mind.