The Game of Monarchies "Sanguis Rosa"

Chapter VI

Warm summer wind and small rays of sun woke up Zea. The princess sat up and stretched out her arms. Catching a glimpse of the view from a window next to her bed, she remembered - Lucien was coming today. Was it a good or a bad thing, Zea had not decided yet. She stood up and walked to her restroom. Hoping to freshen up and relax, even if it was only for five minutes.

Today was a warm day, so a short summer black dress was the perfect option for Zea. While putting her hair in a ponytail, she kept thinking about Evanora. Something about the princess of Collis intrigued Zea. Maybe it was the softness, the beauty? Whatever it was, it cannot let her get distracted or else this plan won't work. When Zea was done with her hair and getting ready, she decided to head down to the main room. Getting some breakfast would be nice. Maybe Lucien has already arrived? Or maybe Evanora would be there, with her flowers? But much to her surprise, the main room was empty. Looking around, it seemed like no one was in the castle. The princess took a small bun and headed towards the garden. There she saw Evanora, sitting alone, humming a melody while arranging a flower bouquet.

"Good day, Eve."

Evanora quickly turned around, only to find Zea standing with a bun in her hands. Which was gone in about a second. Eve giggled and said:

"Hello to you as well, I see someone is hungry." She placed her bouquet on the ground and stood up. "Maybe you would like to head to the kitchen? I also want to grab something to eat."

Zea gave a quick nod and both headed towards the kitchen. Evanora was talking about flowers and all the different types and colours. While Zea quietly listened, before asking a question.

"You know so much about flowers, but do you have a favourite one?"

Evanora raised her eyebrows a bit, like she was in deep thinking. After a few minutes she came up with an answer.

"It is really hard to choose," after all choosing one out of a thousand is possible, but very difficult. "Maybe lavender is my favourite..."

Without noticing, they had already reached the kitchen. The cooks were busy preparing for the big dinner, so the princess took what they wanted and left. Zea found a nice spot to sit. It was near a water fountain, a bit further back from all noise and stress. She nudged Evanora to continue speaking about her favourite flower.

"I chose lavender because it represents life and royalty. Oftentimes lavenders are purple or some shade of it. It is said, purple is a royal colour." She looked at the water coming from the fountain, imagining a field of lavenders. "I guess lavender represents me. I am royalty and many lives depend on me."

Zea had never thought about flowers this seriously. She saw them as a decoration, never as a representation of life. But after giving it a bit of thought, she realised that Eve was correct. Lavenders are perfect for royalty. Their meanings go hand in hand with the princess' life. Yet Zea still prefered roses a bit more.

"Do you have a favourite flower, Zea?" Evanora looked up at the princess sitting next to her, waiting for an answer.

"Yes," that came out faster than Zea would have liked. "Roses always catch my eye."

Evanora wanted to say something, but was interrupted by a guard. He informed them that the Prince of Veatus Lucien had arrived. The princesses stood up and followed the guard to the main room. There stood Lucien in all his glory talking to the King.

First Evanora introduced herself to Lucien. After a bit of small talk Lucien looked at Zea. The rumours were true, the prince has changed. He now had longer dirty blond hair, high cheekbones and icy blue eyes. The little smirk never seemed to leave his face. Another thing that Zea noticed was that Lucien had eyeliner on, it made his eyes pop even more. Giving them a look Zea couldn't describe. Now she understood why every woman wanted him. He was the definition of a Greek god in a human body. Last time Zea saw Lucien was when they were both fourteen or fifteen. Back then he was a shy, silent boy. Now he is a tall, handsome gentleman.

Lucien took Zea's hand and kissed it. Never breaking eye contact. It is worthy to mention that the prince's looks were good, but so was his fashion style. He wore a red crimson button up shirt and black pants. Topped with a silver chain and beautiful rings. A simple, yet elegant look. This man was a woman's dream.

"Good afternoon, Lady Zea."

"Good day to you as well sir Lucien."

Zea hated formal introductions. The fake niceties, fake smiles, made Zea want to throw up sometimes. Yet this was her duty and she had to bear through it. Suddenly the king spoke up:

"All of you have grown so much. Time passes quickly, soon you will be the next Queens and Kings," a warm smile was present on the King's face. "Everyone is free to go get ready for dinner. See you then."

With those words everyone took their leave. While walking back to her room Zea saw Helltin and decided to speak with him. The two chatted about how their day went, their first impressions about Lucien and how quickly the ball is approaching. Only a week left until everyone is in one huge room, decked out and ready to party. After a while they decided to head back to their own rooms and get ready.

Zea couldn't decide between a pair of pants and a skirt. When suddenly Lucien enters. The princess crosses her arms and asks: "Why are you here?" Displeasement was evident in her voice.

"Is this how you greet your future husband?" Lucien pretended to be hurt and grabbed his chest.

"You're my future husband just because our parents decided to marry us," she walked up to him, with a dark look in her eyes. "I won't ask again, why are you here?"

Lucien responded, "Because I wanted to make sure you were aware of the plan and hand you the agreement to sign," he took out pieces of papers from his pocket. Zea was always mad at men's pockets. Everything seemed to fit in them, but not in women's pockets. "Return this when you have signed it, if you forget, you owe me a kiss sweetheart." With that he left.

Zea sighed and put the papers in one of her drawers. Not wanting to deal with this mess right now. She didn't understand why she needed to sign it. Obviously there was no other option for Zea but to agree. Were they teasing her? Making fun of the fact that she is helpless in this situation. For now the princess decided to just forget it and get ready for dinner. Maybe food will take away her worries.