The Night We Met

Chapter Two

"You can't make me go! Tell her, Mother!" Guinevere roared.

Wiping the tea off her face once again, Queen Eliana regained her composure. "Well, Princess Guinevere," she began snarkily, "As I said before, if you were listening, neither you or your mother really have a choice. Your father approved it, so that is that."

"B-but Father wouldn't do that-"

"Listen, Dear, it doesn't matter what your father would or wouldn't do. What's done is done, and if you have any sense left within you, you'd do what is best for your family. Besides, you are 16 years of age, which means you are expected to start looking for the country's future king," Queen   Eliana stated forcefully.  

"Queen Eliana, you are in no position to assert yourself in such a manner, especially towards Guinevere!" Queen Anastasia shouted. A sudden shock filled the room due to Queen Anastasia's surprising volume. 

"I am sorry your Majesty, truly, but the Princess needs to take the country's future more seriously. She only has six months remaining, and if you ask me, she is far too stubborn and immature to rule your country!" Queen Eliana proclaimed with an agitated voice. 

"E-excuse Me?!?! What did you just say?!? Mother, what is she talking about?!?," Guinevere asked with a bewildered look on her face. Queen Anastasia remained silent while also avoiding contact with her daughter. 

"Mother?!" Guinevere asked with a concerned expression. 

"Pardon me, but are you telling me that your mother hasn't mentioned a word to you about a Princess's requirements? You would think that the princess would know her own country's laws, but here we are." Queen Eliana stated mockingly. 

"Mother?!? Will you please care to explain!" Guinevere said, demanding an answer. 

"This was not supposed to be the way you'd eventually find out about this, but under the French law, you are obligated to become Queen when you turn 17. And in order to do that, you are also enforced to be married by then as well." Queen Anastasia guiltily told her daughter. 

"N-no," denied Guinevere, while trying to tell herself she did not hear what her mother just told her. 

"I know it may seem horrible that I have not warned you about this dreadful law, but please know that I did everything in my power to stop it. Guinevere will you please just look at me." said Queen Anastasia, knowing that she wronged her daughter. "I can sense that there's an immense amount of tension right now, so if you don't mind, I will be leaving to give you two some space." Queen Eliana added out of the blue, without even the slightest amount of remorse. Queen Eliana stood up with a slight grin on her face, and ordered Butler, George to fetch her coat. She exited the castle while leaving a cold and tense mood within their own home. 

Queen Anastasia tried her best to talk to Guinevere, but all she got in return was a turned away back. Guinevere finally stated, "I will be heading off to bed now. Maria, can you follow me to my room please?" "Of course m'lady," replied Maria. The two of them calmly headed up the smooth marble stairs that led to Guinevere's room.  As soon as they entered her bedroom, Guinevere slammed the door out of frustration. "Why would she never tell me this!? How was I never told that I would be ruling an entire country, and the fact that I have only have six months to get married. I mean, I haven't even talked to a person who is a male, other than my father, in five years! Five years, Maria! And now I'm supposed to get married to a total stranger?!"Guinevere screamed with rage and confusion.

 "I'm sure your majesty just didn't want to give you this burden to carry, your highness," said Maria, trying to calm the frustrated princess. "Well now as you can see, I do have this sudden burden on my shoulders. How long was she going to wait tell me this?! I mean, it wasn't her who finally told me." Guinevere replied. "M'lady, it is best you rest, and discuss this topic further tomorrow with the Queen. I am in no position to talk for her, but I am allowed to tell you that going to bed will help you put your mind at ease. Please do it for your own good your highness," said Maria, trying to convince Guinevere. "I suppose you're right. Goodnight Maria," Guinevere replied calmly. "Goodnight your highness," said Maria, as she exited Guinevere's bedroom.