Making my way in, I am immediately hit with a hug of warm air, refreshing compared to the havoc that is outside. I silently thank the castle staff for turning the heating so high.
However, the thought of warmth is short lived as I walk in the impressively large double doors and see two extravagant sets of stairs leading to the the second floor, and a gorgeous god-like statue in the middle of the foyer.
The castle looks old, but in the best way possible. It looks like it would be comforting, and inviting. My awe is soon cut short by a body bumping into me. The force knocks me off my stance. After stumbling around and gaining my balance, I look to see who walked into me. Nikolai. Of course. I can feel his eyes starting at me like I'm prey.
What is his problem?
He quickly walked away. No apology, no acknowledgment, nothing. How rude. This was my first time meeting him, and he seemed to be mad at me. For what?! All I had said was my name, had that really offended him? Was it my face?! My parents?!
At least I only have to spent one night with this prick. My spoilt mood is soon uplifted by King Aiden helping me make my way into the dining hall. "Thank you King Aiden." I say as we walk through the elegant castle.
"Don't be silly Arabella, you'll be family soon, it's just Aiden to you." The part about family confused me, but I brushed it off. Maybe he considered me as such, we were pretty close. His voice has a joking undertone, which brings a smile to dance across my lips. Even though I hadn't seen him for a couple years, I still loved him dearly. He had always like the dad I never had. The dad my father couldn't be.
The dining room soon came into view. A large, dark wooden table, with twelve sturdy looking chairs placed around the rectangular object. This was complemented with an intricate crystal chandelier hanging above it. Pulling the whole room together. I loved it.
After everyone found their seat, the maids stared bringing dinner out. It smelt divine and looked even better. Lasagna. My favourite, I love this.
As the meal went on the chatter got louder as everyone started to get more comfortable with each other. I talked to Camille and started to get to know her. She was to the right of me. Of course Nikolai didn't say a word. His mask was lifted up slightly so he could eat. I could see his lips and chin. They looked soft, and I saw a small scar painted on his chin cover by a light dusting of freckles.
He may he a dick, but he looks kinda hot-
What? The fuck am I thinking, all I can see his his mouth and chin, and he's a fucking douchebag. Shut up.
A clinking of a champagne glass echoed across the room. Aiden was at the head of the table, now standing.
"This toast is to Arabella and Nikolai, and the newly formed alliance of our kingdoms!" He said loudly with a smile clinking the fork on the glass once more. My face however was not like his, no. A confused expression painted my tanned face.
What? Why would he be toasting to me and Nikolai? I just met the prince, I have nothing to do with him. In a confused state, I turn to my mother who's sitting to the left of me.
"What does Aiden mean mother? Why would he toast to me and Nikolai?" After the hushed words leave my mouth, my mother expression matched mine.
"You don't know?" she questioned, guilt and confusion laced her words.
"Know what?" my voice now louder and more panicked. What had my parents not told me?
Her eyes angrily found her husband's across from her. "You didn't tell her?" she questioned again, now more annoyed. They kept sending glancing to one another, talking without words.
"If someone doesn't tell me soon, I'm going up to the King and asking him myself." I impatiently interrupt my parents what looked to be staring contest.
My father looked at my with a hint of malice in his eyes, and a smirk on his face. Anyone else would've missed it, but I didn't. He sighed as my mother glared at him, clearly upset.
In a hushed tone he said the next few words, "Because you are 20 now, you're to marry prince Nikolai, as to join our two kingdoms. And we're here to celebrate that. So don't make it miserable." I had stopped listening to him the second he said the words 'marry prince Nikolai'. I know knew why my father had coke it my room in the first place all those hours ago. Why he was even talking to me at all.
That's why he was being so tolerable to me this morning. Of course he wasn't just doing that Arabella, he just uses you again and again. I'm an idiot for falling for his tricks.
He just wants status, and this betrothal will be perfect for the kingdom. Adding not just status, but military, strength, and what my father cared for most, power.
Rapid thoughts spiral through my mind as everything stars going fuzzy. The cheering and talking fading away. "You'll be family soon" King Aiden's words bounced around my mind. It all made sense now.
I was going to marry Nikolai. And I had no say about the matter. I didn't know anything about this man. I didn't even know what he looked like.
Questions of 'what if' grazed around my brain.
I couldn't marry him.
I can't believe my father would just sell me off like this. I can't believe my mother allowed him to. I trusted them. I trusted her. How can they just rip my freedom away like this?
And in this moment, it felt as if my parents had tied me to the throne. Tied me to him.
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it's going kind of slow, but hopefully things start to pick up. i don't really know how long this is going to be? thanks for reading :)
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Tied to the Throne
Romansa"It felt as if my parents had tied me to the throne. Tied me to him." - A story of a princess forced to marry a prince. Both of them hate one another, so they think. However, they end up getting a little closer than expected. A love blooming amidst...
