Chapter Two: James
As fast as my legs could carry me, I ran towards the kingdom. Not once did I look back or stopped for breath. I was kind of relieved that I had snuck past the carriage unseen. I was also sorry that I had left poor Rose behind in such a hurry. But, I had to reach the kingdom before that carriage did.
Panting, and red from all the running, I raced upstairs to change. Quickly, brushing down my wild brown hair, I literally raced down the grand stair way just as the two giant double doors opened. I know it was very rude to lie, especially to beautiful Rose, but she deserved it, for she was a bit hard core--A lot hard core.
Two armored guards walked in, following just behind them was that familiar pale faced lady. I had not realized that she was coming today.
“Analise,” I walked towards my childhood friend, greeting her with a bow and a kiss on her hand. A smile cracked on her red painted lips. She had jet black curls falling down her back, and the most awkward yet mysterious eye color ever; violet. I had not seen her for more than 5 years. Looking at her know, I could tell she had changed. She had gotten taller, lovelier, and walked with great pride. What had happened to that daring girl from my past?
Father walked into the hall. He looked between me and Analise and our mute faces. “Welcome Analise,” He greets Analise with a fatherly hug. “James, escort Lady Analise to the gathering room, we have much to discuss.” He orders me. Escort? Isn’t that someone else’s job? Father gives me one sterner look. He was not kidding. I clear my through and extend my arm, indicating Analise to take it. Reluctantly she takes it.
In the gathering room, I take an uncomfortable seat across from Lady Analise, Staring into her eyes. Father stood pacing back and forth in the room, as if he was worried something might go wrong. He inhaled deeply and finally began his ‘discussion’.
“I was blessed with a son on the 18th of May. My good friend was blessed with a girl later on in September.” He said gesturing to the quite, smiling Analise. “On September we have also made a promise; a bond between the two families and kingdoms…” He paused. I began to sweat all over. Where was he taking this? “… In order to do that, we have arranged a marriage between you both.” He finished.
It felt as if I had a rock stuck right in the middle of my throat. My cheeks started feeling warm. I then realized, I was not the only the one blushing. Analise’s milk white skin turned the color of ripe strawberries. I’m guessing this new had hit her the first time as well.
“Enjoy yourselves today.” Father concluded walking out the door. Before leaving, he looked back at me and smiled. SMILED?!?! Anger was boiling in me. Why did he make such a stupid decision? The next few minutes we both at there, pretending to stare at the walls. It could not go like this for the whole day. Either I would get bored staring at the wall or the wall would get bored of me staring at it.
“Will you like to take a walk with me?” I finally asked Analise, breaking the silence. She gave an awkward nod. The weather outside was so peaceful. The sun was shining bright and there was a warm air surrounding me. It was the perfect day to walk the cool crispy forest, instead I am stuck here, behind theses stupid kingdom walls, in complete silence. The day dragged on like that until Analise kissed me good-bye.
I watched her carriage disappear down the forest path. When the carriage was only a speck on the long road, I ran towards my father’s room. We was sitting down on his comfy chair, with his nose planted in one of the millions books we had stashed up in the library.
“Why would you do such a thing? Without asking me!?” I tried keeping my voice down but it came out in an anger rush. I felt as if my inside were about to burst! Father looked up.
“You both were practically lovers since the day you saw each other. I thought maybe you fall hard on each other… was I wrong?”
“That was a long time ago father. Like, when we were kids!”
“I am your father; I know what is best for you. You are to marry Analise unless…” His voice trailed off.
A small light of hope filled the darkness inside my body.
“Unless…” I extended the word. Father thought for a few moments.
“Unless, you don’t want to, and you can find someone else- before it is too late.” I did not ask him what ‘Too late’ meant, it probably was ‘real soon’. “She must be fit for taking a kingdom though.” Ouch! That hit the spot. That was going to be hard.
This discussion with father kept me up for the whole night. The next morning, I set out looking for Rose. I stood at the last place I saw her, scanning the place I spotted someone sitting by the trees. Someone with long brown hair tied in a loose braid. Slowly I began to walk towards her.
It was as if Rose had super scenes. She turned around just when ten steps closer to her.
“How did you know I was there?” I asked, amazed. Rose looked at me with those distracting emerald eyes.
“It was kind of obvious, Rick. You have to learn to sneak around. Are you always this loud?” She asked with not even a hint of a smile. I am not as ‘hard core’ as her, so I give her a real big smile. I sat down beside her.
“I have a question to ask you.” I began. Rose looked at me confused. “A question that nobody can understand, which means they give me wrong answers. Maybe you can help.” I sounded like a lost kid asking for my mother.
“Okay… I will try, I guess.” Rose answered, turning to face me.
“What do you do if you care for someone and you are betrothed to another?” I watch as Rose’s expression darkens and then I see great sadness in her eyes, deep sorrow. What was she thinking of?
