Tied to the Throne

chapter six

I awake to someone softly shaking me. I open my eyes to see a browned haired girl. 

"Hey Bella, It's about six o'clock, I thought to wake you for dinner." Her voice is soothing, and I am grateful for how quiet she was talking, as I have just woken up.

"Mm, thank you Tina." My voice is groggy and croaking. You could tell I had just been asleep. I begrudgingly pulled the fluffy sheets away from me and got up. Tina asks if she could help me get ready, I agree; surprisingly.

After about half an hour, Tina has finished getting me ready. I am in a simple green dress, and had my hair out: brown, soft waves adorning me. She also explains to me that I must dress at least presentable around the castle. I don't mind, I am used to it.

"Come on, you mustn't be late. Dinner is about to start." The brunette tells me as she pulls me down the stairs and into the large dining hall.

When I walk in the room I notice Nikolai sitting at the head of the table alongside two other men. One had raven coloured hair, and pale skin. The other had brown hair, fairly tanned skin, and a slight stubble of beard. They both had a sword attached to their hip - I could see the hilt sticking up over the table.

But I notice that Nikolai's parents and sister are nowhere to be seen. Maybe they were just late.

As I walk over to the table, my shoes click on the floor, I feel all three men's eyes on me. I sit down and look at them. "Nikolai where are your family?" I decide to inquire.

"Camille is currently unwell, and my parents are down south for business. They will be for the next two weeks." He tells me.

What, his parents won't be here the weeks leading up the wedding? So I won't be able to talk to them about anything?! Fuck. My. Life.

Before I could acknowledge the information, Nikolai went to speak again. "These two men are my personal guards, and close friends." He pointed to the raven haired man, "Matteo," He then pointed to the other man, "Benedict".

I thought Nikolai knew how to fight. Why would he need personal guards?

"Nice to meet you both, I'm princess Arabella" I nod my head at them. They both glance at Nikolai, confused by my kindness towards them. Nikolai has probably being bagging me out to them, they are his friends.

Maids come out with platters in hand. The smell is truly sensational, god I'm hungry. The plates are placed in front of every person. It's steak with mashed potatoes and salad. It looks so good. The rest of dinner is pretty uneventful. The occasional glance is shared between the three men, but other than that we all eat in silence.

"Nikolai" His name feels foreign on my tongue, like something I shouldn't be saying "I was wondering if I could explore the gardens tomorrow?" After I state my question his head tilts up at me.

"Tina can take you." Is all he says in response. Does this man show any emotion that isn't hate?

I'm done with him, if he doesn't want to be around me I'll leave. I stand up, my chair squealing against the hard floor. This catches the attention of everyone in the room. And as I leave, all three men are watching me once again.

Nikolai P.O.V

She had just left, and Ben and Matteo were staring at me trying not to burst out laughing.

"Dude, she's hot. Like if you don't want her I'll fucking take her," Benedict says, causing both him and Matteo to laugh.

"Shut up." I say back.

"You seriously need to try and talk to her. You stuck with her man, she's your fiancé, may as well make the rest of your life somewhat enjoyable." Matteo tells me, a hint of laughter still lacing his voice.

"No, this is a marriage of convenience, nothing more. Why would I need to talk to her?" And before the boys can tell me anything different, I quickly stand up and storm out of the room.

I briskly make my way through the palace. Navigating the walls and ending up at my room. It's only a few doors down from hers. Fucking hell, why am I think about her?

I open my door to be met with my cat. Daisy. She's a sweet little thing, her fur a mix of many colours, and bright green eyes, much like mine.

Picking her up, I close my door. "Hi!" my voice goes high pitched and soft.

After a while of cuddling her, I put the cat down, and make my over over the the bathroom. I stand in front of the mirror and take my mask off. God that thing is uncomfortable. Looking into the mirror many small lines litter my face. The most noticeable being one that goes across the bridge of my nose.

I got this one from a warrior from the West. A few years back we were at war with them. And I may only be 23, but i've had my fair share of military experience. Unfortunately, this started when I was young. Meaning I never really got a childhood.

I was always forced to be a fighter. Never was I allowed to be me. Well, apart from when I was around Ben and Matteo, but I was always training with them anyways.

I look outside me window to see the gardens, they're so pretty. That reminds me of Arabella, she's pretty. She wants to see the gardens tomorrow. Maybe I could show her around - Oh god.

Just because she's pretty doesn't mean I can fall. I promised myself I would never, loving someone means having an attachment. Which someone can easily use against me. I can't let that happen.

I need to get Arabella off my mind.

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first pov change, how do we feel about finally seeing nikolai's input? i hope this is somewhat entertaining, thank for reading :)
1022 words