Arabella P.O.V
The gardens are even more impressive up close. Even though the whole place is covered in snow the gardens still shine through. The different arrangements of frosted flowers that cover the floor. And the benches, rocks, trees and brown vines that scatter their way along the paths really make the whole place feel homely.
My personal favourite is the fountain. It is a stone structure with a marble looking statue in the centre. I assume it's the king and queen, as it makes a resemblance to them. The water is frozen in place, spouts of streams paused. It's as if it were a painting.
I am a little bit chilly, I must confess.
Me and Tina are strolling through the white gardens when two men come out behind a wall. Sir Matteo, and Sir Benedict.
"Good morning your highness, and good morning Tina." Sir Benedict makes his entrance. I never noticed that he had a british accent, well I haven't hear him speak actually, so that would help.
"Good morning" Both me and Tina reply at the same time.
"How are you liking the gardens so far, your highness?" Sir Matteo questions me.
"Oh they're absolutely gorgeous, and please, Sir Matteo, call me Arabella. That goes for you too Sir Benedict."
"Well in that case, just call me Matteo then, no 'Sir'," he informs me with a slight smile.
A deeper voice adds on, "And me too, no need for formalities," I nod at Benedict, acknowledging his request.
"Would you mind if we were to join you ladies, Nikolai is in his office currently, and there are already staff outside, we have nothing to do," Matteo asks me and Tina. To which we both agree.
After about half an hour of exploring we come across a little arc leading us towards two benches facing each other, and decide to take a break. After wiping the snow off the bench I sit down. My dress getting a little bit wet from the melting ice.
"So, Arabella, what do you think of Nikolai so far?" Benedict cautiously asked.
"Uh," I hesitate at first, "He's- He's so, well he seems to not ever show emotion. And the mask he always wears, I truly do not understand," I finish with a sigh, looking around holding I haven't offended anyone with my talk on the prince, although brief I do not know how careful I must be.
"You must forgive him Bella, he's had a rough past," Tina's voice responds after a few seconds. I look at her quizzically.
"Well, you see, he has fought in many wars from a young age, he never had a proper childhood that he could enjoy. He's been training since the age of ten. And he never takes that mask off, his grandfather gave it to him I believe. I don't know why but, he won't even show me and Matteo, I mean, I haven't seen his face since we were kids." Benedict tells me, looking to Matteo once he stops taking.
"He's also afraid of making letting people in, afraid that someone will use it against him. So don't take it to heart if he tries to push you away, all he is doing is trying to protect himself." Matteo stops to see my reaction.
My face seems stuck in a state of blankness. I have no clue what to feel. Should I maybe be kinder to him? He's been through a lot-
What, no, if he wants me to be kinder to him, he will do the same to me. Respect is earned, not given.
"Benedict, Matteo, what are you doing?" A strict, deep voice pulls me from my internal conflict.
"Nikolai! U-uh we were just seeing how Princess Arabella is liking the kingdom so far." Benedict quickly retorts to the prince.
YOU ARE READING
Tied to the Throne
Romance"This marriage is nothing but an alliance to me. Don't expect anything else, because you won't get it. I will never love you." "It felt as if my parents had tied me to the throne. Tied me to him." - A princess and a prince, forced into a marriage th...
