Love & Duty

Chapter 31

The room was filled with silence. No one expected Rowen to come out and confess so bluntly. It took a lot of courage to look a King straight in the eye and tell him you are in love with his daughter, especially when it's known you are not eligible for her.

King Winston's expression didn't change. He kept it challenging and intimidating. He did give the man a good point for standing up to his feelings and not shying away or running.

However, it isn't that easy.

Sophia wanted to grab Rowen and run away from the room. Yes, she did know she had to tell her parents eventually, but not like this. She, for one, hoped her mom would be with her for moral support. Eric is on her side, but he can't stand against their father.

As she came to break the silence, the King continued. "What is your status, young man?"

Rowen didn't avert his eyes. Some might find it disrespectful, but he could sense that the King appreciated the seriousness in his eyes in this particular conversation.

"Prince Ren's first Aide, your Majesty."

"Are you of noble birth?" Sophia hated that question. Everyone in the room bit the inside of their cheek at that question. Knowing all too well the meaning behind it and the answer to it.

"No, your Majesty."

"Then tell me, in what way do you think you are suited for my daughter? Do you think a mere soldier is worthy of a Princess like her?" the King slightly lifts his head, looking down at Rowen.

This time, however, Rowen looked down, bowing his head. "I can not answer that, your Majesty."

That answer took the King by surprise. He expected him to have all the answers or something to try and convince him. "Explain yourself." he demands.

"It's simple. As you said, I, a mere soldier, will never be worthy of a Princess like her. No matter what I do, I will not be on her level. However, even if I was of noble birth or a Prince. She will still be out of my reach." Rowen lifts his head up and looks toward Sophia.

"I've seen what she is capable of, how she thinks, and the way she envisions the future. I've never met anyone like that before, and I believe no one will be like her." he smiles at her, not afraid to share his true feelings anymore.

"In my opinion, no one will ever be worthy of her. No one deserves someone as spectacular as her." Rowen looks back to the King when he's done.

A moment of silence passed, and everyone was shocked by what he said. He didn't help his case; if anything, he just destroyed it.

"Then why are you pursuing her? Why love her when there is no future to it?" the King continues with his challenging questions.

"Your Majesty, I tried my very best to stop myself, to control myself and my heart." he looks back at the Princess. "However, she didn't leave me much of a choice. She makes it difficult to avert your eyes from her." he smiles at the memory. "Before I knew it, I was already following her. My heart already belonged to her." he confesses.

"Rowen..." Sophia slips out after hearing his answers. She knew that Rowen still thought a Prince was better for her, but she didn't know how deep that thought went. Feelings this deep were never shared.

"Those are some pretty words. Are they supposed to impress me and get you my permission?"

"No, your Majesty. You simply asked for my answers, and I answered honestly and hid nothing from you." he bows again to show respect.

"Any other man can walk in and say the same thing; what makes you so different? Why should I believe anything you say?"

"I'm not sure, your Majesty." he chuckles at his lack of an answer. "Although I do know this, no one, and with this, I'm confident. No one will ever love her the way I do; I am willing to give her the world if she demands it. No one will treasure her like I do; I will protect her with my life. If she asks for that as well, I will gladly give it to her. Her every wish is my command."