Love & Duty

Chapter 34

Everyone was waiting in anticipation of what the King's answer was going to be. His face was not giving them any sign of whether it was good or bad news that they would receive.

King Winston already knew his answer from the moment his daughter and Rowen entered the Castle. Hearing the speech he had to say about his love for her didn't change his mind but confirmed his decision.

He looked over at the young couple, seeing their hands intertwined and looking at him with nervous eyes. He let out a sigh and decided to relieve them.

"My answer for the both of you is still the same. No." King Winston said in a clear voice, keeping his gaze on them.

At first, no one said anything, too shocked by the answer. They all assumed his laughter was a win. Tyler looked toward Sophia, feeling bad for her. He truly wished the King would accept and he'll get to see her happy with Rowen.

"Dad... But why?" Sophia didn't even have the energy to get angry and yell.

"It's pretty obvious why." Julien speaks up with a smirk. "What could this commoner offer you? You seriously need to wake up and realize what position you have. You can't stay this naive and blind all your life." he confidently shares his harsh opinion, not caring how he spoke of the King's daughter in his presence.

"Julien!" Eric yells his name, ready to give him a piece of his mind, especially when his sister is already feeling down.

"Prince Julien." Rowen speaks up; his tone changes from his light, carefree one to a harsh growl. "With all due respect, I think you should watch how you speak to the Princess. You can say whatever you want of me, but you shouldn't dare to even think badly of her." he glares at him while standing in front of Sophia. "I, personally, won't allow you to sully her name. I don't care if you detain me."

"Excuse me? You dare speak to me like this? Who do you think you are?" Julien hates when people try to speak up to him; he demands respect as Prince, King to be of Redwood.

"I'm nobody compared to you or in your world. But I will not stand here and pretend that you did not just insult Princess Sophia." Rowen stands his ground, not fearing for his life or any punishment that may come for disrespecting a Prince.

His code did include respect for the Royalties, but he will not stand someone, anyone, insulting the girl he loves. Especially when she is a much better human than they are!

Before Julien could retaliate, the King cleared his throat. "Enough." he glares at Julien, silently telling him to watch his mouth next time. "I may believe that you won't be able to offer the life I want for my daughter, but I'm also starting to see that you may be able to give her something else." he starts off.

"My answer is still a no, but." he sees the light coming back into his daughter's eyes, and he can't help but smile. "I will be keeping a close eye on you two. If I, for one second, see my daughter the slightest bit unhappy." his glare turns to Rowen. "You will have me to face, and I won't take it easy on you."

"Does that mean...?" Sophia speaks up with hope.

"You are being watched. Both of you." the King points his finger at them. "Either of you steps out of line; I will end this in a second. Once I fully believe you can take care of my daughter, then and only then will you have my complete blessing." he sits straight, giving his final word.

Sophia couldn't help but laugh and wrap her arms around Rowen's neck while he twirled her around with a complete and wide smile.

"Thank you, Dad!" she runs to her dad and gives him a bear hug.

"I thank you, Your Majesty. I promise I won't make you regret this! You have my word." he bows to him, unable to hide his smile.

Everyone came over to congratulate them on their half-acceptance, with Tyler calling Rowen a lucky son of a gun. Julien, on the other hand, wasn't happy at all.