The Royal Marriage Contract

Chapter 14

     How could anyone stand to be this bored all day? I rolled off my entirely too large bed and stumbled onto my feet. I stopped in front of my mirror to tame my tangles before heading to the hallway in search of some good company. Every day I was left to my own devices unless there was some scheduled appearance or meal with Drake and his family. I was expecting our engagement to bring out a more romantic side to our relationship but all it did was drive us apart as our time was spent separately fulfilling our own responsibilities.

     I sighed in desperation as I made my way into the hallway. I may as well familiarize with the castle as it was my new home. I nodded to the guard stationed in the hallway and began exploring one room at a time. I opened each door and determined whether it was interesting or not. I found a library filled with every historically relevant book, a kitchen, many bedrooms and bathrooms to go with them, a decent gym, and a sun deck that peered over a large Olympic sized swimming pool and hot tub. I continued my adventures outside after I asked a guard to allow me onto the grounds. He insisted he stayed with me but he was so quiet it was like he was not even there.

      I inhaled deeply as a burst of floral scented air made it's way into my lungs. The castle had a rose garden with a beautiful maze that I stupidly decided to try and get through. I grumbled as I hit another dead end, my feet beginning to get sore in my thin silk slippers.

     I sighed in annoyance and admitted defeat to myself. "Do you know how to get out of here?" I beckoned the guard closer as a slight smile tugged his cheek.

      "of course lady, just follow me." He smiled at me before leading me in the complete opposite direction of where I was going. He was walking at my pace despite being in front of me and my aching feet were very grateful.

     "what's your name?" I asked, deciding to continue our conversation.

     "I'm Spencer Williams," he turned to look at me, his green eyes intently scanning me, seemingly trying to gather information from my appearance.

     I shifted under his gaze. "How long have you worked as a guard?"

    He turned left out of the maze and continued to lead me back to the castle. "I've worked here my whole life, the castle provided me with my education and a job working for them after I graduated. Most of the workers here are children they provided a home for, it's why the guards are so loyal, they are protecting their family."

     "That's incredible," I smiled. I wondered why Drake had never mentioned that to me before? We continued our trek through the grounds and then Spencer, my new friend, led me to a door that led right into the main entryway. An idea popped into my head so I grabbed Spencers arm as he turned to leave. "Can you walk with me tomorrow?"

     His eyes bore into me and with a Cheshire grin, answered. "I'm on room rotation tomorrow, but the next day ill be stationed outside the main library. We can't deny the request of a royal." He smirked before sauntering off to I assume his post.

     I almost skipped as I started to make my way back to my room, I finally had something to look forward to. I finally had a friend.

      A hand slipped around my waist and tugged me into the awaiting arms of Drake. He inhaled my scent and chuckled. "Were you just outside Em?"

     I shrugged him off and crossed my arms, my dress swirling around my knees as I spun out of his grasp. "Well you have been practically ignoring me and my room only holds so much excitement."

      He sighed and kneaded the bridge of his nose between his two fingers, something he did when he was stressed. "Well my father is about to pass the crown to me, and there is so much that has to be looked over and organized, and then to top it off our wedding has to be planned. Every news channel in the country wants to interview you, the people are very curious." He smiled at me as I studied the state of his appearance. His shirt was wrinkly, his suit coat rumpled, and his face hid the hollows of his heavy eye bags.

     I pulled him into a hug, "why don't you give something to do? I'm here to help you. How am I supposed to be your fiance if I can't help you?"

He shook his head at me. "Your focus should be on our wedding, after we are married then we can discuss your duties as queen. I promise I'll try to spend more time with you tomorrow." He grabbed me and pulled me back into his arms, tucking my head under his chin and giving me a squeeze. "We can go for a walk around the grounds tomorrow?"

    I felt like he was making me another empty promise but I shrugged and nodded. "Why can't we do something now?" I raised my eyebrows and gave him an almost questioning glare. 

"I have a meeting with my fathers council in 10 minutes,"  he let me pull away from him and proceeded with a look of remorse. "I'll come by your room tonight and we can have tea." 

And with that he left, leaving me to wonder if I really was his priority and if I wanted this to be my life. Was I being selfish for wanting more when this was the life I wanted?