Midnight Affair Side Story 1: Helena

Chapter 11

When the new day came, more than ten carriages had arrived at the space of the Lancia's mansion. The king had brought souvenirs for the family of the woman he wished to marry.

Dressing in his official religious uniform as the king he is, Theodore sat with his chest pointed high and a smile on his face. There's no anxiety or worry in his black eyes as if he knew that the family will never reject his proposal.

And he was right. There's no way the parents would reject this blessed proposal from a king. Any parent wanted the best for their child and Helena's wanted the same. Moreover, they had lived with the thought of Helena staying single for the rest of her life since no man would like to marry a divorced woman. They weren't expecting the king from their neighboring country to like their daughter so much that he's willing to marry her even if she's way older than he is, was once married and even gave birth to a son.

As pleasing and delightful they were, the Duke and Duchess were still somewhat worried about the future. They were afraid that the same thing would repeat its history. They were afraid that their one and only beloved daughter would be cheated on again so Theodore had his most respected elders affirm to them about their culture. That had eased their worry for the moment.

It didn't take a lot of work for Theodore to please his soon-to-be parent-in-law since Helena accepted his proposal before anyone else did. When they decided to finally accept his sincerity, Theodore asked for Helena's hand to his country. He has to introduce her as his queen before the marriage happens so his people wouldn't spout negative thoughts towards their relationship.

The news spread like wildfire. It became the trending gossip among the nobles in no time. The women who used to criticize Helena before blurted negative opinions about her still. They're still the same jealous and insecure wools as they were before but that is not a problem since sooner or later, they will have to bow down towards the future queen.

Riftan, on the other hand, did not like the news very much. He had told her that the king wasn't a trustable man like he seems to be and she still went for that man. But he couldn't do anything as he's not in a position to have an opinion… Before Helena and him were tied with the red robe of the marriage but right now they are just two strangers who shared a few years of special memories and a child. He wanted to oppose it with his might but he found no way to.

"Lady Helena asked for my blessings this afternoon." Said Chester.

Riftan who sat with a woman pouring alcohol into his glass became gloomy in an instant. He did not say a word while Chester just kept going.

"She looks happy so don't think of ruining her happiest moment." As if he read into his friend's mind, Chester warned as the highest priest who decides and does things that goes by the law of nature and fairness.

Riftan's eyebrows twitched. He felt miserable. When he thought of the fact that he couldn't do anything about her next marriage, he just felt even more miserable… more than being hit by an arrow.

"Move on and marry someone else. Or you can live like this, live all alone and single with mistresses on your bed. In order to be a good ex husband after being a complete bastard, you should be happy for the lady."

"I will keep on being a bastard if I have a way to keep her by my side once again but I can't think of any." He poured the whole glass into his mouth irritatingly and continued.
"Even Lucian approved of that guy."

"Wow. I guess a bastard will never turn into a fairytale prince huh?"

"Shut your trap. If you don't wanna help then get lost."

Chester got up while shaking his head.
"I just blessed her proposal this afternoon and you asked me to help you break her marriage… what a way to throw me in the fire of hell."

"..."

"I can't help you with that. You brought it upon yourself."

"Fuck!"

Chester left after that leaving the mad and desperate man with his mistress all alone.

A few days later. Under the gentle sunlight, an elegant little body was laying beautifully on the large bed. Someone took a few steps closer to the same bed she was sleeping on and gently got on. But before the larger figure could surprise the sleeping woman, she opened her eyelids first.
"Your majesty…?"

"Ahh… you woke up." The man mumbled and gave her a light kiss on the forehead.

They arrived at his hometown after two days of departure. Theodore laid his attractive body next to his future queen and stroked her cheek.
"Sleep more."

"I should wake up…"
Helena was afraid of being viewed as lazy. She needed to show her value if she wanted to be a respectable queen.

"Just sleep for today." He affirmed again and pulled her back to bed.

Helena looked at him sleepily before slowly closing her eyes. Staying next to him 24 hours in 7 made her know a lot of new things about this man. Some parts of him weren't like the Theodore she knew at all but Helena decided to love him for whoever he is. She wanted to give him the love he had given her. She doesn't want Theodore to be working hard all alone.