ERIC
There was no way I was going to deliver Shalom's engagements gift to my new fiancé, I didn't think she deserved it so I just packed the watch in the safe.
The days which followed were busy with preparations and it was seriously starting to give me a headache, because of so much activity I usually found myself hiding in the garden so that I could have some fresh air and catch a break from everything. I was sited enjoying the peace and quiet when my mother found me.
"Son, there you are. I have been looking everywhere for you "she said and I groaned.
"What can I do for you mother?"
"The invitations to your wedding are going out today."she informed me and sat next to me.
"And why are you informing me of this? "
"Will you be inviting that wretched King you decided to spare and be at peace with? ".she asked, the hate and disgust clear in her tone.
Jeez!! I hadn't even thought of that. If I didn't invite them Liam would take offence but if I invited them then Shalom would come and witness the marriage, I couldn't do that to her, and to myself, it would be too much.
"I don't know, maybe you can invite one person to represent the family " I said to her.
"So, you want us to send one invitation and specify that it's strictly one person per card?"My mother questioned "you might as well just not invite them because that will be disrespectful, the King would always come with his Queen and some subjects... but then again who cares if they take offence, we will do just that". mum said and got up.
"Wait.. Just.. Invite the entire family "I told her with a sigh, hopefully shalom would decide to stay away on her own accord.
Nikita was really excited about our union and she was actively involved in the planning, she was my mother's puppy and would listen and follow her every instruction. I bet that's why she chose her for me, she wanted a Queen she could control.
The day before the wedding a tailor was adjusting my royal robe when grandmother entered, she looked at me from head to toe and smiled.
"You look handsome, and each day you grow more and more like your father "she said and sat on the couch in my room.
"Thank you grandma "I said and smiled back at her, I knew she really loved me, she obviously felt like I was the only family she had left.
"How are you feeling about tomorrow?" She asked "it will be a big event, guests from far have already started arriving ".
"I cannot wait for the day to pass, it's too overwhelming "I said truthfully as the tailor finished up what he was doing and requested I give him the outfit for simple adjustments then he excused himself.
"I have been watching your bride, she adores you very much.. But you have not even tried to get to know her ".she accused
"Granny,I know that even if I put in the effort nothing will happen because I do not love her, my heart belongs to another and it always will".
"The princess, yes, you already disclosed that. May I ask why you suddenly stopped talking about marrying her? "she gave me a look full of curiosity.
"I just.. I listened to your advice... "I said with a shrug and she chuckled.
"Lying to your dear old grandmother, that's not very nice "she said with a smile and I couldn't help smiling back.
I couldn't tell her the truth because if people knew Liam could lose his throne because he wasn't the dead king's son, then he would come here and start fighting for his rightful place and it would just be chaos.
"I can't marry her granny, her father may have signed that treaty but I know he still hates me" I told her and she nodded "I know she loves me but I don't want to alienate her from her family because I know they won't support the match ".
"Well am sorry dear, I know this is not easy but having a crown on your head means sacrificing yourself for your people... I would advise you hold on to the simplest things which bring you joy otherwise you will hate that throne "she said and I sighed,
I didn't even have anything which gave me joy, except maybe seeing my people happy and free .
That night I tried thinking about what granny had said and started searching for simple things which made me happy in my life but every time I went down that road it would lead me to memories of Shalom, of the good times together, she was my joy and without her in my life everything seemed harder and colder. I really wished I hadn't come here and I hadn't found out everything about my father and his family. I wished we could have just stayed Eric and Shalom staying in an apartment, one job hunting and the other going to school.
"My lord, are you alright?" I heard a voice ask snapping me out of my deep thoughts.
"Am fine "I muttered,
Nikita had moved into the Palace that very day because my mother had insisted.
"You are yet to touch your dinner "she said as she gestured to my untouched food.
"Am not hungry, excuse me" I said and left the table.
Why was she even doing this?? Why had she agreed to marry a man who did not love her?? I guess the title she would gain would make up for my love she could never have.
That night I couldn't even sleep well because I was restless, I woke up tired and depressed but I had to soldier through the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony I kept looking into the gathered crowd but I couldn't see Shalom, I saw her brothers and her parents but there was no sign of her, I was both relieved and disappointed, it would have been nice to see her.
It was at the reception where she made an appearance and she looked flawless in a blue ball gown, looking like the princess she was. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her as she walked straight to where Nikita and I stood then she curtsied.
"Your majesties "she bowed her head and that made me hate myself "I just came to offer my congratulations ".
"Thank you princess Shalom" Nikita responded but I was tongue tied, I just stood there staring, I couldn't speak.
"The reception is really beautiful.. And you two look so stunning next to each other, a match made in heaven "she went on to say and I felt a lump in my throat
"Excuse me... "I said and hurried out of the hall,
One more minute next to her and I couldn't have been able to control myself, I would have taken her in my arms and kissed her right in front of everyone. I walked to the garden, telling the guards to stay away and just stood there breathing in the fresh air. I stood there for about ten minutes when I heard a presence behind me.
"A groom running out of his own wedding reception is not something you see every day "she said and I closed my eyes, her voice, her sweet sweet voice, oh how I had missed it.
"I didn't think you would come "I said as she came and stood right next to me. She smelled like a fresh summer day and I wanted to move closer.
"I had to be there, to see you one last time before leaving "she said and I quickly turned my head and looked at her.
"Leaving??"I asked, I could feel a lump in my throat.
Shalom took a deep breath and momentarily closed her eyes.
"I can't stay here, there's nothing for me and I hate being a princess "she said to me
"You.. You.. Where are you going?".
"I don't know... I'll figure it out along the way"
"You can't... I…Shalom, I can't not know where you are.. You.. Please, you have to be closer, it makes me feel better knowing that you're close.. Knowing where you are..please stay "I pleaded with her.
Shalom finally looked into my eyes and I could see how hurt and lost she was.
"Why?? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't be starting my life afresh when you're trying to do the same thing " she challenged me and I was stunned, what was I supposed to say to her??.
YOU ARE READING
TRAPPED
RomanceKira was only two years old when she met the Prince and six years old when she was married off to him. She was then isolated to be trained to be a good wife and Queen while he was trained to be a warrior and a leader, the two never Iiving together...
