The Heiress' Dilemma

1 | Meat-eating horses

With my head rested against the seat of the carriage and my eyes shut, I pondered over the wickedness of my fate.

"Good, however," another sip, "there's a condition."

"What could that be?"

Scratching his moustache, he looked thoughtfully at his crown resting on a table beside him. "Have you heard about the coronation of the prince of Querencia?" said my father, thinking deeply.

"Yes but what does that have to with my coronation?" I frowned, completely aware of the displeasure that was taking over my face.

"A royal must be tied in matrimony before taking up the duties and power of a king."

"How absurd."

With a glare, he continued, "Since Prince Vernon Williams is still a bachelor, a celebration has been announced which princesses of different kingdoms will attend, with the prince himself selecting one of them to be the Queen of Querencia."

"You want me to compete to win the attention of a man?" Even saying those words increased my aversion to a great extent.

"Wouldn't it be an honour to catch the Prince's attention among the beauties of different kingdoms? And you would be a queen too," he muttered, voice dripping with self satisfaction. He knew what my reaction would be and that vexed me.

A Queen with no power whatsoever.

Clenching my jaw, I prevented myself from muttering anything dishonorable and said, "What if I don't catch his attention?"

"Why are you underestimating yourself, Adeera? Do not be low spirited."

"Forgive me for having a mirror in my room." I bowed mockingly. "You did not answer my question, father."

"Then, you will return to Ivor and will be given all your rights of succession. You have my words ," he replied, his wrinkled face looking as stern as a statue. "Only if you stay there till the very end, of course."

I scowled. "I have no control over anybody's preferences."

"Oh but you definitely have control over yours, don't you? I am aware of the tricks that you pulled to draw your former suitors away, young lady. I want you to behave how a proper lady would," he said, his words served as fuel to the fire that was burning inside me. It was quite evident on his face that he was waiting for my refusal any moment.

I regarded him in silence for few moments and then nodded. "Okay."

"Good, you can- what did you say?" His eyes widened and the cup slipped from his fingers, falling on the floor dramatically.

"Okay, I will play the perfect lady and fulfill your conditions," I answered, my voice sounding distant in my own head.

I sighed.

This was a great risk that I was willing to take for a greater benefit.

The vision of me seated on a throne, adorned with a crown, exuding the strength of a warrior, and my people chanting my name to celebrate their new Queen, sent a shiver of excitement down my spine.