Melancholy

16

"Commander Ares," Eugene greeted back, but Ares was busy throwing daggers at Eugene, who looked confused.

"Prince Eugene, I want you to meet my father," I said with a smile. He smiled a little.

"It would be an honour to meet King!" He said, and with a last gaze at Ares, I held Eugene's arm and walked away towards my father, who was busy talking with some nobles.

"Father!" I called him once I was near, when others saw me they left. Father looked at Eugene, and then his gaze connected with mine.  I smirked a little, and my father sighed a little, maybe in disappointment. I know he knows what's going on in my mind.

"I want to intoriduce Prince Eugene to you, we met at Duke Edward's estate." I told him. My father smiled at Eugene, who bowed in respect. He looked intimidated by my father like everyone else.

"Are you sure?" The question was directed at me.

"Yes, father, without any doubt," I said, at which my father gazed at Eugene with a frown. Eugene looked confused about what was happening, but he would know soon.

"I have made my decision!" I said.

"What decision?" Asked Eugene.

"He doesn't know?" My father frowned at me.

"Not yet, but he will know now!" I shrugged.

"What is it, princess?" Eugene asked now, looking apprehensive.

"I have good news for you," I said with a fake smile.

"What news?" He asked.

"I have chosen a suitor for me, the future king!" I said. He frowned at me, looking like a lost puppy.

"Oh.. congratulations!" He said, not knowing what to say.

"Won't you ask me whom I chose?" I asked him. He looked at me and then spoke.

"Who?" He asked. I looked at my father, who looked so disappointed in me, yet he didn't say anything more like he couldn't say anything.

"You, Prince Eugene. You are the lucky man whom I chose as my future husband. Isn't it great?" I asked with fake enthusiasm, and I saw the colour on his face drained. It's hard to gauge if he is shocked or happy.

"What? You didn't like it?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

"But... no... I mean.. we haven't talked about it and... you didn't ask me..." The poor guy was in shock.

"Oh, come on, it's a big opportunity for you. Don't you think?" I asked him as I leaned towards him. Once I was sure nobody could listen to us, I spoke again.

"I know how your father loathed you and your ways, I know you are third in line to the crown, so wouldn't it be a great opportunity to prove your father that you aren't worthless. I know you want that, don't you? Just think about it you will be a king! " I said. I know how his father doesn't like him and favours his older brother, who is next in line for the throne.

Eugene is just a disappointment in his father's eyes. For me, he is a perfect candidate who will always work under me, who won't meddle in my matters and would let me reign alone. I want someone like him who would only be my puppet. I know Eugene's every weakness, and I intend to benefit from it as much as I can.

"You...!" He seethed as he turned red.

"Oh, come on, it's a win-win situation!" I smirked.

"Leonora!" My father's voice boomed as I straightened and showed him a wide grin.

"Yes, father!" I asked meekly.

"I am asking you again, are you sure about it?" He asked me. I looked at Eugene, who looked like he was contemplating everything. He also knows what he should do but is just wasting my time.