Not your Romeo and Juliet

n i n e

"Why did you exile Romeo?" I ask the Prince as soon as we get a privacy.

"He killed your brother. Aren't you glad I exiled him and not killed him?" He answers raising both of his brows.

"He's my husband!"

"Exactly! It's good that I exiled him. Atleast now he won't be able to visit you and thus we can reduce suspicions."

"But I didn't get a chance to explain it to him!"

"The coronation is in a week. He'll be invited as he belongs to the most noble house. Once I receive the stone, you may explain." He replies.

"A week! That's too long. Can't you prepone it to a few days."

"Unfortunately, my lady, I am not incharge of that yet. My father has decided the schedule."

"Alright. I believe we shouldn't be absent for our own reception." I sigh.

"We surely shouldn't."

The entire night is celebrated with dances and songs and stories. Few royals from outside the city make their appearance for the wedding and wish us a better future.

Once we are allowed to retreat to our chambers, I relax on the bed.

"You may sleep her, Lady Juliet. I'll be in the surrounding chambers." Prince Esculas says.

"Wouldn't it be suspicious if we sleep separately?" I ask him.

"I'm a Prince, and no one can go against me. Also, our marriage is done for political purposes, so people will not accuse our aloof behaviour."

"Agreed." I press my lips together. "Thank you for the night, your highness."

"May I ask why?"

"You did not kiss me and kept my virtue. I thank you for your generosity." I bow slowly.

"Thank you for accepting the deal. I'll talk with my father to prepone the coronation, you worry not. Have a good rest." He leaves the rooms having said his part.

I relax into the night.

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I haven't heard any news from Romeo. That was until I bumped into Friar Laurence midway down the hall.

"Lady Juliet" He bows slightly.

"You know I'm not a Princess yet. You don't have to act." I whisper in his ears motioning him to stand.

"Have you heard from Romeo?" I ask him in a low voice .

"Benvolio is on his way. He left just after your wedding. He had to wait for the completion of official work regarding the wedding." Friar Laurence answers.

"Will he be here before the coronation?" I ask yet again.

"Supposedly. It'll take him four days to carry this message forward to him. He will have disguise himself and sneak into one of the ships. Nobody should notice his absence. He'll also complete some work on the way. We need to be patient." He smiles at me.

"But we don't have time. If I don't get to explain him the deal, he'll misunderstand." I say seriously.

"Isn't your love strong?" He raises his brow.

That's correct. It is strong. And I wish Romeo remains strong too.

"When is the coronation then?" Friar asks me.

"Within three days." A voice comes from behind me. I turn to find Prince Esculas smiling at me.

"Your highness." Friar bows. I do a small bow aswell.

"Can you leave me and my wife to talk alone for a moment?" The prince asks him.

"As your wish, your highness." Friar exits the hallway leaving us behind.

"My wife ? He knows about our fake marriage." I give out a small laugh.

"How many have you told?!" His eyes widen.

"Just Benvolio and Friar Laurence. They are my only ways to connect with Romeo. "

"I hope you are telling the truth. Anyways, the King of Iran will be arriving the day after tomorrow. He couldn't make it to the wedding. I hope you'll act well, Lady Juliet."

"Yes, your highness. Pardon me, but what exactly is the spiritual stone?" I ask the prince.

"It's an ancient stone of the South Asian countries. The stories say that there are 5 such stones in the world, and to maintain the balance, we need to keep them at their respective origin, to a rightful king of each direction. We only have three continents so far. I wonder why there are five of those stones." He rubs his chin.

"There might be more beyond our knowledge." I try to end his muse. "Mind continuing?"

"Oh yes. After proving our capability of handling the East well, the King of Iran has nominated our Verona as one of the places to place the stone. With the stone, our land will be invincible. The kings thereafter will have immense power. But if it reaches wrong hands, we are doomed." His brows crease.

"How so? What can a stone do?"

"It can manipulate minds. It can give powers, not only to the royal family, but anybody who wishes to gain that power. This has to be kept a secret. So that people don't try to steal it." The prince finishes.

"I see. Thank you for confining in me. I'll ensure to keep your trust." I bow.

"I expect that. You are dismissed." He announces.

The stone can manipulate people. It can convince our marriage to our families. It can end years of hatred trapped in the hearts of the Montagues and the Capulets.