Caged Heart

Chapter 4

The next morning, Serenity woke up without protest much to her servants' surprise. Never before had the princess been so eager to get out of bed. They both chose not to say a word about it, fearing that this new determination she had found would spark out.

"Are my parents in the dining hall?" She asked as they finished plaiting her hair, looking at each of them in the mirror.

"Yes, your highness," the scarred servant said with a bow, "they are joined by your betrothed, the prince, and the princess."

Serenity stood and thanked them with a nod of her head, walking out of her room to go to the dining hall. Confidence was oozing out of her as she walked, her head held high and her back straight. This time, she didn't hesitate before entering the room, guards opening the doors for her as she approached. She calmly took her seat at the table, acknowledging her parents' greeting with a nod of her head. It was only after her plate had been placed in front of her that she spoke.

"Yesterday morning," Serenity looked up at her mother and father, "was nothing short of a reaction caused by surprise."

"We know," Queen Violette said, "but what happened was inexcusable. All of you, except for Prince Godric, acted like fools in the war room—in front of our nobles no less. We expected resistance, of course, but we did not expect a prince that is not from this kingdom to be more composed than the rest of you."

"Then what did you expect?" Genevieve spoke, even though her sister was giving her a look to keep her mouth shut.

King Darius looked at his daughter, sympathy in them, "My daughter, your mother and I know that this is a large request, but it has to be done. The terms King Emerson drafted were good on their own, but they only came from his hand. We needed something that was completely and utterly ours."

Caleb, who had been quiet throughout the entire exchange, scoffed, looking at his father with a glare. He said nothing, putting everyone at the table on edge.

"So, you decided that the best thing to put on the table would be—"

The queen interrupted Genevieve, "Enough. There will be no more discussion of this. It has been decided and will be carried out with no more complaints."

Serenity cleared her throat, "One more inquiry, if I may. When exactly is this wedding happening? Godric and I are to be married in merely two days' time."

Her parents shared a look, Darius being the one to speak, "He will arrive tomorrow. Your wedding will go as planned, there's nothing to worry about, my dear."

The eldest princess felt her mouth go dry. Nodding, she reached for her glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. She couldn't help the feeling of dread that took over her; although, she didn't know why she felt that way. She wasn't against the idea of marrying Godric anymore, so why did she still feel this way? Stealing a glance at her betrothed, she saw that he was busy cutting the pancake on his plate into tiny triangles, a small smile adorning his face.

Godric was perfect—almost annoyingly so—so why did she still not feel satisfied?

During the rest of breakfast, the family ate in silence. Serenity tried eating, but she became too distracted by watching the others. Genevieve's mind was turning, most likely thinking of a way she could get out of the situation she was in, Godric was quiet and trying to ignore the awkwardness, her father was carrying a conversation with her mother as they occasionally fed one another, and Caleb hadn't touched his food, still glaring daggers at the king.