IV. The Impact of Her

~ Nineteen ~

I was stunned.

Overwhelmed with what I just heard, I slowly rested my arms on my knees and stared at the floor.

"This was not something that I am in favour of. However, the princess has decided fiercely on this matter. I couldn't do anything to persuade her," Queen Marta explained.

"Did the princess provide any explanation as to why she did that?" Mother asked.

"According to my daughter, she said she isn't ready for married life just yet. After some time spent away from court, she said she needs more time to discover herself," Queen Marta replied. She then remarked, "This is why I never wanted her to go on this retreat. I had a feeling that this would happen."

My stare never left the carpeted floor. So many emotions rushed within me. From absolute confusion to unfathomable happiness, my calm exterior got harder to contain.

The wedding was postponed. That was a good sign!

Princess Lorain was still uncertain about our upcoming union. I was given a higher possibility to be with Laura. I should be rejoicing.

However, I couldn't help but wonder why the princess would make such a brash decision.

Throughout our constant exchange of letters, I never gave any implications that I wanted to delay our marriage. I was even eager to meet her as she has become my friend.

Have I said anything or done something that offended her? Has Princess Lorain seen through my disguise?

My overwhelming thoughts were interrupted when James called for my attention.

"You have been awfully quiet," James remarked as I turned to him.

I cleared my throat as I leaned back on my chair. "I was trying to process the news that Queen Marta brought."

"I understand if you are upset right now, Your Highness," Queen Marta entered the conversation, which made me turn to her. She continued, "I am terribly sorry for my daughter's unstable mind. I know you were looking forward to meeting her. But I'm also surprised that she never mentioned anything to you."

"She has yet to reply to my recent letter. She is probably being distant to focus on her journey to self-discovery," I answered. I didn't want to paint Princess Lorain a bad image. Her mother was already frustrated with her. If the princess still wished to have me as her husband, I should defend her in any way that I could.

Queen Marta shook her head as she grew even more infuriated. "I cannot believe that she would do this to me," she continued with her rant, "I have given her enough time to prepare herself. And she gave me this problem?! Something that I have to worry about?!" she exclaimed when the matter finally caught up to her.

"We can have someone fetch for her from her retreat," James said. "I will be more than willing to offer help."

"As much as I want to do that, I cannot," Queen Marta said as she reached her cup of tea. She continued, "When she decided on this retreat, she never told me where. She said she doesn't want to be found by anyone, especially by us."

Queen Marta added, "And I was too foolish to agree!"

"Your Majesty, if I may?" I interrupted. Queen Marta turned to me and continued, "With all honesty, I was taken aback by this news. Like what I said before, I really want to meet her. I was looking forward to getting to know her when we visited your kingdom.

"However, as her fiance and future husband," I added, "I must be accepting and understanding of her decision. Should the princess write to me again, I will discuss this with her."