The Curse of the Goblin Prince

Chapter Two A Promise

     

Dahlia cautiously approached her father. He was kind and good-tempered but had little patience for her shenanigans in public places. Especially when he had already warned her to be on her best behavior and not do anything to embarrass their family. After all, they were away from home and in a foreign kingdom.

She squeezed her pointer finger as she inched closer. She hoped no one could tell since it looked like she had her hands resting in front of her. She could hear her father's voice. What was he saying about her?

"Dahlia is a good girl. Very well behaved. You won't have to worry, with her even temperament. She will be a great companion for your son."

Her small presence was noticed. "Ah! This must be her now! Come here, child." The Lorcan King beckoned. A toothy grin peeked out from behind his bearded face. He seemed friendly as he smiled at her, but his green eyes looked tired and sad. As if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Greet King Lorcan, Dahlia." Her father commanded.

She curtsied and bowed her head low. Her soft red curls fell over her shoulders. "Long life and health to you, good King Lorcan. I am honored to be in your presence, your majesty. My name is Dahlia Yarrow Thorn, princess of the Azalea Kingdom. It is great to make your acquaintance." She squeezed her eyes shut. Hoping she said it right.

"What a bright young lady you have raised, Eden." The king laughed. "She will be perfect for Galen. I anticipate that she will fit in nicely here."

She jerked her head up. What did he mean by that? Were they staying here longer?

Her father joined in laughing. She looked towards him; curiosity beaming in her eyes. If they stayed longer, she could sneak up the stairs and see...

"Dahlia. Did you hear what I said?" Her father interrupted her train of thought. His brow was raised, warning her to mind herself.

"Yes, Father." She smiled.

King Lorcan clapped his hands. "Excellent. Then we will have a room prepared for her immediately."
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Later that evening, King Thorn pulled Dahlia aside. A stern look on his face. "I know that you were off in your own little world earlier and didn't hear a thing that we were talking about."

He knelt down and looked his daughter in the eyes. "Dahlia, my darling, it is imperative that you stay alert. Especially now, when I will not be here to protect you."

"What do you mean? You won't be here? I thought we were staying here together." Tears brimmed her bright blue eyes.

He sighed and slowly shook his head. "I will send for you when it is time for you to come home. In the meantime, you will spend your days here with the young prince."

He wiped the tears that began to fall. "Don't be sad, my Dahl. Prince Galen will be a great companion for you."

He patted her head and gave her a sad smile. "Be brave, Dahlia. Remember that you are Azalea's princess. As such you are an ambassador for all your people."

She sniffled and dried her eyes,as she nodded.

He stood tall and squared his shoulders. "Write to me. You know how lonely it will be in the palace without you. Who will be there to keep the guards on their toes?" He tapped his chin as he thought.

Dahlia smiled sweetly and hugged her father tightly. "I will write you every day." She pulled back and held her hands behind her back. A glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, Father. I promise to be on my best behavior."

She turned to walk away. "And you can inform the guards that I will be extra mischievous when I get home!"

He chuckled and shook his head. "I don't pity the guards one bit."
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All the confidence that she had shown to her father melted the moment he left. The beauty and wonder of the castle faded away into the darkness as an eeriness settled around her.

The dim glow of the candles made the stone walls feel cold and unwelcoming. She realized that she was truly alone in a strange country.

The Lorcan king had assigned a nursemaid to her. She felt that she was too old for a nursemaid, but decided that it would be in her best interest to not dispute the matter. After all, she knew nothing of this kingdom's customs and she had promised to behave.

Moonlight pooled into the room from the tall windows. She sat with her knees to her chest in the shadows on an unfamiliar chair, in what was to be her room for the time being.

Her thoughts drifted to the figure in the shadows on the stairs. Why wasn't he allowed to go to the party? Did he do something to get into trouble?

She would have to seek him out tomorrow. For tonight sleep was catching up with her. All the excitement and worry from her day was starting to take its toll on her. Dahlia struggled to keep her eyes open. Crimson eyes were all she could think about as she drifted off to sleep.

"Your Highness! You mustn't sleep here. If the king were to learn of this, he would be angry." Her nursemaid Clover helped Dahlia to her feet. "Come now. The king expects you at breakfast."

The clothing and hairstyles of the Lorcan Kingdom were very different from what she was accustomed to. The dresses were laced tightly together and layered instead of loose and flowing.

Her hair was brushed and tightly braided, then wrapped around her head with ribbons woven through and tied into a bow at the nape of her neck. Everything was too tight. Her hair was giving her a headache and her dress was making it hard to breathe. "How am I going to survive this?" She looked in the mirror and frowned. She was used to her long curls framing her face. It felt weird not having her hair down. Her shoulders felt cold and empty. She forced herself to smile. I promised father. I can do this.

She walked stiffly out of the room and followed her nursemaid down the hall. Her stomach was in knots. She wasn't looking forward to breakfast with the king.
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In the dining hall, King Lorcan sat at the head of the table. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Galen's head nurse. Two hard knocks on the door let him know that she had arrived. He chuckled to himself as he shook his head. "She hasn't changed in all these years." Then he bellowed. "Enter!"

In walked a stern-looking woman with a scowl permanently fixed on her face. Her dark brown hair was pulled back tightly into a braided bun that sat high on her head.

"Dame Zella! How is Galen faring this morning? Please tell me there is good news."

"I am very sorry to disappoint you Sire, but he is not well. He is in great need of another treatment Your Majesty."

"So soon?" He furrowed his brows and laced his fingers together, resting his elbows on the table. "Didn't he have one less than one month ago?"

"It seems that his condition is progressing quicker these days."
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Dahlia waited nervously outside of the door to be announced. Anticipation grew as she waited. She knew that she would not be able to be as lax on her manners here and hoped that she wouldn't do anything to embarrass herself again. Being caught sleeping in a chair by Clover this morning was enough for one day.

"Enter!" A voice called from inside the room.

It's okay. I can do this. She took a cleansing breath to steady herself and stepped forward.