Hosie~ One Shots

Forbidden Love

In a realm where two powerful royal families, the Mikaelsons and the Saltzmans, harbored a deep-seated animosity, Hope and Josie's love blossomed in secret. Their families' enmity, stemming from ancient feuds and rivalries, forbade them from ever being together. Yet, their hearts were irreversibly intertwined, each finding solace and passion in the other's presence.

Josie's father, King Alaric, unaware of her secret love, hosted a grand ball at their estate with the intention of finding a suitable partner for his daughter. The grand halls of the Saltzman estate were adorned with opulent decorations, and the evening was alive with the sound of music and the laughter of nobility. Josie, however, was indifferent to the parade of admirers seeking her hand. Her heart belonged solely to Hope.

As the evening progressed, Josie deftly dismissed suitor after suitor, much to her father's growing frustration. Then, as she sat on her throne, a masked man approached and bowed deeply.

"Your Highness, may I have this dance?" he asked, his voice resonating with a familiarity that tugged at Josie's heart.

Josie looked into his eyes and felt a profound sense of security and trust. She took his hand, and together they moved to the center of the dance floor. As they bowed and began to dance, Josie couldn't shake the feeling that she knew him.

"You look wonderful tonight, Your Highness," the man said softly.

"Thank you. But I must warn you, you're wasting your time with me. I have no intention of getting married," Josie replied, her tone carrying a hint of melancholy.

"Oh, is that so?" he responded, intrigued.

"Yes. I only intend to marry someone I truly love. Marriage shouldn't be forced. A perfect marriage is built on love, trust, and loyalty."

"I agree with you, Your Highness. If you don't mind me asking, do you already have someone you wish to spend eternity with?"

Josie hesitated, then whispered, "Yes, there is someone I love more than anything. I would do anything for her, even give up my place on the throne, but we are not allowed to love each other."

"Why is that, if I may ask?"

Josie sighed deeply. "Our families are enemies and have been for many years. We've been forbidden from seeing each other. She, too, is being forced to marry someone she doesn't love. I wish she were here, so I could tell her that everything will be okay and how much I want to hold her in my arms and tell her I love her."

The man smiled gently. "I love you too, my love."

Josie looked up, her eyes widening in shock. "What?"

"It's me, love. I'm sorry for showing up like this, but I had to see you without the guards stopping me. That's why I cast a spell."

"You did all of this for me?" Josie asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Of course I did, my love. I would do anything for you. I love you."

"I love you too," Josie whispered before pulling Hope into a passionate kiss.

As they kissed, Josie's father approached them, a rare smile on his face. "Finally. You've made your decision. I am so happy for you."

Josie turned to her father, then back to Hope. "Yes, I've decided. I want to marry you and only you," she said, caressing Hope's cheek.

Hope smiled but then took Josie's hand gently. "Your wish is my command. But first, I have something to confess."

Hope faced Alaric, her expression earnest. "I have something to confess to you, Your Highness. I am not who I pretend to be."

Alaric's expression shifted to confusion. Hope slowly removed her mask, revealing her true identity.

Gasps of shock echoed through the hall. Alaric's face twisted in anger. "You! How dare you show up here. Haven't I forbidden you and your family from even setting foot in my kingdom?"

"Your Highness, please—"

"Guards! Seize her!" Alaric commanded.

The guards grabbed Hope's arms, but Josie intervened. "Father, you can't do this."

"Why shouldn't I, Josie? Their family has been our mortal enemy for generations! How can you get involved with a Mikaelson? Haven't I taught you to act sensibly?"

"Because I love her, Father. I have always loved only her, since the first moment I met her. Her family is not as horrible as you have always taught me. They are kind-hearted people who deserve a chance at forgiveness. We have to let bygones be bygones and look to the future. What happened in the past is not our fault. We deserve to be happy, just like Mother taught me. She always wanted me to find my true love and live happily with her. And that's exactly what I want with Hope. She is my true love, and I won't let you tear us apart."

Alaric took in his daughter's heartfelt words, his stern expression softening. He glanced between Josie and Hope and saw the undeniable bond of love between them, reminiscent of the love he once shared with Josie's mother.

With a deep sigh, Alaric stepped forward.
"You're right. We must let the past rest. It no longer holds any influence over us. You deserve to be happy. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to see this."

He turned to the guards, ordering them to release Hope. Then, he faced her, his demeanor contrite. "I apologize for my behavior. I was merely protecting my daughter. I hope you understand. You may marry my daughter. I won't stand in the way of your happiness."

Hope smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Your Highness. I understand why you did what you did."

She turned to Josie, who approached with a radiant smile. They embraced, sealing their love with a kiss. Josie pulled away first, looking into Hope's eyes with determination.

"Let's get married," she said.

In that moment, under the watchful eyes of nobility and family, Hope and Josie's love triumphed over centuries of hatred and rivalry. Their union became a symbol of forgiveness and a new beginning for both their families.