The next day, Valor awoke to his bride still long asleep with her back turned to him. He bestowed a quick kiss on her shoulder before rolling off the bed and making his way to the door.
He pulled on the rest of his clothes and quietly slipped out of the room- not before he stole another glance at Brielle.
He walked down a few halls of the castle. Lord, ladies, nobilities, and soldiers were still scattered around, seemingly in a deep sleep from the night before. Some stumbled about, but for the most part, the castle was very quiet.
Valor made his way to his father's chambers, smiling at the few passer-buyers who offered him congratulations. With a knock, he entered his father's room.
It would be a mess if the servants did not clean it daily. Even now, clothes were all over, and spilled drinks were left from the night before.
Valor found Romar spread in his bed, along with a woman probably half his age. The King slurred his speech while yelling profanities at a servant who quickly rushed past Valor.
He watched the small man leave and turned back to see his Father and the woman grossly cuddling. This was not unusual; his Father had someone new stay with him almost nightly. Valor was often baffled when he saw the same woman twice. With how his father treated them, it was a shock they did not escape the moment they had a chance.
"A married man enters thine chambers! To what do we owe the pleasure." The King slurred while the woman leaned into him, laughing harder than she should've.
Any smile he had reminiscing of his bride has faded. Valor felt annoyed over him, "We need to send the troops into the North border of Corsinian today. We do not have time to waste."
"Rosaline, what do you believe I should do? Save the Princess' people or take them as my own?" He looked down lovingly at the woman at his left. Valor rolled his eyes; there was no way she could fall for this.
His Father did not care for anyone, not even his family. This fleeting romance was just something the King did for the thrill of dangling someone over the cliff of longing. Soon, he would rip away his affections and send her away, heartbroken and sobbing.
"You deserve to rule the whole world!" The woman shrieked into the King. Valor huffed, awaiting an honest response from his father.
When it seemed he wouldn't offer one, the Prince grew more stern, "We must uphold our end of the deal. After that, you may choose your next course of action."
The Prince turned and left the room, the couple barely noticing his absence. He made his way back down the hall, running into Denco and Nelsi, who were quietly speaking.
As Valor approached, they turned and faced him, "Send the prepared fleet to Corsinian's North border. Send word to Claudius and let him know they should be there by next nightfall."
"Are you sure you want to do that? The King seemed—" Denco began but was abruptly cut off by the Prince, "Do not question your superiors. You, of all people, should understand that."
Denco quickly grew quiet. They all knew the Prince was referring to Denco's mistreatment of the Nelsi. He knew to hit him where it hurt to get him under control.
"Nelsi, secure Havensoge's Eastern borders. We do not need them getting any ideas." With the prince's last command, the two men agreed and left quickly.
The Prince rubbed his eyes and began his way back to his Bride. He still felt anger pumping through him. Just seeing Denco made him furious.
Before entering, he turned to a guard standing watch outside the room, "Do not let anyone enter under any circumstances." Not awaiting a response, he entered the room and found his Bride asleep.
He sat next to her on the bed and carefully pulled her into his chest. She woke to her husband stroking her hair and kissing her head.
"You seem to have gotten good rest, my love." He looked at Brielle, who was trying to wake up. Her eyes felt heavy, so she let them hang closed a little longer.
"I have, my Lord." Brielle smiled into his chest as he held her tightly. He stirred a little, smelling the sweetness of his bride's hair.
"More festivities will take place this afternoon. We unfortunately must attend. But I think that may be all we must endure."
He continued playing with her hair as she sat up to look at him, "All for today, you mean?"
Valor laughed, putting a strand of hair behind her left ear, "What I mean is, I believe we may have the chance to sneak away from the enduring parties."
Brielle's eyes widened, hoping for more good news. He continued, "I have inquired about a castle in south Havensoge. It seems readily available for a newlywed couple."
Brielle hugged the man holding her. "My Lord, that sounds amazing! Will we be alone?"
"Well, we will have some servants present, but no one will impact our stay." He noticed Brielle's face fall a little at his words.
"Why do you have this face on, Your Highness?" He looked at his bride inquisitively, awaiting an answer.
She did not look up at him when she answered, "Well, what if we were alone-alone? Only you and I..."
The Prince smiled while she spoke, and before she could finish, he rolled her over. Now, he was resting on his elbows, fully on top of her.
Brielle's cheeks flushed red from the surprise, and her husband replied, "Now, why would you desire that, Princess?"
She smiled slightly and tried to look anywhere but his intensely staring eyes. "I-I just..." No words came to her mind.
In fact, she had no answer at all. Was it too ridiculous to say that she desired his full attention? Was it rigorously inappropriate to assume He would wish her back?
Brielle began to ponder Denco's words. His intense accusations of her husband. Could he have been looking out for her the whole time?
Valor saw Brielle begin to breathe shallower and grabbed her chin. Steadying her, he chimed in, "Whoa there, Princess. No need to get this flustered over your husband... breathe, darling." She took a breath and regained her focus on the present.
"Despite wherever your little mind is running through... I must inform you that we may not be entirely alone." He slightly shifted and continued, "Some soldiers must be present for your safety."
Brielle gave a reassuring nod, and Valor continued, "But... if you truly desire no help accommodate us, then so be it."
Valor smiled as Brielle lunged up to hug his neck tightly, "Oh, Valor, thank you!"
"Whoa Princess... some may get the idea you realy love your husband." He laughed and she pouted below him.
"Do not get ny funny ideas, my Lord." They laughed and embraced one another, completely satisfied.
YOU ARE READING
The Forgotten Kingdom
RomanceThis book tells the story of a Kingdom in a far-away land and in a far-away time. Corsinian was small Kingdom being threatned by the North. Princess Brielle had entered into a war or lust and logic, of heart and head, of love and duty. Her people w...