The Forgotten Kingdom

Chapter 14: Tea Time

Eventually, Valor left his wife to prepare troops to be sent out before more festivities this afternoon. Brielle did not inquire as to what that all may entail. In reality, she did not want to think of her home country.

She did not want to think of her brother on the northern border, fighting for her country and possibly hurt, all while she sat in some kingdom, not affected at all.

What would the people say? Would they think she ran off as times were getting tough? That she is just a pawn in this game of war? Did they hate her?

Brielle contemplated while she brushed powder onto her cheeks, making them come alive with color. Today, she would forget about her old life for a little while anyway.

Once she was ready, she left her room. She eventually found her way into a sitting lounge. It had some ornate couches, a table with chairs, a fireplace, and a piano in one corner. She opted to sit on a day couch to look out the large windows.

She saw people preparing food and tea at tables outside. Soon guests would arrive, and she would make small talk with lords and ladies she did not care to know. Especially since last night she did not get the chance to meet anyone after the ceremony.

Her cheeks flushed as she was reminded of how all the guests today would know of her position last night. That they could easily infer her current state of decencey.

A knock sounded behind her. Brielle looked into the window and saw Denco in the reflection, leaning on the door frame.

She did not dare move, she only stared, awaiting his next move. He smiled like there was nothing out of the ordinary, "I did not imagine I had the power to make you blush this easily already, Your Highness."

Brielle frowned and turned in her seat to face him, "What reason do have to be in my presence? Does the Prince know?"

His eyes darkened, and Brielle saw somehing flash in his eyes. Not of anger, but of something else, "Remember what happened the last time you spoke of him?"

"You expect me to not speak of my husband?" Brielle sternly replied, while Denco took only a step towards her.

He stood looking out the window, like he was lost in thought, "No, but I did expect you to be less mouthy as a Princess."

Brielle stood, her chest rose with breath as she angrily responded, "That is no way to speak to me!"

Denco took a step closer. He was surprised when Brielle did not step back, she stood her ground. He approached her and tucked a loose hair behind her ear. He met her eyes, whispering, "You are quite a brave one. I am surprised you married him, I half expected you to throw yourself at me after I told you of his... reputation."

He took a step back to take her all in, her facial expression only slightly dropped, "Do women normally throw themselves at you? Is that why you believed me to be so easily swayed? I am not some hot headed brothel worker looking for the next readily availble item, Sir." She crossed her arms, awaiting his response.

He laughed and replied, "Well, I do not tend to have issues impressing women, if that is what you are asking. But I also do not have issues pleasing them either, if that is what you really mean."

Brielle scoffed, and sat in her chair, peering out the window to their right. When she did not reply, he continued, "I understand why you settled for the Prince. His repuation surpasses mine among the women of the kingdom."

Brielle sat angrily looking out the window. She opted to ignore him, so he may leave her alone. But instead he continued, "Women flock to him. They throw themselves at him. Rumors circulate the courts of women killing themselves after their night together. They feel so heart broken over never getting the chance to be with him again..."

Now Denco stood behind Brielle. He wtched her shoulders tense at his words. But she was so lost in her thoughts of jealousy and anxiety she did not notice Denco so near to her.

"I am not sure why he does that... I tried telling him for years that they could at least be played with more than one night." He began running his hand between her shoulder blades. He smiled to himself when he noticed her straighten up at his surprising touch.

He used his finger to make circles on her exposed skin, "But I suppose that is why he has the repuation he has. One minute he is sweeping someone off their feet, straight into bed with him. Next, they are left abandoned and alone."

He withdrew his hand and took some steps towards the door. If he could not win her by charm, then he would by fear. And she was repsonding just the way he hoped.

He smiled, though she did not look in his direction, "I came to let you know guests would be arriving soon, so you are needed in the gardens. See you soon." He then promptly turned and left, leaving Brielle upset and shocked by his accusations.

The Valor she knew would never do that. He was so kind to her, and made her feel cared for so quickly. Is that what he did with everyone else though? Is that what Denco meant by 'sweeping them of their feet, right into bed'?

What if Valor only acted this way so she would marry him? What is she was just another pawn in aother man's game.

She took a deep breath and rose to her feet. Peering out the window she saw Prince Valor begining to interact with guests in the garden. His Father sat across the way, talking with some men.

She felt anxiety rise in her. She put on a smile and made her way out of the lounge, down the stairs, and outside to the gardens.

She stepped out of the castle walls and made her way towards her Prince. His back was to her, but his conversation partners seemed to indicate Brielles arrival because he turned to see her.

He looked at his beautiful wife, wearing a pink dress with a little bow on the bodess. She looked of grace and kindness as she floated her way to them.

Others stared on, equally taken back by her beauty and her smile. She approached Valor, and took his hand when he reached it out for her, "My Darling, you are here just in time. This is Lord Bendser and his wife Lady Cathrine."

After taking her husband's hand, she smiled as the couple bowed before her, "It is wonderful to make your aquaintance." Brielle smiled while she spoke.

The man rose first, "The pleasure is ours, Your Highness." The man was tall, but shorter than Valor. He had blonde hair like Denco's, but was much rounder than him. Bendsor had small green eyes, and a booming laugh. His wife seemed extremely small compared to him.

She also had blonde hair. Her's was in short ringlets near her shoulders. She seemed much more quiet, compared to her partner. Brielle imagined their conversations to be entirely him speaking, while his wife only listened and hummed along.

Valor looked down at his wife, "The Coller's got married only last year. They had a beautiful wedding on the Southern Coast last year." He moved his hand to now hold her lower back.

"Oh congradulations! You seem like a wonderful couple." Brielle smiled, but she did not know what else to say. She feared she would have to lean on Valor for much of their interactions the rest of the day.

Hopefully she would meet a few more people and the day would be done. They would be one day closer to getting away from all of this. Just for a few days at least...