𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕

CHAPTER 9

Lucidia opens her mouth to speak, ready to protest, but her father grabs her, holding her back.

"Silence!" he hisses, "It is the King's decision, you will obey."

Lady Lucidia's face contorts with anger, but she keeps quiet, her eyes shooting daggers.

The King turns his attention to you, his voice a little softer than before. "And you, Princess Genevieve, do you stand by this decision? By marrying my son?"

You take a step forward, your voice confident as you reply.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I stand by this decision. I love your son, and I wish to spend the rest of my life with him. I will make sure my parents, the King and Queen of Solaria, will be notified of this union."

The King nods, his expression still stern, but a slight upturn of the corner of his mouth indicates that he is somewhat pleased.

The Queen, on the other hand, looks more than pleased. She has a small smile on her face as she glances at you and Prince Eris.

"Then it is settled," the King says, his voice final. "The Princess of Solaria and Prince of Arkann will wed. Let it be known throughout both Kingdoms."

You turn, looking over at Prince Eris. His face is a mixture of relief, nervousness, and excitement. He gives you a small smile, his eyes shining with something you recognize in your own heart, love.

Lady Lucidia looks at you, her eyes burning with anger. It's clear she's furious at the turn of events. Her hands ball into fists and she glares at you and Prince Eris, her expression filled with loathing.

The atmosphere is still tense, the guests all whisperings amongst themselves as they try to make sense of what has just happened. You and Prince Eris sit back down to continue the birthday dinner.

Eventually the waiters come over to clear the plates, a signal that it's time for the dessert portion of the meal.

Lady Lucidia sits back down heavily, her face a furious shade of red.

The waiters bring out various desserts, the smell of sweet pastries and cakes filling the room. The King and Queen talk quietly amongst themselves, their eyes occasionally flitting towards you and Prince Eris.

The guests pick at their desserts quietly, still throwing glances at you and Prince Eris, unable to help themselves.

Lady Lucidia's stare is especially intense, her eyes practically boring a hole into you.

The room is filled with the sound of cutlery on plates and the quiet murmur of conversation. However, it is strained and uneasy, the tension in the air palpable.

The meal finally comes to an end after what feels like an eternity of tension and whispers. The King and Queen excuse themselves, nodding to the guests as they leave the room. The guests all rise, one by one, bowing and curtsying to the King and Queen as they make their way out.

Lucidia looks as if she's about to explode, her eyes fixed on you and Prince Eris with anger and hatred.

You find yourself standing in the now almost empty dining room, the only ones left are Prince Eris, Lady Lucidia, her father, Lord Ferin, and yourself.

The air is still thick with tension, Lord Ferin and Lucidia staring daggers at you and Prince Eris.

Lucidia steps forward, her voice filled with anger and hatred.

"How dare you." she hisses, her eyes narrowing. "How dare you come here and ruin everything?? I was promised a future with Prince Eris, and you come and take it all away!"