The Broken Princess

28

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Xavier

Realization laced my thoughts. Adelaide Elhera knew nothing of this treaty. It was clear from the vulnerability she showed when asking to see it from the absolute shock that dripped from her features when seeing the collateral.

It was wholly unfair to put her as the collateral and it was a shock for me as well when it was first proposed to me by my father. I would have never accepted it if things weren't getting so out of hand.

The counselors shot out of their seats, all shouting their opinions and concerns at my father as I sat there and rubbed my forehead. I stay out of keeping counsel in order while I can and let Father regain control over them.

"But my king, it simply has no bas–"

"I would advise you to let me finish before making your statements." Father's resounding command left no room for arguments and they remained silent as he explained his idea. "There is no question that this could be a trap, a way for them to gain leverage, especially with the terms so heavily benefitting us. We gain land, a talented bride, and soldiers for the so many we have lost. But also there is something I have yet to share with you."

Almost every point was clear to me. We were gaining so much while they were losing so much, it was too obvious that King Azaiah was desperate. But something tells me he would never show that desperation so openly. It had to be some ploy and the tyrant must have thought us hardheaded idiots if he didn't believe we would notice.

But two things stuck out. Talented bride. What talent? Heartlessness? Being the epitome of disgusting. I had heard many things about the Princess of Maldon and nowhere did the word, talent come up.

I fought the urge to crumple this farce of a treaty proposal and launch it into the first bin I saw...until I saw it. The collateral.

Sick disgrace of a father to put his daughter and advisor as collateral. A woman he is supposed to protect. I sneered at the clause and felt a stronger urge to light the page on fire. Why would a man sacrifice someone as important as his closest advisor, let alone his daughter?

The rumors of Azaiah and the Kingdom of Maldon being stuck in its sexist ways must be true.

Either way, it doesn't matter to me, she is the tyrant's closest advisor and collaborator in preying on innocent citizens and extending this pointless war.

"...attacks on the Craft and Elements Academy of Excellence and Portias Pixie learning academy."

I caught only the last of what Father was saying and immediately my head shot up. There were a majority of children at magic academies and my stomach sank at what Father's words must mean.

"Ill do it." The words left my mouth confidently when really disgust rolled through me at the thought, "I will marry her and sign the treaty."

Chaos erupted in counsel.

My rash decision was the only that save us from magic being completely wiped out from the new generation, it gave us leverage, it gave us a way to strengthen our Kingdom. I will never regret that despite the torture of having to live with someone who I despise. Someone who is comfortable with attacking children. Babies.

Unless she wasnt part of that decision. My brain screamed at me and I ignored those words, too exhausted by this confusing day.

I rubbed the tension from my forehead and scanned the treaty once more before going over the schematics for our new land. It was time to go home.

--

Adelaide

My heart stopped. I was sure of it. While I sat on the filthy floor near my toilet, hurling my insides out from every emotion swirling through me, the preparations were made.

"Your Highness?" Bas was really starting to get on my nerves.

"When are we leaving?"

"At first light. You must come to the Prince's chambers."

"No, thank you." Over my dead body was I going to look at the face of such a disgusting human let alone sleep in the same room as him.

Before he could say another word, I shut the door and rubbed my forehead.

I had so many decisions to make and not one clue on where to start. Fathers threat. The treaty.

Could I sacrifice my life to help my father with his traitorous plan? I had Queen Helena and Sabrina to think about. Could I call his bluff? Did I even care about Queen Helena anymore? She surely knew about this treaty...

And it wasn't as if I could trust Xavier either. Not when he agreed to me being the collateral, whether or not it was his idea. Not when he is the enemy.