Several weeks had passed, and a total number of five bombings had occurred at the kingdom's major mining sites. An uproar arose from the people of Pristellia, stating their distress due to the gradual increase in the number of terrorists' attacks.
And while the King got busy with the warheads, finding a means to tackle the problem, Aria took it upon herself to unearth the hidden bases of the Hyrians as she believed that they were now fully concentrated in areas that weren't within their reach.
On a bright sunny day, in the royal office of the Princess of Pristellia, Aria sat behind a large desk,all kinds of parchment and documents were scattered on the surface. The Duke of Ercyx and the Viscountess of Suez sat across from her as they patiently waited till she was done with her writing.
Aria had been avoiding them for a while now. She knew that the Duke had a lot he had wanted to say concerning the impending crisis and the Viscountess had only come to Pristellia,seeking favors from the royal family.
The Princess's lady-in-waiting stood beside her,carefully putting the already signed parchments in order. And as Aria was done,she sighed as she puts her quill into an ink bottle. She rolls the parchment,she then gives it to her lady-in-waiting who curtsied after receiving it.
Aria's eyes curved as she smiled at the Duke and Viscountess. It wasn't a genuine smile. Deep down,she wanted to scream out the frustration,anxiety and tiredness that were gradually taking a toll on her mental and physical health.
"So... what can I do for you, Lord Valcan and Lady Macy?" She asked them.
Lord Valcan cleared his throat as he shifted nervously in his armchair. In Pristellia,the Princess's position was deemed equal to the King's. She could perform several royal duties and take on the role of a ruling monarch should the King be bedridden or handicapped.
Even though she was young,she took part in the political and economical affairs of the kingdom. It was so because many believed that she was the chosen one,the divine being gifted to Pristellia by the gods. And for that reason,she was adored and respected by all.
"Your Highness," The Duke leaned forward,intertwining his fingers as he rests his forearms on the table. "As regards our previous discussion, the men we hired to work as our informants, they have been clamoring for the money that was promised to be paid to them." The Duke said.
"I know. I have read their letters,and I acknowledge their hard work. Certainly,I intend to pay them soon."
"How soon?" The Duke inquired.
"Soon,Lord Valcan. My birthday ball is tomorrow,and after that,they will all receive their payments." Aria said.
"You are so worthy,Your Highness." Lady Macy praised,her eyes curving as she smiled.
"I have spoken to my father concerning the matter you had tabled to me. And of course,the treasury department will release the funds you requested for." Aria said.
"Thank you,Your Highness." Lady Macy shortly bowed her head to her.
"Your Highness," Aria shifted her attention to the Duke. "Would it be fair if I asked if you are considering marrying the Crown Prince?" The Princess's lady-in-waiting immediately paused on what she was doing, and she looked at the Princess.
"I may have pretended to like the idea of uniting with Venada via conjugality with His Royal Highness,Crown Prince Marcus. But then, I have already discovered some loopholes." The Duke said.
"Which is?" Aria questioned with a firm voice. Her lady-in-waiting resumed what she was doing in a rather slow manner as she awaited the Duke's response.
YOU ARE READING
The Distance Between Us
Romance"Aria..." the Sultan called. "Will it not be better if I get to marry you instead of the Prince?" I had never thought that I would one day be standing in front of this man again. His beautiful, captivating eyes which would stare at me with passion h...
