BOUND BY ROYALTY

CHAPTER 4

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The morning light filtered through the drapes, forcing me awake earlier than I would have liked. As I opened my eyes to the unfamiliar room, the reality of my situation settled in. I was in the palace, and I had gotten married yesterday. The weight of it all fell heavily on my chest as I stared at the ceiling, dreading the eerie, awkward tension that would soon fill the air between Aleron and me. I reluctantly lifted myself from the bed, glancing toward the sitting area where I expected Aleron to be. Thankfully, he was nowhere to be found. I breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that my morning hadn't been spoiled immediately upon waking.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.
"Yes, come in," I called out.

The door opened to reveal Lord Eldric, his presence an unwelcome surprise. What business did he have here so early in the morning?

"Good morning, Your Highness. I trust you slept well?" he asked politely, but I could tell he wasn't expecting an answer.

I didn't bother lying. My lips remained pressed into a thin line, and I offered no response. The truth was, I hadn't slept well at all. How could I, in a strange bed, in a strange place, bound to a man I barely knew?

Sensing my reluctance to engage, Lord Eldric continued, "The King and Queen request your presence downstairs to join them for breakfast. Your husband, Prince Aleron, is already there, and your attendance is required. A bath has been drawn for you, and the maids will be arranging your clothing shortly."

I sighed, the thought of dining with my new in-laws only adding to the discomfort of the day. "I have a request," I said flatly, my eyes drifting toward the window.

Lord Eldric shifted slightly, unsure of where I was going with this. "Of course, Your Highness. Anything I can assist with?"

"I want Ben brought to the palace. He's the only one I trust," I stated firmly, still gazing out at the sprawling gardens beyond the glass. Ben had been with me for as long as I could remember, my loyal butler and confidant. I needed him here if I was to endure this life.

Lord Eldric hesitated. "If it's about your former butler, I will inform Prince Aleron and await his decision on the matter."

Anger flared inside me at his words. So now I needed Aleron's permission to bring Ben into the palace? I clenched my fists, my voice rising as I spat, "What do you mean, you need the Prince's permission? I am his husband, and I have authority here too. Aleron doesn't control every aspect of my life! Just because we're married doesn't mean he gets to dictate everything I do!"

My chest heaved with frustration, though I knew Lord Eldric was simply carrying out his duties. Still, the idea of needing Aleron's approval for something so personal ignited a deep resentment within me.

"I want Ben here in the next few hours, and that's final," I commanded, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Lord Eldric shifted uncomfortably. "But, Your Highness..."

I cut him off sharply. "No buts. Are you planning on defying me, Lord Eldric?" I asked, my eyes narrowing as I fixed him with a hard stare.

"No, Your Highness," he bowed his head before retreating from the room.

As the door closed behind him, I stood and moved toward the window, staring out at the magnificent palace grounds. It was a beautiful place, undeniably so, but it felt like a gilded cage. After a moment of quiet contemplation, I made my way to the washroom. The maids were already outside, clattering about as they arranged my belongings. I ignored them, slipping into the bath, letting the warm water soothe my frustrations. The thought of dining with my new "family" did little to improve my mood. Sarcasm dripped from my thoughts as I wondered what delightful conversations awaited me at breakfast.