The Blood Prince

030

The table was quiet, aside from the sound of silver on porcelain as we ate.

I look up at my father who was glaring at Xavier with a vengeance.

I clear my throat, directing his attention to me.

"Father, Xavier wants to help restore some of the land in Evandor. For the townsfolk."I say, causing my mother to look up from her plate.

"..how could he possibly do that. The soil is toxic, only thing it grows is disease."My father says.

Xavier looks over at my father, unamused.

"Magic, your highness."he says.

"Psh."my mother says, rolling her eyes.

"Mother."I say.

"Why help them? The savages."she says, picking at her plate.

Xavier looks at me with an expression that said "oh, I see what you mean now."

"Mother, without the townsfolk what would you guys be the ruler of? Land? Who will work the mines to find your jewels? Who will work the fields to gather your dinner?"I ask.

She rolls her eyes again.

"My sister will be here on tomorrow's boat. She will show you."Xavier says, looking down at his plate.

"Why do you wear your gloves at the table?"my mother asks.

"Be nice, Meredith. He is our daughter's husband."my father says.

"He stole her from us."My mother snaps back at him.

"Mother, please."I say.

"No, it's true."Xavier says, sitting back in his chair and causing me to look over at him.

"I stole her, brought her to a different country, forced her to marry me, and yet she and I have fallen deeply in love. I shower her with love and riches and new, stupid and glamorous gowns as many as she'd like. Because that's how you're supposed to treat a queen. So, tell me why she was never treated this way here?"Xavier asks taking a sip from his wine glass.

"She doesn't deserve to be treated like a queen."my mother shrugs.

"Why? Because she stole your youth and beauty?"

The table falls silent again and I look at my father whose mouth was agape.

"You dare speak to me like that in my own castle?"my mother says, getting progressively more angry.

"I do. You don't respect my wife, why would I respect you?"he questions.

"Xavier, that's enough."I whisper to him, beginning to see steam rising from his shoulders.

"Meredith, sit down now."my father demands.

My mother sits down in a huff and Xavier takes a deep breath, sitting up again.

"Tatiana, were going to see the people of this village. See if they've been properly cared for. And if not, your mother should be tried for treason against the people."Xavier says, causing my mother to gasp.

"King Xavier that will not be necessary. I see my wife is unfit to navigate the people of this kingdom."My father says, causing my mother to instantly look over at him.

"You shell of a man. Letting this savage anomalous speak to me with such disrespect!"my mother shouts.

"You will NOT call me a savage! I AM A KING!"Xavier shouts, standing up.

I quickly stand up and place my hands on his shoulders as he begins to breathe fast.

"Xavier, calm down please. Come on, let's go for a walk in the village okay?"I say, trying to walk him towards the door.

"That's right go on! The both of you cretins!"My mother calls after us.

....

I quickly rush Xavier into my old bedroom and he lets out an angry shout.

"Your mother is fucking insufferable. My god how is it that-"he turns around and I place a kiss on his lips, silencing him.

I then push him into my bed, shocking him again.

"You've defended me once again, my king."I say before raising my gown and straddling over him.

"Now you must bed me."

"Tatiana, your father-"I cut him off by pressing my fingers to his lips.

"You must. It is the rules."I say before pushing him down, his gloved hands coming to my waist.

"If this is your way of calming me I'm grateful."he says, causing me to chuckle as I lean down, kissing him.

....