The Prince's Secret | BxB ✓

Chapter 2: Unexpected News

A few days later...

"Good morning, Your Royal Highness," Anthony greets me with a small smile. I nod in response, still tired from yesterday's tasks. "On the agenda today, you have a free schedule, which is quite unusual. However, Your Majesty has requested an audience with you," Anthony informs me as he lays out my clothes.

An audience, I think to myself. How impersonal and cold my father is. "Do I really have to go see him, Anthony? I mean, the man hates me!" I exclaim, stating the obvious.

"I'm afraid you have to, Your Royal Highness, but don't be down. I have arranged for you to eat your favorite breakfast, and on top of that, you will be alone, without Your Majesty beside you," Anthony says with a satisfied smile at his accomplishment.

"You know, Anthony, you're my favorite private secretary in the world," I say, immensely grateful once again for my dear friend.

"It is my pleasure, Your Majesty," Anthony responds with an affectionate smile.

"Off we go through another day in this dreadful place," I say with fake enthusiasm as we stroll to the dining room. "Oh, you're a godsend, and I love you," I tell Anthony appreciatively as I see my favorite meal laid out before me.

As I finish eating, I reluctantly go to see my father. "Your Majesty," him and his bloody title—so full of himself. He's changed so much and not for the better.

As I arrive at his door, thoughts of happier times drift in my mind, bringing a fleeting smile to my lips, as I am directed into his study. "You wanted to see me, father?" I ask as I sit down on one of those dreadfully uncomfortable chairs.

"Yes, I did," he replies seriously, barely looking at me. How typical, I think. "I've summoned you here to talk about a potential marriage."

A marriage, I think! "With all due respect, this isn't 1955, father," I say, trying to keep my composure.

"Yes, a marriage. You will do well to not speak out of line to me. You must keep the monarchy going, and this means having children," he says, examining my face.

"To whom?" I ask, not daring to object as I know he will be suspicious. Just thinking about having a wife irks me. I couldn't—I simply wouldn't—but he cannot know. I think over my dreadful situation as I find myself put on the spot.

"To a suitable bride; it is not determined yet," he states firmly, leaving no room for argument.

"Very well. If that is all, I will be going now," I say, desperately trying to escape my precarious position.

"You may go," he dismisses me with a wave of his hand. How haughty of him, I think as I hurriedly get out and look for Anthony. I need him.

I find him in his office, and as soon as I enter, I close the door. He turns to me with a concerned look. "What is it?" he asks, noticing my expression.

"It's my father; he wants me to marry," I say.

"Oh god, what will you do?" Anthony replies in shock.

"I was hoping you had some ideas," I respond, distressed. "I need to get out of here; I feel like the walls are closing in," I tell Anthony as I contemplate my sad predicament.

"Of course, Your Royal Highness. Where would you like to go?" he asks eagerly, wanting to help his best friend and prince.

"I think I want to go see Oliver; it might calm me down," I say to Anthony, worried that this bloody monarchy would be the death of me.

As we walk through the myriad labyrinthine corridors of the palace and get into a car to the gallery, I feel my worry fade to a dull hum on my shoulders as we get further away from Buckingham Palace. As I arrive at the gallery, Anthony bids me a quick goodbye, and he's off into the busy London hubbub.