Betrothed to Trouble

Chapter 8 - Left In The Dark

King Frederick:

            I watched grimly as the elegant, mahogany carriage rumbled through the palace gates. A silent hush has settled upon the courtyard as tense anticipation hung thickly in the air. The rhythmic clip-clopping sound of the horses’ hooves and the rumble of the wheels were the only sounds that could be heard over the otherwise eerie silence. Giselle, who was standing on my right, drew in a sharp breath of air as the carriage came to a stop in front of us. I threw her a side long glance and returned my attention to the footmen who had rushed over to open the door. A well-polished shoe made its appearance, to be followed by the portly figure of a middle-aged man dressed in his finest suit. His beady eyes found mine, and after an intense staring match, he finally looked away and shifted his attention to the equally well-dressed young man who had just alighted. The two shared a curt nod before making their way towards us. Who is this man accompanying him?

            “Greetings, Your Majesty,” he announced while bowing deeply, his deep, gravelly voice piercing the awkward silence. The young man copied his movements somewhat awkwardly without saying a word.

Princess Giselle:

            As father greeted them in return, I noted the young man’s behavior with interest. His stylish feathered hat was pulled down low over his brows, hiding his eyes. His bow from earlier was stiff and gave away the impression that he was not used to bowing to someone of higher rank. Either that or the long journey had given him a backache. I shrugged off my inconsequential musings and focused my attention on the stout old man instead.

            “Sir Leonid, let me introduce you to my daughter, Princess Giselle,” Father introduced, gesturing in my direction.

            Sir Leonid’s eyes immediately snapped to mine, and his face lit up with approval. Slightly alarmed, I curtsied politely, bowing my head, but not before I noticed his eyes raking over my body greedily. A surge of anger rose inside of me, but I kept my face neutral, the way I was trained to, and instead flashed him a sickly sweet smile that did not quite reach my eyes. What a vile man! I thought in disgust.

 I was highly aware of a pair of eyes observing me throughout the unpleasant exchange earlier on, and it took all of my willpower not to succumb to my burning curiosity. The intensity of his gaze caused goose bumps to form along my neck, causing me to fan myself as a form of distraction. Finally, I could not take it any longer. I turned my head slightly and bit back a gasp as pair of piercing blue eyes met mine. The young man’s gaze was cold and expressionless, causing an involuntary shiver to run through my spine. He did not look away, and remained indifferent to my reaction. I looked away and hid my face behind my fan, flustered for what seems to be no particular reason. What a peculiar man! Who is he? Is he Sir Leonid’s son?

“Giselle?”

Father’s voice jerked me out of my internal rambling and back to reality. He shot me a reproachful glance and I flashed him an apologetic smile in return.

“Let us all head inside,” Father announced, looking at Sir Leonid in particular.

“Yes, lets. After you, Your Highness,” he replied.

I nearly rolled my eyes at the fakeness of their exchange, but stopped myself in time. I lagged behind the two, not wanting to hear the ambassador’s phony comments on the beauty of our palace. However, this decision meant I was stuck at the back of the group with the strange young man.

“I realize we have not been properly introduced,” I said to him conversationally. “Are you Sir Leonid’s son?” I asked politely.

He didn’t even make an effort to recognize my presence, and instead remained staring straight ahead as we walked. I bit my tongue to stop a rude retort from escaping. How dare he! He is a guest here, Giselle. Calm down.