The Prince of Darkness

Chapter 7:The Bride

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         King Edward declared that  he cannot forgo his father. So as long as his father, King Arthur lives,he will continue as the High King and King Edward will be loyal to him as he was earlier.

          When King Edward  reached Arthur's room he was standing at the balcony,staring at the stars as if he was trying to count them.With an intention to gain his attention, Edward said "Father...the guard informed that you called for me."

           "Yes  my beloved, I called for you. I think the time is ripe, my son"Not allowing him to complete King Edward interrupted "time for what father?".     Arthur continued "Time to fetch a bride for you. I have become very old. I don't know how long I may live.I want to see the next heir of my throne before my death.So I have ordered the royal minister to search a bride for you.Is that acceptable, my son?"

          "Father I have surrendered myself  to you. Your decisions are mine. I  know you will take to decision which may degrade me." was Edwards reply.Kings people went far and wide the kingdom in search of a perfect Queen.

         King Edward loved long rides. One day he decided to go for one, towards the hilly region. He was fond of adventures and didn't allow anyone to escort him. The journey was very long and tedious. Suddenly something stroke his horse and it collapsed. A man came running towards him. His face was covered with a black cloth. Edward tried his level best to get up, but that seemed to be worthless.

         He raised his sword to cut off Edwards head, suddenly an arrow rushed towards the assaulter, which pierced through his head.

        When Edward gained his conscious, he was lying on a bed. The lamps were not lit, so it was completely dark within the room. Edward went out of the house. He walked toward the backyard. There he saw a young lady practising archery. 

          "So, young lady!!! it was your arrow which pierced hid head." Asked Edward. "Ohh!!! Gentleman, you woke up?" someone asked from the other side.There sat a huge old man, on a wooden chair. His long and white beards conveyed his old age. But face as young as a dazzling youth. Besides him, there was a huge and majestic golden bow.
         He got up from the chair and introduced himself saying "I am Leonidas" I have been serving as the army chief under the great Kings of Iberia. " Then he introduced the lady,"This is my daughter Liliyan "She has got all my skills in archery and is very brave and courageous like her mother.You might have seen her skills in archery before."
         King Edward replied "Thank you for saving my my life young lady." "you can call me Liliyan" she interrupted with a beautiful smile on her face. Her deep blue eyes and golden hair added to her beauty. Edward was continuously staring at her.
         He introduced himself partly as not wanting to revel his identify. A servant  announced that the breakfast is ready. Edward asked Leonidas to help him, master archery.
        "Son!! at this age, I cannot teach you archery. Then you may think, why am I armed with this mighty bow. It belongs to my ancestors. One day I will handover it to my daughter. My daughter Liliyan had mastered the skills of archery. She will guide you and help you in mastering it." said Leonidas.
         Archery wasn't a big deal for Edward but winning Liliyan's heart was a difficult task.
          Edward sent messengers to the palace explaining the prevailing conditions and he will return as soon as possible. Some days later Edward and Liliyan went for a walk into the forest. There Edward opened his heart before her, he knelt before her and offered a ring and Liliyan accepted it.
         Then Edward reveled himself before Liliyan saying "Sweetheart I want
to confess some hidden truths. As you already know, my name is Edward. I am the son of the High King of Iberia, King Arthur. The heir of his throne."
          Liliyan was surprised and stood still like a stone pillar, as she couldn't believe that the person standing next to her was King Edward, that she had been with the King of Iberia.
         Edward took hold of her hand and led her  to Leonidas, Liliyan's father to ask for her as his wife and the future queen of Iberia.
         When Leonidas realized that Edward is the king of Iberia, tears started rushing out from his eyes . He said "The good God has given me the opportunity to see my master and fell before him. Edward reached out his hand to help him to get and he asked Leonidas the permission to marry Liliyan. Leonidas granted him his wish and ordered his servants to arrange a grand party for the farewell of his daughter.