The Seventh Prince

Chapter 16

It felt like everything stopped. The people froze and the air was still. Scarlett's downward glance flew up. She found Luke searching for her in the crowd. His eyes finally found hers. His gaze was confident. He suddenly looked towards Alice who was looking at him.
"Well, that made this a lot easier," Luke muttered to her.
"Yeah," Alice whispered. Suddenly it seemed as if Luke and her were on the same side. There was now more important matters to face. "Our parents won't be happy."
"Speaking of," Luke said as King Samson, Queen Isabelle, King Henry, and Queen Rachel stood up and walked toward them.
"What do you think you are doing?"
Luke spoke. "Alice and I do not wish to get married."
Though their voices were hushed, the crowd strained to hear every word.
"You don't have a choice!"
Alice was glad Luke was doing all the talking.
"I believe we did. We have agreed that the whole situation was assessed incorrectly." Luke tried to use as many flowery words as possible. He looked over to Alice.
"Alice wishes to marry my brother, Prince Jack."
"And what of you, Luke?" his father asked.
"I will explain later." Luke raised his voice. "Jack! Come, please!"
Alice immediately hugged him as he reached the altar, surprising him.
"I'm sorry," Alice said simply.
"Alice, are you sure?" Her mother looked worriedly at Jack.
"Yes," Alice said confidently.
King Samson turned toward the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the unified Ostaria! There has been a minor change in the wedding plans. My son, Jack will be married to Alice. Thank you for your patience."
Gossip and chatter filled the crowd.
Luke and the kings and queens stepped to the front row. "I will have a word with you after this," King Samson whispered to Luke.
The wedding continued. Words were spoken. Kisses were given. Hands were held. But Luke could think of nothing more than Scarlett. He had succeeded and he would finally be with Scarlett Rose.
The party was grand. Before they entered the grand hall, King Samson took Luke's arm and pulled him aside.
"What was that about?"
Luke swallowed. "I couldn't marry her. She wanted marry Jack, not me. And I love someone else."
His father's eyes narrowed. "Who are you talking about?"
"It's a girl I met in town. Her name's Scarlett. We've been dating for awhile and I love her."
"A girl from town? How long?"
Luke paused. "A year...or so. You can meet her. She'll be at the party."
Samson looked at his son. "I would like to meet her."
But Luke already knew that his father wouldn't be mad any further.
Scarlett was a nervous wreck as they waited for the royalty. Her nerves skyrocketed when she saw Luke, King Samson, and Queen Isabelle approaching.
"Hello Scarlett," Luke said smiling.
Scarlett bowed. "Good evening."
"Good evening," Queen Isabelle said.
"Mother, father, this is Scarlett." Luke introduced her. "Scarlett, these are my parents."
"Nice to meet you," Scarlett said.
Scarlett shook each of their hands.
King Samson nodded towards Luke. "She's lovely," Queen Isabelle whispered to Luke loud enough for Scarlett to hear.
Scarlett blushed as the King and Queen walked away. Luke smiled. He was with Scarlett, Jack was with Alice, the island was united. Everything was as it should be.
"Told you they'd love you. And told you this would work." Luke nudged Scarlett.
"I suppose you were right." She wrapped her arms around Luke as music began to play.
Luke stepped away and extended his hand.
"Miss Scarlett Rose," he said, feigning drama. Scarlett smiled. "Would you care to dance?"
She laughed. "Of course."