Royal Escape

Chapter 6

"You are absolutely stunning, Gwendeline. I never expected you to actually be this pretty." Quentin spoke in a hushed tone beside me at the dinner table while our father's discussed different matters.

"Your kindness overwhelms me, your Majesty." I tried not to choke on my own saliva as I spoke. Prince Quentin was quite the charmer.

And not at all in a way I liked.

He would throw compliments at me and then reach out to touch my cheek or another part of me. Each time, I politely thanked him and moved his hand off of my body.

He didn't seem rude, he just wasn't very gentlemanly. As if his father never taught him any real manners on how to treat a lady.

What am I saying?! I've been watching how he treats his queen and there is no respect there in any sense! What has my father gotten me into?

"Please, call me Quentin. I'll soon be your husband. We might as well get acquainted." The look in the Prince's eyes showed he wanted more than for me to just call him by his given name. Much more.

"Of course, Q-Quentin. Thank you for allowing me to be so informal with you. Especially since we've just met." I tried to hint that it has only been a few hours since I've met the man and he's already trying to play moves on me.

"Well we need to get to know each other quickly. We only have three days until the wedding." Quentin grinned and started to eat again.

What..? Three days till the wedding? Is he serious?!

I glance at mother on the other side of me. She had heard everything he said and she she stopped eating. I could tell from her expression, she knew nothing of this.

"Three days? Why was I not informed?" I interrupt my father talking to King Alister. The table had fallen silent after that.

My father cleared his throat and looked at me with a certain glint in his eyes saying I stepped out of bounds.

"This was decided long ago, Gwendeline. It is important that we bring our forces together as one nation. Other countries are beginning to challenge Tallenor's import qualities. They have already begun harassing them and sinking their ships. Without Tallenor's import, we have no supplies."

"But with the help of Verena's troops, that won't be a problem. You have the strongest military in the world. Verena is unstoppable." King Alister spoke with a hint of envy in his voice. "Tallenor needs that."

Before I could argue further, the two kings started to carry on once again as if I had never existed.

I took a deep breath to steady my rage. I felt my my mother's hand grip mine under the table, as if to comfort me and tell me it was alright.

But it wasn't alright.

It was far from alright.

"Verena has their own way of receiving exports and imports. We could run the trading post at our docks and with other countries knowing of our military, they wouldn't try anything. Even if they did, Verena would overcome it. At least until the other countries submit. Then Tallenor could take back over." I spoke again out of turn.

It was the prince that spoke this time.

"Enough!" His fist made contact with the table. Mother jumped slightly as her silverware clattered against her plate. "We are joining forces to better both sides! It is not up for discussion! Especially by you!" His eyes filled with hatred as he stood up.

As he walked towards the door, he shoved one of the servants to the floor. She yelped and cringed back in fear. Once he was out, my mother stood and hastily moved to the girl. They were speaking lowly to each other before mother helped her up and escorted her out.