The Hijacked Bride

CHAPTER 3

           

CHAPTER 3

SHE TRULY WAS a beauty, there was no denying that. Even King Odran could see that the young woman who sat at the table, joining the royal family for breakfast, was undoubtedly an eyecatcher. If the way she held herself with such grace and those big eyes of hers that were framed by thick lashes hadn't been enough to tell him, then the way the castle guards looked at her would have.

But that did not soften his heart. It would take more than looks for her to be the right woman for his son, and he knew exactly what was right for his son.

Still, the way Alastar seemed to so deeply and so truly care for Monika was slightly disturbing to Odran in the least, and for the first time in his life he found himself doubting what he had decided he would do. But he banished the doubt as quickly as it had entered his mind. He knew what was best for his family. He knew what was best for the entire kingdom. He would do what he had to do.

"Monika," Queen Padraigin said, almost icily, from where she sat opposite Odran. "You must be very excited for tomorrow."

Monika's eyes flickered to Alastar's for a moment, probably for reassurance, before she turned to the queen. Her voice did not waver as Odran would have expected it to. "Yes, your majesty. I am."

This was not enough for the king's wife. She frowned and said no more, instead switching her concentration to the fine pastries on her plate. Just then, a guard walked into the room and tilted his head towards Odran, his dark eyes telling.

"Excuse me, please," he said to those that sat at the table, as he rose from his seat. "I have something that needs taking care of."

He left the dining room with the guard. Once he was in his study with the man standing in front of his desk, Odran asked the question. "Have you completed the task?"

The guard nodded. "My contact from the kingdom of Dorchadas has been notified of what is to take place."

The king stroked his chin. "Good. I don't normally like to work with my enemies, Delano, but this is something that must be done."

*

AFTER THE VERY strained atmosphere at breakfast with the king and queen, Monika was relieved to be outside on a ride with Alastar. She knew Al's father liked to keep him busy with matters of the kingdom and classes on how to keep it in order, and yet her prince always managed to make time for her.

This was the last day that they would be together and unmarried. A contented hum started up in her heart at the notion.

Al rode Mountain, the coal coloured steed that he favoured, and she rode Bolt, a white horse with a very energetic nature. She had to hold onto the reins more tightly with Bolt than she'd ever had to with any other horse. But she liked his spirit.

As the wind whipped her hair back from her face and they galloped across a green field on their mounts, she thought about the morning's events. She found her future in-laws intimidating, to say the least. She wasn't a fool- she could tell straight away that the queen didn't like her. But the king...Monika could not quite figure him out. Not yet. She wasn't sure how well they'd all get along as two royal couples living in one castle, since it was also clear to her that Al wasn't on the best of terms with his parents either, but she was hoping for the best.

Isn't that all that one is strong enough to hope for at times?

After some time, Al slowed his horse down. They had reached their favourite meadow, one surrounded by alder trees that were always full of birds and their sweet songs. He dismounted and then helped Monika down, leading them both to a patch of shade beneath a large tree.