Wrapped In His Love

Chapter 2

"Good Morning, Princess Diana."

"Good Morning King Cyrus, I hope you had a safe travel." Diana greeted her father's friend. She took a seat at her father's side and he smiled brightly at her appearance. The maids have done a great job as always in bringing out her beauty. However, she still didn't know what was so important that her presence and appearance needed to blend today.

"You remember my son, Naraine?" The King gestured towards another figure seating at the table.

"Yes of course. Naraine, it has been a while." Diana greeted the handsome young man who smiled at her in return.

"My Princess, you look just as beautiful as the last time I saw you."

Diana blushed at the young man's words for she wasn't used to such praises upon her beauty besides her father's compliments. It has truly been a while since they have met but Diana could recall the last time Naraine had visited how he had treated her more than a friend. She didn't understand at first since he didn't tell her upfront, instead he took her on picnics and brunches and started giving her compliments on the simplest of things such as her smile or her shiny emerald eyes.

Naraine had left a couple days after and until this day, Diana still wondered if there was something more to his behavior or he was just being the sweet and loving friend she had always known.

"Thank you for meeting my request, Cornelius."

Request? What was the King talking about? Diana wondered.

"Shall we begin, my friend." Cornelius responded as the maids served the food.

Diana glanced at every figure seated around the square table. "Father, is there something I've missed?" She whispered.

"You'll come to know soon, my child."

Diana dismissed her doubts by slightly nodding in response and commence eating her food. The meal was delicious as always for the maids have gained a lot of experience due to their service over the years. Martha was the longest one here and many looked up to her for the days she had given to this castle.

"My princess, you know I'm a King who thinks ahead of life," Cornelius turned to his daughter. "And I'm also a father who thinks about his daughter's future. Therefore, I have agreed to the request of King Cyrus and his son, Prince Naraine to have your hand in marriage as the future Queen of Vanoera."

Diana looked at her Father in shock but covered it up by quickly plastering on a fake smile seeing that she was in the presence of guests and didn't want to embarrass the King. She wasn't attracted to the prince but he was very kind and loving and a gentleman for all the years she had known him. Still, she couldn't see herself with her childhood friend ruling by his side as his Queen.

"When did you plan to say this to me Father?"

"My child, there wasn't any time to inform you before they arrived."

Diana knitted her eyebrows in confusion. She was sure her Father wasn't that busy to not inform her of such an important matter she now had a hard time processing. The prince was a very good person and had a good heart, she couldn't married him knowing that she'll never love him like a true Queen should love her King.

Getting up abruptly from the table, Diana made her way to the stairs.

"My princess, are you-"

"I'm sorry King Cyrus, I cannot be of your request. The Prince and I do not share similar affections. "With that said, Diana turned and sped away to her chambers eager to get some air into her lungs and relax the tightening feeling that was forming in the pits of her stomach. She heard her Father yelling at her to come back but she ignored his call and carried on.

Catching her breath, Diana sat on the edge of the bed and counted to ten to try and calm herself down. She should've known this day would come. Mother was not here and there was no one else to carry on the title. Even if she did, she had to be married and ruling with a male.

She couldn't believe her Father had not mentioned this to her any at all. This was her future, her life that was at stake. Being tied to someone you can't see yourself with is like being captive for a crime you did not commit. The punishment was given either ways and you have to suffer before your innocence is proven.

Diana did not want that life. She wanted someone who she was in love with. Pure and unconditionally. She wanted what she read in those books that kept her awake at nights. Naraine was a great young man, but also her childhood friend who she will always see as a friend. They would never be a perfect fit.

A knock sounded at the door snapping Diana's thoughts to an end and before she could say anything, her Father poked his head through the door.

"My Daughter,"

Diana stood and walked over to the glass window staring out at nothing in particular. She then felt a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry you come to know of this request the way you did." Cornelius began in a soft voice. "But my child, it is for the best if you get married soon. For both me and the kingdom's sake."

"Get married to someone I can't see myself loving?" Diana argued back.

"Watch your tone young lady." Cornelius warned in a deep voice.

Diana immediately spun around and faced the man who had raised her almost her entire existence.

"Was it so hard of you to tell me that Naraine was my betrothed? Have you thought about how I would feel when I find out I'm marrying my childhood friend? Tell me Father? How hard is it?"

Cornelius sighed at his daughter's failure to understand why he was doing this. He did not want her to fall in the hands of the wrong man who will use her for wealth and power. The Prince was a good choice since they've known each other from a tender age and he has loved her ever since. He was the gentleman for his daughter.

"I will never love him Father. Not the way you think I am capable of. So, please, tell the King I can not take part in his request."

Cornelius was silent after hearing this for he was afraid his daughter might determinedly challenge him by not giving the Prince her hand in marriage. However, he was also bent on making her see the logic in marrying the Prince of Vanoera.

"I will not fail my friend's request, Diana. You will marry Prince Naraine and that's final. It is for the best."

Diana opened her mouth to protest but no words came. How could her Father not understand? This wasn't what she expected her life to become at the age of nineteen. Yes she thought about marriage but not so soon and definitely not with Naraine. She wanted to live her life first, explore the world and become brave. Not be tied down by forbidden love.

Diana let out a harsh breath as her Father's words replay in her head. Why does he insist I marry the Prince? I can make my own choices can't I?

Diana rubbed her temples and tried not to think much about the proposal. There was no way in God's creation she was going to marry her childhood friend. She was ready to face the consequences if so be it.