The Royal Engagement

Chapter 3

"CRUNCH"

Everyone in the throne room flinched when that sound repeated. They knew what the prince was trying to do, but bore through it. Except Lumina, who was annoyed to the end of her mind with her brother's frustrating immaturity.

"Pyro, can you shut up? And, I'm not going to even bother saying please this time," she scolded in her calm thick accent whilst twirling her platinum blond curly left side ponytail in frustration.

Almost immediately, an apple was launched at her face, to which she reacted reflexively and deflected. The contact left mush and stains on her lace sleeve. She glared up at Pyro, who sat in 4-figure position on top a servant at the other side of the throne. He smirked casually and obnoxiously back at her, mimicking her by flicking his own golden, parted fringe.

"Happy?" he asked, mockingly, resting his face on his ring-filled knuckle. Lumina only responded by rolling her eyes and scoffing at his egotistical attitude. At least her suffering shuts him up. The court most likely thanked her as well. Pyro has the attention span and patience of a child and makes others suffer to quench his boredom.

The king finally arrived through the ballroom doors to take his seat at the throne, his advisor following closely behind. All eyes followed him. He looked at everyone in the court before addressing Pyro.

"Pyro, would you like a proper seat?" He asked, glancing down to the whimpering servant underneath him. Pyro only stared back smugly, completely dismissing the servant's anguish.

"No, I'm fine how I am now."

The king sighed at the prince's difficult attitude.

"Look Pyro, the Princess should be arriving shortly and you need to set a good impression, so, straighten up!"

Pyro's smug face fell into an unamused expression as he leaned back on both his arms, manspreading his legs out.

"Why should I? I'm the one she needs to impress. If not, we destroy her entire civilization. I am the one in control over her at the moment." Pyro leaned forward, an annoyed but cynical look on his face. "The Sirium Empire has always been the one in control of Laphitia. So, why are we ending the war by forcing me into a worthless marriage? What benefit will we have from this? The only benefit we get from Laphitia is its kingdom if we conquer it!"

Murmurs began to rival up the court in agreement of the prince's convincing statement. Pyro smirked at his own manipulative abilities, it's obvious by now that he enjoyed the violence of the war between his kingdom and his fiancé's

The bellow of the king's deep voice brought the court to a hush silence,

"Enough! Pyro, stop this nonsense you speak of! You are acting immature and ignorant to the situation!" Pyro only sighed before crossing his arms and legs with a pout.

The announcement of the Princess of Laphitia caused everyone to straighten their posture and patiently await the doors to open and reveal the future king's fiancé.

Pyro stood up from his 'seat' and struck an arrogant pose, whilst Lumina straightened her posture into a more professional stance. Both ready to judge the soul out of the Princess. Everyone was. 

The door finally flung open to allow the Princess to come through. An older woman entered first; straight, regal posture; confident expression; composed and head held high whilst the young girl that followed, grasped her hands tightly, she had a hard time meeting all the judgmental looks aimed at her.

The doors closed once they reached the bottom of the steps to the king's throne. Pyro examined her body, personality, nature, mood, everything. He was impressed and unimpressed at the same time. He mentally scoffed. This is the reason the war between Sirium and Laphitia ended? The older woman bowed to the king before the introductions began.

"Your Highness. My name is Angelica Marnitsia. I have come on behalf of the Laphitian Kingdom as its representative and mentor of its Princess. The Laphitian Kingdom gives its appreciations to you for accepting this proposal. You truly have opened a more peaceful future for both our kingdoms. Now, may I introduce, Princess Amelianna Elianis Laphitia of the Laphitian Kingdom."

Amy timidly walked forward before curtsying to the King with her head bowed.

"Your Majesty. Truly an honour to be within your presence." she said softly.

"As is mine, Princess Amelianna." he responded, warmly. Amy smiled shyly before stepping back, happy that at least the king was kind to her.

The court exploded into applause before returning to the cold stares.

"Now, I believe you already know of Pyro, the Prince of Sirium. He is your betrothed." On cue, Pyro came forward and bowed whilst holding Amy's hand and placing the other behind his back.

"Pleasure to lay eyes upon my betrothed, Princess Amelianna. And, might I add, you are truly a pleasure for the eyes." The statement caused a ruckus of laughter and praises for the Prince. Amy blushed and caved into herself. Pyro had said it in a joking way but, the glint in his electric blue eyes and his smile held malicious intent. Amy noticed it and swallowed her fear.

Pyro let out one last smirk and chuckle at the reactions he caused before retreating to the king's side. The king also chuckled at Pyro's flirty nature.

"Ahhh, yes. Quiet the Casanova isn't he, Princess? You'll surely enjoy his company during your visit." Amy awkwardly giggled and looked to Pyro, who shot her a suave smirk and finger-gun. "There have been a range of activities arranged for both of you to attend with either Princess Lumina or nobles of the court." The king suddenly got a mischievous glimmer in his eyes and smirked, adding a joke in Sirium. "Well, some of them have to remain private for the sake of the couple." Again, the court bellowed with laughter at the king's humour.

Amy only played along with the mood of the court, oblivious to what he said in Sirium. Angelica, being fluent in the language, cleared her throat in repugnance. As the court calmed down, the king addressed Pyro.

"Pyro! Why don't you show your betrothed to her room? The servants will bring her possessions later." The king turned to face Amy again, "Well, then Princess Amelianna, it has been a joy to be acquainted with you. I will expect to see you at the ball tonight. Dress nicely if you want to earn the interest of any other young nobles to give Pyro challenge." The court lightly chuckled at the prince's unimpressed eye roll.

"Well then. Princess, shall we go?" Pyro said in sickly sweet tone as he held out his elbow for her to link.

Amy only lightly placed her arm around his as he began to lead them out of the throne room of rejoicing nobles for the new young couple.