Wrapped In His Love

Chapter 3

The night was cool and peaceful. The stars twinkled in the sky and the moon shone as bright as ever. Still, nothing soothed Diana's mind from the day's events and it seem that sleep was not on her side tonight. She tried to convince her Father just a few hours ago that he was making a mistake. That he was setting a trap that will forever keep her hostage. However, Cornelius was a man of his words and even though he was a loving father, he was also the ruler of thousands of people who looked to him for support and guidance. Thus, he couldn't let them down.

Diana placed her hand at her cheek and sighed knowing she won't ever be able to convince her Father from not carrying out King Cyrus's request.

"The sky is beautiful tonight isn't it?"

Diana jumped at the sound of the voice, pressing a hand to her chest. "Oh Martha, you startled me."

"I'm sorry my princess, I didn't mean to. But why aren't you asleep? Are you worried of your father's plans?" Martha took a seat beside her and joined in watching the stars in the night sky.

For a moment, Diana was silent. She did not want to say anything on the matter nor focus on what her Father wanted. She tried to read her books which helped a little but not much to ease her thoughts.

"I tried to tell him Martha, that he's making a very big mistake. I won't be happy."

Martha looked at her princess and saw that she was genuinely not into this act of the King's plan. However, as a maid she could do nothing about it. "It's not fair Milady, to choose love by another's eyes. But the King is being a Father who cares deeply for his daughter. And your future is of much concern to him."

The cool night breeze blew and Diana adjusted the blanket on her shoulders that was keeping her warm from the time she had been out here.

Martha held unto Diana's hand with sincerity shining in her eyes. "Your life is in the hands of the people of this kingdom my princess, and so it is of great importance that you become a wife soon. Reigning without a King would not be something in which the people will give you their support."

It seems Martha was also on her Father's side in all of this. Diana wished her mother was here. She would understand her reasons and she would want her to be happy. She would have supported her decision. Diana stood to go inside but not before turning to her hand maiden, "My life and my future holds no ownership to the people of this land. I am the future Queen, I help make the decisions for the future. Not the people of Asaelia."

Diana slid the blanket off her shoulders and placed it on the chest at the foot of her bed. She lifted the covers hoping this time she will get some sleep and after a few minutes, the night lamp was turned off and then she heard the gentle click of the door closing.

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Bright light greeted Diana's lashes and she blinked several times before opening her eyes. She slowly sat up leaning on the head board while stifling a yawn. What time is it? She wondered. She must have overslept.

"It's an hour till noon Milady," Martha read her mind. "You'll be meeting the Prince in the garden for lunch in the next two hours. Everything is set. Chop chop."

Diana chuckled at her maid who seemed to be in a very good mood today. If only she could also be in a great mood but the fact that she is supposedly to be married to Naraine, a man she can never see herself loving other than like a friend, was enough to keep Diana in gloominess.

Martha looked at her princess with hands on her hips. She very well knew Diana wasn't into this proposal her Father had arranged but nonetheless, she tried to support the King's decision while also stand by the girl who she had treated like a daughter ever since she was born.

"I'll send the maids in for your beauty. Besides, your eyes are a bit baggy and dull from the little sleep you had last night."

"Naraine knows who I am so there's no need for a mask." Diana responded climbing out of bed.

Martha laughed at Diana's choice of words. "You're right Milady, for beauty is of the soul and not the outer part. There's nothing good in a vessel if the inside is unclean. But a little enhancement won't hurt right? Go and pick out a dress."

Diana peered over at the three dresses that were laid out on the couch like chair in the middle of the room. She took up the darkest one since she didn't like bright colours and carried it to her bed.

"This one will do?" She asked in a hesitant tone. Diana didn't know much about dresses. In fact, she didn't know much about clothes in general since she wasn't the type to fuss over how she looked. The maids were the one who did all the work when it was necessary.

"How about a brighter look to cover your exhaustion and dullness?" Martha took up the blue dress and placed back the dark green one. "Besides, we don't need the prince to think that you don't want to be there with him."

Diana nodded though she still didn't see the need to impress her childhood friend who she has recently come to know was in love with her. If he loved her all these years then he definitely would not hate her today if she flaunted her normal look.

"I'll call the maids in. Go and have your bath." Martha ushered Diana in the direction of the washroom.

Martha liked the Prince ever since he was a little boy and she thought he and the princess would make a great couple. She herself had never gotten the chance to marry and just dreaming of Diana walking down the isle was enough to make her heart soar. At least she would be attending a wedding even if it wasn't of her own.

Martha smiled at the thought and hurriedly went to call the maids to help get her princess ready. Diana didn't need the make up, she was naturally beautiful but Martha wanted her to look her best in the presence of the Prince. Who knows, maybe she will eventually turn out to be his wife.

Before Martha could reach for the silver knob of the door, it was open by a man who she quickly recognized as one of the guards on this floor of the castle.

"Ms. Martha, the King is requesting your presence in the throne room."

Why did Cornelius want to see her? Martha thought. Did she do something wrong? Was she in trouble for sneaking cookies to the Princess at nights? No, absolutely not. The King does not know about that. It must be of something else.

"I'm busy with the princess, please tell-"

"His Majesty says it's important." The guard responded in a stern voice and turned to leave the room without waiting for a response.

What was so important that the King was interrupting Diana's session in getting ready?

Martha placed the dress to wear on the foot of the bed and hurriedly began her way to the throne room on the other side of the castle.

"Where are you going?" Diana's voice echoed through the room as she exited the washroom in a white robe and bed slippers.

"I'm sorry my princess, your Father wants to see me right now. I'll send the maids to finish get you ready."

With that said, Martha hurried out of the room eager to know what the King wanted to see her about. Maybe she made a mistake by baking treats for the guards and the rest of the servants every other weekend. Whatever it was about, she hoped it wasn't anything that would cause her heart to be in pain.