The Royal Arrangement

Chapter 3

Hi Guys, I am so sorry it was been so long since I last updated, its exam time so I have been using all my time to revise recently. I'm writing the next chapter at the moment so hopefully it won't be too long 'till that goes up. Enjoy!

12/11/2018 (1164 words)

Ariana's POV

Two weeks later

I jumped from my bed and looked to the calendar I had blue-tacked by the headboard, 27th of July, aka, results day. I would find out if I had got into my dream school, or if I was stuck at the fashion company Lucia owned.

I flung back the covers, readied myself for the day and went on my way downstairs. I stepped into the kitchen and was met with a sight I that I did not expect at 7:30 in the morning. Two of my best friends, cooking. Now this may not seem like much, but Toby and Holly would most likely find a way to burn down half of this ridiculously oversized house if they were left alone with a boiling kettle, never mind a lit stove.

''Hi guys.'' I said slowly and cautiously. If I made them jump, a hot pan would probably find itself falling onto a foot. Toby turned around at the sound of my arrival.

''ANA!'' Wow that boy can scream. ''Ana you have to see this, we're cooking!'' he exclaimed.

''Uh.... I think I'll stay over here, thanks.'' Where the fire-hydron is.

A door slammed upstairs, I heard feet storming their way towards the kitchen. it could only mean one thing, ''Ariana Willcombe what on EARTH do you think you are doing at this time in the morning?'' And there it is, my lovely step-mother. Two long minutes later she barged into the kitchen and started shouting. ''I AM TRYING TO SLEEP, I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT MEETING TODAY AND YOU AND THESE GOOD-FOR-NOTHING PEOPLE ARE DISTURBING ME!'' My friends were stood behind me silently laughing at Lucia, they were used to these kinds of outbursts – from her and my step sister, Lucy. Soon enough she had finished shouting at us and marched her way back to her and my dad's room.

We all turned back to the food, which had now been burnt beyond any hope of saving. Whilst Holly and I cleaned up, Toby went to get the post, which he had just heard arrive. After a few minutes we heard him skidding into the kitchen. Our heads swung round to see Toby frantically waving a large envelope.

''Ana........ for you......academy.'' I froze. His staggered words caused by lack of breath had just told me that that paper held either my rejection or acceptance letter to my dream school. Holly moved forward to take the envelope from him and gave it to me. I took it in my trembling hands, took a deep breath and lifted the flap. I scanned the paper and felt a wave of emotion run through me. I raised my head and grinned. My friends ran over to me and I was gathered up into two sets of arms as my feet left the ground. I had done it. I had a place at The Royal Academy of Music and Performing Arts.

Lucia's POV 

(Above is the throne room, but I imagine the thrones to be very similar to this)

I felt a satisfied smile slide onto my face as I glided my way through the palace corridors. I had received a letter requesting my presence here a week ago and immediately I knew what it was about. They had chosen my beautiful daughter Lucy to be the prince's wife. I took note of the grandeur of the place; the king certainly knew how to show his wealth. The guard that was leading me to the meeting suddenly stopped and told me to stay where I was. He stepped inside and I heard him announce my name. Mrs Willcombe, urgh. Soon enough I would have a title, I would make sure that I was given one upon Lucy's marriage. The doors opened and I walked confidently inside. The sight I was met with was the king and queen, sat on thrones of ornate gold with scarlet embellishments. I strode my way to the mark where I had been told it was acceptable to stand.

I let my body dip into a curtsy, I had of course been practicing at home. One does not step in front of the royal family unprepared.

''Your majesty, it is an honour to be here.'' The rehearsed words left my lips smoothly.

The king made no response. I was about to continue, but he started to speak.

''I am sure you are aware of why you are here Mrs Willcombe.'' I nodded my head. '' We have chosen your daughter as our son's bride-to-be, though I dare say she will have to go though sufficient training in order to fulfil the role as effectively as possible.'' I was confused at this last statement, I had groomed my daughter her whole life for an opportunity like this, she knew what she had to do.

''I am sorry Sir, but I fear that we are not on the same page, Lucy has taken a great interest her whole life in how to act like a lady, she is well aware of the responsibilities.''

A crease formed along his lips, had I said something wrong? Oh Lord what had I done?

''You misunderstand me woman, I am talking about Miss Ariana Willcombe.''

My jaw dropped. That slut?! They chose her over my well-trained and elegant daughter? How could they?! I saw the queen take in my response out of the corner of my eye, she seemed to be analysing me.

''Y-your Maj-majesty. She is my husband's daughter, not mine. And I must say that my daughter would be a much better-.''

''We have made our choice Mrs Willcombe. Now I request that as a guardian of Miss Willcombe, you or your husband sign these papers. You will find that your family will receive a substantial amount of money and lands in return for your step-daughter's hand. Should you not sign we will move to our second choice and you will not receive anything.'' I took the papers from a nearby guard and quickly skimmed a few of the pages. I had to sign. This money would do wonders for my bank account. I could deal with my husband later. I flicked to the end of the booklet and signed on the dotted line. The guard took it from me and handed it back to the king.

The girl was no longer my burden. 

Well there it is, I hope you enjoyed it. Please vote and comment

Beth xxx