Castle Of Sorrow

Chapter 1

I, Lady Alyssa Elentiya was not a sixteen year old that you'd mess around with. Best friend to Crown Prince Adrian and I already held my own seat on the council, which was rare for someone of my age unless royalty and even for a woman. I'd been there since I was fourteen, and had always loved telling the men off. More often than not, my opinion was obeyed.

"I have some news!" King Ipius called, towards the end of today's meeting, "Adrian is going to marry!" The king was grand and virtuous. Happy and contented. He seemed very pleased, probably too pleased.

I looked over at Adrian, we sit virtually across from each other in the full council, but together at smaller meetings. He was the kindest guy you'd ever meet. He was understanding and sweet. He was going to be the people's king. The one to bring back peace to Everli. The peace his father destroyed. Adrian was my best friend, and as long as it wasn't one of the annoying court girls, i wouldn't be annoyed. And I better still be able to be his best friend.

"To whom, my king?" One of the men called, laughing. Chadwick, he was a pig. Misogynistic. Annoying. Disgusting. Pretty much disagreed with whatever I said.

"Adrian would you like to do the honours of revealing your betrothed or shall I?" The king mused. Why on earth was he so happy about this? I wondered. The king had never been one to publicly show happiness about something - except for when it included war.

"You shall father. I think it will be best coming from you," Adrian smiled.

"Very well then!" The king clapped. "My son is betrothed to the Lady Alyssa, and once she is eighteen, they shall unite in marriage." He smiled, and looked directly at me.

No, oh god no. Not me. I can't marry my best friend. He's like a brother to me. Nada not happening.

"Um excuse me, my Lord?" I immediately questioned. No one had talked to me about this.

"Yes Lady Alyssa? Shouldn't you be delighted?" Delighted? Delighted my ass.

"Why should I be delighted when one, I wasn't consulted about this and two, I don't wanna marry my best friend who is more like a brother?" Stay calm. Be a lady. Remember your training.

"Lady Alyssa. As a lady under my rule you will do as I say. You are betrothed to my son and there is no better person to do so. It is not up to debate."

"But..." I start interrupting before he sternly looks at me. Technically he could kill me at any point. Give the order of execution and bang I'm gone.

"Lady Alyssa, please leave the courtroom. I will have Adrian talk to you about arrangements and the upcoming visit from the other kingdoms of Everli." Oh God no. Please not another combined meeting and why on earth do I have to go?

"Yes my Lord." With that, I curiously exit the courtroom and head outside.

***
//Two Hour Time Lapse//

It's been two hours since I was kicked from the meeting. I mean, I know that often when all kingdoms get together it takes a while to organise but seriously. It doesn't take forever.

I've just been chilling in the rose gardens, in my secret little hiding spot. There's this bench, hidden in the middle of multiple rose bushes that I like to hide in. Only one other person knows of this spot. Well who knows that I very much like this spot - that of which is Adrian. Knowing my luck, he'd come looking for me once the meeting finishes. Which could be any moment. I dread that moment as it means that we have to talk about our 'wedding' and also the upcoming visit of other kingdoms of Everli. Which, I can not do. I can't go to a meeting with all the kings and queens, not only am I just a court lady, but I'm not from this kingdom. I'm from another, one that's been looking for me since I disappeared. If I'm ever near the King and Queen from that kingdom, I lose control of my magic and that's when they'll know it's me. I ran to Everli because it's the only place, and I mean only, where my magic is subdued. Dormant. However, only when the King and Queen from my original kingdom are around. Otherwise, I'm generally pretty safe from the execution laws for anyone who has magical properties. Only in moments of extremely strong emotion am I at risk of losing control here, but as I'm a court lady I am void of ever expressing intense emotion, because it is 'unlady like'.