Diamond Empire

Chapter 5

(this is the Prince's Perspective)

This journey has been tiring. Julian is constantly babbling about manners blah blah blah alliances blah blah blah. He's getting extremely annoying. When we stopped at the stream for a drink, I was contemplating pushing him in. Maybe I should have. When we arrived at the castle, I practically jumped off my horse. Guards come to escort me and Julian to the castle. The castle is nice, but I can clearly see why their country needs an alliance with us. We soon arrive at the throne room where two people, I suppose the King and Queen, were waiting. I walk over to them as the announcer gives my name and title.
"Prince Jonathan of Carndonia."
I bow to the King and the Queen. Julian does the same
"Welcome your highness. We are simply waiting for Lord Dorian and My Daughter, Princess Jewel." Just as the King finishes saying this, a man dressed ridiculously walks towards. The King speaks. "Ah Dorian. This is the Prince Jonathan of Carndonia." I bow, but not too low. This man is only a Lord. He gives me a tiny bow while staring at me. He seems to smirk while looking at me. I look at him, amused. He seems quite cocky. I don't quite like cocky people. I ignore him and pay attention to the King. He seems to have pointless babble. After what seems like a eternity, the announcer speaks again.
"Princess Jewel." The most beautiful woman I have ever seen emerges from the hall. As she descends from the grand staircase. I find my self staring at her. She looks perfect. Her features are gentle yet sexy, and she holds her head slightly high. However, her smile seems, fake, manufactured. I hear an annoying voice speak.
The man named Dorian speaks to Jewel. Jewel. That name fits her so well. She's a diamond. I watch her go to Dorian's side. "Here is my beautiful fiancee. You look radiant darling." Now that she is by Dorian side, she keeps her head down. It's like she went from a lioness to a mouse. Dorian kisses her cheek. If I wasn't looking at her so closely, I would have missed the look of disgust in her eyes. She curtsies, then speaks.
"I apologize if I kept anyone waiting. May we proceed to the dining room?" Her voice is beautiful and soft, yet powerful, like honey. I, along with everyone else follow her into the dining room. When we are all seated, I find myself sitting directly in front of her. I smile to myself, as the small patter of voices commence. I notice she doesn't say anything. A conversation about the wedding begins, and I look at the princess. She looks as though she is about to faint. I ask a question that has been on my mind the entire lunch.
"How do you feel about it, your highness?" I speak softly as to not alarm her. I find I alarm her anyway. She begins to stutter and slightly panic. Those actions alone tell me everything I need to know. She collects herself.
"Excuse me?" She looks at me for the first time this evening.
"I asked how you feel about the wedding, or rather, engagement." I repeat. She then looks at Dorian, and he gives her a glare. That glare alone was enough to make me want to knock his jaw out of place. Jewel's response was robotic, however slight hints of panic were in her voice. I didn't mean to frazzle her, however her actions show that something in this relationship is not right. Even worse, I notice her left cheek is slightly bruised and swollen. I decide to push the topic.
      "I am delighted to marry his highness."
      "You speak as if you aren't a princess."
      "I-i am a princess, I just have respect for Lord Dorian." She beings to stutter. I decide to push a little further.
      "You never once call him your fiance, or anything romantic, for that matter. It makes me wonder, do you really love him?" Dorian grows angrier by the second.
       "That's enough!" I see the princess stare at me in disbelief. I sit back in my chair and sip my wine, not breaking the eye contact with the Princess. I have one more question.
      "I did not mean to offend. However I have one more question for her highness. What happened to your cheek?"