My Foreign Prince

Chapter 7

"You're late."

Shane and I scoffed in unison, completely ignoring Angus as we walked past him towards the pile of luggage containing every single one of my belongings. After dumping what was in my arms; a butt load of parting gifts from almost three quarters of the village, I turned to the scowling knight.

"Where's his highness?"

Angus glowered "I suggest you talk about him with more respect, peasant. You may be his fiance--"

"Unwillingly."

"--But you'll never be his equal." He crossed his arms "Just remember your place."

I rolled my eyes. I already knew I was never to be respected as queen, I would just be a condition for uniting Roseya and Belliak. Nothing but a key to my kingdom.

"Whatever..."

"Well I suggest you speak to a lady with more courtesy." Shane suddenly retorted, suddenly at my side as he scowled back at the older male "A knight's code is to be chivalrous towards women, isn't it?"

Angus's eyebrows raised slightly at the mention of the code, and his lips pursed together tightly before he could blurt out some kind of rude comeback. He didn't like me, that much was obvious, but he couldn't deny his duty because of that inconvenience. So with tight grimace, he bowed towards me.

"My apologies, m'lady..."

And without another word he stomped off towards the carriage, sulking like a child after what he had been forced to do. He must have been regretting his career path, and that made me snicker.

"Thanks, Shane." I turned to my best friend "You being here makes me feel a bit of closure. Especially when you fend off nonsense spitting snakes."

Shane chuckled slightly and placed a gloved hand on my shoulder "Anything to keep that smile on your face. I know this is hard for you."

I bit my lip as I allowed my eyes to cast down to the floor. It had been hard, packing and preparing for my 'transition' to Roseya with only the company of Shane and those stone-faced guards to help me. Alexei had shown up once, to see how preparation was going, but I didn't even spare him a glance. He lied to me, and he's forcing me into a loveless marriage for his own gain. At least, I think it's for his own gain... Anyway, you may have guessed already, but today was the day I'd be traveling to Roseya. It was weird, and scary at the same time to know I'd spend the rest on my life in a kingdom miles away from the people I love. But it was scarier to know I'd be married to the prince of that kingdom, and have my life ripped from me as soon as I say 'I do'.

It was terrifying to know I didn't have a choice.

Suddenly Shane's eyes shifted to something behind me, and he stepped away from me with a frown before bowing grudgingly.

"Prince Alexei..."

Oh no.

I whipped my head around to see the thirteen year old standing behind me with his hands behind his back, with Lizza standing beside him staring at the floor guiltily. This was the first time I had seen her since she appeared at my door, and I could tell she was kicking herself for not telling me the truth sooner. The thing is, I didn't really blame her for this, but at the same time I kind of did... she had the chance to tell me 'Al's secret on numerous occasions, but how was she to know his intentions of marrying me against my will? I was conflicted on what to think of her actions- or lack of, so I just turned my head away from her. Alexei cleared his throat, gaining the attention of me, Shane and Lizza.

"Is everything ready for Cynthia's departure?" He asked.

He's using my full name now. It's probably formalities... but I can't help but feel small when he addresses me that way...