Lightning Hearts

Chapter 3

Breakfast was awful. I was sat next to Chester when his father broke the news. My stay in Airena would last more than a week. I would be staying here until my father said otherwise. I knew my fate was sealed. I was to marry Chester, whether I wanted to or not. My heart ached for Elijah, now I had no chance of being with him.

After the news, I retreated to my chambers, claiming to be ill. And i was, I was ill because the thought of being with Chester upset my stomach. I laid in my bed, thinking of how to tell Elijah, but there was no way to word the news to make it sound pleasant. I was to marry another man.

Unless...

Unless I convince my father otherwise! He wouldn't make me marry someone I do not love, would he? He wouldn't be the same man I grew up with if he would. I was lost in my thoughts when I heard a soft knock on my door. I went and opened it to discover my handmaiden. A short, strawberry blonde haired girl, around my age.

"Hello, My Princess,"

"Hello. Please run me a bath and then make my bed."

"Yes, My Lady."

10 minutes later my body was relaxed in the suds my handmaiden prepared for me. That's when I realized that she would be my maiden for months to come and it would be my best interest to be kind to her.

"Excuse me, My Lady,"

Her soft voice carried through the room and broke my train of thought.

"Yes?"

"I have made your bed and tidied your chambers, is there anything else you would like me to attend to?"

"Yes, firstly, what is your name? It seems my stay in Airena will be longer than I first thought,"

"My name is Ida, My Princess,"

"Well, Ida, please help me prepare for the day." I smiled at her.

As she helped me out of the bath, I noticed her gaze go to the the marks on my stomach, hips and thighs. Her face scrunched up in disgust. Her opinion was irrelevant. She was nothing but the help. She helped me into a lavender coloured dress and left my hair in its natural style, curly and unruly.

"Thank you for your help, Ida."

"Of course, My lady."

She left my chambers and I looked at my dress. The sleeves were short and barely covered my shoulders. The lace on the bodice was elegant and beautiful. This was definitely one of my favoured dresses.

There was another knock at my door, I simply yelled for them to enter. My Father walked into the regal room. He looked a my dress and smiled.

"That was your mother's favourite colour,"

"I know. Father, I do not want to stay here. I do not wish to marry Prince Chester,"

"I know but it is what is best for Lithidonea. Prince Chester has the resources to help our kingdom survive. You will marry him, Adeline, it is your responsibility as a princess,"

"Father! I wish to wed a man I love, and I do not love him. I cannot see myself ever loving him."

"You will learn to. This is the last we will speak of this. Prince Chester is waiting for you in the library. He wishes to show you around the kingdom and I have already agreed on your behalf."

I could not believe this. My father, a man whom has always believed in following your heart is prepared to force me wed a man I have no feelings for. I stormed out of my room, and down to the library. This was going to be a long day.

I entered the Library and almost did a double take. Standing next to my future husband was Elijah. Chester, who obviously saw my look of confusion and took it a different way, decided to explain.

"This is Elijah, my stable boy. He just came to tell me that the horses for our ride are ready. Do not fret, Adeline, he will not be accompanying us."

"That is quite fine but please remember, it is Princess Adeline."

My tone was ice cold and even Elijah look shocked. I turned to the blue eyed man and requested for him to take us to the horses.

"Of course, My Princess."

It was extremely awkward as we made our way to the stables. Chester, attempting to make conversation, was asking me about my hobbies but I longed to be able to speak with Elijah. I wished to tell him about my fathers plans for me to wed the idiotic prince.

"Elijah, see to it that my future wife is saddled in safely." Chester obviously had no respect for his workers. He walked away and started to saddle his horse.

Elijah, whose eyes widened at the news of marriage, walked down the stables to the quieter section was. He wasn't talking to me as he began to get the saddle and reins.

"Elijah, please talk to me,"

"What is there to say, Adeline? You're his bride to be and I am nothing,"

"I am not his bride to be... yet, anyway. I am being forced to spend time with him but I do not want to. Look at my hand if you do not believe me,"

I pushed my hand into his just to prove there was no ring. Nothing was set in stone yet.

"I believe you, Addie. I wish to keep seeing you, if you will allow me to," His voice was soft, almost fragile. It reminded me of when I first met him.

"Of course I will, Eli, but we better get me saddled up before he comes and sees us conversing."