War of the Roses

2. No Choice

"Never!!!" King Odo slammed on the table with closed fists, his voice could be heard from the other side of the hallway.

"My king we understand your concern, we all treasure princess Samira but it seems like King James isn't as open to negotiate like we thought." Neoh's voice echoed in the spacious throne room although he sounded very calmed considering the situation they were in.

"I said no!!!!!" He yelled again, this time harder. "And that's my final injunction. That old man wants war, we'll give him war, I rather die than see my only daughter in their hands."

"My lord----"

"I will do it." A feminine voice, as pure and sweet as if from heaven came from the door. They all turned and saw princess Samira, determination visible in her green eyes.

The Wise Men kneel down bowing to the young princess, all saying at the same time. "Your highness."

Samira walked graciously towards her dad.

"My little girl you don't know what you're talking about." King Odo held only tenderness in his eyes, he kissed her forehead and hugged her warmly.

"Father I'm not a little girl anymore, my duty is with the people of Kalon, if in my hands relies the power to save my people I will do it without hesitation. Yourself father raised me with this principle, have you forgotten why we are really here?" 

Only the sound of the wind in the window could be heard in the room, young princess Samira had managed to leave her father, the King and the wisest, eldest man in the kingdom speechless.

"My lord allow me to say that we have a great future queen before us."

Neoh said as hope and pride fulfilled his old heart.

"Samira, are you sure about this? once we reply to that letter there's no going back." King Odo said holding Samira's both hands and looking into her eyes, trying to capture just a hint of fear that will make him say no, but there was any, his daughter was as brave as the first warrior to face the enemy in the battle field.

"Yes father, I knew this day was going to come." Her voice was soft and calmed but at the same time it held determination en certainly.

"Your highness I must say we consult the gods before any decision is made."

"Alright gentleman consult the gods, if they and my daughter approve we will have a wedding in the castle by tomorrow's evening."

The Wise Men bowed and walked out of the room, one behind the other.

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"You did what??!!" Esma shouted in surprise after Samira shared with her what just happened in the throne room.

"I had to, what other choice there is?"

Esma knew Samira was right, it was wedding or certain death, she glared at her friend and pitied her, being a princess wasn't all glitz and glam, it was commitment, sometimes your life did not belong to you, but to your people and your nation.

"I'm so proud of you." Esma ran towards Samira and keeled in front of her, her hands held her friend's who was sitting on the bed. "But I will miss you so much when you leave."

"What are you talking about? You're coming with me."

Esma's face lit up.

"Is that so my lady?"

"It certainly is." Samira gave her a warm smile.

"Thank you, I'll happily go with you."

Two knocks at the door made Esma get up form the floor and head towards the door to open it.