The Queen

5. Welcome to Esparcia

Through the window of the carriage, Samira and Esma noticed that they had arrived. Samira's heart raced, her anticipation building for what awaited her in her new home. The carriage came to a stop, and they waited for one of the servants to open the door. When the time came, Samira stepped out first, ensuring her feet were firmly planted on the ground before lifting her head. The entire Esparcian court had gathered outside, observing her arrival.

"Princess Samira of the Kingdom of Kalon," a strong voice boomed, announcing her presence.

Esma stood behind Samira, her eyes wide with amazement at the grandeur of the castle and the elegant court ladies around them. The Esparcian court was unlike anything they'd seen in Kalon—more extravagant, more populated.

King James stepped closer to Philip and whispered in his ear, "Son, your place is now beside your wife."

Philip's body stiffened. As he turned his gaze, he saw Alice's smile falter into a look of confusion and hurt. He forced himself to walk to Samira and stand next to her. He lifted his hand, and Samira placed hers on top of it.

"May I present to you the future Queen of Esparcia," King James announced. "My son, Prince Philip, and Princess Samira of Kalon were married yesterday, putting an end to the war between our kingdoms and securing a lifetime commerce alliance."

The crowd erupted in applause, while whispers rippled through the court. Philip's gaze stayed fixed on Alice, who wiped a tear from her cheek.

"Princess, may I present my wife, Queen Helena?" King James said to Samira.

"Your Highness, it's a pleasure to meet you," Samira said, curtsying gracefully.

Queen Helena bowed in return, a smile on her face. "My court and I are delighted to have you here. Welcome to your new home, Princess."

She then turned to Philip. "Son, congratulations." She kissed him on both cheeks.

"Mother," Philip muttered, his voice stiff.

"Please meet Prince Henry, my younger son, and Philip's brother," King James continued, introducing Samira to Henry.

Samira took a few steps forward, and Philip remained by her side, still supporting her hand despite his inner turmoil.

"Welcome to Esparcia, Your Highness," Henry said, bowing and kissing the back of her hand. Samira smiled, nodding graciously.

Henry turned to Philip, offering a slight bow. "Brother."

Philip only nodded, his expression cold.

The royal family walked inside, and the members of the court returned to their business. Once inside the castle, King James turned to Philip.

"Son, please show your wife to your room."

"My room?" Philip's voice was a little too sharp, his confusion clear.

"Yes, both of your rooms from now on." King James's tone was firm. "You must share a bed. If you don't, I fail to see how you'll produce an heir."

Both Samira and Philip's faces drained of color in surprise, but King James's words were a cruel reminder of the expectations. A heir would come, it was clear, though it might take time. There was an undeniable attraction between the two.

Philip clenched his jaw. He needed to find Alice. His thoughts were consumed with her, with the hope that she could forgive him for this forced marriage. He couldn't bear the idea of losing her, not now, not ever.

He stormed through the halls, Samira struggling to keep up. He slammed open the door to his room, the sound echoing in the corridors. Samira and Esma entered behind him. Philip turned to Samira, his expression venomous.

"The day my father dies and I become king, you'll be beheaded," he spat, his finger pointed threateningly toward her.

Samira's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

Esma gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in shock, barely suppressing a scream.

Philip stormed out of the room, slamming the door with a force that made the walls shake.

Samira turned to Esma, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "Don't worry, nothing will happen to us."

Esma nodded, her eyes filled with tears, but Samira's words couldn't fully reassure her. Samira herself had no idea how to protect them both—but she had to find a way.

Meanwhile, Philip was desperately searching for Alice. He asked several servants, and one finally told him she was in the garden.

"We need to talk," Philip said, standing in front of her.

"I don't understand, Your Highness," Alice replied, not lifting her gaze from the embroidery she was working on. "It seems like everything that needed to be said has already been said."

"Alice, please, don't be like this. Just listen to me." Philip knelt beside her, trying to meet her eyes.

"Five minutes," she said, her voice cold, but she didn't push him away.

"Alright, that'll be enough. If I married someone else, it's because I had no choice. Marrying her was the only way to end the war. I resisted, you know how my father is. But I have an obligation to this kingdom, and one day, I'll be king. I had to do it." His voice softened. "I don't want this marriage, Alice. I want you. Please believe me."

Her eyes softened, the hurt in them still raw. "What now?"

"Nothing will change between us. I promise," Philip said, his voice filled with quiet desperation.

Alice wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. "I've missed you so much, Philip."

Their kiss was hungry, desperate, a moment of escape from the reality that had trapped them. But as their lips met, Samira's face flashed in Philip's mind—the memory of their first meeting, her green eyes, her radiant smile, her white dress billowing in the wind. The kiss faltered, and he pulled away, breathless.

"Are you two together?" Alice whispered, her voice trembling.

"Of course not," Philip lied, though the lie tasted bitter on his tongue.

"I was so afraid to lose you, Philip," Alice confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You won't lose me," he promised, pulling her close again, his eyes lost in thought. He was torn, confused, but he couldn't deny the pull he felt toward Samira.

"I have to go. The queen might need me," he said reluctantly, though his mind was still on Alice and their shared past.

"Promise you'll visit me tonight?" Alice asked seductively, pressing herself closer to him.

"You have my word," Philip said, his voice low, his hands lingering on her waist.

"See you then," Alice murmured, her voice full of anticipation.

Philip walked away, but his thoughts were no longer entirely with Alice. He found himself distracted by the memory of Samira's gaze. The conflict inside him only deepened.

End of this chapter, I hope you liked it
I know it was a little longer than the usual, I apologize if that bothered you, I just got carried away.
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