Terms of Peace

Welp There Goes My Life

Aileen's POV

The only reason I knew something was happening and I OBVIOUSLY was not invited was when my best friend and lady-in-waiting Maria came flying into my room almost making me fall of the ledge of my balcony as I tried to get a clue has to who the hell was coming into the palace. As Maria slammed the large door to my room shut as we ran to meet each other half way.

"Ro!", she screamed as she ran panting towards me, "HE'S here, like in the palace"!

"Who's he Maria"?

"The one and only Christopher, King of Loja! I was able to catch him walking in with several other men straight to your parents throne room" pausing she took a few moments to catch her breathe, "I couldn't get a good look at the others face before my dad shooed me off saying that it was 'no place for a young lady' but he said that he had a feeling you needed me more".

"Well he was right cause you're going to help me figure out a way to get into that room so I can murder him. Christopher is lucky I didn't know he would dare show his face here or I would have punched him the moment he stepped foot into MY home. I mean seriously how could my parents stand looking that man in the eye after he MURDERED Clayton"?

"Ok hold on for a second and breathe, they probably left you out for a good reason right? Clay was your big brother and you two were inseparable. It's been a year since he died and your still not the Aileen that you used to be".

"Maria I don't think I'll ever be that same girl again".

"My point exactly! We've been friends since we were three years old, you used to read the day away or we would run through the gardens, hell you haven't even left the palace since that happened and that was always your favorite, sneaking past the guards into town enjoying the people and simplicity until we got caught".

"Which is why I need to you to help me sneak into that room! We got past all the guards in and around this place so who's to say that we couldn't do that but with the throne room instead"! Sprinting to my closet I threw open the doors trying to find the stash of clothes I kept hidden that could pass off as servant clothes. I felt a hand grab mine as I kneeled on the floor digging through the bag, "You know that's not a good idea. I have a feeling thats telling me this would be the one time you actually got in trouble for sneaking around".

"I know I know, you can't blame me for trying though, but I just can't help this burning fire to get revenge on that bastard myself. I love both my parents but Clay was always the one there for me no matter what. Like that time that once prince named Richard and his brother Yashua came with their parents so they could talk alliances against Loja and Richard pushed me into some mud and I hit him but when our parents came to see what was happening Clay took the blame for hitting him so I didn't get in trouble". Before the tears could even hit my face I felt Maria pull me into a hug as I cried. When the waterworks FINALLY decided to stop she helped me up and lead me back to my room were we both collapsed on to my bed. She told me all about her little brothers antics and how they covered their dog in mud and ran through their house with him until there was mud on almost every surface. Suddenly more door pushes open very slowly and as we sit up my parents make their way into my room. Jumping up Maria hurriedly tries to curtesy as I stare daggers into my parents.

"No need for the formalities my dear, you are like a second daughter to us. Please sit back down we have some big news and you know my daughter best". As Maria sat down on my right while my dad grabbed a chair from my reading nook and sat down, pulling my mom into his lap. Taking my hand my dad looks at me "My baby girl we finally come to terms of peace with Loja! I'm so sorry for leaving you out of such crucial talks but I knew you would not be happy to see King Christopher after what had happened but we also came to tell you something else".

"Go on".

"Besides the usual war reparations he only required one thing, now please remember I love you with my whole heart and this decision will haunt me for the rest of our lives-"

"Cut to the chase dad what does he want"?

"In three days time when the other half of his army and himself are to return to Loja and you are to return with him as his betrothed".

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND I COULD NEVER MARRY THAT MONSTER. HE MURDERED MY BIG BROTHER AND HAS DESTROYED THE LIVES OF SO MANY OF OUR PEOPLE I CAN'T BETRAY THEM OR THEIR MEMORY LIKE THAT". Maria tried to grab my wrist as I stood up needing to get away from them but I easily shook her off as I started to throw the books resting on my bedside table." I REFUSE TO MARRY HIM. THERES NO WAY IN HELL THAT YOU CAN MAKE ME GO WITH HIM". Rushing back to where my dad now stood I jabbed my finger in his face, "You always told me I would marry for love like you and mom did and now you force this shit on me! Why would you think that something like this is ok? He killed your oldest child for heavens sake, now you want to send me to the cobras nest".

Grabbing both my wrists my father forced my hands to my side as he looked down at me, "You WILL do this for your country. Your mother and I have taught you from day one that peace and prosperity for our people comes before all else. I may be your dad but I am also your king and you will do as I say. Now listen carefully, in three days when Loja leaves you will travel with them back, until you reach the border some of our guards will accompany you partly to make sure nothing happens to you as you travel but they will be instructed to make sure you don't try any tricks. It has been agreed that Maria will accompany you to Loja and will continue to be your lady-in-waiting your personal escort Ethan will also go with you" letting go of my wrists to pull me into an embrace, "we would never send you there alone my dear but please think of all the lives that will be saved and how proud your brother that you would be able to bring peace between our countries".

Taking a step back to breathe in I closed my eyes and listened in hopes that I would somehow be able to hear my brothers voice giving me guidance. Sighing after encountering the expected silence, "Fine I'll go but NEVER think that I am doing this because I see no other choice, you know me better than that I am doing this for Clayton and the people because they deserve a happy life. Now if you please get out of my room as Maria and I now have much to talk about".

Authors Note 🔔

Thanks for reading guys I really hope you enjoy this chapter! If y'all need more CNCO stories go check out deniseasonrisa and Cortez053002. They are amazing authors and have become some of my best friends. Love y'all😘😘