Terms of Peace

If I Had To Choose Between You and Books, I Would Choose the Books

Aileen's POV

Away from all the prying eyes outside I let out a breathe and allowed Christopher to lead myself followed by Maria with Joel and Ethan, Lady Denise and Lord Zabdiel behind them followed by the two others we had been introduced to. I took in everything around me, enjoying the novelty of my surroundings. After several minutes we reached a door that a servant who had been waiting opened for us and we entered the most beautiful room I had ever been in. Filled with more books than I could ever count I let out a squeal of excitement as I imagined all the hours I could spend curled up in a chair or on one of the couches I saw by the window at the opposite end of the library from us. Pulling my hand from his arm I ran to the some of the bookshelves by the cluster of couches and just marveled at all the books I could see. Laughter from the people I had ditched for the books let out a burst of laughter as I imagine I looked like a kid in a candy shop. Maria and Ethan just shook their heads knowingly. I loved to read, it was something else my dad and I had in common. 

When I was little my parents read to me every night before bed and as I got older in the evenings we would gather in my family sitting room as I sat curled on the couch with Clayton and my dad as we all read with my mom sitting near the fire crocheting and once Chase came along he would play with his toys often convincing Clayton to play with him. Spotting a familiar blue and gold spine I let out another squeal of excitement as I pulled Arabian Nights from the shelf. Feeling a warm arm around my shoulder I looked up into his chocolate brown eyes, crinkling on the sides and laughing at my childlike behavior. "Its yours princesita. I haven't actually read that one so maybe you can read it to me" winking at me as I rolled my eyes, "Later though princesita, we have somethings to talk about first" as he dragged me over to the couches where everyone else had already sat. I went to sit in a chair but before I could he grasped my waist and pulled me onto his lap, locking his arms around my waist as I tried to wiggle free. Alas he was to strong for me so I gave in and stopped wiggling but just clutched the book to my chest as a sort of protection even though the main threat was behind me, literally. 

"First things first, we need to start planning out the wedding ceremony and such. It shouldn't be to soon but we don't want to wait forever so I say the wedding be in three months time in September, the weather won't be too hot or too  cold" Lady Denise instantly gushed. I tried to protest but one of the hands on my waist squeezed suddenly keeping me silent. "I think the theme should be red and gold, one color from each country and perfect colors for the fall as well. Is there anything you wish Your Highness? It will be your big day after all".

"The only things I wish for is to have my family here so my father can walk me down the aisle and I want my traditions to be represented; one is the traditional hand fastening during the ceremony as well as our blessing stones, so there needs to be a river or fountain or some large body of water nearby, that's all I want". 

"Your wish is my command princesita".

"Is there anything you particularly want Your Majesty"?

"If it is alright with my fiancee I would like her to wear a traditional Loja dress, everything else about the dress is up to her". Looking up at me for once, I responded, "I can do that although I am not sure what the traditional dress is like but I'm sure Lady Denise can help me with that". 

"That can certainly be arranged" as she smiled with a knowing glint towards me. 

"Now on to other important matter", spoke Zabdiel. "Now that there is peace we need to start thinking about potential trade between us and Kildare". "I don't think it's a bad idea to start thinking and speaking with businessmen and leaders on both sides but I think we should wait until after the wedding to really take action. It will give both of us time to prepare and hammer out the details as well as reassuring the citizens on both sides that we are all committed to peace" the soothing voice from the green-eyed lord spoke. 

"I agree with Erick" Richard continued, " as well as both sides being able to get used to a new life and find opportunities for those who are returning from the armies".

"A valid point. We will start looking at things on our side in a few days. It's been a long journey so we all need some rest. As well as showing our new family around the capital and around their new home" resting his head on my back. 

"We will start organizing things and show Ethan where his room will be as well as showing him around so he can get familiar with the palace layout" Zabdiel spoke to all the other men besides the man behind me and everyone nodded their heads in. agreement.

"I will show Lady Maria where her room his and where Her Highness will be staying so that she can help set up her belongings" Denise spoke as she took Maria's arm and pulled her out of the room before anyone else could speak.

Once we were all alone I managed to finally pull myself off of Christopher's lap and move to a couch nearby. Ignoring him as I opened the book I had been clutching and started to read. Sighing he made his way over to me and sat down near my feet, pulling my feet into his lap. I tried to ignore him but the hand he placed on where my leg was under my skirt kept distracting me as he tried to calm my nerves but his touch was doing the exact opposite. "Princesita, I promise that I won't try anything but if we're going to make this work for both of our people we'll need to be able to get along".

"I know but you have to understand where I'm coming from, I was always told that I would be able to marry a man of my choosing whom I loved and suddenly I'm being forced into a marriage with a stranger. I accepted because my people deserve happiness and rest from the violence as do your people".

"Well then I will try to have to make you fall in love with me" grinning wickedly as if he had a plan all along, "now why don't we start this bonding experience by you reading your shield to me".

"Fine, but keep your hand still or else I might kick you, I'm ticklish and I am not afraid to hurt you".

"Duly noted princesita". Not taking the bait I reopened the book to the front page and began to read around the story of a girl who married an evil king to save the lives of hundred of girls.