To Dance with a Prince

Untitled Part 11

Princess Helena looked at her father and she could see something in this eyes that, dare she hope, looked a little like remorse. The pain of thinking her father would sell her hand in marriage without her consent had been devastating and so she was done doing as she was told. She was done allowing others to make decisions for her. If nothing else he needed to know that.

"I'm not marrying Oliver father", she said. "I'm not marrying a man I don't love. Not for you, not for Italy, not for anyone."

He looked at her in shock. "How dare you speak to me like that. What has gotten into you? You have an obligation to do what is best for your country for Italy. You need a strong man that will help you rule when I am gone."

"I don't need any man to help me rule father. I can rule on my own. However, I want someone in my life to share my life with, who will love me, who will give me a family. Someone to grow old with."

She stood straighter finally getting the courage to speak her mind for the first time in a long time. "My whole life Dad, I have been your perfect little Princess, doing what you told me to do, minding my manners. I never spoke up or back talked you because I knew you were hurting after mother died. I wanted you to be happy, to see you smile, so I did what made you happy. Well now it is time for me to do what makes ME happy."

King Bertinelli looked at his daughter, seeing hard resolve in her eyes for the first time. It reminded him so much of her mother.

"I am going to tell Tommy how I feel. I don't know what he will say or if he will even care but I can't hide my feelings any longer. And if I am lucky and he chooses me, then that is the path I will take. Not one you have so carefully orchestrated for me."

The King gave her a soft look, and she saw something shift in his demeanor, in his eyes. "You remind me so very much of her." His voice was soft, nostalgic. "Your mother was so strong."

Helena felt tears fill her eyes at the mention of her mother. He never mentioned her anymore.

"She was my everything Helena. I loved her from the first moment I saw her and when I lost her, all I could think about was protecting what I had left. I want you to have everything darling, and I guess I got blinded to that. I got so caught up in what was best for the country instead of for my daughter."

"Why did you consider it in the first place?" she asked, truly wanting to know.

"I didn't want you to be alone. I wanted you to have someone in your life for when I am no longer around." He placed his hands on her arms and gave her a warm smile. "I love you so much sweetheart."

He removed his hands and stood straight, giving her a look of confidence. "If you say no to this marriage, then I will support you 100%."

She launched herself into his arms and they closed around her in the first hug they had shared in over a year. He closed his eyes feeling his daughter and love overwhelmed him. She was all he had left and he was not going to lose her.

"So, should we go tell King Robert?" She smiled pulling back from him.

"Lead the way my love."

***

Oliver stood up from his chair, staring at his Dad. He pulled Felicity up to stand next to him and put his arm around her waist.

"Felicity can I have a moment alone with my son?" King Robert gave her a shuttered look, and she nodded.

"I want her to stay." Oliver said, tightening his grip. "Whatever you have to say to me Father, you can say in front of her."

Felicity placed a hand on his arm to make him look at her. "I think you and your Father need to work this out Oliver. I will just be right outside. I promise." She leaned up and kissed his cheek before she looked at King Robert and walked out into the hallway.