The Dream Oath

Chapter 3.1

"Come with me," Ralse asked Edgar. "As my General, you are honor-bound to protect me."

"I'm not protecting you from your wife."

"What if she says no?"

"Then, you execute her," Edgar said flatly.

"I don't think I can," Ralse admitted.

"I can," Edgar said without even a second of hesitation.

"You can always do what is needed," Ralse envied his brother's resolve.

"That's why you're king," Edgar closed the gap between them and put his hands on Ralse's shoulders, "you always do what is right. Come on, chicken. I will protect you from your bride."

The two men hadn't seen nor heard from Maria since the day before. But it was evening, and they needed her answer today. Edgar signaled for Ralse's personal guard to fall in behind them. Ralse made a mental note that Edgar was taking this threat seriously. He couldn't get his mind over the idea that Maria might hurt him. It seemed too farfetched. But he respected his brother's opinion enough to heed it.

Ralse knocked on the door to Maria's rooms. The brunette maid answered, eyes widening in fear as she first saw Edgar in armor standing behind Ralse with a half dozen armored guards behind them. The realization swept over her face like she'd shouted her understanding of the situation out loud. Nonetheless, June opened the door wide for Ralse and announced him without faltering.

Maria was sitting at the table on the right of the room where Ralse had handed her the papers. She sat facing the windows, not looking at the group of men entering the room. Two of the guards moved next to each maid, firmly implying that taking a step in any direction would be unwise.

Ralse and Edgar strode across the floor, Edgar stopping an arms reach from Maria as Ralse moved to stand in front of her unmoving figure.

"Princess, I hope you are well," Ralse greeted her and looked to her eyes for a reply. Maria sat unseeing for a moment before refocusing her gaze on Ralse's face. Ralse blinked in surprise at a face entirely devoid of emotion - a statue that moved.

When she said nothing, Ralse asked, "May I sit?"

"Please," Maria gestured at the chair next to her at the table. Ralse turned it to face Maria and sat down.

"Have you considered my proposal?" Ralse asked.

"Yes," Maria replied.

"What have you concluded?"

"I will marry you," Maria stated without looking at him. She didn't blink. She didn't turn toward him at all. Ralse's heart went out to her. This woman was broken. He didn't know why, but it tore at him.

"What would you like as a wedding present?" Ralse asked, thinking maybe there was something he could do for her. Something to start that healing process.

Maria's eyes slid over to his as she cocked her head to the side, staring at him for a moment. "I want my brother buried in the family cemetery."

"Agreed," Ralse immediately assented. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"'

"Nothing comes to mind, my king." Maria's eyes slid back toward the window as she resumed her original position.

"Please, call me Ralse."

"Yes, Ralse."