"The Savior"

Chapter 17

They came to Alexandra's favourite horse riding place. The breeze brought Alexandra peace but her heart was still aching.

"I've heard you don't want to marry Prince James" said Leon

"I've had heard you have resources, but this is certainly some other level" replied Alexandra

"It's good to notice that even in your depression you are bossy" replied Leon

"What can I say I'm the princess" replied Alexandra with a smile

"At least I made you smile" said Leon

"For what reason have you brought me here?" Asked Alexandra

" To have a friendly conversation, you've always conversed with me about your plans and ambitions , now when you are in pain I would like to be here for you" replied Leon in a caring manner

"Leon I sincerely doubt if anything could make me happy at this point..... All that I believed while growing up has been a lie" said Alexandra

"My princess....nothing was a lie, your father stands by what he believes but your marriage to prince James will be a blessing for the state and if it had not been the case he wouldn't have pushed you" Leon said

"You've fallen prey to my father's lies Leon," taunted Alexandra

" You are mistaken my princess! with big status comes huge responsibility and you are a very responsible princess, however I am failing to understand how can you look past this matter. Your forefathers have made tremendous sacrifices for this kingdom, their blood goes in your veins and you are as fierce as your great grandfather was, but you are bringing a shame to them." Said Leon while staring at her

"Brigadier you are crossing your limits?" Replied Alexandra furiously

"You once said that, I'm your friend, well a friend's role is to let the other friend know of what mistake he's commiting and I'm here as your reformer.
Princess you have a whole kingdom in front of you that you love as your children and yet you want to leave them in distress for merely a boy" Leon said

"He's the love of my life and I will choose him no matter what" Alexandra's face was red

" Your great grandfather was in love with this girl, she was beautiful and he was under her spell but you would know by now that love tests you and he was tested. He wanted to marry that girl but the kingdom was under attack by King Leonard. There were riots everywhere and it was certain that it is the end of Gardenia. However your great grandfather was a smart person. He got to know by one of his companions that King Leonard loves his daughter very much. The daughter also loves him back and has escaped her palace and is currently in the battlefield. Your great grandfather had an idea he went in the battlefield and kidnapped the twelve year old princess. He kept her hostage and demanded King Leonard to withdraw his forces for the safety of her daughter. His demand was immediately accepted. However prince Charles didn't let go of the princess as he was aware that as soon as she'll be free king Leonard will attack again. So in order to keep his country save he married that young princess. King Leonard was furious he warned your great grandfather of war but he was again and again threatened for the life of her daughter. He used several methods to release her daughter but until then the princess fell in love with prince Charles. She didn't want to leave her husband.  And then she wrote to her father in the words that became eternal. "Father I'm now the queen of the state you once wanted to rule, I have full rights and powers worthy of a Queen. If you would like me to exercise my powers in my full capacity then give me your blessing and let me and my kingdom in King Charles and my hands, Love Roxelana " King Leonard realizing the status of her daughter gave her, his blessing and then both kingdoms reached several trade agreements beneficial for both states. You see Princess, prince Charles sacrificed the love of his life just to save his country. "

Alexandra was stunned at the story. It was the first time she had heard it. Leon went silent and Alexandra was quiet. She was looking at the ground and then after a moment she looked up and said

"Let's go back Brigadier"
It could be sensed that the story and the conversation had moved Alexandra, her stern attitude was changed. She seey furious but was determined as well.

                                              ...

Brigadier entered the king's office. The King was reading some papers, upon briagadier's arrival, he looked at him and asked

"Did she believe the story?"

"I'm very certain my king; that she has belived every word, that I told her" replied Leon with a grin