Royal Affairs

Chapter 15

(Ember's POV)

        "I ask for your hand in marriage." Jonathan's words bounced in my head as I held my breath. The whole room was quiet as tonight's guests awaited Ann's answer. I knew her answer before she said it. I knew this would be her answer even before Jonathan proposed.

        I turned to my father."I want an arranged marriage. " I held up a hand before he could speak. "I refuse to love anyone other than him. I know you realized it father. I know you and mother said I could marry any I choose." I choked up. "I loved him but I can't have him and so I don't get my choice, I am asking you to make the choice for me."

        I didn't listen to his response. I didn't hear Ann stop sobbing enough to answer. I didn't hear the cheers that followed her response I didn't feel the bodies as people went to congratulate the couple. Instead of hearing and feeling I turned around and slowly walked to the doors of the ballroom. My ears pounded as I hoped no one would notice me as I slipped out of the room. Once through the doors I ran. I didn't look back as I turned the corner of the hall And heard someone yell. "Princess! Princess you must wait for your guards!"

        I ran and ran until my shoes gave out and I fell in the middle of the hall. My body shook as I sobbed with my face in my hands. I pulled my mother's letter out and read.

        My sweetest Ember,

        I am sorry that I have left you. Always remember I love you. You must remember that it is your choice. Love is your choice. It always will be. Don't be afraid to love. Your father and I over came many challenges that I hope you won't have to face in order to love.

        Ember, learn to follow your instincts. Your father may not agree but, always follow your instincts. They won't let you down. You must realize that they may put you in danger, and danger can lead you to your death but your instincts will be for the good of others. Ember I leave you with one last piece of advice. Fight! For your love for your life. Fight for all that you believe in and trust that no matter what I will be there with you. Fighting beside you.

                                                                                                   Love: Your mother

        I sobbed. "Love. Love means nothing mother." I pulled out Jonathan's letter and covered my mouth to hold back another sob. It read:

        My dearest love, Ember,

        It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that I intend on marrying Ann. You know this all ready though. All I can say is I am sorry. I decided to marry her after that night in your father's office. It was that night I realized I was in love with you Ember. I have fallen entirely in love with you in the past few days. It took all my strength to refuse you in the woods after training.

        My love for you Ember is too strong. I must protect you and my emotions can't catch me off guard.I can't be distracted by your beauty and be ambushed. You see Ember all that I am doing is to protect you. With this being said, I am going to marry Ann Allaway. I know it will break your heart and I fully apologize because, that was my intent, my heart too has fallen into a million pieces with each word I write. You must stop loving me Ember, because from this moment forth I refuse to acknowledge that I love you.

                                                                        With the greatest of sorrows: Jonathan Blackwood