Two Of The Same Piece || Book 1 (The Beginning)

CHAPTER 32

The Bellans didn't hide their distaste for Rachid, Josephine thought. As the whole of Thinlin came out to celebrate the welcome of Prince Rachid of Duative. Josephine had questioned the choice, especially after the attack on the castle. But they didn't find anything. No information or anything about the attackers.

Josephine would welcome Rachid in Thinlin's main hall. She felt more dignified, she was a fully experienced queen now, with a full year of experience. She felt like it was more appropriate for her guests to come to greet her instead.

Rachid was far better looking than his brother. Tall and lean, with a well-defined face and luscious red hair. The freckles on his face were less of a flaw and more endearing than Josephine thought they should be.

Rave sat with her back straight, playing with the ring on her finger. She had a barely veiled scowl on her face. Josephine had no doubt she was already thinking of ways to dispose of this princeling.

After all, they were royals of the same rank. Born to concubines, raised knowing full well they will likely never inherit the rich kingdoms they come from. But no matter how handsome Rachid was, he didn't live up to Leo. Josephine could not look away from the Raib and his thick bicep. Josephine wanted so desperately to be held by those arms.

Honestly, Josephine knows Rave was no evil genius because if she was, she would have used Leo to get to Josephine. When the time for the feast arrived, they all retreated to the dining hall. Rachid would sit beside Josephine, as he was the guest of honor.

"So, your majesty, if you don't mind me asking," Rachid smiled at her, charmingly, "When do you plan on getting married?"

"Oh...I had- I haven't thought about that yet." No one was bold enough to ask her that, not even Lina and Sonia.

"Really? I would have thought you, of all people, will have hordes of suitors trampling each other for your attention." He swirled his goblet of wine.

"I do, but I do not like most of them," Josephine replied.

"You are a smart woman, your majesty. You aren't like other women, easily moved or flattered. I can tell." His eyes were sparkling at her.

"You shouldn't flirt with me, Rachid." Josephine waved him off, flustered.

"Flirt?" He shook his head. "I can't help it, your majesty. You are truly an interesting woman. I have never met a woman quite like you." He said again.

"Of course, you haven't met a woman like me." Josephine really looked at Rachid. The handsome, younger brother of a king was flirting with her, for a reason. But she couldn't help but enjoy the attention. "If you think it will be this easy to make me your willing slave, then clearly you are mistaken. I don't know what Lina or Sonia told you, but I can see through most tricks."

"I wouldn't dream of tricking you. I can only ask for your attention, and perhaps," He leaned closer to her. "Your heart."

"I would like to continue this later. Tonight." Josephine stood up, careless of her gossiping court and a certain wide-eyed emissary. "Meet me at my courtyard. Later tonight." She repeated loudly. Rachid just smiled at her. And so for the first time, Josephine took a proper lover.

--

"He makes one moony look at her and she fucks him within hours. How ridiculous." Rave scoffed.

"How easy." Leo corrected her. "If I had known it was that easy. I'd be king of Thinlin by now."

"Yes. king of cabbages and horseradishes."

Word of Josephine and Rachid's tactics spread like wildfire. Mainly because she basically announced it to the world. Rave hadn't faked her surprise. She didn't expect Josephine to be so bold and open about it.

It was no surprise that a week after that, Josephine and Rachid were publicly engaged. Rave had nearly laughed herself to death. Josephine wasn't half as sleek as she thought she was. "If anything, I should ask Rachid how he oiled up Josephine so quickly. Get a few tips." Rave said.

"I am sure he would put my 'convincing' skills to shame." Leo laughed.

"Looks like she isn't as fascinated with you as she was before." Rave poked his side.

"No, I'm so disappointed," Leo batted her hand away, "So cruel of you to beat a man down, princess."

"How easy for her to judge me, yet do the same as me." Rave chuckled.

"Do you think they'll be able to do the wedding nicely? I think it will be hurried. Rachid will not waste a moment waiting."

"I think so too. A quick wedding, to lessen Josephine's lack of 'modesty."

--

It was an awkward ceremony, to say the least. A week full of celebrations was declared for the queen's wedding.. Unlike Rina's, Josephine got married in Thinlin City, the castle filled once again with nobles. Everyone had seemingly forgotten about the attack three months ago.

Rave sat in all her finery, watching the royal cage. It was honestly bittersweet for her. She had been engaged to Aurilean for so long but she had yet to even marry him.

"It seems like neither of us is enjoying the ceremony?" Sonia asked, leaning against the pillar behind where Rave sat.

Leo, instinctively, reached for his dagger. Rave out a hand on his. "I have no reason to. Lest you forget, I have a fiance."

"Of course, so lovey-dovey you both were. Yet he still doesn't marry you. How long have you been engaged now?" Sonia chuckled smugly, "Four long years, yet no wedding."

"How long have you been visiting that Raynerian trader in the marketplace?" Sonia turned ashen. "I am left to wonder who he is. Maybe word will spread after our little conversation."

"Your back is far too rigid for the child of a concubine and a woman engaged, yet still not married." Sonia retorted.

"Yours is too rigid for a minor lady who fancies a mere trader. Sneaking out like a woman straying from her husband's bed." Rave clapped back. "Do not challenge me, Sonia. Or I will bend your back to show me the respect owed to me as a princess and as a future queen."

"As if." She scoffed, walking away.

As the night continued, word spread of Lady Sonia's indignity. Lowering herself to a common man. By the morning, not a single person in Thinlin didn't know of Lady Sonia and her lover.