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At
the age of eighteen, Laura was chosen as a female consort to the future King.
One of many others. Her elder cousin, Cristina, was the one chosen to be the
next Queen.
Laura
had always been envied for her beauty and everyone thought the prince would
choose her. Everyone mocked her downfall and bullied her since then, with
Cristina at the lead. They weren’t afraid, as the next Queen has permitted it.
She suffered so much at their hands.
When
the prince ascended to the throne, becoming King of their nation, Laura hoped
her elevated status would help her situation, but it didn’t. She remained below
the Queen and the lowest among the King’s women. Her few encounters with the
King brought her even more shame. She didn’t think he would be so cold and
heartless. The others spoke of him as kind and gentle. She reckons it has
something to do with Cristina. She might have asked the King to treat her as
such.
It
only took a few years before chaos began in the kingdom. Enemies came from
everywhere. The people rebelled. The servants betrayed their masters.
Everyone related to the
royals were killed. Laura didn’t understand the reasons for it but it seems the
King didn’t do too well as a ruler. He was killed in public. And it wasn’t long
before everyone in the palace was annihilated, including her.
Except… did it all happen?
When she woke up, it was the week before the prince chose his queen.
Samuel’s father, the reigning
King, sought a Seer to tell the prince’s fate. The king was sickly and would
soon be laid to rest, but before he passes the crown to his son, he would like
to be assured that he would do well. Samuel could be arrogant and ignorant of
many things, especially people’s sentiments. He feared that his weaknesses
would be the end of their family’s dynasty. He couldn’t rest until he hears of
what is to come.
Prince Samuel’s fate was told
and it pleased the King. They both believed what the Seer said. Samuel lived by
it and yet… how did everything end up in a mess? Where did he go wrong? Did the
Seer lie? He vowed to get his revenge someday.
When he woke up, it was a
week before his coronation. The day they went to talk to the Seer. He needs to
talk to her alone and ask what went wrong.
“You chose wrongly, my
prince.” The Seer stated.
“The rightful Queen still
awaits. This time, you must choose her. Remember everything else I said.”
Chapter 1 – The Seer
The King has been feeling very sick in the last few months, so he decided that
the time has come for his son, Prince Samuel, to step forward and rule the land.
To begin with that, they have scheduled his coronation within the month.
But the king couldn’t be
assured of his son’s future. Most likely, he would no longer be living to
witness his success or failure, but he would like to know what fate awaits him.
He sent his servants to look for a seer, one that could tell the future and
give advice on what one must do to succeed in life.
After searching for weeks,
they found one and the King took Samuel to see this Seer.
Prince Samuel is only
twenty-four years old. Not too young, but not too old yet. The King feels that
he’s still a bit lacking. He couldn’t be assured that he would do well as a
ruler and as a leader. The prince needs guidance. Something he can’t provide
when he dies soon. Out of the royal advisers, he can’t deny that some of them
are selfish and make recommendations based on the benefits that they would
receive. There’s only few of them that he could trust.
“Where are we going, father?”
Despite his immaturity, the prince respects his father and admires the way he
run the kingdom in the last few decades. He’s a king that people love.
“We’re here to speak with a
Seer. I haven’t hidden
it from you that I’ve been sickly these last few months and it doesn’t look
like I’m getting any better. I may not be here to see you become king, so I
would like to ask this Seer to tell us what your future will be.”
“Do you believe they speak
the truth, father? They could be lying.”
“Seers don’t lie. Whatever
future they see, they make sure someone knows they were right.”
“Have you dealt with Seers
before, father?”
“Yes, I have.” The king
didn’t provide more details and the prince knew not to probe further when the
king goes silent.
The carriage continued its
journey. They had a meal on the way and arrived at an isolated hut deep in the
forests. It was just as the sun has started its descent.
As they made their way
towards the door, it opened and a tall woman in a black cloak appeared to greet
them.
“You have sought me again, my
lord. Please, come in.”
“It’s you.” The king paused
as he recognized her.
“Do you still want my head,
your highness?” The woman pulled back her hood and smiled at her visitors.
What the prince saw is a fair
middle-aged woman. Her hair is turning grey but she stood with strength. Her
expression is sad despite the small smile on her lips.
“Did you order her
execution?” The prince asked, having translated her words in his head.
At his question, the servants
stood at the ready but the king ordered them to stand aside.
“Let us go in. No one is to
come inside unless I say so, is that clear?” He left instructions and the
prince followed after him.
The king took a deep breath
upon entering the threshold on her home.
“Please, have a seat. I have
waited for this day to come, you know.” She went to the kitchen to fetch some
mugs and a pitcher.
“Forgive me as I have no food
to offer you.”
“You saw us coming and you
didn’t prepare anything?” The prince asked, standing by the door and surveying
her household. Nothing looks like a threat.
“With how your father treated
me before, you should be thankful I’m even offering you something to drink.”
The prince could hear a hint
of contempt in her voice. He turned to the king and asked, “Father?” He needs
an explanation.
The king took a deep breath
before speaking and looking directly at the woman. “I apologize for how I
reacted. I was grieving and acted irrationally. I am glad you survived.”
The woman smirked. “Yes, you
are glad. Because you need me to see your son’s future this time, no? What if
it turns out to be grim? Would you punish me for it? I only see the future for
what it is and I have nothing to do with it.”
She glanced at the prince and
squinted her eyes at him. It is most curious to her.
Samuel listened intently to
their exchange. His father mentioned grieving. That only happened when his
mother, the Queen, died in childbirth. Along with the princess.
“You asked her about mother’s
future?” He directly asked his father. He was young, then, and didn’t
understand the concept of death. He thought his mother was just sleeping and
it’s taking her too long to wake up.
“Your mother was already ill
when she became pregnant. I merely saw that both the child and the queen would
perish. Your father seemed to think that I cursed them and blamed me for the
outcome. My hands are free of blood, my lord. If you cannot bear to hear ill
tidings, you shouldn’t bother asking what the future holds.”
The woman sat on a wooden
bench, opposite his father.
“Do you still want to ask me
what his future is?” She challenged.
Samuel exchanged a glance
with his father. After a minute or so, his father made his decision.
“I might not live long and I
want to know how well he’ll do after I leave this world.”
“Father, don’t say things
like that. You will recover.” Samuel himself doesn’t know what he’ll do if his
father dies. He’s not ready to take on so many responsibilities, no matter how
much they tried to prepare him.
The king only spared him a
glance before ordering the seer, “Tell us.”
The woman turned her eyes
towards Samuel and she squinted again. “Most curious, indeed.”
“What’s curious?”
“Tell me, prince. Is this the
first time we’re seeing each other?”
Samuel frowned at her, “Yes,
it is.”
He’s sure that he has never
seen her before.
“Listen carefully, then. You
have a great future ahead of you, but only if you have a proper queen on your
side.”
Samuel stepped forward,
closer to his father. “What do you mean?”
“Ask your father. As king,
you would need someone to support you. With a foolish queen on your side, you
will perish as quickly as you learn how to walk.”
“What must he do, then? What
is his future like?” His father felt relieved at knowing he would have a bright
future ahead of him.
“Everything you wanted him to
be. And more, my lord. He would be greater than you. But there is a crucial
player in his future.”
“Explain well. What crucial
player?”
“His future is greatly
influenced by the person on his side. A rightful queen. One full of wisdom. You
must listen to her words carefully, my lord. Hers is the only advice you must
listen to. Listen to every word she says. Never shut her up. And most
importantly, treat her well. For her tears and pain would cause your demise.”
The king became agitated at
her last sentence. “How dare you speak of death in front of me.”
The woman sighed. Here we go
again. “If you cannot bear to listen to my words, would you rather I don’t
speak of it? A great king has a great queen reigning with him. Without you, she
is nothing. Without her, you are nothing. It would take the two of you to turn
this kingdom to experience years of prosperity. If she is hurt, you will have
failed her. If you fail her, you fail yourself. The moment she starts living
with the pain, that is the same moment your enemies will find your weakness.
She has nothing to do with it, and yet, she is everything that is between your
life and death.”
“You speak in riddles,
woman.” The king cut her off.
The seer stood up as well and
stared unflinchingly at the king. “Do I? Are my words difficult to understand?”
She turned to the prince and
gestured, “Tell me, my prince, what did I say? Those words you must remember.”
Samuel is blessed with good
memory so he remembered everything she said.
“The queen you mentioned… the
one who would reign the kingdom with me, how do I find her? Would she come to
me? She couldn’t be just anyone, could she?”
The woman smiled and he found
it unsettling.
“Yes, you must choose
carefully. If you chose the wrong person, your kingdom is doomed. She is wise,
my lord, not someone foolish.”
“So, how does he choose
correctly? Who is she?” His father asked.
The woman briefly glanced at
the king before turning and walking towards a room.
The father and son exchanged
a glance. It didn’t take long before the woman came out again, bringing a small
box with her. She eyed the prince and noted his clothing and accessories.
“Your armband, my lord. Can I
have it?” She sat down and set the box on the table.
Samuel approached her to hand
over the armband. It was made of thin metal and bears the seal of their family
on the underside.
The box was opened and they
saw a ribbon on it. It was intricate, like a proper accessory for a woman. The
colors were of their house.
The woman turned the ribbon
over and inserted his armband somewhere in there. She was able to manipulate
its shape and hid the seal just under the bow.
“Within this week, you will
be met with trouble. Go take a walk in the market. A woman would be there to
help you out. She is the one you need as queen. Give this to her. When the
coronation day comes, you must…” The woman paused and sighed. She seemed to be
struggling with something.
“I must what?” The prince
prompted her to continue.
She stared deeply into his
eyes. “You must discern to whom you’ve given the ribbon to.”
Chapter 2 – The Encounter
At night, Samuel would bring
out the ribbon and stare at it. The colors were red and light green. It could
be mistaken as a flower. The woman has decorated it with gems and his armband
was hidden inside. At this time, he didn’t think there was a purpose for it.
Just a random act made by the seer.
Two days after they have
returned to the palace, the prince decided to do as the seer said. Walk around
the market. He’s supposed to meet her here. What noble woman would come to this
place? Surely, the seer knows that he can only marry a noble?
Despite his questions, he
wore casual clothes and brought two servants with him. There’s no need to
parade himself in public. There would be a commotion if the people see their
prince in the market. He walked for about a minute and realized no one seems to
notice his ordinary appearance. That’s good. But what kind of trouble would
come to him here?
Just as the question appeared
in his head, it happened. Someone bumped into him from behind and then someone
else yelled, “Thief!”
It was a young boy who
approached him and urgently said. “Sir, that man took your purse!”
The prince nervously patted
his side and found out that the boy was right. His purse was stolen. It
contains a few coins and the ribbon given by the seer. He cursed as he quickly
ran after the direction that man took. His servants didn’t know what to do. The
prince told them to keep a certain distance and to act like they don’t know
him. Should they follow? After glancing at each other, the two of them followed
after their master, keeping a very short distance between them.
Samuel noticed early the
footsteps on the ground and was able to follow the route the man took despite
not seeing him ahead. He took many twists and turns. The prince doesn’t know in
which part of the market he is now.
He ran faster and after a few
minutes, he finally caught up with the bastard. How dare he steal from the
prince? It didn’t occur to him that he looked ordinary at the moment.
Up ahead, someone turned the
corner and collided hard with the thief. The man scrambled to his feet but the
other person grabbed his ankle.
“Where you going? You’re not
even going to apologize? Where are your manners?” The sound of her voice, it
was clearly a woman. But since she’s screaming, it was somewhat shrill.
The prince caught up and
grabbed the man from behind. The woman thought the newcomer is helping her out.
When he punched the thief,
the woman yelled at him to stop.
“There’s no need to hurt him.
I will accept his apology.”
Samuel stared at her,
dumbfounded. The woman has her face covered and he could only see her eyes.
“Woman, this bastard stole my
wallet. He deserves to be punished.” Why did he even bother to explain?
“Oh. I thought you were
helping me.” The woman finally realized the situation and she looked around. She
spotted a little purse on the side of the wall and picked it up.
“This your purse?” She held
it out to the man, who gave a few more punches to the other one.
“Please, mercy! Mercy!” The
man was struggling to get up and avoid being hit. The woman looked concerned.
“Here’s your purse. You can
let him go now.”
“Why? He dared to steal. It’s
a crime. He’ll have to go to prison.” The prince concluded.
The man begged him to let him
go and apologized profusely. He spoke of a sob story about his children being
hungry and him losing his job a couple of weeks ago. The prince wasn’t moved
but the lady was.
“Life is truly difficult
here. Give him another chance. You’ve retrieved your purse, haven’t you? Check
if anything is missing. If all is well, let him go. He won’t do it anymore,
would you?”
The man promised that he
won’t do it again. He promised on his life and his children’s. He apologized
again and bowed his head to the ground, asking for mercy.
“He could be lying. He might
do it again.”
The woman stared at his
disgruntled expression. “Have you never made a mistake in your life? We all act
foolish when pushed into a corner by our circumstances.”
She dropped the purse in
front of him and left.
In the commotion that
happened, he completely forgot about the reason he’s here.
He turned a disgusted look at
the man but his brain processed the advice of the woman. He decided to leave
with a threat. “If you do this again, it won’t just be the prison for you. It
would be your head on the gallows, do you understand?”
“Yes, sir. I understand.
Forgive me. Mercy, please. I won’t do it again.” The man sobbed on the ground.
Thinking of his children who are waiting for him at home, and the possibility
of being sent to prison, never seeing them again and unable to provide for
them… he knew he did wrong and he would be lucky to get out of this unpunished.
He kept begging and apologizing.
When the prince stood up, he picked
up his purse, opened it and saw the ribbon. It was then that he finally
remembered. Damn. Is it that woman? He scanned the area. Where did she go?
He turned to the man on the
ground and dropped the purse containing the coins. He only needs the ribbon.
“Use
these well. Feed your children. Do something that might earn you money if you
can’t get a job.”
The man lifted up his head
just as the other man run off. His eyes saw the purse and quickly snatched it
up. Inside were many coins.
To the prince, they are few.
But to this man in need, they are a lot. He could feed his children and more.
He hid the purse under his clothes and made his way to his house. There’s a
bakery near their home and he planned to buy loaves of bread.
He was saved by that lady,
and the man was merciful, too.
Samuel did remember the words
of the seer.
You must listen to every word
she says.
Hers is the only advice you
must listen to.
But where is she? He retraced
his steps, going back into the entrance of the market. From afar, he saw the
woman talking to the young boy from earlier. It seemed she bought fruits from him.
“Wait!” He shouted when she
turned to go and walked into a corner. Samuel ran while calling after her. He
doesn’t even know her name! When he turned into that same corner, she’s nowhere
to be seen. He checked the ground for footsteps but there are none. She must be
walking very lightly.
“Do you need anything, sir?”
The boy inquired of him.
“That lady… do you know who
she is?”
The boy blinked at him.
“Well, I do not know her name but she often buys my fruits.”
“She comes here often?”
“Not really. She comes and
goes.”
“If she often buys from you,
why don’t you know her name?”
“I’ve asked, but she didn’t
want to say. Besides, her name isn’t what’s important.”
Samuel sighed. There were
movements behind him and he glared seeing his servants. Useless servants.
“Do you know when she’ll come
again?”
The boy shook his head.
What should he do now? Should
he come back every day
until the coronation?
“You don’t confuse her with
another customer, do you?”
The boy digested his
question. “No, sir. I clearly recognize her.”
The prince gestured for a
servant to approach.
“Do you have coins?” He
already gave his away.
He presented the coins and
the ribbon to the boy.
“Could you do something for
me? When that lady comes again, can you give this ribbon to her? Tell her it’s
a token from me. I’m grateful that she helped me catch the thief from earlier.
Thank you for informing me earlier as well.”
The boy’s eyes widened at
seeing so many coins at once.
“How many coins would you
give me?” Surely, he’s not giving him everything. He’ll be happy to do that
favor for him for one coin.
“These are yours. But don’t
forget to give this ribbon to that lady, alright?”
He closed the purse and
handed it to him. Carefully, he put the ribbon into his other hand.
On his way back to the
palace, he realized now why the seer said he must discern to whom he has given
the ribbon to.
He hasn’t seen her face. He
couldn’t remember her voice now. It wasn’t her normal voice, anyway. How is he
supposed to find her during the celebration?
There would be three days of
celebration preceding his coronation. In those days, he’s meant to choose women
for himself. His queen and his consorts.
One official wife and several
mistresses. Such is the life of their king.
Chapter 3 – The Selection
Laura returned home after
purchasing some lace and threads. The palace celebration would begin tomorrow
and she was asked to make some adjustments to the gowns they would wear. She’s
not a seamstress but she knows how to use her hands. Her uncle and aunt took
her in after her parents were ambushed by bandits four years earlier. They were
on their way to visit her paternal grandparents but they met their demise
instead.
In this household, she has
two cousins. Cristina, who is a year older than her and Connor, who is three
years younger.
The boy is a sweet child,
whereas Cristina usually picks on her. Despite her own noble status, she was
treated differently. She doesn’t have servants who wait on her and she would
sometimes be asked to do chores around the house. It was as if they do not have
enough servants in the mansion.
She doesn’t mind. She likes
doing things. They don’t exactly abuse her, but they definitely aren’t fond of
her. Everyone around them is of the opinion that Laura is more beautiful than
Cristina. Because of this, her cousin and aunt treat her with hostility. They
think she’s a threat to an opportunity to become queen.
Laura snorted at the thought.
They’re really too ambitious to think they have a chance on that. How many
nobles are there? How many outstanding women live in the kingdom? Unlike the
others, she’s realistic. She’s not looking forward to the celebration. It was a
mere responsibility, attending it. The royal household released a mandate for
all nobility to attend. It is a celebration, after all. The prince would be
crowned and the king plans to step down because of his failing health.
Her gown was plain yellow,
whereas Cristina’s is light green and decorated with lace and glittering gems. She
knew their purpose. It’s the house colors of the royals. They’re trying to
attract their attention by wearing the colors. She would bet that many other
ladies would be wearing the same color, though.
When they entered the palace,
Laura was a bit enchanted by the building and its structure. It’s huge and the
hall is overly spacious. She’s fond of reading and she likes houses and
buildings. She walked behind her relatives. When they started mingling with
other people, she asked her uncle if she could walk around. She got approval
and went on to explore the columns.
After a while, the trumpets
sounded. The royals have arrived. Well, it was only the prince. Today, he’s
supposed to meet nobles and choose for himself a queen and a number of
consorts.
Laura was standing afar off,
but the prince looked in her direction and their eyes briefly met. Prince
Samuel, that’s his name. He’s well-built and his facial features are
attractive. He has that air of manliness despite his young age. His father
ascended to the throne when he’s around forty years old. If he ascends to the
throne within the next year, he’ll probably be the youngest king in the history
of their kingdom.
Well, no. Wasn’t there
someone who became king at age ten? But he was under guardianship until he was
sixteen and allowed to lead on his own.
The royals are normally
exceptions to the rule they impose on their subjects. To protect their lineage,
the kings are allowed to take as many consorts as they desire. If only to
ensure His highness would have heirs to inherit the throne. Only sons are
allowed to sit on it. Princesses are mere ladies and pawns for the benefit of
the royal family. To make alliances with great and noble families, mostly.
Laura is very fond of books
and she mostly reads history in her spare time. She’d known about the political
struggle between families, the attempts to assassinate or dethrone kings, the
audacity of some to claim the throne without any right, the couple of queens
who were unable to conceive and bore sons, the princes who ascended to the
throne despite the defects in their birth right… there were a lot of unexpected
events in the past and they’re not that far from the current situation.
She knew what’s going to
happen tonight. The prince will choose his queen and his consorts. Every lady
is going to try and catch his attention. Their fathers must have told them that
it’s a great position to be one of the reigning monarch’s women. They get
privileges. They get treasures. They may be able to influence how the lands are
ruled.
Laura isn’t interested. She
doesn’t want to deal with wicked women. She would rather have the ordinary
life, to be married to one man and be his only woman. The citizens are only
allowed to be married to one person. Mistresses or affairs with someone else
are frowned upon. Divorce is considered a great shame and a tarnish to the
family name.
It’s quite mind-blowing to
her how different rules apply to different people.
She quietly sighed as she
walked towards the others. The women weren’t asked to line up, but they seem to
know it’s something they should do. As the prince walked towards the front of
the room, their eyes met again. Laura looked away. She doesn’t want to be
chosen. There was that rule, you can’t refuse a royal. If the prince chooses
you, you must accept it. You have no say in the matter. Even if you don’t want
to, you have to.
Samuel did a quick glance at everyone
in attendance. If he would choose based on appearance, it seems he already
spotted the most beautiful woman in the room. She had been lurking in the
background, though, and looking disinterested in what’s currently happening.
The host made his greeting and welcomed the prince into the celebration. He
merely nodded his acknowledgement.
When the purpose of the night
was revealed, there were excited squeals from the gathered crowd of women. His
eyes remained in the direction of the woman who caught his eyes earlier. She’s
beautiful. And there’s nothing frivolous about her.
Lightly, he shook his head.
No. He should focus. He’s here to find his queen. And he has a way to do that.
Find the ribbon. Make the woman your queen. It’s that simple, Sam.
The formal dance began. He’s
not the only eligible bachelor in this party. Of course, he couldn’t be the
only one. All the ladies would have their eyes on him. At least a good portion
of the women aren’t targeting him and have eyed the other men. He may be the center
of attention, but the event should serve the purpose of others as well.
He could already tell he
would be tired before the night ends, unless he could find her early. Just how
many women are in attendance? The sight before him is dizzying. Various women
are trying to be in front of where he’s standing, or at least a few feet away
as is required.
In the last few days, he’d
been recalling the encounter he had with her. He tried very hard to remember
her voice. She’s soft-spoken, that’s for sure. He analyzed the incident they
shared and though the man truly committed a crime, she wanted to show him
mercy. She wanted him to give the thief a chance. She’s not one to judge
harshly and she seemed to have faith that men are born to do good. Not just for
one’s self, but for others as well. She would be a fine queen.
Of course, there are many
things he couldn’t tell from such a short encounter. What he’d seen, it would
be prone to abuse. Greedy wolves would probably take advantage of her kindness.
Can she deal with that? He couldn’t imagine her being tough and feisty. But
maybe she would be.
His heart fluttered. He would
be meeting her tonight and all will be well.
Chapter 4 – His Queen
Prince Samuel walked around
and the ladies fluttered around him. Still, he couldn’t see the ribbon on
anyone. Did she wear it? What would he do if she didn’t? His face became grim.
He hadn’t thought of that. Could he possibly postpone the selection of his queen
and consorts? Well, he could begin with selecting consorts, right?
He looked around again and
spotted the beautiful lady in a pale, yellow dress. The plain gown didn’t take
away her beauty. He made his way towards her. She’s definitely going to be one
of his women, he’s sure of that. He’s not gonna let a pretty face be someone
else’s.
The crowd parted to give him
a path leading to her. Some of the women whispered among themselves. They knew
it. Laura’s going to be chosen. Those who have only seen her once knew that her
beauty is incomparable and it’s also unforgettable.
Many admired her. Many envied
her.
Cristina’s face darkened at
seeing this. How could that girl get the prince’s attention? Does she really
think she would become the queen?
Her thoughts are convoluted.
Laura never wanted to be chosen anyway. Her heart thudded as she realized
what’s going on. Please, not this way! Go somewhere else. When she looked at
him, his gaze is clearly on her. She caught her breath. Please, no. She doesn’t
want a life in the palace.
She tried taking a step
sideways but the prince frowned at her action. She didn’t dare move after that
and waited for him to get to where she is.
When it’s clear it was his
intention to speak with her, she curtsied when he’s a couple of steps away.
“Good evening, my lord.” She
politely greeted.
Samuel paused for a second.
He thought she sounds familiar. Tilting his head, he acknowledged her greeting.
“What is your name, my lady?”
“Lady Laura, of Thistle.”
“Everyone seems to agree that
you are beautiful.”
At his statement, her cheeks
burned red. A compliment from him is unexpected.
“Thank you, sir.”
“May I invite you to a
dance?” He offered his hand and Laura took a deep breath before reaching out.
She couldn’t turn him down when there’s so many eyes on them.
As their hands touched,
Prince Samuel smiled. She barely looks at him, only glancing every now and
then. He guided her through the center of the dance floor and they bowed at
each other. He didn’t forget to check her clothing and accessories for the
tell-tale signs of his ribbon. Nothing. In a way, he felt a little
disappointed. Such a beauty… but she’s not his queen.
He held her waist and her
hand whereas she settled her left hand on his shoulder. Her hands are soft, but
roughened. She smells like roses. Her steps are firm as they moved with the
music.
“You seem very adept at
dancing.” He noted and it made her smile.
“My father and I used to
dance a lot.” She replied, thinking he must have said it to elicit a response.
“Used to?”
His question made her
grimace. She looks cute even with such an expression.
“My parents have passed
away.”
Ah. He paused mid-step and
they lightly stumbled. Her eyes widened at how she bumped into his body.
“I’m so sorry to hear that.”
She merely smiled at his consolation.
As the years go by, she misses them less and less. Maybe she’s getting used to
their absence.
Samuel doesn’t know what else
to say but they continued the dance.
After a while, he thought of
asking if someone like her has someone she admires. Why does he want to know,
anyway? But he did. The question surprised her and the widening of her eyes
also looked adorable. All of the expressions he’d seen so far are beautiful.
But others won’t be able to pull it off.
She pursed her lips before
replying to him. “I don’t have anyone.”
“Really? What would impress
you, then?”
“A man like my father. He
loved my mother so much. They cared for each other and their marriage is full
of love. I want something like that for myself, with a man who would treasure
me. And only me.” She’s treading on thin ice here. She’s basically insinuating
her desires already, and she meant she doesn’t want to be selected as one of
the prince’s women.
Samuel isn’t dense. He
understood her implication perfectly. But no. He’s selfish. He won’t give her
thoughts any consideration when he declares her as one of his consorts. She’s
not his queen so her words don’t matter.
Laura remained nervous as he
didn’t say anything after that. He seemed to have a determined look in his face
and she didn’t like it. Bastard. She cursed him in her head.
They finished the dance in
silence. They bowed at each other again, but before they could part, someone tightly
grabbed her arm. It was Cristina. Her grip is causing her a little pain. She’s
here for revenge, isn’t she? Laura’s sure she doesn’t have good intentions.
She’s here to have her chance to be with the prince.
“Laura, father’s been looking
for you. I’m so sorry to interrupt, my lord.” She curtsied and Samuel caught
his breath. When she bowed, he noticed the ribbon on her head. The one that was
his. He didn’t dare show his surprise. He schooled his expressions well before
asking for her name.
“Lady Cristina, of Thistle,
my lord.”
“You two are related?”
“Cousins, my lord.” Cristina
pinched Laura on her arm and she winced. She knew her cousin wants her to leave
now. Create an excuse or something.
“I’ll excuse myself, prince.
My uncle seems to be looking for me.” She quickly made her exit and left the
two of them alone. She let out a huge breath as she navigated away from the
dance floor. It is quite huge, allowing tens and tens of couples to enjoy dancing
to the music at the same time.
Could she dare hope that the
prince would forget about her?
Samuel studied her
appearance. She seemed to have the same height and build as Laura, but not as
beautiful. Her hair is pulled into a bun and strands of it framed the sides of
her face. He realized he liked the curly golden hair of Laura better.
Internally, he shook his
head. Why is he still thinking of someone else when his queen is already in
front of her? He stared at it, clipped at the side of her head.
Cristina waited for an
invitation but he seemed uninterested. The silence stretched and she couldn’t
stay here any longer. She was about to believe that she failed in getting his
attention and bowed to leave when he spoke.
“Will you dance with me?”
The offer made her heart
burst with gladness. She beamed and accepted his outstretched hand. They smiled
at each other. She didn’t think he would smile at her. It seemed like a dream
come true. Her sweetest dreams when she sleeps at night are here now. She was
nervous and excited. Her happiness couldn’t be concealed. She may be second,
but she had her chance and it doesn’t look like she’s failing. His expression
tells her she succeeded. Even if she doesn’t become queen, becoming a consort
is more than enough to her. All she needed to do is become the first of his
women to give him an heir. That’s the most important thing.
Samuel struggled to come up
with questions. Her appearance is good enough, but there’s something unpleasant
to the eyes. He couldn’t place what it is.
Many of the women are wearing
the colors of the kingdom, but her dress seemed overdone. The red is a bit…
glaring. He tried to stop staring at the color and focused on her face.
Cristina decided to take
initiative. She needs to make him interested in her. That won’t happen if they
don’t talk. His hands on her feels nice and he smells like pine trees. Somewhat
refreshing.
“Have you thought of a way to
get to know every lady present tonight, my lord?”
Samuel blinked at her. It
took a few seconds before he smiled and formulated an answer.
“I don’t intend to do such a
thing. And there are two more days before I announce my decision. I believe
that’s plenty of time to see the best ladies in attendance, no?”
Cristina tilted her head.
“That’s true. You don’t need to meet everyone. I’m sure you have a certain
type, the kind of women you like… isn’t that right?”
“It would seem so.” Samuel
casts his eyes around, trying to get a glimpse of the other women. He does like
a certain type of woman. And he’d seen plenty of them tonight. There are enough
choices for him to select his consorts.
The thing is…
The woman in front of him… he
feels nothing for her. Not even a shred of attraction. Since she spoke of
having a certain type, she’s not exactly one of his. What is he supposed to do
now? Is this a test? A kind of challenge?
That night, he couldn’t sleep
properly. His expectations were far from reality. Before tonight, he swore he’s
going to properly care for his queen. He would love her and treasure her. She
would be his equal and they would rule the kingdom together. Since she is wise,
he would have to listen to her words and take into account her own suggestions.
To read the story, visit this link:
https://www.dreame.com/novel/KyAP%2FOjlflyLiAuvcB6HSQ%3D%3D-The-Rightful-Queen.html
