The Rightful Queen (Sample)

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THE RIGHTFUL QUEEN

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.

He didn’t think part of the process would be choosing to like her.

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