Jaziel POV
This morning, when I left the training grounds and the king summoned me, I could feel that I was in trouble. Every several months, the king calls me to brief him on Ariel´s progress. This time the purpose of the meeting felt different.
When I entered and he addressed me with the fact that he had noticed that I had developed feelings for his daughter, I was dumbfounded. I have heard that the king is very powerful and that he misses nothing. This time I was sure that he was indeed what they said.
I explained that I had developed feelings for the princess, that it was something that naturally came up and that I also understood if he wanted to separate us.
To my surprise, he said that he would give that choice to Ariel. He then called for her and when she confessed to her father that she wanted to take a chosen alma and that her heart belonged to a man already, I felt devastated, but when her father gave her the options and at the end he mentioned me, hope returned to my soul.
When she said that she would like to take me, a guy that is not noble-born, as her chosen mate, I was elated.
Then her father and mother decided to set some ground rules, until our mating ceremony. It felt surreal. I just couldn't believe that the king and queen were allowing this to happen.
“So, Jaziel, let's run some rules over this whole thing. You are older than her and you should know better than to step out of them,” The king said in a serious voice.
“First, you will have chaperoned training, for two hours daily. You will also be promoted to be the main bodyguard of all three princesses when you are not training her.” The king said, without letting me question any of his decisions.
“Second, you two will take a year to get to know each other outside of training before you perform your mating ceremony.” He said while I nodded. It will be one hell of a year having her close, but out of reach at the same time.
“Third, No funny business!… and that goes for you, my daughter…” He looked at her and she pouted. I chuckled because he knows pretty well that if someone had a knack for breaking rules, it would be my soon-to-be chosen alma.
“Fourth, you will have two hours a day to get to know each other, have some fun, and go out on dates, but those activities have to be scheduled in advance and kept quiet… I don't want to have gossip around either of you.” He finally said.
“Other than that, you guys have our blessing…” Her mother finished. I looked at her and my eyes got lost in her deep blue ones. Yes, she is the one, not by fate, but by choice. I am certain of that.
Ariel POV
Those dumb rules, like they can control every outing and date. I know that at first, they will be watching like hawks, but I also know that soon they will relax and I will make the most of each date and escapade.
Jaziel agreed to every rule, and knowing him, I know it will be hard to corrupt him, but I also know that if he feels the same way that I do, it will be hard for him to resist temptation. The wheels in my head were turning and trying to find a way to breach said rules.
Daddy was right to point out the third rule to me. He knows I hate rules, and he also knows that I do love to break them or, like my mom said, go around them. I am a princess, and I should be able to follow my own path. My mom and dad know better... I am not Ayla, the one that follows every social convention, and I am not Charmaine, the sweet defenseless princess. I am a warrior and, as such, I hate to be controlled.
As soon as they finished with their dumb speeches, I turned to see Jaziel, and I saw him really committed to the dumb rules. I just can't wait to start breaking them.
“OK, so can we leave?” I asked my parents, and they both nodded.
“Thanks, mom and daddy!” I said, hugging them, but before I exited the office, my dad said,
“Jaziel can have another minute with you, alone…”
I rolled my eyes, knowing pretty well that my dad was doing it to let me know that he was in control. I love him to pieces, but that whole s**t act of the mighty ruler is beyond me. He is my dad, and he is the king. As such, I respect him, but he has to respect me back. I am his daughter, and he does not own my will.
I left the office and went to the princess's garden. Over there I found my sister Ayla.
“So how did it go with dad?” She asked, apparently everyone knew dad and I were having a conversation.
“He told me he gave you the choice as well..” I said to her,
“Yes, but as the future ruler, I don't have the privilege to deny my fated alma.” She said, her voice laced with pride. I love her to pieces, but sometimes she feels entitled to point the right choice at us, or better say what she thinks is the right choice. Usually, all of them follow the ´status quo´ that our position demands.
“Yes, I get it, you live for your future position, but why don't you live for your sake? Do you think the others will appreciate the sacrifice?” I said to her, somehow she annoyed me with her goody-pants attitude.
“No, I don't live for my position, I respect it…” She paused and then she continued “And I do it not seeking the admiration or appreciation of others, so if they are grateful for it or not, is irrelevant.” She said in an annoyed voice, then after breathing a little to relax, she asked,
“So, what did you choose?”
I gave her a mischievous look, and laughed “I will tell you, but then I would have to kill you…”
She rolled her eyes and then she said “Knowing you the way I know you, I believe you chose to pick your own alma. Actually, I am certain that you might have an interest as we speak…You love to break conventions and you love to go against the rules…” She looked at me, almost giving me a lecture.
“Ding, ding, ding… 100 points for Ayla's smarty pants!” I mocked her and she lifted her hand with a flick of her wrist. Water flew right to my face.
“Hey! That is not fair!... “ I yelled at her, while she burst out laughing at my soaking face.
When she stopped laughing, she looked at me, her green eyes meeting my blue ones. Her face changed from one of mockery to one of seriousness. “Ariel, believe it or not, I am truly happy for you… I know that Jaziel will be a wonderful alma for you. Why fate didn't naturally pair you is beyond me…” She pointed out.
“Shh! Daddy doesn't want everyone to know about us, yet…” I whispered and then realized that she threw a bait and I fell for it. “How do you know it is him?” I said, looking over my shoulder.
“Because I have seen you. I have seen how your face lights up when you are leaving to practice and how dull it turns when you are back… I am not stupid and believe me, I wish you both the best.” She took my hand and I felt deep in my heart that she was being sincere.
“I thought I was being subtle about my interest in him, and suddenly everyone in my family was aware of my feelings for him…” I softly said, a little disappointed in my efforts.
She stood up and gave me a soft smile, “That is because we gathered around behind your back and discussed who might be the mystery guy that had you smiling and walking on clouds…” she started laughing and running around, almost dancing with happiness.
She might be the future queen, and she might be training for that. Some days she might have a stick up her ass, but when she is not pretending and keeping up with the status quo, she is silly as hell and I love her to pieces.
As soon as she walked away from the garden, it was time to see how I could break some rules.