His Betrothed: An Arranged Queen

Chapter Six

Princess Eleanor’s Point of view

I tried as much as I can to get out the thought of being married to King Michael because I have to bear him a child but every time I thought about it, it only made me angry.

“Your highness?” I was brought back to reality by Esperanza who was calling me. I turned to look at her wondering what she wanted.

“His majesty asks for your presence in his chambers,” she told me informing me that my father wanted to see me. Why would he want to see me? Did King Michael tell him that I got angry with him over the fact that he told me I will just be bearing children with him?

“I will be out in a minute. Just give me some time”

“Yes, your highness” she bowed her head and turned to leave as I took in a deep breath. Why was I so emotional?

I let out an exasperated sigh going to stand in front of the mirror fixing my dress. I felt like crying knowing that I had put myself in the position I was in right now.

I walked out of my room with my head held high, two knights that His Majesty had assigned to me followed me behind as I walked to my father’s private chambers.

I waited for my name to be announced that I was here to see him before I could enter the room.

My name was announced, and I entered the room, immediately my eyes fell on King Michael I felt like my legs had gone numb where I was standing. What in heavens’ name was he doing here?

“Father?” I called out and he smiled at me giving me an affirmative nod. I slowly walked to where he was, he is standing.

“Your Majesty?” I curtsied before King Michael who just looked over me before looking ahead.

“My dear, I was just talking to King Michael about you.” My father said as I lowered my head thinking he might have said something to my father.

“Yes, father?”

“It seems he has something urgent that he has to go and attend to back in his kingdom.”

I didn’t respond but wanted the father to finish speaking because I didn’t want King Michael that I was just some uncultured woman.

“So, he has requested that we go ahead and proceed with your marriage blessing as soon as possible,” he said to me, and I swallowed hard thinking about it.

“We thought it would be best if it would talk place tomorrow.” My father said to me as I swallowed hard holding tight to the dress I was wearing.

“So soon? Why rushes the wedding? It won’t be enough to prepare for the wedding. What about the celebration?” I questioned my father who looked into my eyes. He could see that I was furious, but I am sure there was nothing he could do.

“Forgive me, your highness. I know I rushed the wedding, but I have some responsibilities waiting for me back home. We won’t have to celebrate before we will leave immediately after the ceremony” King Michael just had to make sure he takes me out of here as soon as possible.

“I will have Edward and Diana look after everything. Just prepare yourself” My father advised as I swallowed hard the lump that was on my throat.

I can’t believe this is happening to me. Why did he have to be such a cruel man? This was not fair.

“I will ask your mother to help you as well. That will be all”

I felt like crying every time I heard about my marriage to king Michael. I couldn’t believe it.

“Thank you, father.” I bowed my head before him before turning to leave, I walked out as fast as I could so that I could breathe. I felt suffocated being in that room with King Michael.

How was I going to manage being married to him? I could not stand the sight of that man. I hurriedly walked to Edward’s room knowing he would be with Diana getting ready for the evening celebrations.

I knocked as hard as I could fighting back my tears. ‘Edward?” I shouted after I got no response from their room. I knocked again but he didn’t respond.

Feeling frustrated I wanted to run away but first I needed to try knocking again, I banged on the door but nothing, I wanted to knock again when someone grabbed hold of my hand.

I turned to look at the person and it was King Michael. “You are causing a scene” He whispered to me as I looked around us. Everyone was staring at me. I pulled out my hand from his grip composing myself trying to gather my courage.

“Come with me,” he said, and he had already turned on his heel leading the way to the staircase that went to the cellar.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty. But where do you think you are taking me?” I questioned him and he paused looking in my eyes as he ran his eyes all over my body.

“Why are you looking for your brother?” He questioned me as I scoffed.

“I apologize if that is an issue for you. But I do not see why it concerns you?” I responded and he looked away before walking towards me. I moved back and swallowed hard, he kept walking towards me until my back was against the wall.

“Watch your mouth whenever you are talking to me. I demand respect from you. I will not have a queen who wishes to speak to me however she finds it fit” He warned me, his body as close as it could be to me. His breath was as fresh as the minty leaves in the garden.

I looked at his face failing to respond, I swallowed hard looking into his eyes. He needed to know that I didn’t fear him like everyone else.

“I believe respect is earned. You haven’t given me a reason to respect you” I said to him, and he looked down on me.

“You will respect me!”

“Earn it,” I said to him before I moved to the said moving away from the wall so that I can leave him alone seems like he still had time to think about it.

“The wedding will take place tomorrow. You will ride back with Lukas.” He said to me before he left me there standing as I pondered about my wedding to him.

I could run away from him, but I knew better than to risk having to cause a war between my family and the Celidans.

I walked out of that staircase with my head down, I didn’t even know where to go now. I was ready to vent to Edward, but I could not find him anywhere.

****

“Gracious God! I have been looking for you everywhere” Dianna exclaimed as soon as she saw me walking towards the hallway.

“Where were you?” She questioned me as I lifted my head to look at her, I couldn’t believe what was happening to me. How was it possible that she came to love Edward? Did she always love him?

“I was thinking of taking a walk. Why are you looking for me?”

“Well. I was told that we need to start preparing you for tomorrow’s wedding.”

“Oh! Have you spoken to father already?” I inquired.

“Yes. I will be helping you with your preparations”

“What preparations?” I asked her as I paused wondering why she was insisting on helping me.

“Well… I have to make sure that you are ready for,…” She started saying looking around us to make sure no one was listening to our conversation.

“What is it?”

“I have to make sure that you are ready for your consummation tomorrow tonight” she whispered to me as I widened my eyes looking at her.

“Consummation? With all the elders?” I whispered back to her and she gave me an affirmative nod.

There was no way I was going to sleep with him. With all the elders watching us? I couldn’t possibly be sleeping with him. If they find out the truth, I would be a disgrace.