The Prince’s Bride

Saving Grace.

A tale has been told by the ancient ancestors, about a commoner who fell in love with a royal. The both of them driven by immense love, that they thought they could beat destiny, with the fate each of them had. How naive were they, as when destiny decided to take its course, it showed the real tragedy of what happens when a Royal and a commoner mix.

Despite their trials, despite their love and bond even upon the commoner becoming Queen and birthing five daughters for the Royal, she still was never accepted as one of them, especially having not birth a son for the Royal.

Not having anyone to succeed his throne, the Royal, because anguished and trapped with the battling rumors he faced, such that he didn’t know when he sent the queen packing, and so did their tale of standing by each other’s side, end in misery.

Lucien’s gaze averts to Dalia who lay on bed once in a while, as he speaks to the healer attending to both she and her brother, when he views she begins to make movements, stopping his conversation with the healer.

Having completed his checkup in Dalia, the healer leaves the room for his prince and his guest. Lucien monitors Dalia with his gaze, as he watches her open her eyes into consciousness.

“Sebastian...Sebastian...” the first words that utter out of Dalia’s mouth in fear and desperation.

“He is fine Dalia.” Dalia’s gaze moves to Lucien’s in rush, as she hadn’t notice his presence earlier. “I suggest you calm yourself, as he is well and alive.” Lucien adds, going closer to Dalia.

“I need to see him please, where is he?” Dalia asks softly, yet, desperately.

“He’s by left Dalia.” Lucien answers her calmly, regardless of how desperate she may be, as he of all people, knows just what it means to be one.

Dalia taken by surprise, when she sees a cradle by her left, one she hadn’t notice also, as instantly, she gets up from the bed and walks to the cradle, seeing Sebastian little face, as he sleeps peacefully, with his chest raising up and down, needing no one to tell her that Sebastian is indeed alive and well.

Not wanting to disturb the peaceful child, Dalia smiles with content, just staring at the little infant, creating relaxation and peace inside her to finally able to realize who may have saved them, and what she may have said for him to.

Her gaze turns slowly to face Lucien, as he also now has his gaze on her. “Apparently, he suffered from severe cold, which was blocking his lungs. Fortunately, it wasn’t too late by the time you brought him.” Lucien begins to talk first.

“Thank you.” Dalia’s words come next, taking Lucien to really listen to her words of appreciation. “If you hadn’t accepted us in...I don’t know what would have become of me now. So, thank you again, your highness.” Dalia speaks, giving Lucien each and every respect of his, as she has now come to realize how much he deserves it, not caring if he did it for what he will get, either ways, she didn’t care.

Rather for Lucien to speak, he nods gently at Dalia, recognizing her words to him. “Also, I do not forget what it is I promised in return for this.” Dalia recalls, still having her gaze not leave the prince.

“Know something Dalia,” Lucien takes her total attention with her name dripping off his tongue, as she doesn’t know why something deep stirs in her, just by the pronunciation of her name from his lips. “As I said, this is the least I could do, and because of that I want you to understand what it is you are signing up for.” Lucien tells her.

“I wouldn’t blame you, if you decide to walk back out the palace if I let you, which in fact I am. Caring for your brother and the promise you made out of desperation is not something I want, as I do want you to be fully aware of what it is you accept, when you accept it.” Lucien continues, as Dalia’s forehead begins to wrap in wrinkles of trying to understand Lucien’s words properly.

“Are you uttering that I am free to go, if I want to? Despite saving Sebastian?” Dalia questions perplexed.

“Yes, it is what I say Dalia. Do not get me wrong, my offer still stands, and I am in desperate need of your cooperation tallied with my request, yet, it is a must for you to be certain of what your answer would be, as to avoid future complications, which may lie that you only took the deal to save your brother.” Lucien further explains, as Dalia stares at him intently, wanting to know what kind of a man Lucien is.

Not only did he give she and her brother shelter, save her dying brother, but he also cared for her while unconscious, yet, he is letting her leave if she wants to, despite his desperation.

Would Dalia call this man a trap, or a saving grace himself?

Every cell in her, is telling her to take this opportunity and go away with Sebastian, not to be mixed up in Royal affairs, yet, Dalia’s heart can not bear the thought of the goodness in Lucien’s heart presented to them, as even if she does leave, how will she live with it, knowing she could help him, but decided to look the other away.

What if he also had looked the other way on them? Dalia asks herself. Definitely, she won’t be here to thinking this, rather, she may be by Sebastian’s grave crying over her dead brother, whom a particular prince did not let happen.

Lucien stares at Dalia, patiently awaiting her response, as he has it at the back of his mind that, she can decide to leave and he won’t stop her, but search for a next plan.

On the other hand, Dalia still reasons, if she is to accept his request, as once she does, she is signing her life to Lucien completely, she is deciding to enter into the Royal world and be by Lucien’s side, if indeed they win, and not only that, as she would also be ready to face the challenges and hate she will get, especially being a black woman.

As with all these downside, it does resist Dalia from accepting the offer, when she thinks of Sebastian. Not only would Sebastian be able to eat a three square meal, but she would also be able to provide a good life for him. A good life that would avert the weather blocking his lungs, or running from chasing werewolves.

“If indeed I am to accept your proposal, you should know I have no knowledge of the Royal world, and will or may embarrass you at some point.” Dalia finally opens her mouth to speak, whereas Lucien takes her by surprise by smiling, as with such gesture, Dalia finds her knees going weak.

Never in her life has she met anyone, not to talk about a Royal, who smiles with such beauty and elegance in them.

“And each of that should be the less of your worries, as you will be given proper lessons about them.” Lucien answers.

“If that is the case, then that is reasonable, yet, I do have more questions.” Dalia says.

“Ask as many as you want, I will provide you with each of the answers, if I can.” Lucien responds gracefully, as he isn’t trying to get his hopes on, yet, he can feel the excitement that Dalia is indeed still considering his offer.

“You mentioned the competition. We both know I am not qualified for any of the trails, and I certainly do not know how to control my abilities. Don’t you believe you should look elsewhere for someone more capable?” Dalia questions, earning a reaction from Lucien, as he walks closer to her.

“I chose you Dalia, because I do see something in you that I do not see in anyone else. Something rare, that I know you are perfect for this. And yes, it may look as though your are unfit, which is what I am here for, to show you. That is if, you are willing.” Lucien speaks gazing directly into Dalia’s orbs.

Dalia gulps almost loudly, trying to keep the longing gaze of Lucien, as just staring into his green eyes, she realizes if she does reject Lucien’s proposal, it may be a decision she will choose to regret.

“So, have I answered all your questions Dalia?” Lucien asks her, as Dalia struggles to gain her composure.

“Almost...one remains.” She utters. “If indeed you do win, do I have to become your bride?” Dalia asks her last question, as with it, Lucien finds his gaze locked on her, at the utterance of being his bride.

“It is a tradition that has been kept for thousands of centuries, as once we do win, you do become my bride for eternity and one to bear my offsprings.” Lucien explains to her, still with his fixed gaze on like that of a predator on its prey, wanting to know each of her reactions.

The thought of being Lucien’s bride alone, sends sensational impulses down to Dalia, not to talk about having his offsprings, which he utters so freely, as with his gaze on her Dalia can no longer hide the truth, that if indeed she does happen to be his bride, she is definitely going to have breathtaking children.

“I believe I have answered all your questions?” Lucien, finally taking his gaze off Dalia speaks.

“Yes...you have.” Dalia admits, recovering from the stun she feels from Lucien.

“Then, I await your reply, Dalia.” Lucien prompts her, moving to the main reason for their discussion. “Do you accept my request?” Lucien questions, with his gaze now back to Dalia, while she also stares at him sternly.

“Yes, I do your highness.” And so the bond seals.