The Prince's Wedding

Worthy. 4.

ALEXANDER

“...and if we are given enough financial assistance, we will be able to buy the tools needed for this expansion, Your Majesty.” Raphael, the blacksmith says, twisting his hat in his hands as he awaits my reply.

It still feels different, sitting on the main throne and not beside it like I did with my father, and only several weeks ago before his death, we had sat down here together...tending to matters.

“I understand that the kingdom needs expansion, especially for shelter and habitation. But you and the rest of the villagers are not in charge of constructions, the royal workers are.” I tell him, rubbing my temple. It's the same old story over and over again, needing a project to carry out so they can be rewarded by the castle.

What is it with these people and wanting more?

“But we are willing to help, my liege.”

“By asking for financial assistance? The kingdom has more pressing matters to tend to with greater expenses and this is just not a top priority.”

“But Your Majesty--”

“That’s all Raphael,” I say with a tone of finality as I sit up, and somehow he appears to cower a bit...quieting something in me.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

He bows and leaves.

I'm still contemplating his response when Felipe walks in and bows.

“Your Majesty. I believe that is all for today.”

“I see, thank you.” I say as I get up from the throne and Felipe walks with me, with the guards trailing behind.

“It would appear that the villagers are coming less and less.” I say and Felipe gives me a look.

“I wonder why.” he says flatly.

“What's that supposed to mean?” I ask, turning to him and he sighs.

“I believe they're scared, Your Majesty, especially after what happened at your father's burial. I think you should address them.” he says cautiously and I glare at him.

“Nothing happened at the burial.” I say slowly and loudly, “and I don't owe them a speech for my actions. I'm to be their king, not their friend.”

He nods.

“Very well, Your Majesty. In other news, the kingdom of Greenland has invited you to a royal ball and feast celebrating their King’s fifth child, a boy. They specifically request that you come with your...” he pauses a bit and clears his throat, “Betrothed, Melissa.”

“What?” I turn to him as I step into my chambers.

“No. Send a message to them about my refusal along with some gifts.”

I say, raising my hands as Caspian takes off my cape and jackets.

“I'm afraid you can't miss it, Your Majesty. The neighboring Kingdoms are aware of your betrothal and the sooner you're seen with her, the more respected you will be for honoring your father's wishes. Plus it is tradition for a King to attend balls with his wife or bride-to-be.” Felipe says and I stare at him, trying not to lose my temper.

“You don't decide where and whom I decide to honor with my presence. I'm not leaving this castle or attending anywhere with that commoner.” I say, as Caspian slips a jacket sleeve onto my hand.

“Lady. She is a lady now, and soon her highness and soon Her Royal Majesty. I suggest you make your peace with this and include her, Your Majesty. You have a month before the ball, so I'll remind you later. But remember, you can't keep her in here forever.”

He says and bows then turns to leave.

Somehow, his words have made me angrier.

This is why I hate this kingdom.

This is why I despise this place.

How long do I have to live according to the rules and sacrifice my entire existence to this place?

“Pardon my opinion, Your Majesty but I believe Sir Felipe is right.” Caspian says, fixing my belt and I don't bother to look at him.

“Your opinion is not pardoned.”

He sighs, then stands upright to look at me.

“Yes, I know it's not my place--”

“Then stop talking.”

“But believe me when I say you can't ignore her forever, Your Majesty. Lady Melissa has been in her chambers for more than a month, it's not fair to her. I see her staring from her window--"

“Then don't look at her! When did it become your place to disobey my orders and give me advice?!” I yell and he moves back and bows his head.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.”

“Get out.”

He bows and leaves, and I'm left pacing the room.

What fresh hell is this?

Now the palace is pitying her?

It's almost as if they're beginning to see her in a way I don't understand...just like my father did.

I can still remember the amusement in his eyes when we had passed the oak tree that day.

‘Look at that,’ he had said, ‘look how she's teaching them about the kingdom. I didn't even know someone knew this much about our history.’

‘That’s nice, father.’ I had said, unimpressed, without even glancing out and he had sighed.

‘You may not realize it but this is a beautiful act. A little lady teaching our history and traditions.’

‘Doesn’t she need a palace permit for that?’

‘Which is why it's beautiful. She's doing this because she wants to...not because she will get rewarded. And quite frankly, I think the kingdom could do with a little school.’

‘Fascinating.’

He turned to me then, shaking his head in disapproval.

‘Someday, Stefan, I hope you begin to see this kingdom with a little more love. That's the only drive that can make someone do such a selfless, amazing act.’

There is a knock on the door instantly, snapping me out of the memory and I march to it and yank it open.

“WHAT?!”

Cecily, the young maiden shakes a little with her head still bowed and I sigh, feeling awful.

She's barely 19 for God’s sake.

“What is it?” I ask more calmly and she bows.

“Your Majesty, Lady Melissa humbly requests your presence. She doesn't mean to bother you but--”

I don't bother to let her finish as I walk past her and head for the other wing of the castle where Melissa's chambers are.

She requests my presence?

Has she gone insane?

MELISSA

I'm sitting on my bed, toying with my fingers as I wait for Cecily to return with Prince Alexander's response.

I have to see him.

I just have to.

I'm losing my mind staying in here every day and--”

The sound of angry, fast footsteps marching towards my door brings my mind at alert and I get up, my heart thudding in my chest.

He's coming!

Oh no...

The closer the footsteps get, the more I'm regretting my request.

This was a bad idea...I never should have asked to see him.

The door barges open and he marches in with guards at his side.

“Are you insane?!” he yells at me, then turns to his guards,

“Leave us!”

They march out.

“It appears something must have come over you because you don't seem to understand the instructions I gave you!” he says, walking closer to me just as I'm moving backward, away from him.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but--”

“Don’t interrupt me when I'm talking to you!” he yells and I bite the inside of my cheek.

“How dare you request my presence?! How dare you ask to see me?! Do you know the gravity of the stunt you just pulled?!”

I remain quiet, my eyes on the floor as I wait for him to be done.

Moments of silence pass...

“Answer me!”

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty but I... I only did it because I need your permission. I wish to leave me chambers.”

He stays quiet.

“You. Stay. Here.” he commands and starts walking away and I surprise myself by following him from behind.

“But I can't! Being stuck here is driving me crazy, at least allow me to walk the castle grounds.”

“I said, ” he sweeps around to glare at me, “You stay here!”

“For how long?!” I ask but he doesn't answer me and he just heads for the doors, yanking it open and walking out.

“Your Majesty, please!” I plead following him out and he stops walking.

“Just for some time please.” I beg again.

At this point, he has his back to me, and although the guards and servants remain busy, I can feel them watching us.

“I need this.” I add and he turns around to stare at me, eyeing me.

“Half an hour around the castle with one escort and that's it! No more movements until I decide.” he says, then turns to Cecily.

“You. Escort her.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” she says and turns to me while Prince Alexander walks away.

“Your Highness, shall we?” she asks, gesturing towards the hallway and before I can even take a step, Prince Alexander turns around.

“What did you just say?” he asks Cecily and I watch the fear appear in her eyes.

“I... I...”

“What did you just call her?!” he demands, yelling this time and Cecily is visibly shaking.

“I... I called her Your Highness.”

“And in what world did I give you permission to even think of doing that?” he asks, walking closer to her and I just stare, afraid to do or say anything.

But I have to help her...

This is all my fault.

Cecily drops to her knees,

“It was a mistake. I’m sorry, Your Majesty.” she cries.

But it's like the Prince doesn't even hear her.

“You don't refer to her--” he points at me, “As Your Highness, or Her Royal Highness or Her Royal Majesty. None of you!” he yells, looking up and turning around to face the guards and servants around.

“A month ago she was a commoner! And it's by my grace that she is even referred to as a Lady.”

The words hurt me more than I expect, bruising something in me that affects me in a way I've never felt.

“Her title comes from me, and she will answer a title when I deem fit.”

The place is dead silent and as my vision gets blurry with tears, I feel something unleash in me.

“Now take that walk and get back in your chambers.” he says and begins to walk away.

“Hold on.” my teary voice echoes and I watch the Prince stop and turn to me, just as Cecily and every other person is looking at me.

With a lump in my throat and my heart racing, I keep going,

“You’re wrong.” I say and he frowns at me but says nothing. Somehow, he seems to be studying me rather than erupt in his usual outburst and I use the opportunity to keep going.

“I don't get my title from you. It's not your grace that has me within these castle walls... It's because, by some amazing and scary reason, your father King Russel found me worthy of this place. Of this position.”

Tears are running down my cheeks and my fingers can't stop shaking so I latch them onto either side of my dress.

But for the first time, it feels like I'm finally being heard in this place and I don't care if he sends me to the cellars again... I'm not stopping.

“And I know I was a commoner, not even a noble, but his last requests changed that. I didn't ask to be here yet here I am. And since I am hereby King Russell's request, well then he found me worthy of the titles too. I don't care what they call me and I never did. But I disagree with you. I'm here because I was worthy and if they agree with King Russell by calling me these titles... Then why should anyone be against it?”

It's like time stands still and the place is dead quiet. I keep standing, waiting for the Prince to react but he just keeps staring at me, saying nothing.

So with a shaky breath, I walk towards Cecily and help her up from her knees.

“Come, Cecily. Let's take that walk.”

*****

I'm still slightly scared and a bit shaky as Cecily and I walk down the royal garden.

“These flowers are so beautiful. The royal staff really does impressive work.” I say, stopping by a neatly trimmed rose bush and Cecily smiles.

“They do. It still feels so surreal to have someone of royalty compliment and appreciate the work done here.” she says and I turn to her.

“How do you mean?”

“Forgive me if I'm intruding, My Lady, but the first day we dressed you, you thanked us. And every day since, you've shown gratitude to the kitchen staff, the servants, and even to me. I believe almost every Royal staff is pleased to have you here, they always talk about what a breath of fresh air you are.” She says and I turn to her, surprised.

“Thank you, Cecily, that's such a nice thing to say. Although the Prince might have my head on a pike, no matter what the staff thinks. He made that very clear.” I say, thinking back to how I had cried and stopped him from ridiculing me.

He could be planning my execution now.

“Yet, you had him speechless. No one has ever witnessed that in the castle....even his father couldn't get him speeches. I believe King Russell may have been right about the two of you, you might just be what this castle needs....maybe the kingdom too.”

She says and casually walks to the trimmed hedges, with dandelions and daffodils surrounding them.

And I just stand back....thinking of her words.